Smarter Building Materials Marketing
Zach and Beth tackle your most burning questions about digital marketing for building materials and talk to other industry experts about what’s working in the building product space.
We host some of the
smartest minds in business
POPULAR EPISODES
How To Solve Labor Shortage in Building Materials
The harsh reality of the labor shortage is that professionals are overwhelmed and overworked. Product manufacturers have a growing opportunity to help builders and installers, many of whom are learning to install products on the fly. It’s a challenge that all of us in the industry, especially manufacturers, have to overcome.
TikTok Star Tony Piloseno on Being Fired To Building a Brand
He went from being fired for making TikTok videos to being the paint industry’s most viral story to date. This week, we welcome Tony Piloseno to the show to get the inside scoop on how he used social media to share his passion for paint — and find brand success.
Shark Tank Winner Joe Altieri On Building Brands That Disrupt
This week’s episode is an exciting ride in product innovation with Joe Altieri, a window industry professional who went from struggling with sales to winning Shark Tank.
How To Get More User-Generated Photos of Your Building Products
Creating an easy purchasing experience for your customers is a part of guaranteeing building product sales, but for eCommerce sites, that requires imagery. For manufacturers, getting images for your online presence is a challenge, so this week’s guest gave us a surprising strategy you might want to steal.
About
THE SHOW
WHO
Zach Williams is the founder of Venveo. Beth PopNikolov is the CEO of Venveo.
WHAT
We tackle your most burning questions about digital marketing for building material manufacturers, share proven strategies to grow leads and sales, and bring in other industry experts to share what’s working in the building product space.
All Episodes
What Today’s Top Candidates Want from Building Materials Employers
Navigating today’s unpredictable job market requires more than great products—it demands smart, proactive hiring strategies and transparent leadership. In this episode, Cassie Fosher, President of SnapDragon Associates, shares what building materials manufacturers need to know about recruiting right now. From high-demand sales roles to shifting candidate expectations, you’ll learn what top talent is really looking for—and how your brand can rise to the top, even in uncertain times.
Tech Adoption in Building Materials: What’s Actually Working in 2025
Technology is finally sticking in the building materials industry—and not just with the younger crowd. In this episode, TOOLBX founder Erik Bornstein and VP of Product Brad Cumiskey join us to unpack what’s driving tech adoption among LBM dealers, how builder expectations have changed post-COVID, and why AI might be the “new Internet” moment for this space.
How Concretti Designs Is Transforming Handmade Concrete for Modern Design and Sustainability
On this episode, Beth PopNikolov sits down with the mother-daughter duo behind Concretti Designs to explore how a manufacturing-forward mindset and radical transparency turn handmade concrete into a beloved brand. They dive into the power of showcasing people, process, and imperfections to build trust and loyalty in today’s design-driven market.
Brand-Led Growth in Building Materials: Inside National Nail's Strategy
How does a brand-first mindset drive real growth in a traditionally sales-led industry? In this episode, Beth and Zach talk with Dani Zizak, Chief Marketing Officer at National Nail, about why putting brand at the center of everything has been their winning strategy. Dani shares how National Nail's teams work together to shape messaging, build trust with pros and dealers, and navigate the constant evolution of the building materials market.
Marketing Strategies for Multi-Location Lumber Dealers: Transforming Store Personalities into Sales
What if community connections and authentic digital engagement were the secret weapons for building materials growth in a sea of commodity products? On this episode, we talk to the head of marketing for a multi-location dealer in the South East and hear how they are leveraging the power of personal stories and local relationships to drive sales and create deeper customer loyalty.
Marketing to Next Generation Buyers: Strategies for Building Materials Brands
The building materials industry is evolving, and so are its customers. With younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials becoming key buyers, brands must rethink their marketing strategies to stay relevant. In this episode of Smarter Building Materials Marketing, Zach Williams sits down with Michael Gabbert, Director of Marketing at Tricam and Gorilla, to discuss how brands can evolve their strategies to meet the expectations of modern buyers. Drawing from his experience at Amazon and Target, Mike shares actionable insights on leveraging social media, video content, influencer partnerships, and data-driven marketing to capture attention, build trust, and drive sales in today’s market.
How Thermory USA Built an Industry-Leading Brand Through Transparency and Innovation
Thermory USA has redefined what’s possible in the wood industry. In this episode of the Smarter Building Materials Marketing podcast, Zach Williams and Beth PopNikolov are joined by Kevin DeMars, CEO of Thermory USA, to explore how the company’s innovative approach to marketing, transparency, and quality is reshaping the thermally modified wood industry. Kevin shares his perspective on associations, the importance of differentiation, and how down markets can offer unique growth opportunities for manufacturers.
How Gensler is Redefining Sustainability in the Building Industry
As the building industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, Gensler is leading the charge with innovative approaches that address material sourcing, collaboration, and transparency. In this episode of Smarter Building Materials Marketing, Zach Williams and Beth PopNikolov sit down with Erik Barth, Senior Associate Architect and Regional Design Resilience Leader at Gensler, to explore how sustainability has evolved over the past decade. From tackling greenwashing to creating standardized sustainability frameworks, the conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing architects, manufacturers, and contractors.
