APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

October 26, 2023105. Successful Company Signage With Erik Cofield
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Erik Cofield, Executive Business Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Erik delves into what makes for a successful company sign, and how to avoid creating signage that’s invisible to the average consumer.

INSIDE EPISODE 105 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to create signs that generate leads

How to avoid creating signage that’s invisible to the average consumer

The #1 mistake builders make when working with a graphic designer

How to improve your company signage

How to leverage your signs to grow brand awareness

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn exactly how you can create signs that generate leads without looking like every other builder.

APB Members can access the Successful Company Signage action plan right now in their members portal, or by clicking on the button below.

Access The Course: coaching.apbbuilders.com/courses/enrolled/2117346

ABOUT ERIK COFIELD

Erik Cofield is a Certified Graduate Associate with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a senior-level business strategist, manager and revenue generator. He has provided management consulting services for custom home builders and remodelers of all sizes throughout his career.

Connect with Erik: linkedin.com/in/erikcofield/

TIMELINE
0:48 Why company signage is important for builders

4:46 Why you should optimise your signage

7:50 Why some builders ignore signage

11:12 How to improve your signage and generate more leads

17:19 The importance of consistency across your signage

24:28 How signage can affect your margins

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
31 min
October 19, 2023104. Adopting A Learning Mindset With Norm Wales
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Norm Wales, Owner of Norm Wales Constructions based out of Bundaberg, Australia. In this episode, Norm gets into his journey as a builder, how he built up NWC to what it is today, and the challenges he faced to get there.

INSIDE EPISODE 104 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to overcome challenges in your building company

The importance of educating your customers

How to maintain quality and your margins

The sacrifices you need to make to run a profitable business

How to let go of some control in your business

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how you can take your mistakes and adopt a learning mindset to come out on top in the end.

If you want to start learning today, a great place to start is with APB’s vast array of free resources, browse what’s available by clicking on the button below.

Resources For Builders: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/resources/

ABOUT NORM WALES

Norm Wales Constructions takes the stress out of building in Bundaberg, with clear and constant communication Norm guides his clients through the complete building process, and works with them to achieve the highest standard of quality to give them peace of mind and the reassurance they deserve.

Connect with Norm: linkedin.com/in/norm-wales-60a220109/

TIMELINE
0:58 How Norm Wales Construction came to be

4:19 The biggest challenges Norm has faced

8:46 The importance of educating your customers

13:43 How Norm maintains quality in his builds

16:32 How Norm has dealt with the challenges of running a building company

20:17 The sacrifices Norm needed to make to grow his business

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
38 min
October 12, 2023103. The Labour Shortage With Russ, Sky & Andy
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. In the episode, the trio get into what’s driving the staffing crisis in the construction industry.

INSIDE EPISODE 103 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why fewer people are entering the construction industry

How to encourage people to get into the industry

Why company culture is essential to retain staff

The importance of giving your employees a career path

The best way to find new talent

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the current labour trends, and find out what you can be doing to gain, and retain great staff.

ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.

Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens

ABOUT SKY KOLADE

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Sky specialises in taking complex business strategies and converting them into actionable step-by-step guides for building company owners. Sky is also a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and the Top 100 Women in the broader construction sector.

Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens

ABOUT ANDY SKARDA

Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/

TIMELINE
0:47 Labour and staffing trends

7:22 Why less people are getting into the industry

11:14 The impact of a labour shortage on construction companies

20:41 Short term solutions for finding staff

25:16 What a great company culture looks like

31:06 What to do if you're desperate for staff

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
43 min
October 05, 2023102. The Importance Of Estimating With Tom Lawson
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Tom Lawson, from Vision2Estimating. Throughout this episode, Tom gets into the importance of accurate estimating, and how V2E generates accurate residential building estimates using unique 3D technology.

INSIDE EPISODE 102 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why accurate project estimating is so important

The most important factors in estimating

What options builders have when it comes to estimating

Whether estimating is something you should tackle in-house

The pitfalls of getting your estimates wrong

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find the key building blocks you need to craft the most accurate estimates for your clients.

Need help estimating? APB Members can claim a 8% cash rebate on their estimating costs with V2E when they register their interest through APB Rewards.

Access The Course associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/v2e/

ABOUT TOM LAWSON

Vision 2 Estimating provides tailored and accurate residential building estimates – using unique 3D technology that’s developed and powered by experienced industry specialists. Tom has gone from developing the current Timber Framing Business into what it is today, to now overseeing the development of V2E’s Full Build Estimate service.

Connect with Tom: linkedin.com/in/tommlawson/

TIMELINE
0:47 About V2E

2:14 The importance of accurate estimating

7:28 The implications of inaccurate estimates

18:58 What options do builders have when it comes to estimating

25:17 How 3D technology helps with estimating

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
37 min
September 28, 2023101. Closing The Sale With Clint Best
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Clint Best, Executive Business Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Clint gets into the importance of having a sales process in your building company, how to get your leads across the line and most importantly, how to close the sale.

INSIDE EPISODE 101 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What to do when quality leads start drying up

The importance of a sales process

Why you shouldn’t start cutting your prices

How to improve your sales process

The psychology of working with prospects

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn exactly how you can turn more leads, into more sales for your building company.

APB Members can access the Closing The Sale action plan right now in their members portal, or by clicking on the button below.

Access The Course coaching.apbbuilders.com/courses/enrolled/2184696

ABOUT CLINT BEST

Clint was trained and certified by the world’s largest business coaching team and was eventually named the Canadian Coach of the Year in 2006, before leaving to form Kaizen Business Development in 2007. He has been successfully coaching business owners in Canada and the United States for 18 years and now forms part of the Executive Business Coaching Team at APB.

Connect with Clint: linkedin.com/in/clintbest/?originalSubdomain=ca

TIMELINE
1:10 What makes sales such a pressing issue for builders

4:48 Common mistakes builders make with sales

6:32 Sales is a skill, and you can learn it

8:52 Advice for builders uncomfortable with the sales process

11:38 The implications of not having a sales process

19:41 How to counteract a 'bad market'

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
41 min
September 21, 2023100. Best Builders Secrets Revisited With Russ, Sky & Andy
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. In the podcast's 100th episode, the trio will be revisiting some of the most popular topics that resonated with builders.

INSIDE EPISODE 100 WE'LL BE REVISITING
How to manage your clients expectations

The sales process for builders

Closing high margin contracts

Fixed price vs cost plus contracts

The mindset of a professional builder

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn the best builder's secrets from the past 100 episodes!

To learn more about transforming your building company and if the APB is right for you, click the button below to watch a live demonstration.

Watch The Demo go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/getdemo-ga

ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.

Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens

ABOUT SKY KOLADE

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Sky specialises in taking complex business strategies and converting them into actionable step-by-step guides for building company owners. Sky is also a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and the Top 100 Women in the broader construction sector.

Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens

ABOUT ANDY SKARDA

Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/

TIMELINE
1:04 Reflecting on episodes that have most resonated with builders

6:59 Managing client expectations

12:51 Talking sales

22:10 Builders financials

28:54 Fixed price vs cost plus

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
48 min
September 14, 202399. Accurate Financial Reporting With Peter Olejniczak & Chris Anderson
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Chris Anderson and Peter Olejniczak from Monthend, an accounting firm for construction pros in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In this episode, Chris and Peter discuss the complex intricacies of running a profitable building company and creating accurate financial reports.

INSIDE EPISODE 99 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why profitability in the construction industry is a unique proposition

What the Work In Progress Accounting Adjustment (WIPAA) is and why it’s important

How often you should report on WIPAA

The consequences of inaccurately reporting WIPAA

The secret tool that building company owners use for financial
reporting is saving them hours every week

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to improve financial reporting in your building company and increase profitability.

Want to learn how to properly calculate your work in progress?

Download the WIPAA Calculator Now go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/work-in-progress

ABOUT CHRIS ANDERSON

Chris Anderson is the Founder of Monthend. He is a finance and accounting pro focused on the service and software needs of construction firms. Prior to founding Monthend, Chris was CFO and partner of a $100 million company for 10 years and has helped many companies grow and thrive through careful planning, right-fit financing solutions, and meaningful analytics.

Connect with Chris: linkedin.com/in/chrisandersonmonthendcpa/

ABOUT PETER OLEJNICZAK

Peter is a Director at Monthend and a professional cyclist. He specializes in the financial needs of construction companies and has extensive experience in process implementation and managerial accounting.

Connect with Peter: linkedin.com/in/peter-olejniczak-71248969/

TIMELINE
1:13 How Monthend got started

7:13 Why builders are using financial management software

11:25 What are builders aiming for, and is it achievable?

14:23 Why financial health in the construction industry is so unique

20:54 How Monthend simplifies financials

25:29 How often should you update your financial reports

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
49 min
September 07, 202398. Running a Remodeling Business With Barbara & Kris MacGregor
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the owners of MyHome Renovations, Barbara and Kris MacGregor. In this episode, the duo get into their transition from being a part of a franchise to branching out on their own, and how they transformed their renovation company with APB’s systems.

INSIDE EPISODE 98 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What it’s like to work with your spouse

The key differences between a new home builder and a renovation specialist

The biggest challenges the two have faced in their business

Transitioning from a franchise to being on your own

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how Barbara and Kris have crafted a successful renovation company utilising APB’s systems and processes.

Want to learn how to properly calculate your work in progress?

Download the WIPAA Calculator Now go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/work-in-progress

ABOUT BARBARA MACGREGOR

Barbara manages the marketing and administration at MyHome Renovations. She comes from a background in sales and marketing and has been working alongside Kris since 2010. Barbara recently received the Highly Commended award for Excellence in Construction Administration - Office Based from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Connect with Barbara: linkedin.com/in/barbara-macgregor-192a87139/

ABOUT KRIS MACGREGOR

As the owner and Managing Director, Kris will guide you through the design and product selection process. He’s a trade-qualified carpenter and a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) and will oversee the construction of your project. He’s been renovating Auckland homes for over 20 years and has been involved in more than 200 renovation projects during his career.

Connect with Kris: linkedin.com/in/kris-macgregor-a5a95856/

TIMELINE
1:14 About Barbara & Kris' business

6:24 The problems with joining a franchise

9:37 The key differences between a remodeler and a new home builder

14:05 The end to end renovation process

16:25 The advantages of fixed price contracts

24:56 The importance of staff retention

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
42 min
August 31, 202397. Controlling Your Sales Process With Sky Kolade
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the Association of Professional Builders co-founder, Sky Kolade. In this episode, Sky discusses how builders can take back control of the sales process when clients try to dictate terms.

INSIDE EPISODE 97 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why uncertainty makes your clients want to take control of the sales process

Why saying ‘yes’ to everything your prospect wants will simply create more problems in the long run

The business-critical problems that result from handing over control to your clients

A proven step-by-step process for taking back control of the sales process

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to take back control of the sales process when clients try to dictate terms.

Want to know the #1 secret that successful builders use to avoid building for problem clients?

Download the Sales Blueprint For Builders Nowgo.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/blueprint

ABOUT SKY KOLADE

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Sky specialises in taking complex business strategies and converting them into actionable step-by-step guides for building company owners. Sky is also a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and the Top 100 Women in the broader construction sector.

Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens

TIMELINE
1:05 Sales process challenges

3:57 The problem with clients trying to control the building process

10:07 The implications of giving too much control to your clients

17:48 Good marketing alone won't save your business

21:39 Qualifying your prospects

28:48 Getting your clients into concepts

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
50 min
August 24, 202396. Building Homes In Guatemala With Betty & Sven
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Sven and Betty from the 141 Project, a charitable organisation that builds houses for families in need around the world. In this episode, we delve into the 141 Project’s backstory and its global impact.

INSIDE EPISODE 96 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What the 141 Project is and its purpose

The 141 Project’s global impact

How your donation helps those in need

The importance of helping to fight poverty

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode and learn exactly what the 141 Project is doing to aid those struck by poverty in underprivileged societies and how you can help.
Every APB Member that renews their membership triggers a USD$100 donation to the 141 Project. For every 25 membership renewals, APB funds one home for a family in need.
Learn More About APB’s Contribution Hereassociationofprofessionalbuilders.com/our-contribution/

ABOUT SVEN GUSTAFSON

Founder of the 141 Project and CEO of Stonewood LLC, Sven grew up the son of a home builder, learning the aspects of fine homebuilding from the bottom up. He has been recognized as 40 under 40 by Mpls. St. Paul Business Journal as well as Professional Builder Magazine. He also has developed and markets industry-leading construction project management software used worldwide by builders, remodelers, and commercial contractors. .

Connect with Sven: linkedin.com/in/svengustafson/

ABOUT BETTY MERIDA

Betty is the founder of Breaking Cycles, a ministry in Guatemala that works to break cycles of poverty, lack of education, and abuse through programs that meet needs of the community. Breaking Cycles runs a tutoring program for elementary and middle school students, teaches job skills, builds homes for families in need, and gives beds to children whose families attend educational workshops.

TIMELINE
1:17 What the 141 Project is

3:44 The 141 Project’s impact

8:34 How a donation transfers into real-world benefits

15:17 Sven’s hands-on experience in Guatemala

21:15 Breaking the cycle of poverty

24:54 Why your contribution matters

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
29 min