APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

January 19, 202365. Why Margins Are Linked To Marketing With Russ Stephens
In episode 65 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens. Throughout this episode, Russ dives into the most effective strategies when it comes to marketing and how successful marketing practices have a direct impact on increasing net margins.

INSIDE EPISODE 65 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How much builders should be spending on marketing

The biggest blind spots most builders miss when marketing

A step-by-step guide to scaling

The business model that is helping builders thrive in today’s industry

The key resources builders need to help them ramp up their business

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover how the professional builders that are investing a larger percentage of their revenue into marketing are enjoying bigger profits due to the law of supply and demand.

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

TIMELINE
3:33 Supply and demand ratio in marketing

7:48 How to ramp up your marketing

14:07 Should every building company scale?

25:46 A business model set up for success

32:11 The key resources builders need

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Professional Builders Secrets Book: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/professionalsecretsbook

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
January 12, 202364. How To Avoid Pricing Mistakes With Darren Wallbank
In episode 64 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Darren Wallbank, Executive Chairman at Builda Price. Throughout this episode, Darren goes over costing projects in the building industry and the key to long-term profitability in your building company.

INSIDE EPISODE 64 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The main reason builders struggle with pricing

Automation, the future of the building industry?

How to prevent mistakes that lead to costly overruns

Specialist vs generalist? Which one is better

The key to pricing jobs to increase your net margin

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover what you need to be incorporating into your project costings to maximise your profit margin and set your building company up for success.

ABOUT DARREN WALLBANK

Having worked for a number of major building material suppliers in executive positions, Darren Wallbank knows the construction industry well. In his current role at BuildaPrice, he focuses on strategy and product development consulting often with builders to make sure their products reflect what is required.

He also heads up the development team helping them setup growth into Australia so that as a company they can react quickly with product changes to suit this ever changing industry.

Connect with Darren: linkedin.com/in/darrenwallbank

TIMELINE
1:39 About Darren and his role at Builda Price

6:04 The future of the building industry

11:39 Common mistakes that cause cost overruns

19:48 Why specialising increases your profitability

23:29 What’s in the pipeline from Builda Price?

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Builda Price:

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
January 05, 202363. When To Scale A Building Company With Russ, Sky And Andy
In episode 63 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over the key metrics to do when scaling a building company that will determine its longevity and profitability for the future.

INSIDE EPISODE 63 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why builders should want to scale their building company

What is involved in scaling a building company

How net profit determines scalability

A step-by-step guide to scaling

The 3 pillars that will determine your success in scaling

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover a step-by-step process on scaling your building company, the pitfalls to avoid and what resources are essential to your building company's success when scaling.

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 right time to scale your building company

8:19 How professional builders are scaling

19:59 Pitfalls to avoid when scaling

31:08 Ensuring profitability in this economic climate

37:35 The 3 pillars of scalability

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
45 min
December 29, 202262. Relocating A Building Company With Max Peterson
In episode 62 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Max Peterson, CEO and Managing Partner at Smith & Sons Remodeling North America. Throughout this episode, Max unpacks what it takes to relocate a building company overseas, the mindset needed and the lessons learned along the way.

INSIDE EPISODE 62 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What it takes to relocate a building company overseas

The history and continual development of a franchise style building company

How to rebuild a brand and reputation in any location

Why ‘starting over’ can be an incredible opportunity

How using hindsight leads to building a better future

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the key learnings in relocating a building company and how to set it up for success for the future using specific systems.

ABOUT MAX PETERSON

Max entered the construction industry in 1989 as a carpentry apprentice. Fast forward to today and he is now the CEO and Managing Partner at Smith & Sons Remodeling Experts in Canada. Each year Max speaks to many contractors in Canada about the ins and outs of how building companies operate and the key takeaways which makes them high performing professionals to which he shares this information in his podcast Business For Builders.

Connect with Max: linkedin.com/in/maxpeterson

TIMELINE
1:27 About Max Peterson and his role at Smith & Sons

5:23 The humility in learning

15:53 Building a reputation in a new country

25:52 The key to successfully relocating a building company

35:22 Lessons learned in hindsight

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Smith & Sons Remodeling North America: smithandsons.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
41 min
December 22, 202261. How To Get New Work Fast With Dennis Wong
In episode 61 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by one of the executive business coaches at APB, Dennis Wong. Throughout this episode, Dennis shares what builders should be considering and doing to get new work …fast.

INSIDE EPISODE 61 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of always having your eyes on new work

Why builders need work fast and current trends in the industry

The best practices in acquiring new clients

How not to compromise net profit just to find work quickly

The key metrics when looking for new work

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out exactly how professional builders are acquiring new work fast without compromising their bottom line.

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/denniswong

TIMELINE
1:43 Why builders need new work fast

6:32 Best practices in new acquisition

11:55 Do not compromise on quality just to find work quickly

18:58 What to consider when taking on new work

24:49 Knowing your Avatar is crucial

26:12 Time - the highest priority

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
29 min
December 15, 202260. Professional Development For Builders With Devin Perry
In episode 60 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Devin Perry, Executive Director of Business Improvement Programs for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Throughout this episode, Devin explains why professional development and how being able to access a broad range of resources is key to setting your building company up for success.

INSIDE EPISODE 60 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What NAHB is and how they help professional builders

Why professional development is the key to changing the building industry

The insider knowledge about what you should be paying attention to

How other builders are preparing for uncertainty and unpredictability

Proven ways to improve your work-life balance

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly how professional builders are taking charge and ensuring their success.

ABOUT DEVIN PERRY

Devin Perry has been part of NAHB since 2015 and is committed to providing up to date resources for professional home builders. Spanning worldwide with over 140,000 members, NAHB connects builders with relevant councils as well as their inhouse initiatives such as their NAHB 20 club.

Connect with Devin: linkedin.com/in/devinperry

TIMELINE
1:43 About Devin and his role at NAHB

5:27 Key resources for your building company

15:47 What the building industry is evolving to

19:53 The #1 way to prepare for uncertainty

25:22 Work-life balance tips and tricks

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

NAHB Website: nahb.org

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
28 min
December 08, 202259. Preparing for 2023 With Russ, Sky & Andy
In episode 59 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founders of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens and Sky Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, the trio go over how builders can best prepare for the fast approaching 2023.

INSIDE EPISODE 59 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to start planning BEFORE the new year

When you should start planning

The components of a strategic plan and how much detail you should go into

Resources to customise your own plan today

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover the best ways you can plan for 2023 and get a headstart on all your competition.

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
1:55 How builders can best prepare for 2023

10:31 Creating a strategic plan

13:15 How far ahead builders should plan

24:59 How long it takes to build a strategic plan

35:20 The best practices for planning

42:12 Resources for builders to customise their own plan

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
44 min
December 01, 202258. I Thought APB Was Lying To Me With Sam Swartz
In episode 58 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Sam Swartz, President and Owner of True North Custom Homes. Throughout this episode, Sam explains what has shaped his business over time, the importance of constantly evolving and how APB’s mentoring program has helped his business grow.

INSIDE EPISODE 58 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How mistakes, best and worst clients helps shape a more well rounded business

Why you need a strong building company narrative that clients will remember

Why Sam thought APB’s mentoring program was too good to be true and what compelled him to join

How to find the confidence to start selling at higher margins

The importance of future-proofing your business for the long term

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover why Sam thought APB’s mentoring program was too good to be true, what compelled him to join, and the impact mentoring has now had on his business.

ABOUT SAM SWARTZ

Helping clients build comfortable custom homes they can feel proud of is paramount for Sam Swartz. He focuses on homes that are built right, and built right the first time. It is Sam’s business and project management acumen that sets True North apart. His eye for detail and firm process of only selecting the perfect craftsmen for each homebuilding project results in custom homes of superior quality.

Connect with Sam: linkedin.com/in/samswartz

TIMELINE
1:33 About True North

3:15 How to leverage your best and worst clients

14:24 The proven system to generate higher margins

21:02 Future-proofing your business to secure longevity

26:40 APB’s private mentoring program

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

True North Website: truenorthlincoln.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
31 min
November 24, 202257. Who Should You Hire Next With Jacob Oelofse
In episode 57 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Jacob Oelofse, one of the executive business coaches at APB. Throughout this episode, Jacob delves into the hiring process and helps you find out exactly who you should hire next.

INSIDE EPISODE 57 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why making the right hire is so crucial for builders

How to overcome struggles in hiring the right person

What to look out for in an interview

How builders can address the labour shortage

The most important question a builder should ask when hiring

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn the most important hiring strategies so you can come out with the best candidate despite a labour shortage.

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
1:49 Why making the right hire is so crucial for builders today

8:32 What to look for in an interview

20:55 Budget indicators that tell you it’s the right time to hire

23:17 Tips and trends to make hiring easier

33:49 How can builders address the labour shortage?

37:29 The most important question a builder should ask in the hiring process

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
40 min
November 17, 202256. Professional Builder Contracts With Paul Rojas
In episode 56 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Paul Rojas, Managing Partner at RCR Lawyers. Throughout this episode, Paul explains the importance of a properly defined building contract and how it can help your building company with the ever-changing costs in the industry.

INSIDE EPISODE 56 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How to make sure your building contract has a cost escalation clause

That it is your right under the contract to suspend works if you’re not getting paid

Why sitting down with your lawyer at least once a year is important

How the more transparency included in your contract surrounding variations can save you time, money and possible court appearances

Why copying and pasting a building contract from the internet is a detriment to your business

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly what you need to be incorporating into your building contracts to mitigate risk and set your building company up for success.

ABOUT PAUL ROJAS

Quality delivery and client focus are at the forefront for Paul, Managing Partner at RCR Lawyers. Paul also heads up the Commercial Litigation practice for the firm, and is a key driver of the firm’s overall development, growth and innovation. Backed by a wealth of experience, Paul can help you with any contractual disputes, trade practices and refining your building contracts.

Connect with Paul: linkedin.com/in/paulrojas

TIMELINE
1:41 About Paul Rojas

3:23 How to continually improve your building contracts

8:22 The consequences of leaving your risk management unchecked

9:53 How to ensure you get paid

21:27 Why talking to a lawyer early can save you time and money

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

RCR Lawyers: rcrlaw.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
26 min