Why Most Coaching Programs Fail Builders (and How to Avoid the Same Mistake)

Have you ever invested in a coaching program only to feel stuck, frustrated, and no closer to your goals? 

You’re not alone.

Many builders step into coaching with high hopes—enticed by stories of massive transformations—only to realise they’re one of hundreds in a system that doesn’t understand their specific challenges. 

Twelve months go by and the results are underwhelming, the frustration is real, and they give up on the idea of coaching altogether. 

Here’s the reality: It’s not coaching that failed you. It’s the wrong type of coaching.

Why Most Coaching Programs Miss the Mark

When builders like you join a cookie-cutter coaching program, the experience often follows the same script:

  • You’re a face in the crowd: No matter how complex or unique your business is, you’re lumped into a one-size-fits-all group.
  • The advice is too generic: You’re handed strategies that might work for some businesses but fail to address the specific challenges of custom home building.
  • No one tracks your progress: With little to no accountability, it’s easy to lose focus—and even easier to stay stuck.

The result? You spend time and money chasing solutions that don’t work, all while your business problems compound. Worse, these experiences can lead you to believe that coaching doesn’t work at all.

The right business coaching isn’t just about showing up—it’s about finding someone with the expertise to get you results.

What Builders Need Instead

If you’re serious about transforming your business, the first step is choosing a coach who gets it. That means finding someone with:

  1. Proven experience in the building industry: Look for a coach who has demonstrated results working specifically with custom home builders. The building industry isn’t like other businesses—your coach must understand the challenges you face. From long sales cycles, volatile financial markets, unreliable subcontractors, and all the bells and whistles that come with running a building company.
  2. A track record with builders like you: If you’re scaling from $3M to $10M, you need a coach who has helped others make that leap. Their experience needs to align with your goals, your business size, and the problems you’re currently tackling.
  3. A proven, personalised approach: A great coach doesn’t guess—they rely on systems and templates that are proven to work with builders like you. But it’s not just about handing over a playbook. The best coaches tailor these strategies to fit your business, ensuring they align with your unique numbers, team, and goals. With a focus on accountability, they’ll help you implement these systems in a way that delivers measurable results—no guesswork, just a clear path forward.
  4. Clear, measurable results: The best coaches don’t just talk about transformation—they can show it. Whether it’s case studies, testimonials, or hard numbers, look for proof of success from builders who’ve been in your shoes.

The wrong coaching program is like building a home on a faulty foundation. But the right coach? They give you the blueprint to scale sustainably, profitably, and with confidence.

Don’t Let One Bad Experience Define Your Future

It’s easy to feel jaded after being let down. But giving up on coaching entirely could cost you the transformation your business desperately needs. Imagine this instead:

  • A coach who understands the pressures of managing a custom home-building business.
  • Solutions tailored to fix your specific bottlenecks, improve your margins, and reduce your workload.
  • Real accountability to ensure you don’t just talk about progress—you make it.

Twelve months from now, you could have a business that runs smoother, pays you what you’re worth, and gives you the time and freedom you’ve been chasing. But it starts with asking the right questions:

  • Does this coach have experience with builders at my level?
  • Can they prove their results?
  • Will they provide a tailored plan for my business?

The answer to these questions can make all the difference between frustration and success. Coaching isn’t the problem. It’s about finding the right coach who delivers results.

Ready to Find the Right Partner?

Your past experiences don’t have to define your future. Take the time to find a coach who understands your business, your industry, and your challenges. Because when you do, the results speak for themselves.

Get to know APB's Executive Business Coaches here.