Professional Builders Secrets

Association of Professional Builders

Brought to you by the Association of Professional Builders (APB), the Professional Builders Secrets podcast is the #1 resource for builders operating a professional building company. Discover how you can generate more leads, sign more contracts and increase your margins while delivering a better experience for your clients. We interview professional builders across 5 countries, host industry authorities as special guests and break down proven strategies with the coaching team at the Association of Professional Builders. Enjoy new episodes every week.

  1. 218. Lessons From A Big Year With Russ Stephens

    15H AGO

    218. Lessons From A Big Year With Russ Stephens

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive end-of-year wrap episode with Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. In this episode, Russ reflects on the biggest milestones, challenges, and breakthroughs of 2025, and unpacks the impact APB has had on the building industry, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and the systems that are helping builders become more profitable while working fewer hours. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 218 YOU WILL DISCOVER The biggest growth challenges APB faced in 2025Why “what got you here, won’t get you there”The three small systems that help builders reclaim time and add profitKey insights from the 2025 State of the Residential Construction Industry ReportHow APB Brain is transforming access to builder-specific knowledge using AIAnd 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 3:31 The growth ceiling that stops builders from scaling7:00 What thousands of builder questions reveal about common challenges13:11 The systems that buy back time and increase profit16:24 How builders are adding net profit through APB Rewards20:26 What makes a truly world-class industry event39:07 The impact of systems beyond 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

    45 min
  2. 217. The Systems Behind Success With Andy Skarda

    DEC 18

    217. The Systems Behind Success With Andy Skarda

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an in-depth episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB, to unpack the biggest builder wins across the APB community this year. Throughout this episode, Andy breaks down the five most consistent trends behind real builder success, sharing why profitability, systems, leadership, and implementation are the true drivers of sustainable growth. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 217 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why Pricing 4 Profit© and fixing margins are the foundation of growth The power of structured sales processes Why consistent marketing creates pipeline stability and better clients How leadership, vision, and clarity tie every system together How builders are working fewer hours while earning significantly more 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 04:49 Why implementation matters more than knowledge 06:32 Pricing for profit and fixing margins to fund growth 16:11 How hiring and delegation remove the biggest bottleneck 26:00 Why structured sales processes lead to higher-value contracts 31:55 How consistent marketing creates pipeline stability 40:47 Why leadership, vision, and clarity tie everything together 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

    48 min
  3. 216. Communication That Lands With Leah Ward

    DEC 11

    216. Communication That Lands With Leah Ward

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Leah Ward, Executive Business Coach at the Association of Professional Builders. Throughout this episode, Leah unpacks how understanding both your own communication style and your team’s can radically improve leadership, trust, and performance inside your building company. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 216 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why miscommunication derails great intentions, ideas, and teams The four DISC quadrants and how they show up on site and in the office How to avoid pigeonholing people while still using profiles effectively Practical ways to structure roles and hiring around communication strengths How self-awareness shifts you from managing to truly motivating your team How to read non-verbal cues and adapt to clients to build trust faster and much, much more. ABOUT LEAH WARD With more than two decades in corporate finance and leadership, Leah’s coaching approach is deeply rooted in enhancing financial performance, nurturing effective communication, developing mindset strategies, and fostering team building. Her extensive experience in financial management and consulting has provided her with a profound understanding of the key factors that drive success for both companies and their teams. Connect with Leah: linkedin.com/in/leahmward/ TIMELINE 3:50 Why miscommunication derails “good” teams 9:40 The DISC quadrants and non-verbal cues 15:20 Matching roles and hires to communication styles 22:10 How self-awareness transforms your leadership 28:45 Using micro-adjustments to better connect with 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

    33 min
  4. 215. Outsourcing That Works With Scott Groschel

    DEC 4

    215. Outsourcing That Works With Scott Groschel

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Scott Groschel, owner of SG Construction. Throughout this episode, Scott shares how he has completely reshaped his business by embracing offshore team members, leveraging the right software, and working closely with his APB coach to free up his time, improve margins, and build a stronger team culture both locally and overseas. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 215 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Scott used JobTread to identify bottlenecksHow he successfully rebuilt his offshore team with GoRecruitHow an offshore drafter evolved into a trusted office managerPractical ways Scott integrates offshore team members into his company cultureWhy offshoring hasn’t replaced local jobs in his businessand much, much more. ABOUT SCOTT GROSCHEL Scott Groschel is the owner of SG Construction, a company specialising in fully custom outdoor living spaces. Starting his career in construction at age 15, Scott has grown his business through strong systems, JobTread implementation, and successful offshoring, creating a more efficient and scalable operation. Connect with Scott: linkedin.com/in/scott-groschel-96227889/ TIMELINE 4:20 Why the pandemic pushed Scott to overhaul his systems9:10 How JobTread opened the door to offshoring13:50 The time audit that revealed what Scott needed to delete, automate, or delegate18:30 Scott’s first failed offshore hire—and how GoRecruit helped him bounce back24:40 How offshoring improved margins and allowed Scott to expand his U.S. team 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

    30 min
  5. 214. ADHD & Running A Business With Skye Waterson

    NOV 27

    214. ADHD & Running A Business With Skye Waterson

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Skye Waterson from Unconventional Organisation. Skye is a former academic and ADHD business owner who discovered that the “standard” way of running a business simply didn’t fit the way her brain worked. After a late ADHD diagnosis, she turned her research and lived experience into a company that helps business owners design ADHD-friendly systems that actually work in real life. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 214 YOU WILL DISCOVER What ADHD really looks like in practice for business owners How symptoms like time blindness and working memory struggles show up on site and in the office The hidden impact ADHD can have on your health, family time and reputation A simple 5-minute daily task system to separate what’s truly urgent from everything else Why traditional productivity advice often fails ADHD brainsand much, much more. ABOUT SKYE WATERSON Skye Waterson is an ADHD strategist and founder of Unconventional Organisation, a multi-six-figure business helping entrepreneurs turn ADHD into their greatest asset. When Skye was diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD, she realised that mainstream productivity advice didn't work for her. So, she took matters into her own hands, researching, testing, and perfecting strategies that truly help. Today, she equips coaches, consultants, founders, and executives with the same ADHD-friendly systems. Connect with Skye: linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/ TIMELINE 3:25 How ADHD symptoms show up for builders 7:10 Why delegation and hiring feel impossible 11:50 The real cost of staying stuck in the business 16:20 A 5-minute daily system for urgent vs important 20:55 Mapping your whole business with red/amber/green 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

    27 min
  6. 213. Building Together With Jacob Oelofse

    NOV 20

    213. Building Together With Jacob Oelofse

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Jacob Oelofse, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this conversation, Jacob dives into the unique world of husband and wife building companies, sharing why these partnerships can be a genuine “superpower” when they’re structured well. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 213 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why husband and wife building company teams have a unique superpowerThe most common challenges couples face when mixing marriage and businessHow to define clear lines between “husband and wife” time and “business partner” timePractical rule-sets to manage “shop talk” at home, on holidays and during family timeand much, much more. ABOUT JACOB OELOFSE Jacob joined the APB team in 2021 when he moved his family from South Africa to Sydney. Jacob has coached hundreds of building company owners over the last 15 years. He enjoys stakeholder relations, financials and risk, sustainability, growth, marketing, and maximising profit margins in a company. Connect with Jacob: linkedin.com/in/jacob-oelofse/?originalSubdomain=au TIMELINE 4:20 What it means to be a “professional” builder9:40 Why husband & wife teams are a “superpower”15:10 Drawing the line between marriage and business20:35 Same-page meetings & strategic planning27:00 Final advice for husband & wife teams 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

    30 min
  7. 212. Document, Delegate and Grow With Jon Engquist

    NOV 13

    212. Document, Delegate and Grow With Jon Engquist

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Jon Engquist, third-generation contractor and Founder of Subtrak. Jon breaks down how to turn your company’s know-how into clear systems and live checklists your team actually follows, so you get consistency, accountability, and the freedom to grow without firefighting. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 212 YOU WILL DISCOVER What a “system” really isHow to structure your businessWhy so many builders get stuck in chaos modeHow strong SOPs help you train faster, cut rework and callbacks, and attract A-players and much, much more. ABOUT JON ENGQUIST With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Jon honed his expertise in managing high-value projects, leading teams, and improving operational efficiency. As a third-generation construction professional, Jon has successfully overseen everything from estimating and scheduling to contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and team development. Connect with Jon: linkedin.com/in/jonengquist/ TIMELINE 5:20 Why most builders struggle to document their processes10:15 The “contractor hamster wheel” and how to break free from chaos15:00 The simple weekly routine to start building your playbook19:40 How to turn SOPs into real checklists your team actually follows23:30 How Subtrak helps builders systemise fast 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

    26 min
  8. 211. Content That Converts With Rick Storlie

    NOV 6

    211. Content That Converts With Rick Storlie

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Rick Storlie from Builder Lead Converter. In this episode, Rick reveals how builders can transform simple project photos into engaging, professional-grade videos that help convert more leads into clients. Even if you’ve never created a video before, new AI technology is making it easier than ever for builders to showcase their work, build trust, and attract the right type of clients through storytelling and visual marketing. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 211 YOU WILL DISCOVER How builders can turn project photos into stunning marketing videosThe psychology behind emotional connectionWhy video builds trust faster than any other marketing toolHow to use videos at every stage, from attracting leads to converting clientsWhy understanding your target market is critical before creating contentand much, much more. ABOUT RICK STORLIE Rick Storlie is the founder of Builder Lead Converter. Starting his career in home building & remodeling as an entry level carpenter, he quickly moved to salesperson, sales manager, general manager, coach and now operates as “Chief Lead Converter” at Builder Lead Converter. Connect with Rick: linkedin.com/in/rickstorlie/ TIMELINE 6:12 Why buyers are purchasing a “hoped-for lifestyle”14:10 How to avoid being eliminated by prospects online22:05 How AI turns project photos into great videos29:40 Using video to build trust and differentiate your business36:15 How to make video part of your overall marketing system 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

    43 min
4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Brought to you by the Association of Professional Builders (APB), the Professional Builders Secrets podcast is the #1 resource for builders operating a professional building company. Discover how you can generate more leads, sign more contracts and increase your margins while delivering a better experience for your clients. We interview professional builders across 5 countries, host industry authorities as special guests and break down proven strategies with the coaching team at the Association of Professional Builders. Enjoy new episodes every week.

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