Builder Stories

Meet Luan Nguyen, founder of Deck Bros, a deck building company in Omaha, Nebraska. After having his work hours reduced during the pandemic, he started fixing up his own home and realized he could do it for others. He began advertising on Facebook to see if there was any interest and a business was born. After finding a business partner, they did over $1 million in the first year of business, crediting the success to always marketing the business. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Luan: Be a marketing and sales company first How to convert interest into deals Putting a personal touch on branding How the law of reciprocity can impact sales Focusing on customer testimonials Visit the Deck Bros website here https://deckbros.com/. Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Meet Tom Morris, the co-founder of The Selah Group - a premier general contractor specializing in exquisite outdoor living spaces. With operations spanning North Texas and Palm Beach, Florida, the Selah Group is renowned for their family-centric approach and unwavering commitment to crafting high-end, luxury outdoor spaces. Leveraging his expertise in engineering and technology, Tom's strategic focus on impeccable design, cutting-edge marketing, and exceptional customer service has propelled the success and growth of his business. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Tom: The difference between marketing in Texas and Florida Keeping a database of all your design work and images of projects The evolution of AI and how it helps with marketing efforts Why you should scale for sale, even if you don't plan on selling Don't neglect the analytics or your financials Visit the Selah Group website here https://www.selahpools.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Laurel Winkel is the owner of SheBuilds, a kitchen design and remodeling firm based in Canby, Oregon, south of Portland. SheBuilds started in 2017 after Laurel decided to go back to school to learn about kitchen design and remodeling. While most males in her family were in the construction industry, Laurel didn't join them until she changed careers at age 40. Laurel talks about dealing with imposter syndrome, getting out of your own way, and dreaming big for her business. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Laurel: Being a female general contractor in the industry Process for estimating jobs Types of kitchen redesign clients Always keep learning The importance of working with a coach Visit the SheBuilds website here https://shebuildskitchens.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com

Aaron Harshaw owner of Harshaw Home Renovators in Ottawa, Kansas specializes in high-end home renovations. He went from being a pastor to a business owner and is celebrating 5 years in business. Aaron talks about why you need to be a perpetual student, having the humility to say "I don't know", and the principals that guide his business. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Aaron: Presenting professionalism from day one Be transparent and honest, even if it's a difficult conversation Operating with a smaller, in-house team Always be open to learning Knowing your strengths and delegating what you aren't good at Visit the Harshaw Home Renovators website here https://hhrenovators.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Jason Varney owner of both Dock and Deck and Tennessee Pool and Spa in Knoxville, Tennessee, does complete backyard projects that range from $750,000 to $1 million. What started as one company has grown into two as he brought his sons into the business. Jason talks about pivoting during an economic downturn, knowing your overhead costs, participating in TV shows, and modernizing his business processes. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jason: Working with family members How to's for hiring employees Managing the scheduling process Hard work leads to industry recognition The importance of legal protection Visit the Dock and Deck website here https://dockanddeck.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Bob Turner owner of Turner Builders in Windham, Maine, has nineteen years in the construction industry. Starting his most recent business in 2020, he was able to end that year with over $1.6 million in sales. Recently, he has ventured into one-on-one and group coaching to share his knowledge with others in the industry. Bob talks about why regular, consistent client communication is key and the importance of under promising and over delivering. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Bob: Repeat customers are paramount The importance of being honest and transparent Documentation is key How to manage payment schedules Under promise and over deliver Why you need sales training Bigger isn't always better Visit the Turner Builders website here https://turnerbuildersllc.com/. Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Jared Thayer President of Thayer Design Build, had family members in the trades and started his career in construction after high school. Based in Corvallis, Oregon, they specialize in home remodels with an average project cost of $189,000. This year, he was honored to be named to the Forty Under 40 list by Pro Remodeler. Hear why his business is focused on delivering a great customer experience and why they are never the lowest bid. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Jared: Working with a spouse in the business Always keep learning Benefits of slowly, steadily growing the business Find a niche, don't focus on everything Importance of hiring the right people Adjusting when the market changes Visit the Thayer Design Build website here https://thayerdb.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Travis Gunter, owner of High Sierra Remodeling and Construction, started as a handyman and has quickly grown his business over the last 3 years by finding an ideal position in their market of Reno, Nevada. With over 50 projects completed, Travis takes us through some of his processes and strategies for scaling his business. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Travis: Advice for working with a business partner Differentiating your business in your market Conversion rates for design customers Having a firm grip on your numbers How to effectively scale the business Hiring people who align with your core values Investing in coaches Visit the High Sierra Remodeling and Construction website here https://highsierraremodel.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Josh Awend in a co-owner of American Drapery Systems, Inc., a third generation drapery business headquarter in Minnesota. Doing between $5-$10 million annually in both commercial and residential business, Josh discusses the ins and outs of working in the family business and why it's important to make sure your employees and vendors are aligned with your company's values. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Josh: How to balance family and work Utilizing sub-contractors to maximize output Why it's important to set your company values Ensure your employees and subs share your values Optimizing all systems so everyone is on the same page Resources: Visit the American Drapery Systems, Inc. website here https://americandrapery.com/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!

Steve Tonkin is the owner of Tommico Renovations, a boutique building company located west of Sydney, Australia. With under $5 million in annual sales, Tommico specializes in renovations, extensions, and home builds. Steve discusses why it's important to network and talk to other builders and why it it's important to build your company slowly. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion with Steve: Working with a spouse in the business Why networking is important as a business owner How he qualifies leads Creating a pre and post sales process Setting up a software system from the start Resources: Visit the Tommico Renovations website here https://tommicorenovations.com.au/ Own a construction company and want to share your story? Apply to be on an upcoming episode of Builder Stories at https://www.builderstories.com Rate the Podcast: Help your fellow business owners find the podcast!