Beyond Walls: Building Your Business with Expert Construction & Design

This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with general contractor, Matt Raine of Raine Building. Alongside Robin Pasley of Pasley Commercial Interiors, they discuss how comprehensive construction and interior design services go beyond aesthetics to solve logistical challenges, ensure project deadlines are met, and create spaces that foster employee retention and make a lasting impression on clients, ultimately supporting long-term business growth.

We welcome your questions! If you would like to learn more about us or connect for a conversation, please visit www.pasleycommercialinteriors.com.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Matt Rain
• 0:44 Matt's Path to Construction
• 1:14 Working Relationship and Meeting Deadlines
• 2:11 Problem-Solving for Business Owners
• 4:05 Smart Investments for Long-term Growth
• 4:45 Rain Building Company Overview
• 5:33 Closing and Contact Information

Transcript

Randi Lynn Johnson began, "Hey, welcome back to Design to Help Your Business Grow with Robin Pasley. I'm Randi Lynn Johnson, and today we have Matt Raine with Raine Building. You're the owner—you’re the big dog."

Matt Raine replied, "Yes. Thanks for having me."

"Our pleasure. We’re excited," Randi said. "Since 2012, you started this thing?"

"That’s correct," Matt confirmed.

Randi continued, "When did you first know that you had a knack for general construction?"

Matt answered, "Well, I didn't really have a background in construction. I was in an industrial environment for a while, and then I gravitated towards construction because I was just interested in it. I always felt like—"

"You liked Legos growing up?" Randi interjected.

"I loved Legos growing up," Matt said with a laugh. "I always felt like I really worked well with people and could get a lot done. So, I gravitated towards construction, and, you know, the whole world of construction—you’re like a coordinator of so many different people: building departments, clients, subcontractors, distributors, materials. Your hands are in everything. I just had a knack for getting people together. I was successful at it, and at some point, I said, 'I should just do this on my own.'"

"Yeah. That’s smart. That’s awesome," Randi agreed. "What are the biggest frustrations in working in general contracting, and what are the things you enjoy the most?"

"I think I’ll start with what I enjoy most," Matt answered. "One good thing about construction is the projects only last so long. Whether it’s a 12-week project or whatever, you start with a blank slate and end up with something beautiful to hand over. Then you move on to another client. Even if that client was difficult or the job was challenging, you get to move on to the next brand-new project—that’s a great opportunity."

Randi asked, "Is that true for you too? Because you work in construction."

Robin Pasley answered, "Yeah. It’s very much the same thing. The projects aren’t always that big. What’s the longest project you’ve ever had?"

"I’ve been on projects that lasted a year, year and a half," Matt replied. "But our average project is maybe eight to twelve weeks. Some clients are a challenge, but you don’t have to deal with them forever—you just move on after that project."

"Yeah, and then you don’t invite them to the Christmas party," Randi laughed.

"Exactly," Matt agreed. "Other challenges in our industry are the subcontractors. At our company, we only have maybe two or three companies we work with in each trade. We may not be the cheapest, but we have subs we can rely on. They look at us as partners, not just a source of the next job. We really work together, and if I’m ever in a jam, I know I can count on them. It helps a lot."

"That’s great. So you guys kind of go way back," Randi said. "Tell everyone—where did you meet? How long have you known each other?"

Matt turned to Robin. "You want to tell them?"

Robin replied, "We’ve actually been in business for a similar amount of time—I started in 2013 and you in 2012. I think it was 2019 when we did a project together at the David C. Cook building here in Colorado Springs."

"It was called Bold," Matt added.

"Yes, it was called Bold," Robin continued. "That was our first introduction, and we worked really well together. I remember your team was just awesome. Next time I needed a GC, I called you—and then I just kept calling you. We’ve worked together for years now. One of the things I love about working with your team is that everyone is really kind—it goes a long way in construction to have people who are easy to work with and solution-minded. And another thing: I’ve never had you miss a deadline. That’s huge, especially on tight timelines. I remember once, one of the owners called me at 4:30 and said, 'We’re supposed to move in tomorrow. You have furniture coming tomorrow, right? It’s not ready.' And I told him, 'Just trust me. These guys are pros. It’ll be ready.' And sure enough, he called me and said, 'Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it. They actually pulled it off.' Your guys even came in for some overnight work, and you never made it difficult. Some GCs make it hard, but not you."

"Thank you for that," Matt responded. "That’s great to hear. Can I comment on Robin now? Her designs are really attractive, and I see why clients gravitate toward her. A lot of examples behind me show what you can do in a space. Your designs look great. One of the best things about working with designers like you is that if a client wants to move in earlier than planned, you’re willing to work together to find solutions—whether that’s bringing in something that can be installed sooner or advising the client directly. I appreciate that."

"Thanks," Robin replied.

Randi asked, "What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on together?"

"Betsy and Chris," Matt said. "Great people. Very nice couple. And it was just a cool building. I always enjoy renovating old buildings."

"That’s huge," Randi agreed. "I love the before-and-afters from that one—you took this really dated accounting office and turned it into a pediatric therapy space."

Robin added, "Yeah, it turned out so great. We didn’t do a major overhaul—just gave it a facelift, and it made a huge impact."

Randi continued, "Matt, one of the things we like to do on this podcast is help business owners solve problems. What problems do you solve for business owners?"

Matt said, "Oh, wow. There’s a lot there. Mainly, I’d say handling all the logistics of getting materials to the job site. There are challenges with lead times, and figuring out ways to avoid those. If a client has a tight timeline, sometimes we change materials to something that fits the schedule. And then there’s the challenge of navigating utility providers and internet—people don’t always think about that when moving into a space. My job is to get them functioning as quickly as possible."

"Because you do everything, right? As a general contractor, you oversee it all and get the right people involved," Randi said.

"Yep," Matt agreed. "It’s not just walls and paint—it’s also the building department, internet, data, everything needed for them to function."

"Working with CSU, for example," Robin added.

"And all those things that come up," Randi said. "From both a construction and design perspective, what are the smartest investments a business owner can make in their space to support long-term growth?"

Matt answered, "Well, it depends—do you own the building or are you leasing? I see a lot of people spend big money on leased spaces, only to have it all ripped out five years later for someone else. Was it worth it for them? As a building owner myself, I always ask—will certain expensive upgrades still be valuable when I sell in 20 years? Business owners need to think about that, and also about their clientele. Sometimes it's worth it to spend a lot if it means a lot to their clients. You need to know your market."

Robin said, "Exactly. It’s also important to understand your workforce and your clientele. Lighting, for example—if your team hates the lighting, that’s a cue that maybe different choices should have been made. I’ve seen people put 20-year carpet in a five-year lease when they didn’t need to. Our job is to advise, but if someone owns the building, that’s a good investment. The needs are different for owners versus tenants."

Matt added, "In the past seven or eight years, we’ve been adding things like beer taps—ten years ago I’d have never imagined that. Now, businesses are putting in bars and kegs because it matters to their employees. Business owners have to decide what’s meaningful for their team."

Robin summarized, "It’s true—the workforce changed post-COVID. The top three investments for building owners, in my opinion, are: keeping your best workforce and tenants, keeping the right people if you’re renting, and making the right impression on clients. That’s done through proper branding and integration—and partnering with someone like Matt ensures it gets done right."

Randi declared, "One-two punch! Matt, tell us about yourself. Do you have a family?"

"I do," Matt answered. "I have a wife—I’ve been married for twenty-three years. I have two kids: my daughter is a junior in high school and my son just finished his freshman year at Montana State. We’re very much an outdoors family—backpacking, hiking, fishing, hunting, you name it."

"Awesome," Randi said. "Perfect segue to what I call the speed round. Quick questions, you choose, and Robin can help me ask too. First: fishing or hunting?"

"Fishing," Matt replied.

"That’s good," Randi laughed. "You’ve got the gear for it. Robin?"

"Salty or sweet?" Robin asked.

"Salty," Matt answered.

"Coffee or tea?" Randi continued.

"Oh, coffee," Matt said.

"Beach or mountains?" Robin asked.

"Mountains," Matt replied.

"Okay, this one’s controversial," Randi teased. "When you eat string cheese, do you peel it or do you chomp it?"

Matt admitted, "I just chomp it. Is that sickening?"

"You’re an animal," Randi joked.

"Oh my gosh, no," Robin said with a laugh. "Final one: putt-putt or Top Golf?"

"Top Golf, probably," Matt answered.

"Nice," Randi said.

"I wish I had known that—I could have set something up for you guys," Matt added.

"Oh, we just like to keep you on your toes," Randi replied. "Matt, what makes you unique compared to other general contractors?"

"I think I’m a very humble person to start with," Matt began. "I’m also really calm and handle situations well. In construction, there’s a lot of chaos all the time—whether it’s lead times, employees, subcontractors. I’m laid-back and can work through issues, which has helped me build my career and handle anything that comes my way."

"I’ve noticed that about you too," Robin said. "I’ve called you a couple of times right when something major is going on, and you’re always so chill. I’m pulling my hair out, but you’re cool as can be."

"Not to keep talking about myself," Matt said, "but I really treat everyone well. I’m not too big on myself. I think I make people feel important—everybody."

Robin added, "I know you just expanded up in Denver."

"Yes," Matt replied. "Raine Building has been around for almost fifteen years. Started with just me, and now we’re almost thirty people with offices in Colorado Springs, Denver, and—come September or October—we’ll have someone in Phoenix, Arizona. We focus on medical, dental, and office space—that’s 80 or 90 percent of our work. We also do industrial and some education, but that’s not our main focus. We’ve got a great team. Most of our people have been with us for years—it’s a really good group."

"That’s awesome. Great," Randi said. "Thank you so much for your time and for joining us. I’m excited to collaborate on the next thing."

Robin added, "We’ll make sure people can get ahold of you."

"Yes, Matt—tell the people where to find you," Randi prompted.

Matt replied, "A good email to reach us is admin@rainebuilding.com. That’s R-A-I-N-E. Just send us an email and let us know how we can help."

"Awesome," Randi replied. "We’ll put that in the show notes and at the bottom to send people your way."

"Thank you," Matt said.

"Thank you," Randi said. "In an increasingly competitive market, the merits of using interior design as a strategic growth tool can make all the difference—not just in surviving but thriving."

Robin closed, "Pasley Commercial Interiors: design to help your business grow."