The Donovan Digital Podcast Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:45:32 -0500 https://donovan-digital.com/ en-us © 2026 The Donovan Digital Podcast yes 13116344-028b-5769-9ccf-36be4004f4f0 Shawn Donovan episodic false  The Donovan Digital Podcast, hosted by Shawn Donovan, explores the ideas, innovations, and strategies shaping the AEC industry — from marketing and relationships to technology and AI.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Donovan Digital Marketing, AEC marketing, architectural products, marketing, B2B, glass and glazing industry, aec communications, podcast for aec, b2b marketing Shawn Donovan https://storage.buzzsprout.com/hndlf4ovvm9m3lyb75yp6mp3mh4v?.jpg The Donovan Digital Podcast https://donovan-digital.com/ Shawn Donovan Website Best Practices for the AEC Industry — w/ Michael Schultz of Apex Rush. Website Best Practices for the AEC Industry — w/ Michael Schultz of Apex Rush. Michael Schultz, Founder of Apex Rush | The Donovan Digital Podcast Ep.8


In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Michael Schultz, Founder of Apex Rush, to dig into what really makes a website perform — not just look good. Michael brings years of experience in WordPress development, custom coding, and site optimization, helping agencies and AEC companies turn their online presence into a true business asset rather than just a digital brochure.

Together, they explore the fundamentals every firm should understand — from page speed and security to user experience and ongoing maintenance — and why these factors can make or break how your brand is perceived online. Michael shares real-world examples from projects he’s developed for AEC clients, offering practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls like plugin bloat, weak hosting setups, and neglected updates that can hurt rankings or even compromise your site’s security.

Whether you’re an AEC firm launching a new site, a building product manufacturer trying to improve visibility on Google, or an agency partner managing multiple clients, this conversation breaks down the technical and strategic best practices that keep your site fast, secure, and built for long-term success.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Michael Schultz, Founder of Apex Rush | The Donovan Digital Podcast Ep.8


In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Michael Schultz, Founder of Apex Rush, to dig into what really makes a website perform — not just look good. Michael brings years of experience in WordPress development, custom coding, and site optimization, helping agencies and AEC companies turn their online presence into a true business asset rather than just a digital brochure.

Together, they explore the fundamentals every firm should understand — from page speed and security to user experience and ongoing maintenance — and why these factors can make or break how your brand is perceived online. Michael shares real-world examples from projects he’s developed for AEC clients, offering practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls like plugin bloat, weak hosting setups, and neglected updates that can hurt rankings or even compromise your site’s security.

Whether you’re an AEC firm launching a new site, a building product manufacturer trying to improve visibility on Google, or an agency partner managing multiple clients, this conversation breaks down the technical and strategic best practices that keep your site fast, secure, and built for long-term success.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-18106572 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2263 1 8 full false Transforming CRM's in the AEC Industry feat. Aaron Ayer from Hunley Transforming CRM's in the AEC Industry feat. Aaron Ayer from Hunley Welcome to Episode 7 of the Donovan Digital Podcast — where we explore real-world strategies to help building product and service companies in the AEC industry spark engagement, build brand authority, and drive measurable results.

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Ayer, CEO and founder of Hunley, a consultancy specializing in Salesforce.com solutions for the AEC industry. Aaron’s journey is anything but typical — from serving as a nuclear submarine officer to engineering roles in the building products sector, to launching Hunley and its game-changing SpecSuccess AI platform.

We cover:
✅ How a naval officer’s mindset shaped Aaron’s approach to business and technology
✅ Why process design, not just technology, makes or breaks CRM adoption
✅ How SpecSuccess AI integrates Dodge and ConstructConnect data directly into Salesforce to uncover spec-qualified leads and speed up deal cycles
✅ The biggest pitfalls companies face when rolling out CRM systems — and how to avoid them
✅ Why sales teams must see value first before management ever will

If you're a building product manufacturer, architect, or AEC professional looking to leverage technology, data, and AI to win in the commercial specification space, this episode is for you.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 7 of the Donovan Digital Podcast — where we explore real-world strategies to help building product and service companies in the AEC industry spark engagement, build brand authority, and drive measurable results.

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Ayer, CEO and founder of Hunley, a consultancy specializing in Salesforce.com solutions for the AEC industry. Aaron’s journey is anything but typical — from serving as a nuclear submarine officer to engineering roles in the building products sector, to launching Hunley and its game-changing SpecSuccess AI platform.

We cover:
✅ How a naval officer’s mindset shaped Aaron’s approach to business and technology
✅ Why process design, not just technology, makes or breaks CRM adoption
✅ How SpecSuccess AI integrates Dodge and ConstructConnect data directly into Salesforce to uncover spec-qualified leads and speed up deal cycles
✅ The biggest pitfalls companies face when rolling out CRM systems — and how to avoid them
✅ Why sales teams must see value first before management ever will

If you're a building product manufacturer, architect, or AEC professional looking to leverage technology, data, and AI to win in the commercial specification space, this episode is for you.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17655675 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1823 1 7 full false Building a Business on Relationships, Reputation, and Results feat. Vinu Abraham from Intertek Building a Business on Relationships, Reputation, and Results feat. Vinu Abraham from Intertek Welcome to Episode 6 of the Donovan Digital Podcast — where we explore real-world strategies to help building product and service companies in the AEC industry spark engagement, build brand authority, and earn the one thing that matters most: trust.

In this episode, I sit down with Vinu Abraham, Vice President of Products & Environmental for Intertek’s Building & Construction Group. Vinu’s story is a masterclass in leadership, technical excellence, and the business of building trust. From his early days running the Hurricane Test Lab after Hurricane Andrew, to overseeing 1,000+ professionals and 22 labs worldwide for Intertek, Vinu shares how reliable relationships and honest guidance can fuel long-term success — even in the high-stakes world of product testing, certification, and compliance.

We cover:
✅ The fascinating journey from Nigeria to Texas Tech to leading Intertek’s Building & Construction Group
✅ Lessons learned from launching Hurricane Test Lab in the wake of Andrew
✅ Why trust is the ultimate product manufacturers can deliver
✅ How honesty (even when it costs you business) builds lifelong clients
✅ What it takes to grow a global operation without losing sight of your roots

If you're a manufacturer, architect, or AEC professional looking to understand how technical credibility and authentic relationships drive market success, this episode is for you.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 6 of the Donovan Digital Podcast — where we explore real-world strategies to help building product and service companies in the AEC industry spark engagement, build brand authority, and earn the one thing that matters most: trust.

In this episode, I sit down with Vinu Abraham, Vice President of Products & Environmental for Intertek’s Building & Construction Group. Vinu’s story is a masterclass in leadership, technical excellence, and the business of building trust. From his early days running the Hurricane Test Lab after Hurricane Andrew, to overseeing 1,000+ professionals and 22 labs worldwide for Intertek, Vinu shares how reliable relationships and honest guidance can fuel long-term success — even in the high-stakes world of product testing, certification, and compliance.

We cover:
✅ The fascinating journey from Nigeria to Texas Tech to leading Intertek’s Building & Construction Group
✅ Lessons learned from launching Hurricane Test Lab in the wake of Andrew
✅ Why trust is the ultimate product manufacturers can deliver
✅ How honesty (even when it costs you business) builds lifelong clients
✅ What it takes to grow a global operation without losing sight of your roots

If you're a manufacturer, architect, or AEC professional looking to understand how technical credibility and authentic relationships drive market success, this episode is for you.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17410672 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3246 1 6 full false Bridging the Gap Between Architects and Manufacturers feat. Diana Darling from AN Media Group Bridging the Gap Between Architects and Manufacturers feat. Diana Darling from AN Media Group Welcome to Episode 5 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights that help architectural building product and service companies build brand awareness, spark engagement, and establish authority. In this episode, I'm joined by Diana Darling, President and Co-Founder of AN Media Group, publishers of The Architect’s Newspaper, AN Interior, Best of Design, and the organizers of Facades+ and CE Strong.

Diana shares her journey from retail marketing to launching one of the AEC industry’s most influential media platforms. We discuss the real challenges and opportunities of bridging the gap between building product manufacturers and architects, and how curated events, continuing education, and great storytelling are at the heart of meaningful engagement.

This episode covers:
 ✅ The founding story of AN Media Group and The Architect’s Newspaper
 ✅ The evolution and impact of the Facades+ symposium
✅ Creating meaningful engagement between brands and architects
✅ The value of continuing education (AIA credits, CE Strong)
✅ What it really takes to build trust with AEC professionals

Whether you're an AEC marketer, manufacturer, or architect, Diana’s insights are a masterclass in how media and education can connect people, products, and projects.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 5 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights that help architectural building product and service companies build brand awareness, spark engagement, and establish authority. In this episode, I'm joined by Diana Darling, President and Co-Founder of AN Media Group, publishers of The Architect’s Newspaper, AN Interior, Best of Design, and the organizers of Facades+ and CE Strong.

Diana shares her journey from retail marketing to launching one of the AEC industry’s most influential media platforms. We discuss the real challenges and opportunities of bridging the gap between building product manufacturers and architects, and how curated events, continuing education, and great storytelling are at the heart of meaningful engagement.

This episode covers:
 ✅ The founding story of AN Media Group and The Architect’s Newspaper
 ✅ The evolution and impact of the Facades+ symposium
✅ Creating meaningful engagement between brands and architects
✅ The value of continuing education (AIA credits, CE Strong)
✅ What it really takes to build trust with AEC professionals

Whether you're an AEC marketer, manufacturer, or architect, Diana’s insights are a masterclass in how media and education can connect people, products, and projects.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17227604 Wed, 28 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2058 1 5 full false Winning the Long Game With SEO feat. Jeremy Bittle from JSB Collaborative Winning the Long Game With SEO feat. Jeremy Bittle from JSB Collaborative Welcome to Episode 4 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights that help architectural building product and service companies build brand awareness, spark engagement, and establish authority. In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Jeremy Biddle of JSB Collaborative, an SEO expert with a fresh, Google-first approach to search engine optimization.

Jeremy breaks down how modern SEO is far more than just chasing keywords. He dives into the importance of publishing quality information, using tools like Google Search Console to assess your website's equity, and embracing a strategic, long-term view of organic growth. This episode covers:
✅ The shift from keyword obsession to quality information management
✅ How to leverage Google Search Console and site health for sustainable SEO
✅ Distinguishing between SEO consulting and typical SEO services
✅ Strategies for long-term success in an ever-changing digital landscape

Whether you're an AEC brand, a marketing professional, or simply looking to understand SEO beyond quick fixes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that can transform your digital presence.




Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 4 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights that help architectural building product and service companies build brand awareness, spark engagement, and establish authority. In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Jeremy Biddle of JSB Collaborative, an SEO expert with a fresh, Google-first approach to search engine optimization.

Jeremy breaks down how modern SEO is far more than just chasing keywords. He dives into the importance of publishing quality information, using tools like Google Search Console to assess your website's equity, and embracing a strategic, long-term view of organic growth. This episode covers:
✅ The shift from keyword obsession to quality information management
✅ How to leverage Google Search Console and site health for sustainable SEO
✅ Distinguishing between SEO consulting and typical SEO services
✅ Strategies for long-term success in an ever-changing digital landscape

Whether you're an AEC brand, a marketing professional, or simply looking to understand SEO beyond quick fixes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that can transform your digital presence.




Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17209946 Thu, 22 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2623 1 4 full false The Rep-Architect Connection feat. Tim Finley from TFIN Building Solutions The Rep-Architect Connection feat. Tim Finley from TFIN Building Solutions Welcome to Episode 3 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we dive into marketing, relationship-building, and brand strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Tim Finley, owner of TFIN Building Solutions, a respected architectural rep firm representing top-tier brands like Livers Bronze, Velux, WW Glass, and more.

Tim shares how his team builds trust with architects by positioning themselves as educators and product consultants—focused not just on performance and aesthetics, but also budget, code compliance, and real-world constructability.

You’ll learn:
✅ How Tim launched and scaled TFIN during the COVID pandemic
✅ The role of education and expertise in building credibility
✅ Why architects respond to reps who serve—not sell
✅ How to bridge the gap between manufacturers and project stakeholders
✅ Real strategies to drive specifications through trust and transparency

Whether you're a building product rep, manufacturer, or marketing professional, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to form lasting, meaningful relationships with architects and designers.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 3 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we dive into marketing, relationship-building, and brand strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Tim Finley, owner of TFIN Building Solutions, a respected architectural rep firm representing top-tier brands like Livers Bronze, Velux, WW Glass, and more.

Tim shares how his team builds trust with architects by positioning themselves as educators and product consultants—focused not just on performance and aesthetics, but also budget, code compliance, and real-world constructability.

You’ll learn:
✅ How Tim launched and scaled TFIN during the COVID pandemic
✅ The role of education and expertise in building credibility
✅ Why architects respond to reps who serve—not sell
✅ How to bridge the gap between manufacturers and project stakeholders
✅ Real strategies to drive specifications through trust and transparency

Whether you're a building product rep, manufacturer, or marketing professional, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to form lasting, meaningful relationships with architects and designers.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17146347 Wed, 14 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2395 1 3 full false Communicating with Clarity in the AEC Industry feat. Max Perilstein from Sole Source Communicating with Clarity in the AEC Industry feat. Max Perilstein from Sole Source Welcome to Episode 2 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore powerful marketing and relationship-building strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Max Perilstein, Managing Partner at SoleSource Consultants and host of the popular From the Fabricator podcast.

With a background that blends media, marketing, and deep industry experience, Max shares how clear, authentic communication can transform your connection with architects, specifiers, and decision-makers.

This episode covers:
✅ How to communicate effectively in the glass and glazing space
✅ Messaging mistakes AEC companies often make
✅ Why brand clarity is more important than ever
✅ How Max’s background in television media shaped his approach
✅ Building trust and engagement with your target audience

Whether you're a building product marketer, rep, or business leader in the AEC space, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you clarify your message and strengthen your brand.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to Episode 2 of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore powerful marketing and relationship-building strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Max Perilstein, Managing Partner at SoleSource Consultants and host of the popular From the Fabricator podcast.

With a background that blends media, marketing, and deep industry experience, Max shares how clear, authentic communication can transform your connection with architects, specifiers, and decision-makers.

This episode covers:
✅ How to communicate effectively in the glass and glazing space
✅ Messaging mistakes AEC companies often make
✅ Why brand clarity is more important than ever
✅ How Max’s background in television media shaped his approach
✅ Building trust and engagement with your target audience

Whether you're a building product marketer, rep, or business leader in the AEC space, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you clarify your message and strengthen your brand.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17146201 Mon, 12 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400 1957 1 2 full false Creating Relationships with Architects feat. Jeff Rigot from Viracon Creating Relationships with Architects feat. Jeff Rigot from Viracon Welcome to the first episode of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore powerful marketing and relationship-building strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Jeff Rigot of Viracon, a seasoned rep with 38+ years in the glass and glazing industry.

Jeff shares how he's built long-standing, meaningful relationships with architects by focusing on integrity, reliability, technical knowledge, and humility—core traits that have made him one of the most trusted figures in the field.

This episode covers:
✅ How to earn trust with architects
✅ The mindset and habits of successful product reps
✅ The importance of humility and follow-through
✅ Building credibility with design professionals over decades
✅ Real-world lessons from 38+ years in the building product industry

Whether you're a product manufacturer, rep, or marketing leader in the AEC space, this conversation is packed with wisdom on what it really takes to connect with architects and get your products specified.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Welcome to the first episode of the Donovan Digital Podcast, where we explore powerful marketing and relationship-building strategies for companies in the AEC industry. In this episode, Shawn Donovan sits down with Jeff Rigot of Viracon, a seasoned rep with 38+ years in the glass and glazing industry.

Jeff shares how he's built long-standing, meaningful relationships with architects by focusing on integrity, reliability, technical knowledge, and humility—core traits that have made him one of the most trusted figures in the field.

This episode covers:
✅ How to earn trust with architects
✅ The mindset and habits of successful product reps
✅ The importance of humility and follow-through
✅ Building credibility with design professionals over decades
✅ Real-world lessons from 38+ years in the building product industry

Whether you're a product manufacturer, rep, or marketing leader in the AEC space, this conversation is packed with wisdom on what it really takes to connect with architects and get your products specified.

Thank you for watching! Let us know what you thought of this episode, or what you would like to see next!

]]> Shawn Donovan Buzzsprout-17139809 Sun, 11 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2399 1 1 full false