Building Optimal

We are covering our listener accounting and tax questions in today’s AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode with Sheri Allshouse. Sheri, a repeat guest, is a CPA with an expertise in home building and construction.

Her firm is The Allshouse Group in Houston, Texas. In this discussion, we cover a wide variety of accounting and tax topics, from accounting software and tracking change orders to new tax updates.

To stay up to date on our latest interviews, be sure to sign up for our emails at www.buildingoptimal.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy the interview!

Show Notes:

03:15 - What software do you recommend?

12:50 - What’s the best way to process changes orders through your accounting system?

16:30 - What is the best way to track expenses that don’t have PO’s like runs to Home Depot?

21:40 - Tax updates affecting us for 2019 filings.

25:50 - What are the energy tax credits available to builders?

30:20 - Any last advice Sheri has for us.

Is it better to work with Realtors or internal sales staff? How much should you pay? How can you build a high performing sales team? We have your answer.

Today’s guest is Sean McDonald, a seasoned building executive with more than 30 years experience. He has built countless sales teams and most recently ran the San Antonio division of Gehan Homes. Sean is currently working on several startup ventures in the home building space, including Land on Earth.

Enjoy the episode!

Show Notes:

[2:43] - The pros and cons of Realtors vs. internal sales team.

[9:25] - Sean’s preferred comp structures.

[15:02] - The specific role of the sales person in the life cycle of the customer.

[18:15] - Comp differences between a spec home vs true custom.

[22:30] - The biggest traps to fall into when building a sales team.

[25:20] - The common qualities of high-performing sales teams.

Ever wonder what you can do to build your brand and better stand out as a builder? Our guest, Carol Morgan, has the answer. Or to be precise, five answers. We interview Carol, President of Denim Marketing, on her top five ways to stand out in this competitive market!

Carol runs her own successful marketing firm, has an award-winning radio show, has written four books, and if that’s not enough, she’s served as chair of the National Home Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Council.

Ways to stay in touch with us, by the way! Sign up for our newsletter here or on Instagram here.

Show Notes

3:50 - Carol’s #1 piece of advice: Be fun. Be creative.

9:35 - #2: Use social media and use it well.

15:30 - #3: Promotions.

19:10 - #4: Geofencing.

26:35 - #5: Simply be responsive!

ROCKWOOL insulation is picking up steam as a go-to insulation in many parts of the country. With it’s thermal performance, durability, and effect on indoor air quality, it’s easy to see why.

Dan Edelman, Head of Business Development for ROCKWOOL, joins us on the show for an overview of their product.

Show Notes:

[4:04] - The history and growth of ROCKWOOL.

[5:18] - What makes ROCKWOOL different.

[8:10] - ROCKWOOL indoor air quality relative to other options.

[12:08] - How does ROCKWOOL stack up with price.

[14:22] - How to get a crew trained on ROCKWOOL insulation.

[16:30] - The thermal performance of ROCKWOOL.

[18:10] - ROCKWOOL’s exterior insulation product.

[19:44] - Dan’s preferred wall assembly.

[22:45] - Where to find Dan and ROCKWOOL’s Elite Builder Program.

David Lupberger of remodelforce.com is back ONE MORE TIME to show us how to win more clients and build a remarkable brand by selling our “why.” In a commodity-like business such as building, finding your metaphorical moat to differentiate you from your competitors is a must.

David is a speaker, author, and consultant on the national stage. He has some wonderful programs, so be sure to check him out online.

This episode is brought to you by our own personal insurance agent and broker, Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch of Brookstone Insurance. Liability insurance is a dangerous place where you can easily fall victim to bad coverage or bad agents. That’s why we switched to Doug and Treacy. Check them out and make an informed decision on your liability coverage. Enjoy the episode!

Show Notes:

[4:00] - An intro to the concept of selling your why.

[7:50] - What is the process to determine your “why?"

[16:50] - How can a builder use this to truly stand out?

[24:28] - The need for giving clients a “leave-behind.”

[27:30] - The best place to go to learn more about David’s programs. 

David Lupberger of remodelforce.com returns for an eye-opening episode on how to grow your business, diversify your income, AND create clients for life at the same time!

David is a speaker, author, and consultant on the national stage. He’s also a brilliant mind for developing this deceptively simple strategy. Enjoy the episode!

Show Notes:

[1:55] - The overview of David’s Clients for Life program.

[9:50] - Some mechanics of how it works.

Speaker, author, and owner of remodelforce.com, David Lupberger, joins us to discuss the different margins in new homes vs remodels as well as the benefits of developing architects as a primary referral source.

This is the first of a three part series with David. We will also be featuring interviews with him over creating clients for life and selling your why. Be sure to check out David’s site, remodelforce.com to learn more about his suite of products to help you in your business.

And if you aren’t tired of me saying it by now, make sure you’ve signed up for our free newsletter on the home page of our website, buildingoptimal.com.

Enjoy the episode!

Show Notes:

[1:50] What are the differences in skill sets needed between a new home builder and a remodeler.

[5:10] The difference in profit margins between the two.

[8:45] Dis-economies of scale on small jobs.

[12:15] Growing your business with architects.

Curious what's new in the smart home space? Dave LaMere indulges us. Dave is the owner of Smart Homz, with locations in both Ramsey and Beach Haven, New Jersey. Dave's company offers the whole suite of home automation and technology services, so he's just the guy for today's episode.

Show notes:

[1:45] - What's new in the smart home space.

[5:55] - What can you accomplish without a huge budget.

[8:30] - The most popular things Dave is asked to install. 

[17:06] - David's recommendation to builders.

[21:41] - Where to find Dave online.

Kirsten Danielle is the owner of award-winning Alma Homes in Minnesota. In addition to being a talented builder, Kirsten has a strong brand in the industry for her designs. We talk to her about her selections program, working better with designers, and the design trends she is seeing in the market. This is the third and final episode featuring women leaders in the industry. However, I want to have a better balance of guests in the future between men and women, so if you have anyone you think would be a good guest for the show, holler!

Show Notes:

[1:50] – Kirsten’s story that led her to found Alma Homes.

[4:40] – How can builders and designers work better together?

[9:50] – What’s the best way to handle selections?

[12:45] – What Kirsten keeps in her showroom.

[14:50] – What are those small design things that add big value?

[24:20] – Kirsten’s take on the latest design trends.

Christine Williamson is one of the top minds in the field of building science. She travels the continent consulting for architects and developers and also forensically investigating building failures.

A few of her projects include the restoration of Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park, forensic investigations of building failures at the air traffic control tower of LAX and the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado. Not a bad place to get called out to.

And of course, her other project you may know her for is her Instagram account, @buildingsciencefightclub, where she takes her wealth of knowledge and distills it into actionable, insightful lessons that just about anyone can understand.

This is also the second part of our series featuring women leaders in the industry. I’m excited to have Christine on the show. I’ve wanted to visit with her for a while. I hope you all enjoy the episode.

By the way, let us know by the way what you’re enjoying, what you want to hear more of. Drop us a line at [email protected], or send us a message on Instagram.

Show Notes

[2:20] – Christine’s story and rise in the business of building science.

[8:40] – Story behind @buildingsciencefightclub

[9:50] – Is the building industry broken? What’s the fix?

[18:30] – Have we outpaced ourselves with some of our new building innovations?

[22:25] – How does a builder up their building science game?

[27:30] – The nuances of following manufacturer instructions.

[30:30] – Christine’s advice on low hanging fruit to improve the performance of your builds.

[34:00] – Where to find Christine online.