Professional Builders Secrets

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242

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Jun 2026

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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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June 11, 2026Episode 24245 min

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 Maura brings a fascinating and practical perspective on why time management is an outdated framework, and why protecting your attention is the real key to productivity, leadership and business growth.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 THOMASMaura 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done.Connect with Maura: linkedin.com/in/mauranevelthomas-productivity-trainer/TIMELINE 4:16 Why time management is an outdated framework and attention is the real currency6:01 How an entire industry has been built to extract your attention for profit11:21 Why competing on speed is a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 oneLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

June 4, 2026Episode 24136 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 STEINBERGSheryl 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 todayLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

May 28, 2026Episode 24042 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 KISMETJessica 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 clientsLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

May 21, 2026Episode 23942 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 gameABOUT HELENA TIVEYHelena 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 GUILBERTChris 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 businessLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

May 14, 2026Episode 23822 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 EDWARDSCarl 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 CURTISAnnameika 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 marketingLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

May 7, 2026Episode 23755 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 STEPHENSCo-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/russstephensABOUT CAMERON JAHNCameron 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 everythingLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

April 30, 2026Episode 23655 min

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/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE 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 BESTClint 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=caABOUT HILL DICKERSONHill 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 placeLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

April 23, 2026Episode 23542 min

235. Home Details That Matter With Tony Marnella

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Tony Marnella, founder of Marnella Homes, a health-focused luxury home builder operating in the Pacific Northwest. After facing a serious personal health crisis, Tony completely transformed the way he builds, diving deep into building science, indoor air quality, and what it truly means to create a healthy home.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 235 YOU WILL DISCOVER How a personal health crisis changed the way Tony builds foreverWhat the invisible details are and why they matter more than finishesHow niching down to health-focused builds simplified his entire businessThe sales approach that turns education into trust and trust into contractsWhy having a clear purpose aligns your team, trades and clientsAnd much, much more.ABOUT TONY MARNELLATony Marnella is the founder of Marnella Homes, a health-focused luxury home builder based in the Pacific Northwest. After facing a serious personal health crisis, Tony transformed his approach to construction, specialising in high-performance custom homes that prioritise clean air, clean water, and healthy indoor environments for the families that live in them.TIMELINE 7:32 How a serious illness sent Tony down the path of building science and healthy homes10:09 The invisible details: air sealing, intelligent air management and water quality explained16:01 Why health and wellness features deliver a better return than a countertop upgrade23:59 How niching down narrowed the field but transformed the quality of clients29:54 Why Tony's sales conversations are completely different to every other builder34:48 What Tony gets out of business coaching and why he keeps renewing with APBLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

April 16, 2026Episode 23455 min

234. Habits That Scale With Andy Skarda, Ahmed Yusuf, & Erick Villa

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Andy Skada, Head Coach at APB, alongside Ahmed Yusuf and Erick Villa from Wunderbuild, a cloud-based construction management software built specifically for builders. Together, they dive deep into the financial habits that separate profitable building companies from those that are busy but barely breaking even.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 234 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why being busy doesn't always translate into being profitableHow growing too fast without the right systems can destroy a businessWhy your bank balance is not an indicator of financial healthThe financial habits that high-performing builders use every dayWhat financial roles you need to hire as your business scalesAnd much, much more.ABOUT ANDY SKARDAHead 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/ABOUT AHMED YUSUFAhmed Yusuf is a Director at Wunderbuild, a cloud-based construction management software built specifically for builders. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Ahmed works closely with thousands of builders to help them manage growth, build better financial habits, and put the right systems in place to scale their businesses sustainably.Connect with Ahmed: linkedin.com/in/amedi65/ABOUT ERICK VILLAErick Villa is a Customer Success Manager at Wunderbuild, a cloud-based construction management software built specifically for builders. With over 20 years of experience leading high-performing customer support teams across multiple industries, Erick is passionate about helping builders get the most out of WonderBuild to grow and scale successfully.Connect with Erick: linkedin.com/in/erick-vincent-villa/TIMELINE 9:35 Why builders can work 80 hour weeks and still not know if they're profitable16:15 How a builder spent money he never actually had25:17 Why APB won't scale an unprofitable business28:34 When business complexity outgrows your systems42:35 The non-negotiable reporting cadence every builder needs45:11 Practical daily, weekly and monthly financial habits to keep you in controlLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

April 9, 2026Episode 23348 min

233. What Builders Never Get Taught With Anthony & Paul Mancini

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Anthony and Paul Mancini, founders of Mancini Made, a design and build company delivering high-end architecturally designed homes in Melbourne, Australia. Over 15 years, they've grown their business to $25 million in annual revenue and share everything they've learned about building a successful construction company from the ground up.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 233 YOU WILL DISCOVER How watching previous employers fail shaped their business foundationsWhy cash flow and pipeline management eliminate business pressuresHow design and build gave them a competitive edgeThe branding and Instagram strategy that built their reputation earlyHow staff buy-in and open book management transformed their cultureWhat personal development and mentorship have meant for their growthand much, much more.ABOUT PAUL MANCINIPaul Mancini is the Co-Director and Owner of Mancini Made, a multi-award-winning design and build company delivering premium architectural homes in Melbourne. With a double degree in Construction and Architecture from Deakin University and 15 years of experience, Paul oversees design, cash flow and business operations across 230+ completed projects.Connect with Paul: linkedin.com/in/paul-mancini-aab23a206/ABOUT ANTHONY MANCINIAnthony Mancini is the Co-Director and Owner of Mancini Made, a multi-award-winning premium builder delivering architecturally designed homes across Melbourne. With a double degree in Construction and Facilities Management from Deakin University and 15 years of experience, Anthony oversees construction, branding, marketing and business development across 230+ completed projects.Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthony-mancini-2b634b2a/TIMELINE 5:50 Why watching employers go into liquidation became their greatest lesson12:31 How staying 12 months ahead on projects eliminates cash flow stress18:20 The early Instagram and branding strategy that punched above their weight25:48 Why a dedicated aftercare manager has been a game changer37:32 Understanding your strengths and weaknesses to build a stronger team around you41:46 How open book management and quarterly huddles created an unshakeable cultureLINKS, RESOURCES & MOREAPB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.comAPB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuildersAPB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders