APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

June 08, 202385. Working With Family With Russ and Sky
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade. Throughout this episode, the two delve into the joys and trials builders may face when choosing to work with their family.

INSIDE EPISODE 85 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of a mediator

The secrets to success in a family run business

Balancing family and professional relationships at work

Navigating family dynamics at work

How to harness strengths and manage conflicts

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn all the complexities that go into working with family, and the strategies you can implement to help your business run smoothly.

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

TIMELINE
1:44 0:32 How common is working with family in the building industry?

7:17 The challenges of working with family

16:47 The potential of inheriting a massive liability

20:14 The implications a family dynamic can have on the business

22:20 Advice for family businesses

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
June 01, 202384. How To Sign Contracts 12 Months In Advance With Roland Nairnsey
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with new home sales coach and founder of New Home Sales Plus, Roland Nairnsey. Throughout this episode, Roland outlines where builders struggle today when it comes to contracts and sales, and shares his insights on the tactics profitable builders use to sign contracts 12 months in advance.

INSIDE EPISODE 84 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to customise pitches based on prospects' needs and create urgency to close future agreements

How to identify ideal buying personas and understand customer preferences in contracts

Effective sales and marketing tactics in the construction industry today

Trends in the building space

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the sales and marketing tactics that work in the industry and learn how to start signing contracts months in advance.

ABOUT ROLAND NAIRNSEY

Roland became a licensed Realtor in 1984 and started working for his first homebuilder in 1987. He has successfully sold homes for numerous builders ever since as both a salesperson, selling Sales Manager and Director of Sales, and is personally responsible for almost one billion dollars’ worth of new home sales. Roland formed his own training company New Home Sales Plus, a few years ago and has very quickly gained a loyal following of clients all over North America.

Connect with Roland: linkedin.com/in/roland-nairnsey-43275a8/

TIMELINE
1:43 About Roland and what his company specialises in

4:02 Where builders struggle when it comes to contracts and sales

14:15 What customers are looking for in contracts

17:31 Discovering the character of your clients

24:19 What type of buying persona or avatar you should look for

30:38 Sales and marketing tactics that are working in the industry

34:35 Common blind spots builders have in their agreements

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Roland Nairnsey New Home Sales Plus: newhomesalesplus.com/

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
45 min
May 25, 202383. The 5 Stages Of Decline For A Building Company 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 Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio delve into the 5 stages of decline of a building company, and what you can do to salvage a building company in decline before it’s too late.

INSIDE EPISODE 83 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The stages of decline in a building company

How to pivot and make a change if your companies in trouble

The key factors that cause a building company to decline

When it’s too late to salvage a declining company

Proactive things builders can do to prevent and prepare for financial hardship

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn if your building company is in a state of decline and the actions you can take to revitalise it.

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 STEPHENS

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
1:57 The clear signs a building company is in decline

7:36 Building company owners are usually in denial when their business is in decline

10:23 Is it possible to salvage a declining building company?

12:27 When is it time to cut your losses?

15:28 Avenues to pivot and make change when you know your building company is in trouble

21:14 Key factors that end up making a building company struggle

23:42 Proactive actions builders can take to prevent and prepare for financial hardship

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
May 18, 202382. Transitioning To Fixed Price Contracts With Lee Ambrose
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Lee Ambrose, Managing Director at Ambrose Design and Construct based in Brisbane, Australia. Throughout this episode, Lee delves into the journey he and his business has went on, his transition into fixed price contracts and the ways in which he’s transformed his business since joining the APB.

INSIDE EPISODE 82 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The challenges faced by builders before transitioning to fixed price contracts

The importance of projecting all of your fixed expenses

The advantages of using project management tools

Why it can be so challenging to change your ways as a builder

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly what transitioning to fixed price contracts can do for your building company.

ABOUT LEE AMBROSE

Lee is the Managing Director and Founder of Ambrose and once upon a time he used to wear every hat in the company. These days, his main role is Managing director and Sales manager, liaising with his sales estimator and managing his department heads to ensure everything is running as smoothly as possible.

Connect with Lee: linkedin.com/in/lee-ambrose-a2a261155

TIMELINE
1:40 How Lee got started and his business ambitions

3:59 What kind of contracts Lee used before transitioning

7:31 How Lee has transformed his business working with APB

10:06 The importance of fixed price contracts and how secure they are

13:19 The construction software Lee utilises

15:17 Why is it so challenging for builders to change their ways?

22:30 What Lee’s discovered in the process of transitioning to fixed price contracts

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Ambrose Website: ambrose.com.au

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
26 min
May 11, 202381. Setting Your Company Culture With Clint Best
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Clint Best, Executive Business Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Clint discusses the importance of setting a strong company culture in your building company, and shares insights and strategies to help builders set and maintain a strong company culture.

INSIDE EPISODE 81 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What company culture is and why it’s so important

The consequences of not creating a strong company culture

How to start and measure your companies culture

How you can keep company culture alive

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover how setting a strong company culture is crucial for building companies to attract top talent, maintain high employee morale, and create a positive reputation.

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
4:47 The consequences of not creating your own strong company culture

7:16 How to start defining your companies culture

11:32 Metrics builders can look at to validate their culture

12:54 Culture starts at the top and requires consistent effort to maintain

21:01 The main components of setting up your company culture right

28:06 Culture isn't etched in stone, it can evolve over time to meet changing needs and priorities

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
May 04, 202380. How To Use Video To Tell Stories With Andy Johnston
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Johnston, Director at Expansion Media. Throughout this episode, Andy delves into the importance of video storytelling for builders and shares his expertise in creating engaging videos, tips on repurposing them and how often builders should consider producing video content.

INSIDE EPISODE 80 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why video is such a powerful way to connect with your clients

The types of videos builders should produce

Tips builders can use to prepare for video production

How to tell your story and get comfortable on camera

The importance of project showcases and client testimonials in your marketing strategy

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the key elements builders should focus on when creating video content, and how to overcome the challenges they may face in the process.

ABOUT ANDY JOHNSTON

Andy is the director of Expansion Media and specialises in creating video content for builders. Whether that be project showcases, client testimonials or even building your brand. Andy believes builders are amazing at what they do, and deserve their work to stand out and be appreciated in a saturated market.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-johnston-director

TIMELINE
2:11 Why video and storytelling is so important

3:28 What should builders be paying attention to when it comes to videos?

4:37 What types of videos do you shoot for builders and how do you bring those stories to life?

6:45 The key challenges builders face when it comes to video

17:03 What type of sentiment you need to capture for builders and their audiences

18:25 What goes into the post-production process?

20:31 How builders can repurpose their videos

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Expansion Media Website: expansionmedia.com.au

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
April 27, 202379. Fixed Price Vs Cost Plus 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 Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio delve into the key differences between fixed price and cost plus contracts, the pros and cons of each option, and how builders can go about making the switch.

INSIDE EPISODE 79 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The difference between fixed price and cost plus, and which is better for you

Potential downsides of each contract type

The impact of the past few years on builders' pricing strategies and how it may have affected their decisions

Why so many builders are struggling with pricing

How you can switch strategies

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly how switching to fixed price contracts can help to set your building company up for success.

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 STEPHENS

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
2:01 The difference between fixed price and cost plus

6:59 The downside of fixed price and cost plus

17:39 Builders who are adamant about using cost plus contracts

25:53 Builders we've seen transition from cost plus to fixed price

28:26 Can you offer both options to a client?

29:12 Can fixed price contracts be dangerous in the long term?

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
34 min
April 20, 202378. Transforming A Building Company Overnight With Keiron Moore
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Keiron Moore, owner of CKS Projects based in the South Coast of NSW, Australia. Throughout this episode, Keiron shares his experience transforming CKS Projects, and delves into the impact working with APB’s coaches had on him, and his approach to branding, marketing, and sales in his business.

INSIDE EPISODE 78 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How Keiron took the leap to start his own building company

When he realised he needed some structure and how he discovered APB

The impact coaching had on him and his business

Keirons new approach to branding, marketing, and sales and why clarity is essential when running a building company

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how you can transform your building company with the help of APB’s coaching and understand the importance of having a clear path laid out for your business to grow safely and securely.

ABOUT KEIRON MOORE

Keiron Moore is the owner & managing director of CKS Projects, specialising in luxury custom home builds in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions on the NSW South Coast. CKS Projects is a boutique small family operated design and construct company targeting new custom home builds for people in their local community and has been operating for over 7 years.

Connect with Keiron: linkedin.com/in/keiron-moore-cks-projects-aust/

TIMELINE
1:24 About Keiron and CKS Projects

6:17 When Keiron realised he needed structure and how APB helped

16:10 Keiron’s new approach to branding, marking and sales

17:46 Why it’s hard for building company owners to change their ways

19:10 Why clarity is essential when running a building business

21:24 The main contributing factor to the growth of CKS Projects

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

CKS Projects Website: cksprojects.com.au/

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
April 13, 202377. Construction Financials Benchmarks With Jacob Oelofse
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Jacob Oelofse, an Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Jacob discusses the importance of benchmarking your building company and how you can effectively track and analyse your metrics.

INSIDE EPISODE 77 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of tracking financial benchmarks and how they can help improve your businesses performance

How you can track these benchmarks using the SORCI report

Financial metrics and benchmarks that building companies should track, and the tools and resources available to help them do it

How benchmarking your building company can help identify your areas of improvement

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how you can get a competitive edge in the building industry by understanding your building companies financial benchmarks.

ABOUT JACOB OELOFSE

Jacob joined the APB team in 2021 when he moved his family from South Africa to Sydney. Jacob has coached hundreds of building company owners over the last 15 years. He enjoys stakeholder relations, financials and risk, sustainability, growth, marketing, and maximising profit margins in a company.

Connect with Jacob: linkedin.com/in/jacob-oelofse/?originalSubdomain=au

TIMELINE
3:35 Why benchmarking is important to builders and what they should focus on

7:17 How can building companies benefit from effective financial benchmarking?

9:15 What financial metrics should builders track?

10:48 What tools and resources can help builders store and analyse metrics?

18:31 How often should benchmarks be reviewed?

25:30 How many clients or members are getting their benchmarks right?

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
April 06, 202376. Creating Personal Wealth Outside Your Building Company With Todd Polke
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Todd Polke, a renowned wealth and investment strategist. In this episode, Todd shares his journey to success and explores how builders can create personal wealth outside of their building company.

INSIDE EPISODE 76 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Todd's journey to becoming a successful investment strategist

The importance of strategy when creating personal wealth outside of your business

Insider tips on leveraging time to create wealth opportunities outside your business

Common blind spots for new investors and popular investment strategies

How equities can help in successful wealth building

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover helpful tips that will allow you to leverage your time and create personal wealth outside of your building company.

ABOUT TODD POLKE

There is a reason that investors turn to Todd when they are ready to grow their wealth faster to create more money, more time and more freedom. Todd is an international educator and trainer in wealth creation and building strategic investment portfolios. His wealth systems guide investors on a step-by-step pathway to grow portfolios that deliver real financial results.

Connect with Todd: linkedin.com/in/investment-strategist/

TIMELINE
4:10 Todd’s journey discovering how this is his purpose in life

8:27 Creating wealth opportunities beyond your building company

11:59 Common blind spots of new investors

27:49 It’s in the downtimes where true wealth is made

30:17 Navigating rising interest rates as a builder

40:35 Diversifying yourself within the building industry

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Todd Polke: toddpolke.com/

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