From The Build Show.

In this deeply personal episode of The Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger opens up about his 20-year business journey, sharing hard-won lessons about debt, financial struggles, and the path to recovery. As he reflects on three significant anniversaries – 20 years in business, 10 years debt-free, and 15 years since accumulating massive debt – Matt provides a candid warning to fellow builders about the dangers of speculative building and overleveraging.

Matt recounts his early days starting Risinger Build in 2005, moving to Texas without connections and turning to spec homes to build his reputation. What began as calculated risks quickly spiraled into financial catastrophe during the 2007-2008 recession, ultimately leaving him $300,000 in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy. He shares the painful reality of paying $7,000 monthly for four years to dig out of debt, the strain on his marriage and family, and the spiritual journey that helped him persevere.

This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, demonstrating how contentment, faith, and disciplined financial management can lead to recovery. Matt emphasizes the importance of avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to clients’ lifestyles and the dangers of using debt to fund desires rather than necessities. Now completely debt-free except for his mortgage, Matt offers practical wisdom for builders and entrepreneurs about sustainable business growth and the true cost of financial overextension.

Thank you to episode sponsors Aquor Water Systems and Champion. Learn more at https://www.aquorwatersystems.com/ and https://www.championpowerequipment.com/

Resources:
• https://www.championpowerequipment.com/home-standby-generator-selector/

Get your BUILD SHOW Gear Here –
https://build-gearstore.com/

Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: https://apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FXNg4X

Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:
https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter

To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:

Home

Want to learn more about building? http://thebuildshow.com/
The Build Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow/

Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Huber, Pella & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

https://www.bldr.com
http://www.Huberwood.com
https://www.pella.com
https://www.Viewrail.com