APB Now

By Association of Professional BuildersBusiness

APB Now episodes

December 19, 2024165. The 2024 Recap With Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Sky Kolade and Russ Stephens, Co-founders of APB. In this episode, Sky and Russ reflect on 2024’s defining moments for builders, exploring key trends like AI adoption, financial literacy, and the critical role of industry events in fostering collaboration and growth.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 165 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The impact of high inflation and interest rates on builders in 2024

How AI adoption has revolutionized the construction industry

The importance of systemization and financial literacy for sustainable growth

The role of community and collaboration through industry events

Key insights from the 2024 State of Residential Construction Industry Survey

And much, much more.

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 KOLADE

Sky Kolade is a Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Sky is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and she was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction.

Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/

TIMELINE
01:37 Defining moments of 2024 for builders

04:12 How AI is transforming construction businesses

06:27 The value of industry events for collaboration

12:17 Survey insights: What separates successful builders

29:34 How builders are making an impact with the 141 Project

45:47 Top advice for builders heading into 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
47 min
December 12, 2024164. Preparing for 2025 With Andy Skarda
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, head coach at APB. In this episode, Andy delves into the critical importance of planning for your business's future, emphasising why every builder should plan not just for the next year but for the next decade. With practical insights, Andy shares actionable steps to help you get started with a comprehensive strategy for 2025 and beyond.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 164 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why planning for 2027 matters more than planning for 2025

How to conduct a brutally honest SWOT analysis for your business

The three critical resources every builder must manage

How to align your long-term BHAG with immediate actions

Why focusing on what's important, not urgent, transforms your business

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
1:50 Why you should plan for 2027, not just 2025

3:04 The biggest reasons builders avoid planning

5:50 How to recognise and avoid burnout

12:11 Breaking down your 10-year vision into actionable steps

26:12 Why marketing should be your starting point for growth

46:44 How planning differentiates you from competitors

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
42 min
December 05, 2024163. Cyber Safety Made Simple With Cam Rule
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Cameron Rule, Director of Downtime Assassin. In this episode, Cam shares his expertise in safeguarding builders against cyber threats, emphasising simple, actionable strategies to secure your business while staying efficient in a rapidly digitising industry.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 163 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The unique cyber risks builders face in an under-digitized industry.

How phishing scams and ransomware target construction companies.

The essential role of multi-factor authentication in preventing email hacks.

Why frequent, automated backups are your last line of defence.

Key tools and strategies to proactively protect against cyber attacks.

and much, much more.

ABOUT CAMERON RULE

With over 10 years of experience providing IT services to the construction industry, Cameron has seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the successful implementation of technology. His business, Downtime Assassin, has won awards for customer service and innovation, stemming from their vision to help every building organisation address their IT innovatively and protect themselves from 11th-hour technology disasters that can mean the difference between growth and stagnation.

Connect with Cameron: linkedin.com/in/cameron-rule-17056750/

TIMELINE
2:12 Unique cybersecurity challenges for builders

3:59 A real-life phishing scam story

5:35 Simple solutions for ransomware protection

8:15 Best email providers for security

14:02 Lessons from the CrowdStrike outage

17:14 Proactive steps to secure 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
40 min
November 28, 2024162. Aligning Vision and Ambition With Daryl Smith
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Daryl Smith, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Daryl dives deep into the essential intersection between personal and business wellbeing for builders. He shares valuable insights on balancing personal goals with professional aspirations and explains the practical habits and systems that can lead to a more fulfilling and profitable building business.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 160 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of aligning personal values with business values

How personal habits can drive success in business

Why having a "second office" space can boost strategic thinking

The role of core values in building strong, long-term relationships

and much, much more.

ABOUT DARYL SMITH

Daryl is a professional business leader who possesses the skills to bring people, systems and stakeholders together to bring about business success. Daryl leads with a people centred focus on empowering individuals and teams to set, plan and achieve goals, sales and business growth.

Connect with Daryl: linkedin.com/in/daryl-smith-3bb34a2b4/

TIMELINE
1:48 Daryl’s career journey and early leadership experience

10:19 Why personal and business values need alignment

19:43 The "second office" concept for strategic thinking

28:35 Value-driven decision-making in challenging projects

34:18 Key systems builders need to stay organised and on track

39:18 Final advice on aligning personal and company aspirations

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
November 21, 2024161. Performance & Vulnerability With Toby Jenkins
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Toby Jenkins, a former Olympian and Executive coach. Throughout this episode, Toby reveals the essential practices for building resilience and leading with purpose. He dives deep into the value of psychological flexibility and shares how business owners can redefine success while handling the pressures of leadership and life.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 161 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The importance of psychological flexibility in leadership

Practical strategies to manage stress and stay focused on what matters

How to differentiate between who you are and what you do

Techniques for building resilience and recentering your life’s purpose

and much, much more.

Check out Toby's weekly newsletter, The Monday 3:tobyajenkins.com/newsletter/

ABOUT TOBY JENKINS

Toby Jenkins is a leadership coach, Olympian and award winning entrepreneur and author. He’s worked with Olympic medalists, investors, founders, CEOs and leaders – individually and as teams. He loves helping founders and their teams work with the pressure that inevitably comes with important decisions, difficult conversations and ambitious opportunities. He helps them work towards their greatest impact and to be the person they want to be in the process.

Connect with Toby: linkedin.com/in/tobyjenkins/

TIMELINE
2:35 Defining identity beyond what you do

10:04 How facing mortality reshaped Toby's life and career

19:42 Psychological flexibility: The three essential skills

31:54 Why vulnerability matters in leadership

48:29 Practical strategies to stay present in challenging moments

56:53 Final advice on making intentional choices in life and 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
52 min
November 14, 2024160. Reimagining Financial Mindset With Leah Ward
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Leah Ward, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Leah shares her unique journey from corporate finance to business coaching and discusses the critical mindset shifts builders need to manage finances effectively and proactively. Leah explains how to transform financial statements from static documents into powerful tools for growth.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 160 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The value of an open mindset in understanding finances

How to identify and overcome financial mindset blockages

Why curiosity and kindness are crucial in financial management

Strategies to proactively use financial data to shape business decisions

and much, much more.

ABOUT LEAH WARD

With more than two decades in corporate finance and leadership, Leah’s coaching approach is deeply rooted in enhancing financial performance, nurturing effective communication, developing mindset strategies, and fostering team building. Her extensive experience in financial management and consulting has provided her with a profound understanding of the key factors that drive success for both companies and their teams.

Connect with Leah: linkedin.com/in/leahmward/

TIMELINE
2:33 Leah’s journey from finance to coaching

7:45 Why reactive finances hold you back

9:51 Common financial mindset blocks

13:46 Making financial data meaningful

28:38 The importance of curiosity in finances

31:53 Final tips on managing financial stress

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
33 min
November 07, 2024159. Estimating With AI With Darren Wallbank
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Darren Wallbank, Executive Chairman of Builda Price. In this episode, Darren shares his knowledge on how AI and cutting-edge technology are revolutionising the residential construction industry. He explains how builders can use AI to increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, and reclaim their weekends by automating routine tasks.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 159 YOU WILL DISCOVER
How AI is transforming the residential construction industry

The importance of real-time 3D rendering and instant estimations

How to streamline operations from project management to admin tasks using AI

Why AI isn't replacing jobs but enhancing them

How builders can use technology to speed up sales and project processes

and much, much more.

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/darren-wallbank-a4054153/

TIMELINE
2:30 The power of AI in residential construction

4:29 How real-time 3D rendering is changing the game

8:10 How AI is redefining the role of estimators

12:47 Improving customer experience with instant feedback

13:50 The future of AI in construction project management

15:55 How AI can give builders their weekends back

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
33 min
October 31, 2024158. Women In Construction With Erica Anenberg
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Erica Anenberg, founder of Girl Flip Construction. In this episode, Erica shares her experiences as a woman leading a remodeling company in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. She dives deep into the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from building a successful business, while also introducing her innovative construction software, BuilderBud.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 158 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The benefits of a diverse workforce in construction

How Erica navigated challenges as a woman in construction

The importance of business acumen in running a successful building company

How to attract female talent to your building company

Why nurturing relationships is key to success in construction

and much, much more.

ABOUT ERICA ANENBERG

Erica Anenberg is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, blending artistry with construction. As the CEO of BuilderBud and the licensed general contractor of Girl Flip Construction, she is known for innovative projects like showcase spa bathrooms, outdoor waterpark pools, and unique features such as 10-foot trap doors.

Connect with Erica: linkedin.com/in/ericaanenberg/

TIMELINE
1:37 Erica’s background and founding Girl Flip

2:38 Overcoming challenges as a woman in construction

8:04 The benefits of a diverse workforce

10:00 How to break down barriers as a female contractor

17:23 Advice for women looking to enter the industry

26:06 Introducing BuilderBud, a construction software making waves

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
30 min
October 24, 2024157. Manage Projects With AI With Mitchell Kasselman
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Mitchell Kasselman, Co-founder & CEO of Ressio Software. In this episode, Mitchell dives into the ways AI-powered construction management software can streamline building companies' processes and how builders can make the best software choices to optimise their businesses.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 157 YOU WILL DISCOVER
The challenges builders face with legacy software and spreadsheets

How Ressio simplifies job management and enhances client communication

Why AI is the "great equaliser" for small and medium-sized builders

The future of AI in construction software and what it means for the industry

and much, much more.

ABOUT MITCHELL KASSELMAN

Modernizing the American home-building experience as Co-Founder & CEO of Ressio Software. Former leader at ServiceChannel (acquired by Fortive for $1.2B) and ex-McKinsey consultant. Passionate about technology startups. Die hard Michigan football fan.

Connect with Mitchell: linkedin.com/in/mitchellkasselman/

TIMELINE
1:53 Common challenges builders face with legacy software

3:50 Why builders need to rethink their software solutions

8:07 Unique problems custom builders face with client communication

14:34 How AI is changing the game for small and medium-sized builders

18:25 What the future of AI looks like in construction software

22:21 Why builders can’t afford to fall behind on technology

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
30 min
October 17, 2024156. Mastering Negotiation With Sky Kolade
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Sky Kolade, Co-founder of APB. In this episode, Sky dives deep into the art of negotiation, specifically tailored for building company owners. She explains how negotiation plays a crucial role in maintaining control, building relationships, and securing better outcomes for your business.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 156 YOU WILL DISCOVER
Why negotiation is essential for every builder

How to navigate the power dynamics in business discussions

The tactics you can use to disarm clients and stakeholders

How to confidently handle negotiations, even in difficult situations

The importance of mindset in becoming a better negotiator

and much, much more.

ABOUT SKY KOLADE

Sky Kolade is a Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Sky is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and she was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction.

Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/

TIMELINE
2:11 Why negotiation is critical for builders

3:44 How to shift the power dynamic in your favour

6:16 The key to win-win negotiations

20:17 How to disarm clients and handle objections

28:52 The power of silence in negotiations

34:53 How labelling emotions helps you negotiate better

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
47 min