Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. Throughout this episode, Andy reveals the real data behind how APB's Elite Mentoring clients performed in 2025, and breaks down the practical lessons every building company owner can take from the industry's highest performers and apply to their own business.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 229 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The key Elite Mentoring difference
• How Elite clients are increasing revenue by ~40%
• Why doing less work is the key to scaling profitability
• How Elite clients improved their quality of life, relationships, and physical health alongside their business results
• What the pathway looks like to join Elite Mentoring in 2026
• And much, much more.

ABOUT ANDY SKARDA

Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/

TIMELINE

• 4:02 What mentoring really means for builders
• 10:31 The client who refused to work Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 16:50 What well-led building companies actually look like
• 20:08 Contract value Up 36.2%
• 23:47 You can make more money by doing less work
• 38:40 The quality of life results that go beyond the business metrics

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Rob Swanson, Director of Swanson Constructions. Throughout this episode, Rob shares his journey from carpentry apprentice to award-winning renovation builder, revealing how he transformed his business from a stressful, inconsistent operation into a systemised, profitable company with strong marketing, solid financial management and genuine work-life balance.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 228 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Rob’s journey from apprentice to specialist
• Why fixed price contracts work in renovations
• How detailed prelims reduce risk and protect profit
• The health wake-up call that forced major change
• How systems, CRM and marketing created consistent lead flow
• Why Google Ads outperformed word-of-mouth alone
• And much, much more.

ABOUT ROB SWANSON

Rob Swanson is the founder of Swanson Constructions, a specialist renovation and extension company. With over 20 years in the industry, he’s transformed his business from burnout and inconsistency into a systemised, award-winning operation focused on fixed price contracts, strong financial management and sustainable growth.

Connect with Rob: linkedin.com/in/the-robert-swanson/

TIMELINE

• 3:00 How Rob went from apprentice to launching his own building company
• 4:59 Surviving a cyber attack and COVID back-to-back
• 7:10 Why they specialise in large renovations and offer fixed price contracts
• 13:45 The health wake-up call that forced major change
• 17:25 Implementing systems, CRM and marketing to stabilise lead flow
• 22:01 The financial discipline behind winning Financial Management of the Year

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Varant Bomoushakian, Head of Operations at APB. In this episode, Varant breaks down what it really means to become an AI First building company in 2026 and beyond. He shares why most businesses are getting AI wrong, how leadership must drive adoption from the top down, and the practical steps builders can take to move from chasing shiny tools to embedding AI into daily habits, workflows, and team culture.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 227 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• What “AI First” actually means (and what it definitely doesn’t)
• The three biggest mistakes builders are making with AI right now
• Why leadership and culture determine whether AI adoption succeeds or fails
• How to move from shiny AI tools to real operational ROI
• Practical examples of how AI can increase output without increasing headcount
• and much, much more.

ABOUT VARANT BOMOUSHAKIAN

Varant is an operations strategist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in driving operational innovation and excellence across various industries, from startup ventures to established companies. Oriented towards continuous improvement and not afraid to get ‘hands-on’ to develop and achieve transformation, efficiency, and growth strategy targets.

Connect with Varant: linkedin.com/in/varantb/

TIMELINE

• 5:22 What AI First isn’t (and the myths holding builders back)
• 7:30 The true definition of an AI First company
• 9:01 The three levels of AI integration in a building business
• 10:45 Why margins and rising costs make AI urgent in 2026
• 16:00 The 3 biggest mistakes builders are making with AI
• 36:05 Why AI must become a daily habit, not a one-off initiative

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Trapper Roderick from Roderick Builders. In this episode, Trapper shares how seeing both sides of the industry shaped his approach to building a profitable company, and why getting clarity on your numbers is non-negotiable.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 226 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why most builders don’t have real visibility over profit
• The danger of “cost plus 10” and underestimated overhead
• How Trapper tightened up pre-construction to reduce risk
• The systems and tools he uses to track budgets, WIP, and change orders
• Why marketing and being on camera builds trust before the first meeting
• And much, much more.

ABOUT TRAPPER RODERICK

Trapper is a fifth-generation builder carrying forward a family legacy of craftsmanship by creating modern, emotionally powerful homes across Utah’s Wasatch Back. As President of Roderick Builders, Trapper leads the design vision, guides clients through the process, and partners with top architects to bring bold, meaningful ideas to life..

Connect with Trapper: linkedin.com/in/trapper-roderick/

TIMELINE

• 2:30 Growing up in construction and seeing both sides of business
• 8:45 The painful project that exposed hidden overhead
• 14:20 Why “cost plus 10” isn’t real profit
• 18:30 Switching to fixed price and leveling up pre-construction
• 25:40 Marketing, content, and building trust before the first meeting
• 34:10 Final advice: work on the things that scare you

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode featuring Erika Mosse from JobTread, and Russ Stephens, Co-founder of APB. Recorded during our webinar series for the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry Report, the two unpack what actually drives the most profitable projects, pairing real data with real-world insights.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 225 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why profit “disappears” even when jobs seem healthy
• How scheduling delays quietly destroy margins
• The importance of knowing your fixed expenses per job per day
• Where change orders and selections cause the biggest profit leaks
• How systems, KPIs, and client handbooks tighten project delivery
• And much, much more.

ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.

Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens

ABOUT ERIKA MOSSE

Experienced, dynamic business leader with a proven track record in content strategy, operational excellence, and editorial craftsmanship. Skilled in mentoring high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative environment. Passionate about innovation, great storytelling, and connecting with an audience. Believer in the joy of driving a fast car with a manual transmission.

Connect with Erika: linkedin.com/in/erika-mosse-56488535/

TIMELINE

• 2:30 Why builders don’t see profit problems coming
• 8:45 Scheduling delays as the “silent killer” of profit
• 15:30 Fixed expenses per job per day (and why builders must know this number)
• 22:10 How change orders and selections derail timelines
• 33:40 The importance of systems, KPIs, and one source of truth
• 45:20 Pricing for profit and running tighter, more disciplined projects

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with APB Co-founder Russ Stephens, along with APB’s Head Coach, Andy Skarda, to break down the insights and data from the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) Report, and translate the numbers into practical actions builders can take to become more profitable, more systemised, and less trapped in the day-to-day firefighting.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 224 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The intention vs action gap (why “systemise” stays on the to-do list)
• Why more hours doesn’t mean more income
• How to stop being the bottleneck
• The “illusion of profit” and why bank balance ≠ profitability
• The key financial levers builders must understand
• How systemisation lifts revenue, margins, and owner returns
• And much, much more.

ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS

Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.

Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens

ABOUT ANDY SKARDA

Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/

TIMELINE

• 02:00 Why this year’s industry data reveals deeper insights than ever
• 08:10 The gap between what builders want to fix and what actually gets done
• 15:40 Why working 60+ hours leads to lower income
• 23:30 The illusion of profit and why most builders misread their numbers
• 31:45 Systemised vs non-systemised builders (and the revenue gap)
• 40:20 Where builders should start to break the owner bottleneck

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Tyson Lawes, Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders. In this episode, Tyson dives deep into the sales mindset challenges builders face and explains why sales is less about scripts and techniques, and more about intent, self-awareness, and becoming a trusted advisor.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 223 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why sales is a mirror of your mindset and personal growth
• The biggest reasons builders resist sales
• How to shift from “salesperson” to trusted advisor
• Why intent matters more than technique in sales conversations
• Why asking better questions builds trust faster than pitching
• Practical tools to reset before and after challenging sales calls
• And much, much more.

ABOUT TYSON LAWES

Tyson Lawes is Head of Sales at the Association of Professional Builders, with over a decade of experience in sales, leadership, and behavioural psychology. Passionate about mindset and performance, Tyson helps builders grow through stronger sales conversations, trusted advisor relationships, and high-impact leadership.

Connect with Tyson: linkedin.com/in/tyson-lawes-456b56188/

TIMELINE

• 2:49 Why sales is a mirror of your mindset
• 6:18 Why most builders resist sales (and how it limits growth)
• 10:44 How to shift from salesperson to trusted advisor
• 19:36 Why you accept objections you haven’t overcome yourself
• 25:24 Practical tools to reset before and after sales calls
• 27:25 The biggest mindset shift builders need to improve sales conversations

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders

Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Andy Skarda, Head Coach at APB. In this episode, Andy breaks down what leadership really means for building company owners, and why it’s the defining factor that separates builders who are stuck in chaos from those running calm, predictable, and scalable businesses.

This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0

INSIDE EPISODE 222 YOU WILL DISCOVER

• The difference between fixing symptoms versus fixing systems
• What stops builders from becoming effective leaders
• How delegation, trust, and systems unlock time and growth
• Why your business can never outperform your leadership
• Practical steps to start leading intentionally instead of reactively
• And much, much more.

ABOUT ANDY SKARDA

Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.

Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/

TIMELINE

• 2:36 What leadership really means for builders
• 6:11 Why most builders don’t set out to become leaders
• 8:38 What well-led building companies actually look like
• 16:43 Why delegation fails without systems
• 20:32 Fixing broken systems instead of firefighting symptoms
• 26:28 Why your business can never outperform your leadership

LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE

APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com

APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/

APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/

APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders