181. Building A Thriving Business With Dave Phelps

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Dave Phelps, President of ICF Homes. Live from IBS 2025, Dave dives deep into how he went from physics graduate to award-winning builder, the creative joy in designing one-of-a-kind ICF homes, and why his clients never want to leave the homes he builds. INSIDE EPISODE 181 YOU WILL DISCOVER What makes ICF homes radically different from traditional builds How to market technical and niche building methods to the right clients The real cost implications of building with concrete vs. wood Why no two homes are ever the same—and why that matters How Dave built a marketing engine powered by educational content And much, much more. ABOUT DAVE PHELPS In 2004, Dave decided to build his own home and did extensive research on various building technologies. He determined that Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) was the best way to build a home. He recognized the geothermal dynamic benefits of concrete walls encapsulated in insulation and the strength of the walls to wind loads. Dave realized there was a need in the residential construction market for stronger and more efficient homes so he started his custom ICF home building company Connect with Dave: linkedin.com/in/david-phelps-04bb02247/ TIMELINE 02:10 From physics to foundations 06:45 Why Dave built his own first home to start his business 11:30 Dave’s full service approach to custom homes 15:05 Attracting the right clients 21:20 The award-winning, off-grid super home 28:10 Advice to aspiring ICF Builders LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/ APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/ APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders