APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

May 08, 2025185. Building For Climate Resilience With Wyatt Roberts
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Wyatt Roberts, SVP of New Construction at Dandelion Energy. Throughout this episode, Wyatt explains the transformative impact of geothermal technology in modern home building, discussing its role in creating climate-resilient homes and reducing environmental impact through sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 185 YOU WILL DISCOVER

The fundamentals of geothermal technology
How geothermal systems contribute to climate resilience and energy efficiency
Why less than 1% of new homes use geothermal, and why that’s about to change
The role of incentives and policy in advancing sustainable building solutions
How builders can integrate geothermal with minimal changes to construction processes

And much, much more.

ABOUT WYATT ROBERTS

Wyatt Roberts is the SVP of New Construction at Dandelion Energy, where he leads the integration of geothermal technology in residential building. With a background in custom home building and energy efficiency, Wyatt is passionate about sustainable construction and reducing the environmental impact of homes through innovative geothermal solutions.

Connect with Wyatt: linkedin.com/in/wyatt-roberts-3975171a5/

TIMELINE

2:45 Understanding geothermal technology and its application in new builds
7:45 How geothermal reduces emissions
12:20 Overcoming challenges in geothermal adoption
18:10 Key policies and incentives driving sustainable building solutions
23:30 How custom vs. production builders are leveraging geothermal technology
28:30 The future of sustainable home building and Dandelion Energy's role

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
35 min
May 01, 2025184. Balancing Personal & Business Life With Carmel Capuano
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Carmel Capuano, one of APB’s Executive Business Coaches. With a rich family background in construction and over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Carmel shares her expert insights on work-life balance in the building industry. Diving deep into the complexities of balancing business and personal life.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 184 YOU WILL DISCOVER

Why work-life balance is such a challenge in the building industry
How family dynamics can create tension, and how to manage them
The power of a clear business vision in reclaiming your time
How to set and maintain healthy boundaries between work and life
The vital role a coach plays in supporting personal and business growth

And much, much more.

ABOUT CARMEL CAPUANO

Carmel Capuano is an award-winning business coach with over 15 years' experience growing million-dollar companies. Known for her strategic, results-driven approach, Carmel specialises in helping builders achieve work-life balance through vision clarity, systems, and accountability.

Connect with Carmel: linkedin.com/in/carmelcapuano/

TIMELINE

1:15 Carmel’s family legacy in the building industry
4:30 The real cost of poor work-life balance
7:15 How a health scare changed her grandfather’s business forever
10:10 Managing tension in family-run building companies
14:00 Why a clear vision is the most powerful tool for balance
18:45 How coaching helps builders lead with intention

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
22 min
April 24, 2025183. Home Remodeling Trends With Marine Sargsyan
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Marine Sargsyan, Principal Economist at Houzz. In this episode, Marine shares deep insights from Houzz’s latest research on residential remodeling, revealing the evolving motivations behind home renovation projects, the generational shifts impacting homeowner behaviour, and how builders can better position themselves in an increasingly tech-driven market.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 183 YOU WILL DISCOVER

How each generation—Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials—approaches remodeling differently
Why millennials’ digital-first expectations are reshaping the building industry
What homeowners value most during renovations (hint: it’s not just the budget)
Emerging remodeling trends for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces
Why builders need to start adapting now to future-proof their businesses

And much, much more.

ABOUT MARINE SARGSYAN

Marine Sargsyan is the Principal Economist at Houzz, leading research on remodeling trends and homeowner behaviour. She analyses data from millions of users to uncover what drives renovation decisions across generations, helping industry pros stay relevant and future-ready in a rapidly evolving market.

Connect with Marine: linkedin.com/in/marine-sargsyan-01b845b/

TIMELINE

3:12 What motivates different generations to renovate
7:40 Why Millennials expect a tech-driven experience
10:18 How high mortgage rates are reshaping remodeling decisions
13:05 Most popular remodeling projects and system upgrades
17:22 The three non-negotiables homeowners expect from builders
24:55 Top remodeling and design trends for 2025

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
31 min
April 17, 2025182. Market Insights With Grant Farnsworth
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode recorded live at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, featuring Grant Farnsworth, President of The Farnsworth Group. In this episode, you’ll hear how builders can use research-backed strategies to understand what homeowners are really thinking, and how to deliver communication, transparency, and confidence when it matters most.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 182 YOU WILL DISCOVER

How builders can leverage customer behaviour data to gain a competitive edge

What homeowners really care about (and it’s not just budget)

The impact of communication and transparency on client trust

Why confidence is the key to getting contracts signed

How to build systems that support a better client experience

And much, much more.

ABOUT GRANT FARNSWORTH

Grant is a Director of business development responsible for creating and executing strategic and tactical goals to profitably grow a full-service market research firm. He’s personally driven to create and improve business through the refinement of sales, products and people.

Connect with Grant: linkedin.com/in/grant-farnsworth-5243516/

TIMELINE

3:15 What today’s homebuyers expect from builders
7:40 Why budget is the unspoken deal-breaker
10:25 How to give clients the confidence to move forward
14:10 The impact of economic uncertainty on project decisions
18:35 Why transparency builds trust with clients
21:50 How to use data and systems to attract ideal clients

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
26 min
April 10, 2025181. Building A Thriving Business With Dave Phelps
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Dave Phelps, President of ICF Homes. Live from IBS 2025, Dave dives deep into how he went from physics graduate to award-winning builder, the creative joy in designing one-of-a-kind ICF homes, and why his clients never want to leave the homes he builds.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 181 YOU WILL DISCOVER

What makes ICF homes radically different from traditional builds

How to market technical and niche building methods to the right clients

The real cost implications of building with concrete vs. wood

Why no two homes are ever the same—and why that matters

How Dave built a marketing engine powered by educational content

And much, much more.

ABOUT DAVE PHELPS

In 2004, Dave decided to build his own home and did extensive research on various building technologies. He determined that Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) was the best way to build a home. He recognized the geothermal dynamic benefits of concrete walls encapsulated in insulation and the strength of the walls to wind loads. Dave realized there was a need in the residential construction market for stronger and more efficient homes so he started his custom ICF home building company

Connect with Dave: linkedin.com/in/david-phelps-04bb02247/

TIMELINE

02:10 From physics to foundations

06:45 Why Dave built his own first home to start his business

11:30 Dave’s full service approach to custom homes

15:05 Attracting the right clients

21:20 The award-winning, off-grid super home

28:10 Advice to aspiring ICF Builders

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
34 min
April 03, 2025180. Project Efficiency With Eric Fortenberry
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Eric Fortenberry, Founder and CEO of JobTread. In this episode, Eric shares his unique journey from tech entrepreneur to construction software pioneer, and explains how builders can transform their operations with better systems, clearer scopes of work, and streamlined project management.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 180 YOU WILL DISCOVER

Why so many builders lose money from vague scopes of work
The biggest mistakes builders make with project efficiency
How to improve client experience through transparency and communication
What software tools can do to help you win back your time
The critical numbers every builder needs to track

And much, much more.

ABOUT ERIC FORTENBERRY

Eric Fortenberry is a passionate entrepreneur who founded JobTread, a construction estimating and project management software company, in 2019 after serving as CEO for a General Contracting company where he built the first version of JobTread to help streamline and remedy their broken processes. After successfully implementing the platform, the company grew from $5 to $8 million in sales and increased their gross profit by 43%.

Connect with Eric: linkedin.com/in/efortenberry/

TIMELINE

03:12 Walking into chaos: the turning point that sparked JobTread
07:45 The three conditions that launched a scalable software solution
12:01 How JobTread grew from 200 to 4,500+ customers
15:18 The #1 mistake builders make on every project
22:40 Why a great build isn’t enough without a great client experience
27:10 How knowing your numbers can save your business

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
32 min
March 27, 2025179. WIPAA, The Builder's Blindspot With Andy Skarda
Professional Builders Secrets brings you a special episode recorded live from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, featuring APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skada. In this powerful conversation, Andy and Will dive into one of the most misunderstood yet critical financial concepts for builders, the Work In Progress Accounting Adjustment (WIPAA).

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 179 YOU WILL DISCOVER

Why failing to track WIPAA can ruin your profitability

How inaccurate financial data leads to poor business decisions

The difference between WIP and WIPAA — and why it matters

What most accountants don’t know about residential building

The connection between WIPAA, cash flow, and tax

How to practically implement WIPAA in your building company

And much, much more.

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

03:45 The $100K mistake most builders make

07:20 Why accountants often get it wrong

10:50 The consequences of inaccurate profit reports

14:15 How to implement WIPAA in your business

19:05 What to do if your WIPAA reveals a cash shortfall

23:40 The tax advantage most builders are missing

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
26 min
March 20, 2025178. Winning The Right Jobs With Nick Schiffer
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Nick Schiffer, founder of NS Builders. In this episode, Nick shares the ups and downs of his journey in the building industry, from his early passion for carpentry to running a high-end construction company. He dives into the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of building strong teams, and the lessons he’s learned from working with both dream clients and nightmare projects.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 178 YOU WILL DISCOVER

The biggest misconceptions about running a building business
Why pricing for the future is key to long-term success
The importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better
A behind-the-scenes look at Nick’s most challenging project—and how he got through it

And much, much more.

ABOUT NICK SCHIFFER

Nick Schiffer is the founder of NS Builders, a high-end construction company specializing in custom home building and large-scale renovations. With over 11 years in the industry, Nick has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative problem-solving, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of modern construction.

Connect with Nick: linkedin.com/in/nickschiffer/

TIMELINE

02:15 How Nick got into the building industry
08:40 The challenges of growing from a carpenter to a business owner
18:30 Nightmare client story—how it went wrong and what he learned
26:10 Taking risks in construction—how to bet big without losing it all
32:30 The power of surrounding yourself with the right people
37:50 Rapid-fire Q&A

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
41 min
March 13, 2025 177. AI In Construction With Jon Walker and Morgan Molitor
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Morgan Molitor, Co-founder of Construction2Style, and Jon Walker, CTO of Buildertrend. In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of AI in the construction industry and how builders can harness AI to improve efficiency, streamline communication, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 177 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How AI is transforming the construction industryPractical applications of AI in project management, scheduling, and client communicationThe role of AI in qualifying leads and improving profitabilityThe future of AI in construction and what builders need to know And much, much more.

ABOUT JON WALKER

Jon Walker has architected, designed, coded, and tested software in companies both small and large. He has hired and managed engineering teams while also contributing as an individual contributor. In addition to his role as a technology CTO, Jon also teaches computer science courses as an adjunct professor at Westmont College and the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Connect with Jon: linkedin.com/in/jwalker/

ABOUT MORGAN MOLITOR

As the Co-founder + Partner of construction2style, Neon Lion, resilience2reform, and Contractor Coalition Summit - Morgan Molitor has been a driving force in the realms of design, media, and community impact since 2012. Together with her husband Jamie, Morgan has built a legacy of creativity, innovation, and transformative experiences.

Connect with Morgan: linkedin.com/in/morgan-molitor/

TIMELINE
02:10 How AI is transforming the construction industry08:25 Using AI to qualify leads and attract ideal clients14:40 The biggest AI misconceptions in construction21:10 AI-driven homeowner updates and communication28:05 AI strategies for improving job profitability32:45 Must-have AI tools for builders

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
36 min
March 06, 2025176. The Power Of Consistency With Jackson Digney
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Jackson Digney, Director of Enduro Builders in South Australia. Throughout this episode, Jackson shares his journey in the building industry, from his early challenges to creating a niche in energy-efficient homes and Passive House construction. He dives into the importance of specialization, the role of systems and processes in business growth, and how maintaining a clear focus on your company's mission can lead to long-term success.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 176 YOU WILL DISCOVER

Why niching down in the building industry can be a game-changer
The challenges and rewards of specializing in energy-efficient homes
How to turn business setbacks into growth opportunities
The role of systems and KPIs in scaling a building company
The mindset shifts necessary to create a thriving, sustainable business

And much, much more.

ABOUT JACKSON DIGNEY

Jackson Digney is one of Australia's leading experts in Passive House and energy-efficient building. As a specialist in Passive House and energy-efficient construction, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and training to ensure that every home is built to be healthy, comfortable, and cost-effective. His focus is on delivering high-performance homes without unnecessary expenses, ensuring that clients invest in features that genuinely add value.

Connect with Jackson: linkedin.com/in/jacksondigney/

TIMELINE

03:07 How Jackson discovered his passion for energy-efficient homes
13:59 The power of finding a niche in construction
19:06 Why saying “no” to the wrong clients is crucial for business growth
20:05 How systemization transformed Enduro Builders
36:48 Lessons from stepping away from business for a month
45:26 The impact of APB on his business growth

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
49 min