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Brad Leavitt Podcast

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Jan 30, 2022 • 1h 7min

Becoming Magnetic to Affluent Clients with Pamela Durkin Designs

Pamela is also a business coach who runs Elevate! Interior Circle, through which she helps interior designs run a better business and utilize magnetic marketing techniques to attract their perfect client rather than chase them.In our conversation with Pamela, she hits on a crucial attribute embraced by the best in the industry, but unfortunately gets overlooked by most: becoming a steward of your client’s money.Business owners need to ensure, even before meeting potential clients, that these prospects are educated on what to expect should they decide to enter into a three-year partnership with them. Marketing via great storytelling, rapport-building, and the ability to put yourself in your client’s shoes are three foundational skills to master in order to forge successful relationships.Pamela goes on to offer her best practices for becoming magnetic to affluent clients, which involves gaining clarity on your vision-mission as a business owner, creating an avatar for your perfect future client, and using the power of the “shock-and-awe box” when meeting with promising prospects.Episode Sponsors:Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed:[02:06] Pamela’s passion for interior design[05:53] Putting yourself in the client’s shoes[11:35] Educating clients[21:19] Becoming magnetic to an affluent client[30:13] Getting clear on your perfect future client[31:45] Buildertrend[33:06] Pella[38:44] Leveraging your network to qualify leads and find better opportunities[43:55] The power of sending a “shock-and-awe box” to potential clients[50:29] Maximizing the lifetime customer value of a client[54:05] Why Pamela got into business coaching and what she offers[58:54] How Pamela juggles her two businesses and sets healthy boundaries[1:04:22] What’s next for PamelaConnect with Pamela Durkin:Website - www.pamela-durkin.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/pameladurkin/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/indemanddesignerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamdurkin/Download Book “Elevate” - www.elevatethebook.comConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Pamela Durkin:As creatives, we tend to be intuitive; but, we don’t use it to further our business—and we should.One excellent way to educate clients before they come to you is through marketing. We need to be telling more stories. I find, whenever I follow a designer on social media, we’re reporters. I hate reporters. There is no storytelling going on.I have learned that when you get really clear on what kind of projects and what kind of people you want to deal with, it changes everything. First of all, you feel awesome, and you feel appreciated. And when you feel appreciated, you go above and beyond for those clients. So, you’re doing your best work.You can’t give your best self if your tank is empty.
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Jan 23, 2022 • 1h 15min

Third Generation General Contractor, Casey Cloward of Raykon Construction

Raykon has been featured in every Utah Valley Parade of Homes since 2012 and is continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier custom home builders in the valley. The Parade features specially chosen new homes and remodel projects across the state and is a priceless opportunity for all builders, architects, and designers involved.Casey shares how he has had an unbroken streak being featured in his annual Parade of Homes, even amid the pandemic, and the valuable connections he has made through them all. He also discusses how he is able to encourage clients to publicly showcase their homes for these events.He also speaks on a career life shaped by the fact that his grandfather and father were general contractors in their own right. Casey reflects on his journey and what finally nudged him into starting his own business, as well as what he learned during those first few hires once Raykon found early success.Topics Discussed:[03:35] The top challenge when a client is going through the process for the first time[07:36] Setting expectations with clients early on[13:23] Giving clients visual references to help them stay on the same page[19:06] Navigating difficult conversations, especially around fluctuating resource prices[26:00] How being featured in Parade of Homes benefitted Raykon[33:25] About Parade of Homes[40:17] Asking clients to showcase their homes[52:27] Why Casey pushes his clients to go for the best in their projects together[55:53] Hiring those first employees[1:03:33] Casey’s journey and why he started Raykon[1:09:14] What’s next for CaseyConnect with Casey:Website: https://www.raykonconstruction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raykon_construction/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaykonConstructionTwitter: https://twitter.com/RaykonConstYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RaykonConstructionHouzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/raykonconstruction/raykon-constructionConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Casey:What I establish from the very beginning is: “I’m on your side.” That’s the beauty of a contract with a cost-plus agreement. Our clients get a grasp and a feel that we’re on the same team. We’re giving them the most for their money; whereas, if we get into these hard bid contracts and we go over budget, we get in the area of, “Hey, I can cut this corner and we can save myself a little bit of money.” That’s not the way I build. That’s not the way I want to build.As you’re building a company and a brand, it’s very, very rewarding not to have to be in every aspect of the sales position.One of the challenges that we’re always going to have going forward is that we’re never going to have “arrived”. It’s about, “Where is the direction that we’re going?” We get to make that choice. And we love it.
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Jan 16, 2022 • 1h 1min

Iconic Design + Build: Functional & Modern Interior Design + General Contractor Firm Inspired by Nature & Lifestyle with Kaitlyn Wolfe

Kaitlyn is not only an interior designer, but a licensed general contractor in her own right. Iconic thus provides full-service design and construction services while keeping both the functionality and structural integrity of the space in mind.As our conversation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that Kaitlyn is an entrepreneur at heart. She had always loved interior design but hesitated in jumping into the space as a professional for fear that she would not be able to make a living out of it.She graduated with an MBA in 2016, which she sees as being integral to her success as a business owner once she finally took the leap into starting her own company.Listen in as Kaitlyn speaks on the ins-and-outs of Iconic; how her personality and lifestyle has influenced the direction of the company as well as her design style; and her tips for developing strong relationships with clients, builders, trade partners, and team members.Topics Discussed: [01:45] Kaitlyn’s collaboration with AFT[05:40] How Kaitlyn acquired her contractor license[09:35] Hiring and working with a team, and vetting trade partners[13:28] What makes a good relationship with a builder[16:49] Why Kaitlyn decided to get licensed[20:45] How Kaitlyn’s lifestyle and travels influence the direction of her company[24:08] Achieving work-life balance[27:45] What Kaitlyn looks for in new hires[35:25] Why Katilyn got into design[39:35] Working at an architecture and interior design firm[42:54] Keeping the pipeline full[44:57] Iconic’s client questionnaire[49:22] Setting expectations with clients[50:33] What’s next for Kaitlyn[52:14] Using Instagram for businesssimplecastConnect with Iconic Design + BuildWebsite - https://www.iconicdesignbuild.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iconicdesignbuild/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iconicdesignbuild/Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/iconicdesignbuild/_created/Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iconic-design-build-pfvwus-pf~95167025?Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Kaitlyn:There is so much that goes into creating a new role in a company when you already have a system, because you’re changing the system and everybody’s role changes in some way.Every project is different, so you don’t want to overwhelm [your client] with too much information. I’m always trying to figure out how to explain as much of our process as I can. At the same time, you can’t explain everything because there is too much information.Setting expectations is definitely a huge factor in the success of the whole project.
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Jan 9, 2022 • 1h 7min

construction2style: Husband & Wife Unique Skills Create Design + Build Team & Earn Additional Income with 1 Million Monthly Online Blog Views with Jamie & Morgan Molitor

Jamie bought his first investment property around the time he met Morgan. She recalls being blown away by his talents and offered the idea of starting a blog. Not long after launching construction2style, the Molitors quickly started getting custom furniture and remodeling inquiries. Jamie took the plunge and dove full time into running his own general contracting interior residential remodeling company.Today, Morgan is the designer and brand developer behind c2s. She oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and lead interior stylist. She also heads up their online education courses and in-house monthly marketing workshops.construction2style continues to exist as a home improvement resource blog. The Molitors offer contracting, design, styling, and marketing services along with home decor products. With 1.8 million monthly views as of this conversation, the c2s blog is clearly a popular and trusted source for marketing strategies tactics among those in the industry.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:23] What led to construction2style being conceived in 2012[06:48] How the Molitors turned their blog into a business[10:14] Setting expectations with clients[18:38] Jamie’s biggest challenges in the field[22:39] How Jamie and Morgan agreed on their roles as a husband and wife team[24:57] The first hire and the importance of company culture[32:05] Where c2s is today[34:00] Vetting clients[39:57] Getting involved in the event planning space[43:20] What goes into planning a successful event[45:54] How the business has changed since the beginning[49:00] How anyone can start building their brand[52:48] How the c2s blog is making an impact on reach[55:31] The power of Web Stories on Google[59:47] Jamie’s biggest pain point at the moment[01:01:31] The Molitors’ advice to those starting out in the industryConnect with Jamie & Morgan:Website - https://construction2style.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/construction2style/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/construction2styleLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction2style-llcTwitter - https://twitter.com/c2s_molitorPinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/construction2styleHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/construction2style/construction2style-llcYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0DTGNtruFv6XgcVliM5JwTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@construction2style?lang=enClubhouse - construction2styleConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Jamie and Morgan:To us, it’s important that we find someone with the right mindset and fits within our culture. From that, we can train them. I’d much rather have that than what a piece of paper says. ~MorganThe best partnerships that we have with brands and vendors are the ones where we uplift and support each other organically—not just when it’s paid—because we’re constantly talking about them even if it’s not a collaboration or a paid partnership. ~MorganThe main thing I would tell people, if you’re a young guy or girl looking to do your own thing: Don’t overspend. Just build. [...] Lean on other professionals, even outside the trade area. Find an accountant. [...] Find a lawyer. ~JamieDo the dirty work. Take the not-ideal job to get your name out there and build your resumé. ~Jamie
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Jan 2, 2022 • 1h 8min

Jeffrey Dungan Architects: The Passion & Inspiration for Creating Timeless Houses with Author & Architect Jeffrey Dungan

Along the same line, his ideal customers are those who focus on value over cost—those who are focused on the timelessness of what may just be their forever home.Asked his opinion on the future of home design, particularly in a post-COVID world, Jeff says that “we need to get more distance between ourselves and these events to truly, fully comprehend what they are really doing—and have done—to our psyches.”People now truly look at their home as a sanctuary, and the market has changed to reflect these developing tastes, which include an explosion in demand for pools and home offices.An artist at his core, Jeff believes that “inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit,” and points to nature as his ultimate source of that inspiration.Topics Discussed:[03:27] Defining “timeless design”[06:50] The “Golden Section” and the “Rule of Thirds” in art[13:43] Setting expectations with clients[18:26] Knowing when a client is the right fit[25:21] The future of home design[34:30] How growing up on a farm impacted Jeff creativity and work ethic[40:19] When and why Jeff decided to go into architecture and grew his passion for art[50:22] Jeff’s early career[55:34] Jeff’s advice to young architects who want to start their own company[01:02:07] Jeff’s exciting upcoming projectsConnect with Guest:Website: https://www.jeffreydungan.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyDunganArchitects/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydungan/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jeffreydungan/_created/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Jeff:Especially in America, where we’ve got a fake version of everything, if there’s anything we shouldn’t be faking, it’s stone.I’ve got more ideas than you’ve got money. [...] I want to make a place that’s going to basically change your life. To me, you can’t put a price on that. Let’s talk about something infinitate and way more meaningful than costs.I want to have a conversation not about the cost of the thing, but the value of it.There is something about nature that refurbishes our spirit.Inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit. [...] Where do we get that inspiration from? There are many sources, but I think that nature is supreme.If you don’t say “no” to the wrong things, you can’t say “yes” to the right things.
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Dec 26, 2021 • 1h 25min

How AFT General Counsel, Project Coordinators, and Controller Navigate Complicated Projects, Cashflow, and Contracts with Patrick, Susan, Megan, and McKall

Listen in as Patrick, Sue, Megan, and McKall give their professional backgrounds leading up to their joining the AFT team and the scope of their current roles.McKall dives deep into the process of calculating for profit with your WIP and how to stay within realistic margins as your projections change every month towards the completion of a given project.Patrick, Sue, and Megan talk about the biggest risks in the construction industry, navigating cashflow challenges throughout a project, and how to write a forward-looking contract that minimizes these risks by adequately defining scope-of-work.Finally, the team discusses billing regulations in Arizona and whether trade partners should have any variation in a contract. They also speak on the immense value of site visits and working with designers and architects.Brought to you by Pella WindowsTopics Discussed: [01:35] An introduction to Megan, McKall, Patrick, and Sue[05:12] Our team’s backgrounds and career lessons they brought into AFT[16:24] What your WIP tells you[22:12] The biggest risks in the construction industry[29:43] How a company can be effective at scope-of-work[36:10] Managing time as Project Coordinators[41:00] Fighting through the cashflow challenge in a timely manner[48:44] Continuing education and staying on top of issues and trends in the industry[51:15] Navigating price increases[56:13] Managing expectations with team members, vendors, and clients[1:00:39] The Arizona Prompt Payment Act and AIA contracts[1:00:55] The value of site visits[1:12:04] The pros of working with a designer and an architect[1:14:46] Advice to younger companiesKey Quotes by the AFT team:Being in-house makes a really big difference because then you have someone who can do an actual analysis of what’s going on and give you a real picture of what needs to change in order to get you to where you want to be, financially. ~McKallThe biggest risks in the construction industry, for me, are construction defect claims; job site-related issues such as injuries or property damage; and labor and material shortages along with price volatility. ~PatrickWe have a standard at AFT, and we want to make sure that our subs are going to uphold our brand and standard. ~PatrickWhat’s been beneficial for me is going out to site visits and seeing what is on the plan come to life. That is like a stepping stone for other projects. ~MeganThe biggest thing is to not forget how important your policies and procedures are because that can actually make you a lot of money. Have a clear path. ~McKall
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Dec 19, 2021 • 57min

The Business of Mechanical & Pool Plumbing with Justin Bowie of JMax

He goes on to speak on lessons and skills that he was able to apply after getting into business for himself, as well as those pain points that he had to endure a lot of trial and error to get a handle on—from considerations around working capital, to investing in training.Justin then describes his scope of work and the most crucial factors in pool plumbing, as well as the technologies and trends that have evolved over the years and how these changes impact hydraulic design.Asked how he is able to maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with his vendors, Justin says that it’s all about going out of their way to take the tougher jobs and being consistent with the quality of their work.Finally, Justin touches on JMax Companies’ plumbing and mechanical division and how his residential projects differ from pool work.Topics Discussed: [02:21] How Justin got started in pool plumbing[05:23] Business lessons Justin learned from working for another plumbing company[07:52] What Justin knows now that he wishes he knew then[09:54] Staying financially sound and getting on the same page with builders[12:58] What separates good clients from bad ones[15:17] JMax’s scope of work and how the market has changed[20:08] Stress factors inherent in pool plumbing[25:25] Frequency of training at JMax and maintaining vendor relationships[31:45] Clients to avoid[32:47] Building an online presence[37:05] Justin’s favorite projects[42:29] How residential and mechanical plumbing differs from pool plumbing[50:39] What Justin takes most pride in today[51:48] Justin’s exciting upcoming projectsConnect with Guest:JMax Companies Website: https://www.jmaxcompanies.com/JMax Plumbing Website: https://jmaxplumbing.com/JMax Mechanical Website: https://www.jmaxmechanical.com/JMax Academy Website: https://www.jmaxacademy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearded_plumber/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_bearded_plumber?YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hbfJNmjFSkowgNXWzq3NQ/videosConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Justin:My favorite relationships are those where you get mutual respect. If I’m dealing with a general contractor, their expertise is this, and my expertise is plumbing. I want them to respect that I have a ton of experience and we’ve been through mistakes and let us do our thing.The most important part of plumbing is making sure that you’ve sized everything correctly, because the [consequences] of that are energy loss and systems not doing what they’re supposed to do.I think having long-standing relationships with my vendors has been the most help. [...] Fortunately, those relationships have paid off tons.This industry is small. Pool plumbing—and pools in general—is so small that you pretty much know people before you meet them. Just get in front of them; talk to them. Figure out if they have the same values that you do.
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Dec 12, 2021 • 1h 1min

Digital Marketing for Contractors with Tim Brown of Hook Agency

Today Brad speaks with Tim Brown, CEO of Hook Agency, an SEO & Web Design firm that’s gone from 1 person to 17 in 5 years.Tim kicks off the conversation giving his take on the biggest challenges that business owners face in today’s shaky market. Some of these challenges include finding and retaining self-motivated team members, creating a meaningful workplace for younger generations of professionals, and looking past the glamor metrics at what really counts for business success.Tim then gives his thoughts on creating a winning website and best practices for bringing in leads. Aside from optimizing your SEO, he recommends connecting with service providers in similar industries to yours and building out a network of referrals via those connections.With regard to homebuilders in particular, Tim offers tips on getting the best out of content creation and social media strategy, again without getting distracted by vanity metrics. He goes in-depth on video content and why many business owners end up wasting time and money when investing in video.Finally, Tim speaks to newer or smaller companies who are looking to maximize a lean marketing budget.Topics Discussed: [02:17] Business challenges that Tim is facing in today’s market[04:25] Finding self-motivated team members[08:27] Creating a training organization to fill gaps in skill[10:49] Other factors that companies should focus on[17:41] How to create a winning website[24:48] How homebuilders should approach social media and content creation[30:10] The power of video content[38:54] What should a company with a lean marketing budget focus on?[47:18] Tim’s biggest challenges as an entrepreneur in the early days[51:58] Niching down your clientele[55:18] The best advice Tim has ever been givenConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterPinterestYouTubeTikTokPodcastConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Tim:There’s this movement with business owners for time freedom; but, getting more employees does not only mean time freedom. Sometimes it means a painful amount of management.Video is fun. You know what’s not fun? Sitting around doing a bunch of content all day to get your thing to rank on Google.You have more credibility when you specialize in something.Trust yourself. You have more context on your situation than anyone else. [...] Do take advice—but take it with a grain of salt.
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Dec 5, 2021 • 1h 5min

Expand The Market Reach of Your Contracting Company with Rachel Doty of Contractor Training Center

Contractors need to take note of legal issues that arise on account of construction defects and accidents. Further, they need to make sure they are rigidly compliant when it comes to lien waivers. It is important to take their state’s code into account to provide context for the crafting of their performance standards.Regarding new contractors who have just started their business, Rachel says that they should be clear on the expertise they currently have and what they intend to practice in their new venture, in addition to having their financials sorted out.Finally, Rachel does a deep dive into the critical importance of insurance and why, in such a high-risk industry as construction, contractors must never overlook the importance of protecting their assets should the slightest cause for liability take place.Get 15% off all courses and services offered by Contractor Trainer Center on their website by using the code “AFT-15” at checkoutThis episode is brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:14] Issues and trends present in the construction industry today[05:00] How contractors are dealing with legal issues today (ex. around price increases)[12:26] Considerations around liens[16:45] Consulting in different states according to their respective codes[21:48] Required contract provisions[30:05] Where contractors should focus on when starting a business[36:36] The startup manual created by Contractor Training Center for new contractors[39:07] What is a “construction bond”?[44:48] How a contractor can ensure that they are properly insured[51:45] Should owners always have builder’s risk insurance?[53:47] Rachel’s custom residential design-build construction business in Florida[56:56] How Rachel got involved with Contractor Trainer Center[58:29] Resources available on the Contractor Trainer Center website[01:01:40] The best advice Rachel has ever been given and what’s next for herConnect with Guest:Website: https://contractortrainingcenter.com/LinkedIn (Rachel Doty): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-doty-26844420LinkedIn (Contractor Training Center) https://www.linkedin.com/company/contractortrainingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractortrainingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_5LeZU1L4FtfT-ni6UHkcQConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Rachel:There are a lot of things to consider when [a contractor] is first starting out. If they haven’t already set up a business, there are a lot of things that they’re going to need to know and figure out before they jump into it: what type of work they’ve been doing and what type of work they want to do.As contractors, we have the duty to make sure that our subs and everyone underneath us are operating to our standards, and also to make sure that they have the insurance limits that will cover us.
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Nov 28, 2021 • 1h 7min

Quality, Affordable, Modern Kitchen Cabinetry at Your Doorstep, with Kabinet CEO Timothy Roman

Since the outset of the pandemic in early 2020, the sales cycle has doubled as a result of delays and shortages in the supply chain, particularly when it came to Tim’s custom work.With higher-end clients, there is typically a great deal of flexibility built into contracts, and so Tim’s challenge throughout the past couple of years has been to find creative ways to satisfy clients amid an unpredictable market.Asked how he was able to find success with an eCommerce direct-to-consumer model for an industry known for its complexity, Tim says that it’s all about creating “a very fluid, very frictionless customer experience that mimics the likes of a traditional storefront experience. It actually has less friction and more convenience because you’re allowing the consumer to do it in their own time in their own home.”Further, what sets Kabinet apart from all the rest is that Tim and his team refuse to be simple “order takers”. Every person on the other side of the line from a client is a bonafide designer, determined and passionate about turning the client’s vision into reality.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:54] Tim’s experience with the supply chain in 2021[08:27] How Tim was able to build an impressive network at a relatively young age[14:14] All about Kabinet[15:58] Why Tim went the eCommerce route instead of the traditional brick-and-mortar[18:33] Making direct-to-consumer work with all the complexities of cabinetry[25:49] How Tim has created a win-win situation between Kabinet and installers[30:32] How Tim learned the ins-and-outs of business[32:12] What keeps Tim up at night[38:43] Working with investors vs getting a loan[48:05] Kabinet’s advantage over its competitors[52:07] How kitchen cabinetry is evolving[54:22] Kabinet’s specialty[59:57] The best advice business Tim has ever been given[1:03:14] What’s next for Tim and Kabinet?Connect with Guest:Website - https://kabinetus.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kabinetus/Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/kabinet-pfvwus-pf~2050766070Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Timothy Roman:If you have a good network, you’re bailed out every single time… almost.Cabinetry is very good margin if you can get a great system, a great funnel, a great client experience, and you’re aligned with a great factory that backs that process. It can be a really, really scalable business, and it’s only the upside in front of you.I have a rule that, everyday, if I don’t learn something, it’s a failed day.The money is actually not the hard part. Getting the money—especially these days in the United States where capital is so cheap—is not the hard part. The hard part is getting people that understand your goal and you obviously should be doing a good job at explaining it at the same time.We know two things and we do them really well: kitchen cabinetry and customer service.The name of the game, especially early on, is test, test, test, and the market is the market is the market.

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