Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Jake Dornford and Nico von Wielligh from Dornford Building Group. In this episode, Jake and Nico share their journey from humble beginnings to running a thriving design-and-construct business, built on consistency, values, and strong leadership.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 208 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How Dornford Building Group grew from small renos to custom homes
• The power of 1% improvements every day
• Why consistency and values shape successful teams
• The fine line between vulnerability and leadership
• How systems and processes create lasting business stability
• And much more

ABOUT JAKE DORNFORD

As Director of Dornford Building Group, Jake began his career as a carpenter before growing his company into a leading design-and-construct business in Adelaide. With over eight years of experience, Jake is passionate about leadership, consistency, and creating systems that empower his team to deliver exceptional results for clients.

Connect with Jake: linkedin.com/in/jake-dornford-82937025a/

ABOUT NICO VON WIELLIGH

As Business Manager of Dornford Building Group, Nico brings a background in business management and marketing to the building industry. His expertise in systems, leadership, and culture complements Jake’s construction experience. Together, they’ve built a thriving company grounded in strong values, continuous improvement, and a shared passion for helping clients bring their visions to life.

Connect with Nico: linkedin.com/in/nico-von-wielligh-02587b142/

TIMELINE

• 2:45 From carpentry to custom homes
• 7:36 The power of 1% improvements
• 10:14 How to stay accountable and aligned
• 12:51 Managing stress as a leader
• 19:32 Building a values-driven team
• 32:24 Small changes with big impact

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 Clint Best, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Clint unpacks how builders can organise and strengthen their marketing efforts. He shares practical insights on when to hire marketing support, what roles to prioritise, and how to avoid the pitfalls that come from outsourcing too soon or too blindly.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 207 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• When to hire marketing help and who to bring on first
• How to avoid the “abdication trap” with agencies
• Why understanding your ideal client drives better results
• How to build momentum with simple, consistent marketing
• And much, much more.

ABOUT CLINT BEST

Clint was trained and certified by the world’s largest business coaching team and was eventually named the Canadian Coach of the Year in 2006, before leaving to form Kaizen Business Development in 2007. He has been successfully coaching business owners in Canada and the United States for 18 years and now forms part of the Executive Business Coaching Team at APB.

Connect with Clint: linkedin.com/in/clintbest/?originalSubdomain=ca

TIMELINE

• 3:36 When builders realise they need marketing
• 8:03 The essential components of a marketing program
• 11:08 Who to hire first to get marketing off the ground
• 16:36 The “abdication trap” and how to avoid it
• 25:26 Setting realistic expectations for results
• 30:08 Clint’s final tips for building a strong marketing structure

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 Daniel Morton, founder of JACK App. In this episode, Daniel shares his journey from starting out as a plumber to scaling a residential building company turning over more than $70 million a year, all while launching a software platform designed specifically for builders.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 206 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The transition from tools, to building company owner, to software
• Why systems and processes are the backbone of scaling any building company
• Why defining roles, hold points and training are critical
• The symptoms that reveal broken or inefficient systems in your company
• How JACK App provides builders with end-to-end solutions
• And much more.

ABOUT DANIEL MORTON

Entrepreneur and builder with a proven track record of creating and scaling successful businesses across construction and technology. As Co-Founder of JACK App, Daniel is passionate about helping builders streamline their projects and boost profitability through smarter, builder-designed technology.

Connect with Daniel:linkedin.com/in/daniel-morton-b86bb0355/

TIMELINE

• 2:32 From plumber to builder to software entrepreneur
• 6:03 Lessons on delegation and scaling a building company
• 8:05 Why systems are the key to sustainable growth
• 10:30 Defining roles and client hold points to avoid delays
• 21:22 The warning signs of broken or inefficient systems
• 24:42 How JACK App streamlines building businesses end-to-end

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 the Association of Professional Builders. Throughout this episode, Russ explains why “proof” beats claims and how builders can use evidence to earn trust and win more contracts in an AI-noisy world.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 205 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• What “proof” really means for builders
• How to match proof to each stage of the sales funnel
• Simple ways to generate reviews and case studies
• How to pre-empt objections with targeted evidence
• Why third-party awards and media are the highest level of proof
• And 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

TIMELINE

• 2:58 What “proof” really means for builders
• 5:20 Why proof matters more in an AI-saturated world
• 12:10 The hierarchy of proof across the sales funnel
• 18:30 Strategies to generate reviews and testimonials
• 24:40 How awards and third-party recognition build trust
• 31:50 APB’s industry report opportunity for 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 Helena and Emily, Co-founders of Arrow Agency. Throughout this episode, Helena and Emily reveal why so many builders feel like they’re wasting money on marketing, and they break down what you can do to avoid the common traps. They share proven strategies for setting up campaigns that actually deliver results, what to look for when choosing an agency, and how to make sure your budget is being used effectively.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 204 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why so many builders feel frustrated with marketing agencies
• The red flags to watch for when choosing a marketing partner
• The importance of clear goals, KPIs, and strategy before spending money
• How to set up paid advertising that drives real leads
• The key metrics you should track to measure success

ABOUT HELENA TIVEY

Helena brings over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, co-founding The Arrow Agency to help builders grow with transparent, results-driven strategies. Passionate about client success and work-life balance, she combines sharp strategic thinking with real-world insight, empowering both businesses and her team to thrive.

Connect with Helena: linkedin.com/in/helena-tivey-845057a1/

ABOUT EMILY WILLIAMS

With over a decade in marketing across FMCG, agribusiness, services and more, Emily co-founded The Arrow Agency to challenge cookie-cutter approaches and deliver client-first results. Specialising in digital strategy, automation, and lead funnels, she combines practical insight with innovation to create smarter campaigns that drive sustainable growth.

Connect with Emily: linkedin.com/in/emily-williams-66ab3b86/

TIMELINE

• 5:30 Why builders feel like marketing is a waste of money
• 12:45 The platforms that actually generate quality leads
• 20:10 What counts as a real lead (and why a pageview isn’t it)
• 28:30 How to spot red flags when choosing a marketing agency
• 36:00 What to expect when you start working with Arrow Agency
• 39:00 Setting realistic expectations for leads, contracts & ROI

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. Throughout this episode, Russ tackles the biggest hidden drag on every building company, time, and shares a practical framework to stop being your team’s go-to problem solver so you can start leading more effectively.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 203 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why builders unintentionally train their teams to rely on them
• The real cost of low-value work vs. high-value leadership
• The 3-3-3 method
• How to coach your team to think clearly
• How to keep control without micromanaging
• And 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

TIMELINE

• 2:40 Why leaders train their teams to rely on them
• 6:37 The hidden cost of $20/hr tasks vs. $1,000/hr work
• 10:10 Breaking the cycle with the 3-3-3 Method
• 15:45 Coaching your team to think and solve problems independently
• 21:10 Delegating safely with policies, procedures & exception reporting
• 27:30 First steps to implement the method and regain control of your time

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 Reegan Cusworth, Co-founder of Reebuild. Throughout this episode, Reegan shares his journey as a fourth-generation builder, the lessons he’s learned from working with family, and the systems he’s put in place to create a sustainable and profitable building company.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 202 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How Reegan transitioned from working with his father to running the business with his partner
• Why building systems and processes is the key to scaling a building company
• The importance of defining your ideal client and targeting them effectively
• How to empower your team to solve problems without relying on you
• Why improving quality and transparency sets you apart in today’s market
• and much, much more.

ABOUT REEGAN CUSWORTH

Reegan Cusworth is a fourth-generation builder and Co-owner of Reebuild. With over a decade of experience in renovations and extensions, he’s passionate about creating better systems, delivering high-quality outcomes, and empowering his team.

Connect with Reegan: linkedin.com/in/reegan-cusworth-b470b2266/

TIMELINE

• 1:27 Reegan’s journey as a fourth-generation builder and starting Reebuild
• 3:19 Lessons learned from working with family
• 8:12 How to structure discovery meetings to uncover what clients really want
• 13:59 Why defining your ideal client changes your marketing and messaging
• 27:12 Shifting from slim profit margins to running a truly profitable business
• 38:14 How software and systems are helping Reebuild grow sustainably

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 James Russell, Founder of buildersVA. Throughout this episode, James shares his insights on how builders can reclaim their time, streamline operations, and scale more effectively by leveraging offshore talent. He breaks down the myths around delegation, explains why systems and people must work together, and reveals practical strategies that can help builders grow without burning out.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 201 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why delegation is more than just “handing tasks over”
• The biggest barriers that stop builders from outsourcing
• How asynchronous training beats traditional shadowing
• The types of tasks builders should outsource first
• How outsourcing increases consistency and customer experience
• and much, much more.

ABOUT JAMES RUSSELL

James Russell is the Founder of buildersVA, helping builders reclaim time and scale their businesses by combining offshore talent with simple systems. With over 15 years of experience in delegation, he empowers builders to outsource effectively and grow with confidence.

Connect with James: linkedin.com/in/processperfect/

TIMELINE

• 1:17 The business of delegation and why systems + people = superpowers
• 3:42 The biggest barrier stopping builders from outsourcing
• 6:13 Why asynchronous training beats traditional shadowing
• 8:15 The 10-80-10 principle for effortless delegation
• 19:33 The hidden cost of “chasing” contractors and suppliers
• 38:03 Why progress matters more than perfection in delegation

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 Trevor Anderson, Co-Founder of Collaborative Construction Inc. Throughout this episode, Trevor shares how his unconventional background in finance and data intelligence shaped a fresh approach to running a construction company. From creating a values-driven culture to managing his company remotely, Trevor reveals the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that have redefined what a professional building company can look like.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 200 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• How a background in finance and data drives better decisions
• The importance of building a strong culture around core values
• What it takes to successfully run a company remotely from another city
• How to design compensation and bonus systems that align with company goals
• Why working on the business, not in it, unlocks growth
• and much, much more.

ABOUT TREVOR ANDERSON

Trevor Anderson is the Co-Founder of Collaborative Construction Inc. based in Canada. With a background in finance and data analytics, he has built a values-driven company culture, pioneered remote leadership, and created systems that empower his team while redefining what a professional building company can look like.

Connect with Trevor: linkedin.com/in/trevor-anderson-8ba4281a/

TIMELINE

• 05:12 Trevor’s unconventional journey into construction
• 12:45 How core values drive tough decisions and strengthen culture
• 19:30 Running a building company remotely (and successfully)
• 27:05 Designing a unique compensation and bonus structure
• 34:50 Leveraging outsourcing and technology for growth
• 44:20 Why working on the business unlocks freedom

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 with APB Co-founder, Sky Kolade. In this episode, Sky shares her proven strategies for winning more contracts at higher margins, reveals the costly mistakes that hold builders back, and explains the key shifts that separate struggling companies from thriving ones.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 199 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The biggest mistakes builders make when trying to win work
• How to create a steady flow of high-quality leads
• Why having a sales process is the key to higher margins
• The role of urgency and scarcity in securing contracts
• The first step you should take today to improve your sales process
• 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

• 0:45 Why sales are the lifeblood of your building company
• 4:30 The one thing that separates top-performing builders from the rest
• 9:15 The “100 to 1” lead ratio and what it means for your marketing
• 14:20 How to qualify leads and uncover emotional drivers
• 20:05 Using urgency & scarcity to secure contracts without pushy tactics
• 25:50 The first step to improving your sales process today

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