APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

September 01, 202245. How Much Builders Should Pay Themselves With Russ Stephens
In episode 45 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Russ Stephens. Throughout this episode, we go over exactly how much building company owners should be paying themselves.

INSIDE EPISODE 45 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How much the owner of a building company should pay themselves, and if they’re actually paying themselves enough

The key measurements an owner needs to consider when allocating their salary

How to calculate your true fixed expenses

When you should start to become concerned about your finances

How to become more proactive with your finances

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out exactly how you can take control over your finances and pay yourself a salary you deserve, while not letting anything else slip.

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
1:48 Builders don’t take a regular salary

3:10 Do builders pay themselves enough – and why not?

4:59 Should owners pay themselves first?

8:10 Designing a financial compensation plan

9:59 Why wages don’t fluctuate

11:26 Salary allocation, net profit and shareholder returns

13:13 Documenting owner’s salary payments

15:14 Factoring in true expenses

16:10 Accuracy and the WIPAA calculator

17:06 Key measurements to consider when paying the owner

18:19 Including incentives for the owner

19:47 How APB helps identify builders’ blind spots

22:04 Factoring in cash reserves

27:57 When to be concerned about your financial model

30:33 Becoming proactive with your finances

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Professional Builders Secrets Book: go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/pbs-book

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
August 25, 202244. Spearheading Change With Jonathan MacDonald
In episode 44 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan MacDonald, best selling author and keynote speaker. Throughout this episode, Jonathan tackles how to embrace change, and leverage it as fuel to spearhead transformation.

INSIDE EPISODE 44 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How disciplines from martial arts can be applied to business

The fact that change happens by design, and how you can embrace it in your business rather than fear it

Common reactions and approaches to change Jonathan’s seen in other large scale businesses

How to truly think long term and beyond your niche

How to successfully navigate through change

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out exactly how you can shake the fear of change, and turn it into something that will elevate your business to new heights.

ABOUT JONATHAN MACDONALD

As one of the world’s most in-demand thought leaders, Jonathan is trusted by the senior executives of well-known global companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, P&G, Unilever, Nestlé, Lego, Heineken, and IKEA to translate the benefits of perpetual change into invaluable business insight and personal success.

Connect with Jonathan: linkedin.com/in/jonathanmacdonald/

TIMELINE
1:54 About Jonathan’s background and how his book Powered By Change impacted his business acumen.

6:55 As a Jujitsu title holder (British super heavy weight and world number 3 in sports jujitsu), Jonathan discusses how the disciplines from martial arts that can be applied to business

16:20 Jonathan’s discovery of the Chinese proverb: When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills, and how it inspired Powered By Change.

20:01 How change happens by design.

21:43 How change and the ability to handle change impacts success.

26:25 How to leverage change as a fuel to spearhead transformation.

28:29 Jonathan discusses the common reactions and approaches to change from the big businesses he’s consulted with.

33:57 How Jonathan has inspired the businesses that he’s worked with to think long term and beyond their niche.

37:57 How building company owners should embrace the changing landscaping in uncertain times.

41:46 Jonathan’s prediction on what the next industrial revolution looks like and whether he believes it will revolve around sustainability.

45:51 Where Jonathan plans to focus his attention over the next two years.

49:52 Why builders fear change and how they can navigate through change.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Jonathan's Website: jonathanmacdonald.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
54 min
August 18, 202243. Creating A Successful Brand With Russ, Sky & Andy
In episode 43 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 professional builders can create a successful brand.

INSIDE EPISODE 43 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why having a brand mentality and brand focus is so important

How long it takes to create a brand and where builders should start

Common struggles builders have when creating a brand and how to overcome them

How to know if you’re on the right track when creating a brand

Resources builders can use to create a successful brand

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to learn exactly how you can transform your building company into a successful brand.

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 difference between creating a residential building brand versus a business.

3:38 Why having a brand mentality and brand focus is so important.

11:35 How long it takes to establish a brand.

12:30 Where should builders start when they want to create a brand.

17:48 The next steps to take after the identity of the brand has been established.

23:37 The common struggles builders face when building a brand.

39:25 How to know if you’re taking the right steps in taking a brand into the market.

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
49 min
August 11, 202242. Seeing Opportunities Instead Of Problems With Isaac Nickelson
In episode 42 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Isaac Nickelson, owner of Nickelson Construction based out of Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. Throughout this episode, Isaac goes over the highs and lows of owning a business, how he transitioned from remodelling to custom homes, and the process of moving Nickelson Construction interstate.

INSIDE EPISODE 42 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The challenges of moving Nickelson Construction from Florida to Colorado

How Isaac transformed his business from just remodelling to full-fledged custom home building

How to use Zoom calls to generate leads

The strategies Nickelson Construction utilised to come back after a wildfire natural disaster

And much, much more.

Listen to the full episode to find out how you can change your perspective, and start to see opportunities arise, rather than problems.

ABOUT ISAAC NICKELSON

Isaac is a customer focused, experienced building contractor and the founder of Nickelson Construction. Isaac has a demonstrated history of over 20 years working in the construction industry and is always willing to share what he’s learned to help others achieve their goals, and focus on the opportunities in their business.

Connect with Isaac: linkedin.com/in/isaacnickelson/

TIMELINE
1:32 About Isaac and Nickelson Construction.

1:56 How Isaac got started in the industry.

3:19 When Isaac started working for himself.

5:38 Moving the building company interstate.

7:11 The highs and lows of Nickelson Construction.

9:14 The process Isaac went through when relocating his business.

9:52 The transition from remodelling to custom homes.

11:13 Nickelson Construction’s biggest transformation.

12:48 How Isaac started with APB and how it has changed his business.

13:46 Isaac’s journey with APB.

14:21 How APB’s Private Mentoring impacted the business.

15:04 How Nickelson Constructions generated leads after relocating to a new state.

16:44 The strategy Nickelson Construction deployed after a wildfire disaster.

17:56 Isaac’s focus for the growth of Nickelson Construction.

19:28 The struggles that builders in the industry face today.

21:10 How to stay balanced working with family.

21:51 Isaac’s advice to a younger version of himself.

23:09 How Isaac sees the construction industry evolving.

24:26 Isaac’s forecast of the custom home building market.

26:43 How Isaac promotes the balance of family and work.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Nickelson Construction Website: https://www.nickelsonco.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
29 min
August 04, 202241. Learning New Skills With Sky Stephens
In episode 41 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders Sky Stephens. Throughout this episode, we go over why it is so crucial to learn new skills when running a residential building company.

During this episode, Sky tackles the biggest challenge people face when learning new skills, as well as the barriers and common fears people need to overcome in order to learn new skills.

It’s common for people to fail at learning new skills, Sky addresses this fact, and how APB helps builders to reshape their mindset and overcome this barrier. Whether that be through the winning formula to succeed when learning new skills, or the winning habits that help builders transform.

Sky also covers the most common skills builders are interested in learning when joining APB, and the available resources they have in order to upskill.

Listen to the full episode to discover how to learn new skills that will elevate 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
1:48 Why it is so crucial to learn new skills when running a residential building company.

4:09 The biggest challenge people face when learning new skills.

5:33 The barriers and common fears people need to overcome to learn new skills.

7:52 How APB helps builders to reshape their mindset.

9:26 Why people often fail at learning new skills.

12:19 The most common self identity concepts that builders battle every day.

17:36 The winning formula to succeed when learning new skills.

23:29 The winning habits that help builders transform.

29:06 The most common skills builders are interested in learning when joining APB.

31:32 The first signs of success when builders begin learning new skills.

35:48 The winning formula to mastering skills.

41:05 The role APB plays in skilling up professional builders.

44:20 How APB's Professional Builders Levels was born.

46:05 Available resources for builders wanting to upskill.

46:59 What Sky is currently upskilling on.

47:56 APB's culture of learning.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Hierarchy Pyramid: publicsharedfiles.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/APBTheFullStackMindsetCheatsheet.pdf

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 Fac
51 min
July 28, 202240. Looking After Your Mental Health With Tim Hoopmann
In episode 40 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Tim Hoopmann, volunteer speaker for Beyond Blue, a national organisation that works to
raise awareness about anxiety and depression, reduce the associated stigma
and encourage people to get help. Throughout this episode, Tim delves into why it is essential to look after your mental health.

During this episode, Tim discusses how the last few years have affected overall mental health, the pandemics' impact on the building industry and the ripple effects it’s had, as well as many of the misconceptions people have surrounding mental health.

Tim also goes into some emerging trends in mental health and the building industry and outlines how the challenges in this generation compare to previous generations.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about how to take care of your mental health, and discover Tim's #1 strategy for resetting his mindset.

Key Points For Bussiness Owners - Beyond Blue NewAccess
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a mental health coaching program for small business owners

It is completely free and confidential

It is available over the phone or online between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday

It offers 6 structured coaching sessions that are each approx. 30 minutes long

All the coaches have come from a small business background themselves

We have seen over 2,000 small business owners come through the program since March 2021

Over 90% of those who complete the program state that they would recommend it to another small business owner

The program is receiving many enquiries from small business owners in the Construction sector

The wait time to speak to a coach is currently approx. 5 working days

The contact number to call (or pass on to a friend or loved one who may need support) to access the program is 1300 921 535

ABOUT TIM HOOPMANN

Tim became a Beyond Blue speaker because as a small business owner he
struggled with anxiety and depression. He learnt ways to manage this and
wants to share his stories of hope. Also, being brave enough to come out, he
wants to help others struggling in similar situations.

Connect with Tim: linkedin.com/in/timhoopmann/

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Beyond Blue NewAccess: beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Beyond Blue NASBO Group Data Presentation: publicsharedfiles.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/NASBO+Advisory+Group+Data+Presentation+28th+April+-+Final.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
50 min
July 21, 202239. Creating An Exit Strategy With Russ Sky & Andy
In episode 39 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 professional builders can create their exit strategy.

During this episode, Russ, Sky and Andy discuss the different types of exit strategies builders can use, as well as who actually needs to consider creating an exit strategy plan and when they should start.

The trio explain what a successful exit plan looks like from a strategy perspective, and go over some of the key considerations you need to make when planning an exit strategy.

Throughout episode 39, Russ, Sky and Andy also go over the many common mistakes builders make when trying to sell their business or create an exit strategy, and outline what buyers are actually looking for in a building company.

Listen to the full episode learn the options you have in creating your perfect exit strategy.

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
2:02 Why builders need an exit strategy.

3:39 Who should consider liquidation.

5:26 Who needs to consider creating an exit strategy plan and when.

6:36 What a successful exit plan looks like from a strategy perspective.

8:44 The different types of exit strategies.

13:33 Some of the key considerations when planning an exit strategy.

14:42 The mistakes builders make when trying to sell their business or create an exit strategy.

19:56 The necessity of leadership and communication in an exit plan.

23:10 The critical elements when selling a building company.

26:03 How to find the magic number when selling a building company.

28:11 What buyers are looking for when purchasing a building company.

34:58 The impact of intellectual property (IP) when selling a building company.

36:44 How legacy and succession planning factor in to exit planning.

42:01 The next steps after the exit?

45:34 The common outcomes for builders that have sold their businesses.

47:33 Some key learnings from the perspective of APB coaches when working with builders on exit strategies.

49:24 Available resources for builders who are considering their exit strategy.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE
51 min
July 14, 202238. Building A Business That Serves You With Zak Johnson
In episode 38 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Zak Johnson, owner of ZJ Building based out of South Australia. Throughout this episode, we learn about Zak’s story and how he created ZJ Building from the ground up.

After starting his carpentry apprenticeship in January 2007. Zak immediately fell in love with the trade and all the opportunities to build and create. He gained a lot of experience in all aspects of the building trades including supervising architectural custom home builds and small commercial projects.

From that point his decision was clear, and he chose the path of building. Within Episode 38 Zak shares the reasons behind why he wanted to create his own building company, along with the lessons he’s learnt along the way, and what inspires him to strive for excellence with each and every build

Listen to the full episode to discover how Zak has created ZJ Building to be a business that serves him perfectly.

ABOUT ZAK JOHNSON

After recognising a gap in the industry with a lot of builders lacking in customer focus during projects that closely involve the homeowner, Zak found himself with an opportunity to create something truly unique. With a passion to deliver high quality projects and improve the lifestyles of South Australian homeowners, he started ZJ Building in 2015 and has been transforming homes ever since. With a strong drive for self improvement and professional development, Zak continues to evolve and improve the company. From building strong systems and processes for our customer's benefit to proudly running a virtually paperless office, the future of ZJ Building is always looking bright.

Connect with Zak: linkedin.com/in/zak-johnson-35232716a/?originalSubdomain=au

TIMELINE
1:44 About ZJ Building.
02:05 The decision to choose the path of building.
02:59 Zak’s perspective on the current labour shortage.
03:43 What got Zak started and his journey.
07:15 Lessons learned or most memorable moments.
08:56 What inspires Zak to executive plans of action and strive for excellence.
10:19 The transformation of ZJ Building.
11:41 Zak’s perspective on stepping away from the tools.
13:49 How Zak came across APB.
18:04 How Zak feels about working in the office.
19:08 Getting to the stage where the business as designed?
20:32 The next focus for ZJ Building.
21:45 The challenges in the market.
23:37 How APB has helped the feelings of isolation.
24:50 Zak’s advice to new builders.
26:53 Innovation in construction today.
28:39 How Zak finds balance between running a building company and family life.
30:02 The advice Zak would give a younger version of himself.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

ZJ Building Website: zjbuilding.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
33 min
July 07, 202237. Getting Results For Your Building Company With Andy Skarda
In episode 37 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda. Throughout this episode, we get into how APB’s coaches help builders get into a results oriented mindset, and how they can actually measure those results.

During this episode, Andy discusses the importance of utilising reporting tools, why a framework for results is necessary for builders and identifies specific problems within building companies that don’t get results.

A result oriented framework is critical to any and every builder. Within episode 37, Andy goes into detail on where builders should be focusing their energy, some common blind spots and barriers for them to overcome, as well as when builders can expect to see their results.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about how you can get results for your building company.

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
2:17 Why a framework for results is necessary for builders.

3:54 How APB’s coaches help builders get into a results oriented mindset.

5:59 Measuring results.

6:58 The importance of using reporting tools.

8:41 How Andy identifies problems in building companies.

10:56 Why exit planning is critical.

12:49 When builders can expect to see results.

15:33 APB’s professional builder levels.

16:18 Professional builders who have achieved results by using the results-oriented framework.

18:32 Key considerations for builders to get the results they want.

20:32 The benchmarks and roadmap to achieving results.

22:25 Common barriers builders need to overcome.

24:13 Common blindspots.

25:51 How the APB coaches holding builders accountable in order for them to reach their desired results.

27:50 Where builders should be focusing their energy.

29:57 Importance of forecasting and having cash reserves.

31:12 Current challenges and scenarios builders are facing.

32:12 #1 best practice.

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
June 30, 202236. The Benefits Of Joining A Builders Network With Duane Johns
In episode 36 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Duane Johns, Regional Partner with Alair Homes and Co-host of the Builder Nuggets podcast. Throughout this episode, we learn how Duane got into the construction industry, and the barriers he had to overcome in his career.

During this episode, Duane uncovers the barriers he’s had to overcome in his career, his role at Alair Homes, and how he’s transformed his building company into what it’s become today.

Duane also outlines some of the key benefits of being part of the Alair Homes network, as well as the relationship he’s developed with APB.

Throughout episode 36, Duane also goes over what he loves about what he does, where he sees Alair Homes in the future, and what success looks like to him now and in the future.

Listen to the full episode to discover the benefits of joining a builders network.

ABOUT DUANE JOHNS

Duane Johns entered the construction industry working on oceanfront estates in The Hamptons on Long Island, New York. In 1996 he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1997 he started a general contracting business with Roger Ketchum and the two achieved success right away, winning industry awards and earning rave reviews from clients. That relationship continues today. Duane is very active with industry trade organisations and is a strong advocate for professionalism in the construction industry. His passion is providing an outstanding experience for each and every client.

Connect with Duane: linkedin.com/in/duanejohns/

TIMELINE
1:11 About Duane, Builder Nuggets Podcast and Alair Homes.

4:36 How Duane got into the construction industry.

6:10 What it was like starting out in business for Duane.

7:53 The barriers that Duane has overcome in his career.

9:20 Duane’s role at Alair Homes.

11:24 What is Builder Nuggets Podcast?

14:34 How Duane transformed his building company.

19:11 The benefits of being part of the Alair Homes Network.

21:35 Duane’s relationship with APB.

23:29 What Duane loves about what he does.

25:24 The future for Duane and Alair Homes.

27:07 The blindspots Duane sees in the industry.

29:34 Where Duane sees the industry involving to.

31:19 What success looks like now and in the future for Duane.

32:35 Duane's advice for his younger self and other builders.

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

Alair Homes Website: alairhomes.com

Builder Nuggets Podcast: buildernuggets.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
36 min