As listeners know, hosts Tim and Steve try to bring as many women on the show as possible in hopes of bringing new perspectives to the podcast.  So, guest Mollie Elkman is with us today to discuss her book that promotes the idea to young girls that women are capable of anything they set their mind to. She also helps us understand how we may be able to reach out to women, but maybe more importantly to girls during the formative years of their lives.

With a passion for understanding human behavior, particularly what drives people to make the biggest purchase of their life, Mollie uses not only her extensive knowledge and industry expertise to connect with buyers, but a kind of empathy that you don’t often see in a business setting.  She is the owner of Group Two and uses her position to cultivate strong relationships within her community through full service marketing for home builders.

Tim, Steve and Mollie talk more about:

One of the consultants here at Remodelers Advantage specializes in company leadership development. So, we asked him to join us on the show to help us understand what leadership is and perhaps help start the shift from “how to manage people” to “how to lead people.”

Wayne Ottum is a consultant, author and speaker dedicated to creating extraordinary businesses and leaders and is President and Founder of Ottum Enterprises, LLC in Kirkland, Washington. Now in his 19th year, Wayne is especially proud of the work he has done to guide owners of remodeling companies to create a clear and compelling direction, purpose, and culture for their companies.

Tim, Steve and Wayne talk more about:

We have done a number of episodes that are centered on the idea that we can look outside of our industry to bring in managers. We have also seen where some companies have found great success in hiring Project Managers from outside of the industry and training them in construction.

So, we continue that thought in this episode. Our guest Aaron Goeke comes to us from church ministry, what many people may refer to as a “calling” as opposed to a job.  Host Tim Faller started his working life as a youth minister and switched into construction, and shares his experiences during his transition in this episode.

Aaron is the Production Manager at CROSS, a luxury remodeling firm in San Antonio Texas. Aaron has been with the company for just over a year now, and has a background in custom cabinet building and commercial construction sales. He now manages a team of four project managers, one project coordinator, two construction supervisors and 10 field personnel.

Tim, Steve and Aaron talk more about:

Scheduling has been a challenge for everyone over the last few years. Scheduling individual jobs is a challenge by itself but adding the sales design process, the job set up, and then the job itself makes the challenge grow exponentially.

Getting the sales design process scheduled is a growing trend in an effort to more accurately predict the start dates for clients.  This process involves gaining the buy-in from designers, sales, and production which can be a daunting task. Our guest today is navigating these waters with success and is here to share his experiences with our listeners.

Eric Bain is the project manager of Innovative Construction and oversees projects as well as handles client relations. He previously worked for the City of Vail where he sharpened his site inspection, landscaping and heavy equipment skills.

Tim, Steve and Eric talk more about:

Happy Women in Construction week!

We welcome guest Emma Kraft to the show to learn about the struggles of bridging the gap in a male dominated field as both a woman, and a daughter.  

Emma Kraft is the Business Operations Manager at Kraft Custom Construction, Inc., located in Salem, Oregon.  The company was started by Emma’s father, Robert Kraft, in 1982. In 2001, he made a conscious decision to down-size the company and focus on completing fewer, higher revenue producing projects. Kraft is a design/build company and does remodeling, additions, and historic restoration work. Kraft employs 5 full-time employees, and completes around $2.5 million in revenue annually.

Tim, Steve and Emma talk more about:

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry.  Guest Bryan McLain of Sardone Construction is here to share the importance of hiring a dedicated estimator and the positive impacts it can have on a company and their customers.  

Bryan began as the lead carpenter and is now in charge of production and estimating as a new partner and owner of the company.  

Tim, Steve and Bryan talk more about:

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry.  We are starting off this new series with guest Chris Fox, the sales and design manager at Fox Home Innovations in Manhattan, Kansas.

As the company’s Director of Design and Sales, Chris is heavily involved with the management of all design projects from inception to completion. Additionally, he actively cultivates and manages leads, working tirelessly to find new projects and business for the team.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

It is always both exciting and refreshing to see companies tackle skills training head on by providing necessary programs for new talent.  Guest Dave Myers joins us to talk about the training process he and his team use to set employees up for success.  

Dave is the Vice President and general manager of J. Francis Company, a design build and remodel firm in Pittsburgh, PA.  He previously worked in college administration and facility management, and finds that elements from his previous positions have been beneficial to the success in his current role.

Tim, Steve and Dave talk more about:

Join guest Doug Panozzo as he helps us wrap up our 4-part series on Bonuses and Incentives.  Doug shares the many facets of incentives and ways he has been successful in motivating his team.

Doug is the production manager at Hogan Design and Construction and joined their team in 2017 after several years managing projects for a technology company.  He brings leadership, communication, organization, and attention to detail to his job and we hear all about it in this episode.

Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:

4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives:

This is PART 3 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives.

We welcome back guest Chris Peterson to hear his thoughts on bonuses and incentives as part of this 4-part series.  Chris shares his perspective on bonus and incentive programs and aspects other than money that can serve as motivation for team members.  

Chris is the VP of Production at Schloegel Design Remodel in Kansas City, MO., and has spent over 20 years in every role in the production side of the business.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives: