What happens when a lifestyle trend collides with a better way to build?

In this episode of the Build it Better Podcast, Robert Johnson sits down with Matt Glasgow, co-founder of Barndo & Co., to unpack the explosive growth of barndominiums—and why this isn’t just a housing trend, but a shift in how people think about land, lifestyle, and construction.

From humble beginnings in real estate and contracting to building a global brand spanning Canada, the U.S., and Australia, Matt shares how Barndo & Co. is redefining the journey to homeownership. This isn’t about selling a building—it’s about guiding clients through a transition: from idea… to land… to financing… to a finished home.

Together, Robert and Matt dig into:

Why barndominiums are attracting thousands of people every month—and what’s driving the demand

The hidden gaps in traditional pre-engineered steel building models (and how Barndo & Co. filled them)

The emotional and financial realities behind “building your dream on land”

Why most people aren’t ready to build—and how to guide them there

The evolution from red iron to prefabricated cold-formed steel—and what that unlocks

How non-combustible construction, insulation performance, and speed-to-build are changing the game

The real opportunity in affordable housing—and why “doing more than talking about it” matters

This episode also explores a powerful idea:
Building better isn’t just about materials—it’s about decisions made early that eliminate risk, reduce cost, and create a better outcome.

With a growing global footprint, integrated real estate and financing channels, and a mission to make barndominiums a true lifestyle movement, Barndo & Co. is pushing the industry forward.

And with prefabricated cold-formed steel entering the conversation, the future of this space may be even bigger than anyone expected.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry.

Construction doesn't have to be chaotic. This show is proof.

Build It Better is the podcast for real estate developers, builders, and operators who are tired of volatility disguised as "the nature of the business."

Every episode cuts through the noise with conversations that matter — the kind that happen when people who've actually lost sleep over projects sit down and talk honestly about what works, what doesn't, and why most problems were preventable.

We cover:

• Prefabricated and industrialized construction
• Schedule risk and capital protection
• Systems-based delivery vs. field improvisation
• How smart developers protect margin before bid day
• The upstream decisions that determine whether a jobsite is calm or chaotic

This isn't theory. It's pattern recognition built over decades — applied to the pressures developers and builders are facing right now.

Chaos is improvised. Better is engineered.

New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe so you don't miss them.

Build It Better is powered by Global Haven Ventures — a strategic advisory practice helping developers of multifamily, hospitality, student, and senior housing reduce schedule risk and protect capital through prefabricated cold-formed steel and industrialized construction systems.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry.

Andres Tilkin of Argentina walks us through how they are embracing Industrialized Construction methods throughout the country.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry.