Professional Builders Secrets brings you a live episode from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas featuring Bob Cain, Business Unit Leader at BuildTools by ECI. In this episode, Bob shares powerful insights into understanding and exceeding modern client expectations, along with actionable strategies to streamline builder operations, boost profitability, and reduce risk.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 198 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How to structure your first appointment to stand out from the competition
• How to deliver honest, timely communication
• The power of technology in closing more jobs and running smoother projects
• Best practices for managing change orders without losing profit
• How BuildTools simplifies job costing, WIP reporting, and net profit tracking
• And much, much more.

ABOUT BOB CAIN

Bob(Robert) Cain is the Business Unit Leader at BuildTools by ECI Software Solutions. With over 26 years in the construction industry, he’s worked with thousands of builders and trade contractors, helping them streamline operations, implement technology, and improve profitability through smarter project management and client communication.

Connect with Bob: linkedin.com/in/bobcain/

TIMELINE

• 3:30 Why most construction software doesn’t fit small builders
• 8:00 The hidden costs of poor estimating practices
• 12:30 How live supplier integrations save time and money
• 17:00 The power of AI to catch costly mistakes
• 23:00 Streamlining ordering and logistics in one click
• 28:30 What the future of construction technology looks like

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive live episode from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, featuring Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. In this episode, Andy dives deep into how builders can strategically use construction slots to create urgency, drive profitability, improve cash flow, and create a more seamless client experience.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 197 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How to create scarcity and urgency using construction slots
• Why defining construction capacity improves both sales and delivery
• The ripple effects of well-planned construction slots on your cash flow
• How to align your start dates with financial goals and client expectations
• The tools APB provides to streamline construction slot planning
• 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

• 2:15 What construction slots are and why they matter
• 6:40 How slots improve the sales process, not just scheduling
• 10:55 Using scarcity and urgency to drive buyer confidence
• 14:20 What to do when clients miss their slot deadline
• 19:35 Linking construction slots with your cash flow plan
• 24:50 The real cost of not implementing this systemr

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. In this episode, Russ goes head-to-head with his digital twin, AI Russ, in a unique test of experience versus artificial intelligence. Discover how a decade of coaching insights, action plans, and builder-specific content have been distilled into APB’s newest innovation, APB Brain.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 196 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• What APB Brain is and how it helps builders
• The key steps to generating better leads for your building company
• How to price and operate for higher profit margins
• Why delegation is essential for sustainable growth
• The most critical financial numbers every builder should track
• How to scale your building company without burning out

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

• 1:10 What is APB Brain and how does it work?
• 5:50 Russ vs AI, how to get better leads
• 14:30 Russ vs AI, how to make more profit
• 22:40 Russ vs AI, how to delegate tasks to your team
• 33:10 Russ vs AI, what financial numbers to track in your building company
• 41:55 Russ vs AI, how to scale without burning out

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Steve Yates, CEO of Buildxact. Throughout this episode, Steve sheds light on why so many builders struggle with technology that doesn’t fit their needs and shares how purpose-built software and AI can transform estimating, planning, and profitability in custom home building.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 195 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why technology designed for production builders fails custom home builders
• How to pinpoint the software that addresses your pain points
• The power of live supplier integrations and AI
• How improving pre-planning and information flow drives profitability
• How to leverage new technology as a competitive advantage
• And much, much more.

ABOUT STEVE YATES

Steve Yates is the CEO of Buildxact, a construction management platform built for custom builders and remodelers. With nearly 20 years in the construction supply space and a global perspective, he’s focused on delivering tech solutions that simplify estimating, improve planning, and drive builder profitability.

Connect with Steve: linkedin.com/in/ceobuildxact/

TIMELINE

• 3:30 Why most construction software doesn’t fit small builders
• 8:00 The hidden costs of poor estimating practices
• 12:30 How live supplier integrations save time and money
• 17:00 The power of AI to catch costly mistakes
• 23:00 Streamlining ordering and logistics in one click
• 28:30 What the future of construction technology looks like

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. In this live recording from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Andy unpacks the art and science of cash flow mastery for building companies. Andy shares why cash flow is the number one reason builders struggle to scale, and explains how to create a sustainable system that protects your business long term.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 194 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why cash flow is the lifeblood of any construction business
• The biggest mistakes builders make with their cash and financial risk
• How to build 12 months of cash reserves
• The critical role of an experienced bookkeeper and what questions to ask them
• How understanding your true numbers will change how you operate
• 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

• 2:00 Why cash flow is the lifeblood of a building company
• 5:30 How builders accidentally run a Ponzi scheme
• 9:00 The importance of daily and weekly cash monitoring
• 13:00 The consequences of not knowing your numbers
• 17:30 Building cash reserves for peace of mind
• 21:00 Practical tips for finding the right bookkeeper

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode recorded live at the International Builders Show (IBS) 2025 with Jim Schneider of Schneider Construction. In this episode, Jim shares his journey from struggling with profitability to running a lean, high-performance building company.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 193 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• What makes a high-performance home
• The critical financial mistakes that were draining profits from Jim’s business
• How to confidently define your ideal client and say no to the wrong jobs
• Why openness, vulnerability, and peer accountability accelerated Jim’s success
• How implementing construction slots, pricing for profit, and work in progress tracking transformed his margins
• And much, much more.

ABOUT JIM SCHNEIDER

Jim is the owner of Schneider Construction, LLC. He is a master builder, and builds and remodels high-value custom homes in Virginia’s Eastern Shore that stand as exemplars of quality, design and coastal living.

Connect with Jim: linkedin.com/in/schneiderconstructionva

TIMELINE

• 1:46 What a high-performance home really is
• 5:56 The turning point that forced Jim to change how he ran his business
• 11:11 Why chasing every project drained his profits
• 15:26 How defining his ideal client improved margins and reduced stress
• 19:41 The power of collaboration and openness with your team
• 23:14 Jim’s number one piece of advice for builders who want to get out of survival mode

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an essential episode featuring Glen Fitzgerald, Co-founder and Safety Manager of Worx Safety. In this episode, Glen gets into how systemising your on-site safety and compliance processes is about more than just ticking a box; it’s a growth strategy that directly impacts your building company's efficiency, risk management, and bottom line.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 192 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why most builders are unintentionally exposing themselves to risk
• The consequences of poor subcontractor compliance
• How a digital system can safeguard your business
• The link between safety systems and site quality, efficiency, and scalability
• Why builders should see safety as a competitive advantage
• And much, much more.

ABOUT GLEN FITZGERALD

Glen Fitzgerald is the Co-founder of Worx Safety and has over two decades of experience in the residential construction industry. Having owned and operated multiple trade businesses, Glen understands the real-world challenges builders face. Today, he helps building companies streamline their safety and compliance processes through digital solutions.

Connect with Glen: linkedin.com/in/glen-fitzgerald-09b46b221/

TIMELINE

• 3:40 The real cost of poor safety systems
• 6:15 Why safety is a business strategy, not just compliance
• 9:00 Glen’s journey from plumber to safety software founder
• 14:20 Subcontractor risks that could cost you thousands
• 18:30 How to systemise your on-site safety processes
• 24:00 The future of digital safety in residential construction

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Adam Eagle, CEO and founder of Beam. In this episode, Adam shares the challenges builders face in managing project finances and introduces solutions that can streamline processes, reduce overwhelm, and significantly boost profitability.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 191 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why builders struggle with fragmented financial systems
• The hidden dangers of relying solely on bookkeepers
• How Beam simplifies subcontractor payments and job costing
• The impact of fast payment cycles on subcontractor loyalty and pricing
• How digitising processes reduce cost overruns and errors
• And much, much more.

ABOUT ADAM EAGLE

Adam Eagle is the CEO and founder of Beam, a construction finance platform built to simplify project payments and job costing. With a background in fintech at Stripe, Adam now helps builders streamline their finances and boost profitability through smarter, integrated systems.

Connect with Adam: linkedin.com/in/areagle/

TIMELINE

• 2:04 Why Adam left Stripe to help builders
• 4:06 The hidden chaos behind builder finances
• 8:59 Why relying on a bookkeeper isn’t enough
• 10:01 How one builder saved 9.5 hours a week
• 14:48 The real cost of paying subcontractors the old way
• 26:03 A $21K mistake that could’ve been avoided

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you a special live episode from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, featuring Ron Nussbaum, founder of BuilderComs, and Janna Colucci, CEO and co-founder of Bundle. In this episode, the two dive into one of the most pressing challenges in construction today, communication, and unpack how better communication can dramatically reduce cost overruns, stress, and unhappy clients.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 190 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Where most client communication breakdowns happen in the build process
• Why outdated communication methods are hurting your business
• How to implement a single source of truth for your projects
• The $4,000 impact per employee per year
What builders can do today to improve communication
• And much, much more.

ABOUT JANNA COLUCCI

Janna Colucci is the Co-founder & CEO of Bundle, a digital procurement platform transforming how builders buy and manage materials. With a background in green building, sustainability, and modular construction, she is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline procurement, reduce waste, and improve efficiency in the homebuilding industry.

Connect with Janna: linkedin.com/in/jwc2021/

ABOUT RON NUSSBAUM

Ron Nussbaum, the founder and CEO of BuilderComs, has ingeniously bridged the communication gap in the construction industry. Imagine if Slack and Dropbox had a baby specifically tailored for builders and contractors—well, that’s BuilderComs!

Connect with Ron: linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum/

TIMELINE

• 3:10 Where communication breakdowns begin
• 5:25 Why outdated methods like faxing are still common
• 7:50 The $30 billion cost of miscommunication
• 14:20 What builders can learn from the Domino’s Tracker
• 20:45 Why proactive updates are key to client satisfaction
• 28:15 How simplicity in software improves communication

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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Josh Hallam and Sam Falanga from Falanga & Co. In this episode, the duo delves into the often-overlooked but critical area of tax planning for builders. With candid stories and practical advice, Josh and Sam explain how poor financial planning can lead to "tax shock" and offer real solutions to prevent it.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 189 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why many builders fall into "tax shock"
• The importance of cash flow management
• How to forecast and plan for monthly, quarterly, and annual tax obligations
• What to look for in a trusted accounting partner
• Why relying solely on your bank balance is a mistake

ABOUT SAMUEL FALANGA

Driven by a strong desire to help people build successful businesses, Sam established his own practice in 2011. Since founding Falanga & Co, Sam has built a highly capable team of business coaches, and has established the firm’s reputation as a trusted and effective partner for success across multiple industries.

Connect with Sam: linkedin.com/in/samuel-falanga-7939a265/

ABOUT JOSH HALLAM

Bringing over a decade of senior executive experience to Falanga & Co, Josh is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm’s operations. From the development and implementation of strategic plans, to ensuring the firm is meeting its financial and operational objectives, Josh plays a pivotal role in the strategic direction of the firm.

Connect with Josh: linkedin.com/in/josh-hallam-6904711b/

TIMELINE

• 2:36 Why builders leave tax planning too late
• 6:53 The case for monthly lodgements over quarterly surprises
• 12:02 How one builder lost $270K by not managing accounts receivable
• 16:23 The role of your accountant as a business partner
• 25:20 Why your bank balance isn’t a measure of success
• 29:07 The importance of charging for every variation

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