EP 101 | Why This Podcast Exists: The Mission Behind Your Project Shepherd

In this episode:

In episode 101 of Your Project Shepherd, host Curtis Lawson gets personal. After celebrating 100 episodes with friends and frequent guests, Curtis takes this solo episode to reflect on why the podcast — and his consulting firm, Shepherd Construction Advisors — exists in the first place. It all began with a simple but frustrating pattern: homeowners getting burned by bad builders, mismanaged projects, and a lack of guidance. Curtis shares how he built a career not just constructing homes, but rescuing them — and why he’s determined to stop problems before they start.

TOPICS COVERED:

• The origin of Your Project Shepherd and its connection to Shepherd Construction Advisors

• Why Curtis launched a consulting firm separate from his building company, Crafted

• Common mistakes homeowners make — and how the industry fails to protect them

• What an Owner’s Rep is, and why most Houstonians don’t know they need one

• Why many design-build projects fall apart from a lack of coordination and vision

• The importance of aligning budget, design, and team from day one

• How Curtis works with legal teams and experts like Toner Kersting on forensic cases

• The goals of the podcast: to prevent pain, protect investments, and promote quality

• Why education is key for both homeowners and professionals

• The foundational “House Diagram” Curtis uses to teach smart project planning

• How the podcast evolved from homeowner-focused stories to expert-driven episodes

Full Transcript