Best Raquel Ark Podcasts (2024)

1
Fuel Your Passion | Tommy & Tara Holstein with Solid Ground 1:00:34

10h ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Meet Tommy and Tara Holstein, owners of Solid Ground, an outdoor living company based in Wentzville, Missouri. They share their incredible journey from a one-person operation to a thriving business with a team of 20. With a passion for building, Tommy recounts how his love for construction, nurtured since childhood, evolved into a full-fledged busi…

1
Building with Purpose | Amzie Lehman with Lehman Construction 56:44

4h ago56:44

56:44

Meet Amzie Lehman, owner of Lehman Construction based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Amzie shares his journey from working on the job site with his father to leading a successful construction company alongside his brother and brother-in-law. He discusses the importance of client relationships, the value of an abundance mindset, and how his company has em…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S2E2: Shifting DEI Perspectives: Ten Recurring Themes Across Podcasts 34:41

12d ago34:41

34:41

In this episode, Amri B. Johnson, host of the Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast, revisits ten insightful questions from his past podcast appearances, offering a comprehensive look at his approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Timestamps 01:55 Amri's background and journey into DEI work 07:00 Relationship between DEI and anti-racism 10:0…

1
It Pays to Specialize | Doug Dwyer with DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen 1:11:22

3h ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Meet Doug Dwyer, President and CSO of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen the largest kitchen and bath remodeling franchisor in the country. Doug shares his journey from growing up in the franchise industry to transforming DreamMaker into a national brand with 44 locations across 24 states. Doug dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of scaling a remo…

1
Let’s Do It Right | Ervin Ballabani with Moderno Restoration, Inc. 1:01:27

3h ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Meet Ervin Ballabani president of Moderno Restoration, Inc. based in Toronto, Canada. Ervin shares his inspiring journey from a condominium property manager to a successful entrepreneur running multiple thriving businesses in the restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and security industries. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including starting his …

1
Just Keep Going & Be Grateful | Raquel and Diego Rodriguez with D&R Custom Remodeling 1:05:40

30d ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Meet Raquel and Diego Rodriguez, the owners of D&R Custom Remodeling located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, they share their journey of transitioning from a family business in decorative glass to establishing a remodeling company in a new city. Despite the challenges of starting anew without a network, their complementary skills—Diego's hands-o…

1
Start Small, Dream Big | Herman Guerra with HG&Co. Home Improvement 1:01:53

22d ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Meet Herman Guerra, owner of HG&Co. Home Improvement based in Dallas, Texas. Herman's journey into the construction industry began at a young age, helping his father with weekend remodeling projects, which laid the foundation for his expertise. After earning a BA in government from UT Austin and working in Child Protective Services and as a juvenil…

1
Building Beyond Limits | Jason Novotny with Hiland Construction 1:08:20

20d ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Meet Jason Novotny, owner of Hiland Construction based in Anchorage, Alaska. Jason shares his journey from a childhood around real estate, thanks to his father, to becoming a Marine Corps veteran, and eventually founding Hiland Construction in 2019. Specializing in residential and commercial renovations, Jason dives into the unique challenges of co…

1
Turning Setbacks into Success | Roberto Rodriguez with Ark Remodeling Services 1:08:33

1M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Meet Roberto Rodriguez, owner of Ark Remodeling Services based in Tomball, Texas, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional baseball player to successful construction business owner. Despite facing the setback of his baseball dreams not materializing, Roberto found inspiration in HGTV shows and transitioned into construction. Sta…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S2E1: Evidence-Based Inclusion: Elevating DEI with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey 48:26

1M ago48:26

48:26

In this episode, host Amri Johnson welcomes Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, founder of The Element of Inclusion, to discuss evidence-based inclusion and its importance in creating more effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. Timestamps 06:46 Influences and Inspirations: Personal and Professional 16:12 The Importance of Evidence-Ba…

1
It’s All About the Details | Debbie Adams with Adams Company 1:01:18

1M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Meet Debbie Adams, owner of Adams Company located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we delve into Debbie's remarkable journey from a secretary in the construction industry to the owner of an award-winning remodeling company. Debbie shares her path to success, which began with a chance job opportunity in 1987 and evolved through years of hands-on e…

1
Navigating Digital Change by Leaning Into Tech and Expanding a Human Touch with Agathe Daae-Qvale 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

Many organizations struggle to balance technical project demands with the human elements essential for successful change. This gap often leads to inefficiencies, low morale, and failed initiatives, despite thorough planning and structured processes. Ignoring the emotional aspects of teams prevents companies from unlocking their workforce's full pot…

1
The Harder It Is, The More Exciting It Is | Michael Dudonis with Dudonis Construction 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Meet Michael Dudonis co-owner of Dudonis Construction based in Springfield, New Jersey. Michael shares how his early experiences working with his father in residential construction set the foundation for his career. After spending 14 years in heavy civil construction, Michael and his brother started Dudonis Construction in 2018 to revive their fath…

1
Focus on Your Niche | Jayme Carlson with Hard Decks 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Meet Jayme Carlson, owner of Hard Decks, located in Belvidere, Illinois. Jayme shares his inspiring journey from jumping straight into construction out of high school to founding a successful deck-building business with his now business partner and father-in-law, Andy. Hear how he navigated the challenges of the 2008 economic downturn, honed his sk…

1
Get Out of Your Own Head | Dylan Martin with Absolute Design Build 1:04:35

2M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Meet Dylan Martin from Absolute Design Build, a third-generation builder in Austin, Texas. Starting his career in construction after a stint in the military and a brief foray into the corporate world, Dylan faced numerous challenges without a mentor. His turning point came after joining forces with his partner, Thomas, and later adding a third part…

1
The Fisherman's Path to Leadership: Lessons in Listening and Resilience with Oleg Konovalov 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

Do you find yourself struggling to navigate through the storms of life, both personally and professionally? It's easy to get lost amidst the distractions and challenges, leaving us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. But there is a way to find clarity amidst the chaos: by listening to the voice of our own intuition and harnessing our inner streng…

1
Find the Solution & Keep Going | Mark Flanders with Blue Hill Building Co. 1:09:45

2M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Meet Mark Flanders, owner of Blue Hill Building Co. based in Bridgewater, Virginia. Mark shares his journey from growing up in the building business, taking drafting classes in high school, to eventually taking over his father’s company in 1998. Mark’s career saw significant evolution, including a pivotal role at CoConstruct during the Great Recess…

1
Prioritize Transparency & Integrity | Anthony Abbott with Greystone Remodeling 54:52

3M ago54:52

54:52

Meet Anthony Abbott, owner of Greystone Remodeling based in North Carolina. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from his early fascination with carpentry as a child, through his military service, and onto founding his successful remodeling business. Addressing the challenges of transitioning from being an infantryman to a construction entrepreneur…

1
Building a Strong Company Culture | Mike Mitchell with Mitchell Construction 1:01:27

3M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Meet Mike Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Construction a deck building company based in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Mike shares his journey from joining his father's business in high school to transforming Mitchell Construction into a niche company specializing in decks. He discusses the challenges of delegating tasks, transitioning out of the field…

1
The Dark Triad: Recognizing, Understanding, and Navigating Co-workers with High Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy with Jon Gruda 1:10:58

3M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

In the workplace, we encounter various personalities, some more challenging than others. Traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy among colleagues or leaders can significantly impact workplace dynamics, leading to conflicts, manipulation, and toxicity within teams. Recognizing and understanding these traits can help you navigate su…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion: Season Two Begins 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

Amri B. Johnson acknowledges the growing criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, but argues that DEI remains crucial for organizational success in creating truly inclusive cultures. He believes many current strategies treat inclusion as an add-on rather than fundamentally rethinking systems and cultures, often failing to drive …

1
Reaching for $10 Million | Carlos Adame with Transom Remodeling 50:49

4M ago50:49

50:49

Meet Carlos Adame, owner of Transom Remodeling based in Richardson, Texas. Carlos shares the difficulties he's faced in growing his business and the lessons he's learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and learning from others. With a goal of reaching the $10 million mark, Carlos remains optimistic and committed, welcom…

1
Meet People Where They Are | Dan Lee with Kane Remodeling 1:00:07

4M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Meet Dan Lee, owner of Kane Remodeling a luxury home remodeling company based in Austin, Texas. Dan talks to Eric about his journey from tech sales to building a remodeling company. With an emphasis on the importance of continuous growth and learning, Dan talks about how his background in sales has uniquely positioned him to compete against others …

1
Building Resilience | Stephanie Burgess with Burgess Construction 45:49

3M ago45:49

45:49

Meet Stephanie Burgess, owner of Burgess Construction, a deck building company based in Snohomish, Washington. Stephanie explores her relentless pursuit of success as a rising entrepreneur in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset amidst the hurdles. This episode not only celebrates Stephanie’s…

1
Harnessing AI for Smarter Contracting | Edward Rivera and Eddie Cruz with Ion Electrical 1:02:26

4M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Meet Edward Rivera and Eddie Cruz, business partners in Ion Electrical located in Bedford, New Hampshire. Edward and Eddie share their journey of transforming the traditional contractor experience through AI and smart technology. From their unique approach to customer service and job estimation to their passion for integrating AI into everyday busi…

1
Listening for Candor: Building Trust to Bridge Power Divides with Peter Yaholkovsky 52:26

4M ago52:26

52:26

It's easy to feel drowned out, overlooked, or even silenced amidst the clamor of opinions and power plays. But what if, amid this chaos, we dared to pause and embrace a far reaching act—the profound power of listening? Imagine a world where instead of engaging in heated debates, we develop genuine, attentive listening. Not merely hearing words, but…

1
Integrity, Craftsmanship, Growth | Darin Kuns with D-K Construction, Inc. 58:42

4M ago58:42

58:42

Meet Darin Kuns owner of D-K Construction, Inc. based in Flora, Indiana. Darin shares his personal journey, highlighting the decision to follow in his father's footsteps and the enduring philosophy of client relationships over specialization. Explore the company's growth, marked by the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies for enhanced …

1
Focus Drives Success | Steve Kirk with Premier Deck 44:04

4M ago44:04

44:04

Meet Steve Kirk, the founder of Premier Deck based in Rochester, New Hampshire. After an early career in general remodeling, Steve narrowed his focus to decks, finding both passion and profitability. In this episode, he delves into the complexities of growing a business, from choosing the right marketing tactics and hiring the best employees to opt…

1
Better Listening: From Surface Conversations to Empathic Meaningful Dialogues with Stan Slovin 42:58

5M ago42:58

42:58

How often do you catch yourself merely waiting for your turn to respond, not really noticing or even caring about what the other person is trying to communicate. This reactive mode of communication often stifles genuine expression, preventing us from fully emptying our thoughts and emotions. Consequently, a lack of authentic listening extends to va…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S1E15: Listening Alchemy: Lessons on Presence, Context, and Connection with Raquel Ark 49:11

5M ago49:11

49:11

In this episode of the Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast, host Amri Johnson interviews Raquel Ark, an expert on the art and science of listening. They discuss the importance of listening for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how it can be practiced and improved upon both personally and professionally. Raquel shares insights into her backgr…

1
Make Your Own Luck | Marcus Hampton with Hampton Construction and Hampton Outdoor 1:02:13

4M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Meet Marcus Hampton owner of Hampton Construction and Hampton Outdoor based in Phoenix and doing work all over Arizona. In his inspiring story of perseverance and growth in the face of challenges, Marcus shares his struggles from starting the business as a homeless teen to producing large-scale projects at just under 30 years of age. Approaching li…

1
Make Money to Grow | Rick Williams with Williams Professional Painting 52:09

5M ago52:09

52:09

Meet Rick Williams owner of Williams Professional Painting serving the DC metro area. Rick shares his belief that taking the extra time to do a job right not only builds a positive reputation but also pays off in the long run through increased business opportunities. Rick delves into the nuanced art of knowing when to compromise and when to stand f…

1
Listening to the Pulse in Leadership with Clint Calleja 49:21

5M ago49:21

49:21

It's easy to overlook the power of listening to and reflecting on the pulse of the team, encouraging genuine connection and understanding. Before moving ahead towards our goals, why not take a moment to take a pulse of the collective team energy, ensuring alignment and fostering a more empathetic environment? As the Director of Engineering at Hotja…

1
Building a Legacy | Scott & Zach Heinold with Heinold Homes and Renovations 57:52

5M ago57:52

57:52

Meet Scott and Zach Heinold a father-son duo working together on home builds and renovations in Washington, Illinois. They share the joys and challenges of building a business with family, emphasizing the rarity and blessing of such a partnership. As Scott envisions the future handover of the business, his optimism and support for the next generati…

1
From Teacher to Lifelong Student | Elliott Wittstruck with Built with Love 1:17:28

5M ago1:17:28

1:17:28

Meet Elliott Wittstruck owner of Built with Love, a remodeling company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Beginning his journey as a music teacher, Elliott's path took a dynamic turn through roles as a landlord and handyman, eventually leading him to spearhead whole home remodels. At the core of Built with Love's ethos is a steadfast commitment to a gr…

1
Navigating Reflective Leadership With Authentic Presence: Embracing Your True Self and Trusting the Process with Benjamin Achenbach 47:10

6M ago47:10

47:10

Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not as easy, especially when it seems like everything around you is “crashing down”. Yet, what if this is an opportunity to find your purpose? Discover the power of listening in purpose-lead leadership through this thought-provoking podcast episode. Dive into a reflective conversation about the i…

1
Building the Client’s Vision | Adam Jackson with Agile Cabinetry 58:31

5M ago58:31

58:31

Meet Adam Jackson, owner of Agile Cabinetry located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. After leaving a corporate IT job and finishing his own kitchen remodel, Adam found his true passion and founded Agile Cabinetry in 2021. Adam highlights how his project management background helps run the business, as well as his dedication to a great customer experience,…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S1E14: Iatrogenesis & Agency: How can DEI practitioners/supporters discern and evolve the current state of practice? 41:37

6M ago41:37

41:37

In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri expresses concerns over the perceived threats to DEI, outlining that the resistance stems from a misunderstanding of what DEI truly signifies, beyond just representation and affirmative action. He explores the concept of 'Iatrogenic effects'—a medical term, indicating a treatment that …

1
Trust, Expectations, and High Standards | Chad Hamlin with The Hamlin Group 58:31

6M ago58:31

58:31

Meet Chad Hamlin, owner of The Hamlin Group located in Atlanta, Georgia. With a passion for problem solving more complicated issues, Chad started as a single architect and has evolved his business into full luxury remodels. He delves into the intricacies of effective hiring, highlighting the importance of trust, setting clear expectations, and main…

1
From Apprentice to Entrepreneur | Brian Blankenheim with Build It Right Carpentry 46:42

6M ago46:42

46:42

Meet Brian Blankenheim, owner of Build It Right Carpentry located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In his late 20s, while working at a construction site, he discovered his love of carpentry. Under the guidance of a skilled mentor, Brian honed his skills and even undertook the monumental task of constructing his own home. Starting his company in 2009, Bria…

1
Listening Through Chaos: Building Trust and Resolving Conflict Impacted By Our Subconscious Patterns with Thais Gibson 42:09

6M ago42:09

42:09

Conflicts can cause major stress on your relationships and your wellbeing. And often it's hard to put your finger on what just happened or why the same thing keeps happening. What if in that moment of chaos, when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, listening could be your answer to breaking unhealthy communication patterns. In this episode of your …

1
Building a Team of Owners | Nicholas Donlin with Zenith Design + Build 56:03

6M ago56:03

56:03

Meet Nicholas Donlin, owner of Zenith Design + Build a top remodeling company based in Iowa. With a passion for both construction and technology since his younger years, Nicholas decided to take the plunge and establish Zenith in 2018, which is now projected to achieve $7.5 million in revenue this year. As a leader of an 18-person team, Nicholas is…

1
The Path Forward from Debt | James Miller with Valiant Home Additions 45:34

6M ago45:34

45:34

Meet James Miller, owner of Valiant Home Additions in Centerton, Arkansas. James initially embarked on his construction career right after high school, and at the young age of 21, he was running operations for an aluminum gutter company. After starting his own company and experiencing challenges with a former partner, he decided to pivot his focus …

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S1E13: The Role of DEI in Startups and Scaling Enterprises: Insights from Laura Smith 46:16

7M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri interviews Laura Smith, a celebrated organizational researcher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist. Laura shares her journey from Detroit to Europe, her encounters with distinct cultures, and the notion of work in different countries. She highlights the significance o…

1
Incentivize Accuracy and Timeliness | Scott Worley with The Patio Kitchen Co. 52:48

7M ago52:48

52:48

Meet Scott Worley, owner of The Patio Kitchen Co in St. Louis, Missouri. After initially venturing into construction straight out of high school, Scott's passion for transforming outdoor living spaces took hold during his college years. With a successful business under his belt for a decade, he made the bold choice to close it down and pivot to bec…

1
Soul Biographies Film Maker Nic Askew on Seeing The Human Soul by Experiencing Nothingness So that Something Can Emerge 59:13

7M ago59:13

59:13

Imagine sitting in a chair looking into a camera and being seen in a new way that feels like complete belonging. And even though it's new, it's like it has always been there. It's always been you. Our guest filmmaker Nic Askew, shares a simple, yet profound way to experience listening, and his method may surprise you. He is the creator of Soul biog…

1
Be An Inspiration Hub | Erica Anenberg and Beth Benson 41:04

7M ago41:04

41:04

Meet Erica Anenberg and Beth Benson, owners of Girl Flip Construction based in Los Angeles, California. Erica's passion for creating and selling, coupled with a mission to shake up the industry and encourage more women to enter the trades, fueled the inspiration behind Girl Flip. Beyond just flipping houses, the company strives to serve as an inspi…

1
Constantly Improve the Customer Experience | Jeremy Maher 51:40

7M ago51:40

51:40

Meet Jeremy Maher, co-owner of Phoenix Home Remodeling in Chandler, Arizona. Jeremy's journey began after a disappointing encounter with a contractor, which motivated him to believe that he could run a contracting business more effectively. Seizing the opportunity, Jeremy, along with his former boss and the boss' brother, formed a partnership and l…

1
Focus on the Deep Relationships | Greg Junge with Greg Junge Construction 41:18

8M ago41:18

41:18

Meet Greg Junge, owner of Greg Junge Construction based in North Carolina. As a second generation contractor, he was raised in the industry and started with kitchen and bath remodels. He now has focused his business on whole home builds with a goal of $4 to $10 million in annual sales. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Greg: Tra…

1
Reconstructing Inclusion S1E12: Creating the Conditions to Follow Your Heart with Dr. Harriett D. Johnson 44:45

8M ago44:45

44:45

In this episode of the 'Reconstructing Inclusion' podcast, host, Amri B. Johnson, engages in an enlightening conversation with his mother, Dr. Harriett D. Johnson, bringing out profound narratives about her life, family history, experiences, and take on DEI, and professional journey as an educator. They touched on the impact of history on current d…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Raquel Ark Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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