Remodelers Advantage

Ep.124: Applying What You Have Learned with John Lessick

September 24, 2020 Business Management, Financial Management, Personal Development 00:28:38

Conferences, blog posts, podcasts, webinars, roundtables peer groups, consulting, coaching… information is everywhere.

But, just because you’re opening yourself up to these opportunities to learn, it doesn’t mean anything will ever change.

The hard part is what comes after you get the information. John Lessick joins Victoria and Mark to discuss how to take what you’re learning and applying it to make you and your business stronger.

John Lessick is the President and Owner of APEX Wood Floors, Inc. in Chicago, IL. In 1985, John joined APEX as an apprentice and spent nine years learning every facet of the business before purchasing the company in 1994. Thanks to his expertise and vision, the business has blossomed and evolved, growing from 5 employees to nearly 25 over the last 25 years.

Victoria, Mark and John cover:

  • How outside resources and advisors have helped.
  • How the 3-5 year plan that John has put together has helped his business.
  • Learning about and implementing LEAN process improvement.
  • Specific examples of how John has implemented changes in his business.
  • And more…

Helping Your Business Apply What You Have Learned

If you are interested to learn more about how the Business Consultants & Coaches at Remodelers Advantage can help you and your business, contact Doug Howard today.

Ep.123: Ever-changing Compliance and How it Impacts Your Small Business with Stuart Jackson

September 17, 2020 Business Management, Human Resources 00:28:25

Human Resources Compliance is a massive undertaking and as small business owners, most of us can’t afford to hire a full-time HR person.

So what do we do? We either add it to the ever-growing list of “hats” we wear as an owner, or give it a staff member who is not trained or up to speed on the various rules and regulations, both at the State and Federal level. So with the ever-changing rules, how is a small business owner to keep up?

In this episode, we talk with Stuart Jackson about ways a business owner can easily manage their HR needs, stay compliant and avoid costly administration mistakes and errors along the way.

Stuart is President of AllMyHR, an outsourced HR services firm with a dedicated team of credentialed experts and a complete compliance platform to help hundreds of companies across the U.S. and Canada.

Victoria, Mark and Stuart talk more about:

  • How small businesses are dealing with all the problems COVID has introduced.
  • The challenge of keeping up with continually-changing compliance standards.
  • Building a compliant company handbook to protect your company as well as your employees.
  • Advantages to outsourcing your HR department.
  • An economical way to set up required training and compliance.

Special Offer from AllMyHR and Remodelers Advantage

Through a partnership with Remodelers Advantage, AllMyHR is taking 10% off their monthly fee to provide you with a dedicated HR team. Click here for more information.

Ep.122: Growing a High Volume Remodeling Business with Jake Schloegel

September 10, 2020 Business Management, Financial Management, Personal Development 00:24:31

Many remodelers dream of one day building a high volume remodeling company. Others aren’t sure it’s worth the effort.

In this episode, we talk to Jake Schloegel about what it takes to grow a high volume remodeling business. Why build it? Who should be involved? What are the expectations?

Jake is the Founder of Schloegel Design Remodel, an award-winning Design/Build firm in Kansas City. He started out in 1980 as a one-man company and has grown it, with the help of his team, to an operation exceeding $14 million of revenue annually. The company is now managed by Jake’s son, Charlie Schlegel and his business partner, Chris Peterson.

Jake has been a facilitator, instructor and facilitator for Remodelers Advantage for years and is very active in the remodeling community, having served as president of NARI from 1990 through 1992.

Victoria, Mark and Jake talk more about:

  • Some background on Jake, his business and what prepared him for growth.
  • Who helped Jake in building the company.
  • The key components necessary for sustainable growth and the rewards.
  • Why Jake wanted to achieve high volume.
  • What Jake would do differently if he could have some do-overs.

This Episode Sponsored by: Builder Funnel

We are excited to have Builder Funnel joining us as a featured sponsor for PowerTips Unscripted. Spencer Powell and his team at Builder Funnel have been huge supporters of R/A and the remodeling community for years and it is great to have on board as a featured sponsor… Welcome, Builder Funnel!
builder-funnel-logo

Ep.121: Creating Your Own Economic Recovery with Wayne Ottum

September 3, 2020 Business Management, Financial Management 00:20:51

Seemingly everywhere you turn these days, you hear the phrase “survive and thrive” as it relates to your business. But it takes more than a catch-phrase and a couple of tips to make it a reality.

In this episode, we talk to Wayne Ottum about how to get focused, get real, and get moving to take control and create an authentic plan to not just survive, but thrive, in uncertain times!

Wayne is president of Ottum Enterprises in Kirkland, Washington, and we’re excited to announce that Wayne is also the newest member of the Remodelers Advantage Consulting Team.

Wayne has over 3 decades of experience helping businesses and leaders be more focused, productive, and successful. His Lead from Strength methods and tools have guided those in the remodeling industry and other professional services firms to become extraordinary businesses and leaders.

In this episode, Victoria, Mark and Wayne Cover:

  • What drives you and your business? What are you passionate about
  • What “leading from strength,” means to a business owner.
  • Creating your own economic recovery.
  • What “Get focused, get real, and get moving” means.

Upcoming FREE Webinar:
If you would like to hear more from Wayne and our team of business consultants and coaches, we will be hosting a FREE Webinar on September 9th; Riding The Wave – Accelerating Pre-Production to Meet Today’s High Demand. Wayne will join Doug Howard, Tim Faller and Steve Wheeler for this 90-minute presentation about how to take advantage of this recent surge in business and preparing for success in 2021. Click Here for more and to reserve your seat.

This Episode Sponsored by: Builder Funnel

We are excited to have Builder Funnel joining us as a featured sponsor for PowerTips Unscripted. Spencer Powell and his team at Builder Funnel have been huge supporters of R/A and the remodeling community for years and it is great to have on board as a featured sponsor… Welcome, Builder Funnel!

builder-funnel-logo

Ep.120: Personal Wealth Building for Business Owners with George Kall

August 27, 2020 Business Management, Financial Management, Personal Development 00:27:17

As a remodeling business owner, building wealth and financial security is something everyone wants to achieve.

Unfortunately, it’s something that many of us put off because the needs of today are more pressing, especially with the current market.

In this episode, Victoria and Mark talk to George Kall about tips and advice on planning for your future financial security today.

George is the owner of Metro Building and Remodeling Group, a Design-Build firm just outside of Washington DC in Ashburn, VA. George started the company seven years ago and now employs a team of 9 and was recently ranked #107 on this year’s Remodeling Magazines list of largest remodelers.

Victoria, Mark and George talk more about:

  • Establishing a company 401k and how you personally implement it for you and your family.
  • Setting aside money for your family.
  • Planning for uncertain times like we are in now.
  • Using credit cards and obtaining loans for the business.
  • One suggestion for personal wealth building

This Episode Sponsored by: Builder Funnel

We are excited to have Builder Funnel joining us as a featured sponsor for PowerTips Unscripted. Spencer Powell and his team at Builder Funnel have been huge supporters of R/A and the remodeling community for years and it is great to have on board as a featured sponsor… Welcome, Builder Funnel!

builder-funnel-logo

Ep.119: Creating Rapid Financial Results and Lasting Cultural Change with Steve Baker

August 20, 2020 Business Management, Company Culture, Financial Management 00:32:30

“The high cost of replacing employees means it’s important to find ways to retain the best performers, and studies show that transparency from the top can be a solution, boosting employee engagement and motivation.

One way to achieve that transparency is to show employees the company’s numbers and teach them the business. Why not get them in the same game as the owner?

The strategy is to create a business of business people. Then and only then will they begin to make a connection to the numbers that measure their performance and talk intelligently about improving the business.”

– Steve Baker

Steve Baker joins Victoria and Mark to talk more about the benefits and advantages of open book management, as well as some of the challenges that business owners face.

Steve is Vice President of The Great Game of Business, Inc. and co-authored Get in the Game as well as the update of the number one bestseller, The Great Game of Business—20th Anniversary Edition.

Known for his engaging and irreverent style, Steve is a top-rated, sought-after speaker and coach on open-book management, strategy and execution, leadership, and employee engagement.

Victoria, Mark and Steve talk more about:

  • The best reasons that a business owner should teach their people business
  • Common perceptions that employees have of ownership when there isn’t open-book transparency
  • How employees can benefit from an open-book policy
  • How you can get started
  • And more…

Resources mentioned in this Episode:

The Great Game of Business

Download the Get in the Game Audiobook

R/A Lumber Yard Run Calculator 

This Episode Sponsored by: Wellborn Cabinet

Wellborn Cabinet is the featured sponsor for this episode of PowerTips Unscripted. Thank you, Wellborn Cabinet!

wellborn-new-website

Ep.118: How to Use Podcasting to Further Your Brand and Fuel Your Pipeline with Phil Pelucha

August 13, 2020 Business Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Sales 00:30:57

Because of the success of our podcasts (PowerTips Unscripted and The Tim Faller Show) we are often asked by our Roundtables members and contacts in the industry about the power of podcasting.

Clearly we are advocates of this medium and today we talk more about how you as a business owner can build your brand and pipeline by adding podcasting to your marketing plan.

Today’s guest is Phil Pelucha Phil, CEO and Host of Billionaires in Boxers, an international group of successful entrepreneurs. Phil is based in Capetown, South Africa and is a Creative Producer on movies, TV & events as well an international podcast host and coach who shares his insights into creating and monetizing empowering content.

Additional Resources:

Billionaires in Boxers Podcast on Spotify
Billionaires in Boxers Facebook Group

This Episode Sponsored by: Wellborn Cabinet

Wellborn Cabinet is the featured sponsor for this episode of PowerTips Unscripted. Thank you, Wellborn Cabinet!

wellborn-new-website

Ep.117: The Six Habits That Can Change Your Life with Laura DiBenedetto

August 6, 2020 Business Management, Personal Development 00:23:40
“The Six Habits are behaviors that we act out every day, minute to minute. These are the habits that define our relationship with ourselves, and our relationship with the world around us.”
Laura DiBenedetto Best Selling Author

As you have likely heard us say, Remodelers Advantage is dedicated to helping remodeling business owners become more successful, while creating an environment that allows them to lead a more balanced and satisfying life.

Victoria and Mark welcome best-selling author, Laura DiBenedetto, to the show to share the truths that reveal the pathway to the truest freedom a person can have.

TEDx Speaker and author of The Six Habits, Laura teaches us how to create the life of our dreams without sacrificing what we love. As Founder and CEO of Vision Advertising, she has helped hundreds of companies build and grow profitable enterprises. Laura lives on Maui with her husband.

Victoria, Mark and Laura talk more about:

  • How entrepreneurs can find the time to nurture, heal and grow themselves
  • The kinds of habits that determine our journey through life
  • How we can begin to master those habits
  • What actions you need to take to begin to change your life
  • Building your business around yourself, not the other way around

Mentioned in this episode:
Laura’s Website
The Six Habits

This Episode Sponsored by: Wellborn Cabinet

Wellborn Cabinet is the featured sponsor for this episode of PowerTips Unscripted. Thank you, Wellborn Cabinet!

wellborn-new-website

Ep.116: Getting the Biggest Bang Out of Your Marketing with Susan Raisanen

July 30, 2020 Marketing, Sales 00:29:36

If you have more than one salesperson, then odds are you have a round-robin policy of lead assignment. But that could be doing your sales team and your marketing department a disservice.

Susan Raisanen joins the show today to share how tracking and assigning leads, based on sales strengths, can make a difference in performance and in your bottom line.

Susan is the President of Profit Finder Pro Software and works with business owners and managers to help them understand that tracking just a few simple numbers in sales and marketing can make the difference between a company being profitable… or not.

Susan is also the Director of Sales & Marketing for TraVek Inc., an award-winning design-build remodeler in Scottsdale, AZ, and a long-term Roundtables member here at R/A!

In this episode, Victoria, Mark and Susan talk more about:

  • The difference between Marketing and Advertising and how it affects tracking
  • How much efficient marketing can add to the bottom line
  • What numbers should you be tracking
  • Once you get the numbers from tracking, what you do with them
  • Whether or not you should cut your marketing during downtimes
  • And more…

Mentioned in this Episode:
Susan’s Book: Track It To Crack It: The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Your Company’s Full Profit Potential

Susan’s Phone #: (800) 972-6952

This Episode Sponsored by: Wellborn Cabinet

We are excited to have Wellborn Cabinet joining us as a featured sponsor for PowerTips Unscripted. Wellborn has been a huge supporter of Remodelers Advantage for years and it is great to have them involved in our growing podcast. Welcome, Wellborn Cabinet!

wellborn-new-website

Ep.115: Using Public Speaking Skills to Master Any Sales Pitch with Brenden Kumarasamy

July 23, 2020 Business Management, Sales 00:23:59

As a business owner, you have undoubtedly read plenty of books and maybe even taken a course or two on sales and how to sell to homeowners. However, most have avoided or over-looked strengthening their public speaking skills.

In this episode, Victoria and Mark explore the correlation between more persuasive public speaking skills contributing to a more effective sales approach when dealing with prospects and clients. Vic and Mark welcome Brenden Kumarasamy to the show to take a deeper dive on the art of public speaking.

Brendan has trained hundreds of companies and individuals in the art of public speaking and is the host of MasterTalk; a YouTube channel focused on professional communication and presentation.

Victoria, Mark and Brenden talk more about:

  • How remodeling business owners can build better relationships with their clients.
  • Communication strategies that they can use to sell more deals.
  • Why building personas is so important when speaking with potential leads.
  • Using pace to connect with your client.

Two Courses Available to Strengthen Your Sales Team

On August 10th our Becoming a Great Salesperson – a 6-week course kicks off with instructor, Craig Deimler, leading the way. Click Here for More Information + Registration >>

R/A Roundtables and Remodelers University members have access to SalesEdge, an ongoing sales training course lead by Jeff Borovitz from Sandler Training. Click Here for More Information >>

This Episode Sponsored by: Wellborn Cabinet

We are excited to have Wellborn Cabinet joining us as a featured sponsor for PowerTips Unscripted. Wellborn has been a huge supporter of Remodelers Advantage for years and it is great to have them involved in our growing podcast. Welcome, Wellborn Cabinet!
wellborn-new-website
MASTER NAVIGATION

This website is part of the Remodelers Advantage Network.

Visit our other properties:

 

MASTER NAVIGATION

This website is part of the Remodelers Advantage Network.

Visit our other properties: