APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

March 30, 202375. The SORCI 2023 Report Insights 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 discuss the SORCI (State of the Residential Construction Industry) report for 2023, which gives insights into the trends and challenges faced by the building industry.

INSIDE EPISODE 75 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The SORCI reports importance for builders looking to stay ahead of the curve

The extensive research process that goes into making the SORCI report

Key areas builders need to focus on throughout 2023

How to use the SORCI report as a business assessment tool

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to understand the reports actionable insights so you can stay informed and competitive in the ever-evolving building industry.

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
1:53 What the SORCI report is

11:01 The key areas builders need to focus on

14:01 The biggest hurdles that builders will need to overcome

18:04 Using SORCI as a business assessment tool

19:35 How can builders use the report as a benchmarking framework

34:16 How to use the report for your 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
39 min
March 23, 202374. Transitioning From Home Builder To Business Builder With Daniel Troncoso
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Daniel Troncoso, owner of Ocean Avenue Custom Builders based in New Jersey, USA. Throughout this episode, Daniel goes over his journey from being a labourer, tradesmen, and home builder to becoming a successful business builder with the help of APB coaching.

INSIDE EPISODE 74 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How Daniel got started on his journey and his ambitions for his business

The challenges Daniel faced before discovering APB

The importance of having the right mindset when thinking about change and transitioning to a business builder

The systems Daniel is implementing in his business with the help of APB coaching

Daniel's advice for builders thinking about building their business

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover valuable insights and advice for builders looking to take their business to the next level with the help of coaching and a growth mindset.

ABOUT DANIEL TRONCOSO

Daniel Troncoso is the owner of Ocean Avenue Custom Builders. He’s walked many paths in the building industry from labour work, framing, commercial roofing, opening his own carpentry business to now owning and operating his own building company.

TIMELINE
1:44 Daniel's journey as a builder

5:36 Daniel's ambitious goals for his business

8:57 The biggest challenges Daniel faced before joining APB

18:41 New systems and technologies Daniel implemented with the help of coaching

19:31 The mindset a builder needs to have when thinking about change

23:42 The biggest factor in Daniel's success and growth

27:19 Advice for other builders wanting to transition into a business builder

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
32 min
March 16, 202373. The Real Cost Of Mates Rates With Andy Skarda
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 create value

Strategies for staying competitive without reducing prices

The importance of pricing and quoting the right way to protect your margins

The benefits of being picky with the type of buyers you deal with

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn how you can offer great value to your mates without putting your building company at risk!

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
1:48 Why mates' rates so popular in construction

5:01 How critical mates' rates are to a builder's financials

5:58 What are the real cost of mates' rates to a building company

8:46 Better alternative to mates' rates

15:58 How builders can stay competitive and protect their margins during these hard times

26:35 How APB helps its members to price and quote for great value

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
35 min
March 09, 202372. Keeping Your Estimates Accurate With Julian Krishnan Nair
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 builders’ blind spots

What builders need to be prepared for in the long term

What clients are expecting from builders and the building process

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn the importance of keeping your estimates accurate, and how Buildxact can help.

ABOUT JULIAN KRISHNAN NAIR

Julian is an experienced Partnerships Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. He’s skilled in Customer Service, Sales, Business Development, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Strategy, backed by a Bachelors focused in Business Management from the University of Hertfordshire.

Connect with Julian: linkedin.com/in/julian-krishnan-nair-

TIMELINE
1:21 About Buildxact and Julian’s role

4:46 How Buildxact makes a positive impact on builders’ day-to-day business operations

8:46 What causes estimates to be inaccurate?

10:51 Staying on top of rate and price increases and common blind spots for builders

20:21 Tips for builders using Buildxact

25:59 What are clients expecting from builders and the building process?

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Buildxact: buildxact.com/

Buildxact APB Preferred Partner: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/buildxact/

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
March 02, 202371. Introducing APB Chapters With Russ, Sky & Andy
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 member

Why builders need to connect with each other

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly how APB Chapter meetings are helping to build a community where builders support eachother and can have a race to the top, instead of a race to the bottom.

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
2:07 What are APB Chapters and who can join

8:58 What makes these chapters unique for builders

19:13 The benefit for builders

25:19 The long-term vision for APB Chapters

26:23 The importance of builders connecting with each other

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

More info on APB Chapters: go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/chapters

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
40 min
February 23, 202370. Why Every Builder Must Have Tenacity With Stacey Shotwell
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 building industry and found his purpose in life

memorable mistakes that define who Stacey is today

Defining moments that have contributed to his success

What exactly goes into having a tenacious mindset

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn about Stacey’s story including all of the highs and lows, and find out exactly why he believes builders must have tenacity.

ABOUT STACEY SHOTWELL

Stacey builds homes in the Gunter, Frisco, and Prosper areas and has been in the building industry since 1997. He initially got his start in the world of construction through real estate, but long before that, he was a barber. He started out flipping homes, but couldn't find the workers to get projects finished, so Stacey took on the responsibility for himself and the rest is history.

Connect with Stacey: linkedin.com/in/stacey-shotwell-b4164137

TIMELINE
1:31 About Stacey and how he got into building

3:50 Memorable mistakes that define who Stacey is today

10:48 Some of the tenacious moves that contributed to Stacey’s success

15:04 How Stacey came across APB and his relationship with the company today

16:23 Advice for other builders who are thinking of joining APB

24:31 Stacey’s advice for other builders preparing for the future

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Parks-Hatherley: parkshatherley.com/

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
32 min
February 16, 202369. How To Recruit Top Talent For A Building Company With Sky Stephens
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 top talent

The #1 list of best interview questions

Retaining, developing and rewarding staff members

Why you should be always on the lookout for top talent

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the key tips, examples and checklists for recruiting top talent for your building company.

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

TIMELINE
2:31 Recruitment problems in the building industry

6:48 The magic formula for finding top talent

8:24 Key steps for the perfect interview

31:59 How to retain staff

39:29 Key checklists and tips

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

For APB Members: Training New Team Members Action Plan coaching.apbbuilders.com

For Non-Members: APB Demo associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/demo

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
February 09, 202368. Keeping Your Sites Safe With Luke Williams
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 virtual reality the future of health and safety?

Health and safety words of wisdom you need to hear

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover what you need to be incorporating to feel confident you-re on top of health and safety procedures, protecting your staff and business.

ABOUT LUKE WILLIAMS

Luke Williams is the General Manager of HazardCo Australia and has over 10 years experience in the building and construction industry. Luke was the foundation HazardCo employee in Australia and is a member of the group executive team. Since market entry in late 2019, HazardCo has seen rapid growth in Australia and now has more than 10,000 businesses using the system across Australia and New Zealand.

Luke is passionate about driving change in the construction industry more broadly; with better communication, increased efficiency, improved systems and most importantly a focused approach to improving diversity. Luke is a firm believer that it is diversity that unlocks innovation and believes this is the key to driving the construction industry to ever greater heights.

Connect with Luke: linkedin.com/in/lukewilliams

TIMELINE
1:30 About Luke and his role at HazardCo

4:37 Potential dangers on a building site

12:58 Common blindspots to consider

19:50 The future for construction health and safety

24:11 Key words of wisdom

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

HazardCo Website: hazardco.com.au

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
27 min
February 02, 202367. Professional Contract Proposals With Russ, Sky & Andy
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 contract proposals

The problems with an unclear contract proposal

The key elements of a good contract proposal

Considerations to keep in mind and common blind spots

Examples of success using a professional contract proposal

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover a step-by-step guide to building a foolproof professional contract proposal to maximise your profit margin and 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
2:50 The importance of strong contract proposals

7:03 Critical elements of a contract proposal

13:56 Where to start

22:03 Common blindspots

29:15 Fixed contracts and a 30-day deadline

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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
January 26, 202366. Using APB Systems In A Small Town With Rob & Amy Burton
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 it’s like working with a business coach and the hurdles they’ve overcome

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover how to grow a building company even when the odds aren’t stacked in your favour.

ABOUT ROB BURTON

Rob has a diverse background in carpentry, cabinetry, and concrete construction, which allows him to understand the structure and final finishes of all their projects from ground-breaking to completion. Dedication to implement the field work to the office and budgets allows projects to flow smoothly in a timely fashion. Every project gets pure dedication from myself and our team.

Connect with Rob: linkedin.com/in/rob-burton-ramton-homes-ltd-95b51b67/

ABOUT AMY BURTON

Amy started with a real estate firm shortly after finishing Business Administration at Lethbridge College. Not long after, she really grew to love all sides of the industry and community involvement. After their second daughter was born, Rob & Amy felt it was the right time for her to transition into the family business on a more full-time basis. Dedication to clients, project efficiency, and accounting makes for a perfect fit with Ramton Homes. Amy takes care of client billing, social media, project budgets and helping with anything else that may be needed.

TIMELINE
2:49 Ramton Homes and having a business in a small town in Alberta

8:15 What’s it like being married and working together as well?

9:18 What APB systems are you using and how are they impacting your business?

15:12 How do you approach marketing and sales in a small town?

16:42 How has technology contributed to your increase in revenue and sales?

19:19 Can a building business just survive on referrals?

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Ramton Homes: ramtonhomes.ca/

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

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