The Tim Faller Show: Recent Episodes
Remodelers Advantage
Most remodeling companies are small businesses with simple structures, and team building can be difficult. Imagine the challenges of building a real team with more than 70 people in the field and an almost equal number working in the office.
In this episode, Bruce Case talks to Tim and Steve about what it takes to keep a large remodeling company running smoothly — especially in the production department.
Bruce is the president and CEO of Case Design/Remodeling Inc., one of the largest full-service remodeling firms in the nation. Operations are focused in the Washington, DC, area and bring clients a unique mix of design/build and home improvement services through Fred The First Name in Home Improvement. Case has extended its reach across the U.S. through a network of licensees and franchisees. Since its founding in 1961, Case has won more than 100 national remodeling, design, and business awards, and the Case network has completed more than 100,000 renovation projects for more than 60,000 clients. Binding these initiatives is a focus on inspiring team members and clients.
Bruce started working in the business when he was 12, but initially pursued a career in insurance. He came back to the family business and had to pay his dues, working in almost every department of the company in the 12 years before taking the reins. This gave Bruce an increased level of empathy and a greater perspective on the roles within the company. He discusses the importance of the culture at Case, and how to keep it together with the right mix of people — even if that means cutting a top performer loose — as well as how Case works in production, including:
- How to develop structure and processes
- What it takes to change processes
- The timeline for change
- Taking the time to develop your people
- Proactively growing and promoting from within
- Case’s professional development program
- Reimbursing for continuing education
- How training helps you hire, keep, and inspire people
- Why you should micromanage a new employee — and when to stop
- Gatekeeping the project’s process
- How to bring ideas forward and be positive
- And more …
With business booming and companies growing, one of the questions a lot of remodelers find themselves asking is, “Where can I find a good Production Manager?” It is hard to find people that can do this very difficult role, and this episode will continue to look at this role in a company and who may be the best fit.
The focus of this episode is hiring one of your trades out of their business, and into yours. Guest August Bergdahl talks about how this method came about and some tips for listeners to be successful in their search for a great production manager.
August is the Founder, Chief Growth Officer, and a Principal of Crescent Builds, a Seattle based residential construction and remodeling firm. August started Crescent Builds in 2007 and has been leading sales, growth, and business development from the start. He currently leads the sales team and is focused on the growth and success of Crescent delivered through relationships, analytics and new opportunities.
Tim, Steve and August talk more about:
- Getting started in the process of finding a production manager
- Where to look in the search for a production manager
- Signs you may need a production manager
- And more…
Across the country, companies are increasingly empowering project managers to review budgets and the entire project packet before the client’s final sign-off. This practice varies widely—some companies conduct a review only after the job is sold, while others do it beforehand but may not allocate enough time. In many cases, project managers are simply asked to “review and provide feedback,” but their busy schedules often lead to delays, and by the time they get to it, it’s too late. These challenges are all too common, but today, we’re joined by Margaret and Josh from MAC Renovations, who will share how they successfully tackled this issue.
Margaret Cormode is the Program Manager at MAC Renovations in Victoria, BC. Since joining the company as a Project Manager in 2015, when there were just 23 employees, she has played a pivotal role in MAC’s growth. Now leading a team of over 50, Margaret spearheaded the development of their value chain documentation, which laid the foundation for the standard operating procedures and Operations Manual implemented in 2020. Her passion for process optimization and smart interpretation has been instrumental in streamlining operations.
Josh Radford, the Estimator at MAC Renovations, has been with the company for about 8 months. In his role, he focuses on creating systems that bridge the gap between pre-construction and production. One of his key contributions is the development of a new estimating sheet that clearly breaks down labor and materials, making the information more readable, digestible, and transparent. This tool ensures the entire team thoroughly reviews the estimate before contract signing, improving project understanding, reducing scheduling issues, and strengthening trust between the pre-construction, estimating, sales, and production teams.
Tim, Greg, Margaret, and Josh talk more about:
- The importance of aligning communication between teams to avoid project delays.
- How implementing clear processes has led to improved client satisfaction.
- The challenges and successes of scaling a company while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Restoring a home after a catastrophe like a fire or flood is fairly specialized, not something most remodeling companies do. There are different challenges, like dealing with insurance companies and payouts, so these companies have different perspectives on production.
Mike Carey has worked in insurance restoration for 25 years, as well as doing residential remodeling and commercial contracting, giving him a unique viewpoint.
In this episode, Mike talks to Tim and Steve about the differences — and similarities — in production when restoring a client’s home versus standard remodeling, and what to do to get started in this part of the industry.
Mike’s company, Carey Contracting, is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In business for 35 years, Carey Contracting has 15 employees. Carey has been involved in insurance restoration work for 25 years, and there are years where insurance restoration produces more than 50 percent of the company’s volume.
Mike went to school to learn what an insurance adjuster knows when he started out in the restoration business. Since then, the company has made a name for itself in the insurance restoration business. He says the restoration can be wonderfully rewarding work. Mike talks about the process of working with insurers and clients, and getting your team up to speed, including:
- Working with adjusters
- Project time frames
- Working through the clients’ stresses
- Demolition and discovery
- Billing for restoration work
- The critical need for proper documentation
- Insurance vs. “as built”
- Remaining objective
- Creating a buffer between the insurer and the homeowner
- Dealing with code improvements and policies
- And more …
Some remodelers want to stay small… just do the work themselves, avoid the challenges that managing a team can bring and just “build things.”
However, there are those that embrace the challenge of building their companies, wear all the hats, and make the transition from Carpenter to Business Owner successfully.
Tim and Steve welcome Jared Thayer to the show and talk more about this transition; one that he has actually done twice! Jared is the Founder of Thayer Construction in beautiful Corvallis, Oregon.
Tim, Steve and Jared cover:
- Finding the right person to replace you in the field.
- Challenges Jared discovered during the transitions.
- What made the transition to owner easy… and what made it difficult.
- One piece of advice for others wanting to take that same step.
- And more…
The hiring process is a big challenge for, well, all of us.
One way to assist in this process is by having a good set of interview questions, and the skills to actively listen to the responses given. Without these tools, you may find yourself later on wondering how you missed red flags in an employee’s interview and hiring process.
Guest Ben Reynolds joins this episode to teach you how to avoid that very situation.
Ben is the Director of Construction at Kawartha Lakes Construction in Lakefield, Ontario, a design build company that has implemented a hiring process that has proved to be successful, and promotes employee retention.
This process includes a required skills assessment made up of practical tasks that a potential employee in a specific position would be faced with on a regular occurrence. By adding this to their hiring process, they are able to ensure that prospective employees are proficient and efficient when operating in remote and hard to access areas, a large part of their business.
Tim, Steve and Ben talk more about:
- Who should be participating in the interview process
- What positions require this demonstration of talent
- Hiring based on drive and aptitude
- And more…
You don’t need a crystal ball to look into the future for your Production Department. A master schedule can give you a predictable look at what’s to come, backed up by solid data.
Tim and Steve get insight from Aaron Enfinger, Chief Operations Officer of The Cleary Company. Aaron joined the Columbus, Ohio, design/build remodeling company as a Project Manager four years ago. It became evident in early 2017 that the company needed additional oversight and management in the other areas of the organization, and Aaron was promoted to General Manager. He has now worked his way up to becoming the COO of The Cleary Company.
Some of the evident success of the Production Department during that time was due to the master schedule Aaron developed with the help of Jennifer Wood, the Director of Finance at The Cleary Company. Having a solid grasp of big-picture scheduling and forecasting aided in creating a sense of stability and predictability in the Production Department. With buy-in from the Sales and Design Departments, the master schedule creates that same predictability across the company.
Aaron details the benefits of creating your own master schedule, including how it:
- Acts as an early-warning system, red-flagging upcoming shortfalls or bottlenecks
- Increases communication between Sales and Production
- More accurately forecasts labor needs
- Gives you solid information to make informed decisions
- Allows for flexibility in scheduling across the company
Find out more about what a master schedule can do for you, your team and your bottom line in this episode — and see more about The Cleary Company.
In the interview process, actively listening is key. But how? And how do we change if we “really need someone”? Then, of course, there are all the other times that when we look back at a difficult situation, whether a client or an employee, we see all the signs of the challenge were there, but we did not listen. Guest Christine Miles is here to share some insight and answers on how to avoid that situation.
Christine Miles is the author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell, a professional keynote speaker, consultant, executive coach, thought leader, entrepreneur, and radio show host. She is the founder and CEO of EQuipt. Additional information on her may be obtained here.
Tim, Steve, and Christine talk more about:
- The importance of learning to listen
- Other situations we can benefit from actively listening
- And more…
There’s a traditional divide between Sales and Production. It’s always a challenge — they have different goals, processes, and personalities. Typically, Production is left out of the conversation when it comes to scope creep, leading to delays and change orders during construction — and disgruntled clients.
Will Giesey and his team are changing that situation through careful communication, new processes, and using change orders negotiated by Sales during the design process to set client expectations and streamline the Production process.
In this episode, Will brings along his Production Manager Ryan Stiffney to explain the process to Tim and Steve.
Will founded Bellweather Construction in 2002 in Philadelphia, PA. He earned his MBA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and studied fine art at Lawrence College, including concentrations in design and architecture. He holds multiple certifications with the National Association for the Remodeling Industry and other related credentials.
Ryan worked in the trades through high school and college. Ryan became Bellweather’s production manager in 2017 and handles internal sales-to-production project hand-offs, client communication, and trade partner relationships.
By introducing the idea of a core scope of work, with change orders occurring during the design process, Bellweather has been able to cushion the blow of escalating prices on their clients while maintaining margins. Get the details on how they make it work, including:
- The importance of communication
- Who should sign off on the contracts and why
- How to explain it to clients
- Why it works to vet good clients
- The three phases of change orders
- Why talk isn’t cheap — or free
- And so much more…
Estimating accurately is critical to the success of any remodeling business. As you grow your business or hand off estimating to an employee, having the right system in place is paramount. It can feel like an overwhelming decision — there’s so much software available. The wrong decision will cost you lost revenue, but even worse — lost time.
Fortunately, there’s a simple strategy to help you navigate this very important decision.
In this episode, Jef Forward talks about estimating software with Tim and Steve. He’s worked with several estimating software packages and systems over the years, and shares what he’s learned.
Jef Forward is the founder of Forward Design Build Remodel in Ann Arbor, MI. For more than 20 years, Jef has performed every role within the company, including designer, laborer, carpenter, bookkeeper and estimator — you name it, he’s done it. Now with 24 employees, Jef has two full-time estimators.
Start your decision-making by looking at two factors — getting the estimate itself right and how the program’s output will be presented to someone other than the estimator — especially your clients. The first step is to not look at any software, Jef says. You can get distracted by all the bells and whistles of new programs and miss whether it will really work for you. He talks about the vetting process, what it can do for your estimating, and some of his favorite software choices, including:
- How to create a Process & Needs document
- Integrations with other programs
- Deciding on must-haves and nice-to-haves
- Mixing and matching vs. all-inclusive systems
- Not looking for quick fixes
- Evaluating and testing
- Who to involve in making choices
- The fine art of guessing
- What to do by hand vs. what’s automatic
- Slicing and dicing information
- Client presentations and reports
- And more …
Choosing the right estimating software for your company depends on many factors, but the work done up front will ensure you’re not saddled with a system that doesn’t fit. Taking the time and involving the team will help you make the right pick.
There are many things that can destroy a company. Recession, pandemics, and yes, even growth; especially, if the growth occurs with no planning or control.
In the past few years, our economy, and our industry, have grown significantly, and many companies have struggled to keep up. Growth is usually controlled by the amount that a company can sell and subsequently produce.
Sometimes it is planned, and sometimes it just happens. If planned, the team can prepare for it and make the necessary adjustments. If it “accidental” or spontaneous, often the production team gets caught with too much work and not enough time or personnel.
So, what is the key to effectively manage growth?
Kevin Shultz, Vice President of Revision LLC outside of Minneapolis, joins Tim and Steve in this episode to talk about how he and his team have managed tremendous growth at Revision.
As a 28-year veteran of construction and residential remodeling, Kevin brings an immense amount of knowledge to the team at Revision, where they have recently celebrated their 10th year in business.
Tim, Steve and Kevin talk more about:
- Background on Revision LLC (number of employees, average project size, etc.)
- The growth Revision has experienced over the past 5-10 years.
- Was growth planned or accidental, or spontaneous?
- Managing and controlling Sales out-selling the Production team’s capacity to produce.
- Forecasting tools for jobs coming through sales.
- Changes made in production to anticipate and prepare for growth.
- And More…
The Tim Faller Show aims to shine a spotlight on the diverse efforts within the remodeling industry. Today, we are joined by two accomplished production managers, Peyton Atchison and Solveig Haugland, as they share their inspiring journeys to becoming project managers.
Peyton is a project manager at Adams Company, a women-owned and operated remodeling firm in Austin, TX. She began her career in construction with Adams Company just two years ago. In her role, she oversees everything from estimating and ordering to scheduling and client relations. Despite entering the industry with no prior construction knowledge, Peyton has embraced the challenge and thoroughly enjoys learning every aspect of her job. She believes that anyone can succeed in real estate with the right mindset and dedication. Passionate about making the construction industry appealing to other women, Peyton emphasizes the importance of representation in the field.
Solveig Haugland is a Project manager at Adams Company located in Austin, Texas. She works hard at using her design background in her role as Project Manager bringing a new perspective to the work.
Peyton, Solveig, Tim, and Greg talk more about
- Biggest challenges when starting in the construction industry?
- What could an owner do better to really help a new person flush in this role/
- And more…
Imagine you’ve just finished a job, and as you move the dumpster, it damages the client’s driveway. On the Tim Faller Show today, Vaughn Royer shares his strategies for keeping clients happy by taking steps to prevent these giant steel containers from causing any property damage.
Vaughn Royer is the Production Manager at Caine+ Company located in Scottsdale, AZ. He is a seasoned professional in the industry with over 10 years of experience. Through Vaughn’s expertise, he helped drive quality, profit, and client/employee satisfaction to the high standard that Caine + Company has today.
Vaughn, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Challenges with dumpsters on driveways
- Actions to protect the client’s property
- And more…
Today on The Tim Faller Show, an exciting conversation with Paola Enriquez. This is part 2 of the engaging discussion that Tim and Greg had with her on Season 5 Episode 3. In the previous episode, Paola talked about the upcoming Spanish-speaking training at JLC Live. Now, Paola will share her thoughts on how the training went at JLC Live.
Paola Enriquez is the conference education manager at JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show. She is part of a standout team that has successfully put JLC LIVE together for 28 years. She gets to oversee all Conference classroom education at the show, and most recently, spearheaded their new JLC LIVE En Español program. Paola enjoys connecting with people and making a difference. She is an active member in her community and volunteers for numerous causes by lending her bilingual and leadership skills to GED En Espanol, Financial Peace University in English, Paz Financiera in Spanish and Apartment Life, to name a few. Paola has been part of the JLC LIVE team since 2022.
Paola, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Topics discussed during the Spanish-speaking track
- Demographic of the participants
- Any challenges?
- And more…
Do you have a way to be sure that your clients understand the scope and plans of the services you offer?
Simply asking for their signature on future plans does not necessarily guarantee that they understand what it is they are signing. Like many of the topics discussed on this show, there is no magic answer to ensuring that a client is aware and knowledgeable about the services they may want or are receiving. Host Tim Faller suspects that it is important to educate based off of the entire sales and production processes, so he speaks with guest Chris Landis to search for some answers.
Chris is the Co-Founder and Principal of Landis Construction, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). After graduating with an MA in architecture from Columbia University, he worked with Fortune 500 companies. He served two terms on D.C.’s Historic Preservation Review Board and is a past president of the DC chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:
- Starting this process
- Creating a budget range
- Steering away from making assumptions
- And more…
The future of remodeling hinges on the next generation of skilled workers. Tim has previously engaged with teachers who mentor young people in the trades. Our guest today, Gregg Helmich, is one such teacher. Gregg has been instrumental in working closely with students in the trades and has employed unique industry partnerships to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Gregg Helmich serves as the Building Trades Instructor at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City, Iowa, and has held this position for 17 years. He has successfully nurtured over 15 industry partnerships, resulting in donations exceeding $200k. Furthermore, Gregg has celebrated numerous student successes, with former students ascending to leadership positions within companies in less than 1/3 of the normal time. Gregg’s ultimate satisfaction stems from the success of his students.
Greg, Tim, and Gregg talk more about:
- Morton Buildings Partnership
- How social media impacted the program
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Greg are joined by David Parraquirre, a presenter at JLC Live this year. They discuss the abundance of skilled craftsmen in the Latino world, particularly in the metro areas where many sub trades comprise diverse cultures. David also provides a recap of the JLC Live Spanish Speaking program.
David Parraguirre is the Owner and founder of Pro Builder Solutions and Mexicancarpenter.com. He is based out of the DMV area roughly 20 minutes from the nation’s Capital and has served his community as a builder for over 20 plus years. David’s work has garnered some notoriety over the years because of his extraordinary attention to detail. You can see some of his remarkable content on social media by simply searching @themexicancarpenter or going to mexicancarpenter.com and learning more about what he does.
David, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- JLC Live Spanish Speaking program
- Barriers that need to be broken
- And more…
The production professionals that we work with in our Roundtables Peer Group Program for Production Managers are creatively solving problems and finding new ways to manage jobs.
Whether it is motivating their teams, finding new way to drive profit or measuring dollars with a new metric, sometimes we just hear about a cool idea. During our fall meetings, we heard a few new concepts and strategies that we wanted to learn more about.
Therefore, in the spirit of talking with people that are solving challenges, we welcome back a former guest, Chris Peterson, VP of Production at Schloegel Design Remodel in Kansas City, MO to talk more about how he and his team address and handle constraint management.
Chris has been with Schloegel for 24 years and has served in every role on the production side of the business. Three years ago, Chris and his business partner, Charlie Schloegel, purchased the business, which just celebrated 40 years in business!
Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:
- Background and description of Schloegel Design Remodel (size of team, type of work, etc.)
- What constraint management is and how Schloegel handles it.
- How you spot the constraint and what to do when you know where it is.
- Does the constraint ever really go away?
- Being proactive with constraint management.
- And more…
Change can be very elusive. Podcasts, seminars, books, classes, webinars, virtual classes all give us great ideas for improving processes. But how many actually take root and become what we do as a regular habit or process?
Maybe we just don’t know how to change, so we substitute other activities. In a recent training, guest Doug Howard of Remodelers Advantage discussed LEAN with a company and one of the concepts that he outlined may be beneficial to us all.
Doug is an experienced leader, entrepreneur and business consultant with over 25 years of success in leading organizations, starting new companies and assisting client businesses as they start-up, grow or transition. Doug joined Remodelers Advantage as Director of Consulting Services in 2017, and now specializes in helping remodeling company owners develop strategic plans, streamline processes, improve profitability, and navigate growth.
Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:
- The principles of LEAN
- The value stream map
- Creating a successful flow of communication
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Doug Panozzo joins the show. Doug shares the many facets of incentives and ways he has been successful in motivating his team.
Doug is the production manager at Hogan Design and Construction and joined their team in 2017 after several years managing projects for a technology company. He brings leadership, communication, organization, and attention to detail to his job and we hear all about it in this episode.
Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:
- Creating a bonus structure
- What it means to have a winning team
- Setting realistic schedules for success
- The Project Manager Bonus Structure Document (PDF)
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve go solo to discuss production system shifts and the changing world of the lead carpenter and project manager. Tim talks about the most significant challenge facing the remodeling industry: increasing sales with the lack of skilled labor. The challenge comes from controlling growth with a limited number of people to handle that growth. This is causing many companies to reevaluate their project management systems.
Tim and Steve talk more about:
- Lead carpenter systems
- Changes in the remodeling industry
- Hybrid systems
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, Jake Carter is a guest to discuss how the construction industry can address the challenges of a shortage of skilled trades workers and a lack of training opportunities. Jake advocates for a collaborative approach within local communities, with support from regional and/or national partners. Many local Home Builders Associations (HBAs) are playing a crucial role by offering scholarship programs to attract young people into the trades. Jake is currently exploring how Habitat can provide hands-on training through its volunteer program, where volunteers can complete most of the labor on construction sites.
Jake Carter started working with Kitsap Habitat 5 months ago. They are based in Bremerton, WA, and serve Kitsap County through our affordable new home construction. Jake has 12 years of experience in a variety of roles in property management, development, and construction, with his core competencies being in project management. Jake came to Kitsap Habitat with a desire to scale their home-building production to better serve our community. Along with his role at Habitat, Jake is passionate about recruiting and educating new tradespeople as he sees a direct correlation between housing affordability and the trade shortage. Jake is on the board of the Kitsap Building Association and co-chair of our Workforce Development Committee.
Jake, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Experiences with volunteers
- How Habitat works with trade schools to give the students real-life experience
- And more…
We welcome guest Emma Kraft to the show to discuss the struggles of bridging the gap in a male-dominated field as both a woman and a daughter.
Emma Kraft is the President of Kraft Custom Construction, Inc., located in Salem, Oregon. The company was started by Emma’s father, Robert Kraft, in 1982. In 2001, he made a conscious decision to down-size the company and focus on completing fewer, higher revenue-producing projects. Kraft is a design/build company that does remodeling, additions, and historic restoration work.
Tim, Steve, and Emma talk more about:
- Biases against women in construction
- Some of the challenges exclusive to women
- How others can help bridge this gap
- And more…
We are pleased to welcome Chris Fox today to discuss the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry. Chris Fox is the Sales and Design Manager at Fox Home Innovations located in Manhattan, Kansas.
As the company’s Director of Design and Sales, Chris is heavily involved with the management of all design projects from inception to completion. Additionally, he actively cultivates and manages leads, working tirelessly to find new projects and business for the team.
Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:
- What can prompt the need for an estimator
- Creating clear expectations
- The benefits of prioritizing estimating
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Paul Cardis of ON3, joins the show to discuss the enormous challenge of proper staffing in the remodeling industry and how proper education, teaching, and coaching can expand the pool of qualified employees and help you retain current ones. Paul states that one of the most effective methods of “training” is to combine digital learning with live mentorship.AI technology allows for this by allowing for the creation of customized learning paths for individual employees.
Paul Cardis is the co-founder and acting CEO of ON3 in Madison, WI. Paul came up with the idea for On3 following the sale of his previous company Avid Ratings. His goal was to solve a pervasive problem within the industry – creating a mobile, AI-based source of truth for construction knowledge serving builders, remodelers, and trade contractors.
Paul, Tim, and Steve talk more about…
- Fixing the staffing challenges with training and coaching
- Using a combination of AI with personal mentorship for the most effective training, teaching, and coaching
- How to apply learning science to training and coaching
- And more…
In today’s competitive business world, preconstruction is a crucial process that can make or break a company’s success. Tim and Greg, in their numerous podcasts, have shared valuable insights on how companies can achieve better results by improving their preconstruction process. One of the key factors, they point out, is having in-house designers, which allows for efficient management of the process. However, what if you use subcontracted designers? To address this, Sarah Walker is joining the show today to share her perspective as an outside designer.
Sarah Walker is the owner and principal designer of Nuance Interior Design in Seattle, Washington. She has close to 20 years of experience specializing in luxury and sustainable interior design, holding degrees in interior design, business, and art, as well as certification in construction management. Her full-service design studio is committed to streamlining the process through detailed construction documents, cutting-edge software, and collaboration with trades. Nuance’s showroom features 3,000 square feet of sustainable cabinetry, finishes, fixtures, window treatments, and furniture exclusively available to clients. Sarah’s award-winning, sophisticated interiors have been published locally and nationally. On a personal level, Sarah was born and raised in Dubai and loves to bring a global and holistic point of view to her projects.
Sarah, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Why use outside designers
- Design schedules and impact on the contractor
- And more..
Nathan Morris and Sara Hadden, seasoned professionals from CG&S Design Build, have crafted a unique approach to processes that helps management control the way things are done, named the CG&S Way. Tim and Greg delve into the origins of this innovative system and how these experts garnered widespread acceptance.
Sara Hadden is the Design Manager at CG&S Design Build, located in Austin, Texas. Sara and Nathan have both worked for CG&S for 10 years. Sara started as a project architect and was given the opportunity to manage the Design Studio about 5 years ago. Nathan and I were instrumental in bringing The CG&S Way to fruition.
Nathan Morris is the Production Manager at CG&S Design Build in Austin, TX. CG&S is a Residential Design-Build Firm that has been in business for over 65 years and is focused more on renovations than new builds. Nathan has been with the Company for 10 years this year. He started out as a Project manager and moved into the Production Manager role 7 years ago.
Sara, Nathan, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Process that created the CG&S Way
- Results from the CG&S Way
- And more…
The four-day workweek is becoming a popular trend for companies, especially with the younger generation joining the workforce. While there are arguments for and against this idea, today’s episode features Erich Van Cleave discussing how his company has given a unique twist to the four-day workweek. Tune in to discover how this approach can benefit both employees and the organization.
Erich Van Cleave is the owner of Van Cleave Construction, Remodeling, & Design, located in St. Joseph, MO. Erich founded the company in 2006 where he wore all of the hats, including a tool bag, producing around $250k their first year. Today, Van Cleave has a team of 15 offering design build and construction services producing just north of $3m. The average tenure for our team is just over 7 years.
Erich, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Implementation of a four-day workweek
- Benefits and challenges of the change
- And more…
Determining the right amount of work for a company can be a challenging task. The industry has tried to define it, but each company has different budgets and employees who may not work at the same pace. Additionally, the completeness of job packets or job information provided by sales/designers can vary greatly in any company. One employee may be more thorough than another. So, what’s the solution? In today’s discussion, Chris Peterson will talk about how Schloegel Design Remodel measures its capacity.
Chris Peterson, MCR, CRPM, CLC, is a Co-Owner of Schloegel Design Remodel. The award-winning Kansas City-based design-build firm focuses on creating the ultimate client experience during every project. Chris started his career as a craftsman and continued to climb the ranks with his attention to detail, management skills, and love of the industry. Chris has served as president of NARI Kansas City, actively participates in Remodelers Advantage, and persistently advocates for industry growth through NARI’s Future Fund program. Another of Chris’s greatest passions is BBQ! He actively competes in Kansas City competitions and has brought several awards home. He loves to spend time with his wife and two daughters, as well as his 16-month-old granddaughter.
Chris, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- What is VPW
- Any pushback from the team
- How to track the information
- And more…
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s easy to overlook the power of traditional communication tools. Take the humble whiteboard, for example. It may seem outdated, but it’s actually a highly effective tool for remodeling companies. Tim and Greg discuss why whiteboards could be a good choice for any team looking to communicate effectively. By using a whiteboard, scheduling becomes a visual experience that can be shared with clients on job sites.
Tim and Greg talk more about:
- Uses of a whiteboard in remodeling and other industries
- Personalizing your whiteboard to your company
- And more…
On today’s episode of The Tim Faller Show, Chris Fox is joining us as the guest to talk about the concept of Capacity Beyond Demand. In order to maintain a good budget and client experience, it is important to determine the capacity of each department, as having an over-capacity department can lead to a decrease in both. Chris Fox will explain how his company, Fox Home Innovations, uses this approach and its positive impact on the business.
Chris Fox owns Fox Home Innovations, LLC, located in Manhattan, KS. Chris founded the company in 2009 and currently manages the Sales Department. He and the rest of our Leadership Team want to hit their big goal of 90% self-performed Revenue by 2026.
Chris, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- What are the benefits for a business (owner) to have this as a principle of practice?
- Is there any way to measure capacity?
- And more…
During Episode 21, Tim had a conversation with Ray Hornsby about his journey from being a Lead Carpenter to becoming a Production Manager. Ray is among the few who have successfully made this transition. He has moved up the growth track and is now the proud owner of Hopkins and Porter Construction located in Potomac, MD. The shift from being an employee to becoming an owner, or even just a Production Manager to an owner, can be quite challenging. Ray, along with Tim and Greg, discuss the process of purchasing the company and how the employees reacted to this change.
Ray Hornsby is the General Manager at Hopkins & Porter, a construction company located in Potomac, MD. Ray’s career in construction began in the late 70s in West Virginia and North Carolina. In 1986, Ray joined Hopkins & Porter as a carpenter and worked his way up to lead carpenter, project manager, production manager, and eventually, the general manager. In 2015, Ray became the owner of the company, after purchasing it.
Ray, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- How did other employees respond?
- What worked well that you would recommend to other business owners who may want to sell to an employee?
- What advice would you give to employees who aspire to own the business they work for?
Scheduling has been a challenge for everyone over the last few years. Scheduling individual jobs is a challenge by itself but adding the sales design process, the job set up, and then the job itself makes the challenge grow exponentially.
Getting the sales design process scheduled is a growing trend in an effort to more accurately predict the start dates for clients. This process involves gaining the buy-in from designers, sales, and production which can be a daunting task. Our guest today is navigating these waters with success and is here to share his experiences with our listeners.
Eric Bain is the project manager of Innovative Construction and oversees projects as well as handles client relations. He previously worked for the City of Vail where he sharpened his site inspection, landscaping and heavy equipment skills.
Tim, Steve and Eric talk more about:
- Working alongside sales and design teams
- Utilizing a master schedule
- Dealing with issues regarding supplies
- And more…
Continuing last week’s episode, Join Tim, Greg, and Craig Deimler as they delve into the sensitive topic of firing family members. Learn about the common reasons why letting go of a relative may become necessary and discover invaluable tips from Craig on how to evaluate their performance impartially. Craig also gives advice on how to keep work-related issues from spilling into your personal life so that you can maintain healthy boundaries.
Craig Deimler is a Remodelers Advantage Roundtables Facilitator and salesperson for ALCO Products. Craig has been working in the industry since he was 12. He worked at my father’s company (located in Pennsylvania) first as a laborer, then carpenter and lead carpenter. In 1994, Craig joined the company full-time and headed the sales and design side of the company. I assumed the role of president and CEO in 2008. Shortly after this, Craig started facilitating Remodelers Advantage after being a member for many years before that. In 2019, he decided it was time to close the company and move on to something that was not full-scale design/build.
Craig, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Ramifications for firing a family member.
- Reasons for dismissing a family member.
- And more…
Family members can sometimes bring valuable skills to a company that can help improve it. However, in some cases, it can be seen as favoritism by the owner (usually a parent), who tries to get their son, daughter, or spouse to take on a role without having the necessary skills or qualifications. While hiring family members can be a successful strategy for building a profitable business, it is important for business owners to ensure that their family members have the skills and the support of other employees. In today’s episode, Craig Deimler will share his experiences running a family business and provide some advice on making such hires successful.
Craig Deimler is a Remodelers Advantage Roundtables Facilitator and salesperson for ALCO Products. Craig has been working in the industry since he was 12. He worked at my father’s company (located in Pennsylvania) first as a laborer, then carpenter and lead carpenter. In 1994, Craig joined the company full-time and headed the sales and design side of the company. I assumed the role of president and CEO in 2008. Shortly after this, Craig started facilitating Remodelers Advantage after being a member for many years before that. In 2019, he decided it was time to close the company and move on to something that was not full-scale design/build.
Craig, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- Separation of work and family life
- How can family employees impact the morale of other employees?
- What should a business owner do if they want to hire family members?
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, Geoff Clark will join us to talk about the topic of onboarding new hires. He will share the story of how he and the team at Mac Renovations decided to improve their old hiring process and will walk us through the new onboarding process they have implemented. The episode will also cover the benefits of their new approach and how it has positively impacted their new hires.
Geoff Clark is the Production Manager at Mac Renovations located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He has been with Mac Renovations for almost two years, and in the production manager role for a year and a half. An accomplishment he is proud of is successfully making the transition from field to office. A piece of that success was the onboarding that Geoff was put through for the position.
Geoff, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- How the onboarding process changes for each position
- And more…
On this episode of The Tim Faller Show, Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas join the show to answer the question: Can design and production get along? While the production and design teams have the same overall goal of completing a project that will delight their clients, they do it differently. Morgan and Candice talk about their struggles with time constraints, delays, and change orders and how they developed new processes that involve team reviews with proposed estimates to ensure each department has the proper budgets and limit unexpected client costs.
Morgan Thomas started at Leff Design Build in Sonoma County, California 5 years ago as a project manager and was then promoted to her current role as the production department manager. She is excited and proud of her team’s input to the project’s budget, which she thinks has created an improved sense of ownership among her coworkers. Candice Rania is the pre-production manager at Leff Design Build and works closely with Morgan.
Tim, Steve, Morgan, and Candice talk more about
- Integrating production and design and how that creates a better customer experience
- Evaluating current methods and creating new processes can lead to better businesses.
- And more…
On this episode of the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve discuss the client experience and how to turn clients into raving fans. The client experience is all about how the client feels and not what you do. Tim differentiates the customer service a company provides from how clients perceive that service. Not only do salespeople have a major role in the client experience, but the production team and lead carpenter do as well.
Tim and Steve talk more about…
- Establishing a client experience vision statement
- The importance of a pre-construction meeting in providing an excellent client experience
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, we say goodbye to Steve Wheeler, who has been a Co-Host of the show since its inception. Steve shares his journey in the remodeling industry and how he started his own company. Additionally, Steve takes a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his time spent being part of the podcast.
Steve is the Executive Director of Roundtables for Remodelers Advantage. In this role, Steve oversees new membership sales and enhancing the Roundtables member experience to help them reach their financial and personal goals. Prior to joining R/A, Steve spent 12 years as a remodeling business owner in Wilmington, Delaware.
Steve, Tim, and Greg talk more about:
- What Steve enjoyed most about remodeling
- Steve’s remodeling horror stories
- And more…
We are thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Greg Woleck! As most of you may already know, Tim Faller will be retiring in September of 2024. Therefore, Greg will be joining us as a co-host and will eventually take over the podcast after Tim’s retirement. In this episode, Greg talks about his background in production and shares his vision for the future of Remodelers Advantage’s production programs. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Wheeler for his outstanding contribution to the Tim Faller Show!
Greg Woleck is a Production Consultant at Remodelers Advantage after joining RA in September. Greg lives in Bethel, Connecticut. He started as a bags-on career carpenter and evolved into management, first as a Lead Carpenter and then learning production management through site supervision, project management, sales, and estimating. Greg’s most recent experience has allowed him the great opportunity to work with other companies as a consultant, share his experience, and be their resource to help make their processes and systems better.
Greg, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- Greg’s experience with emerging technologies
- Some of Greg’s horror stories during his time as a Lead Carpenter
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, we welcome Trevor Robertson from Innovative Design Build, who will talk about how he uses change orders and how they are coded for cost accounting. Trevor is the Project Manager who oversees the process and communicates the changes with the accounting team. He will also discuss how he handles errors in the change orders.
Trevor Robertson is the Project Manager at Innovative Design Build located in Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, Trevor enjoyed building, fixing, and creating. As he grew up, he realized just how powerful being able to turn a concept or idea into something tangible is. With years of experience under his belt, he joined Innovative Design Build in 2018, where he is still working today. His professional superpower is planning, then replanning when the plan changes!
Trevor, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- How do you code materials, labor, etc.
- How are change orders created and entered into the system?
- What are the results of this process?
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve are joined by Ian Schwandt to discuss the importance of purchase orders. Although purchase orders have been in use for a long time and are widely used in commercial construction, they are now being increasingly utilized in residential construction as well. Ian sheds light on how TDS Custom Construction implements their purchase orders and how they have helped improve the financials of TDS Custom Construction as well as the production staff.
Ian is the Production Manager for TDS Custom Construction in Madison, WI. After starting at TDS as a part-time Estimator in 2020, he moved to full-time in 2021 after getting his new home built to the “done for now” stage. Ian moved to the Production Manager role in 2022 with the focus on developing department-wide financial literacy. Ian is also a Contributing Editor and podcast host for Fine Homebuilding Magazine and a frequent contributor to JLC Magazine.
Ian, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- Obstacles and challenges of using purchase orders.
- Why did TDS start using purchase orders?
- And more…
One of the most challenging parts of construction is getting the preconstruction part of the job right. Today, on the Tim Faller Show, Dan Purnell and Dan Zimmerman join the show to talk about how they rebuilt this process at Alloy Workshop. Dan and Dan go through some of the red flags they saw before redoing the preconstruction process and how the change has helped the company.
Dan Zimmerman co-founded Alloy Architecture & Construction, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Along with his business partner, Zach Snider, he has been at Alloy throughout all the growing (and shrinking) pains. At Alloy, they’re 100% committed to completing 90% of selections before a signed contract.
Dan Purnell is the Director of Production at Alloy Workshop. As Director of Production, the company has seen a turnaround. They had previously seen project duration slippage and GM slippage on all of our projects. They’ve focused on creating a comprehensive pre-production process so all selections, purchasing, etc., are complete before mobilization. This has shown much better performance regarding schedule and GM% slippage.
Tim, Dan, Dan, and Steve talk more about:
- Step by Step on how Alloy rebuilt the preconstruction process
- Results from the change
- And more…
Today, on the Tim Faller Show, Billy Dodd shares his insights on accounting for overhead costs in projects based on the expected time of completion for each project. Billy explains how his team uses this approach to manage overhead and execute projects efficiently. He also highlights how he applies the same principles to multiple projects simultaneously.
Billy Dodd is the Project Director/Sales and Design Consultant at Blue Ribbon Residential Construction. He has been with Blue Ribbon for about a year. Billy comes from a long line of carpenters and entrepreneurs and ran his own construction business for about 8 years prior to coming to Blue Ribbon. Having worked in his own company as boss, crew lead, designer, sales rep., estimator, scheduler, project manager, etc., Billy had the opportunity to evaluate projects from numerous angles. Now, at Blue Ribbon, Billy has a more localized role, but his former experiences help him to corroborate realistic schedules with well-researched overhead figures.
Billy, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- How different job sizes affect the overhead.
- Importance of good data and analysis of that data
- And more…
On today’s episode of the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve have a special guest, Paola Enriquez, who talks about a new track at JLC Live. Starting in March 2024, Spanish-speaking workers and owners can access education in their native language at the En Espanol track. This will be presented in Spanish rather than interpreted. Paola explains how the idea of this track was realized and what to expect during the track.
Paola Enriquez is the conference education manager at JLC LIVE. She enjoys connecting with people and making a difference. Paola is an active member in her community and volunteers for numerous causes, lending her bilingual and leadership skills to GED En Espanol, Financial Peace University English and Spanish classes, and Apartment Life, to name a few. Paola has been part of the JLC LIVE team since June of 2022.
Paola, Tim, and Steve talk more about…
- Topics for the En Espanol track
- How to register for the event
- And more…
The Tim Faller Show live from Summit! Alison McLennan and Marsha Hanna joined Tim and Steve on stage for a discussion. Alison talked about how McLennan Contracting hired Marsha as a Project Manager, who didn’t have any carpentry experience. However, Marsha’s non-construction skills made her an excellent choice for the role. They also discuss what a business owner sees in someone that makes them take a chance on a critical role.
Alison McLennan is President of McLennan Contracting, an award-winning design-build remodeling company in Lancaster, PA. Alison and her husband, Tim, co-own the business and are passionate about creating a company culture that is characterized by collaboration and continual learning. Over the last 20 years, Alison has worn many hats at McLennan – mostly working behind the scenes – but in 2021, her Roundtables peer group encouraged her to accept the role of president, and she accepted. Her focus is now on growing as a leader and cultivating a workplace that empowers and enriches the lives of McLennan’s team.
Marsha Hanna is the Production Manager of McLennan Contracting, an award-winning design-build remodeling company in Lancaster, PA. Marsha began her career with McLennan in September 2019 as a project coordinator and assumed her current role of Production Manager in October 2020. Marsha is a member of the Phoenix Production Manager group and received the MVP award at the spring meeting.
Today, the Tim Faller Show welcomes Dan Purnell as a guest. Dan will be discussing how his team at Alloy Workshop utilizes GP/Day. He explains what GP is and how Alloy Workshop uses it as a measuring tool. Moreover, Dan differentiates GP/Day from other metrics and its impact on the department.
Dan Purnell is a Project Developer at Alloy Workshop located in Charlottesville, VA, and is a member of the Production Manager’s Roundtables. It was established in 2011 when Dan Zimmerman (AR) and Zach Snider (GC) decided to form Alloy Workshop as a design/build company in Charlottesville. Since taking the project manager role, the company has seen a turnaround. Alloy was previously seeing project duration slippage and GM slippage on all of our projects. Dan and the Alloy team really focused on creating a very comprehensive pre-production process, so all selections, purchasing, etc., are complete prior to mobilization. This has slowed much better performance as it relates to schedule and GM% slippage. Dan and his team also reduced to an average of 2% GM slippage and getting grippage on our project duration now. This shift leads them to look at different metrics to track profitability and how that can help us make business decisions.
Dan, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- What difference does GP/Day make?
- Any dangers with GP/Day?
- And more…
What we say is a reflection of what we think, and as clinical counselors will tell you, what we think will dictate how we act. So, how we act will of course dictate success.
Following this logic, words are very powerful factors in our success. But do we pay attention to those words? We tend to be concerned about what we say as it affects others, but what about the effect on ourselves?
What we say is often said without thinking of their potential consequences. They can be seen as excuses or statements of desperation, or they can be simply things we say when nothing else seems to fit. But all of them can have a negative impact on us and our work, so Tim and Steve share specific examples and how to avoid them.
Tim and Steve talk more about:
- Encouraging new thought processes
- Rephrasing the things we say
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Geno Arroyo joins the show to discuss successful estimating. Geno goes through his process as an estimator for each project from start to finish. Suppose you want a more in-depth breakdown of his methods, including getting labor costs right, then you must attend Remodelers Advantage’s Art of Estimating masterclass.
Geno Arroyo is the Estimator for Fox Home Innovations, LLC, in Manhattan, KS. Geno has had the privilege of being a part of the Fox Home family for over three years. When he started with the company, he was a Lead Carpenter, then transitioned from the field to the estimator role. The most significant accomplishment Geno can think of during his time is developing and implementing an actual estimator role within the company and having a role to play in getting our overall company slip and grip to 0.87%.
Geno, Tim, and Steve talk more about…
- The creation of the estimator position and the results
- Phases of work for an estimator
- Budget meetings with the estimator
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve talk to Eric Fortenberry, the Founder, and CEO of JobTread Software. While working as a CEO for a General Contracting company, Eric built the first version of JobTread due to the broken processes at the company. Eric gives insights on how he turned the company around using data from the first version of JobTread. Eric also discusses how JobTread differs from other software applications on the market.
Eric Fortenberry is a passionate entrepreneur who founded JobTread, a construction estimating and project management software company, in 2019 after serving as CEO for a General Contracting company where he built the first version of JobTread to help streamline and remedy their broken processes. JobTread has grown to help thousands of builders and contractors sell and manage over $1 billion in construction jobs and has been recognized as a Top 100 Product by ProRemodeler for the past two years.
Eric has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List of the World’s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs under the age of 30 and received awards at the White House and United Nations after being named to the Empact 100 List, showcasing the Best Companies Started and Run by Young Entrepreneurs. JobTread is located in Dallas, TX, and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Dallas Business Journal.
Tim, Steve, and Eric talk more about:
- Job costing and estimating
- The creation of JobTread
- JobTread’s long-term plan
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Camille Jenkins joins the show to discuss the importance of the client experience and how it differs from satisfaction. Simply put, customer satisfaction is how happy your customers are while using your company’s products and services and how well you are fulfilled their expectations. Customer experience refers to customers’ interactions...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Nick Sandifer details a new way to communicate in the field to help his team navigate the small details in elaborate projects. Nick and the Sandifer team use QR codes to help communicate better on the job site. The QR codes allow the project manager to view the electrical...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Nisreen Hasib joins the show to discuss contracts for contractors. Nisreen discusses the importance of having contracts and some of the important items to put into those contracts. She also gives examples of bad and good contracts she has seen over the years and how they impacted the project....
Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas rejoin the Tim Faller Show for a follow-up from their last episode, Design and Production: Can we really get along? In this episode, Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas join the show to discuss what happens once the job is started. They discuss challenges at the job site, whether it is unforeseen circumstances...
Tess Jezek joins the show today to discuss the importance of your company’s reputation in the reputation economy. In fact, Forbes reports that 60% of consumers are willing to pay more if they believe they will receive a better service. Tess discusses how an accurate description of your business online is smart business practice. In...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, we welcome guest John Vendafreddo to discuss time management. John talks about how to organize jobs based on importance or urgency and how planning can help with time management. John also discusses how to handle in-office meetings while working on job sites. John finished the show by giving some...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Chris Stebnitz joins the show to discuss building a culture in a remodeling company and the impact it has on the client experience. Chris talks about how building trust with your employees can enhance the company culture. While building a culture is important, there are also ways you can...
Tim and Steve welcome Doug Horgan to the show to discuss the role of a lead carpenter. Doug talks about his responsibilities, including research, being an internal “help desk,” managing people internally and externally. He also manages scheduling and explains the meaning behind the saying “make ready planning” and why it’s essential for a lead...
One of the biggest challenges for contractors, other than labor shortages, is the fact that many face the process of building a business in isolation and their experience is often graded as pass or fail. When they pass they are happy, but when they fail it causes many issues for them and the families that...
Handyman services are no stranger to the field of design and build, but very few of these companies are able to successfully incorporate a handyman team into their business. Schloegel Design Remodel saw a need for a handyman department and since its creation, it now has eleven team members all dedicated to handyman services. Guest Charlie...
Wayne Ottum, a consultant at Remodelers Advantage, specializes in company leadership development. So, we asked him to join us on the show to help us understand what leadership is and perhaps help start the shift from “how to manage people” to “how to lead people.” Wayne Ottum is a consultant, author and speaker dedicated to...
Selema Lawson-Jack joins the show and discusses how she found a technology fix to solve an inventory management issue but expanded its capabilities to create efficiencies across the organization and generate revenue simultaneously. She talks about how Sortly, the affordable app she implemented, operates and how she integrated it into the organization successfully. Selema works...
The Locus of Control is a concept that highlights one’s ability to control the outcomes and events in their lives. When applied in a business, The Locus of Control can increase productivity, and breed ownership and support.
The Tim Faller Show welcomes back guest Jef Forward, to share his experiences surrounding the locus of control in his remodeling business.
Jef is the founder and co-owner, with his wife, Monica, of Forward Design Build Remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over 23 years, the company has grown to a team of 30+ engaged, positive, and supportive employees, and their path towards continued success is heavily focused on team and leadership building.
Tim, Steve and Jef talk more about:
- Background and overview of The Locus of Control
- The five dysfunctions of a team
- Building a trustworthy team
- Reaching goals
- And more…
By all accounts, business is booming. Projects are being booked way in advance, and everything is roses and sunshine. Or is it?
In this episode, guest Chris Bache joins Tim and Steve to discuss the “dark period” – the period of time after the sale is completed, the project is booked, and is on the schedule. A critical time when the battle for client satisfaction can be won or lost.
Chris Bache is the CEO and co-founder at Hatch, a messaging app specifically built for the remodeling industry that centralizes and automates homeowner communication.
Hatch began as a trial when Chris and his partner, Bill Violante, were asked by a local Pella franchise to help solve two huge blind spots in their business – follow-up and customer experience.
That’s when the idea for Hatch was, well, hatched. Word spread like wildfire through other Pella franchises and then eventually into other areas of the industry.
Tim, Steve, and Chris talk more about:
- How to keep customers happily engaged until the project occurs
- The customer experience
- How to successfully communicate with customers
- And more…
Do you struggle to maintain relationships with subcontractors and experience your projects not being handled with urgency or priority? If so, you haven’t built a team, you have built a contact list.
Guest Daniel Carrero joins Tim and Steve to talk about how he has built a solid team with little turnover and kept tradesmen that have been with him for over 15 years.
Daniel Carrero, President of House to Home Solutions in Rockville, Maryland, has been able to build a Sub-Contractor Team that prioritizes his jobs over any other contractor.
He shares his tips and tricks to how he has made a team that has stuck with him for years and are willing to take care of service issues without question.
Tim, Steve and Daniel talk more about:
- Building relationships with subcontractors and trades.
- How to stand out to subcontractors
- Getting trades engaged
- Prioritizing trades and subcontractors
- And more…
While having a family-like culture is a well-intended premise, it is oftentimes impractical.
Companies may notice that one or two employees are intolerant of the family-like culture in place and leave the “family” dysfunctional.
Creating an environment where there is a structure that resembles a team, rather than a family, is a way to avoid intolerance, and grow as a company. In this episode, guest Jef Forward describes how he was able to achieve a team-like culture in his business, and why it has been successful.
Jef has a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan and started Forward Design Build in 1997, focusing on a design and build method to ensure successful projects. He defines a successful project as a happy homeowner with a beautiful, functional home completed within ‘stated’ expectations of cost, service and schedule from the beginning of design to the end of construction.
Tim, Steve and Jef talk more about:
- The “locus of control”
- How to address and correct the path of someone who is trending sideways
- How to efficiently communicate with different team members
- And more…
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Chris Stebnitz joins the show to discuss building a culture in a remodeling company and the impact it has on the client experience. Chris talks about how building trust with your employees can enhance the company culture. While building a culture is important, there are also ways you can destroy your company culture including gossip or being a demanding leader. Chris says if the business owner is the only way the company succeeds, you will never build a culture.
Chris Stebnitz is the owner of Stebnitz Builders located in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Chris is a Third-generation owner of Stebnitz Builders. He started as cheap labor for the family when he was in his teens. Chris then moved into sales in his 20s, marketing shortly thereafter and then focusing on sales management before purchasing the company in 2008 from his father and uncles.
Chris, Tim, and Steve talk more about:
- How Stebnitz Builders built a company culture
- Why trust is important for a company culture
- and more…
Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas rejoin the Tim Faller Show for a follow-up from their last episode, Design and Production: Can we really get along? In this episode, Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas join the show to discuss what happens once the job is started. They discuss challenges at the job site, whether it is unforeseen circumstances or supply chain delays. Candice and Morgan discuss how they resolve these challenges with the communication between the design and the production teams during the job.
Morgan Thomas started at Leff Design Build in Sonoma County, California 5 years ago as a project manager and was then promoted to her current role as the production department manager. She is excited and proud of her team’s input to the project’s budget, which she thinks has created an improved sense of ownership among her coworkers. Candice Rania is the pre-production manager at Leff Design Build and works closely with Morgan.
Tim, Steve, Morgan, and Candice talk more about:
- How the production team helps with client experience
- Connection between design and production during construction
- Limiting slippage
- Design’s impact on change orders
- And more…
In this episode that originally aired on April 26, 2021, Jason Willet talks to Tim and Steve about how keeping his team engaged throughout a problematic transition led to growth as a company.
Willet Construction did this through an event called “Vision Day,” where the goal was to get everyone to understand the transition’s how, what, when, where, and why. The event brought their team closer together, raised morale, and reinforced their company’s culture.
Jason is a partner at Willet Construction and now this thriving organization’s vice president. He assists in estimating and design in addition to being an exterior consultant.
Tim, Steve, and Jason talk more about:
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- How to create an agenda during a transition
- Utilizing team opinions
- Prioritizing goals
- And more…
On this episode of The Tim Faller Show, Mitch Gray joins the show for the second week to talk about culture and how you can improve your company’s culture. Mitch says that many employers don’t know how to vocalize culture, and employees don’t know how to connect with it. He defines a good culture as how we live, move, and exist within a family or company. When a company creates a good culture, the energy and synergy are palpable, thus creating a better workplace where employees are held accountable.
Mitch Gray is the owner of Mitch Gray Media in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mitch started the media company in 2015, and over the past 20 years, he has worked with and coached over 10,000 leaders and clients worldwide.
Tim, Steve, and Mitch talk more about
- Four questions to measure your culture
- Description of bad company culture and how to change it
- And more….
Mitch Gray joins the show to discuss hiring and keeping great people. He talks about the importance of understanding interpersonal relationships and getting intentional about finding people with passion, as passion feels energy. Understanding that everyone wants to feel valued, empowered, and a part of something larger than themselves, no matter what level of employee. This is core to the successful hiring and retention of great employees.
Mitch Gray is the founder of Mitch Gray Media, author of HOW TO HIRE AND KEEP GREAT PEOPLE, and host of The Mitch Gray Show. After spending over two decades leading teams as a business owner, manager, pastor, non-profit founder, and community organizer, Mitch developed a strong passion for leaders and employees. Mitch’s mission is to empower teams to perform and individuals to pursue their passion.
Mitch, Tim, and Steve discuss
- The challenges of recruiting the right employees
- How to convey passion to all levels of employees
- Tips to do a better job of hiring
- And more…
Click here to listen.
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Christine Miles joins the show to discuss how better listening skills lead to better communication. Christine explains why listening is so complicated and suggests some easy ways to listen better. She also highlights the importance of communication in creating trust between co-workers. Christine is an author, professional keynote speaker,...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve go solo to discuss production system shifts and the changing world of the lead carpenter and project manager. Tim talks about the most significant challenge facing the remodeling industry: increasing sales with the lack of skilled labor. The challenge comes from controlling growth with a limited...
On this episode of The Tim Faller Show, Candice Rania and Morgan Thomas join the show to answer the question: Can design and production get along? While the production and design teams have the same overall goal of completing a project that will delight their clients, they do it differently. Morgan and Candice talk about...
Jordan Smith joined the show to discuss partnering with another remodeling company to complete a job two hours outside his service area. He discusses the benefits, risks, and challenges associated with the job type and the steps he took to mitigate problems. Jordan and his wife Veronica started the Smith House Company four years ago...
Tim and Steve welcome Doug Horgan to the show to discuss the role of a lead carpenter. Doug talks about his responsibilities, including research, being an internal “help desk,” managing people internally and externally. He also manages scheduling and explains the meaning behind the saying “make ready planning” and why it’s essential for a lead...
Jesse DeBenedictis joins the Tim Faller show to talk about emotional intelligence. Jesse tells us his definition of emotional intelligence and how he, as a leader, uses it to better his business. He discusses how being self-aware is the most critical piece of emotional intelligence. He also talks about how having good emotional intelligence can...
Today on The Tim Faller Show, Aimee Cianfarani discusses how her company has made concierge services (a/k/a handyperson services) a successful part of the overall business. In this high-failure segment of the industry, Aimee and her team have overcome significant odds to find great success by applying a stragetic mindse like better understanding the target...
Today on the Tim Faller Show, we welcome guest John Vendafreddo to discuss time management. John talks about how to organize jobs based on importance or urgency, and how planning can help with time management. John also discusses how to handle in-office meetings while working on job sites. John finished the show by giving some...
Season 2 Starts With This Special Episode Recorded Live at The Remodelers Summit! Listen to this episode and get tips on creating an effective and highly functional relationship between company ownership and the production team. Clark Harris and Eric Bain of Innovative Construction discuss how they have built an open, trusting, and team-based relationship that...
Raise your hand if you are a salesperson… Maybe a few business owners raised their hands, but most likely, our production people and our Project managers, Lead carpenters, and Production managers all kept their hands down. Not so fast! In this episode, we step out of our comfort zone a little and talk about your...
In the interview process, actively listening is key. But how? And how do we change if we “really need someone”? Then, of course, there are all the other times that when we look back at a difficult situation, whether a client or an employee, we see all the signs of the challenge were there, but...
On our third episode, in March of 2018, we talked with Mike Barkhouse from Amsted Design Build about achieving “Zero Punch List” production. We heard from a few listeners about that episode, and the concept of Zero Punch List, so we wanted to revisit it. We are now evangelists pushing to see the term “Punch list”...
If you’ve ever wondered what you’d do differently when starting your remodeling business if you only knew then what you know now, you’re not alone. Tim and Steve do, too. In this episode, the guys talk about what they’ve learned in their time at Remodelers Advantage and from their podcast guests that they wish they...
Many remodelers, builders and business owners make resolutions or commitments to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and then they get caught up in the daily grind and it never happens. Another challenge for many companies we work with is attracting and hiring people, especially new people to the industry, and getting them trained to “do...
When we discuss the labor shortage, we are often talking about how to find or develop good talent. What we are now hearing from our Roundtables members is that they are finding people, getting them on the team, and then they fail. In many cases, these aren’t catastrophic failures, but slips in net profit or schedules...
Howard Prager joins the show to talk about how memorable leadership can help retain good employees, increase productivity and improve customer service. He outlines his VIP model of leadership, which is easy to apply, proven effective, and will help create a company with which customers will want to do business and employees will want to...
Join Tim and Steve as they talk to Morgan Thomas about her role as a production manager at Leff Design Build. Morgan discusses how she had to shift her focus from individual projects to looking at the business on a global level, and from solving problems herself to coaching others on how to solve them....
Selema Lawson-Jack joins the show and discusses how she found a technology fix to solve an inventory management issue, but was able to expand its capabilities to create efficiencies across the organization, and generate revenue at the same time. She talks about how Sortly, the affordable app she implemented, operates and how she was able...
Guest Ben Ranta joins the show to discuss his experiences with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the remodeling industry. Ben talks about how the AI software, Otter, is used for client meetings and how it helps his company, Forward Design Build be more effective in meeting client demands. He also discusses how he dealt with pushback...
Join Tim and Steve as they talk to Nicole Warren about embracing and increasing diversity in the trades, and in this case, with women. Tim makes the case that professionals in the remodeling industry must be more proactive in reaching across traditional boundaries in order to attract high preforming talent. Nicole is a great example...
Join Tim and Steve as they talk to Clark Harris, who recently implemented an unlimited vacation time policy at his company, to see how it is working. Although some might find this idea radical, it fits right into the strong culture that Clark has built within his company. He runs an open book organization, where...
In the interview process, actively listening is key. But how? And how do we change if we “really need someone”? Then, of course there are all the other times that when we look back at a difficult situation, whether a client or an employee, we see all the signs of challenge were there, but that...
Join us as we talk about women in construction with guest Nancy Meyer. Nancy talks about breaking through barriers and gender stereotypes in a male dominated field and the tips and tricks to succeed along the way. After joining Hudson Valley Preservation in 2018 as an office assistant, Nancy has added carpenter to the many...
Making multiple trips to the lumber yard for construction material is both disruptive to jobsite progress and very costly. By stopping all material runs your business can save thousands of dollars on labor, gas, vehicles and much more. Guest Paul Wurth is here to share how to stop making these unnecessary trips and save your...
What we say is a reflection of what we think, and as clinical counselors will tell you, what we think will dictate how we act. So, how we act will of course dictate success. Following this logic, words are very powerful factors in our success. But do we pay attention to those words? We tend...
In this episode we’ll cover learning in a digital age, and how training impacts the way we hire and train workers. Guest Jordan Smith shares the best ways to implement or build onto an existing training program to foster employee progress, career growth and the overall success of one’s organization. Jordan is the President and...
As listeners know, hosts Tim and Steve try to bring as many women on the show as possible in hopes of bringing new perspectives to the podcast. So, guest Mollie Elkman is with us today to discuss her book that promotes the idea to young girls that women are capable of anything they set their...
One of the consultants here at Remodelers Advantage specializes in company leadership development. So, we asked him to join us on the show to help us understand what leadership is and perhaps help start the shift from “how to manage people” to “how to lead people.” Wayne Ottum is a consultant, author and speaker dedicated...
We have done a number of episodes that are centered on the idea that we can look outside of our industry to bring in managers. We have also seen where some companies have found great success in hiring Project Managers from outside of the industry and training them in construction. So, we continue that thought...
Scheduling has been a challenge for everyone over the last few years. Scheduling individual jobs is a challenge by itself but adding the sales design process, the job set up, and then the job itself makes the challenge grow exponentially. Getting the sales design process scheduled is a growing trend in an effort to more...
Happy Women in Construction week! We welcome guest Emma Kraft to the show to learn about the struggles of bridging the gap in a male dominated field as both a woman, and a daughter. Emma Kraft is the Business Operations Manager at Kraft Custom Construction, Inc., located in Salem, Oregon. The company was started by...
Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry. Guest Bryan McLain of Sardone Construction is here to share the importance of hiring a dedicated estimator and the positive impacts it can have on a company and their customers. ...
Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry. We are starting off this new series with guest Chris Fox, the sales and design manager at Fox Home Innovations in Manhattan, Kansas. As the company’s Director of Design and...
It is always both exciting and refreshing to see companies tackle skills training head on by providing necessary programs for new talent. Guest Dave Myers joins us to talk about the training process he and his team use to set employees up for success. Dave is the Vice President and general manager of J. Francis...
Join guest Doug Panozzo as he helps us wrap up our 4-part series on Bonuses and Incentives. Doug shares the many facets of incentives and ways he has been successful in motivating his team. Doug is the production manager at Hogan Design and Construction and joined their team in 2017 after several years managing projects...
This is PART 3 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives. We welcome back guest Chris Peterson to hear his thoughts on bonuses and incentives as part of this 4-part series. Chris shares his perspective on bonus and incentive programs and aspects other than money that can serve as motivation for team members. ...
This is PART 2 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives. Eddie Casanave, Owner of Distinctive Remodeling in Raleigh, NC joins Tim and Steve to talk about the bonus and incentive program he and his team use. In business 1987, Eddie has seen and tried many different bonus plans, and they seemed to...
This is PART 1 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives. Financial incentives and bonuses are often how many companies attract and retain great talent. Guest Andrew Kerr of Landis Construction is here to share how bonus structures can potentially lead to increased motivation and involvement within a company. Andrew has been with...
As companies mature, the need for someone to take the production department off of the shoulders of the owner is inevitable. While having construction knowledge may be beneficial, we see that some of the best production managers come from a variety of backgrounds. Guest Ryan Truesdale shares his story about making the transition from a...
Since the start of the Tim Faller Show, about 170 episodes ago, one of the goals has been to highlight the role of women in this industry. Fast forward to today, we now have 5 dedicated, knowledgeable women in our production manager roundtable groups. In this episode, guest Jessica Bishop-Smyser talks about her role and...
In the last installment of this two part series, Host Tim Faller goes in depth about Pull Planning, and how he thinks it can change the way the residential remodeling world schedules projects. Instead of creating a schedule from start dates, the focus is centered around end dates, and guest Jack Miller is here to...
In this episode, Host Tim Faller shares a process called Pull Planning, and how he thinks it can change the way the residential remodeling world schedules projects. Instead of creating a schedule from start dates, the focus is centered around end dates, and guest Jack Miller is here to talk about how this technical tool...
The perception of job descriptions being tedious and sometimes unnecessary is a view that many of us fall victim to. Host Tim Faller sees this all too often and even notices that it is something that typically falls through the cracks of a business. Guest Jackie Shaw joins this episode to share the importance of job descriptions not only for the employee’s sake, but for the sake of the whole company.
In addition to being a long-standing Roundtables facilitator, Jackie is founder and principal consultant of Get Organized, whose mission is to increase the happiness in the world by helping business owners deal with accounting and administrative challenges. She is a nationally recognized presenter, consultant and QuickBooks Wizard.
Prior to founding Get Organized, Jackie was an HR Manager and Financial Controller in the corporate world. HR and employee relations are intricately intertwined with the financial success of companies so Jackie’s HR knowledge comes in handy on a regular basis.
Tim, Steve and Jackie talk more about:
- The purpose of job descriptions
- Legal examples of job descriptions
- Specifications based on a position
- And more…
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The post Ep.171: The Wonderful World of Job Descriptions with Jackie Shaw appeared first on The Tim Faller Show.
When working on remodeling projects, we often hear concerns from clients who say they were unaware of the plans. So, guest Aaron Goeke is here to share how to help your clients not only better understand the scope of the project, but also to believe in you as the expert. Aaron is the Production Manager...
Do you have a way to be sure that your clients understand the scope and plans of the services you offer? Simply asking for their signature on future plans does not necessarily guarantee that they understand what it is they are signing. Like many of the topics discussed on this show, there is no magic...
As many of you may know, Host Tim Faller facilitates Roundtables Peer Groups for Production Managers from successful remodeling companies, from all over the US & Canada. One of the hot topics in these groups is the need for skills training and development. Some are developing training departments within their own companies, with both in-person...
Without a doubt, hiring is a huge challenge in any field, but especially in design build and remodeling. A large aspect of that challenge is that instead of consistently working to improve the hiring process, teams often wait too long, and find themselves in a situation where a position needs to be filled immediately. Host...
People mysteriously up and leave without giving notice, and we are stuck with the issue of keeping and retaining that “good help.” From a manager’s perspective all was going so well, but still, there is something going on in the employee’s head that causes them to leave. In almost all cases, getting more money somewhere...
People mysteriously up and leave without giving notice, and we are stuck with the issue of keeping and retaining that “good help.” From a manager’s perspective all was going so well, but still, there is something going on in the employee’s head that causes them to leave. In almost all cases, getting more money somewhere...
In Part II of this series about sales for non sales people, tune in to hear about certain sales situations that you may find yourself in, and some possible solutions to those problems. In case you missed it, check out Part I first, where some general ideas are discussed, like why this topic is so...
Some see salespeople as shifty, crafty people that try to trick you into buying. So, how do we take steps towards reducing that stigma? In part one of this two-part series with guest Jeff Borovitz, listeners will learn about the general ideas as to why it is so important to embrace the field of sales,...
Employee review strikes fear into everyone’s hearts. Something has to change in the process of developing and figuring out how much someone is worth to a company, as well as a number of other aspects in the employee review process. This episode talks about a change in this process to ensure employee growth, and how...
Change can be very elusive. Podcasts, seminars, books, classes, webinars, virtual classes all give us great ideas for improving processes. But how many actually take root and become what we do as a regular habit or process? Maybe we just don’t know how to change, so we substitute other activities. In a recent training, guest...
In an earlier episode, we spoke to Charles Boucher of Neal’s Remodeling in Cincinnati, Ohio, and discussed his role coming from auto parts manufacturing, to remodeling. He mentioned that he and their former Production Manager, Kevin Dunn, were working on training plans for the field staff, and we knew we needed to get Kevin on...
With business booming and companies growing, one of the questions a lot of remodelers find themselves asking is, “Where can I find a good Production Manager?” It is hard to find people that can do this very difficult role, and this episode will continue to look at this role in a company and who may...
One of the biggest challenges for contractors, other than labor shortages, is the fact that many face the process of building a business in isolation and their experience is often graded as pass or fail. When they pass they are happy, but when they fail it causes many issues for them and the families that...
More and more companies are reaching that point in their development where they require a production manager. It is one of the toughest jobs out there, since it feels at times that their attention is needed from almost everyone. There are the trades, the employees, the client and of course, the boss. Companies have tried...
For people who own businesses in all kinds of industries, the interaction on the front line with the public and clients is often what builds a positive image and keeps those clients. In most cases, it even creates the referrals that many strive to achieve. Guest Mark Harari joins this episode to share how the...
One of the most important topics in our industry is the labor situation. A corollary is once we have good staff how do we keep them? There are many answers to that question but the one that pops up more frequently than others is to have a great culture. One thing is for sure you...
The Locus of Control is a concept that highlights one’s ability to control the outcomes and events in their lives. When applied in a business, The Locus of Control can increase productivity, and breed ownership and support. The Tim Faller Show welcomes back guest Jef Forward, to share his experiences surrounding the locus of control...
The hiring process is a big challenge for, well, all of us. One way to assist in this process is by having a good set of interview questions, and the skills to actively listen to the responses given. Without these tools, you may find yourself later on wondering how you missed red flags in an...
Do you struggle to maintain relationships with subcontractors and experience your projects not being handled with urgency or priority? If so, you haven’t built a team, you have built a contact list. Guest Daniel Carrero joins Tim and Steve to talk about how he has built a solid team with little turnover and kept tradesmen...
Handyman services are no stranger to the field of design and build, but very few of these companies are able to successfully incorporate a handyman team into their business. Schloegel Design Remodel saw a need for a handyman department and since its creation, it now has eleven team members all dedicated to handyman services. Guest...
While having a family-like culture is a well intended premise, it is oftentimes impractical. Companies may notice that one or two employees are intolerant of the family-like culture in place, and leave the “family” dysfunctional. Creating an environment where there is a structure that resembles a team, rather than a family, is a way to...
Many business owners and certainly production managers feel alone in their business at times, and want and or need some kind of external input. So, where do they turn? Trade associations provide some input but are typically limited to whatever the “topic of the evening” is. Remodelers Advantage President, Victoria Downing, saw this issue and...
Keeping your team engaged throughout the process of a transition is an opportunity to grow as a company. Willet Construction did this through an event called “Vision Day” where the goal was to get everyone to understand the how, what, when, where, and why of the transition. The event brought their team closer together, raised...
Training, training, training! Business owners, production managers and general managers often get caught in a position wondering how to do it all. So, we turned to a former guest and a member of our production manager roundtables, Ned Trimming, to share his efficient training process, which involves both current and new employees. Ned Trimming is...
As the remodeling and custom building industries struggle to find young, talented, hard-working talent to hire, business owners often miss out by not looking toward opportunities for minority hiring. Expanding the search for talent in otherwise overlooked groups of people can open up an entirely new group of prospects. Guest David Jacobs of Jobs for...
By all accounts, business is booming. Projects are being booked way in advance, and everything is roses and sunshine. Or is it? In this episode, guest Chris Bache joins Tim and Steve to discuss the “dark period” – the period of time after the sale is completed, the project is booked, and is on the...
Bridging the gap between new home construction and remodeling can seem pretty intense. There can be a lot of bias from each side about which is better or quite frankly, which is easier. Hearing the perspective of someone who has had experience from both sides can help both new home builders and remodelers understand the benefits...
The transition from client to employee, does it work? Meghan Haines joins Tim and Steve in this episode to talk about the dynamic from being a client to now an employee and why it may or may not work. Having the knowledge and experience of a client in the remodeling industry is helpful in the...
Building science has come a long way over the past several decades and with contributions from the industry’s finest experts, remodelers can learn how to deal with mold, moisture and all things ventilation. Moisture meters, vapor barriers, where does one begin? Guest Bill Lotz joins Tim and Steve to bring awareness to a subject that...
Being a woman in a field that is dominated by men presents its challenges. So, how do they do it? Isabella Battig joins Tim and Steve in this episode and talks about what it is like being a female trade contractor and some of the experiences she has had working in construction and remodeling. Isabella...
Raul Lopez is a Project Manager at Innovative Construction Inc. and manages all aspects of construction on multiple jobs from start to finish. Raul believes that only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. After 8 years working in the food industry as a General Manager, he...
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular and is being seen in more and more new, and existing construction. The cost of it is coming down and the government is taking steps make it more affordable, therefore making it more appealing to property owners. Dana Weinberg, Sales and Finance Director of Sunwatt Solar, joins Tim and...
We have addressed the remodeler/trade contractor relationship in past episode; one from a Production Manager and the other from an on-site Project Manager, but both from the remodeler’s perspective. Learning a different point of view of who you’re working with is crucial to running a smooth business and a lot of remodelers could benefit from...
We have done a number of podcasts on work force development. We have spoken with contractors, vocational school teachers, and trade associations like NARI about the topic that is so important to the future of our industry. In this episode, we are expanding by talking to a Career Advisor who works in the guidance department...
While the pandemic situation, we’ve been dealing with for almost a year, has led us to one obstacle after another, it has also opened up the production side of the business to a variety of tech tools we haven’t thought of using until we were forced to. 3D imaging is one of those tools that...
On our third episode, back in March of 2018, we talked with Mike Barkhouse from Amsted Design Build about achieving “Zero Punch List” production. We heard from a few listeners about that episode, and the concept of Zero Punch List, so we wanted to revisit it and we are now evangelists in pushing to see...
Have you ever gone through an entire job thinking that the client was delighted with your work and then discovered afterward that they liked most of it, BUT…. (you fill in the blank). So, the question remains, how do you ensure customer satisfaction or, as some call it, creating “Raving Fans?” There is no better...
The production professionals that we work with in our Roundtables Peer Group Program for Production Managers are creatively solving problems and finding new ways to manage jobs. Whether it is motivating their teams, finding new way to drive profit or measuring dollars with a new metric, sometimes we just hear about a cool idea. During...
We have discussed the concepts of LEAN process improvement in several past episodes. In episode 47 we had our own Director of Consulting, Doug Howard, join us to introduce the LEAN System and we have referred to the various concepts of LEAN in others. Over the past few years, Doug has worked with remodelers and...
In shifting and changing roles within an organization, there are many paths we could take to get to the destination we desire. This is also true for implementing Project Management systems. The 3 most commonly used these days are The Lead Carpenter system, the Project Manager system, and then a hybrid of these two. What...
There are many things that can destroy a company. Recession, pandemics, and yes, even growth; especially, if the growth occurs with no planning or control. In the past few years, our economy, and our industry, have grown significantly, and many companies have struggled to keep up. Growth is usually controlled by the amount that a...
The Runs! Most of us think of two situations. There is an unfortunate personal issue, which is not good. And then there are “the runs” from the job site to the store or lumberyard to pick up $10 worth of stuff. Both scenarios are bad, but the latter will quickly eat away at your job...
When we discuss the labor shortage, we are often talking about how to find or develop good talent. What we are now hearing from our Roundtables members is that they are finding people, getting them on the team, and then they fail. In many cases, these aren’t catastrophic failures, but slips in Net Profit or...
In episode 177 Marion Faller joined us to discuss dealing with the stress that we are currently seeing in the industry, specifically in the production departments. In Tim’s Production Manager Roundtable groups, he is hearing about it and seeing the symptoms that Marion described in her conversation with us. We are facing the “perfect storm”...
Some remodelers want to stay small… just do the work themselves, avoid the challenges that managing a team can bring and just “build things.” However, there are those that embrace the challenge of building their companies, wear all the hats, and make the transition from Carpenter to Business Owner successfully. In episode 119, we spoke...
We have heard contractors say, “This would be a great business if it weren’t for the people!” Many remodelers get into the business to build and create… the unfortunate reality is that they can’t build things without people…yet! One big challenge owners and managers face is the annual employee review. It seems ineffective at creating...
How the concept of “green remodeling” has evolved over time and what, if anything, does it mean today? In this episode, Tim and Steve discuss the green movement, where it has been, where it is going, and a little about being involved. To dive further in we welcome Paul Eldrenkamp – Founder and Project Manager...
Many remodelers, builders and business owners make resolutions or commitments to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and then they get caught up in the daily grind and it never happens. Or, they take the time and energy to create them and they sit, unused, in a binder on a shelf. Another challenge for many companies...
Remodeling companies and builders are now selling virtually, saving time and labor. Business owners and sales teams are finding new and unique ways to reach their audiences and secure contracts for projects and we’ve heard from some R/A Roundtables members that are now booking projects into 2022. Our guest today has taken it a step...
In this episode, Tim and Steve are talking about code… yes, the building code. Who gets excited about the building code? One of the most common thoughts is that it makes it hard for a contractor to make money, however another thought is, it sets a low bar and as professionals, we should all be...
In Episode 87, back in January, we spoke with John Murphy about the devastating fire that ripped through his cabinet shop and office and the process they were using to rebuild, literally from the ashes. And, of course, soon after we spoke, COVID hit and they were faced with yet another obstacle… however John’s company...
Today’s topic came from a subscriber who contacted Tim asking about making the transition from a single owner-operator to building a team and assuming the role of “Boss.” Some remodelers just want to do the work themselves and stay small. They enjoy wearing all the “hats,” resigning themselves to the fact that they don’t have...
In this episode, we take a look at what it takes to be a good boss from an employee’s perspective, but also from the supervisor side as well, as both of our guests have risen through the ranks to become leaders of their respective businesses. Our first guest, Aaron Enfinger, came up through the ranks...
We are well into the Covid crisis of 2020 and we are starting to hear of people struggling with the stress. We also see business owners and production leaders that are working like crazy to handle the surge of business, catch up or even to just make it all work. Our guest today is someone...
In the last episode, we talked about the importance of Daily planning with Billy Andrews from Schloegel Design Remodel. In this episode, we take another step by talking more about how to approach planning and orchestration for larger, more extensive remodeling projects. This topic of planning actually came from one of our subscribers, so keep...
As you have likely heard us request ideas for show topics and guests, we are happy to deliver with this episode, focusing on the importance of daily planning. This topic can be slightly different depending on the size of the project; this episode is focused on regular sized projects and we will cover planning for...
We have covered the challenges associated with labor shortage on this show and we have probably had more than ten guests that are directly associated with solving the issue and increasing the awareness and opportunity in the Skilled trades. We have included many guests who are getting involved by putting together programs and initiatives, and...
Finding and keeping good “help” can make or break your remodeling business. As a business owner you can recruit and interview candidates, maybe even hire one you think will be a superstar, and 2 weeks later you realize that not only are they a bad “fit,” they are destroying the chemistry and dynamic of your...
In this episode, we continue to explore outside of the production world, but touch on areas of the business that affect what we do every day. Remodeling sales is typically handled by the business owner, or perhaps a sales team if the company is large enough. What if we got others involved in the sales...
As we continue to explore ways to overcome the labor shortage, that plagues so many remodelers and builders in our industry, we found that so many overlook one of the largest untapped labor pools out there… women working in construction. Women make up a small percentage of the construction workforce and most are in office-based...
Energy, and more specifically energy efficiency, has been a critical issue for building and remodeling since the late 80’s and 90’s when the attention seemed focused on window size and glazing. Fast-forward to today where the discussion has advanced to green energy, solar and thousands of products focused on energy conservation and efficiency. An important...
The skilled labor shortage is a challenge we hear far too often about in our industry. In many cases we have asked “What are you doing about it?” and for many, it has been very little. It’s tough for business owners to take this on themselves because of the finances and resources needed to tackle...
Raise your hand if you are a salesperson… Maybe a few business owners raised their hands, but most likely our production people and our Project managers, Lead carpenters, and Production managers all kept their hands down. Not so fast! In this episode, we step out of our comfort zone a little and talk about the...
For a remodeling or general contracting firm, having trusted trade partners is critical. Often they can be the key to a successful project and overall experience for your clients. Over the years, we have worked with several remodelers who have considered having a service, like plumbing and electric, as part of their service offering, to...
We usually focus on production issues like getting good help, working with trade contractors, change orders, etc. In this episode, we change things up and tackle a more general business topic, running debt-free. We are fortunate enough to have a returning guest join us for this discussion. Wally Staples was on Episode 72, talking about...
For the last decade (pre-COVID), the demand and lack of skilled labor may have slowed production and increased housing costs more than any other factor. This condition is not new to the U.S. housing industry; the nation faced similar conditions at the founding of the country, and the evolution of the U.S. education system and...
Meeting the growing need for a qualified workforce in the remodeling and home building industries has evolved into seeing the ideal worker as coming from a range of backgrounds but with a common interest. In this episode, Tim and Steve welcome Home Builders Institute (HBI) President and CEO, Ed Brady, who explains the breadth of...
In this episode of the Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve explore some of the more technical aspects of the remodeling and building industries. In this case, we take a closer look at moisture control and bring in an industry veteran and well-known speaker, Bill Robinson out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Bill is a nationally...
In this episode, Tim and Steve cover the Customer Experience. Creating a positive feeling in your clients can not only make the project successful but more importantly, leads to referrals which we all know is the “lifeblood” for any successful remodeler. No one knows the concept of Client Experience tracking more than our friends at...
In this episode, we talk about mistakes. Not technical mistakes like forgetting to shim a heavy door, but the mistakes that cost remodelers and renovators in other ways. Our guest was recommended to us from an avid listener in British Columbia who heard him speak at a conference. His topic was avoiding costly mistakes in...
Congratulations on Reaching 100 Episodes! To celebrate this milestone, we’re changing up the format, turning the tables and featuring our Host, Tim Faller! In this episode of the Tim Faller Show, Steve interviews his co-host and explores Tim’s background as a lead carpenter, business owner and his transition to a trusted advisor and sought-after industry...
As he’s stated many times, Tim wants to see punch lists eliminated completely. The punch list can be an invitation for clients to find fault for remodelers. In new home building, there’s a part of the budget set aside to take care of the punch list. It can be a drain on profits. Usually. Derek...
Editor’s note: We’re all working remotely, away from the podcasting studio, so we’ve dug into the virtual vault to bring you this episode. With so many projects on hold due to Covid-19 emergency orders, take some time to get your systems and processes ready for better days. Developing a system that makes your kitchen and...
Training to help move team members up the ladder is important to any remodeling company and its ability to move fast and make money. Chris Peterson has seen the importance of training from his first days in the field as a carpenter through to his present leadership position. He says it’s a concrete way to...
If you’ve ever had to deal with legal action in your remodeling business, you know it can be a nightmare. The best thing you can do is to keep you and your projects out of the legal system. Dennis Dixon has used his experience as an expert witness and investigator to help business owners understand...
Today’s guest believes that training tradespeople is an overlooked part of solving the labor crisis the remodeling and construction industries continue to face. Ian Schwandt says that lead carpenters are in the best position to have a positive effect on the development of young tradespeople. As a lead carpenter, he practices what he preaches. In...
One thing Tim hears frequently in his travels and consulting with remodelers is the desire for fewer layers of management, replaced by more leadership. One of the best places to learn and develop leadership skills is the U.S. Armed Forces. Cody Ross served in the U.S. Marine Corps. from April 2005 – December 2014 as...
We talk a great deal about ways to beat the labor shortage, including the importance of training and education in keeping good employees. We’ve also discussed how to promote the trades as an attractive career choice. There’s a third component — finding the right people. And that may mean changing your thinking about what, or...
We’ve discussed adapting commercial construction systems and applications for use in the residential world. Implementing them is often met with resistance — but there are definitely processes that work well and add value. Requests for Information are standard in the commercial construction world, but aren’t widely used in residential remodeling. In this episode, Jason Brookshire...
Just because you’ve never been visited or cited by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration doesn’t mean you’re following safe business practices. Even if you or no one on your crew has been injured, it doesn’t necessarily mean your job sites are safe — you might just be lucky. Most OSHA standards apply to the...
Between 1950 and 2010, the use of the term “company culture” has doubled — Tim looked it up. But for a lot of people, it’s still a bit of a mystery. You hear about having a good culture, but it can be hard to quantify. Often, remodeling companies can have a great culture in the...
Money isn’t the only way to motivate your team, but profit sharing can boost morale, productivity, and help attract and keep good production employees. Profit sharing can be engineered into the budget so there will be funds to distribute. As long as you hit the gross-profit margin, you can set up profit sharing, says Shawn...
The remodeling and construction industries are dominated by men. Even such necessary things as safety equipment are a bad fit for the few women who are working on the production side in residential remodeling or construction. But things are slowly changing. More women are showing up on job sites, and working in production and operations...
We all occasionally think about the worst that could happen, like a disaster befalling your business or family. The kinds of thoughts that creep into your brain in the wee hours of the morning, that prompt you to think about how you might handle it. Luckily, for most of us, those imagined catastrophes never materialize....
If you’ve ever wondered what you’d do differently when starting your remodeling business if you only knew then what you know now, you’re not alone. Tim and Steve do, too. In this episode, the guys talk about what they’ve learned in their time at Remodelers Advantage and from their podcast guests that they wish they...
We’re looking back at some of our most powerful episodes as we end the year. This episode takes a positive and proactive look at solving the skills gap in the remodeling industry. Richard Laughlin is taking a grass-roots approach in his small Texas town, with a trade-school program that’s beginning to spread across the state. ...
There can be a bit of a disconnect between folks working in residential and those in commercial construction, and a way of thinking that they’re just completely different. But there are ideas and methods of production that can be used successfully in both. Steve Tankersley is a third-generation builder whose earliest memories are of being...
If you’re getting to your final walk-through and finding work that’s not done, or not done right, your schedule gets fouled up and your budget is busted. To tie up all the loose ends before they can cost you more time and money, you’ve got to be a step or two ahead of the problems....
Many problems plaguing production departments end up costing time and money. While it’s clear that there are issues, many remodeling companies can’t pinpoint the causes. One way to find out what’s really going on is to establish Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs. KPIs allow you to measure how well your production process works. But what...
Today we’re tackling what can be a simple topic, but some remodeling companies are still struggling with daily job logs. Technology has made this task so much easier to accomplish and to store. In this episode, Jason Stearns talks with Tim and Steve about what to capture in a daily log, how to get your...
We talk about working with trade partners and subcontractors a lot around here. It can be a complicated and challenging relationship — too often it’s like you can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them. Part of any relationship is change, and adjusting to those changes to keep it fresh and healthy. To...
It’s a common challenge Tim finds in his consulting work with remodelers — how difficult it is to accurately estimate your remodeling company’s own work, to bring jobs in on time and budget. The difference can cause friction between estimators and those in the field, and cost you money. In this episode, Ryan Beaber talks...
To make the remodeling business work, there are a few musts — you have to be efficient, you have to have a competitive edge, and a good work-life balance. Tim Welsh’s company does it in four days a week — at least in the field. In this episode, Tim discusses the four-day work week with...
The skills gap is real, but when we all talk about it, it often takes a negative turn. It seems like it’s always a complaint, with nobody taking any real action to solve it. Richard Laughlin is the exception, and is taking a grass-roots approach in his small town in Texas that’s already growing in...
Restoring a home after a catastrophe like a fire or flood is fairly specialized, not something most remodeling companies do. There are different challenges, like dealing with insurance companies and payouts, so these companies have different perspectives on production. Mike Carey has worked in insurance restoration for 25 years, as well as doing residential remodeling...
Finding good employees and managers can be difficult — there just aren’t that many qualified workers out there. Hiring somebody young without much training is an investment, but it can pay off in the long run. If you find the right person. Ryan Murphy is one of those people. He didn’t know anything about construction...
Any remodeling involving a historic building is complicated. You never know exactly what you’ll find hidden and what will have to be replaced. Period details have to be replicated, material that would be tossed out in a standard remodel must be saved, and old-world techniques like window glazing must be done. If the local historical...
We’re big advocates of getting young people into the building trades. Getting kids and their parents to understand that working in remodeling and construction can provide a great career is the first step. Stuart Feldt has an internship program for high school students at his company, giving them hands-on experience during their summer vacations. In...
While driving through Maine earlier this year, Tim started wondering how a client of his there deals with the labor shortage in his small town. So he called and asked, and found out that while there are different challenges, what he does to attract and retain his people can be done in any size labor...
When remodeling companies start up, typically the owner is working in the field, making sales, estimating, and doing almost everything else to run the business. There comes a tipping point as the company grows, and one person can’t do it all. That’s where the lead carpenter system comes in. Transitioning to that system has its...
When you work in a remote area, where your materials are shipped on barges to small islands, and a quick lumber yard run just isn’t possible, everything just takes longer. So having all the details planned ahead is crucial, says Ben Reynolds. In this episode, Ben talks to Tim and Steve about the challenges of...
Making sure you can hit your monthly revenue goals is key to a healthy bottom line. First, there has to be a plan and intention to hit those marks. In this episode, Aaron Enfinger tells Tim and Steve about setting revenue and production goals, how to hit them, and why it helps prevent cash-flow problems....
While you’re trying to please your clients, hit your schedules and margins, and juggle everything else, you can use all the help you can get. One way to bring in some assistance is by reaching out to your product manufacturers. In this episode, Aaron Wingert discusses the benefits of having a relationship with your manufacturers...
For many, caring for other people is just part of our world view — whether you give to charity through your church, through private donations, or through other methods like sponsored bike rides or other fundraisers. But if you haven’t considered involving your business, you should. Russell Fuller’s first foray into giving to charity was...
Most remodeling companies are small businesses with simple structures, and team building can be difficult. Imagine the challenges of building a real team with more than 70 people in the field and an almost equal number working in the office. In this episode, Bruce Case talks to Tim and Steve about what it takes to...
Experience is one of the best teachers — and today’s guest has the kind of experience that will make your production processes work better in every way. His success in the remodeling industry didn’t come easily, he adapted and changed how he and his company worked to make it happen. In this episode, Paul Winans,...
The things on a job site that cost extra time and money could be cut down, if not eliminated, through careful, detailed planning. That’s where the job site look ahead makes a huge difference. Lumber yard runs, selections that haven’t been made, and just about anything else that comes up can be identified if you’re...
Developing a system that makes your kitchen and bath jobs more profitable has to include getting those all-important selections done early in the process — before the job even starts. Tim does a session on this, and it’s based on what he learned from Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath, in Warwick, RI. In this episode,...
Hitting a schedule every time in construction is possible if you pay proper attention to planning and have a purposeful attitude. In this episode, April Bettinger joins Tim and Steve to talk about the best practices and the common pitfalls to avoid when creating and managing an on-time project that ends with delighted clients. April...
There have been a lot of changes in the remodeling industry — technological advances, new products and materials, building requirements, the labor shortage. But some things remain the same — you’re still pouring foundations, shingling roofs, driving nails, and working with clients. In this episode, David Gerstel talks about the changes he’s seen over the...
The handoff, turnover, passing the baton — or whatever you call it in your company — is a critical step in production. Having a well-planned, tight, organized system in place is key to a smooth-running project that ends with a happy client and healthy bottom line. As you grow, it becomes even more important —...
“Going green” has been a part of the remodeling and building industries for a while. But much of the eco-conscious activity has been reactive. There’s real movement now to be proactive, and that’s especially true in the energy industry. It’s undergoing a massive disruption — and that has big implications for remodelers and builders. In...
Building codes and inspection systems can vary greatly from one place to another, but every remodeler has some experience with inspections — good or bad. In this episode, we get the other side of the story, from a former inspector. Aaron Wingert joins Tim and Steve to talk about how important it is to establish...
Problems in Production can be hard to fix — even identifying chronic mistakes and hurdles takes time. Too often, remodelers stop there, shrug, and say, “it is what it is.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Checklists are a great tool to use in the next step, when you solve the problems and prevent...
Remodelers and custom-home builders are used to being on a job site, building from the outside in, whatever the weather. Modular or prefab homes are built in a controlled factory environment, from the inside out, and have made strides in quality, architectural complexity, and production processes. In this episode, David Cooper talks to Tim and...
It can take one stroke of bad luck to take a remodeling business’s leader suddenly out of the picture — either temporarily or permanently. The repercussions can be wide and economically traumatic if the remaining team can’t pull together and keep the business running. When Rosie Romero, the owner (and primary salesperson) of Rosie On...
We’re once again talking about the labor crisis in the remodeling industry, but from a different angle. Developing an environment that will keep the employees you have, and help them grow in their roles, will help your company prosper. In this episode, John Sylvestre talks to Tim and Steve about how he’s created a company...
Of all the things you have in your marketing toolbox — your website, email and direct mail, or social media — there’s one you may have overlooked. Positioning your Production team to be aware of sales and marketing can be an overlooked marketing strategy, and also help align the office and field teams. In this...
We’ve talked about getting your Production team engaged in refining your systems and processes by encouraging them to make decisions and look for problems. But have you considered involving Production in the Design process? In this episode, Michael Sauri talks about how and why he did just that with Tim and Steve. Through this...
We’ve talked about trade schools and skills training, but today we focus on what you can learn at trade events. Attending and sending your team can broaden everyone’s skill sets and knowledge bases. In this episode, Lauren Moore discusses what goes on behind the scenes at shows and events with Tim and Steve, why you...
Estimating accurately is critical to the success of any remodeling business. As you grow your business or hand off estimating to an employee, having the right system in place is paramount. It can feel like an overwhelming decision — there’s so much software available. The wrong decision will cost you lost revenue, but even worse...
For many people, the actual building of the project is what Production is all about. Looking at the bigger picture, Production has a great deal of responsibility to keep profit up. Production is a huge contributor to the financial health of the company. It’s about the numbers — but what numbers are critical for the...
Client satisfaction is a huge component of making any business successful. Remodeling has an extra personal factor — your team and your subs are in a client’s home every day. Most of the time, the homeowners are living in and around your job site. Understanding their experiences, asking questions about what they really need, and...
Today we’re talking about LEAN in Production. Doug Howard has been helping remodeling companies see how they can make their processes better, cut wasted effort, and streamline their systems for better profits. In this episode, Doug talks to Tim and Steve about what it can do for your company — especially in Production. Doug Howard,...
There are many different ways to work with architects in the remodeling industry, whether you’re working in the design/build model or as a builder using plans developed outside your company. Regardless of the work model, most remodelers agree the architectural plans they get at the beginning of the production process are only half done. So communication...
Technical education at the high school level seems to be fading, but it’s growing at the college level. There are more programs turning out skilled workers that can start producing for home remodeling and construction companies on Day One. In this episode, Paul Lewandowski of Fox Valley Technical College talks to Tim and Steve about...
Television is full of construction and remodeling shows, but we all know many of them leave false impressions of how fast and easy the process can be. But the pioneering program This Old House still shows viewers how complicated it can be. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the program, and they’re tackling a...
A good job autopsy can lay the foundation for better processes and more profits for your company. But you have to do it right. Some companies use them like a club, which leads to finger-pointing and the blame game. Some owners just brood over the numbers and do nothing. But the numbers tell the story,...
With growth comes a need to hire a Production Manager — someone responsible for the entire department. It can be a difficult transition to move a Production Manager or Lead Carpenter up into that role. It’s about managing a department and the people, and it’s much more complex than running a job. Your company may...
We hear it all the time — you can’t find good help anywhere. But finding new employees is necessary for growth. You have to add staff, and keep them — not just in your company, but in the industry. We have to step up in a big way when it comes to offering employees reasons...
As the old saying goes, to truly understand someone else’s situation, you have to walk a mile in their shoes. In our case, it’s more like work all day in their OSHA-approved work boots, but the intention is the same. There’s always at least two points of view in any interaction. Running a small business...
Meeting client expectations and getting jobs done profitably greatly depends on hitting your schedule. Cloud-based software makes it simpler to set up a schedule, but you still have to get your staff, Trade Partners and other Subs to understand and follow through on those plans. In this episode, Keith Blose talks scheduling with Tim and...
When you’re managing a project, you need your Trade Partners and Subcontractors to work with you, not against you. That means you need to build strong relationships and make them feel like they’re all part of the same team. The three main things to help that along, says John Vendafreddo, is to do your research...
Although wages and benefits are rising faster in the remodeling industry than in others, the labor shortage remains an ongoing problem. Good talent is hard to find. Many companies are poaching production staff from other firms to solve their problems. In this episode, Erika Taylor talks to Tim and Steve about the issue, why it...
Remodeling solutions that make people more comfortable in their homes, while saving energy, are becoming more important to remodelers and homeowners. Researchers and specialists are diving into this, and manufacturers are creating new products that will achieve those goals. But it’s still not simple. You have to look at the building itself — not just...
As the labor shortage drags on, and may even be getting tighter, getting the word out about open positions in your remodeling company is more important than ever. Your recruiting effort is really a marketing function. In this episode, Jack Jostes drops by to talk with Tim and Steve about going beyond the help-wanted ad...
You need to take time at the start of a job to plan so you can keep to a job’s schedule and the budget. But the Production department almost always feels like they’re under the gun at the start and just want to get to work. Even with a schedule, something unexpected almost always happens...
A full week where no production, no work on projects at all, might seem like any remodeling company’s nightmare — the kind that wakes you in the middle of the night. For one company, though, it’s a reality that’s worked like a dream. In this episode, Dave Domenichini explains the hows, whys, and benefits of building...
Skills training is a hot topic, but too few companies are doing anything more than discussing it. The industry can no longer count on anyone else to do the basic training for trade skills, those in the remodeling business need to do it to help solve our labor shortage. There’s also a fear of training...
We’re taking a stroll down memory lane, to pick our Top 10 moments from our first 30 episodes. These episodes discuss the big ideas that can really change your company and how you do business. Every time we talk to a guest, we come away with something new. Although we look at Production, our biggest...
Systems aren’t just for manufacturing or assembling a fast-food burger. There are tasks remodeling companies do every day, week, and month on every job. As your company grows, building systems into your business and production processes to standardize this work is a necessary step to avoid total chaos and wasted time. In this episode, Brad...
Accidents happen on the job, and luckily most are relatively minor — cuts, bruises, maybe stitches — but they can be more serious. Then everyone tightens up and pays attention, but that attention tends to fade. Getting jobs done once again becomes the focus, with maybe a few thoughts toward what could have happened. But...
Hiring and retention are big issues everywhere. As much as we talk about salary and bonuses, the way to get workers to stick around isn’t always about money. It’s more about the culture of your business, and the way you treat your employees from day one. You need to give people a vision for what...
The term “trade partners” is beginning to replace subcontractor, and it’s a growing concept in the remodeling industry. It redefines the relationship, too, putting it on an even playing field. But it’s more than just a term, and Cory Fields says they’re separate roles. A trade partnership is like a marriage, based on trust and...
One of the biggest factors in creating success as a remodeling company is keeping clients happy, and a big part of that is how you manage your jobs. Keeping a pulse on the emotional well-being of your clients with weekly meetings keeps the client on your team, while you manage the job. Pete Carey drops...
If you’ve been in remodeling for any length of time, you’ve probably wished you could fire a nightmare client on a bad job. But you don’t, because you’ll lose money, risk your good reputation, and you’ve got a contract. Jackie Stezik has done it four times — always for the good of her employees. In...
There are so many people involved in remodeling projects, with different skillsets and specialities and personalities. On the construction team, there’s often misunderstanding or frustration with designers and architects. Great designers have innate talents and abilities, great craftsman do too. Everyone brings a significant piece to a successful project. The key, as it is so...
There’s a traditional divide between Sales and Production. It’s always a challenge — they have different goals, processes, and personalities. Typically, Production is left out of the conversation when it comes to scope creep, leading to delays and change orders during construction — and disgruntled clients. Will Giesey and his team are changing that situation...
It’s a constant conundrum — how to motivate your people. Bonuses and incentives can work, but you have to structure them in a way that speaks to something more meaningful than just extra cash in pocket. Many business owners have tried, many have failed, and some have just given up. If you fall into the...
It’s a challenge to hire the right people for the right jobs. Finding a Production Manager is especially difficult — so many remodeling business owners think about moving a Lead Carpenter into that role. It often doesn’t work out, though, because the management skills needed for each job are vastly different. Ray Hornsby drops by...
In any business, you need to pay attention to your cash flow — in the remodeling business, it’s even more complicated. Your Production Managers and Project Managers can play a big part in keeping you on the positive side of the equation. Unfortunately, a lot of business owners don’t share financial information with their teams....
The labor crunch is real — and it’s getting even harder to hire great employees. But with an intentional training program in place, you can create greatness. Mason Gatto joins Tim and Steve in this episode to talk training — specifically about his approach to training Project Managers, but the same ideas apply when teaching...
We talk to many guests whose remodeling companies employ the Project Manager or Lead Carpenter systems with sub-contractors. Today, we’re looking at a production operation with 31 full-time employees — including in an in-house millwork shop. In episode 18, Nick Beasley explains the ins and outs of having — and retaining — such a large...
Technology is increasingly critical on every job — in the office, on job sites, at client meetings, or on the road. It’s also a way to attract and keep younger workers. But there’s a confusing array of programs and apps, and it’s hard to know what works. Joe Weber joins Tim and Steve in this...
Numbers don’t lie in business, but if you’re relying on week-old numbers, you’re not getting a true picture of what your job is costing. You can’t make informed decisions. Knowing how your costs compare to your budget in real time lets you control your projects better. “If you don’t know today that you’re over budget,...
No matter how meticulously a job is planned, change orders are inevitable. They can either cost you or make money — the good news is, you get to choose! In Episode 15, Tim and Steve learn how to make the profitable choice by putting the right systems and communication channels in place from Brad Hogan...
It’s been a man’s world for a long time in Production — and home remodeling and construction in general. Change is coming, though. Hiring women for construction and Production jobs makes good business sense, especially with the labor shortage affecting our industry. In this episode, Tim and Steve talk to Kendal Lenton-Cooney about how to...
You don’t need a crystal ball to look into the future for your Production Department. A master schedule can give you a predictable look at what’s to come, backed up by solid data. In Episode 13, Tim and Steve get insight from Aaron Enfinger, General Manager of The Cleary Company. Aaron joined the Columbus, Ohio, design/build remodeling company as a...
The industry-wide squeeze on labor demand has led to remodeling business owners turning their focus outside of their specific areas of construction to grow their teams. Home building, commercial construction and specialties such as roofing, framing and even landscaping have been looked at as fertile ground for finding that next great team member, or even...
Tim has been an evangelist for the Lead Carpenter System for almost 30 years and speaks on the subject extensively as he tours the US and Canada. As emerging remodelers grow quickly and transition from one truck, one job and limited crew to multiple jobs happening all at once, the Lead Carpenter System meets the...
It’s always great when you can get industry veterans together for a chat… and in Episode 10 we get a chance to visit with an experienced writer, editor and thought-leader in Sal Alfano. After almost 40 years in the business, Sal’s insights into what he hears from remodelers and home builders across the country, coupled...
If you are in the home building or remodeling industries you are more than familiar with the number one issue facing companies who are looking to grow their respective businesses… Finding Good Help. By that, we mean filling the estimated 6.5 – 7 million jobs that currently go un-filled because there are not enough skilled...
Acquiring and maintaining an inventory of tools can be a critical measure in the early and ongoing success of a remodeling company. Many in the production side of the business feel the need to have the “latest and greatest,” while others appreciate their original set of tools and stick with what works best for them....
As remodeling projects transition from the sales and design phase into actual production, an effective pre-construction meeting can either make or break your chances of a successful client experience. Pre-construction meetings, if run correctly, allow you to establish a relationship with the client; setting clear expectations, roles and responsibilities, setting milestone dates, communication contacts… and...
When it comes to structuring your production team and process, there are many ways to go. Show host Tim Faller has always been a proponent and evangelist for the Lead Carpenter system, however acknowledges the need for a more refined system as a company grows and the number of projects begins to overwhelm the system....
In Episode 5, Tim and Steve take a closer look at ways to motivate your team to help implement positive change within your organization. One way, that is discussed at length on this episode, is to introduce and hold mini-games or contests for your team. We’re not talking about a three-legged race out in the...
Production meetings can either be an effective way to build communication between departments and drive profit OR they can become a complete waste of time. You may have experienced the latter; once a week the team comes into the office, arriving late, sitting in the same spots, not interacting or contributing and the meeting leader...
Imagine buying a car from an auto dealer and as you pick up the car, the salesman hands you a role of blue tape, and asks you to look over the car and identify anything you want fixed before you drive it home… Sound familiar? We might be the only industry that sets this expectation...
We are off to a great start and we love hearing such positive feedback from our associates in the industry as well as new friends we’ve made by putting The Tim Faller Show out there. In episode 2, Tim and Steve cover the Lead Carpenter System, specifically being used in the Kitchen & Bath segment...
We’re excited to bring you the first episode of The Tim Faller Show. Our podcast dedicated entirely to the production side of the remodeling industry. Tim and his co-host Steve Wheeler, will be bringing you weekly interviews with elite production managers, lead carpenters and industry experts. Tim and Steve jump right into a great first...
A podcast dedicated entirely to the production department of a remodeling company? That’s right! And who better to lead the venture than the industry’s leading authority on production: Tim Faller. Tim, along with his co-host Steve Wheeler, will be bringing you weekly interviews with elite production managers, lead carpenters and industry experts. As a prelude...