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. 243. Where Your Profit Is Disappearing With John Cunningham

    3d ago

    243. Where Your Profit Is Disappearing With John Cunningham

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring John Cunningham, Global CEO of Ox Tools, a pro-grade tool company operating in 35 countries worldwide. With nearly 30 years of experience in the tool industry, John brings a fascinating perspective on on-site efficiency, material wastage and how the right tools, and the right mindset, can directly improve a builder's profitability. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 243 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why wastage on the job site is quietly eating into your profit marginsHow small inaccuracies compound across a build and extend your timelinesWhy measure once, cut once is the goal and how the right tools make it possibleHow Ox Tools works directly with contractors to solve real on-site pain pointsWhy asking your team where waste is happening could be your biggest untapped opportunityWhy communication is the number one thing that makes any team more productiveAnd much, much more. ABOUT JOHN CUNNINGHAM John is a driven entrepreneur with 20 years of corporate experience now being applied to small innovative businesses that want to scale and disrupt industries. Skilled at running $1B divisions to $5M small companies to start ups. A well rounded leader committed to building businesses, brands and innovative products. Connect with John: linkedin.com/in/john-cunningham-4446752/ TIMELINE 4:11 John's background in finance and how it shaped his obsession with contractor productivity11:06 What makes Ox Tools different and why they go directly to job sites to find problems to solve13:59 Why material wastage is costing builders between 15 and 30 percent of job materials19:06 The story behind the Speed Frame and how one contractor's idea became an industry solution29:16 How Ox Tools uses authentic contractor content to build demand without traditional advertising34:49 How builders can get more consistency and accuracy out of their teams on site 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

    39 min
  2. 242. The Builders Distraction Tax With Maura Thomas

    Jun 11

    242. The Builders Distraction Tax With Maura Thomas

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Maura Thomas, one of the world's top 10 time management experts, TEDx speaker, and author of six books, including Attention Management and Everyone Wants to Work Here. Maura brings a fascinating and practical perspective on why time management is an outdated framework, and why protecting your attention is the real key to productivity, leadership and business growth. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 242 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why time management is the wrong framework and what to focus on insteadHow the attention economy is systematically stealing your focus for profitWhy a culture of urgency and speed is quietly killing creativity and innovationHow distraction is costing businesses hundreds of thousands every yearThe three foundational challenges to attention and how to take back controlHow to design your communication systems so work actually gets doneAnd much, much more. ABOUT MAURA THOMAS Maura Thomas is a world-renowned attention management expert, TEDx speaker and author of six books including Attention Management and Everyone Wants to Work Here. Named one of the top 10 time management professionals in the world, Maura helps individuals and organisations reclaim their focus, reduce distraction and build cultures where meaningful work actually gets done. Connect with Maura: linkedin.com/in/mauranevelthomas-productivity-trainer/ TIMELINE 4:16 Why time management is an outdated framework and attention is the real currency6:01 How an entire industry has been built to extract your attention for profit11:21 Why competing on speed is a race to the bottom and what to do instead15:45 How social media platforms are engineered to hack your brain and keep you hooked31:13 The three foundational challenges to attention and how to reclaim control40:24 Why every building company needs a communication SLA and how to create one 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

    46 min
  3. 241. The Hidden Cost Of Skipping Design With Sheryl Steinberg

    Jun 4

    241. The Hidden Cost Of Skipping Design With Sheryl Steinberg

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Sheryl Steinberg, owner of Sheryl Steinberg Interior Design. With over 15 years of experience working with builders, remodelers and homeowners across the US, Sheryl brings a unique perspective on how professional interior design fits into the build process, and why getting it right from the very beginning is one of the most powerful things a builder can do for their business. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 241 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why interior design should be part of the process from day oneHow a designer bridges the gap between what clients and buildersWhy misaligned expectations are costing builders time, money and referralsHow lighting, space planning and accessibility are more important than you realiseThe cost of getting it wrongHow having a designer in your corner helps you charge more and deliver a better experienceAnd much, much more. ABOUT SHERYL STEINBERG Sheryl Steinberg is the owner of Sheryl Steinberg Interior Design, based in Bethesda, Maryland. With over 15 years of experience and a background in interior architecture, space planning and project management, Sheryl works closely with builders and remodelers across the US to bring clients' visions to life from the very start of the build process. Connect with Sheryl: linkedin.com/in/sherylsteinberg/ TIMELINE 5:24 Where interior design fits into the build process and why it matters so much8:36 How building without a clear design scope leads to delays, redesigns and frustrated clients11:17 A real life example of what goes wrong when design is left out of the process15:16 The difference between interior architecture, interior design and decoration explained23:59 Why scaling builders need clear design processes in place to avoid growing pains28:36 What working with a designer looks like and how builders can get started 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

    37 min
  4. 240. Beyond The Bare Minimum With Jessica Kismet

    May 28

    240. Beyond The Bare Minimum With Jessica Kismet

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Jessica Kismet, building science consultant at Climasure. Jess brings a wealth of knowledge across airtightness testing, passive house principles, hygrothermal simulation and healthy home building. In this episode, she unpacks what builders need to know about building science, why the stakes are higher than most realise, and how embracing these principles can transform both the quality of your product and the positioning of your business. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 240 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why most builders aren't about building scienceWhy airtightness is the foundation of a healthy, energy efficient homeThe legal liability risks builders face around mould and condensationHow the building code is changing and what that means for builders right nowWhy doing it properly doesn't always mean spending more moneyWhy collaboration between builders, architects and consultants is the key to getting it rightAnd much, much more. ABOUT JESSICA KISMET Jessica Kismet is a building science consultant at Climasure, based in South Australia. With a background spanning code compliance, airtightness testing, passive house design and building biology, Jess is passionate about helping builders and architects go beyond the minimum standard to create homes that are genuinely healthy, energy efficient and built to last. Connect with Jessica: linkedin.com/in/jessica-kismet/ TIMELINE 1:43 How Climasure started and the journey that brought Jess into the building science world11:03 Why builders should care about healthy homes beyond just the moral argument15:42 The real cost of building better and how to reframe the conversation with clients21:44 Why builders aren't required to keep learning once licensed and why that's a problem25:14 The two most important building science concepts every builder should understand34:43 How to incorporate building science into your business and attract the right 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

    43 min
  5. 239. The Award-Winning Builder's Playbook with Chris Guilbert & Helena Tivey

    May 21

    239. The Award-Winning Builder's Playbook with Chris Guilbert & Helena Tivey

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Chris Guilbert, founder of Tenfold Homes, and Helena Tivey, co-founder of Arrow Agency. Over the past 12 months, Helena and the team at Arrow Agency have been working closely with Chris to build a predictable marketing system for Tenfold Homes, and the results speak for themselves, culminating in Chris taking out the HIA National Emerging Builder Award. Together, they pull back the curtain on exactly what they did, why it worked, and what other builders can take from it. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 239 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Chris went from scattered leads to a refined niche and quality pipelineWhy most builders have a strategy problem, not a lead problemWhat winning a national emerging builder award actually comes down toHow to know when it's time to move from in-house marketing to an agencyWhy your avatar and messaging need constant refinementHow paid advertising, organic content and AI search are all changing the game 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 CHRIS GUILBERT Chris Guilbert is the founder and director of Tenfold Homes, a Perth-based building company specialising in lightweight construction, custom homes and large scale renovations. With a focus on systems, client experience and continuous improvement, Chris recently took out the HIA National Emerging Builder Award — recognition of the significant growth and transformation his business has undergone over the past 12 months. Connect with Chris: linkedin.com/in/chris-guilbert-42a3641a4/ TIMELINE 4:07 Why Chris switched agencies and what made Arrow Agency stand out from the rest6:32 Helena's take on why most builders have a strategy problem, not a lead problem8:07 Chris's honest journey from crappy site photos to a refined marketing system15:20 How winning the HIA National Emerging Builder Award came down to systems and growth19:50 Why Chris rebranded from Gilbert Construction to Tenfold Homes and what it symbolised37:31 The one piece of advice Chris gives every builder looking to grow their 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

    42 min
  6. 238. Great Work Isn't Enough With Carl Edwards and Annameika Curtis

    May 14

    238. Great Work Isn't Enough With Carl Edwards and Annameika Curtis

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Carl Edwards and Annameika Curtis from Edwards Family Homes, a residential building company based in New South Wales, Australia, specialising in custom homes and second-story extensions. They share their honest marketing journey, from doing it all in-house to outsourcing it to an agency they trust, and the incredible results that followed. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 238 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why Carl believes margins are directly linked to marketingWhy Edwards Family Homes pivotedWhat the journey from in-house marketing to agency looked like in practiceWhy letting go of control was the hardest but most valuable step they tookHow content marketing builds trust before a client ever picks up the phoneAnd much, much more. ABOUT CARL EDWARDS Carl Edwards is the founder of Edwards Family Homes, a residential building company based in New South Wales, Australia. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Carl has built a family-run business specialising in custom homes and second story extensions, with a reputation for quality workmanship and honest client relationships. Connect with Carl: linkedin.com/in/carl-edwards-8a2771206/ ABOUT ANNAMEIKA CURTIS Annameika Curtis is the systems manager at Edwards Family Homes, where she has spent over 10 years helping shape the company's brand, processes and growth. With a deep understanding of both the business and its values, Anamika leads the company's content marketing strategy and internal systemisation efforts. TIMELINE 2:36 How Edwards Family Homes evolved their business8:39 Why Carl, a tradesman at heart, finally understood the importance of marketing11:12 The challenges of handing over marketing to an agency and why it was worth it13:52 How Carl tracks marketing performance18:53 Why more marketing means more choice and how that directly protects your margins20:54 Final advice for builders thinking about taking the next step with their marketing 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

    23 min
  7. 237. Keeping Clients Happy with Cameron Jahn & Russ Stephens

    May 7

    237. Keeping Clients Happy with Cameron Jahn & Russ Stephens

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB, and Cameron Jahn, Product Marketing Lead at Houzz Pro. Together they dive deep into why so many builders deliver great homes but still end up with frustrated clients, and what the best builders are doing differently to fix that. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 237 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why unrealistic client expectations are the number one challengeHow to set expectations before problems ariseWhy being the single point of contact is a single point of failureWhy poor communication is quietly destroying builders' net profitHow AI is transforming the client experience for builders of all sizesWhat the best builders are doing differently to keep clients happyAnd much, 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 ABOUT CAMERON JAHN Cameron Jahn leads product marketing at Houzz Pro, a construction management platform helping builders simplify processes, scale operations, and deliver a standout client experience. Based in San Francisco, Cameron works closely with builders across North America and brings a deep understanding of how technology and systems can transform the way builders communicate with and retain their clients. Connect with Cameron: linkedin.com/in/cameronjahn/ TIMELINE 7:23 Why great builders still end up with frustrated clients 9:30 How the best builders use their process as part of their sales pitch19:17 Why owners become the bottleneck27:49 The hidden cost of poor communication38:16 What the best builders do differently to keep clients happy44:09 Why you need to systemise and how AI agents are changing everything 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

    55 min
  8. 236. Talk Less, Build More With Clint Best & Hill Dickerson

    Apr 30

    236. Talk Less, Build More With Clint Best & Hill Dickerson

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Clint Best, Executive Business Coach at APB, and Hill Dickerson, co-founder of BuilderPad, a construction management platform designed to help builders improve communication. With over 20 years of experience each, Clint and Hill dive deep into why communication is the foundation of every successful building company, and what happens when it breaks down. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 236 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why communication is the foundation of any building companyHow fear inside your team is silently killing your margins and moraleWhat the signs of poor communication look like in a building companyHow to create a culture where people feel safe to speak upWhy emotional intelligence is a learnable skill every builder needsAnd 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 ABOUT HILL DICKERSON Hill Dickerson is the co-founder of BuilderPad, a construction management platform designed to help builders improve communication and streamline their projects. With over 18 years running a fireplace distribution company working alongside 500+ custom home builders, Hill brings a unique on-the-ground perspective to what great builder communication looks like in practice. Connect with Hill: linkedin.com/in/hill-dickerson/ TIMELINE 11:02 The data that proves daily huddles directly improve gross margins and owner returns14:09 Why fear is the root cause of communication breakdown in most businesses21:44 The warning signs that communication in your building company is failing29:00 How poor communication leads to burnout, stress and working excessive hours38:31 Why technology is now a must-have, not a nice-to-have, for builder communication42:35 The practical systems and meeting rhythms every builder should put in place 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

    55 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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