No, we’re not talking about some boring regulation or law, we’re talking about construction project management software provider, Buildertrend’s, podcast.
Featuring 30-minute episodes, released every week since April 2019, this is a podcast for all builders. The Building Code covers a range of topics related to running a building company.
As you know, the Association of Professional Builders is all about improving the construction industry for both builders and consumers, and after catching up with Tom, one of the hosts on The Building Code, we found this podcast is right there with us.
While there are some episodes about new features and benefits of Buildertrend (which can also be extremely useful if you do use the software), you don’t need to be a Buildertrend user to benefit from their content. Tom and his co-host Paul talk about everything from business and financials to marketing and sales for building companies.
For a 30-minute time investment each week, The Building Code shares helpful information with its hundreds of listeners. If you’re willing to learn, this information can help you make positive changes in your building company that will help shape the construction industry. Nothing trumps experience, and hearing the struggles, successes and stories straight from the horse’s mouth is the best way to learn.
A few members of the Association of Professional Builders have had their own episodes on The Building Code podcast too. In episode 78, Dallas, general manager of Haven Builders, joins Tom and Paul to talk about growth and success in building a business. Dallas shares stories about learning opportunities, communication and technology that's helped his business succeed. It's a two-parter as well, so make sure you tune into episode 79 afterwards to hear from Haven Builders design manager too.
The Building Code produced a few live episodes at the 2020 International Builders Show and another APB member, Nick Schiffer from NS Builders, joins for a live episode. You can tune into episode 52 to hear Nick's thoughts on how the construction industry can make improvements over the year.
In September 2021, Russ joined Zach and Charley to discuss how builders can remain competitive in a turbulent construction environment.
Throughout the podcast episode, the trio talked about the importance of content marketing in a builder's advertising strategy, because now more than ever, consumers are doing their research before choosing a builder. Russ, Zach and Charley talked about how relevant content marketing is for all companies, not just building companies, in sharing knowledge with customers and increasing brand awareness online.
Russ said “Builders want to be the provider of information when a prospect is doing their research. It’s important to put good quality information out there, so builders can become experts in their field.”
The BuilderTrend software has made it easier for building companies to systemise their operations, “In some ways, it's never been easier to run a residential building company when there are tools available like BuilderTrend that weren't around 12 years ago.”
“But it’s also becoming more difficult to run a building company because of the amount of competition that exists in the market. Companies like APB and BuilderTrend have to consistently raise the bar to be able to stay one step ahead.” - Russ.
Throughout the interview the trio shared their common passion for data and the importance of making data-driven decisions when it comes to growing a building company through both software such as BuilderTrend and coaching programs like APB.
Charley said “I love your (APB’s) marketing strategy and how you position yourself as a thought leader.”
A topic of discussion was how a construction boom doesn’t always lead to a boom in profits for builders.
“Builders earn less in a boom than in a downturn, and that’s simply because they work on fixed-price contracts. Prices go up, delays increase their fixed costs, which increases the fixed-cost-to-revenue ratio, which again reduces their net profits. So it’s not good for building companies in boom times. They’re under a lot of pressure.” Russ said.
The team also covered how cashflow and profit margin don’t always mean the same thing in terms of a builder’s financial health.
“Cash is nice, but in all honesty, if you’re running a new home building company, if you look after the profit, the cash will look after itself. New home building companies that are well organised and that are running properly will always generate excess cash.” - Russ.
This podcast interview provides great insights for builders looking to bolster their business amid the trials of a construction boom and the best ways to ensure profitability and ultimately, viability.
Listen to it here:
https://buildertrend.com/podcasts/the-building-code/ep127-russ-stephens/
Todd, a member of the Association Of Professional Builders, told us that he likes listening to The Building Code to get an idea on what other building companies are doing, as well as to get pro tips on how to make the most out of Buildertrend. He’s not the only one that thinks this way either. When we caught up with co-host Tom, he said, “We can bring our expertise to it, but it’s nice for builders to hear from builders who have walked in their shoes, who've struggled with the same things they’ve struggled with, or have had similar success.”
Much like the Association of Professional Builders, The Building Code podcast was created to help change the perspective of builders and improve the industry for both builders and consumers. Whether you’re a home builder or renovations specialist, there’s something on this Podcast for every builder.
You can subscribe and listen to The Building Code wherever you get your podcasts, including iTunes, Spotify and Stitcher. Or, if you want to be featured as a guest builder, you can contact The Building Code here.