Professional Builders Secrets

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245

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Jul 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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July 2, 2026Episode 24530 min

245. Systems That Actually Stick With Leah Ward

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Leah Ward, Executive Business Coach at APB. If you're feeling overwhelmed, buried in the day-to-day and struggling to step back from your building company, this episode is exactly what you need. Leah shares practical, no-nonsense advice on how to identify your biggest pain points, build systems that actually stick, and start reclaiming your time without losing control of your business. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more: hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 245 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why overwhelm in building companies is a system problem Why stepping back feels harder than staying in the chaos How to identify the right place to start when everything feels urgent Why handing off tasks without handing off decisions is keeping you stuck How to build SOPs that actually get used rather than just sitting on paper Why AI is one of the most powerful tools builders have to reduce noise and reclaim focus How to train your team's judgment, not just their tasks 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 2:16 Why overwhelm keeps coming up with builders and what it's really costing them 8:12 Why builders struggle to let go and how identity plays a bigger role than most realise 12:38 Where to start when everything feels like a problem that needs fixing 14:55 Why handing off a task while keeping the decision is the root cause of most delegation failures 21:55 How AI can take the noise out so builders can focus on what actually matters 27:27 Leah's final advice for builders who want to break the cycle and start moving forward 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

June 25, 2026Episode 24427 min

244. New Builds, New Opportunities With Harry Pontikis

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Harry Pontikis, founder of Chocolate Money, a specialist finance broking company that has been helping builders, developers and the broader construction industry with their funding needs since 2003. Harry shares his expert perspective on the recent Australian budget changes, what they mean for property investors, and why, for once, the light is shining on residential builders. This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more: hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 244 YOU WILL DISCOVER What the recent Australian budget changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax actually mean Why the changes are creating a real opportunity for builders How builders can position themselves to work with property investors Why knockdown rebuilds, duplexes and multi-unit dwellings are worth paying attention to Why builders should consider building their own property portfolio Why the best time to borrow money is when you don't need it And much, much more. ABOUT HARRY PONTIKIS Harry Pontikis is the founder of Chocolate Money, a specialist finance broking company that has been helping builders, developers and the construction industry with their funding needs since 2003. Based in Victoria, Australia, Harry brings deep expertise in construction finance, lending strategy and the property market, helping builders secure the right funding to grow their businesses with confidence. Connect with Harry: linkedin.com/in/harry-pontikis-businessadvisor/ TIMELINE 3:05 Why cashflow remains the number one challenge that brings even great builders undone 6:20 How the recent budget changes have rattled property investors across Australia 9:23 Why the government is clearly signalling it wants new homes built and what that means for builders 14:53 How builders can unlock opportunities with property investors looking to build new properties 19:57 Why builders should consider using their own skills to build and grow a property portfolio 21:11 What the current funding environment looks like and how to put your best foot forward 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

June 18, 2026Episode 24339 min

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 margins How small inaccuracies compound across a build and extend your timelines Why measure once, cut once is the goal and how the right tools make it possible How Ox Tools works directly with contractors to solve real on-site pain points Why asking your team where waste is happening could be your biggest untapped opportunity Why communication is the number one thing that makes any team more productive And 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 productivity 11:06 What makes Ox Tools different and why they go directly to job sites to find problems to solve 13:59 Why material wastage is costing builders between 15 and 30 percent of job materials 19:06 The story behind the Speed Frame and how one contractor's idea became an industry solution 29:16 How Ox Tools uses authentic contractor content to build demand without traditional advertising 34:49 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 242 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why time management is the wrong framework and what to focus on instead How the attention economy is systematically stealing your focus for profit Why a culture of urgency and speed is quietly killing creativity and innovation How distraction is costing businesses hundreds of thousands every year The three foundational challenges to attention and how to take back control How to design your communication systems so work actually gets done And 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 currency 6:01 How an entire industry has been built to extract your attention for profit 11:21 Why competing on speed is a race to the bottom and what to do instead 15:45 How social media platforms are engineered to hack your brain and keep you hooked 31:13 The three foundational challenges to attention and how to reclaim control 40:24 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 241 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why interior design should be part of the process from day one How a designer bridges the gap between what clients and builders Why misaligned expectations are costing builders time, money and referrals How lighting, space planning and accessibility are more important than you realise The cost of getting it wrong How having a designer in your corner helps you charge more and deliver a better experience And 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 much 8:36 How building without a clear design scope leads to delays, redesigns and frustrated clients 11:17 A real life example of what goes wrong when design is left out of the process 15:16 The difference between interior architecture, interior design and decoration explained 23:59 Why scaling builders need clear design processes in place to avoid growing pains 28:36 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 240 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why most builders aren't about building science Why airtightness is the foundation of a healthy, energy efficient home The legal liability risks builders face around mould and condensation How the building code is changing and what that means for builders right now Why doing it properly doesn't always mean spending more money Why collaboration between builders, architects and consultants is the key to getting it right And 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 world 11:03 Why builders should care about healthy homes beyond just the moral argument 15:42 The real cost of building better and how to reframe the conversation with clients 21:44 Why builders aren't required to keep learning once licensed and why that's a problem 25:14 The two most important building science concepts every builder should understand 34:43 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 239 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Chris went from scattered leads to a refined niche and quality pipeline Why most builders have a strategy problem, not a lead problem What winning a national emerging builder award actually comes down to How to know when it's time to move from in-house marketing to an agency Why your avatar and messaging need constant refinement How 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 rest 6:32 Helena's take on why most builders have a strategy problem, not a lead problem 8:07 Chris's honest journey from crappy site photos to a refined marketing system 15:20 How winning the HIA National Emerging Builder Award came down to systems and growth 19:50 Why Chris rebranded from Gilbert Construction to Tenfold Homes and what it symbolised 37:31 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 238 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why Carl believes margins are directly linked to marketing Why Edwards Family Homes pivoted What the journey from in-house marketing to agency looked like in practice Why letting go of control was the hardest but most valuable step they took How content marketing builds trust before a client ever picks up the phone And 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 business 8:39 Why Carl, a tradesman at heart, finally understood the importance of marketing 11:12 The challenges of handing over marketing to an agency and why it was worth it 13:52 How Carl tracks marketing performance 18:53 Why more marketing means more choice and how that directly protects your margins 20:54 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 237 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why unrealistic client expectations are the number one challenge How to set expectations before problems arise Why being the single point of contact is a single point of failure Why poor communication is quietly destroying builders' net profit How AI is transforming the client experience for builders of all sizes What the best builders are doing differently to keep clients happy 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 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 pitch 19:17 Why owners become the bottleneck 27:49 The hidden cost of poor communication 38:16 What the best builders do differently to keep clients happy 44:09 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

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/Q02mNSsG0 INSIDE EPISODE 236 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why communication is the foundation of any building company How fear inside your team is silently killing your margins and morale What the signs of poor communication look like in a building company How to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up Why emotional intelligence is a learnable skill every builder needs And 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 returns 14:09 Why fear is the root cause of communication breakdown in most businesses 21:44 The warning signs that communication in your building company is failing 29:00 How poor communication leads to burnout, stress and working excessive hours 38:31 Why technology is now a must-have, not a nice-to-have, for builder communication 42:35 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