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
225. Running Profitable Projects With Russ Stephens and Erika Mosse
Feb 1200:53:12Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Erika Mosse from JobTread, and Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. Recorded during our webinar series for the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry Report, the two unpack what actually drives the most profitable projects, pairing real data with real-world insights.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 225 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why profit “disappears” even when jobs seem healthy How scheduling delays quietly destroy margins The importance of knowing your fixed expenses per job per day Where change orders and selections cause the biggest profit leaks How systems, KPIs, and client handbooks tighten project delivery And 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 ERIKA MOSSEExperienced, dynamic business leader with a proven track record in content strategy, operational excellence, and editorial craftsmanship. Skilled in mentoring high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative environment. Passionate about innovation, great storytelling, and connecting with an audience. Believer in the joy of driving a fast car with a manual transmission.Connect with Erika: linkedin.com/in/erika-mosse-56488535/TIMELINE 2:30 Why builders don’t see profit problems coming8:45 Scheduling delays as the “silent killer” of profit15:30 Fixed expenses per job per day (and why builders must know this number)22:10 How change orders and selections derail timelines33:40 The importance of systems, KPIs, and one source of truth45:20 Pricing for profit and running tighter, more disciplined projectsLINKS, 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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224. The Data Behind SORCI 2026 With Russ & Andy
Feb 500:44:27Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with APB Co-founder Russ Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda, to break down the insights and data from the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) Report, and translate the numbers into practical actions builders can take to become more profitable, more systemised, and less trapped in the day-to-day firefighting.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 224 YOU WILL DISCOVER The intention vs action gap (why “systemise” stays on the to-do list) Why more hours doesn’t mean more income How to stop being the bottleneck The “illusion of profit” and why bank balance ≠ profitability The key financial levers builders must understand How systemisation lifts revenue, margins, and owner returns And much, much more.ABOUT RUSS 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 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 02:00 Why this year’s industry data reveals deeper insights than ever 08:10 The gap between what builders want to fix and what actually gets done 15:40 Why working 60+ hours leads to lower income 23:30 The illusion of profit and why most builders misread their numbers 31:45 Systemised vs non-systemised builders (and the revenue gap) 40:20 Where builders should start to break the owner bottleneckLINKS, 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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223. Selling Without Pressure With Tyson Lawes
Jan 2900:32:31Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Tyson Lawes, Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders. In this episode, Tyson dives deep into the sales mindset challenges builders face and explains why sales is less about scripts and techniques, and more about intent, self-awareness, and becoming a trusted advisor.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 223 YOU WILL DISCOVER Why sales is a mirror of your mindset and personal growthThe biggest reasons builders resist salesHow to shift from “salesperson” to trusted advisorWhy intent matters more than technique in sales conversationsWhy asking better questions builds trust faster than pitchingPractical tools to reset before and after challenging sales callsAnd much, much more.ABOUT TYSON LAWESTyson Lawes is Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders, with over a decade of experience in sales, leadership, and behavioural psychology. Passionate about mindset and performance, Tyson helps builders grow through stronger sales conversations, trusted advisor relationships, and high-impact leadership.Connect with Tyson: linkedin.com/in/tyson-lawes-456b56188/TIMELINE 2:49 Why sales is a mirror of your mindset6:18 Why most builders resist sales (and how it limits growth)10:44 How to shift from salesperson to trusted advisor19:36 Why you accept objections you haven’t overcome yourself25:24 Practical tools to reset before and after sales calls27:25 The biggest mindset shift builders need to improve sales conversationsLINKS, 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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222. How Builders Become Leaders With Andy Skarda
Jan 2200:27:06Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. In this episode, Andy breaks down what leadership really means for building company owners, and why it’s the defining factor that separates builders who are stuck in chaos from those running calm, predictable, and scalable businesses.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 222 YOU WILL DISCOVER The difference between fixing symptoms versus fixing systemsWhat stops builders from becoming effective leadersHow delegation, trust, and systems unlock time and growthWhy your business can never outperform your leadershipPractical steps to start leading intentionally instead of reactivelyAnd much, much more.ABOUT ANDY 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 2:36 What leadership really means for builders6:11 Why most builders don’t set out to become leaders8:38 What well-led building companies actually look like16:43 Why delegation fails without systems20:32 Fixing broken systems instead of firefighting symptoms26:28 Why your business can never outperform your leadershipLINKS, 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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221. Managing Relationships With Nicole Scanlan
Jan 1500:36:58Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Nicole Scanlan, Partnerships Manager at APB. Throughout this episode, Nicole breaks down what it really takes to build, manage, and sustain strong business relationships over the long term. Drawing on her experience managing over 130 partners globally, Nicole shares practical, repeatable systems for building trust, reducing friction, and turning short-term transactions into long-term partnerships.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 221 YOU WILL DISCOVER One powerful question that can transform every business interaction Best practices for handling difficult conversations and misaligned expectations How authenticity and transparency accelerate trust The importance of long-term partnerships over short-term transactions Simple habits that strengthen relationships And much, much more.ABOUT NICOLE SCANLANNicole Scanlan is the Partnerships Manager at APB, connecting solution-driven brands with elite residential builders. With a background in events, software, and business development, she builds high-impact partnerships focused on long-term growth, trust, and meaningful engagement.Connect with Nicole: linkedin.com/in/nicole-scanlan-apb/TIMELINE 3:04 Why every interaction in your business is a stakeholder relationship 5:04 Common gaps builders face in communication and follow-up 9:30 Why strong relationships are a powerful risk reducer 13:00 Why rapport isn’t a “soft skill” you can build on the fly 21:02 Simple habits that strengthen relationships and avoid the “sorry culture” 28:59 How to handle difficult conversations and realign misaligned partnershipsLINKS, 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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220. Preparing For 2026 With Russ Stephens
Jan 800:40:30Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an in-depth episode with Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. In this episode, Russ unpacks the three biggest challenges builders are facing worldwide as they head into 2026, breaks down why a lack of planning continues to hold builders back, and explains how mastering lead generation, profit, and systemisation can completely transform the performance of a building business.This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0INSIDE EPISODE 220 YOU WILL DISCOVERThe three biggest challenges builders face heading into 2026Why planning is directly linked to higher margins and more profitWhy financial literacy is critical to sustainable growthHow construction slots create real scarcity without “selling”How documenting processes can add millions to long-term personal wealthAnd much more.ABOUT RUSS 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/russstephensTIMELINE03:11 The three biggest problems builders face worldwide07:44 Why planning alone can dramatically increase profit09:15 How an org chart can buy back weeks of your time each year13:18 The real reason builders struggle to get quality leads22:38 How supply and demand impact margins34:18 Why systemisation is the key to scaling without burnoutLINKS, 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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115. Competing With Project Builders With Andy Skarda
Jan 4, 2024Tap to summarizeProfessional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Andy explores project builders, how they remain so competitive in the industry, and what you can do as a custom home builder to win jobs despite what average consumers might see as ‘great value’ coming from them. INSIDE EPISODE 115 YOU WILL DISCOVER How to create a point of difference for your building company Why you shouldn’t compete with project builders The importance of your marketing How to win over clients who’ve spoken with a project builder And much, much more. Listen to the full episode to learn how you can win jobs at higher margins rather than stooping to the impossible costs of project builders. If you’re a builder who wants to get ahead of the curve, and win high margin contracts, you need to do your research, and the best place to start is by seeing how your building company sits in with the rest in the State Of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) report. You can get a free copy of the 2023 report by clicking on the button below. Get Your Free Report: go.associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/sorci-download 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 1:14 Challenges custom home builders have when compared to project builders 4:34 Don't try to compete with volume builders 7:21 What to do if you need to compete 10:42 How to use marketing to increase your margins 19:43 How to differentiate yourself as a custom home builder 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
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