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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Janna Colucci, Co-founder and CEO of Bundle. In this episode, Janna dives into the world of digital procurement and explores how builders can streamline the material selection process, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall experience for their clients.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 175 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The evolution of material selection in homebuilding
• How builders can balance customer choice while maintaining control
• The impact of technology on procurement and selection processes
• Strategies to improve efficiency and reduce wasted time
• 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/

TIMELINE

• 02:24 Janna’s journey and why she co-founded Bundle
• 05:12 How material selection has evolved for builders
• 07:17 The biggest challenges in managing homeowner expectations
• 12:43 How technology can streamline procurement and selections
• 19:45 The balance between fixed price contracts and customization
• 26:24 What’s next for material purchasing in homebuilding

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 Alannah Silva, from BoxBrownie.com. Throughout this episode, Alannah delves into the world of 3D virtual renders and explains how they can revolutionize the way builders market and sell their projects. She highlights the key benefits of using renders to overcome visualization challenges, create emotional buy-in, and streamline the sales process.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 174 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How 3D renders help builders and clients visualize projects before construction
• How renders can assist in marketing homes before they are even built
• The cost-effectiveness of rendering technology and how it has become more accessible
• Best practices for ensuring high-quality, realistic renders
• The impact of AI advancements on rendering in the future
• And much, much more.

ABOUT ALANNAH SILVA

As a Business Development Manager at Boxbrownie.com, Alannah’s role is to nurture new business, lead their dynamic events team and contribute to the growth of BoxBrownie.com’s exceptional Render Sales Team. She is all about fostering meaningful connections and demonstrating how Boxbrownie.com helps real estate agents worldwide.

Connect with Alannah: linkedin.com/in/alannahsilva/

TIMELINE

• 04:23 The biggest visualization challenges builders face
• 08:15 How 3D renders can enhance your sales and marketing strategy
• 11:29 The emotional power of renders in closing deals
• 14:55 How renders can help clients make cost-saving decisions
• 22:22 The future of AI in 3D rendering
• 25:07 How much a 3D render costs and the process behind it

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