Michael Anschel of OA Design Build on the Cost of Project Execution (C.O.P.E.) method of estimating

Bryan and Timmy Uhler: "Don't take yourself so seriously.": On Monday December 19, Bryan and Tim Uhler of Pioneer Builders join Mike Knoche on The Contracting Handbook to talk shop about building on spec, reflecting on their trip to Switzerland, and what really matters in life. There are a bunch of questions for the Uhler’s from guest questioners Aron Jones, Ryan Smith and Michael Anschel before the “Uhler Speed Round”. Both Brian and Tim recommend not taking yourself to seriously in this life, and they broke all the rules on the favorite tools by giving multiple tools and classes of tools. They may not take themselves too seriously, but they are serious about their tools! by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

88 min listen

Krystal Brookes of ASC Painting talks lining up your values for success, social presence, expectation management, her worst client, hiring, leadership and staying mentally fit.: “My values are in the right order… my children come first, above anything else and that is why I went into business, to create freedom in my world, to turn up better as a mother.” If you know Krystal Brookes, you know she values family first and being balanced. Line up your values in the right order. In this now available podcast episode between painter, Krystal Brookes, and Mike Knoche of The Contracting Handbook podcast, the conversation hits upon those values, the side hustle, the nuance of relationships, mental health, leadership, scaling up via hiring and the best tools! While Krystal acknowledges that the movement to support women in the trades, Krystal gives a shout out to the men who have passed their knowledge to her. We dive straight into her growing social media presence, is it Affordable Sunshin by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

92 min listen

Janeen Oliver is a Third Generation Family Concreter and Advocate for Trade Recruitment: Janeen Oliver is “not your average concrete rep” because it’s all about being hands on, boots on the ground with the crew and then working her day job. You already know this if you follow @concrete_diva and if you don’t, today Mike Knoche of The Contracting Handbook podcast hosts Janeen to hear her story as a third generation concreter, leaving the family biz, returning after a couple few careers and repping for the company that eventually bought her dad’s company. The labor deficit in North America (and everywhere) fueled Janeen’s push to help found the Crew Collaborative @the.crew.collab , an organization formed to recruit more youth into the trades through classroom talks and outreach programs. Janeen is all about her relationships on the ground. She shows up before the (mega) pour starts, helps keep the ball rollin’, keeps the crew fed with food and support and it does not go unnoticed when by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

76 min listen

Aaron Butt: Deconstructing the 4 year college scheme, benefits for tradespeople, the mentor/mentee realtionship: “I think we are currently deconstructing the concept that a 4 year degree is the only way” Your guy, Aaron, and I launch into a talk about the labor crisis. I’m deeply concerned, he thinks its going to work itself out. Find out his source of hope in the pod. We dive into the mentor/ mentee relationship. As a teacher, his vision is crystal clear. As a site supervisor and lead carpenter with vast experience, I ask what he (or you) should look for in a good employer. Then we hear what his employer offers. We end up in a social media/ mental health talk. Then its tool talk and mentors. What do you look for in an employer? by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

68 min listen

Podcast Marketing 2023: A Conversation with RedCircle Founder Mike Kadin - Part 1 by Audio Branding

32 min listen

CEO at CREtech Michael Beckerman: Michael Beckerman, is a leader in the commercial real estate technology and sustainability sectors. He entered these sectors in 2012 after a 25-year career in commercial real estate media relations, in which he started and built Beckerman... by The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

34 min listen

Turn Your Niche Podcast into a Personal Brand Powerhouse with Colin Nottage by The Podcasters Podcast

36 min listen

Furious Fifteen: "Setting Boundaries w/ Clients" Kali Sudbrook and Allyson Anderson Return: Today I'm joined by Kali Sudbrook and Allyson Anderson to talk about setting boundaries with clients. Recently, Kali reached out to me to ask about contract language to mitigate for client interference in the progress of work. She was conserned about a "Chatty Cathy" distracting her on an upcoming job. Allyson and myself share some advice and some of oour own experience. by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

21 min listen

International Flashing Awareness Day with Big Dog Construction and The Life of Bub by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

68 min listen

The Roofer Girl, Samanntha De Coteau on finding her trade, how it lifted her up, and being bags on!: Samanntha De Coteau @the.roofer.girl of Summit Sister’s Roofing is now LIVE on @thecontractinghandbook podcast! In Episode 114: - representing and endorsing products - being a bags-on-contractor - operating as a partner - hiring roofers - leadership - being a mom in construction - overcoming adversity - then, the fun questions by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

37 min listen

Schannon Yodice of That Tile Chick talks quitting a lucrative career to follow her passion in the trades and the focus of the entrepreneur: I truly admire Schannon Yodice’s ability to communicate tiling advice, business advice, and encourage tradespeople across multiple platforms and, you know, operate a tiling business, simultaneously. So, I am fortunate to get her to talk to us. Schannon left her dream job to start a business because the local operators work was sub par. This is where the story starts and we quickly get into: -being taken seriously as a woman in the workplace -working with GC’s vs clients -vetting clients -not cheapening yourself -issues around hiring help -mentors and mentoring -her philosophy (pretty well covered in the quote here) -then we wade into the discussion about how to treat the next generation of incoming trades people Schannon is also a badass in the gym but we didn’t have time to get into that topic in this pod. Anyway you slice it, Schannon is an ex by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

84 min listen

Adam Corneil Of Unbuilders: Deconstructing the Demolition Mindset: “We know that people make the decision based on money and not the environment but there is this beautiful environmental narrative that is very impactful” This is a talk how the building industry decided that installed resources no longer had value. It was a time of abundance. It’s the economics of “unbuilding” instead of going to the landfill. It’s not a new idea, but a return to a lost practice. Getting contractors on board takes a while. If you’ve gutted a place, you can understand why. Price, but will it become affordable? Adam doesn’t just see the money, it’s a passion for salvage and preserving the earth’s resources and best illustrated by his teaching classes that will educate his competition in the industry. Adam is at the frontier of, not just waste, but standards of practice for abatement. His crew goes into buildings after asbestos has been removed, but current standards are not high enough to protect his by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

49 min listen

Interview with Andrew Itnyre of Masters Roofing, Memphis, Tennessee: Andrew starts off explaining the structure of Masters Roofing and how they came to be. In 13 short years they have done 9000 roofs with annual sales in the 8-9M range. Mike and Andrew talk about customer care, warranty of work, what it takes to have an edge on your competition, and the current economy. Trying to make sense of the current economy draws question marks for all of us. Listen as two industry veterans give their take on it and listen to Andrews advice for the next generation of roofers! by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

46 min listen

Fiona Plett of Herself Contracting: House healing and a builder at a crossroads: “Learn from everything, every experience is an opportunity to learn.” Fiona Plett @herselfcontracting loves working close with her clients to heal their homes. She wants to rid them of the “irritants” that plague their space. Upcycling and re-purposing materials rank high in what to use for projects, but you know the catch, it costs more than buying that factory built hollow core door, 100%. So how to do you get the client on board with the idea? Physical time: Waste time- your choice On communication: anticipating the conversation and scripting in a sense. Lessons: Bookeeping Time off Buy the stuff you need The goal: Making “one of’s” The direction? Getting more creative with what she knows which may incorporate the new timber framing. Advice: don’t volunteer your time, get paid for your time. Join us for another podcast episode on self-determination! by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

57 min listen

Jon Hilgenberg of JCH Cabinets talks his Craftsman Program, love of teaching, apprentice years and the circumstance that shaped him: “If you can’t explain something simply to someone else, then you don’t quite have mastery of it.” In episode 101 of The Contracting Handbook podcast, it’s Jon Hilgenberg’s “Craftsmanship 101” on educating and evolving his business. We drop into the universal issue for contractors, how much to charge? Knowing his worth came with a decade of problem solving while subbing out to designer that provided drawings with limited details. Know your worth people! While Jon is clearly a master of his craft, he didn’t start on this path. I echo his statement for my self “nobody would have expected me to go into the trades.” Sharing his craft online has made him better. He knows there’s always someone better and he must be one his game. If you can’t communicate your process quickly and succinctly, you haven’t mastered it. There are lessons that carry from startin by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

83 min listen

Jake Bruton of Aarow Building: Act like a real company!: “I want my employees to retire happy someday, same as I do.” Are you acting like a real company? You guys that know your guy, Jake Bruton, know he does so with his company @aarowbuilding . For the rest of you who don’t know him… Jake is a high-performance home builder, and he knows and wants it to be clear to everyone that tradespeople should be treated as professionals. Flex week Paid time off Paid training Truck, phone, and tools Retirement account My market won’t support it!!?! How can I afford to act like areal company AND build high performance homes? That’s a lot of money, Jake! He quotes buddy Steve @stevebaczekarchitect “Is there a Mercedes dealer within 100 miles of the house? If there is, then your market is supported by people that want something that costs more because they seek value…” Look out! LIVE CALCULATIONS (insert nerd face) of additional overhead costs of the benefits package relative to gross income per by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

63 min listen

TCH Podcast re-Introduction, "they only say it once", and a question for you.: Episode 110 of The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction podcast: I’m going to streamline your listening experience for the time being and put the intro to the upcoming shows here and kind of update you. This here episode will provide my personal take on the intro to TCH for the foreseeable future or until I something changes. If it’s your first time listening to The Contracting Handbook podcast, I’m your host Mike Knoche, formerly known as the man who’s seen it all from season 1. I own and operate Straight Ahead Construction in Fairbanks, Alaska. Strictly ZONE 8 residential. I’m a fool construction sites. I can’t look away. I always want to know more about whats going on over there even if I come off like I don’t care. What can I say, I’m busy! This podcast is now the distillation of nearly 1000 years of collective construction industry knowledge and experiences through discussions with my gu by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

12 min listen

Rachel Taylor: Talks client contractor relationship: IT DOESN’T matter what type of business you have, if you are in business for yourself, you need to listen to Rachel Taylor. Rachel is my guest during Women in Construction week and she is full of inspiration, business insight, and she shares her story. I keep saying it but we just graze the surface in this chat. Please join us tomorrow on The Contracting Handbook. by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

83 min listen

WHO’S GONNA BUILD THE BRIDGES? featuring Brant "The Tool Hacker" Taylor: Today, its Brant "The Tool Hacker" Taylor. He rails on the lack of an entry point into the trades and construction industry in the US because its not just public perspective on trades causing the issue with new recruitment. Brant, wants to go even further though. He's making tools and developing techniques to make work easier on the body to "keep the craftsman alive". Many people try trades but once they're in, there is no clear path to upward mobility. We have a huge housing shortage. We have a labor shortage. Who is gonna build the houses? Who's gonna build the bridges? Even with some movement towards "sustainable" building techniques, it's not enough. It's still incredibly wasteful and our building have relatively short lives. Brant suggests a direction for the industry. by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

54 min listen

Nick Lonsdale of Lonsdale Building Group: From tradesman to businessman, the 10-yr warranty, and "hire 'em quick, fire 'em faster!!": We get right into award winning builder Nick Lonsdale's design build business structure to micromanaging, quickly shift to the mandatory 10 year warranty, and mental health. Stepping way from design. That’s the first 7 minutes! Yes, that his bulldog Boston snoring away in the background Importance of trade relations! Setting standards as builders that are above code. Then it’s a bit of banter comparing building in AK vs Oz How does Nick choose clients? This is where it gets interesting…as his company grew, he stood back and looked at it and thought “is this what I want”. There was a ton of work Choosing client comes down to these factors: Distance to jobs “can they regulate their emotions” We get in bed with clients for ten years Its their life savings so there is so much emotion involved.- affirmation He’s building a legacy (he sounds just by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

79 min listen

Freddy Roman, The Period Craftsman, talks craft, how operating a business detracted from his art, and why we can't let correct terminology go.: Today, Freddy Roman @theperiodcraftsman and Mike Knoche @thecontractinghandbook podcast get into one of the most difficult parts of being a tradesman business owner, the business side interferes with the creativity. You already know Freddy is a diligent student and teacher of historic furniture restoration but in this episode, Freddy drops the most gangster statement on clients, or anything, ever said on a construction podcast before! This is a deep dive into Freddy’s journey and a bit more about my own. Too much to put on this caption. Spoiler at one hour I ask, “how are you doing on time, we are only about halfway through my questions”. Please join us! Freddy’s question: “Do you still love it?” by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

105 min listen

Steve Baczek, Architect talks budget and client process: Steve Baczek is a hands on architect with previous experience in the trades. After some brief background, Steve and Mike talk the importance of talking budgets from the start. Bla bla bla. It's an in-depth discussion between two guys who have a lot of experience weeding out tire kickers and getting straight to the point. How much money do you have? Both of them agree that a lot of their clients are "pre-qualified" in a sense if they came to them based on reputation but the budget question still needs to be addressed! And tire kickers? They talk about some red flags and turn down a lot of people. When it comes to friends and family, charge full price or charge nothin at all! Steve then talks about his process with clients...listen as he describes " narrative" he assigns his clients for homework and then meet and discuss before any drawings are started. Guiding, coaching, or leadership, call it what you want, Mike and Steve agree by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

48 min listen

Brek Goin: Co-founder of hammr: Brek Goin is the co-founder and CEO of the Hammr App. He was raised by a contractor and had the brain child to start an app that showcases and elevates the work of trades people. In this episode Mike and Brek talk about Brek's inspiration to make the app and how development is going. The feedback from the building community is strong. Brek talks a bit about hiring tradespeople off the app, what it means to contractors and monetization. Then Brek talks about toxic masculinity in relation to the Hammr app. Mike gets personal about Brek's habits and life lessons. Listen to the complete episode to get to know Brek Goin. by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

47 min listen

Tom Lawson of Straight Up Stairs: Pricing, Innovating, Sobriety: “If you’re gonna do something, do it right.” Most of you already know that Tom Lawson is a straight shooter and in this new podcast, we talk life lessons in many capacities. We head straight into billing for experience and not time. We got their from a previous conversation with Brant Taylor @thetoolhacker where the jist was the ole “potential client doubting our price”. What and when to charge? It’s there! Part of this process is instilling confidence. We 100% agreed on this one and shared some experience. Tom’s rocketed to incredible heights in a short period of time. He may have had valuable industry experience under his belt that helps him focus on his craft, but alcohol stood in the way. It wasn’t an easy ride, but the man is in control and he knows what matters to him. The education system didn’t suit Tom, so he chose the trades. That’s surprise coming from this country boy who has been inventing and teaching by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

60 min listen

Niya Doncheva of Faux & Finish discusses leaving that higher education track career, the mind of a tradeswoman, client expectations and life.: “The more people tell you no and the more challenging it seems, the more you’re going to thanks yourself later on for growing as a person” Niya gave it a go in a career that has included advertising, health care and accounting… but they were boring. As soon as she mastered what was required, they were deeply unsatisfying. Sound familiar anyone? As soon as she was shadowing a finisher, it was off to the races! She picked up her own sprayer and compressor. It quells the ADHD and the dyslexia is a superpower. She’s sees things the client cannot, she copes and doesn’t let the stigma stand in the way. Work life balance is a work in progress but, she is goal oriented and moves between her life like one of her pieces… there’s a bit of sanding, touch up, and drying time involved so move the next piece and return later. One of my favorite moments is by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

55 min listen

Harvey Jesso of Maritime Carpentry & Maritime Electrical talks running two construction companies, stepping away from work at night, the retirement plan and more: “It’s important to build a strong reputation and do such good work so you don’t have to work for the sheep.” For those of you who know Harvey Jesso, you know he’s a positive force and reputable contractor, for those who don’t, you’re in for a treat. He’s running two contracting businesses, loves what he does and takes weekends off for family time. He started in the business at 9 y.o., so it’s in his blood. I (Mike) want to know why clients are perfectly happy to pay electrical quotes but balk at the price of custom carpentry. Harvey generates quotes for both trades but agrees that carpenters are under-rated! We hit on the greatest challenge of a tradesman becoming a businessman. Harvey seems comfortable in his shoes today and has a plan to retire. Harvey’s father-in-law showed up at the BBQ fully decked out in Maritime by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

52 min listen

Steve Baczek, Architect talks project execution and communication: The conversation meanders into ICF vs. framing for home construction, but "failure" is not linear. Getting your clients and contractors on board with building science and then having the "dumb" conversations that are necessary. Don't let your subs run williy nilly with locations. Make sure you walk through with them. This with some exampled from a current project. The guys go on to discuss the exciting challenges associated with doing work on old homes and projects that require research bc they have no experience there. Then it's a speed round 1. Tiny Houses 2. Offsite building 3. Remodels vs new construction 4. Historic restoration 5. Why architects insist on goofy eyewear. His advice to you: Be a team player, manage water, and build airtight! Steve Baczek wants you to write a 5 star review! by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

42 min listen

Kyle Zanetto of Zanetto Builders: Luxury homebuilding in Tasmania, self improvement, and preliminary planning: This week, in Episode in 117 of @thecontractinghandbook podcast, I am joined by Tasmanian luzury homebuilder, Kyle Zanetto of @zanettobuilders. Kyle always strives for perfection and keeps a close watch on the new potential clients. While the labor deficit pandemic has not left Tasmania unscathed, Kyle Zenatto and company have recently landed some new crew with values that align. Finding that help is key with a ~2 year wait list and 8-10 builds on deck for this year. What it really boils down to is preliminary planning and, you guessed it, client expectation. You know there’s aways more to each pod! Kyle’s question: “Where do you find the most value in business development?” by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

52 min listen

Larry Clay of Clay Construction: Foundation to Finish- Building Your Company and Brand: “You must have a number of stories, based on your experience, of how you are going to build a better home so that your clients are going to have piece of mind and less issues.” He may make being an award-winning custom homebuilder in Vancouver look easy, but it wasn’t always that way. Today, your guy, Larry Clay, owner & operator of Clay Construction talks behind the scenes of what he overcame to be the recipient of the prestigious Grand Georgie Award for best custom home. It was October, 2009 (if that doesn’t give you chills….) …an accident, a planning glitch, then, the Great Recession…and re-inventing himself. He became the reluctant custom home builder. Reluctant because he had been a custom builder before, and spec houses were more straight forward. How do you sell your client on the added cost of high-performance homes? (I’m asking, answer below) It’s all about the language with Larry Cl by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

70 min listen

Jason Bekebrede of Monticello Custom Homes on non-competitive bidding, non-negotiable components of a custom home, building a legacy and more.: “I’ve got two kids and when they are my age, I want them to be able to drive by the houses and show their kids, Grandpa built that. That’s as important to me as anything.” Jason Bekebrede, of Monticello Custom Homes, has his client process dialed. He likes to get with the clients before the design process starts. They save time on client intake with detailed videos of expectations on their website. He knows the challenges of budget tracking and has honed his team to keep up with them. Some components are nonnegotiable such as wall assemblies and rain screens. The homes we leave behind are our part of our legacy. The client chooses the bells and whistles but leaves the basic components up to us. The clients choose Monticello because they know the other builders aren’t offering the same product. The value of an office manager, one more ste by The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

52 min listen

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Michael Anschel of OA Design Build on the Cost of Project Execution (C.O.P.E.) method of estimating

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