In this episode, guest Alan Hanbury of Hanbury Builders Inc. discusses three common areas where remodeling contractors are underperforming because they believe their gut rather than facts.

Alan also talks about referral marketing, the effects of job costing done half-heartedly, and hiring when taking net profitability into account.

Alan is president of House of Hanbury Builders Inc., and recently retired after 45 years as owner of the full-service remodeling firm in central Connecticut. Alan now concentrates on teaching, consulting and other business coaching opportunities. 

Victoria, Mark and Alan talk more about:

• The importance of referrals
• Why monitoring job costing reports may be more important than accounting results
• Hiring during labor shortages
• And more…

The post Common Remodeler Mistakes that are Hitting Your Bottom Line with Alan Hanbury – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, host Victoria Downing chats with Jessica Lipson, Vice President of People and Culture at JBL Consulting, about building strong leadership within your remodeling business. Jessica, who brings over 20 years of HR experience, shares her insights on identifying high-potential leaders, developing effective mentorship programs, and fostering non-toxic, inclusive company cultures.

Jessica explains the difference between high-performing employees, who excel in their current roles, and high-potential employees, who show the drive and emotional intelligence to lead in the future. She emphasizes the importance of utilizing tools like behavioral assessments and regular one-on-ones to spot these emerging leaders.

Victoria and Jessica also dive into:

• The key skills future leaders should possess, such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability.
• How to balance formal training with real-world leadership experiences.
• Practical strategies for resolving workplace conflict and building a respectful, productive team culture.

Bring her expertise directly into your business. From identifying emerging leaders to designing sustainable culture initiatives, Jessica works hands-on with remodeling companies to elevate their people and performance.

The post Developing Your Company’s Future Leaders with Jessica Lipson – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

How can designers and production staff improve their success in the remodeling industry?  Guest Jeff Borovitz joins Victoria and Mark to talk about the deadly sins that get in the way of reaching your full potential.  

Jeff has worked and trained with many members of the Remodelers Advantage Roundtables community and brings that experience in talking about patterns and trends to continue, and avoid.

Since 1991, Jeff has worked with businesses across the globe, helping thousands improve their sales organizations and sales culture.  Jeff is now the owner of Sandler Training, a sales and leadership training company that helps business owners increase revenue, shorten sales cycles, and hire better-performing sales teams.  

Victoria, Mark and Jeff talk more about:

The post The Deadly Sins that Designers & Production Teams Commit with Jeff Borovitz – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

Accurately estimating a project is critical to profit,  and one of the most challenging components of that estimate is labor. 

Can you estimate labor simply and accurately? Are you spending too much time estimating labor for each job?  Guest Chad Vincent thinks so.  Tune into this episode to hear all about his new method towards becoming more effective in the estimation process.

Chad is the CEO and owner of Renaissance Remodeling in Boise, Idaho. He began his remodeling and construction career at a young age working for his dad in the family business and has been expanding his presence, expertise, and success in the field ever since. Chad values staying ahead of the curve and accepting nothing but the best in an ever-changing industry. 

Victoria, Mark and Chad talk more about:

The post A Secret Shortcut to Estimating Labor with Chad Vincent – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

On this episode, Victoria and Mark talk to guest Andrew Schroeder about using your remodeling experience to grow your business by profitably flipping houses, minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits, and the challenges of acting as your own client.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the remodeling industry or just starting, this episode is for you! Victoria and Mark dig deep with Andrew to uncover all the tips and tricks for success in the lucrative world of house flipping.

Andrew joined the Schroeder Design/Build team in 1999 and became owner in 2011. In addition to running SDB, Andrew volunteers time with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Victoria, Mark, and Andrew talk more about:

The post How to Make Huge Profits Without Clients with Andrew Schroeder – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

Today on PowerTips Unscripted, Thomas Croessman joins the show to discuss the need for small business owners to plan for their company’s transition in their estate plan.  While your business might be humming along now, how will it perform if you’re not around? Unfortunately, most small businesses only survive the first generation because of estate planning and communication failures. Thomas explains Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts, when those documents become effective. He also gives some practical tips to help the transition go smoothly.

Thomas Croessmann is the Managing Partner of Croessmann & Westberg, P.C., a construction law firm in the DC area. The firm is a full-service law firm for construction contractors.

Thomas, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:

The post Estate Planning 101 with Thomas Croessman – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

The most common marketing mistake host Mark Harari sees is a focus on tactic without regard for strategy.  It is important to avoid adopting new fad marketing tactics, and start with a strategic foundation.  Guest Spencer Powell agrees, and he is here to share how to focus on what matters most to your business so that you can use marketing to increase profit.

Spencer is the CEO of Builder Funnel & the author of the book, The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint. Spencer began his marketing journey by helping his uncles’ remodeling division grow from $2M to $10M in 4 years & now helps remodeling companies create sustainable, repeatable marketing plans.

Victoria, Mark and Spencer talk more about:

This episode is packed with strategic marketing advice — but insights alone won’t move the needle. That’s where Roundtables Peer Groups come in. Join a community of top-tier remodelers who not only learn from experts like Spencer Powell, but also implement proven strategies, stay accountable, and drive real results.

Take the next step — learn more about Roundtables today.

The post Focusing on What Matters Most with Spencer Powell – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

Successful communication with new or potential customers can make or break a company’s image. 

Alongside communication, ensuring that any preconceived notions or assumptions are put aside when working with a new customer can be crucial in securing their business.

Victoria and Mark both share experiences with remodeling and trade companies that left them bringing their business elsewhere.  This is easily avoidable, and in this episode they talk about how communication plays a large part in having a successful business. 

Whether it’s poor communication or a lack thereof entirely, learn how to ensure that your business does not leave customers saying, “what were they thinking?”

Victoria and Mark talk more about:

• The importance of being personable
• How to facilitate good communication
• Advice for following-up
• And more…

The post What Were They Thinking? with Victoria Downing and Mark Harari – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

The remodeling industry is highly competitive and some may be tempted to break the rules. Although some may do it intentionally, others may start with good intentions, but over time the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Thomas Croessmann will be joining the show to discuss the consequences of breaking the rules, which in some cases can result in jail time.

Thomas Croessmann is the Managing Partner of Croessmann & Westberg, P.C., a construction law firm in the DC area. The firm is a full-service law firm for construction contractors. Thomas has worked with many of the Remodelers in the Metro D.C. area.

Thomas, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:

The post The Fine Line: The Legal Consequences to Questionable Business Practices with Thomas Croessmann – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.

There are many legal challenges that can appear suddenly for remodelers, builders and business owners. It is imperative to build your business on a foundation that can weather the storm so that, as our guest today puts it, it doesn’t matter.

In this episode, we talk more about the process of “shatterproofing” your business with America’s Legal Coach, Scott Reib.

Scott is the owner of ReibLaw, a full-service law firm with over 20 years of Business Law and Estate Planning experience. For the last two decades, Scott has been helping business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers to “shatterproof” their businesses and succeed in the professional world.

Victoria, Mark and Scott cover:

The post How to Shatterproof Your Business with America’s Legal Coach – [Best of PowerTips] appeared first on PowerTips Unscripted.