Jude Charles

Competitors can copy your methods. They can even study your techniques. But they can’t replicate your story, your values, or your personality. That’s what we’re capturing in this docuseries for Brad Leavitt. Not the highlight reel, but the real moments that build trust. When clients invest millions in a custom home, they’re not just hiring expertise. They’re trusting someone with their vision, their timeline, and their peace of mind. They’re investing in you. Your story, your values, your personality. That’s your unfair advantage. The question is… are you brave enough to share it? — Bringing Brad’s story to life wouldn’t be possible without an amazing team: Producer — @ashleyjeancreative DP — @jessetodd.cine 2nd Camera and BTS — @sla_marchenko

My team and I are back in Chicago filming with Jen Davidson. This is our 2nd docuseries together. Her first docuseries showed who Jen Davidson is. Now, we’re back to highlight the homes she’s designed, interview more of her clients about the journey, and show how she partners with vendors. What you’ll see is a Dramatic Demonstration of how @interiorsbyjendavidson designs for those priceless memories. The prom photos, the family BBQs, the laughter around the island table. Because perfect portfolio pictures only tell 10% of the story. Showing the unpolished version of your projects creates better clients. Better clients that understand the WHY behind your design. Which means that they become better clients that trust you throughout the process. And when they trust you more they become better clients who are willing to pay premium prices. Your portfolio shows what you’ve done. Your story shows why you’re the only one who can do it. — None of this exists without a great team to help me bring Jen’s story to life: Producer @ashleyjeancreative DP — @jesse.todd 2nd Camera and BTS — @dotdavid #AStoryCraftedByJudeCharles

The highlight reel is a lie. We show the finished project. The standing ovation. The big win. But we hide the 2am doubts. The moments we almost quit. The weight of carrying it all while pretending we have it together. Not that long ago, I hosted a simple breakfast for a few clients. I opened with one question, but by the end, we had laughed, cried, and left feeling something we didn’t expect. Seen. Supported. Safe. We could FINALLY breathe. When was the last time you felt that? We’re surrounded by people but starving for real conversation. After two decades of filming entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed something… The loneliest people in the room are often the most successful. They don’t need more advice. They need someone brave enough to ask the questions everyone else avoids. And that is why I’ve created Breakfast with Jude: a docuseries about the messy middle of ambition. This isn’t about telling you how to go after what you want. Instead, it’s a mirror. Better yet, a reminder. A reminder that courage is messy… clarity is earned… and you’re not as alone as you think. I want to invite you to the table where transformation happens. This is Breakfast with Jude. — BTS by @sla_marchenko

Our latest #FriendsofBUILDMagazine episode is now live! Ted speaks with documentary filmmaker @judecharles whose work centers around uncovering and sharing the authentic stories behind designers, builders, and architects. Together, they explore how storytelling extends far beyond marketing and why the most impactful narratives are rooted in purpose, trust, and human connection. They dive into: • Why storytelling is about understanding people, not just promoting services • How authentic narratives help businesses build deeper client relationships • The process of uncovering meaningful stories through documentary filmmaking • Aligning messaging with long-term business vision and values • The role vulnerability, resilience, and perspective play in leadership and growth • Why patience and clarity are essential to impactful storytelling @judecharles also shares his personal journey navigating rejection, loss, and finding clarity in his purpose, offering a powerful perspective on growth, perseverance, and creating work that truly resonates. Click the link in bio to watch the full episode, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. #BUILDMagazine #PodcastRelease #DocumentaryFilmmaking #BrandStorytelling

Episode 4 of the AFT docuseries is set to be released this weekend. Make sure to follow our YouTube channel @AFTConstruction to watch the full episode.  A full circle moment 13 years in the making. A wedding, a home AFT built, and a legacy that is clearly defined. Episode 4 drops Sunday at 7PM EST @judecharles   . . . . #AFTConstruction #Docuseries #Construction #Fatherhood

For most of her life, Liz Tew didn’t believe she’d ever find her thing. But she wasn’t willing to give up on finding it. Liz took a leap of faith and decided to bet on herself. After walking out of her corporate job for the last time, she got in her car, turned up the music, and never looked back. That was 6 years ago. Today, Liz Tew runs @liztewinteriors , an interior design firm in Greenville, SC. She’s leading a team of 4 and has her own furniture line. My team and I are going to be filming a docuseries about Liz and her design firm. But before we do that, we flew to Greenville, SC to follow Liz for the day. To get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Liz unique and different. We toured projects, met clients, and spent time getting to know Liz. Her personality, passion, and perspective as an interior designer. When we stopped for lunch, I asked Liz, “Have you accepted the calling?” The calling to serve her clients in only the way she can. She didn’t hesitate. “There’s no other way. I can’t not do this.” This is a woman who once said she’d never find her way. Now she’s found her calling. You might be looking for the next strategy, the next trend, or the next tool that’s going to get you to the next level. But what if the next level isn’t some new tactic or trend that you do? What if the next level is in who you become? What you’re doing is not as important as who you are becoming. — BTS by @Sla_marchenko #AStoryCraftedbyJudeCharles

Ellie Redders built a 5,000 sq ft design studio in St. Louis, MO. And in some ways, she made it look effortless. - There’s a full dining room to show you what’s possible. - There’s a virtual reality room where you walk through the home before it’s built. - There are styled rooms you can walk through to experience how different styles feel and flow together. In 16 years, Ellie has built @elliereddersinteriorsstl into a full-service interior design firm... ...with 4 businesses under one roof ...working on large-scale renovations and new builds ...and a dynamic team of 8 that makes the process seamless. Plus, the new design studio I mentioned earlier? She and her team gutted and remodeled in less than 7 months. This isn’t normal. And Ellie isn’t normal. And yet, Ellie still couldn’t see what she’d built and how far she’d come. That’s how Ellie and I started working together through Roadmapping. To help her see her blind spots. That was step 1. Now, step 2 is making sure the builders and architects that she wants to work with see it too. We’re going to do that through a 3-part docuseries. This docuseries is not about her portfolio. It’s about who she is and how she works. You might have your own version of this. The question is whether you’re willing to slow down long enough to look in the mirror. — BTS by @sla_marchenko and @dequinamedia #AStoryCraftedbyJudeCharles

For the next 2 years, my team and I will be documenting the entire build of Matt and Sara's dream home. But this isn't just the story of a house being built. It's a family story. Nine years in the making. A dream of what life could be and an illustration of what "Love is a verb" means. Matt and Sara have committed to capturing the moments that matter so their daughter, Grace, can look back at this when she's 40 and understand everything her parents built. And why. This is the house that bread built. Happy 9th Anniversary, Matt and Sara 😉 —-- Build @aft_construction Architect @phxarch Interiors @lkehoedesign Landscape @cfdesignaz #AStoryCraftedByJudeCharles #TheHouseThatBreadBuilt #LegacyStory

You couldn’t script this if you tried. To see all your hard work, your sacrifice, and your passions in one moment. To see why it was all worth it. This is what Brad (@aft_construction ) was taking in as he walked his daughter down the aisle at a home his company built. In the first few years of AFT Construction, Brad wasn’t sure he could make money doing this. He was ready to quit and walk away from it all. There are seasons that challenge you so much, you start to ask, “What’s the point of all of this?” It causes you to question your identity and purpose. 13 years later, Brad is connecting the dots on all the small decisions in between. He’s slowing down to see the real WHY behind all his blood, sweat, and tears. Your legacy isn’t about what you leave behind when you’re gone. It’s about what you’re intentionally deciding to live out right now. This story unfolds in Part 4 of the AFT Construction docuseries coming out soon. The legacy of a man who lives each day on purpose. - - - BTS by @Sla_marchenko

I’ve never been able to do surface level small talk. Instead of looking at it as a weakness, I leaned into it as a strength. If you sit with me long enough, you’ll also realize “depth” and “vulnerability” aren’t buzz words. They aren’t trends I’m chasing. It’s how I lead every conversation. But at this table.. the #BreakfastwithJude table… these show up a little differently. Here, in these photos, we’re sitting down for breakfast at @winnieandethelslv in Las Vegas. What you see on the outside are entrepreneurs going after their dreams. What’s happening on the inside? The voice from childhood that still whispers ‘you don’t belong here.’ The fear that everything you built could disappear tomorrow. The exhaustion of being strong for everyone and having no one to be strong for you. These are the conversations no one else is having. The conversations that change how you lead your team and your clients. Success doesn’t silence that voice that says you’re ‘not enough.’ The right environment does. That’s what Breakfast with Jude is. A docuseries about the messy middle of ambition. The space between where you started and where you’re going. The weight you carry around that nobody sees. This environment gives you the courage and strength to breathe again. Because you’ve finally said out loud what you’ve been holding inside. #BreakfastwithJude Season 1… Coming Soon. —— A huge thank you to @winnieandethelslv for allowing us to use their diner. The food was AMAZING. Especially the fig & honey french toast and the pork belly Benedict. This place will not disappoint.

This one goes deeper than design. In Episode 153 of the The Curious Builder Podcast, @JudeCharles flips the mic on Mark, and the conversation shifts from building homes to rebuilding perspective. They talk burnout. Fatherhood. Slowing down. And the emotional “why” behind Mysa Hus. Turns out, even a wood-burning fireplace can hold more meaning than you think. If you’ve ever questioned the pace, the pressure, or the purpose behind what you’re building…this one’s for you. Listen now → Link in bio. Podcast Sponsors @pellawindows @pella_northland @saunacamps @contractorcoalitionsummit

Three powerful sessions. In one room. All happened at @lasvegasmarket . @amber_delagarza challenged designers to stop treating productivity like a hustle problem I led a conversation with @InteriorsByJenDavidson , @GraceBlu , and Jodie and Wes Chapman from @loftthrityone about finding your voice without selling your soul. And @LuAnnNigara closed it out with a truth that landed hard: your boundaries are your profitability. Talent may have built your portfolio, but it won’t build your business. You don’t have to figure it out alone. You don’t have to keep saying “yes,” when you really mean “no.” You don’t have to carry the weight of your business in silence. That’s why being in this room mattered. You don’t want to miss the next one. These 3 powerful sessions were hosted by @mydoma , @_studiodesigner and @idsnational . —— BTS by @sla_marchenko