In the latest episode of Builders, Budgets, and Beers, Reece Barnes sat down with Matt Brill, founder of Bauen Build, to dive deep into something every construction leader grapples with: how to get your team aligned on systems, process, and change without the usual friction.

The answer? Build a culture where improvement is expected, clarity is king, and people genuinely care about the work they do.

From Passion to Process

Matt’s Colorado-based firm specializes in high-performance homes. But their edge doesn’t just come from materials or architecture. It comes from how they work. “We’re flexible in finish levels, but we have a hard floor on building science,” Matt explains. That commitment to quality means new materials, new methods, and constant learning.

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To keep up, his team uses a 2000+ item checklist, continuously updated with lessons learned across projects. But the magic isn’t in the length of the list—it’s in how it’s used. The team logs issues in real-time, breaks items down by project phase, and shares insights freely over Google Chat. This isn’t change management. It’s just how they operate.

Systems That Stick

What makes that possible? According to Matt, it starts with building a team that wants to improve. “You can create space for reflection, but your team has to want it too.”

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That mindset trickles into everything—from site meetings to Slack-style chats. Everyone's expected to contribute, and no suggestion is too small. It’s not about rigid rules, but shared clarity. And when your crew cares about blower door numbers and membrane tape as much as the final punch list, alignment happens naturally.

Lessons in Financial Systems

But what about the stuff teams don’t naturally gravitate toward—like financial workflows and software adoption? Here, Matt gets real. “I had to nudge the team on approving bills and using Adaptive. Not because they didn’t care, but because it wasn’t their default.”

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He makes a strong case that field-to-finance collaboration isn’t just admin. It’s essential to delivering projects. His mantra? "What’s best for the project." Whether it’s scope changes, budget updates, or PO tracking, those financial systems impact everything. And when you frame it that way, adoption gets easier.

Culture First, Tools Second

What stood out most is that Matt’s team has the freedom to not climb a traditional ladder. Some of his best site managers don’t want to become PMs—and that’s okay. Instead, they’re empowered to be experts in their craft. The 80% rule drives this: "If you’re not doing 80% of what you love, you won’t be happy long-term."

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This ethos bleeds into hiring, expectations, and team buy-in. When someone understands why a system exists, they’re more likely to own it. When that system removes friction from their day-to-day? Even better.

Building With Clarity

Matt may have joked about his team geeking out over air barriers and fastener choices—but his point is serious. Clarity builds trust. Whether it’s expectations with trade partners, standards on job sites, or how invoices get approved, clear systems make better projects.

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That even extends to the design world. Bauen Build recently launched a Passive House guide for architects and engineers, laying out clear detailing standards to ensure high-performance goals are met before a single stud is placed.

Final Takeaway

If your team is struggling with change, the problem may not be the software or system... it might be the clarity (or lack of) around why it matters. As Matt puts it, "You have to create space for change, but the team has to care, too."

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The best builders aren’t just good at building homes. They build cultures where learning, communication, and systems actually stick.

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