Professional Builders Secrets

Association of Professional Builders
Professional Builders Secrets

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. 165. The 2024 Recap With Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade

    1 DAY AGO

    165. The 2024 Recap With Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Sky Kolade and Russ Stephens, Co-founders of APB. In this episode, Sky and Russ reflect on 2024’s defining moments for builders, exploring key trends like AI adoption, financial literacy, and the critical role of industry events in fostering collaboration and growth. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 165 YOU WILL DISCOVER The impact of high inflation and interest rates on builders in 2024 How AI adoption has revolutionized the construction industry The importance of systemization and financial literacy for sustainable growth The role of community and collaboration through industry events Key insights from the 2024 State of Residential Construction Industry Survey 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 SKY KOLADE Sky Kolade is a Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Sky is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and she was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction. Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/ TIMELINE 01:37 Defining moments of 2024 for builders 04:12 How AI is transforming construction businesses 06:27 The value of industry events for collaboration 12:17 Survey insights: What separates successful builders 29:34 How builders are making an impact with the 141 Project 45:47 Top advice for builders heading into 2025 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
  2. 164. Preparing for 2025 With Andy Skarda

    DEC 12

    164. Preparing for 2025 With Andy Skarda

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, head coach at APB. In this episode, Andy delves into the critical importance of planning for your business's future, emphasising why every builder should plan not just for the next year but for the next decade. With practical insights, Andy shares actionable steps to help you get started with a comprehensive strategy for 2025 and beyond. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 164 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why planning for 2027 matters more than planning for 2025 How to conduct a brutally honest SWOT analysis for your business The three critical resources every builder must manage How to align your long-term BHAG with immediate actions Why focusing on what's important, not urgent, transforms your business 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 1:50 Why you should plan for 2027, not just 2025 3:04 The biggest reasons builders avoid planning 5:50 How to recognise and avoid burnout 12:11 Breaking down your 10-year vision into actionable steps 26:12 Why marketing should be your starting point for growth 46:44 How planning differentiates you from competitors 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
  3. 163. Cyber Safety Made Simple With Cam Rule

    DEC 5

    163. Cyber Safety Made Simple With Cam Rule

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Cameron Rule, Director of Downtime Assassin. In this episode, Cam shares his expertise in safeguarding builders against cyber threats, emphasising simple, actionable strategies to secure your business while staying efficient in a rapidly digitising industry. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 163 YOU WILL DISCOVER The unique cyber risks builders face in an under-digitized industry. How phishing scams and ransomware target construction companies. The essential role of multi-factor authentication in preventing email hacks. Why frequent, automated backups are your last line of defence. Key tools and strategies to proactively protect against cyber attacks. and much, much more. ABOUT CAMERON RULE With over 10 years of experience providing IT services to the construction industry, Cameron has seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the successful implementation of technology. His business, Downtime Assassin, has won awards for customer service and innovation, stemming from their vision to help every building organisation address their IT innovatively and protect themselves from 11th-hour technology disasters that can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. Connect with Cameron: linkedin.com/in/cameron-rule-17056750/ TIMELINE 2:12 Unique cybersecurity challenges for builders 3:59 A real-life phishing scam story 5:35 Simple solutions for ransomware protection 8:15 Best email providers for security 14:02 Lessons from the CrowdStrike outage 17:14 Proactive steps to secure your 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

    39 min
  4. 162. Aligning Vision and Ambition With Daryl Smith

    NOV 28

    162. Aligning Vision and Ambition With Daryl Smith

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Daryl Smith, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Daryl dives deep into the essential intersection between personal and business wellbeing for builders. He shares valuable insights on balancing personal goals with professional aspirations and explains the practical habits and systems that can lead to a more fulfilling and profitable building business. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 160 YOU WILL DISCOVER The importance of aligning personal values with business values How personal habits can drive success in business Why having a "second office" space can boost strategic thinking The role of core values in building strong, long-term relationships and much, much more. ABOUT DARYL SMITH Daryl is a professional business leader who possesses the skills to bring people, systems and stakeholders together to bring about business success. Daryl leads with a people centred focus on empowering individuals and teams to set, plan and achieve goals, sales and business growth. Connect with Daryl: linkedin.com/in/daryl-smith-3bb34a2b4/ TIMELINE 1:48 Daryl’s career journey and early leadership experience 10:19 Why personal and business values need alignment 19:43 The "second office" concept for strategic thinking 28:35 Value-driven decision-making in challenging projects 34:18 Key systems builders need to stay organised and on track 39:18 Final advice on aligning personal and company aspirations 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

    35 min
  5. 161. Performance & Vulnerability With Toby Jenkins

    NOV 21

    161. Performance & Vulnerability With Toby Jenkins

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Toby Jenkins, a former Olympian and Executive coach. Throughout this episode, Toby reveals the essential practices for building resilience and leading with purpose. He dives deep into the value of psychological flexibility and shares how business owners can redefine success while handling the pressures of leadership and life. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 161 YOU WILL DISCOVER The importance of psychological flexibility in leadership Practical strategies to manage stress and stay focused on what matters How to differentiate between who you are and what you do Techniques for building resilience and recentering your life’s purpose and much, much more. Check out Toby's weekly newsletter, The Monday 3:tobyajenkins.com/newsletter/ ABOUT TOBY JENKINS Toby Jenkins is a leadership coach, Olympian and award winning entrepreneur and author. He’s worked with Olympic medalists, investors, founders, CEOs and leaders – individually and as teams. He loves helping founders and their teams work with the pressure that inevitably comes with important decisions, difficult conversations and ambitious opportunities. He helps them work towards their greatest impact and to be the person they want to be in the process. Connect with Toby: linkedin.com/in/tobyjenkins/ TIMELINE 2:35 Defining identity beyond what you do 10:04 How facing mortality reshaped Toby's life and career 19:42 Psychological flexibility: The three essential skills 31:54 Why vulnerability matters in leadership 48:29 Practical strategies to stay present in challenging moments 56:53 Final advice on making intentional choices in life and 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

    51 min
  6. 160. Reimagining Financial Mindset With Leah Ward

    NOV 14

    160. Reimagining Financial Mindset With Leah Ward

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Leah Ward, Executive Business Coach at APB. In this episode, Leah shares her unique journey from corporate finance to business coaching and discusses the critical mindset shifts builders need to manage finances effectively and proactively. Leah explains how to transform financial statements from static documents into powerful tools for growth. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 160 YOU WILL DISCOVER The value of an open mindset in understanding finances How to identify and overcome financial mindset blockages Why curiosity and kindness are crucial in financial management Strategies to proactively use financial data to shape business decisions 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 2:33 Leah’s journey from finance to coaching 7:45 Why reactive finances hold you back 9:51 Common financial mindset blocks 13:46 Making financial data meaningful 28:38 The importance of curiosity in finances 31:53 Final tips on managing financial stress 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
  7. 159. Estimating With AI With Darren Wallbank

    NOV 7

    159. Estimating With AI With Darren Wallbank

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Darren Wallbank, Executive Chairman of Builda Price. In this episode, Darren shares his knowledge on how AI and cutting-edge technology are revolutionising the residential construction industry. He explains how builders can use AI to increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, and reclaim their weekends by automating routine tasks. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 159 YOU WILL DISCOVER How AI is transforming the residential construction industry The importance of real-time 3D rendering and instant estimations How to streamline operations from project management to admin tasks using AI Why AI isn't replacing jobs but enhancing them How builders can use technology to speed up sales and project processes and much, much more. ABOUT DARREN WALLBANK Having worked for a number of major building material suppliers in executive positions, Darren Wallbank knows the construction industry well. In his current role at BuildaPrice, he focuses on strategy and product development consulting often with builders to make sure their products reflect what is required. He also heads up the development team helping them setup growth into Australia so that as a company they can react quickly with product changes to suit this ever changing industry. Connect with Darren: linkedin.com/in/darren-wallbank-a4054153/ TIMELINE 2:30 The power of AI in residential construction 4:29 How real-time 3D rendering is changing the game 8:10 How AI is redefining the role of estimators 12:47 Improving customer experience with instant feedback 13:50 The future of AI in construction project management 15:55 How AI can give builders their weekends back 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
  8. 158. Women In Construction With Erica Anenberg

    OCT 31

    158. Women In Construction With Erica Anenberg

    Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Erica Anenberg, founder of Girl Flip Construction. In this episode, Erica shares her experiences as a woman leading a remodeling company in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. She dives deep into the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from building a successful business, while also introducing her innovative construction software, BuilderBud. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 158 YOU WILL DISCOVER The benefits of a diverse workforce in construction How Erica navigated challenges as a woman in construction The importance of business acumen in running a successful building company How to attract female talent to your building company Why nurturing relationships is key to success in construction and much, much more. ABOUT ERICA ANENBERG Erica Anenberg is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, blending artistry with construction. As the CEO of BuilderBud and the licensed general contractor of Girl Flip Construction, she is known for innovative projects like showcase spa bathrooms, outdoor waterpark pools, and unique features such as 10-foot trap doors. Connect with Erica: linkedin.com/in/ericaanenberg/ TIMELINE 1:37 Erica’s background and founding Girl Flip 2:38 Overcoming challenges as a woman in construction 8:04 The benefits of a diverse workforce 10:00 How to break down barriers as a female contractor 17:23 Advice for women looking to enter the industry 26:06 Introducing BuilderBud, a construction software making waves 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
4.6
out of 5
9 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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