In Episode 7 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson is joined by Alex Walker and Devon Ellis for a candid, real-world conversation with Yavonda, owner of Guardian Angels Adult Day Services, about what it actually takes to open and operate an adult daycare.

This episode goes far beyond theory. Yavonda shares her personal journey — from walking away from a building with a failing foundation, to investing retirement savings, to absorbing a $25,000 fire-rated wall that no one warned her about upfront.

Together, the group breaks down why adult daycares are always I-4 (Institutional) occupancies, why they clash so severely with restaurants and assembly spaces, and how code changes, plan review comments, and lease decisions can dramatically reshape a project’s budget and layout.

If you’re considering opening an adult daycare or any institutional use, this episode is essential listening.

In Episode 6 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson sits down with repeat DREAM Builders client and highly respected daycare operator Sherika Lipsey-Muex, founder of Preschool Academy, along with Alex Walker and Devon Ellis, for one of the most informative episodes yet.

Sherika has opened and operated multiple childcare centers from in-home programs to full commercial facilities, and brings unmatched firsthand insight into navigating zoning, building codes, licensing rules, inspections, and plan review in Milwaukee.

This episode exposes the real challenges daycare owners face, the things they don’t tell you until you’re already thousands of dollars in, and breaks down how building code, zoning code, and state licensing all overlap (and often contradict each other).

Whether you’re dreaming of opening a daycare or actively struggling through the approval process, this episode arms you with the knowledge and warnings you won't get anywhere else.

In Part 2 of Episode 5 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson continues the Change of Use discussion with Alex Walker and Devon Ellis, diving even deeper into the real-world challenges of adapting existing buildings for new uses — from business to daycare and beyond.

This episode moves from theory to practice, unpacking how code categories, hazard levels, and compartmentalization directly affect design, safety, and project feasibility. The team explores how a simple use change can lead to complex — and costly — requirements around firewalls, sprinklers, and egress, especially when daycares or institutional occupancies are involved.

The conversation also touches on the business realities of these upgrades — how costs are divided between owners and tenants, what makes a space viable (or not), and why many projects fail before they even start.

In Part 1 of Episode 5 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson, Alex Walker, and Devon Ellis break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in design and development: the Change of Use.

What seems like a simple switch (like converting a retail store into a daycare) can trigger major design, code, and cost implications. This episode unpacks exactly what that means, why it happens, and how it impacts not just your space — but sometimes the entire building.

Nicholas hosts this deep dive with:

• Alex Walker, architectural designer, real estate development manager, and former plan reviewer
• Devon Ellis, civil/structural engineer and construction manager

Together, they walk through how building codes classify spaces, how “grandfathering” works (and doesn’t), and why even small changes can mean big updates to fire safety, exits, and overall compliance.

In Part 2 of Episode 4 of The DREAM BuildCast, the conversation with Baron Hentz continues, diving even deeper into what it’s really like to navigate Milwaukee’s complex permitting, inspection, and plan review systems as a small business owner and developer.

Nicholas, Alex, and Devon explore how bureaucratic silos, inconsistent code interpretation, and lack of accountability can make or break a project and why too many owners end up feeling like they’re in a battle against the very city they’re trying to invest in.

Baron shares candidly how doing everything “by the book” often comes with more hurdles than cutting corners and the group discusses what needs to change so that city processes truly support, not stifle, community development.

In Part 1 of Episode 4 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Alex, and Devon sit down with Baron Hentz — master electrician, business owner, and U.S. Army veteran — to unpack a real-world story of determination, red tape, and resilience in the face of bureaucracy.

Baron opens up about his experience purchasing and rehabilitating a long-vacant commercial property in Milwaukee, sharing the full picture of what happens after you win the bid — from environmental due diligence and plan review delays to unexpected fines and communication breakdowns between city departments.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what small business owners, contractors, and developers really face when working through complex municipal systems — and why better collaboration and transparency could transform the building process for everyone.

In Episode 3 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Devon, and Alex break down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate and design — the difference between zoning codes and building codes — and why understanding both can save you time, money, and stress before you start any project.

This episode dives into the real-world impact of zoning laws, how municipal approvals like the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) shape what you can build, and why state building codes dictate how you build it. Using examples from daycares, group homes, and commercial conversions, the team explains how code compliance is less about red tape — and more about protecting your investment and community safety.

In this episode of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Alex, and Devon dive deep into the world of one- and two-family residential design, unpacking the technical, financial, and practical considerations every homeowner should know before remodeling, expanding, or finishing a space.

Building off Episode 1’s “Where Do I Start?” theme, this discussion explores how local building codes, zoning, and construction practices affect everything from finishing your attic or basement to adding a new story to your home.

In this episode, we cover:

• The differences between one- and two-family homes vs. commercial buildings under the 2021 Wisconsin Building Code.
• What you must know before finishing your attic or basement, including egress, insulation, and fire separation rules.
• The real pros and cons of going “up vs. out” when adding square footage.
• How energy efficiency standards and retroactive code updates impact homeowners.
• Basement flooding, drainage, and waterproofing tips, and how to know if your space is safe to occupy.
• Why every homeowner needs a qualified architect or structural engineer before starting a renovation.

Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about an addition, a first-time investor, or simply curious about the science behind safe residential construction, this episode is packed with real-world advice from design, engineering, and construction professionals who’ve seen it all.