DrewCode HQ

Business Planning, Adversity, and Construction with Andrew Robles & Alina Abramova
 
This episode of "Building What Matters" features host Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) and guest Alina Abramova, who discusses her background in real estate and marketing, reflects on 2025's business goals, discusses market conditions, and shares a major lesson on overcoming adversity.
 
 2025 Business Planning & Expansion
 
Andrew emphasizes that a business plan is a living document that must be consistently reviewed and updated, not just created once.
2025 Goal Success: The main goal for 2025 was to successfully integrate a media and social sector into Foundational Builders Corp (FB Corp).
Success Metrics: In just two months, the company achieved 12,000 YouTube subscribers and over a million views on YouTube, securing several magazine features and attaching a distinct personality to the construction company.
Geographic Expansion: A key goal set in late 2024 was obtaining contractor licenses in Arizona and Florida. This goal was successfully met by March 2025.
2026 Goals: Potential expansion states for 2026 include Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Nevada.
The Curveball (Unexpected Pivot): A major unplanned event for 2025 was the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires. This required FB Corp to allocate time and resources to the rebuilding efforts in those areas, which now creates a strong local presence alongside the company's interstate expansion.
 
Social Media, Real Estate, and Construction
 
Alina Abramova, who has a background in real estate sales in the UAE, Florida, and is planning expansion into Saudi Arabia, highlights the crucial role of social media in today’s business environment.
Marketing as a Necessity: Social media and marketing are essential for all businesses, especially those in real estate and construction. Younger generations, in particular, use platforms like Instagram and YouTube to research a company's work quality, reviews, and experience.
FB Corp's Brand Advantage: Tying the media sector to construction makes the process easier by establishing a transparent personality and knowledgeable reputation. Developers prefer working with people they know and trust, rather than just faceless entities.
Construction Market Ethics: Andrew and Alina discuss the issue of unethical contractors who may price gougeor deliver poor quality, particularly in disaster rebuilding areas and growing markets like Florida and Arizona.
FB Corp's Commitment: Andrew stresses that FB Corp will never take advantage of owners and will always bid projects at honest market cost. Their aggressive presence in Florida and Arizona is specifically to counter contractors who are "full of shit" and lack experience, especially as many multi-family projects in Arizona are currently being built by inexperienced residential contractors.
 
Market News & Finance
 
Florida Political Shift: They note the election of a Democratic mayor in Miami. Andrew believes this may slightly shift the market towards affordable housing over market-rate projects, but it shouldn't significantly hurt the construction industry given the billions of dollars flowing into Florida annually.
Interest Rate Cuts: Anticipated interest rate cuts are expected to bring a new wave of enthusiasm to the real estate market, fueling the refinancing market and bringing both market-rate and affordable housing projects back to life.
 
Lesson of the Year: Love Your Enemies
 
The biggest lesson of 2025, according to Andrew (citing Joel Osteen), is to "Love your enemies".
Adversity Breeds Strength: People who slander you, create obstacles, or try to put things in your way are unknowingly making you sharper and more prepared.
Example: The Domain Extortion: They share a weekend story where their main domain, FBcorp.com, was held for a $30,000 ransom after their contract expired. Instead of paying the full price, they leased the domain short-term and secured alternative domains (FBcorp.co, FBcorp.ai, etc.). Andrew frames this as an act of extortion and leverage, but ultimately a lesson that made them more adaptable.
 
 Guest Shout Outs
 
Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) - CEO of Foundational Builders Corp.
Alina Abramova - Guest and Producer of the podcast.

The Affordable Housing Revolution: Building Cheaper, Faster, and Smarter with Private Capital
This episode of the "Building What Matters" podcast features host Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo), CEO of Foundational Builders Corp, and guest Jason Riffe (@jasonriffe on Instagram), a leader in affordable housing finance with the SDS Impact Debt platform. The two discuss affordable housing strategies, finance, and construction.
Key Discussion Points
Financial Innovation: Jason Riffe’s background in sustainable development and social ethics led him to finance. He highlights the need for a shift from traditional, slow public funding (which often results in high costs, $650,000 per unit in LA) to private capital.
The Private Capital Solution: Jason’s firm accesses private capital through capital markets (like bonds) to provide debt financing for affordable housing. This streamlined approach can reduce the development timeline to under four years and lower the cost to about $300,000 per unit.
Construction & Quality: Andrew Robles (FB Corp) emphasizes that successful affordable housing requires high-quality, skilled, and union-level subcontractors. Low-bid contractors lead to delays and poor quality, but a quality GC ensures compliance and maintains the dignity of the housing.
Expansion & Growth: Andrew confirms that FB Corp is licensed and operating in California, Florida, and Arizona. He announced that FB Corp is pivoting to become a developer itself, with the goal of raising a half a billion-dollar fund to efficiently execute projects.
Advice: Jason advises career starters to focus on specialized trades like electrician and HVAC. He recommends that investors consult their advisor about the municipal bond space, which he considers a safe asset class.
Guest Shout Outs
Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) - CEO of Foundational Builders Corp.
Jason Riffe (@jasonriffe) - Managing Director of SDS Impact Debt platform.

This episode of the "Building What Matters" podcast features host Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) and guest Stephanie Gutierrez (@stephsellsadus), an investor, realtor, and ADU strategist, who is also the founder of ADUGGInvestments.org. The two discuss their shared work in real estate development, focusing heavily on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and how they are expanding their businesses from California to Florida.
Key Takeaways & Discussion Points
Bicoastal Business Strategy: Andrew and Stephanie, both based in Los Angeles, connected in Florida and discovered they both operate on both the West and East Coasts. They share a synergy in their similar business spaces, servicing clients from "coast to coast."
The Florida Market Expansion:
Stephanie, a self-proclaimed ADU advocate, was drawn to Florida because it satisfied her non-negotiable requirement of being near the water/beach. She got her real estate license there and sees it as an opportunity to be a pioneer in the ADU movement, comparing it favorably to the already-paved markets of California, Oregon, and Washington.
The ADU Opportunity in Florida: While California has established state laws (like SB 1211 and SB 9) that streamline ADU construction and allow for multi-family ADU development (up to 8 detached ADUs for 8-unit buildings), Florida is just starting. It recently passed an ADU ordinance requiring local municipalities to have some sort of ADU law, but it lacks the strong state oversight of California. This presents a huge opportunity to advocate for and build high-quality products in a market where quality and service are often lacking.
 
Building Quality and Reputation: Andrew and Stephanie agree that delivering good quality product and excellent customer service will allow them to stand out in the competitive, yet underdeveloped, Florida market, especially where construction standards (like concrete mixing and waterproofing) and talent acquisition are challenging. Andrew has brought his team members from Florida (Nelly, Annalise) to California to shadow his projects to ensure consistent quality and synergy before they return to build in Florida.
ADU Strategy for Homeowners and Developers:
The First Step: Stephanie advises homeowners looking to build an ADU to first figure out financing. For many, tapping into home equity is the best way to fund the $150k–$250k+ project.
The Role of an ADU Strategist: Stephanie offers her services from start to finish: financing, feasibility studies, design planning, and even property management after the project is complete, especially for new landlords who may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities (maintenance, lease agreements, etc.).
Long-Term Strategy: ADUs are a long-term play (5-10 year run) and not a quick "flip" strategy. Investors should consider maximizing the number of units (like two 2-bedroom units) and making durable finish choices that allow for future uses (e.g., family member housing, assisted living).
ADUs vs. Parking: When addressing a client's question about the value of ADUs versus parking in metro LA, they strongly suggest "screwing the parking" and building the ADUs, citing recent legislation like SB 79 that reduces or eliminates parking requirements for dense developments.
The Value of Women in Construction:
Andrew highlights that Foundational Builders Corp has long embraced women in construction, noting that female project managers bring superior attention to detail, customer service, and documentation to projects.
Stephanie shares that she loves seeing women in the construction space, believing they are naturally better at multitasking, systemizing processes, and balancing complex tasks, all crucial elements for streamlined construction projects.
 Personal & Professional Life Balance
Stephanie discusses her efforts to balance her business owner, strategist, and mother roles. She is now a certified Ocean Healing Therapist and practices this to help her manage the stress of entrepreneurship.
She integrates self-care rituals, like surfing or biking to the beach, to calm her nervous system and allows her to be more emotionally resilient for tough business challenges.
She hosts Ocean Healing Sessions for women in business and teens, helping them navigate the challenges of juggling multiple roles.
She emphasizes the importance of knowing when to apply feminine energy (at home) versus being firm and confident (masculine energy) in business, especially in male-dominated fields like construction.

Episode 5: “Work Hard. Enjoy Yourself: Why Fun Is a Business Strategy, Not a Luxury.”
Welcome back to the Building What Matters Podcast, hosted by Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) — entrepreneur, builder, and the visionary force behind fbcorp.com. This show is where ambition meets execution, and where you get the raw, unfiltered truth about building business, building people, and building what matters.
This Week’s Episode: The Power of Fun
In Episode 5, Andrew and Pierre dive into a topic most entrepreneurs underestimate, the discipline of taking a break. This episode explores why stepping back, having fun, and giving your mind room to breathe isn’t a distraction from your goals… it’s fuel for them.
Andrew and Pierre touch on:
The Science of Resetting: How strategic rest sharpens decision-making, creativity, and emotional control.
Entrepreneur Burnout: Why grinding nonstop kills momentum and how intentional downtime boosts your output.
Finding Joy in the Process: Simple ways to bring fun back into the journey so business doesn’t feel like survival mode.
Stress Management for Leaders: Tools and habits successful founders use to protect their mental bandwidth.
Play as a Competitive Advantage: Why the CEOs performing at the highest levels make fun non-negotiable.
This episode is about more than relaxation, it’s a reminder that your mind is your most valuable asset, and learning to recharge it is a skill every builder needs. When you restore your energy, your focus sharpens, your leadership elevates, and your business grows faster.
Because a clear mind builds better.
What to Expect From This Podcast
Real-world business strategy
Entrepreneurial mindset + mental performance
Lessons from the field: the wins, the losses, the pivots
Scaling with intention, discipline, and clarity
Transparent conversations about what it really takes to build
Core Lesson of the Week:
Rest is not a reward. It’s part of the work. When you protect your mind, everything else follows.
Connect with Andrew Robles
Website: fbcorp.comInstagram: @fbcorpceo
Subscribe, leave a review, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
#BuildingWhatMatters #AndrewRobles #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #StressManagement #WorkLifeBalance #FounderMindset #ConstructionIndustry

Episode 4 “The Millionaire Tradesmen: Why Plumbers & Electricians are the New Tech Founders”
 
Welcome back to the Building What Matters Podcast: Hosted by Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo)  entrepreneur, builder, and the visionary behind fbcorp.com.
 
This show is where ambition meets execution, and where you get real, raw, tactical insight into building business, building people, and building what matters.
 
This Week’s Episode: The Millionaire Tradesmen In Episode 4, Andrew and Alina tackle the shocking shifts in the labor market and reveal where the real money is being made in today’s economy, it’s not in the tech bubble, it’s in the trades.
 
Andrew and Alina break down: The Trades Paycheck: Why plumbers, electricians, and skilled carpenters now earn as much, or more than a college graduate, with plumbers averaging $58 an hour.
 
The New Investment: The impact of massive funding like California's $25 million apprenticeship program and Home Depot's trade certification courses. The Future of Work: Why the "doers" who come home with dirt on their shirt are the next wave of millionaires. AI vs. Experience: Why construction can never be run solely from an Excel spreadsheet and why leadership cannot be replaced by technology.
 
The Smart Owner Myth: The cost of hiring the cheapest contractor and the massive savings gained by hiring skill and speed. This episode is about recognizing the true value of skill, challenging outdated notions of career success, and ensuring that experience in the field always dictates the budget and the outcome. Because experience matters.
 
What to Expect From This Podcast: Business strategy Entrepreneurial mindset Building and scaling from zero Real-world lessons from the trenches Transparency: the wins, the losses, and the pivots Core Lesson of the Week: Contractors are always right. Experience and quality work trump cheap bids and academic theory every single time.
 
Connect with Andrew Robles Website: https://fbcorp.com Instagram: @fbcorpceo Subscribe, leave a review, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
 
#BuildingWhatMatters #AndrewRobles #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Construction #SkilledTrades #MillionaireTradesmen #Plumbers #Electricians #HomeDepot

Episode 3 “Wake Up on Fire: Motivation, Momentum, and Building Through Chaos”Welcome back to the Building What Matters Podcast, hosted by Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) — entrepreneur, builder, and the visionary behind fbcorp.com. This show is where ambition meets execution, and where you get real, raw, tactical insight into building business, building people, and building what matters.
This Week’s Episode: Wake Up on FireIn Episode 3, Andrew returns with a solo episode focused on one of the most important fuel sources in entrepreneurship: motivation. Not the temporary kind — the kind that forces you out of bed in the morning with fire in your chest.
Andrew breaks down:
How to generate momentum when you don’t feel inspired
Why discipline beats motivation: and how to build both
The mindset shift that pushes you toward action instead of perfection
Plus: Andrew shares exclusive updates from the field:New developments happening inside ongoing construction projectsBehind-the-scenes realities of building in real timeWhat’s changing, what’s delayed, and what’s scaling faster than expected.
This episode is about waking up hungry, staying committed when things get messy, and moving forward even when everything around you is under construction, literally and metaphorically.
Because motivation isn’t something you wait for.It’s something you build.
What to Expect From This Podcast:
Business strategy
Entrepreneurial mindset
Building and scaling from zero
Real-world lessons from the trenches
Transparency: the wins, the losses, and the pivots
Core Lesson of the Week:
Wake up with intention. Move with conviction. Build what matters.
Connect with Andrew RoblesWebsite: https://fbcorp.comInstagram: @fbcorpceo
Subscribe, leave a review, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
#BuildingWhatMatters #AndrewRobles #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #StartupMindset #BusinessMotivation #WakeUpOnFire #ConstructionUpdates #Leadership #BuildWhatMatters

Welcome to Episode 2 of the “Building What Matters” PodcastHosted by Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) entrepreneur, builder, and visionary behind fbcorp.com — this show is your go-to source for real, raw, and tactical insights on building business, mastering entrepreneurship, and creating what truly matters.
This Week’s Episode: “Organic Relationships”In this episode, Andrew sits down with Ashleigh Cahn, Publisher of Beverly Hills Living Magazine, to dive into the heart of what makes relationships, both personal and professional, truly sustainable. Together, they explore how authenticity, community, and connection create long-term value far beyond the surface level.
Ashleigh shares the unique formula behind Beverly Hills Living Magazine a publication that has become the go-to in Beverly Hills for its deeply personal storytelling, meaningful local connections, and commitment to celebrating the people who make the city thrive. It’s more than a magazine, it’s a relationship builder that captures the true essence of community.
Don’t just build connections. Build what matters.
Connect with Andrew RoblesWebsite: https://fbcorp.comInstagram: / fbcorpceoSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a drop.
What to Expect from This Podcast:
Business strategy
Entrepreneurship mindset
Startups and scaling
Real-world business lessons
Building from the ground up
Lesson of the Week: Organic RelationshipsThe strongest foundations are built on trust. Invest in people, not transactions. Build relationships that compound over time.
Share this with a builder, leader, or visionary who knows that real growth starts with real people.
 

Welcome to the FIRST episode of the “Building What Matters” Podcast Hosted by Andrew Robles (@fbcorpceo) — entrepreneur, builder, and visionary behind fbcorp.com this show is your go-to source for real, raw, and tactical insights on building business, mastering entrepreneurship, and creating what truly matters. This week's episode: "The Cost of Waiting" In this powerful launch episode, Andrew dives into one of the biggest silent killers of progress — waiting. Whether it’s fear, doubt, or perfectionism holding you back, this episode breaks down why waiting costs more than action ever will. Don't just build anything. Build what matters. Connect with Andrew Robles Website: https://fbcorp.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbcorpceo Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a drop. What to Expect from This Podcast: Business strategy Entrepreneurship mindset Startups and scaling Real-world business lessons Building from the ground up Lesson of the Week: The Cost of Waiting You can’t afford to delay your vision. Start messy. Learn fast. Keep building. Share this with a builder, hustler, or visionary who needs to hear it. #BuildingWhatMatters #AndrewRobles #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #StartupMindset #fbcorpceo #BusinessMotivation #EntrepreneurLife #PodcastLaunch #CostOfWaiting #TakeAction #StartNow #SuccessMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #MotivationForEntrepreneurs