Think BIG with Taylor Lyles

Michael Fernandez, Founder of Alpha Equity Group and Blue Sky Builders, sits down with Taylor to talk land, development, and building smart. From Hurricane Helene’s unexpected real estate lessons to rural expansion and minifarm communities, Michael reveals what it takes to sustain affordability while building dream homes ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft. This episode is a must-listen for real estate pros focused on land plays and ...

What does it take to grow a moving company from a single truck to a 17-truck fleet in just five years? Chris Sweet, Owner of Swamp Rabbit Moving, joins the podcast to share his unconventional rise in the logistics space. Learn how his solution-based leadership and focus on internal team values have helped him scale across the East Coast and beyond. Chris breaks down why your core values aren't for your customers—and how empowe...

Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about knowing the market inside and out. Tyler Whims, Partner at Reedy Land Co, shares how his team is perfecting the mini farm model (5-50 acre lots), helping sellers time their sales strategically, and providing advisory services beyond simple transactions. We discuss why land sales are booming, where the next growth hubs are, and what every seller should know before listing th...

With 21 years in Greenville real estate, Patti Tuffin knows what makes the Upstate market tick. She shares insights on why new construction is her favorite to sell, how the average homebuyer age shift is reshaping the market, and why location always wins. 

Plus, we explore the growing pockets of Greenville, the realities of commuting from the outskirts, and why realtors have job security with 33 people moving to the Upstate each wee...

For 74 years, Jeff Lynch Appliance & TV Center has been a staple in Greenville, but owner Mark Lynch is setting his sights on an even bigger mission—running for the U.S. Senate. In this episode, Mark shares his faith-driven leadership philosophy and the business lessons that shaped him. We also discuss his belief in accountability, the need to stop senseless wars, and why leading his team like Navy SEALs sets Jeff Lynch apart.

F...

From a Honda Accord packed with landscaping gear to an 80-person powerhouse, Nate Moses, Founder & CEO of Precision Landscape Management, shares his 15-year journey of scaling a business with intention. 

In this episode, we dive into the importance of building a strong company culture, hiring for a willingness to learn, and showing—not just telling—your core values. Plus, Nate reveals how landscape lighting can elevate your home...

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Young, Owner of Heritage Custom Builders, who has been crafting luxury homes for over 30 years. With an average remodel project of $1.4 million and new builds ranging from $2-3 million, Rob shares what it takes to deliver high-end, design-driven homes while maintaining a stellar reputation.

We dive into:
🏡 The Heritage building process and guiding principles
💬 Mastering customer commun...

In this episode of Think BIG with Taylor Lyles, we sit down with Ben Griffith, marketing expert and Co-Founder of Go DGTAL, a firm dedicated to helping home service businesses grow through strategic marketing.

Ben shares his journey of combining family business experience with boutique marketing expertise to create tailored marketing solutions for service-based businesses. He breaks down where businesses waste money on marketing, th...

In this episode of Think BIG with Taylor Lyles, we sit down with Chris Harrison, President of Dunean Capital Management and former Greenville County Council member. A Greenville native, Chris’s journey in real estate started as a commercial appraiser, moving into brokerage, residential investment, and ultimately, large-scale commercial real estate investments across the Southeast.

Chris shares insights into how Dunean Capital manage...

In this episode of Think BIG with Taylor Lyles, we sit down with Greenville native and owner of Coln Construction, Andrew Coln. From flipping houses to running a high-end renovation company with projects averaging $750K, Andrew shares his journey to becoming a trusted name in custom construction.

We dive into:

✅ The Monorail Theory: How constant communication builds exceptional client relationships.
✅ Educatin...

In this episode of Think BIG with Taylor Lyles, we sit down with Bryn Brutosky, COO of Fairview Custom Homes and HBA Board Member, to explore his dynamic career journey—from the financial and technology sectors to luxury custom homebuilding. Bryn shares how Fairview is shaping the Cliff Homes Community while creating a culture of exceptional client experiences.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Transitioning from a corporate...

In this episode of Think BIG, Taylor Lyles sits down with Robbie Randolph, owner of Randolph Estate Living and Design Resource Gallery (DRG). Robbie shares his journey of launching a designer warehouse that caters to clients across the South and how he transitioned into offering high-end interior design, home management, and real estate services for multi-homeowners.

Discover the lessons Robbie learned starting in real est...

In this episode of Think BIG, Taylor Lyles sits down with Greg Gambrell, Division Vice President of Sales for US LBM and HBA Board Member, to discuss the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the building industry. From designs that bring the outside in to advancements in materials and the exterior envelope of homes, Greg shares how suppliers are solving pain points by focusing on the voice of the customer. He also highlights...

In this episode of Think BIG, Taylor Lyles sits down with Jason Zacher, Founder of Bridge Public Strategy Group, to unpack the 2024 election results, including the implications of a red wave, a Trump victory, and shifts in local leadership.

Jason shares why engaging with local, state, and federal officials isn’t just optional—it’s essential for business leaders aiming to influence policy and drive growth. From quick phone calls to s...

 In this episode of Think BIG, Taylor Lyles speaks with Kerri Paulino, Division President at Meritage Homes, about her inspiring 21-year journey in the homebuilding industry. Kerri reflects on starting as an intern with Ryan Homes in Pittsburgh during her undergraduate years, then advancing her career in the competitive DC and Houston markets to end up as a Division President in Greenville. In Houston, she gained experience across ...

In this episode of Think BIG with Taylor Lyles, we’re joined by Drew Hamblin, President of Fairview Custom Homes, the premier builder of the prestigious Cliffs Community. Drew shares how his experience as a Navy pilot shapes his leadership style, team collaboration, and approach to custom homebuilding.

We’ll dive into the history of the Cliffs Community, the art of integrating technology and home automation to custom build...

In this episode of Think BIG, host Taylor Lyles sits down with Emily Raines, Division VP of Sales and Marketing at DRB Homes and the incoming Board President for the Greenville Home Builders Association. Emily shares her strategies for staying competitive as a production builder by carving out a unique niche and delivering exceptional customer experiences in the Upstate housing market. She discusses the value of the Professional Wo...

In this episode of the Think BIG podcast, host Taylor Lyles speaks with Ben Moseley, second-generation owner of The Heirloom Companies, a family-owned group of three award-winning businesses. Together, Taylor and Ben dive into what it’s like to work in a multi-generational company, sharing insights on creating a workplace culture so strong that employees bring their own families into the business. They also cover the keys to becomi...

Think BIG with Taylor Lyles is your go-to podcast for everything building industry. Hosted by Taylor Lyles, CEO of the HBA of Greenville, this podcast dives deep into the latest industry trends, news, and insights that matter most to builders, contractors, and trade professionals. Tune in as Taylor interviews members of the HBA of Greenville and experts from surrounding trade industries, offering valuable education and actionable a...