The Builders Ladder

People don't leave jobs - they leave bosses and opportunities. As your building company grows, your biggest challenge isn't finding good people, it's keeping them aligned and pulling in the same direction instead of operating like individual contractors under one roof. Join Owen Chambers for the final part of the Builder to Business Owner series as he reveals the Four Ds of CEO leadership: Dollars, Decibels, Discipline, and Direction. Discover how to create a Same Page Plan that gets your entire team rowing in the same direction, why PSR (Problem-Solution-Recommendation) should be a core company value, and how high standards naturally move poor performers out while attracting A-players who want to be part of something bigger. Learn why your vision must be large enough to fit everyone else's dreams inside it, and how successful builders transition from managing tasks to leading people toward a compelling future. Key Points 00:00:00 Introduction to Part 4: The Leadership Transition 00:02:30 The Four Ds of CEO leadership framework 00:05:15 Why people leave bosses and opportunities, not jobs 00:07:40 Using standards to naturally filter out poor performers 00:10:20 Creating a vision big enough for others' dreams 00:13:30 The Same Page Plan template and implementation 00:16:45 Why PSR should be a core company value 00:19:20 Training problem-solving across your entire team 00:22:10 Presenting and refining your vision with the team Tune in to complete your transformation from hands-on builder to strategic leader who develops people, systems, and culture that can operate and grow without your constant involvement. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

After 10 months as a one-man bathroom renovation business, Rob was trapped. When you're responsible for everything, you can't take time away - and when you do, you're still on the phone handling emergencies. Join Owen Chambers and coach Carla as they break down how Rob transformed his Texas renovation business using TPB's hiring framework. Discover why his previous helper didn't work out, how the right job ad attracted A-plus talent instead of 200 mediocre applicants, and the specific strategies that let him take not one but two holidays while his business ran perfectly without him. Learn the secret filtering techniques that separate world-class candidates from time-wasters, why your job ad needs to market the opportunity (not just list requirements), and how Rob's systematic approach to Google reviews is driving organic leads in his local market. Key Points 00:00:00 Rob's transformation from one-man show to business owner 00:03:20 Why his previous helper didn't work out 00:05:40 Using TPB's hiring framework for better results 00:08:15 Projects finishing ahead of schedule with the right person 00:10:30 Taking holidays while the business runs without him 00:13:45 Key hiring mistakes builders commonly make 00:16:20 The job ad as marketing tool, not just requirements list 00:19:30 Filtering techniques: specific email instructions and barriers 00:22:40 Matching application complexity to the role requirements 00:25:10 Rob's Google review system driving organic leads Tune in to discover how the right hiring process doesn't just get you help - it gets you freedom to work ON your business while your team delivers quality results on time. Our construction business coaching has helped 3,000+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Sitting in the office wondering "what does working ON the business actually mean?" You know you should be doing sales, marketing, and numbers - but where do you start when everything feels urgent and important? Join Owen Chambers for Part 3 of the Builder to Business Owner series as he reveals the A to Z of Operations framework - your business blueprint that maps exactly how leads flow through your company from first inquiry to final invoice. Discover how successful members like Alvin built systems so bulletproof they could close sales while holidaying in Europe, and learn the ICE filter method (Impact, Certainty, Ease) for prioritizing which business systems to build first. Stop keeping everything in your head and start building a business that runs without you being the bottleneck. Key Points 00:00:00 Introduction to Part 3: Who and How framework 00:02:45 The A to Z of Operations visual blueprint 00:05:20 Alvin's case study: making sales while on holiday 00:08:30 Traffic light system: Red, Orange, Green processes 00:11:15 Why you need both process AND person for each step 00:14:40 The ICE filter for prioritizing systems (Impact, Certainty, Ease) 00:18:20 Examples of critical business processes to systemize 00:21:10 Getting everything out of your head and onto paper Tune in to discover how to create working drawings for your business that ensure it runs smoothly even when you're not there - just like Alvin's team closing deals while he toured Europe. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Stop Being Employee of the Month in Your Own Business Most builders get trapped being the best employee instead of the business owner. They roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and stay stuck doing $47/hour tasks when they should be building systems and leading people. Join Owen Chambers as he breaks down Part 2 of the Builder to Business Owner series, revealing how to calculate your Professional Builder Rate (PBR) and create the most important list in your business - your stop doing list. Discover why builders need different skills than tradespeople, the identity shifts from builder to business owner to entrepreneur, and how successful members like Doug systematically bought back their time by delegating everything below their hourly rate. Learn the formula that shows exactly what tasks you should eliminate, who should do them instead, and how to build your business by design rather than default. Key Points 00:00:00 Introduction to Part 2: Professional Builder Rate 00:02:30 Where do you want to be in 12 months? 00:05:15 The survival to success business stages 00:07:40 Identity shifts: builder to business owner to entrepreneur 00:10:20 Examples of member success stories 00:13:30 Calculating your Professional Builder Rate (PBR) 00:16:45 Building your stop doing list 00:19:20 Doug's case study: systematic delegation 00:22:10 The $47/hour rule for task elimination Tune in to discover how to escape the employee-of-the-month trap and start working ON your business instead of being trapped IN it, using the exact frameworks that have helped thousands of builders buy back their time and build wealth. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

When builders hit $1.5M, $5M, or $10M revenue marks, the same painful pattern emerges: what got them there becomes their biggest bottleneck. Most end up with a "busy job with overheads" instead of a real business. Join Luke Kemeys on Keep the Change as he interviews our very owen Marti Amos (Founder of TPB) . Discover why 22% gross margin nearly destroyed Marti’'s cleaning business, the three critical areas every building company owner gets wrong, and how to find $10K in pure profit using the Professional Builder Rate formula. Learn the powerful change formula (Dissatisfaction × Vision + First Steps > Resistance), why turnover is vanity but profit is sanity, and how building company owners can escape the feast-or-famine cycle that keeps them competing on price instead of value. Key Points 00:00:00 Marty's background from Stewart Island to marketing degree 00:05:20 Early entrepreneurial ventures at university 00:08:40 The cleaning business disaster: $347K in debt 00:15:30 Three things builders consistently get wrong 00:21:15 Why numbers are the foundation of everything 00:26:45 The feast-or-famine marketing cycle trap 00:32:20 Systems and team: building without the owner 00:38:10 Finding $10K in profit with practical strategies 00:44:30 The Professional Builder Rate formula 00:49:15 Buying back one day per week in 30 days Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Ever wonder why successful construction company owners still struggle to make profit… even when their P&L “checks out”. Growth advisor John sees 10+ building company financials every week - and the patterns are shocking. Join Owen Chambers as he interviews John, TPB growth advisor and former carpenter-turned-casino dealer-turned business coach, who reveals what happens behind the scenes of residential construction companies. Discover why builders consistently price at 22% margins but end up with 16%, the critical P&L setup mistakes that hide true profitability, and how some companies accumulate $400K+ in debt while thinking they're profitable. Learn the nine margin levers that protect and improve profitability, why "busy" doesn't equal profitable, and the real reason builders burn out - plus John's hard-won lessons from his own costly renovation flips. Key Points 00:00:00 John's unconventional journey: bank to casino to carpentry00:04:15 Why John avoided becoming a builder (until now)00:06:30 The most common problems in builder conversations00:09:45 How to set up your P&L to reveal true profitability00:13:20 Why builders think they're pricing at 22% but actually get 16%00:16:40 The nine margin levers for protection and improvement00:19:50 Stories from the trenches: $400K debt recoveries00:23:15 Why marketing isn't optional (even when you're busy) Tune in to understand what the numbers really say about building company health and discover why professional systems beat winging it every single time. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

The bottleneck in your building business isn't your team, your subs, or your systems - it's you. When every decision runs through the owner, growth stalls and burnout becomes inevitable. Join Owen Chambers as he breaks down the exact framework successful builders use to delegate effectively and buy back an entire day per week. Discover the three critical delegation questions that prevent miscommunication, the 10-80-10 rule for outcome-based delegation, and how to create repeating task calendars that free you from micromanagement. Learn why the things that got you to $1.5M won't get you to $5M, and how to transition from being the best operator to becoming a true business owner who works on the business, not just in it. Key Points 00:00:00 Introduction and feedback request00:02:15 The bottleneck problem at $1.5M, $5M, and $10M00:04:30 Why hustle and muscle hits a ceiling00:05:45 The three delegation questions framework00:08:20 How to define "done" and create accountability00:10:40 The 10-80-10 rule for delegating outcomes00:13:25 Creating recurring task calendars with instructions00:16:30 Practical examples for office management and site tasks Tune in to transform from the person who solves every problem to the leader who develops problem-solvers, giving you the freedom to focus on growth and strategy instead of daily firefighting. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Paying top dollar is enough to keep good employees, right? Wrong! Competitive salary actually ranks LOW on the list of what workers really prioritise. And without knowing these priorities, you’re at risk of losing top talent in your construction business In this episode, performance coach Andy Ross and Owen Chambers discuss the systematic approach to building a high-performance team culture that attracts talent and keeps them engaged long-term. You’ll hear how to establish non-negotiable standards, why competitive salary ranks surprisingly low on employee priority lists, and how the ‘Same Page Plan’ keeps everyone aligned with your vision. Andy shares real examples from members who transformed their teams and the psychological principles that make these systems work. Key Points 00:01:00 Firing Problem Employees00:03:00 PSR Problem Solving Framework00:05:20 Employee Feedback 00:06:10 What Employees Actually Want00:10:20 Rules of the Game System00:12:00 Implementation Timeline Process00:16:30 Accountability 00:19:00 Same Page Plan Strategy00:21:10 IKEA Ownership Principle Ready to transform your team culture and build a construction business that attracts top talent? Listen to this episode to discover the proven system. - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Builders waste thousands on websites, ads, and "shiny object" marketing strategies that deliver zero results. But what if your entire marketing strategy could fit on one page? Join Owen Chambers as he interviews Alan Dib, author of "The One Page Marketing Plan" (nearly 1 million copies sold worldwide). Discover why the most successful builders focus on just 2-3 marketing channels instead of trying everything, and learn the exact framework that transforms scattered efforts into predictable profit. Alan shares real building examples, including a bathroom renovation company that charges 150% more than competitors by mastering one simple promise, plus the two key numbers every builder must track to turn marketing from a casino gamble into a reliable vending machine. Key Points 00:00:00 Alan's background and the one-page marketing plan origins00:03:20 The fundamental problem: scattered marketing efforts00:06:40 Target market as your foundation - get this wrong, everything fails00:09:15 Real building example: bathroom renovations in one week00:12:30 Sales becomes easy when marketing does the heavy lifting00:15:45 The two critical numbers: CAC and lifetime value00:19:20 Finding your best clients and identifying buying triggers00:22:40 Why it's never about being a "better builder" Tune in to discover how to stop wasting money on marketing that doesn't work and start building a system that consistently delivers high-value clients who pay premium prices. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

In a notoriously tight-lipped industry where builders company owners rarely share challenges or collaborate, isolation has become the norm. But what if there was a better way? Join Owen Chambers as he interviews Coach Matt Banks about the transformative power of community in The Professional Builder. Discover stories of members sharing profitable contracts, filling schedule gaps with fellow builders' overflow work, and accessing HR templates in minutes when they need them most. Learn why surrounding yourself with successful builders doesn't just give you better answers - it normalizes higher standards that transform your business from the inside out. Key Points 00:00:00 The tight-lipped nature of construction00:03:15 Adam's story: Sharing profitable contracts with other builders00:07:20 Richard's story: Filling schedule gaps through community00:10:40 Sam's HR emergency and instant template solution00:12:30 How community normalizes higher margins and charging for quotes00:14:15 Using PSR (Problem-Solution-Recommendation) to solve difficult client issues00:17:50 The energy and transformation of in-person events Tune in to discover why the conversations at the pub will never compare to a community of builders committed to real growth, honesty about challenges, and helping each other achieve both business success and better quality of life. Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Join Owen Chambers from The Professional Builder as he interviews Lachlan Stewart, who recently completed 58 marathons in 58 days across all 50 US states and 8 Australian states/territories - a world-first achievement. Beyond the physical feat, Lachlan shares powerful mindset strategies directly applicable to builders struggling with tying their self-worth to business performance. After transitioning from professional sports to entrepreneurship, Locke discovered how to build multidimensional success across business, relationships, and health. Key Points 00:00:00 Lachlan’s 58 marathon challenge introduction00:03:10 Rebuilding identity beyond one dimension00:07:20 Separating self-worth from business performance00:11:40 Tackling problems head-on vs. avoiding them00:18:30 Building the right team aligned with your vision00:27:45 When to push through vs. when to change course00:33:10 Creating a vision others can contribute to00:39:00 Taking action on what matters mostYou can checkout the link to Lachlan’s website here: https://www.themanthatcanproject.com/& Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lachlanstuart/ Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

One of the biggest needle movers for construction companies and custom home builders that want to scale is mastering a proven sales process. Tune in today to hear how successful residential builders are implementing sales systems into their businesses - with profit-boosting results. You’ll hear the story of Ben, a custom home builder from Victoria, who installed a professional quoting and sales process into his construction business and dramatically improved his income and profit margins - going from under 20% to 25% gross. You'll also discover: ✅ The power of showing vs telling when dealing with prospects - and how this can add tremendous value to your construction proposals ✅ Specific ways you can justify charging for quotes as a builder, without losing clients ✅ Practical tools like lookbooks, questionnaires, and project schedules that position your building business as premium ✅ How to hold sales meetings with potential clients that convert at 70 to 80% (instead of the typical 20–30%) Key Moments: 00:01:49 Building sales process overview00:03:28 The problem with incomplete plans00:06:39 Professional Service Agreements explained00:08:41 First impressions and client journey00:10:12 Show don't tell in sales presentations00:12:21 Premium proposals command premium prices00:13:57 Confidence to charge higher margins00:15:15 Preparation and leadership in sales Ready to stop competing on price and start commanding what you're worth? Listen now to learn the exact sales blueprint for transforming your building business into a professional construction company that clients trust (and happily pay premium prices to work with). - Builders Summit 2025: https://www.builderssummit.co.nz/ - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.Follow TPB for more:

Wendy and Paul, two former academics turned trades business owners, faced the growing pains most of us face in the construction industry - no reliable systems, constant overwhelm, and stalled growth. Despite being four years into running their business, they lacked the right structure in sales, marketing, leadership, and pricing. Like many others, everything still funnelled back through them. That’s when they joined The Professional Builder. In this powerful episode, Coach Carla reveals the exact blueprint Wendy and Paul used to transform their trades business in just 4 months. Tune in to discover how they: - Overhauled their sales process for predictable growth - Boosted team performance and accountability - Created a lead pipeline with 12+ quality leads - Implemented proven systems for scaling a trades-based company If you're a construction business owner or trades professional struggling with team alignment, broken systems, or stagnant lead flow - this episode is a must-watch. You’ll walk away with practical insights on building systems that free up your time, align your team for better execution and leading your business with confidence. You’ll also understand how to fix your pricing, sales, and marketing once and for all. Key Points 00:03:20 Values-driven mission00:04:20 Lacking business systems00:07:10 The employee handbook00:08:30 Teaching team problem-solving skills00:09:50 Securing $230K in new business00:10:30 Referral program implementation00:12:00 The Same Page Plan meeting framework00:13:10 Implementation Listen now to discover how these former academics are now drinking leads "from a fire hose" and building a business that serves their mission, their team, and their community. - Builders Summit: https://www.builderssummit.co.nz/ - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

We’ve trained an AI to hire better than humans. And if you’re struggling to hire good people in your construction business - you may already know the old ways of hiring aren't cutting it anymore. Access this POWERFUL AI hiring tool by attending the upcoming builders summit: https://www.builderssummit.co.nz/ In this episode, Owen and Vinnie reveal an AI tool that creates compelling job ads in minutes - ads that attract A+ players while repelling those who won't fit your culture. Watch as they create a foreman job ad in real-time - so you can see how to leverage AI to help you hire top talent in your construction business. Key moments: 00:03:00 The AI hiring tool for builders00:04:10 Three key hiring foundations for building companies00:05:40 Always be aggressively hiring 00:07:10 Isolating hiring problems before solving them00:08:30 Seven key questions to create compelling job ads00:14:30 Defining personality type and intensity requirements00:16:40 The Moscow Framework for role requirements00:20:00 Identifying key benefits to offer employees00:22:40 Choosing the right style and tone for job ads00:24:00 Example of a complete AI-generated job ad00:27:30 Using high-jump markers to filter candidates Listen now and discover how to attract the talent your building company deserves. - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Want to SCALE your construction biz? Book your strategy call here: https://tpb.tools/pod-call Your sales process is probably what’s costing you projects - not your building skills or your pricing. In this episode, we reveal the five critical mistakes builders make during their first prospect interactions that cost them thousands in lost contracts over time. We break down a proven triage call framework that helps construction businesses position themselves as the expert, uncover client motivations, and build the confidence needed to win more profitable jobs. You’ll also learn why "speed to lead" matters so much in construction, how to use "minimal encouragers" to dig deeper into a prospects needs, and why having a visible checklist creates instant credibility. We go on to explain how to create micro-commitments that make the final decision feel natural, and share specific strategies for addressing common concerns around timelines, budgets, and financial security. Key moments: 00:01:05 Transfer Conviction Through Process 00:02:48 Call Leads Within 24 Hours 00:03:46 Expert Questions Build Trust 00:04:38 80% Emotion Drives Decisions 00:05:54 Visible Checklist 00:07:28 Beat Price Objections 00:08:29 Show Project-Specific Success Stories 00:09:23 Create Micro-Commitments 00:10:51 Book Next Steps With Both Decision Makers Tune in today to transform your approach to winning new clients, convert more leads, and book yourself out 6-12 months in advance with higher-margin projects. -

Want to SCALE your construction biz? Book your strategy call here: https://tpb.tools/pod-call There’s a simple 4-step process that transforms change orders and variations into profits for your construction business. Most builders and construction companies lose money on change orders and variations. But with the ACES framework - variations can become profitable. One Sydney-based construction company implemented this framework and consistently increased its project margins from 22-23% to 26-27% by properly managing variations. Tune in to discover: ✅Why proper variation management prevents costly disputes with clients ✅How to avoid doing work for free ✅Practical strategies like charging administration fees for pricing variations ✅Why weekly variation meetings with clients eliminate "surprise" bills ✅How to train your team to recognize and document change orders properly Key Moments: 00:00:43 The ACES formula 00:01:40 Increased margins00:03:46 Anticipate variations before they happen00:04:33 Capture all changes in writing00:05:13 Charge fees for this00:06:22 Price variations for maximum profit00:06:58 Account for timeline extensions00:07:30 Create bulletproof variation management system Ready to stop the profit leakage? Click play to discover how the ACES framework can revolutionize your construction business and protect your bottom line. - Free training: https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/151ways -

Stop chasing low-paying clients! Your most valuable asset in your construction business isn’t your tools or skills - it’s your ability to attract premium clients who value quality construction. In this episode, Owen and Marti reveal how builders can use simple marketing strategies to position themselves as trusted authorities. Tune in to discover: ✅Effective marketing strategies for construction companies (these are easy to implement and work like crazy) ✅The key differences between being a generalist, a specialist, and the sought-after authority in your construction niche. ✅Why relying on a single marketing channel is a recipe for disaster and how diversification creates stable, predictable growth for your building business. ✅Actionable strategies like leveraging strategic alliances with real estate agents and architects, implementing a lucrative referral program, and developing persuasive client case studies. You’ll also learn a highly-effective qualification process to identify ideal clients, weed out time-wasters, and ensure project budgets align with your scope of work. Which means you’ll be able to pre-qualify leads and avoid costly mismatches. Key moments: 00:02:48 Dream Project Criteria 00:04:44 Become The Authority 00:05:49 Trust-Building Tools 00:07:46 Introduce Your Dream Team 00:10:45 The Dream 100 Strategy 00:13:30 Profitable Referral System 00:15:50 High-Intent Lead Generation 00:17:13 Showcase Success Stories 00:20:15 Qualify Fast Ready to transform your construction business? This episode provides the blueprint for securing profitable projects 6-12 months in advance, perfectly matched to your expertise and business goals. Tune in now to learn how to attract high-paying clients and fill your project pipeline. - Want to convert MORE of the leads you get? Download our FREE 10-step sales process: https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/10step-sales-process -

In this episode of The Builder's Ladder, we talk with Corey Brown, owner of Kiwi Built in Wellington. Corey shares his journey from working for others to running his own successful small business specialising in high-end heritage renovations. Corey reveals the lessons learned and struggles overcome while growing Kiwi Built - sharing actionable advice for builders, remodelers, and tradespeople looking to scale effectively. Tune in to discover: ✅Building Systems for Success: Learn how Corey transitioned from doing everything himself to implementing systems that give him his life back and allow for scalable growth. ✅Strategic Partnerships for Growth: Hear about the power of collaborating with architects and other professionals to pre-sell services and expand your reach. ✅Financial Management for Profitability: Learn how real-time budget tracking and accurate quantity surveying can maximise your profit margins. ✅The Importance of Community and Mentorship: Hear how finding positive communities and investing in business coaching accelerated Corey's growth. ✅Developing a Skilled Workforce: Learn Corey's strategies for finding, training, and retaining talented tradespeople in a competitive market. Tune in now and learn from Corey's experience - to get insights to help you scale your building business effectively. Key moments: 00:02:00 Starting Kiwi Built00:03:00 Wife runs the office00:05:00 Real-time budget tracking00:06:59 3D model pricing00:08:02 Delegate, don't DIY00:10:05 Marketing strategy evolution00:12:30 Seamless villa renovations00:16:20 Coaching builds confidence00:19:56 No weekend work00:22:00 Positive builder communities00:23:02 Training restoration apprentices -

The difference between a struggling and thriving construction business isn't volume - it's controlling the four profit levers most building business owners never touch. While most chase revenue, top builders and contractors maintain 25% margins by mastering these hidden profit zones Tune in as we expose why revenue pursuit without profit focus keeps builders trapped on the hamster wheel. You'll discover exactly how top-performing construction companies maintain 20-25% profit margins while staying booked 6-12 months in advance with quality projects. Discover: ✅ How one Sydney builder grew from $1.5M to $8.5M in just two years using these exact strategies ✅ Why most builders confuse markup with margin, instantly reducing profits by 3-4% on every job ✅ The simple daily accountability systems that improved one builder's project profits by 27% without complex software ✅ How properly handling variations can increase your gross margin from 21% to 27% on high-end projects Key moments: 00:03:50 Profit over revenue00:05:00 Pricing for profit00:07:20 Markup versus margin00:09:50 Track labor hours00:11:40 Visibility creates accountability00:12:10 Variations bring profit00:15:20 Control your progress00:17:20 Beyond price competition00:18:50 Free profit tool Check out this episode to stop pricing to win work and start pricing for profit. - Access your FREE 4-lever profit calculator and resources:https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/4growthlevers-training -Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

76% of construction business owners spend 15+ hours a week on tasks their foreman could handle Today, we’re exploring why 80% of your building project's success depends on your foreman - and how to transform this role from a glorified carpenter into your mini-CEO. We dive deep into practical systems for empowering your foreman with clear scorecards, ‘Wildly Important Goals’ (WIGs), and accountability measures that drive results. You’ll see how to create visibility across your projects, implement default calendars to eliminate constant interruptions, and build competitive performance tracking between sites - so you can boost company-wide success. Key Moments: 00:01:20 The foreman escape plan00:02:20 Foreman-appropriate tasks00:03:30 Busy builder vs business owner 00:04:40 Foreman scorecards00:06:40 Site success = company-wide performance00:07:10 Visibility equals accountability00:08:20 Default calendars00:12:10 PSR method for problem-solving 00:14:10 Three delegation questions 00:18:10 Foreman and project pricing Tune in now to escape the "busy builder" trap and become a true business owner by leading your foreman the right way. -

There's a critical difference between being a great builder and running a great construction company. Most builders are working 60+ hours weekly yet struggle to break past mediocre margins. This is because running a successful building company requires an entirely different skillset AND mindset than being a great builder. In this episode of The Builders Ladder Podcast, TPB growth advisor Josh shares what he's learned from analysing thousands of building company financials - along with guiding contractors through business transformation. Tune in to discover: ✅ Why 70% of builders can't track their true margins (and how to fix this) ✅ The "golden ratios" profitable building companies hit (this is about gross profit, net profit, & overheads) ✅ Specific mindset shifts required to evolve from "busy builder" to strategic business owner ✅ How to stop wearing all the hats without sacrificing quality or control Plus, you’ll hear about what separates builders who achieve remarkable transformations from those who stay stuck working IN their business rather than ON it. Key moments: 00:01:10 Josh's background 00:05:30 Financial numbers 00:06:20 Golden ratios 00:08:40 Surrounding yourself success 00:11:50 Top 5% do this 00:13:30 Sports team vs a family 00:15:10 The "stop doing list" for builders 00:17:40 Working ON vs. IN your business 00:19:10 When to check numbers -

There are hidden costs in your construction business which could be killing your profits. David Baker, founder of RapidQS, joins us for another episode of The Builders Ladder podcast to share exactly why most builders are silently losing money on every project. After losing $2,500 on a $6,000 bathroom renovation early in his career, David discovered a key pricing element most building business owners overlook - properly accounting for time and management costs. In this episode, David shares: ✅Why sitting at your desk pricing jobs at night isn't "free time" - it's profit walking out the door ✅The exact “P&G” costs you must include on every quote (from site admin to vehicle charges) ✅How his company scaled from 2 jobs per week to 140 monthly by mastering these fundamentals ✅Why growth often means lower initial profits (and how to navigate this transition) Plus, discover RapidQS's journey from small local operation to international expansion. Including candid insights about the realities of scaling a construction-focused business. Key moments: 00:02:10 Beyond materials and labor00:03:20 New builds & small jobs00:06:00 Site protection costs 00:08:20 Losing money on jobs 00:13:30 Growth = smaller margins 00:18:30 What to focus on in tough times00:24:00 Create content to save time & energy00:30:50 The best partnerships Tune in for practical wisdom about pricing, leadership, and finding your "zone of genius" in a growing construction company. -

Imagine structuring your week so effectively that you only need to visit sites once or twice a week, while your residential building business runs better than ever. Join your host, Marti Amos, for another episode of The Builders Ladder podcast - where he shares the ‘perfect week formula’ successful residential builders are using to scale & operate their $10M-$25M+ building businesses. Most building companies hit a ceiling at $2M-$5M because they're trapped by the "no one can do it like me" mindset. Learn how to break free using Marti's proven frameworks and strategies, including: ✅The specific activities $10M-$25M+ builders focus on (and what they deliberately ignore) ✅How to structure your perfect week for maximum impact with minimum hours ✅The "Business Maturity Date" concept that helps you plan your exit from daily operations ✅Exactly how to train your team to handle problems without constantly needing you Whether you're doing $1M or $10M, if you're tired of being chained to your business and want to build a building company that runs without your constant involvement - pay close attention to this episode. - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

If you’ve been curious about breaking into luxury residential construction, this episode of The Builders Ladder provides a realistic roadmap for you - from someone who's built this path over 15+ years. Award-winning builder Stephen Malinger shares his journey from doing decks and bathroom renovations to becoming Sydney's leading specialist in bespoke architectural and luxury homes. With achievements, including the 2021 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year, Stephen reveals how he built Mallinger Construction's reputation in the premium market - including a recent $180,000 bathroom renovation that showcases the scope of truly high-end work. Tune into hear about key elements that differentiate successful luxury builders, including: Creating professional documentation that resonates with architects and wealthy clients Building relationships with 6-15 person architectural firms for consistent premium work Managing weekly payment schedules and cashflow on multi-million projects Structuring contracts to protect yourself on complex, multi-year builds Understanding when to use cost-plus vs fixed price models Whether you're currently running a standard building company looking to step up, or already operating in the premium building space but wanting to improve your systems - this episode provides practical insights for building a sustainable high-end residential construction business. Key moments: 00:03:00 Journey from basic building to luxury projects00:07:00 Positioning strategies for premium builders00:12:00 Marketing approaches that work in luxury00:21:00 Building strong architect relationships00:26:00 Managing high-end client expectations00:32:00 Navigating complex contract structures00:44:00 Cashflow management in luxury projects00:50:00 Keys to successful market transition Listen now to learn how to transition to a high-end residential builder - while avoiding the common pitfalls that catch many builders off guard.https://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop being the best-paid tradie in your company and start being a true business owner. If you’ve grown your construction business, but still find yourself caught between running sites, chasing materials, and putting out fires - you’re spending more time behind the steering wheel and on your phone than building your business. In this episode of The Builder's Ladder, host Marti Amos sits down with Matt Banks, a construction coach with 15 years of business experience in construction. Matt shares his journey from running a chaotic operation with 25 staff to helping builders implement systems that create both profit and freedom. Learn why most builders stay stuck in their business… How to keep quality consistent across different project managers… And the powerful ‘PSR’ framework that simplifies problem-solving - by having team members come to you with solutions, not problems Matt also breaks down the common mistakes that keep builders trapped in day-to-day operations. 00:01:30 Matt's background 00:08:00 3 crucial onboarding sessions00:15:40 Quick wins in 90 days00:21:00 Reasons builders stay trapped in day-to-day operations00:24:25 The PSR (Problem, Solutions, Recommendation) framework00:29:20 Most important numbers builders should track 00:35:15 One habit every builder should adopt tomorrow Listen now to learn how to build a business that runs without your constant presence.-Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Fixed price contracts work great for cookie-cutter homes and simple builds. But unique architectural projects demand a different approach. Award-winning builder Stephen Mellinger shares his proven “cost-plus strategy” that's transformed his high-end residential construction business. In this detailed episode of The Builders Ladder Podcast, Stephen reveals his exact approach to cost-plus contracts, including: The deposit approach that protects your final payment and maintains a positive cash flow in your building business A practical way to structure project management fees The powerful alternative to “variations” that maintains better client relationships A transparent invoicing system that builds trust while protecting margins Stephen also shares critical insights on avoiding legal pitfalls, and why quantity surveyors are essential for million-dollar-plus projects. Key moments: 00:02:15 - Types of projects best suited for cost plus00:04:35 - Handling admin and project management fees00:07:55 - How to structure payment claims and frequency00:13:35 - Managing deposits and final payments00:15:35 - How to handle margin transparency00:21:15 - Including contingencies in labour rates00:31:15 - Avoiding legal pitfalls and misrepresentation00:33:15 - The importance of quantity surveyor estimates Whether you're currently handling complex residential projects or considering your first cost-plus contract, this episode provides a practical roadmap for implementation. Stephen even shares specific strategies for maintaining margins while building trust with premium clients. - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

If you’re a building company owner, you’re probably stuck doing EVERYTHING in your business - while a never-ending to-do list keeps you up at night. All for painfully low margins. Which means no rewards, holidays, or fun from all your hard work. This episode of The Builders Ladder podcast aims to change that for you. You’ll hear about the three critical challenges that keep most builders trapped working 80-hour weeks… And the proven systems to break free - so you can grow your construction company to create the business and lifestyle you deserve. Join your hosts, Marti, and The Professional Builder’s very own growth advisor, Brynn Wilson. They share why builders struggle with cash flow, unreliable teams, and razor-thin margins. Tune in to discover: Why most builders are trapped handling day-to-day tasks instead of growing their business How one Aussie company tripled their revenue to $9M, cleared $400k of debt, and nearly doubled their personal salary The crucial difference between accounting profit and what actually lands in your pocket Why marketing should focus on conversion rather than traffic The systems needed to step away from day-to-day operations Whether you're drowning in admin work or ready to scale, get practical strategies that’ve helped thousands of builders like you transform their companies. Key moments: 00:01:40 - Three main challenges most building businesses face00:06:35 - What marketing must focus on00:08:35 - Real vs accounting profit 00:11:00 - Calculate your Professional Builder's Rate00:13:35 - How two builders transformed their business00:21:15 - The importance of working ON vs IN your business00:24:35 - Five key levers that impact business success00:29:05 - Why mentorship accelerates business transformation - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Every building business owner knows the pressure of running a construction business can quickly stack up. But what if there was a proactive approach to maintaining mental fitness - focused on prevention rather than crisis? In this powerful episode, Rafael Caso from ‘Live Well Build Well’ reveals their unique "tradie-led" program that's transforming mental health in construction. Rather than lectures from experts, they showcase real builders sharing what actually works. You'll discover: • The simple yet effective "5 S Framework" for mental fitness that can improve your mental health and business performance • Practical techniques for transitioning from work mode to home life… so you can actually SWITCH OFF after work • How to harness the power of small, consistent habits to achieve major wellbeing gains • Ways to assess and improve your mental fitness starting today Key moments: 00:02:36 Rafael’s journey 00:06:05 LiveWell Build Well's mission to boost mental fitness 00:08:02 Hacking sleep, eating and work routines00:13:19 The power of sharing relatable stories & strategies 00:17:17 Why mental health issues are so prevalent in construction 00:22:22 New partnerships and programs in the pipeline00:26:02 How builders can become industry wellbeing champions00:28:29 Marti and Rafael's favourite tools for mental fitness This episode provides actionable strategies for business owners in the construction industry. - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Most builders take on every job they can get, yet struggle to make the profits they deserve. Stephen Mallinger does something different. He picks just 2-3 high-end projects at a time. As a result, he’s built a profitable building business - without the constant chaos. In today’s episode of The Builders Ladder, Stephen shares his proven approach to cost-plus contracts… Building lasting relationships with staff and subcontractors… And creating a business model that prioritizes excellence over volume - for long-term stability and profits. Key takeaways include: How to attract and win luxury projects (even if you're currently stuck in a low-margin market) The advantages of “trust & transparency” that has wealthy clients choosing YOU over your competitors Proven strategies to build a loyal team that stays for years (Stephen reveals how he's retained team members for over two decades) How to escape the "volume trap" and improve profits with just a handful of premium projects at a time Whether you're struggling with pricing, team management, or finding your market position - Stephen provides battle-tested insights for building a sustainable, profitable construction business that works for you. Not the other way around. Key moments: 00:00:30 From apprentice builder to running his own business at 2000:04:50 Building high-end projects & winning industry awards00:07:35 Approach to managing teams and ensuring quality00:14:35 Importance of contracts and transparent pricing00:21:10 Work-life balance and daily schedule00:24:20 Cost-plus model explained 00:31:35 Building and maintaining contractor relationships - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Too many builders stay stuck on the tools, unable to step back from their building business to grow it with tools like social media. And when they do manage to grow, they’re often left putting out fires on multiple sites and dealing with team dramas. David Baker, founder of Rapid QS, joins us to share his practical approach to building an A+ team, market expansion, and content creation — including the mindset shifts that helped him stop being a slave to his business. Listen to discover: ✔ Insights on scaling a business rapidly while maintaining quality through strategic hiring, content creation, and market expansion ✔ Specific instructions to use in job ads to quickly identify detail-oriented candidates and instantly bin those who don't meet your standards ✔ The "Omnipresence Strategy" that has potential clients seeing you everywhere (without burning out or living on social media) ✔ The real reason why successful builders treat their business like a sports team instead of a family ✔ A profitable marketing opportunity most builders are missing (one builder used this to generate 150 leads in one weekend, with a 30% close rate, and $2.25M in potential revenue) ✔ Plus More This conversation covers all aspects of growing a successful construction business — from marketing and content, to team building and culture. Key Moments: 04:15 Why marketing needs fame AND fortune05:30 Investing in team development23:40 Creating marketing omnipresence 29:35 Handling debt collection and business relationships34:50 Running business like a sports team vs family35:35 Rapid team growth - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Sick of babysitting your team when you should be running your construction business? In today's episode of The Builders Ladder, we break down a no-nonsense system for sorting your A-players from the deadweight that's costing you time and money on site. Once you've got the right crew firing on all cylinders, you can finally step back from constantly putting out fires and micromanaging every decision. You'll get battle-tested tools for running toolbox talks that actually stick, simple scorecards that keep everyone accountable, and proven ways to invest your time where it matters — growing the business instead of chasing up mistakes. Plus, discover why treating your staff like a professional sports team (not a family) is the key to better margins and smoother projects. Key moments 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction03:00 The Core Concept: Growing Your Team06:15 The Daily Stand-up Framework 09:40 The Team Ranking Exercise15:45 Managing Your B-Players18:45 "80% of Effort Goes to Non-Performers"21:05 Finding and Training Support Staff - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Free Podcast Exclusive: Body Reset Blueprint for Building Business Owners https://www.tpb.tools/bodyreset What’s the #1 habit you can develop to get a massive ROI in your building company? (Hint: it’s got nothing to do with your building company). Everyone knows that quality sleep, diet, and exercise are like cheat codes for more productivity & profits. But finding the time in a 60+ hour work week to stick to something is tough. We sat down with Olly Wood from Body Reset to talk about practical ways to do this for busy building company owners. No fancy gym memberships or complicated diets. Just real strategies that work for business owners who are juggling a million and one things. Olly shares straightforward advice about food, exercise and rest that could help you feel better and think clearer. Tune in to discover: ✔ One simple habit that helps clear the brain fog so you can focus better and get more done as a business owner ✔ The truth about calories and weight - and what really matters for staying healthy ✔ What we all need to know about cholesterol to stay strong for years to come ✔ Protein shakes vs bars: see what’s best for you and your health when you’re flat-out busy ✔ No-nonsense advice about supplements, sleep and food that fits your busy schedule ✔ Plus more Listen now to learn small changes that could help you feel better, think clearer, and run your building company better. Key Moments: 00:00 Intro 04:00 The PPR Formula for better performance 15:30 The truth about protein and meal timing strategies 21:30 Meal prep approaches for busy business owners 31:00 Exercise fundamentals 34:00 Essential supplements 36:30 Sleep optimization strategies 44:25 Brain-gut connection in nutrition - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business. Follow TPB for more:

Every builder wants more premium clients. But relying on word-of-mouth or waiting for the next job to come in is risky business. You need a solid plan, especially heading into 2025. Join us as we share the lead generation systems our top TPB members used to crush 2024 (and continue to use in 2025). If landing consistent jobs is a sore point for you… Today’s episode gives you a 2025 Marketing game plan for more leads, more jobs, and more contracts with quality clients. Tune in to discover: ✔ Why waiting for referrals isn't enough in 2025 ✔ What's really stopping clients from choosing you — and how to fix it so you win more jobs ✔ The proven lead strategy: 10 ways to attract clients who value quality and pay what you're worth ✔ How to turn more quotes into signed contracts ✔ Plus more If you're tired of chasing dead-end quotes and want to start booking premium projects in 2025, this episode shows you how. Key moments: 00:00 Intro 02:10 Why word-of-mouth is unreliable 05:20 How many customers are ready to buy 06:30 The five key customer concerns in construction 09:30 How to nurture leads 15:30 The 10x10 strategy for more leads - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

Podcast Exclusive: FREE guide reveals how to reclaim hours each week in your construction business https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/stopdoinglist In this episode, Dughall Aitken shows us how to scale a construction business and get off the tools.  Dughall is the Founder of Ensura Building, and a successful fencing company. Today, he's sharing all his construction business scaling secrets.  You'll hear about how he's achieving work-life balance while growing his revenue from $3M to $5M.  The critical systems and mindset shifts that enabled this growth.  And how he's planning to dramatically increase his construction business size in the next 2-3 years. Tune in to discover: ✔ How a non-builder scaled two multi-million dollar construction companies ✔ How Dughall's systemised his company to run 50+ sites independent from his input ✔ Scaling to $5M without excessive hiring ✔ The "1-3-1 Rule" that minimises daily employee problems blowing up your phone ✔ Little-known ‘membership clubs' you can join, filled with lucrative potential clients If you're scaling your construction business, or looking to scale in the future, then this episode is for you. Key Points: 00:00 Intro 03:00 Buying businesses vs. starting from scratch 05:20 Software solutions for efficiency 10:15 Big hiring lesson 23:00 Managing client communication at scale 24:35 Growing from $3M to $5M annual revenue 32:30 Secret networking tip 39:00 System to manage time and priorities - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

Many construction companies would kill for more development projects with less cash down. In this episode of The Builders Ladder, Ammon Acarapi from Loan Market Development Finance explains how to do just that.  He shares how non-bank funding is helping builders and developers take on more projects with less money. Ammon's approach offers construction companies and developers a big boost, including:  Up to 80% LVR on pre-sold properties.  Flexible financing based on the final property value.  An equity-based lending method that skips income checks.  These options can lower the barriers for construction companies to expand. Could this mean traditional bank loans are no longer needed for building businesses? We'll let you be the judge of that after this episode. Tune in to discover: ✔The legal and ethical “funding hack” that lets you start projects with just 20% of the usual cash ✔How one developer funded seven times more projects (without using a bank) ✔Why top developers are ditching banks to speed up approvals ✔How to fund turnkey projects without massive cash deposits ✔Why cash flow might not matter in your next project — if you use this tool ✔Plus More! Whether you're just starting or looking to scale — this episode offers tools and tips to level up your building business. Key Points: 00:00 Intro 04:45 Lending & equity. 15:11 High-yield investments 22:39 Non-bank lending benefits 29:08 Get this before development funding 32:11 Keys to success - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.   Podcast Exclusive! Get 151 'Tips & Tricks' that could add $250k to your bottom line:  https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/151ways

The construction industry isn't female-friendly, right? Wrong! Sara Johnson, CEO of ITM, joins us to share her path from marketing expert to business leader in the construction industry.  In this talk, Sara tells us why old ideas about construction are wrong. Instead, she explains how the industry welcomes women more than most people think.  Listen as Sara also shares how being curious helps leaders succeed — and why it matters most for business owners. Y ou'll also hear why ITM's team-based business model works so well.  (Hint: It's based on building trust between local business owners.) Sara offers clear steps to building a strong and lasting construction business. These lessons about leading and staying strong will help any building business owner succeed. Tune in to discover: ✔One important leadership trait that makes or breaks a building business CEO ✔Why curiosity is your secret weapon as a construction business owner ✔The marketing mindset that turns marketers into CEOs ✔The surprising truth about how women are treated in the construction industry  ✔Experienceing tough times? See how to lead a team through challenging market cycles ✔Why failing can be better for you than succeeding We've spent 20 years helping building companies succeed. We're pumped to see women taking on every kind of job in construction. Key Points: 04:40 – Insights from a global team 09:50 – From marketer to CEO (success traits) 16:50 – ITM's community-focused business advantage 22:50 – Overcoming stereotypes as a woman in construction 30:20 – ITM's approach to education and mental health support 34:00 – Traits sought in ITM store owners  - Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.   FREE 10-step framework to close more construction deals: https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/10step-sales-process-5

When clients are upset, how do you respond? Every building company experiences complaints. Approached the right way, upset clients can be turned into raving fans who refer more projects to you. Which means complaints can fuel your construction business growth.   In this episode you'll discover: ✔ Why angry clients can lead to construction business growth. ✔ Critical skills that de-escalate situations to win clients over so you can grow your building company ✔ The expectation vs. experience formula: small actions that boost client satisfaction in your building company ✔ When to never reply to angry clients (almost every construction company owner makes this mistake) ✔ PLUS: Empathy “secrets” that get you the outcome you want more often We've spent 19 years helping thousands of construction businesses grow. There isn't a scenario we haven't seen. So, if you've ever struggled with client complaints — be sure to tune in to this episode and take advantage of our tips.   Highlights 01:10 - Turn angry clients into fans 03:05 - Reduce client complaints 04:30 - Tips for client conflict resolution 08:20 - Building deeper trust 10:30 - Leveraging team   Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.   Get your free 10-step sales framework to close more deals: https://info.theprofessionalbuilder.com/10step-sales-process   Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here:  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to grow your building company without stretching your budget? In this episode, Owen and Vinnie break down a proven hiring roadmap designed to keep your construction business profitable. Discover the 3 levels of hires you need as your company scales, what to pay them to keep your business financially healthy, and how to avoid common hiring mistakes. Plus, get access to free, ready-to-use job descriptions to streamline your hiring process. Highlights: 0:00 - IntroductionWhy hiring right matters for sustainable growth and profitability. 1:39 - Key principles for hiring at each growth stageHow to strategically bring on the right people at the right time. 4:39 - Understanding the 3 hiring levelsKnow the difference between entry-level hires, skilled specialists, and leadership roles to avoid over- or under-staffing. 10:07 - Level 1: Foundational hiresWho to bring on first to support basic operations and free up your time. 10:54 - Level 2: Filling skill gapsEssential hires for low-fun, high-skill tasks that you don't have time for, but are crucial for scaling. 16:29 - Level 3: Building a marketing team that deliversWhy marketing-focused hires are essential for consistent lead flow and business growth. 18:38 - Pay strategies that keep your hires productive and motivatedCompetitive pay without overspending. Learn what top-performing builders pay their team members at each level. 20:32 - Avoid percentage-based compensation pitfallsWhy paying a percentage of P&L can backfire, and what to consider instead. 21:27 - Think packages, not just payslipsDiscover how offering the right benefits can attract quality hires and reduce turnover. 25:03 - Free job descriptions for every roleAccess downloadable job descriptions to kickstart your hiring process. Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.   Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Marti, Owen and Vinnie sit down and reflect on the TPB team catch-up and how it has helped improve TPB for members. Plus how doing this can improve members' businesses.   0:00 - Introduction 01:22  - Environment - change it to better yourself, your business, your growth 04:36 - Level up your identity as you grow your business 07:38 - Adapting your business to your team's profiles 11:08 - Aligning goals and team focus across all departments for a clear single vision 17:24 - Take yourself out of the business and plan your business Subscribe to The Builder's Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.   Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a business owner, it can be hard to see the problem when working in the business daily. Today Owen, the GM of TPB takes you through the steps he uses every 90 days to uncover issues, find solutions and motivate his staff in the same direction.   Today's free recourse: Rapid results worksheet   0:00 - Introduction 03:20 - Reflect a review from a personal and business perspective 07:15 - Revisit your goals  09:32 - Rework the plan and break it down to rapid results 10:27 - Publish and repeat 12:42 - recap of every stage   At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips.   Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a professional builder, you've put years of hard work into growing your business—now it's time to consider your exit strategy. In this episode, we break down how to streamline operations so you can step back, and explore the best ways to sell your business or transition ownership to a trusted partner, investor, or team member. Learn how to set your construction business up for long-term success and secure your future.Today, Marti and Owen ask you to think about: Do you want to keep working long hours on-site, or is it time to step back? What's the long-term future of your construction business? Can you build a business that runs smoothly without your daily involvement? How do you grow a successful business by building and empowering a skilled team? 0:00 - Introduction4:31 - Defining your long-term goals: What do you really want from your construction business?8:04 - Step-by-step guide on preparing your business for sale to an investor, partner, or key employee15:29 - Business Value Calculator: A practical walkthrough to determine what your business is worth25:18 - Proven strategies to increase the value of your construction business before selling33:00 - Key takeaways: How to boost your business value and efficiency as you consider an exit strategy   At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips.   Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a construction business can be challenging, but with the right guidance, success is within reach. In this episode, we sit down with Marti Amos, founder of The Professional Builder, and David Baker, Director of Rapid QS, to explore Marti's journey from overcoming financial hardship to building a thriving global enterprise.Tune in as Marti shares valuable lessons learned along the way, including: How to take a business from making millions but struggling with profit, to sustainable success with proven frameworks. Key hires that can help free up your time and increase efficiency. The importance of hiring a QS to improve your project management. Navigating tough times and the strategies  Tips for hiring top talent and fostering business growth. 2:38 Marti's background and starting TPB 10:10 Transforming a business for profit with plug-and-play frameworks 17:04 The first crucial hire to buy back your time 20:16 Why hiring a QS is a game-changer 24:19 Marti's toughest challenges and how he overcame them 31:18 Growth at TPB and a secret hiring tip 37:00 Marti's new book   At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is seeing a 24% drop in building consents, leading to less work for many. However, not everyone is affected, and with the right approach, you can avoid competing on price and position yourself to thrive when the market rebounds. In this solo episode, Owen shares 10 proven marketing strategies you can implement now to ensure your business stays ahead and grows, even in a contracting market.   00:00  Introduction. 03:39  10 Marketing Strategies that can help grow your business today 07:38 Key strategy 1, 3 streets wide flyer & door hangers 10:02 Key Strategy 2, site signs  13:04 The 4 key questions and 5 primary concerns to consider when making your marketing machine 17:31 Key Strategy 3, your 24/7 sales rep 18:17 Key strategy 4, the 1% Referral program At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Ricki Cotter, owner of Topline Carpenters in Tauranga, New Zealand. Ricki shares his journey through the highs and lows of business ownership, including a tough financial challenge that nearly ended his company. He explains how investing in a strong team culture, refining systems and processes, and a growth mindset helped him not only survive but thrive.  00:00  Introduction. 04:38 Sticking to a vision of the type of people you want to attract 07:22 What happens when you get your team involved in the planning and ownership of a project 09:42 Learning to let go and allowing your staff to learn and grow 11:52 Rick's background 19:27 Sales process for not competing on price 29:14 Topline's software stack for operating a successful business 37:16 Systems and process and combining 5 into 1 42:20 Should you build your team or processes first? 48:26 Building a strong mindset throughout challenges 53:27  Juggling family and work while running a small business 57:14 Dealing with tricky times and levelling up regardless of the economic environment At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips.Download Ricki's site notes form here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10hmABuqfsZauOz5HBDfWP0Od3SyXc3wx Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's session, we'll explore how video content can boost conversions on your website. Specifically, we'll discuss how "How We Work With You" videos can build trust, establish authority, and address the five key questions potential customers often have before meeting your team for the first time. We've also included a selection of top-notch examples, which you can check out via the YouTube upload or the links below!   This episode is best viewed on YouTube but is still audio-friendly. 00:00  Introduction. 02:32 The framework we will be following to help build trust. 08:21 The tried and tested script - “Don't f*ck with the script” - Owen 13:58— Where would you use a video like this? 15:44 Key elements to note from the script and why they are important. 17:55  Where you can find the full script. 19:05 Example video: https://vimeo.com/237017393/1fcc040e64?   At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's live audit session, Owen, Marti, and Vinnie reviewed members' websites and identified key elements that may help increase conversions. They discuss the difference between above and below the fold, how to build trust and authority through your website, and the importance of written and video-based content. By the end of this episode, you'll be given some ideas and strategies you should consider implementing on your website. This includes where to put your pop-ups and guarantees, plus imagery you should consider to help build trust during a customer discovery phase. After all, good, strong marketing makes for an easier sales process. This episode is best viewed on YouTube but is still audio-friendly.   00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:43 The importance of a virtual storefront (your website) 00:09:42 The building blocks of your website that we look for when auditing 00:14:07 First website audit - M&A Projects 00:22:32 What it means to be above and below the fold and the importance of it 00:38:17 Second website audit - BR Limited  00:44:55 What is a landing page? 00:46:53 Should you disclose pricing on your website? 00:54:09 Third website audit - Urban Landscape Projects 00:59:18 Best-in-class website - Cloonan design 01:01:24 Key takeaways from today's audit     Websites mentioned  today M & A Projects: https://www.maprojectgroup.com.au/ BR Limited: https://broughtonryan.com/reviews/ Urban Landscape Projects: https://ulp.com.au/  Cloonan Design: https://cloonandesign.com/    At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's 1:1 whiteboard session with Owen, General Manager of TPB and all-round legend of sales and marketing,e are handling typical objections you may see during the sales process. “Just send it to me in an email…” By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to audit both your sales process and your team to identify where you need to invest your time to make improvements. Plus, Owen shares three key strategies for identifying objections, helping you determine whether they're genuine concerns or if there's an issue with your proposal. This episode is best viewed on YouTube but is still audio-friendly.   0:00 Introduction  4:00 What are the objections? The psychology of sales 6:17 How to improve your sales process that removes objections improves your marketing and builds strength to your sales pipeline 10:00 Sales are like muscles, if you put the time in they will grow. 11:47 3 Key sales strategies to handle objections, pressure test, be uncomfortable and be the advisor 17:49 What to do if you still get an objection at the end of your sales process 21:48 3 key items to handling objections   The official TPB Summit is around the corner on the 11th & 10th of October and we want you there. 5 Years of Business Insights in 2 Days: Fast track your success and aggressively grow your business, in person with TPB coaches. Get your TPB Builders Summit 2024 Tickets here: https://builderssummit.co.nz/ At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: -https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier in the year when Marti and Owen were in the Gold Cost for the TPB Summit, (the next one is in Auckland on October 10th & 11th link below). The team caught up with Corne and Andrew Lategan from Bizvideo, a video production and marketing company that specialises in helping construction businesses improve their marketing through video content.  With our Auckland Summit around the corner, we thought this episode would be the perfect opportunity to equip our audience with actionable strategies. By tuning in now, you can start implementing these insights ahead of the Summit, giving yourself a valuable head start. 0:00 Introduction 3:08 Why we love helping you 4:21 The telling signs that your building business might need help 7:25 The first thing you need to do to get on track building processes 8:49 How to shift your mindset from “I'm a builder” to “I'm a business owner” 10:43 The one thing most people will avoid once they have a lead in 12:03 Your sales process should keep you as the prize so you can charge for quotes 12:47 Why get back to a lead with speed 14:36 How we buy you back a day, a week in the first 90-day 17:02 The 7 key steps to a golden sales process 25:05 People buy from those they know, like and trust 30:30 Implementing the keep warm sequence while you price for profit 31:54 What Bizvideo do that is pure gold 36:28 How to send quotes that build trust and offer transparency 43:47 There are no silver bullets if strategies are done in isolation 44:56 What to consider when implementing these strategies   The official TPB Summit is around the corner on the 11th & 10th of October and we want you there. 5 Years of Business Insights in 2 Days: Fast track your success and aggressively grow your business, in person with TPB coaches. Get your TPB Builders Summit 2024 Tickets here: https://builderssummit.co.nz/   At The Builder's Ladder Podcast, we're your partners in building a thriving construction business. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips. Follow TPB for more: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/ Get your business health audit + free resources here -  https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TPBmember: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfessionalBuilderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.