APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

November 10, 202255. Introducing APB Rewards With Russ, Sky & Andy
In episode 55 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 exactly how APB Rewards is saving our members time and money.

INSIDE EPISODE 55 YOU WILL DISCOVER
What APB Rewards actually is

The process behind putting it together

The benefits for builders around the world

Examples of APB’s preferred partners

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out how access to APB Rewards and our preferred partners can transform your building company.

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 is APB Rewards why was it launched?

5:32 How APB members have responded to it

12:52 What’s in it for the builders?

17:41 Our hand picked preferred partners

20:38 How builders can claim rewards

29:37 Plans for the future of APB Rewards

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

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
33 min
November 03, 202254. Transparency, Systems & Future Proofing With Andrew & Marcus
In episode 54 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Elliott and Andrew Siracusa, Directors of Kube Constructions. Throughout this episode, Marcus and Andrew explain how structuring a business through proper systems and transparency sets it up for success and longevity.

INSIDE EPISODE 54 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why mistakes and problem clients help shape a more effective business

The importance of transparency with clients ensuring a smooth process

How APB’s processes and procedures helped Kube Construction

That future-proofing the business is key for its success and survival

Why your competitor is not your competitor; but your ally

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover what top grade professional builders are doing to ensure their success.

ABOUT MARCUS ELLIOTT AND ANDREW SIRACUSA

On a mission to continuously set a new benchmark for professional builders, Marcus and Andrew the Directors of Kube Construction know how to construct luxury homes guaranteed to impress. Their passion for their clients and their high standards of dedicated service is unlike any other making them leaders in the construction industry.

Connect with Marcus: linkedin.com/in/marcuselliott
Connect with Andrew: linkedin.com/in/andrewsiracusa

TIMELINE
1:34 About Kube Constructions

4:06 How to engage your ideal clients

7:50 The APB action plan that transformed Kube Constructions

15:49 How to future-proof your building company

18:34 Transforming your competitor into your ally

20:45 The #1 way to handle the skilled trades shortage

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Kube Constructions Website: kubeconstructions.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
28 min
October 27, 202253. Mindset of a Professional Builder With Clint Best
In episode 53 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Clint Best, an Executive Business Coach with APB. Throughout this episode, Clint takes a deep dive into the mindsets of professional builders and how incorporating a growth mindset for yourself and your business can have profound benefits across the board.

INSIDE EPISODE 53 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of mindset in a professional building company

What the difference is between a growth and fixed mindset

Why a growth mindset is key to running a successful business

How to develop and incorporate a growth mindset into your building company; and yourself

Why knowing who you want to become helps shape the trajectory of your business

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to discover how a growth mindset can transform your business and free yourself from doubt and fear.

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

TIMELINE
0:39 How mindset impacts a professional building company

3:03 The key mindset to unlock your businesses potential

15:25 Proven ways to conquer fear

23:06 Mindset habits for successful builders

34:53 How to become a realistic optimist

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
39 min
October 20, 202252. Website Design That Generates Leads With Peter Butler
In episode 52 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Peter Butler, Managing Director of Smarter Websites. Throughout this episode, Peter explains the importance of how a well designed website will set your building company up for success.

INSIDE EPISODE 52 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why a high-performing website is more effective than an online-brochure model website

How to convert your customers pain points into lead generating CTA’s

What are the most important website content types to include

How demonstrating authority builds trust in your audience

Insider tips on the current most effective website trends

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to discover exactly what you need to be incorporating into your building website to make it the most effective it can be!

ABOUT PETER BUTLER

With over 15 years of experience in the web and digital space, Peter Butler the Managing Director of Smarter Websites knows how to create websites that convert. With a strong focus on systems, processes and automations, Peter is on a mission to help businesses use their website more effectively to boost predictable sales and create more revenue.

Connect with Peter: linkedin.com/in/peterbutler

TIMELINE
1:37 About Peter and Smarter Websites

4:00 Proven elements to include in your website

21:45 Your websites psychology

28:26 The number #1 thing your website must have

34:00 How to automate your website

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Smarter Websites: smarterwebsites.com.au/

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

Website Lead Generation Checklist: APBWebsiteChecklist.pdf

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
October 13, 202251. The 10 Professional Builder Levels Explained With Russ, Sky & Andy
In episode 51 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 explain APB’s 10 professional builder levels.

INSIDE EPISODE 51 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The definitions of APB’s 10 professional builder levels

Where your building company ranks

The milestones you need to accomplish to progress through the levels

How long it takes to become a Certified Professional Builder

How to reach the ultimate goal for builders

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover exactly what makes a professional and successful building company.

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
1:46 What are the professional builder levels?

5:00 Levels 1 through to 10

27:34 Certified Professional Builder and progressing to the next level

36:43 How long does it take to work through the levels?

42:44 Where you can find these levels

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Professional Builder Levels: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/levels/

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 b
46 min
October 06, 202250. Creating A Legacy In A Family Business With Phil Turner
In episode 50 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Phil Turner, Managing Director of Turner Trading. Throughout this episode, Phil goes over the highs and lows of owning a business, how private mentoring transformed his business and the importance of creating a legacy.

INSIDE EPISODE 50 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why leaving a legacy in a family business is important

That setbacks do not define your business’s success

How to identify potential gaps in your current systems

Finding solutions to grow your business financially

The importance of planning for the future

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the importance of building a successful business with the goal of leaving a legacy.

ABOUT PHIL TURNER

Phil is an enthusiastic, customer focused building contractor and the managing director of Turner Trading. With clever planning, high quality attention to detail, and careful consideration to the client’s needs, Phil executes homes which are comfortable yet practical and not only look great, but work in with the client’s lifestyle as well.

Connect with Phil: linkedin.com/in/phil-turner/

TIMELINE
1:32 About Turner Trading

4:25 The importance of leaving a legacy

7:54 Mistakes made along the way

12:56 No more difficult clients, ever!

15:44 How has APB helped with some of Turner Trading’s struggles?

20:09 The benefits of private mentoring

23:41 How the mentoring program impacted Turner Trading financially

28:37 The system that completely transformed Turner Trading

32:25 The future for Turner Trading

39:54 Phil’s advice for builders thinking of joining APB and the mentoring program

45:42 Building a family legacy

49:09 Building relationships with other builders

54:14 Planning for the future

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Turner Trading: turnertrading.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
59 min
September 29, 202249. Design And Build Vs Quoting Plans With Erik Cofield
In episode 49 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Erik Cofield, an Executive Business Coach with APB. Throughout this episode, Erik identifies the key differences between a design and build model vs simply quoting plans as they come your way.

INSIDE EPISODE 49 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Which model will increase your profit margins

The differences between the two models

The similarities between the two models

Finding the target audience for your model

The drawbacks of quoting plans

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to uncover how a design and build model can impact your bottom line.

ABOUT ERIK COFIELD

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

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

TIMELINE
1:34 What custom building looks like: two main models

2:40 Defining the two models

3:30 Similarities between a design-build model and quoting plans

5:22 Differences between the two models

7:05 The worst factor in quoting plans

8:32 Target audiences for the different models

9:51 Why don’t all builders switch to the design-build model?

11:56 How plan-quoting impacts the bottom line

14:31 The pros and cons of a design-build model

17:26 Myths about these two business types

19:08 Common blind spots

20:27 Transitioning from quoting plans to a design-build model

26:22 Erik’s idea of the future of custom building

30:30 Should builders do more?

34:24 Building and maintaining a relationship with customers

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
36 min
September 22, 202248. How To Generate Leads To Fill Construction Slots With Rick Storlie
In episode 48 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Rick Storlie, founder of Builder Lead Converter, based out of Minnesota, United States. Throughout this episode, Rick delves into how builders can generate leads to fill out their construction slots.

INSIDE EPISODE 48 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The difference between lead generation and client acquisition

What a healthy pipeline looks like

How to generate more leads to fill construction slots

Lead generation blind spots you may be overlooking

How much you should budget for lead generation

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out exactly how you can generate more leads to fill construction slots.

ABOUT RICK STORLIE

Rick Storlie is the founder of Builder Lead Converter. Starting his career in home building & remodeling as an entry level carpenter, he quickly moved to salesperson, sales manager, general manager, coach and now operates as “Chief Lead Converter” at Builder Lead Converter.

Connect with Rick: linkedin.com/in/rickstorlie

TIMELINE
1:32 Introduction to Rick and his business

3:11 How Rick’s business became so successful

5:04 Difference between lead generation and client acquisition

6:52 What builders struggle with in lead gen v client acquisition

9:43 What a healthy pipeline looks like

11:46 Generating leads to fill construction slots

16:23 An effective sales process

19:44 Lead generation blind spots

22:09 Lead conversion tactics

24:08 Current trends in lead generation

28:10 Percentage of budget to allocate to lead generation

30:02 Common mistakes with digital leads

33:02 Following up leads

34:56 Future of leader generation, sales and marketing

37:28 What builders should be focusing on for growth

39:12 What builders need to be aware of when building an effective sales strategy

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Builder Lead Converter Website: builderleadconverter.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
45 min
September 15, 202247. The Discovery Process With Russ Sky & Andy
In episode 47 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 to create an effective discovery process for a building company.

INSIDE EPISODE 47 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The different discovery questions you need to ask

Some great examples of discovery questions

The ways in which you can manage expectations

How to spot red flags

Where most builders struggle when it comes to the discovery process

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out the impact a discovery process can have for your building company.

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
1:44 Discovery process

2:56 How it can impact the business

5:49 Selling on value over price

6:57 About discovery questions

14:00 Can you integrate qualifying and discovery?

16:46 Examples of discovery questions

20:17 Managing expectations

21:18 Financials and budgets

24:45 Tone of voice in the discovery session

26:01 Best practice with discovery questions

29:14 Looking for red flags

32:09 Conversational techniques

38:58 Where builders struggle with the discovery process

43:13 Getting builders to love the sales 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
48 min
September 08, 202246. Competing On Value Not Price With Todd & Melissa Lake
In episode 46 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Todd and Melissa Lake from Contegrity Homes. Throughout this episode, the two go over their journey with Contegrity Homes, and how they’re beating their competition with value, not price.

INSIDE EPISODE 46 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How Todd and Melissa got into the building business

The highs and lows of Contegrity Homes

How they managed to turn their business around

The importance of financial awareness

How they started to compete on value, rather than on price

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out exactly how you can up the value you’re giving your clients and stop the uphill battle against price.

ABOUT TODD LAKE

Todd started his carpentry journey in 2004 with minimal experience and grew to love the profession. He then became a project manager for another company in the Southwest, and developed a passion for the process of construction. Everything from additions to new home construction he has aspired to be the best he can be with a high standard of quality workmanship. From there, Contegrity Homes was birthed to set a new standard in the Southwest.

Connect with Todd: linkedin.com/in/todd-lake-b87733a6

ABOUT MELISSA LAKE

Whether it be meeting with clients to develop floor plans, finalise cabinetry selections, discover the picture-perfect light fixtures for their space, pore over paint colors, or peruse wallpaper samples, design is where Melissa gets her joy! Design has always been a passion of hers and she has recently branched out to achieve her Interior Design Certificate.

TIMELINE
1:43 About Contegrity Homes

2:45 How they got started in business

6:54 Coping with the isolation of business

8:32 Highs and lows of the business

11:44 How they turned the business around

14:42 Current focus of the business

17:21 Competing on value, rather than price

18:51 How they came across APB

20:03 How financial awareness changed the business

21:47 How the contract approach transformed the business

26:32 Future for Contegrity Homes and for the building industry

31:27 How Melissa and Todd define happiness and success

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Contegrity Homes: contegrityhomes.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
38 min