

PowerTips Unscripted
Remodelers Advantage
The Official Remodelers Advantage PowerTips Podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 34min
What Were They Thinking? with Victoria Downing and Mark Harari – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Successful communication with new or potential customers can make or break a company’s image. Alongside communication, ensuring that any preconceived notions or assumptions are put aside when working with a new customer can be crucial in securing their business.Victoria and Mark both share experiences with remodeling and trade companies that left them bringing their business elsewhere. This is easily avoidable, and in this episode they talk about how communication plays a large part in having a successful business. Whether it’s poor communication or a lack thereof entirely, learn how to ensure that your business does not leave customers saying, “what were they thinking?”Victoria and Mark talk more about:The importance of being personableHow to facilitate good communicationAdvice for following-upAnd more…
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Sep 11, 2025 • 28min
The Fine Line: The Legal Consequences to Questionable Business Practices with Thomas Croessmann – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
The remodeling industry is highly competitive and some may be tempted to break the rules. Although some may do it intentionally, others may start with good intentions, but over time the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Thomas Croessmann will be joining the show to discuss the consequences of breaking the rules, which in some cases can result in jail time.
Thomas Croessmann is the Managing Partner of Croessmann & Westberg, P.C., a construction law firm in the DC area. The firm is a full-service law firm for construction contractors. Thomas has worked with many of the Remodelers in the Metro D.C. area.
Thomas, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:
What are the dangers of hiring an undocumented worker?
What are the legal concerns with a contractor front-loading the payments of a project?
What is a Captive Trade Contractor?
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Sep 4, 2025 • 30min
How to Shatterproof Your Business with America’s Legal Coach – [Best of PowerTips]
There are many legal challenges that can appear suddenly for remodelers, builders and business owners. It is imperative to build your business on a foundation that can weather the storm so that, as our guest today puts it, it doesn’t matter.
In this episode, we talk more about the process of “shatterproofing” your business with America’s Legal Coach, Scott Reib.
Scott is the owner of ReibLaw, a full-service law firm with over 20 years of Business Law and Estate Planning experience. For the last two decades, Scott has been helping business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers to “shatterproof” their businesses and succeed in the professional world.
Victoria, Mark and Scott cover:
How Scott became known as America’s Legal Coach.
The difference between a legal coach and a lawyer.
What is meant by a “shatterproof” business.
Why a business would need to be shatterproof.
The biggest legal mistakes Scott sees businesses making.
And more…
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Aug 28, 2025 • 45min
Top 10 Sales Tips for Remodelers with Jeff Borovitz – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Jeff Borovitz has trained hundreds of remodeling sales people, designers and owners to help them increase sales and margins. So, we have asked him to join us here to share his top ten sales tips with our listeners.Jeff is a franchise owner of Sandler Training and the Remodelers Advantage Sandler Sales Trainer. He has advised, trained and coached small and medium-sized companies as well as large enterprise companies on developing stronger sales teams, closing more sales and leading organizational change.Victoria, Mark and Jeff talk more about:The most commonly missed sales tipConviction and belief in relation to salesCustomized remodeling sales tipsAnd more…
Learn more tips with Sandler Masterclasses!
Inspired by today’s conversation with Jeff Borovitz? Now’s your chance to go deeper. Jeff is leading three powerful Masterclasses designed exclusively for remodeling professionals who want to sharpen their skills, streamline client interactions, and close more profitable projects.Sandler Sales Foundations – Build a proven, repeatable sales process your whole team can use.Increased Profit Through Client Management – Keep projects on time, on budget, and clients happy.Mastering the Art of Lead Qualification – Turn more leads into the right kind of sales opportunities.Seats are limited—click the button below to learn more & register today!
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Aug 14, 2025 • 30min
Harnessing the Power of 3D Visualization with David Pollard – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Dave Pollard, Co-Founder & Design Director of Liv Companies outside of Chicago, joins the show to talk more about how his firm utilizes 3D renderings in almost every aspect of their business.
Leading LivCo’s design team, Dave’s process quickly takes hand sketches to full-blown renderings and walk-throughs, and they are even leveraging the power of quick video editing to help clients and prospects truly feel what their home can be, and leave every meeting feeling inspired.
LivCo has been leveraging the power of 3D design since they began design/build back in 2012. Initially used simply as a creative tool for developing ideas, they quickly learned that the 3D output could take them to a higher level in sales, efficiency of communication, and marketing.
Victoria, Mark and Dave talk more about:
The software LivCo uses and why they use it.
An overview of LivCo’s general design workflow.
Using 3D visualization for more than just client presentations.
The time it takes to make deliverables to the client.
The fees to the client for 3D renderings.
And more…
LivCo’s Drawing Board Playlist on YouTube
Want deeper conversations like this for your business?
In Roundtables, you’ll connect with other top remodelers to share strategies, tackle challenges, and explore tools like 3D visualization that can transform your sales process and client experience.
Join a peer group that pushes you to innovate and grow.
Learn More
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Aug 14, 2025 • 23min
Gauging Your Designers’ Workload Effectively With Jeff Talmadge – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
In this episode, Jeff Talmadge discusses how he and his team created a point system for his design staff to spread their workload. Each designer is assigned a predetermined number of points, weighted by criteria such as permitting, scope, and complexity of the job. The team tracks points weekly and has found that designers are less stressed, customers are given more accurate timelines, and production can plan their workload better.
Jeff Talmadge is the president of Talmadge Construction, a large, premium design-build firm based in Aptos, CA. Jeff and his team pride themselves on their commitment to customer service, quality workmanship, and a strong team culture.
Jeff’s five words of wisdom – patience, persistence, never give up.
Listen as Jeff, Victoria, and Mark discuss:
Increasing job satisfaction across the company by managing designer workloads
Improving customer service by managing expectations with accurate timelines
And more…
Want access to more proven strategies like Jeff’s?
Join a Remodelers Advantage Roundtables Peer Group and connect with high-performing remodelers who share real-world solutions to the exact challenges you’re facing.
Learn more and apply today
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Aug 7, 2025 • 33min
How to Give Performance Feedback and Why it’s Critical for Success with Tina Clements – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Employees thrive on feedback.
Then why is it that so few leaders proactively provide it?
The answers, along with simple steps on how to provide timely, respectful, actionable feedback to your employees, are provided in this episode by guest, Tina Clements.
Tina, Vice President of The Retail Performance Company, is a leader, speaker, author, coach, entrepreneur.com contributor & facilitator, leading luxury industries for over 25 years. Her clients confirm, she is a communications expert & her book, The ART of Facilitation and keynote address ‘Yes, You Do Have a Choice’ are testimonials to her talent.
Victoria, Mark and Tina talk more about:
Why leaders may not give feedback
The steps to give real, timely, respectful feedback even when it’s difficult
What to do when an employee may object feedback
The secrets to giving feedback
And more…
Want to Master the Art of Giving Feedback?
Our Roundtables provide a safe, proven space where remodeling business owners grow as leaders—by practicing the very skills Tina shares in this episode. From handling tough conversations to offering timely, respectful feedback, you’ll learn from peers who’ve been there and done it.
Step into a Roundtable. Become the leader your team thrives under.
Learn More About Roundtables
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Jul 30, 2025 • 23min
How to Build a Reputation That Stands the Test of Time with Bjorn Johnson – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Today on PowerTips Unscripted, we’re excited to welcome Bjorn Johnson to the show! As General Manager at TraVek Remodeling and Roofing, Bjorn shares insights into the company’s journey as one of Arizona’s most trusted leaders in remodeling and roofing. Tune in to hear about TraVek’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, which has cemented its strong reputation in the industry.Bjorn, who is passionate about sales and supporting his team’s growth both in and out of the office, joined TraVek for its solid foundation, core values, and great culture. He finds fulfillment in helping others succeed and is committed to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Join us as he unpacks the challenges, successes, and secrets behind TraVek’s top-tier service!Bjorn, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:How is TraVek different from competitors?What do you attribute your success to?What is in the future for TraVek?How are you handling these trying economic times in the construction industry?And more…
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Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
A Month-End Close You Can Actually Make Business Decisions From with Doug Howard – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Successful organizations rely on accurate financial information to make informed decisions. But what sets great organizations apart is having a formal month-end close process in place. This ensures that financials are completed, reviewed, corrected, and ready for leaders and managers to use confidently in decision-making. In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Doug Howard joins us to break down what a strong month-end close process looks like and how to implement it effectively.Doug Howard, a senior consultant with Remodelers Advantage since 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having facilitated over 8 Roundtables meetings each year, Doug has worked with hundreds of remodeling clients to help them master their financials, refine processes, and boost profitability.Doug, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:What is included in a good month-end process?How should financials be reviewed to know they are correct?Who should be involved in the financial process?And more…
Want to Be the Remodeler Everyone Knows in the Neighborhood?
If this episode with Doug Howard sparked new ideas, it’s just the beginning. In his powerful masterclass, Own the Block: Marketing Tactics and AI Tools, Doug walks you step-by-step through the exact strategies successful remodelers are using to dominate their local markets.In this on-demand training, you’ll discover:Hyper-targeted marketing tactics that actually generate leadsHow to leverage AI tools to save time and boost resultsProven messaging and branding frameworks to build trust fastReal-life examples and templates you can apply immediately Learn from one of the industry’s top strategic minds and walk away with a marketing game plan you can implement tomorrow.
Click Here To Enroll Now
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Jul 17, 2025 • 30min
Can “Voice Training” Skyrocket Your Success? with John Baron – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Do you feel comfortable when presenting proposals/estimates to clients? Why should clients like the sound of your voice if you don’t? You might know what to say, but do you feel ok saying it? These are all questions that body language and voice coaching expert John Baron is here to answer. John brings actor skills training to the business world, he was also a professional actor, owned and sold his own marketing business, a teacher of the Alexander Technique, a Corporate Trainer, and the founder of VocalCommunicationInBusiness.Victoria, Mark and John talk more about:Why Construction Industry Professionals need voice trainingVoice habits that are viewed negatively by clientsAnd more…
Ready to Speak with Confidence and Win More Jobs?
If you struggle to sound confident when presenting estimates—or if your voice and body language are unintentionally holding you back—you’re not alone.On our latest podcast, expert John Baron breaks down how voice training can transform your client conversations. But what if you could go a step further?In Remodelers Advantage Roundtables, you don’t just learn what to say—you gain the support and accountability to practice how to say it. From presentation skills to pricing strategies, your peer group helps you sharpen the communication skills that close deals.Join Roundtables and become the confident, credible leader your clients want to hire.
Learn more and apply today
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