APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

August 17, 202395. Achieving High Performance 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 it really takes to become a high performing builder.

INSIDE EPISODE 95 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What a high performing builder looks like

If it’s worth becoming a high performer

The importance of mindset

The steps you can take to become a high performer

If coaching is the right solution for you

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn the #1 thing you can do right now to start the journey to becoming a high performing builder.

To learn more about transforming your building company and if coaching is the right path forward for you, click the link below to book a call with one of our coaches.

Book A Callgo.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/meetings/apb/call

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
0:58 What makes a high performing builder?

4:51 The importance of mindset

14:08 How the people you surround yourself with affect your building company

27:22 How to become a high performing building company

33:47 The #1 thing you can do right now to improve your performance

40:47 Is coaching the right path for you?

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
47 min
August 10, 202394. End To End Client Experience With Felipe Freig
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the CEO of Versa Homes, Felipe Freig. In this episode, Felipe delves into his journey from a trade, to becoming a fully-fledged custom home builder, and explains how to curate an exceptional client experience.

INSIDE EPISODE 94 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to build relationships with your clients

The importance of the client experience

How to create scarcity for your services

Why you need to be transparent with your clients

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode and uncover exactly how to build relationships with your clients and give them an end-to-end experience that exceeds their expectations.

APB Members can discover more about the client experience and learn how to create an unforgettable handover experience that creates lifelong promoters for your building company inside the Ultimate Handover Checklist Action Plan.

Access the Action Plan now coaching.apbbuilders.com/courses/enrolled/2011833

FELIPE FREIG

As a custom home builder, Felipe takes every home very seriously. Every home he builds can’t just be “good”; it has to be awesome! He wants his clients to be proud of their custom homes and excited to live in them. As the owner of Versa Homes, Felipe is committed to building legacy homes, homes that outlast many generations to come, homes that people can be proud of.

Connect with Felipe: linkedin.com/in/felipe-freig-a886a594/

TIMELINE
1:30 Felipes background and transition from contractor to building company owner

13:30 The challenges Felipe faced

16:20 Fixed price vs cost plus contracts

25:15 The end-to-end client experience

34:23 Creating scarcity

40:23 The software Felipe uses in his building company

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
54 min
August 03, 202393. Closing High Margin Contracts With Russ Stephens
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with APB Co-founder Russ Stephens. In this episode, Russ reveals the 3-step process for builders to attract more quality leads, convert them into high-margin contracts, and avoid competing on price.

INSIDE EPISODE 93 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why most builders add smaller margins to their jobs than the industry benchmark

The fundamental problem with under-pricing your jobs and why it could be fatal for your building company

The 3-part system builders can implement right now to overcome this challenge and start closing more high-margin contracts

The marketing strategy that attracts the best clients to you

How to identify and close high-quality prospects with a simple sales process

A critical mistake builders make when trying to scale

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the step-by-step system for attracting, converting, and closing more high-margin contracts.

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

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

TIMELINE
1:03 Defining high margin contracts

8:40 Pricing 4 Profit explained

12:41 The problem with most builders' business model

22:11 How to attract high quality leads

34:51 How to convert your leads

40:24 Using construction slots to close sales

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
52 min
July 27, 202392. Recruiting Onsite Staff With Erin Longmoon
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the CEO of Zephyr Connects, Erin Longmoon. In this episode, Erin unpacks the common pitfalls builders face when recruiting onsite staff, and the strategies you can implement to ensure you hire the best staff for your building company.

INSIDE EPISODE 92 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to interview prospective hires

The importance of hiring the right staff

Common mistakes to avoid when hiring

How to find the right culture fit for your company

The value of reference checks and how to ask the right questions

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly what goes into recruiting onsite staff and how you can retain the best hires.

Need help recruiting? APB Members can claim a 12% cash rebate on their recruiting services with Zephyr Connects.

Claim Your Reward Nowassociationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/zephyr-connects/

ABOUT ERIN LONGMOON

Erin created Zephyr Connects in response to her clients' needs for help with building effective and successful teams. In her role as the CEO, she leads Zephyr’s amazing team, does public speaking, content writing, envisions the future direction of her company, comes up with new and innovative ways to serve their fantastic clients, acts as the CFO, and oversees their client engagements.

Connect with Erin: linkedin.com/in/longmoon/

TIMELINE
1:00 About Eryn and Zephyr Connects

7:38 The key differences when hiring different types of staff

15:43 Staff retention and company culture

29:48 The interview process

35:51 Mistakes builders make when hiring

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
July 20, 202391. Elite Mentoring 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 discuss the benefits Elite Mentoring can have for your building company.

INSIDE EPISODE 91 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What Elite Mentoring is and who it’s for

How Elite Mentoring is different from Business Coaching

The impact Elite Mentoring has had on APB members

Whether you’re eligible for Elite Mentoring

What’s involved in Elite Mentoring

The problems builders face that lead them into Elite Mentoring

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn exactly what Elite Mentoring is and the impact it could have on your building company.

To learn more about APB’s Elite Mentoring, click the link below to book a call with one of our coaches.

Book A Callgo.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/meetings/apb/call

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
1:05 Elite Mentoring and who it’s for

6:18 Problems builders face that lead them into Elite Mentoring

32:58 Whether you should make the jump into Elite Mentoring

35:43 Who is eligible for Elite Mentoring

39:33 The next steps if you want to get involved with mentoring

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

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
July 13, 202390. Achieving Financial Independence With Ryan Stannard
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the owner of Stannard Family Homes, Ryan Stannard. In this episode, Ryan gets into exactly how he achieved level 10 of APB’s professional builder levels, becoming APB’s first officially certified professional builder.

INSIDE EPISODE 90 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What the professional builder levels are

What a builder needs to do in order to reach level 10

The importance of marketing when growing your business

How to triple your margins

The sacrifices Ryan made to reach this elite level of performance

The next steps after reaching level 10

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover Ryan’s plans for the future and how he’s set his family up for success by systemising his building company.

Access the free WIPAA calculator by clicking on the button below

Download Here: go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/work-in-progress

ABOUT RYAN STANNARD

Ryan Stannard was initiated into the building industry through his family’s building company. Ryan has worked in the industry for over 20 years and commenced Stannard Family Homes based on the values of his father’s era; exceptional customer service and high-quality homes at realistic prices. Combined with his energy and vision for creating modern homes for the 21st century, this has made Stannard Family Homes a leader in residential construction in Adelaide.

Connect with Ryan: linkedin.com/in/ryan-stannard-293343112/

TIMELINE
1:35 Ryan’s history with the APB

2:33 The APB Builder Levels

11:56 The impact of WIPAA

20:05 Work smarter, not harder

30:37 Growing from 10 to 35% margin

31:44 The impact of marketing

38:11 Ryan’s succession plan

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
46 min
July 06, 202389. Accurate Project Reporting With Dennis Wong
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with APB Executive Business Coach Dennis Wong. In this episode, Dennis delves into the importance of project reporting, and how builders can get on top of their profit and loss before it's too late.

INSIDE EPISODE 89 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The in’s and out’s of project reporting

How to keep your reporting accurate

How to increase your profit margin

The KPI’s you need to be tracking

What to do when a build is overrunning and costing you too much money

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly how you can start to accurately report your projects, so that you aren’t leaving money on the table.
APB Members can access the free Project Reporting Sheet download inside the Accurate Project Reporting action plan.

Access The Course Now coaching.apbbuilders.com/courses/enrolled/2117343

ABOUT DENNIS WONG

Based in Sydney, Australia, Dennis Wong is one of the Australasian Executive Business Coaches at the Association of Professional Builders. A Coach-U and FocalPoint Coaching accredited business coach also serving on the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Alliance of Coaches (APAC), Dennis now works exclusively with owners of residential building companies in Australia and New Zealand that are looking to fast-track their results.

Connect with Dennis: linkedin.com/in/dennis-s-wong/

TIMELINE
1:10 Project Reporting Explained

4:22 Getting on top of your profit and loss before it's too late

7:08 How builders react to KPI's and project reporting

9:24 What builders can do to increase their profit margin

14:42 How long it takes to accurately report a job

17:25 The KPI's you need to be tracking

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
24 min
June 29, 202388. Building A Healthy Home With Zara D'Cotta
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the owner of The Healthy Home, Zara D’Cotta. In this episode, Zara unpacks the concept of building biology, why it’s important for builders in the long-term, and the first thing you can do right now to commit to building healthier homes.

INSIDE EPISODE 88 YOU WILL DISCOVER
An explanation of building biology

Why a builder should care about building healthier homes

The 5 key pillars of a healthy home

Whether it is more expensive to build a healthy home

What a builder can do prior to construction to deliver a healthy home build

What a builder can do during construction to build a healthy home

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover what you can do as a builder to deliver your clients not just any old house, but a healthy home.

APB Members can claim an 8% cash rebate on Zara’a Healthy Building Materials Mastermind.

Claim Your Reward Now: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/the-healthy-home/

ABOUT ZARA D'COTTA

Zara helps home renovators, builders, and building industry professionals, make informed choices in relation to building materials and healthy home design, so the homes they create are not only better for the planet but their own well-being too.

Connect with Zara: linkedin.com/in/zara-dcotta/

TIMELINE
1:22 About Zara and The Healthy Home

2:03 What is building biology?

7:00 What a builder can do during construction to build a healthy home

12:12 The 5 key pillars of a healthy home

14:06 The price to build a healthy home

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
30 min
June 22, 202387. Managing Stress With Russ, Sky & Andy
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with 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 talk about managing stress as a building company owner.

INSIDE EPISODE 87 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How builders interpret stress

What happens if building company owners don’t address their stress levels

How to think differently about stress and empower your staff

The big mistake building company owners make that could be contributing to their stress

Actionable steps home builders can put in place to better manage stress

Why leadership capability is critical to managing stress in a building company

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to identify and manage stress in your building company before it’s too late.

One of the best ways to deal with stress is to talk to other people who understand what you are going through. It’s why we created APB Chapters. Chapters are run by builders for builders. They offer a forum to talk openly and honestly with other like-minded building company owners who can provide support and guidance to each other.

Register For Your Nearest Chapter Here go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/chapters

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
1:01 Defining Stress

5:30 What causes stress for building company owners

13:08 The implications stress has on a building company

22:26 The mistakes builders are making

32:43 Creating a second brain

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets
57 min
June 15, 202386. The Building Industry Trap With Jim Schneider
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with the owner of Schneider Construction, Jim Schneider. Throughout this episode, Jim delves into the challenges he faced with his building company, and the tools and systems he used to get Schneider Construction to where it is today.

INSIDE EPISODE 86 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The all too common trap Jim fell in

The tools and systems Jim used to elevate his building company

The biggest challenges Jim faced

How to encourage the next generation to become true craftsmen

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the all too common trap Jim fell into, thinking that he could win more deals by cutting his prices, and discover exactly how he changed his business for the better and came out on top.

ABOUT JIM SCHNEIDER

Jim is the owner of Schneider Construction, LLC. He is a master builder, and builds and remodels high-value custom homes in Virginia’s Eastern Shore that stand as exemplars of quality, design and coastal living.

Connect with Jim: linkedin.com/in/schneiderconstructionva

TIMELINE
1:05 How Jim got into the construction industry

6:15 The biggest challenge Jim faced

7:30 How we can encourage the next generation of professional builders

13:13 The implications of a lack of craftsmen

18:50 The tools that helped Jim succeed

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
28 min