Professional Builders Secrets

220. Preparing For 2026 With Russ Stephens

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an in-depth episode with Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. In this episode, Russ unpacks the three biggest challenges builders are facing worldwide as they head into 2026, breaks down why a lack of planning continues to hold builders back, and explains how mastering lead generation, profit, and systemisation can completely transform the performance of a building business.

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

INSIDE EPISODE 220 YOU WILL DISCOVER

  • The three biggest challenges builders face heading into 2026
  • Why planning is directly linked to higher margins and more profit
  • Why financial literacy is critical to sustainable growth
  • How construction slots create real scarcity without “selling”
  • How documenting processes can add millions to long-term personal wealth
  • 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

  • 03:11 The three biggest problems builders face worldwide
  • 07:44 Why planning alone can dramatically increase profit
  • 09:15 How an org chart can buy back weeks of your time each year
  • 13:18 The real reason builders struggle to get quality leads
  • 22:38 How supply and demand impact margins
  • 34:18 Why systemisation is the key to scaling without burnout

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