Production

Ep.185: A Different Calling with Aaron Goeke

March 14, 2022 Production 00:32:18

We have done a number of episodes that are centered on the idea that we can look outside of our industry to bring in managers. We have also seen where some companies have found great success in hiring Project Managers from outside of the industry and training them in construction.

So, we continue that thought in this episode. Our guest Aaron Goeke comes to us from church ministry, what many people may refer to as a “calling” as opposed to a job.  Host Tim Faller started his working life as a youth minister and switched into construction, and shares his experiences during his transition in this episode.

Aaron is the Production Manager at CROSS, a luxury remodeling firm in San Antonio Texas. Aaron has been with the company for just over a year now, and has a background in custom cabinet building and commercial construction sales. He now manages a team of four project managers, one project coordinator, two construction supervisors and 10 field personnel.

Tim, Steve and Aaron talk more about:

  • Transferable skills
  • What to look for in a PM candidate
  • The process of switching industries
  • And more…

Ep.184: Scheduling From Sales Through Completion with Eric Bain

March 8, 2022 Production 00:32:30

Scheduling has been a challenge for everyone over the last few years. Scheduling individual jobs is a challenge by itself but adding the sales design process, the job set up, and then the job itself makes the challenge grow exponentially.

Getting the sales design process scheduled is a growing trend in an effort to more accurately predict the start dates for clients.  This process involves gaining the buy-in from designers, sales, and production which can be a daunting task. Our guest today is navigating these waters with success and is here to share his experiences with our listeners.

Eric Bain is the project manager of Innovative Construction and oversees projects as well as handles client relations. He previously worked for the City of Vail where he sharpened his site inspection, landscaping and heavy equipment skills.

Tim, Steve and Eric talk more about:

  • Working alongside sales and design teams 
  • Utilizing a master schedule
  • Dealing with issues regarding supplies
  • And more…

Ep.183: The Importance of Gender Inclusion with Emma Kraft

February 28, 2022 Production 00:33:18

Happy Women in Construction week!

We welcome guest Emma Kraft to the show to learn about the struggles of bridging the gap in a male dominated field as both a woman, and a daughter.  

Emma Kraft is the Business Operations Manager at Kraft Custom Construction, Inc., located in Salem, Oregon.  The company was started by Emma’s father, Robert Kraft, in 1982. In 2001, he made a conscious decision to down-size the company and focus on completing fewer, higher revenue producing projects. Kraft is a design/build company and does remodeling, additions, and historic restoration work. Kraft employs 5 full-time employees, and completes around $2.5 million in revenue annually.

Tim, Steve and Emma talk more about:

  • Biases against women in construction
  • Some of the challenges exclusive to women
  • How others can help bridge this gap
  • And more…

Ep.182: Hiring an Estimator with Bryan McLain (Part 2)

February 21, 2022 Production 00:35:55

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry.  Guest Bryan McLain of Sardone Construction is here to share the importance of hiring a dedicated estimator and the positive impacts it can have on a company and their customers.  

Bryan began as the lead carpenter and is now in charge of production and estimating as a new partner and owner of the company.  

Tim, Steve and Bryan talk more about:

  • Skills and traits of an estimator
  • The training process
  • Working without a dedicated estimator
  • And more…

Ep.181: Hiring an Estimator with Chris Fox (Part 1)

February 7, 2022 Production 00:37:31

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry.  We are starting off this new series with guest Chris Fox, the sales and design manager at Fox Home Innovations in Manhattan, Kansas.

As the company’s Director of Design and Sales, Chris is heavily involved with the management of all design projects from inception to completion. Additionally, he actively cultivates and manages leads, working tirelessly to find new projects and business for the team.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

  • What can prompt the need for an estimator
  • Creating clear expectations
  • The benefits of prioritizing estimating
  • And more…

Ep.180: Setting Up an In-house Training Center with David Myers

January 31, 2022 Hiring, Operations, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:37:44

It is always both exciting and refreshing to see companies tackle skills training head on by providing necessary programs for new talent.  Guest Dave Myers joins us to talk about the training process he and his team use to set employees up for success.  

Dave is the Vice President and general manager of J. Francis Company, a design build and remodel firm in Pittsburgh, PA.  He previously worked in college administration and facility management, and finds that elements from his previous positions have been beneficial to the success in his current role.

Tim, Steve and Dave talk more about:

  • The investment into a training program
  • Logistics and timelines of training
  • Significant outcomes of the program
  • And more…
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Ep.179: The Secret to Successful Bonuses and Incentives with Doug Panozzo

January 24, 2022 Hiring, Management, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:38:50

Join guest Doug Panozzo as he helps us wrap up our 4-part series on Bonuses and Incentives.  Doug shares the many facets of incentives and ways he has been successful in motivating his team.

Doug is the production manager at Hogan Design and Construction and joined their team in 2017 after several years managing projects for a technology company.  He brings leadership, communication, organization, and attention to detail to his job and we hear all about it in this episode.

Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:


4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives:

Ep.178: The Secret to Successful Bonuses and Incentives with Chris Peterson

January 17, 2022 Production 00:37:27

This is PART 3 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives.

We welcome back guest Chris Peterson to hear his thoughts on bonuses and incentives as part of this 4-part series.  Chris shares his perspective on bonus and incentive programs and aspects other than money that can serve as motivation for team members.  

Chris is the VP of Production at Schloegel Design Remodel in Kansas City, MO., and has spent over 20 years in every role in the production side of the business.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

  • Distributing bonuses
  • The impact of incentives
  • How client satisfaction plays a role
  • And more…


4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives:

Ep.177: The Secret to Successful Bonuses and Incentives with Eddie Casanave

January 10, 2022 Finance, Management, Production 00:36:47

This is PART 2 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives. 

Eddie Casanave, Owner of Distinctive Remodeling in Raleigh, NC joins Tim and Steve to talk about the bonus and incentive program he and his team use.

In business 1987, Eddie has seen and tried many different bonus plans, and they seemed to all have limited life.

The current plan he uses seems to have the elements to make it long lasting.

Tim, Steve and Eddie talk more about:

  • Financial bonuses vs. incentives
  • The origin of the bonus program and how has it developed over time
  • Which part makes it appealing to their team
  • Customer Satisfaction issues
  • And More


4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives:

Ep.175: From ICU Practitioner to Production Manager with Ryan Truesdale

December 13, 2021 Operations, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:41:17

As companies mature, the need for someone to take the production department off of the shoulders of the owner is inevitable.  While having construction knowledge may be beneficial, we see that some of the best production managers come from a variety of backgrounds. 

Guest Ryan Truesdale shares his story about making the transition from a hospital, to a job site, and how he did it. Ryan knows what it’s like to work in high pressure situations and understands the importance of working with a team to execute plans with precision.

After working as a nurse for 12 years, he is now with The Kingston Group, and has been a catalyst to bring process and order to their day-to-day operations. Leading the production team, Ryan and The Kingston Group are the preferred choice for custom remodeling in the Nashville area.

Tim, Steve and Ryan talk more about:

  • Looking for talent outside of the construction industry
  • Necessary skills for any field
  • What to look for in a potential production manager candidate 
  • And more…

A Great Stocking-stuffer for Your Production Team!