The Why We Build Podcast! The Why We Build Podcast with Doug Howard: Know Your Numbers
12 snips
Jan 12, 2026 
In this conversation with Doug Howard, a seasoned remodeling consultant and Wharton graduate, listeners dive deep into the world of numbers that drive business success. Doug stresses the vital role financial metrics play in decision-making and shares his insights on creating a culture of accountability. He also discusses the necessity of real-time data for project managers, the importance of predicting business outcomes, and how to translate profit goals into actionable lead targets. Doug emphasizes clarity in financial concepts to empower teams and optimize performance.
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Numbers Are Elusive But Transformative
- Many remodelers love the craft but avoid financial details, making profit unclear and complicated.
- Clarity on income recognition, cost of goods, and overhead unlocks the power to change business behavior.
Sales Vs Production Timing Matters
- Remodeling has two engines: sales and production, and profit happens when work is produced, not just sold or designed.
- Timing mismatches between selling, designing, ordering, and building create capacity risk for hitting targets.
Work Back From Profit Goals
- Define profit needs first by listing debt payoff, cash targets, distributions, and reinvestment amounts.
- From that net profit add overhead and target gross margin to calculate required sales and marketing metrics.
