Podcast
Professional Builders Secrets
Hosted by Association of Professional Builders · EN
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.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
235. Home Details That Matter With Tony Marnella
Apr 2300:42:43Tap to summarizeProfessional 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
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234. Habits That Scale With Andy Skarda, Ahmed Yusuf, & Erick Villa
Apr 1600:55:31Tap to summarizeProfessional 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
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233. What Builders Never Get Taught With Anthony & Paul Mancini
Apr 900:48:05Tap to summarizeProfessional 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
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232. Too Many Tools, No Results With Mitchell Kasselman & Rick Moore
Apr 200:54:56Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Rick Moore, Executive Business Coach at APB, and Mitchell Kasselman, CEO and Founder of Ressio Software. Together, they dive deep into why so many builders are drowning in software yet still relying on manual processes, and what the most efficient building companies are doing differently to get real value from their tech investments.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 232 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why surging software investment isn't always a good thingThe growing gap between builders using software and those still going manualHow underutilization is dragging down profitabilityWhy successful adoption must be led from the top downHow to audit and consolidate your tech stackand much, much more.ABOUT RICK MOORERick Moore has been at the forefront of steering businesses that have collectively amassed a staggering market capitalisation exceeding $3 billion CDN, served as the CEO of the Canadian division of the world’s largest business coaching company, and is the author of “Scale-Up to Sell,” sharing his insights derived from his experiences, and his CEPA designation in exit planning underscores my commitment to guiding ventures towards successful transitions.Connect with Rick: linkedin.com/in/rick-moore-4069383a/ABOUT MITCHELL KASSELMANModernizing the American home-building experience as Co-Founder & CEO of Ressio Software. Former leader at ServiceChannel (acquired by Fortive for $1.2B) and ex-McKinsey consultant. Passionate about technology startups. Die hard Michigan football fan.Connect with Mitchell: linkedin.com/in/mitchellkasselman/TIMELINE 7:31 Key data revealed: AI adoption nearly doubled in one year10:24 Tesla vs. used car analogy on software adoption14:10 Why mid-market builders are losing profit to underutilized software17:28 The number one reason software adoption fails30:10 How to build a smart, consolidated tech stack from the ground up39:28 Honest talk on AI estimating: where it's at and where it's headedLINKS, 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
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231. Small Changes, Big Results With Owen Gardner
Mar 2600:41:07Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Owen Gardner, Co-founder of Gardner Construction in Sydney, Australia. Throughout this episode, Owen shares the real story behind building a company over 24 years, from sole trader carpenter to running a full design and construct business with an in-house team of five architects, and the mindset, lessons, and incremental improvements that got him there.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 231 YOU WILL DISCOVER How Owen transitioned from sole trader to design and constructionWhy the biggest breakthroughs come from small, incremental improvementsHow Owen protects his business from clients who don't pay How one difficult client became one of his biggest advocatesWhy understanding your numbers is the single biggest thing that transformed Owen's businessAnd much, much more.ABOUT OWEN GARDNEROwen Gardner is the founder of Gardner Construction, a residential design and construct company based in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. With 24 years in the industry, Owen started as a carpenter straight out of his apprenticeship and has built the company into a full design and construct operation, complete with an in-house team of five architects. He runs the business alongside his identical twin brother Matt, who oversees the day-to-day construction side of the company.TIMELINE 08:23 More staff, less money (temporarily)13:12 How builders can unknowingly operate insolvent for years14:50 The client who refused to pay17:17 Why Owen brought design in-house and never looked back32:29 The peaks and troughs of building38:00 The one thing that transformed the 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
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230. Are Builders Actually Profitable With Russ Stephens & Sarah Biben
Mar 1900:55:19Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB, and Sarah Biben, Director of Product Design at Buildertrend. Throughout this episode, Russ and Sarah dive deep into the financial blind spots that are quietly killing builder profitability, and what the most successful builders are doing differently to protect their margins and run cleaner, more profitable companies.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 230 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why a busy schedule and healthy bank balance can mask serious financial problems in your building companyWhat the "construction Ponzi scheme" is and how to make sure you're not caught in itWhy over a third of builders had a discrepancy greater than 10% between their perceived and actual financial performanceHow the Work In Progress Accounting Adjustment© can transform the accuracy of your monthly reportsThe hidden profit destroyer that most builders completely overlookAnd 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 SARAH BIBENSarah Biben is the Director of Product Design at Buildertrend, where she works with builders, product teams, and engineers to design workflows that connect financials with day-to-day project management.Connect with Erika: linkedin.com/in/sarah-biben-86183b40/TIMELINE 05:20 The stat that should concern every builder12:45 The construction Ponzi scheme19:30 The Work In Progress Accounting Adjustment© explained31:10 The hidden profit destroyer: timeline38:45 Profitable on paper, broke in real life46:20 What the best builders all have in commonLINKS, 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
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229. How Elite Builders Scale With Andy Skarda
Mar 1200:43:47Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Andy reveals the real data behind how APB's Elite Mentoring clients performed in 2025, and breaks down the practical lessons every building company owner can take from the industry's highest performers and apply to their own business.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 229 YOU WILL DISCOVER The key Elite Mentoring differenceHow Elite clients are increasing revenue by ~40%Why doing less work is the key to scaling profitabilityHow Elite clients improved their quality of life, relationships, and physical health alongside their business resultsWhat the pathway looks like to join Elite Mentoring in 2026And 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/TIMELINE 4:02 What mentoring really means for builders10:31 The client who refused to work Tuesdays and Thursdays16:50 What well-led building companies actually look like20:08 Contract value Up 36.2%23:47 You can make more money by doing less work38:40 The quality of life results that go beyond the business metricsLINKS, 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
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228. Freedom Through Systems With Rob Swanson
Mar 500:28:51Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Rob Swanson, Director of Swanson Constructions. Throughout this episode, Rob shares his journey from carpentry apprentice to award-winning renovation builder, revealing how he transformed his business from a stressful, inconsistent operation into a systemised, profitable company with strong marketing, solid financial management and genuine work-life balance.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 228 YOU WILL DISCOVER Rob’s journey from apprentice to specialistWhy fixed price contracts work in renovationsHow detailed prelims reduce risk and protect profitThe health wake-up call that forced major changeHow systems, CRM and marketing created consistent lead flowWhy Google Ads outperformed word-of-mouth aloneAnd much, much more.ABOUT ROB SWANSONRob Swanson is the founder of Swanson Constructions, a specialist renovation and extension company. With over 20 years in the industry, he’s transformed his business from burnout and inconsistency into a systemised, award-winning operation focused on fixed price contracts, strong financial management and sustainable growth.Connect with Rob: linkedin.com/in/the-robert-swanson/TIMELINE 3:00 How Rob went from apprentice to launching his own building company4:59 Surviving a cyber attack and COVID back-to-back7:10 Why they specialise in large renovations and offer fixed price contracts13:45 The health wake-up call that forced major change17:25 Implementing systems, CRM and marketing to stabilise lead flow22:01 The financial discipline behind winning Financial Management of the YearLINKS, 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
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227. The AI First Mindset With Varant Bomoushakian
Feb 2600:37:52Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Varant Bomoushakian, Head of Operations at APB. In this episode, Varant breaks down what it really means to become an AI First building company in 2026 and beyond. He shares why most businesses are getting AI wrong, how leadership must drive adoption from the top down, and the practical steps builders can take to move from chasing shiny tools to embedding AI into daily habits, workflows, and team culture.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 227 YOU WILL DISCOVER What “AI First” actually means (and what it definitely doesn’t) The three biggest mistakes builders are making with AI right now Why leadership and culture determine whether AI adoption succeeds or fails How to move from shiny AI tools to real operational ROI Practical examples of how AI can increase output without increasing headcount and much, much more.ABOUT VARANT BOMOUSHAKIANVarant is an operations strategist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in driving operational innovation and excellence across various industries, from startup ventures to established companies. Oriented towards continuous improvement and not afraid to get ‘hands-on’ to develop and achieve transformation, efficiency, and growth strategy targets.Connect with Varant: linkedin.com/in/varantb/TIMELINE 5:22 What AI First isn’t (and the myths holding builders back) 7:30 The true definition of an AI First company 9:01 The three levels of AI integration in a building business 10:45 Why margins and rising costs make AI urgent in 2026 16:00 The 3 biggest mistakes builders are making with AI 36:05 Why AI must become a daily habit, not a one-off initiativeLINKS, 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
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226. Visibility Over Vanity With Trapper Roderick
Feb 1900:38:20Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Trapper Roderick from Roderick Builders. In this episode, Trapper shares how seeing both sides of the industry shaped his approach to building a profitable company, and why getting clarity on your numbers is non-negotiable.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 226 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why most builders don’t have real visibility over profitThe danger of “cost plus 10” and underestimated overheadHow Trapper tightened up pre-construction to reduce riskThe systems and tools he uses to track budgets, WIP, and change ordersWhy marketing and being on camera builds trust before the first meetingAnd much, much more.ABOUT TRAPPER RODERICKTrapper is a fifth-generation builder carrying forward a family legacy of craftsmanship by creating modern, emotionally powerful homes across Utah’s Wasatch Back. As President of Roderick Builders, Trapper leads the design vision, guides clients through the process, and partners with top architects to bring bold, meaningful ideas to life..Connect with Trapper: linkedin.com/in/trapper-roderick/TIMELINE 2:30 Growing up in construction and seeing both sides of business8:45 The painful project that exposed hidden overhead14:20 Why “cost plus 10” isn’t real profit18:30 Switching to fixed price and leveling up pre-construction25:40 Marketing, content, and building trust before the first meeting34:10 Final advice: work on the things that scare youLINKS, 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
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