America Builds Better
America Builds Better is a builder-focused podcast and media platform dedicated to the people, ideas, and innovations shaping how America builds.
Hosted by industry veteran Jared Ledford, the show dives into real conversations with builders, manufacturers, dealers, technology partners, and community leaders across post-frame construction, steel buildings, sheds, and beyond. This isn’t surface-level talk or sales fluff — it’s practical insight, hard-earned lessons, and honest discussions about growth, operations, marketing, leadership, and the future of the building industry.
America Builds Better is the next chapter in a journey that began with The Steel Kings Podcast, a long-running show that became a trusted voice within the steel building and shed industry. Built on that foundation, America Builds Better expands the conversation — bringing in broader perspectives, deeper strategy, and a stronger focus on education, innovation, and community impact.
Whether you’re a builder looking to scale, a manufacturer refining your systems, a dealer navigating modern marketing, or someone passionate about how local businesses and industries grow, America Builds Better is here to inform, challenge, and elevate the conversation.
Because strong communities start with strong builders — and America builds better when knowledge is shared.
America Builds Better
VAULT: The Steel Kings #23: Building Community Through Steel w/Shannon Latham The Shed Geek
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Ever wondered why some building dealers thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer might be simpler than you think.
When Jared sits down with Shannon The Shed Geek for this captivating conversation, they cut through industry noise to reveal what's really happening in steel structure and shed sales. Shannon brings his years of experience building the Shed Geek brand and community to share wisdom that applies across the construction space.
Their honest discussion tackles the dangerous race to the bottom mentality plaguing dealers and manufacturers alike. You want to know why you don't make money selling steel buildings? Because you're selling cheap steel buildings, Jared points out, highlighting how quality-focused businesses ultimately win the long game while fly-by-night operations eventually disappear—often leaving customers stranded with warranties that can't be honored.
The duo doesn't shy away from challenging topics, including how technology and AI are reshaping the industry landscape. Rather than fearing these changes, they encourage dealers to embrace them as tools that enhance rather than replace human expertise. Shannon frames it perfectly: I find that the industry does that because we simply insult what we don't understand.
Perhaps most valuable is their exploration of how personal values shape business success. Both hosts share candidly about standing firm in their beliefs while building genuinely helpful communities through the Steel Structure Sales Professionals and Shed Sales Professionals Facebook groups—spaces where competitors come together to elevate the entire industry rather than just their individual businesses.
Ready to transform your approach to selling buildings? Listen now, then join these thriving communities where rising tides truly do lift all boats.
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/TjO5m_aW8tY?si=f14iYsDt5IKmAXy2
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