How to Land Brand Deals That Make Sense

Not all brand deals are created equal. In the world of construction (and podcasting), there’s no shortage of companies looking to slap their logo on your platform and call it a day. But that’s never been what The Curious Builder is about.

For me, it’s about alignment and genuine connections. It has to make sense. If I’m going to put my name behind something—talk about it on the podcast, use it at a Boot Camp, or share it with our Builder Collective—it better serve our community in a real, tangible way. If a brand deal doesn't come from a foundation of trust, it's not going to last!

Finding the Right Fit

When I look at brands like Buildertrend, TimberTech, or Rockwool, what makes them stand out isn’t just their products. It’s their heart for the building industry. They’re not just trying to sell to us—they’re trying to support us. That’s a huge difference.

If I don’t use it, believe in it, or feel like it adds real value to my daily work, I’m not sharing it. It’s that simple. I’m not interested in partnerships that just check a box. Our audience can smell inauthenticity from a mile away—and so can I.

Starting the Conversation

So how do most brand deals actually start?

For me, it begins with a relationship. It’s a DM, a comment thread, a mutual friend, or even a podcast guest. I’m not sitting in a boardroom cold-pitching. I engage first. I interact with their content. I tag them when it’s natural. And if an authentic connection forms, I’ll propose something small to test the waters. From there, we build on it.

I always ask: How can we both win? If the answer is one-sided, we move on.

Buildertrend 

One of the partnerships I’m most proud of is with Buildertrend. We initially had difficulty trying to fully integrate their software into our systems, but we didn’t hide our struggles. We documented the process, the bumps, the learning curve. They didn’t back away. They leaned in, supporting us at every step of the process and even sending a rep to one of our Boot Camps. Talk about building trust! We were both in it for the long-term relationship!

That’s what makes a brand partnership meaningful. It wasn’t just about visibility—it was about growth, honesty, and mutual investment.

Learn more about our sponsors here!

Staying True to the Audience

I’ve said no to a lot of offers, even when the money is great! Big checks, cool gear, high-profile names. But if it didn’t align with our values, it was a pass.

The Curious Builder is built on trust and. Builders, designers, architects—they tune in because they know I’m not selling them junk. I’d rather have three rock-solid partnerships built on strong relationships than ten “meh” ones that just fill the space.

Brand Deals That Don’t Work

There have been some deals that fizzled before they even got going. And looking back, I’m glad they did.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to ask more questions up front. What are their expectations? Are they in it for the long-term partnership or just impressions? Are they willing to be part of the journey and form a deeper connection—or are they just looking for a quick shoutout?

If it’s transactional, it’s not for me. I want long-term value. For them. For me. For the audience.

Advice for Other Builders and Creators

If you’re trying to land your first brand deal, here’s my advice: Be clear on your values. Know your target audience inside and out. And lead with what you can give, not just what you want to get.

Numbers help—audience size, downloads, reach, audience engagement rates—but what really moves the needle is story. Can you connect the brand to something real in your world? Can you show how it helps builders, clients, or your crew? That’s what makes a successful brand deal.

Evolving the Approach

As The Curious Builder has grown—from podcast to Boot Camps to Collectives—my approach to sponsorships and content strategy has shifted too.

I’m looking for integration. How can this brand plug into the entire ecosystem? Can they show up at events? Can we build something together that doesn’t even exist yet?

That’s the kind of thinking I’m bringing into every new conversation that helps me for strong partnerships!

My Dream Brand Deal

If I had to pick one dream partnership for a future brand deal it would be Yeti!

Their gear is durable, well-designed, and a staple in our industry. I’d love to do a Yeti x Curious Builder collab—maybe a custom cooler giveaway, or a mobile podcast series filmed in the wild with interactive content. There’s a lot of fun to be had there, and it just feels like a natural fit. Maybe someday!

Embracing the Right Brand Deals

Brand deals should never feel forced. When they’re done right, they’re not just partnerships—they’re powerful extensions of your mission. If you stay true to your values and focus on relationships over transactions, the right deals will find you. And they’ll feel right every step of the way!