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. 224. The Data Behind SORCI 2026 With Russ & Andy

    2D AGO

    224. The Data Behind SORCI 2026 With Russ & Andy

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with APB Co-founder Russ Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda, to break down the insights and data from the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) Report, and translate the numbers into practical actions builders can take to become more profitable, more systemised, and less trapped in the day-to-day firefighting. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 224 YOU WILL DISCOVER The intention vs action gap (why “systemise” stays on the to-do list) Why more hours doesn’t mean more income How to stop being the bottleneck The “illusion of profit” and why bank balance ≠ profitability The key financial levers builders must understand How systemisation lifts revenue, margins, and owner returns And 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 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 02:00 Why this year’s industry data reveals deeper insights than ever 08:10 The gap between what builders want to fix and what actually gets done 15:40 Why working 60+ hours leads to lower income 23:30 The illusion of profit and why most builders misread their numbers 31:45 Systemised vs non-systemised builders (and the revenue gap) 40:20 Where builders should start to break the owner bottleneck 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

    44 min
  2. 223. Selling Without Pressure With Tyson Lawes

    JAN 29

    223. Selling Without Pressure With Tyson Lawes

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Tyson Lawes, Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders. In this episode, Tyson dives deep into the sales mindset challenges builders face and explains why sales is less about scripts and techniques, and more about intent, self-awareness, and becoming a trusted advisor. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 223 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why sales is a mirror of your mindset and personal growthThe biggest reasons builders resist salesHow to shift from “salesperson” to trusted advisorWhy intent matters more than technique in sales conversationsWhy asking better questions builds trust faster than pitchingPractical tools to reset before and after challenging sales callsAnd much, much more. ABOUT TYSON LAWES Tyson Lawes is Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders, with over a decade of experience in sales, leadership, and behavioural psychology. Passionate about mindset and performance, Tyson helps builders grow through stronger sales conversations, trusted advisor relationships, and high-impact leadership. Connect with Tyson: linkedin.com/in/tyson-lawes-456b56188/ TIMELINE 2:49 Why sales is a mirror of your mindset6:18 Why most builders resist sales (and how it limits growth)10:44 How to shift from salesperson to trusted advisor19:36 Why you accept objections you haven’t overcome yourself25:24 Practical tools to reset before and after sales calls27:25 The biggest mindset shift builders need to improve sales conversations 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
  3. 222. How Builders Become Leaders With Andy Skarda

    JAN 22

    222. How Builders Become Leaders With Andy Skarda

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. In this episode, Andy breaks down what leadership really means for building company owners, and why it’s the defining factor that separates builders who are stuck in chaos from those running calm, predictable, and scalable businesses. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 222 YOU WILL DISCOVER The difference between fixing symptoms versus fixing systemsWhat stops builders from becoming effective leadersHow delegation, trust, and systems unlock time and growthWhy your business can never outperform your leadershipPractical steps to start leading intentionally instead of reactivelyAnd 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 2:36 What leadership really means for builders6:11 Why most builders don’t set out to become leaders8:38 What well-led building companies actually look like16:43 Why delegation fails without systems20:32 Fixing broken systems instead of firefighting symptoms26:28 Why your business can never outperform your leadership 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
  4. 221. Managing Relationships With Nicole Scanlan

    JAN 15

    221. Managing Relationships With Nicole Scanlan

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Nicole Scanlan, Partnerships Manager at APB. Throughout this episode, Nicole breaks down what it really takes to build, manage, and sustain strong business relationships over the long term. Drawing on her experience managing over 130 partners globally, Nicole shares practical, repeatable systems for building trust, reducing friction, and turning short-term transactions into long-term partnerships. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 221 YOU WILL DISCOVER One powerful question that can transform every business interaction Best practices for handling difficult conversations and misaligned expectations How authenticity and transparency accelerate trust The importance of long-term partnerships over short-term transactions Simple habits that strengthen relationships And much, much more. ABOUT NICOLE SCANLAN Nicole Scanlan is the Partnerships Manager at APB, connecting solution-driven brands with elite residential builders. With a background in events, software, and business development, she builds high-impact partnerships focused on long-term growth, trust, and meaningful engagement. Connect with Nicole: linkedin.com/in/nicole-scanlan-apb/ TIMELINE 3:04 Why every interaction in your business is a stakeholder relationship 5:04 Common gaps builders face in communication and follow-up 9:30 Why strong relationships are a powerful risk reducer 13:00 Why rapport isn’t a “soft skill” you can build on the fly 21:02 Simple habits that strengthen relationships and avoid the “sorry culture” 28:59 How to handle difficult conversations and realign misaligned partnerships 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
  5. 220. Preparing For 2026 With Russ Stephens

    JAN 8

    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 2026Why planning is directly linked to higher margins and more profitWhy financial literacy is critical to sustainable growthHow construction slots create real scarcity without “selling”How documenting processes can add millions to long-term personal wealthAnd 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 worldwide07:44 Why planning alone can dramatically increase profit09:15 How an org chart can buy back weeks of your time each year13:18 The real reason builders struggle to get quality leads22:38 How supply and demand impact margins34:18 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

    41 min
  6. 219. Financial Literacy With Blake Doolan

    JAN 1

    219. Financial Literacy With Blake Doolan

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Blake Doolan from The Not So Silent Business Partner. In this episode, Blake breaks down how builders can take control of their financials in a way that’s simple, practical, and sustainable. Drawing on deep experience in construction bookkeeping and financial systems, Blake explains why understanding your numbers is the key to confident decision-making, long-term growth, and real freedom in business. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 219 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why many builders feel profitable but still struggle with cash flowThe biggest mistakes builders make when tracking financialsHow the right job management system simplifies financial controlWhy consistency matters more than complexityHow financial clarity reduces stress and improves decision-makingAnd much, much more. ABOUT BLAKE DOOLAN Blake Doolan is the Managing Director of The Not So Silent Business Partner, helping residential builders gain clarity and control over their finances. With deep experience in construction accounting and job management systems, Blake focuses on practical financial solutions that enable confident decisions, sustainable growth, and long-term freedom. Connect with Blake: linkedin.com/in/blake-doolan-3243821b4/?originalSubdomain=au TIMELINE 2:10 Why builders struggle with financial clarity5:05 Why freedom matters more than profit7:30 The power of making systems simple10:15 How to choose the right job management software15:40 Why getting WIP wrong can cost you millions20:30 How financial systems helped a builder step away from the 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

    27 min
  7. 218. Lessons From A Big Year With Russ Stephens

    12/25/2025

    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
  8. 217. The Systems Behind Success With Andy Skarda

    12/18/2025

    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
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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