Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Andy explores ‘mates rates’, the concept of offering a discount or better price to friends and family than what they’d pay on the open market, and its detrimental impact on a builder's bottom line. INSIDE EPISODE 73 YOU WILL DISCOVER The popularity of mates' rates in construction and its real cost to your building businesses The drawbacks of discounting and better ways to c...
Mar 16, 2023•34 min•Ep. 73
In episode 72 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Julian Krishnan Nair, Senior Partner Manager at Buildxact. Throughout this episode, Julian delves into the analytical side of owning a building company, how Buildxact can help, and how builders can keep their estimates accurate. INSIDE EPISODE 72 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Buildxact makes a positive impact on builders’ day-to-day business operations How builders can stay on top of rate and price increases The most common buil...
Mar 09, 2023•34 min•Ep. 72
In episode 71 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio delve into what APB Chapters is all about and how it’s slowly helping builders all over the globe. INSIDE EPISODE 71 YOU WILL DISCOVER What APB Chapters are and who can join What makes them unique for builders What a builder can expect from being a chapter mem...
Mar 02, 2023•39 min•Ep. 71
In episode 70 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Stacey Shotwell, Project Manager with Parks-Hatherley Custom Homes, based in Texas, United States. Throughout this episode, Stacey tackles the tenacious moves that contributed to his success and the overall need for tenacity in the building industry. INSIDE EPISODE 70 YOU WILL DISCOVER How much time Stacey spends working on the business and the systems he utilises How Stacey made the move from cutting hair, to the buildi...
Feb 23, 2023•32 min•Ep. 70
In episode 69 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Sky Stephens. Throughout this episode, Sky goes over a comprehensive guide to recruiting top talent, saving you time, energy and most importantly, securing and retaining exceptional staff who will help your business succeed. INSIDE EPISODE 69 YOU WILL DISCOVER Is it a problem with finding the right staff or with underperforming staff? The crucial formula for finding ...
Feb 16, 2023•40 min•Season 6Ep. 69
In episode 68 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Luke Williams, General Manager at HazardCo. Throughout this episode, Luke explains the biggest risks to health and safety on a work site and how implementing the proper OH&S systems doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth! INSIDE EPISODE 68 YOU WILL DISCOVER The biggest risks to health and safety on a work site A faster, simpler health and safety system OH&S common blind spots builders face today Augmented and vi...
Feb 09, 2023•27 min•Season 6Ep. 68
In episode 67 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over the significance of professional contract proposals, and how a fixed price contract with a 30-day deadline is key to retaining profitability in the current industry climate. INSIDE EPISODE 67 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why it is so crucial to have strong contra...
Feb 02, 2023•36 min•Season 6Ep. 67
In episode 66 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Rob and Amy Burton, owners of Ramton Homes based in Alberta, Canada. Throughout this episode, the duo delve into how they’ve grown their business utilising APB’s systems even while living in a remote area. INSIDE EPISODE 66 YOU WILL DISCOVER The critical benefits of the systems Rob and Amy are using The CRM system they use to set their business up for success How to best approach marketing and sales in a small town What ...
Jan 26, 2023•29 min•Ep. 66
In episode 65 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens. Throughout this episode, Russ dives into the most effective strategies when it comes to marketing and how successful marketing practices have a direct impact on increasing net margins. INSIDE EPISODE 65 YOU WILL DISCOVER How much builders should be spending on marketing The biggest blind spots most builders miss when marketing A step-by-step guide to s...
Jan 19, 2023•34 min•Season 6Ep. 65
In episode 64 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Darren Wallbank, Executive Chairman at Builda Price. Throughout this episode, Darren goes over costing projects in the building industry and the key to long-term profitability in your building company. INSIDE EPISODE 64 YOU WILL DISCOVER The main reason builders struggle with pricing Automation, the future of the building industry? How to prevent mistakes that lead to costly overruns Specialist vs generalist? Which one i...
Jan 12, 2023•26 min•Season 6Ep. 64
In episode 63 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over the key metrics to do when scaling a building company that will determine its longevity and profitability for the future. INSIDE EPISODE 63 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why builders should want to scale their building company What is involved in scaling a buil...
Jan 05, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 63
In episode 62 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Max Peterson, CEO and Managing Partner at Smith & Sons Remodeling North America. Throughout this episode, Max unpacks what it takes to relocate a building company overseas, the mindset needed and the lessons learned along the way. INSIDE EPISODE 62 YOU WILL DISCOVER What it takes to relocate a building company overseas The history and continual development of a franchise style building company How to rebuild a brand ...
Dec 29, 2022•41 min•Season 6Ep. 62
In episode 61 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by one of the executive business coaches at APB, Dennis Wong. Throughout this episode, Dennis shares what builders should be considering and doing to get new work …fast. INSIDE EPISODE 61 YOU WILL DISCOVER The importance of always having your eyes on new work Why builders need work fast and current trends in the industry The best practices in acquiring new clients How not to compromise net profit just to find work quickly T...
Dec 22, 2022•28 min•Season 6Ep. 61
In episode 60 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Devin Perry, Executive Director of Business Improvement Programs for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Throughout this episode, Devin explains why professional development and how being able to access a broad range of resources is key to setting your building company up for success. INSIDE EPISODE 60 YOU WILL DISCOVER What NAHB is and how they help professional builders Why professional development is the...
Dec 15, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 60
In episode 59 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over how builders can best prepare for the fast approaching 2023. INSIDE EPISODE 59 YOU WILL DISCOVER How to start planning BEFORE the new year When you should start planning The components of a strategic plan and how much detail you should go into Resource...
Dec 08, 2022•44 min•Ep. 59
In episode 58 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Sam Swartz, President and Owner of True North Custom Homes. Throughout this episode, Sam explains what has shaped his business over time, the importance of constantly evolving and how APB’s mentoring program has helped his business grow. INSIDE EPISODE 58 YOU WILL DISCOVER How mistakes, best and worst clients helps shape a more well rounded business Why you need a strong building company narrative that clients will remem...
Dec 01, 2022•30 min•Season 5Ep. 58
In episode 57 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Jacob Oelofse, one of the executive business coaches at APB. Throughout this episode, Jacob delves into the hiring process and helps you find out exactly who you should hire next. INSIDE EPISODE 57 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why making the right hire is so crucial for builders How to overcome struggles in hiring the right person What to look out for in an interview How builders can address the labour shortage The most important q...
Nov 24, 2022•40 min•Ep. 57
In episode 56 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Paul Rojas, Managing Partner at RCR Lawyers. Throughout this episode, Paul explains the importance of a properly defined building contract and how it can help your building company with the ever-changing costs in the industry. INSIDE EPISODE 56 YOU WILL DISCOVER How to make sure your building contract has a cost escalation clause That it is your right under the contract to suspend works if you’re not getting paid Why sit...
Nov 17, 2022•25 min•Season 5Ep. 56
In episode 55 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over exactly how APB Rewards is saving our members time and money. INSIDE EPISODE 55 YOU WILL DISCOVER What APB Rewards actually is The process behind putting it together The benefits for builders around the world Examples of APB’s preferred partners And mu...
Nov 10, 2022•33 min•Ep. 55
In episode 54 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Elliott and Andrew Siracusa, Directors of Kube Constructions. Throughout this episode, Marcus and Andrew explain how structuring a business through proper systems and transparency sets it up for success and longevity. INSIDE EPISODE 54 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why mistakes and problem clients help shape a more effective business The importance of transparency with clients ensuring a smooth process How APB’s processes and...
Nov 03, 2022•28 min•Season 5Ep. 54
In episode 53 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Clint Best, an Executive Business Coach with APB. Throughout this episode, Clint takes a deep dive into the mindsets of professional builders and how incorporating a growth mindset for yourself and your business can have profound benefits across the board. INSIDE EPISODE 53 YOU WILL DISCOVER The importance of mindset in a professional building company What the difference is between a growth and fixed mindset Why a growth...
Oct 27, 2022•39 min•Season 5Ep. 53
In episode 52 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Peter Butler, Managing Director of Smarter Websites. Throughout this episode, Peter explains the importance of how a well designed website will set your building company up for success. INSIDE EPISODE 52 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why a high-performing website is more effective than an online-brochure model website How to convert your customers pain points into lead generating CTA’s What are the most important website content typ...
Oct 20, 2022•39 min•Season 5Ep. 52
In episode 51 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio explain APB’s 10 professional builder levels. INSIDE EPISODE 51 YOU WILL DISCOVER The definitions of APB’s 10 professional builder levels Where your building company ranks The milestones you need to accomplish to progress through the levels How long it takes t...
Oct 13, 2022•45 min•Ep. 51
In episode 50 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Phil Turner, Managing Director of Turner Trading. Throughout this episode, Phil goes over the highs and lows of owning a business, how private mentoring transformed his business and the importance of creating a legacy. INSIDE EPISODE 50 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why leaving a legacy in a family business is important That setbacks do not define your business’s success How to identify potential gaps in your current systems Finding...
Oct 06, 2022•59 min•Season 5Ep. 50
In episode 49 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Erik Cofield, an Executive Business Coach with APB. Throughout this episode, Erik identifies the key differences between a design and build model vs simply quoting plans as they come your way. INSIDE EPISODE 49 YOU WILL DISCOVER Which model will increase your profit margins The differences between the two models The similarities between the two models Finding the target audience for your model The drawbacks of quoting pl...
Sep 29, 2022•36 min•Ep. 49
In episode 48 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Rick Storlie, founder of Builder Lead Converter, based out of Minnesota, United States. Throughout this episode, Rick delves into how builders can generate leads to fill out their construction slots. INSIDE EPISODE 48 YOU WILL DISCOVER The difference between lead generation and client acquisition What a healthy pipeline looks like How to generate more leads to fill construction slots Lead generation blind spots you may b...
Sep 22, 2022•44 min•Ep. 48
In episode 47 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over how to create an effective discovery process for a building company. INSIDE EPISODE 47 YOU WILL DISCOVER The different discovery questions you need to ask Some great examples of discovery questions The ways in which you can manage expectations How to s...
Sep 15, 2022•48 min•Ep. 47
In episode 46 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Todd and Melissa Lake from Contegrity Homes. Throughout this episode, the two go over their journey with Contegrity Homes, and how they’re beating their competition with value, not price. INSIDE EPISODE 46 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Todd and Melissa got into the building business The highs and lows of Contegrity Homes How they managed to turn their business around The importance of financial awareness How they started to comp...
Sep 08, 2022•37 min•Ep. 46
In episode 45 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens. Throughout this episode, we go over exactly how much building company owners should be paying themselves. INSIDE EPISODE 45 YOU WILL DISCOVER How much the owner of a building company should pay themselves, and if they’re actually paying themselves enough The key measurements an owner needs to consider when allocating their salary How to calculate your ...
Sep 01, 2022•33 min•Ep. 45
In episode 44 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan MacDonald, best selling author and keynote speaker. Throughout this episode, Jonathan tackles how to embrace change, and leverage it as fuel to spearhead transformation. INSIDE EPISODE 44 YOU WILL DISCOVER How disciplines from martial arts can be applied to business The fact that change happens by design, and how you can embrace it in your business rather than fear it Common reactions and approaches to change Jo...
Aug 25, 2022•53 min•Ep. 44
