Production

Ep.161: The Basics of Real Change with Doug Howard

August 9, 2021 Operations, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:38:19

Change can be very elusive. Podcasts, seminars, books, classes, webinars, virtual classes all give us great ideas for improving processes. But how many actually take root and become what we do as a regular habit or process? 

Maybe we just don’t know how to change, so we substitute other activities.  In a recent training, guest Doug Howard of Remodelers Advantage discussed LEAN with a company and one of the concepts that he outlined may be beneficial to us all.  

Doug is an experienced leader, entrepreneur and business consultant with over 25 years of success in leading organizations, starting new companies and assisting client businesses as they start-up, grow or transition. Doug joined Remodelers Advantage as Director of Consulting Services in 2017, and now specializes in helping remodeling company owners develop strategic plans, streamline processes, improve profitability, and navigate growth.

Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:

  • The principles of LEAN
  • The value stream map
  • Creating a successful flow of communication
  • And more…

Imagine being more profitable than your competition, without having to be more expensive.

LEAN is a method of process improvement designed to simultaneously improve customer service, enhance employee morale and increase profitability — all with little or no capital investment.

At Remodelers Advantage we’ve taken the core principles of Lean and developed the Lean Remodeling System (LRS), which addresses the specific challenges facing remodeling businesses today.

[Click Here to Learn More]

Ep.160: Developing a Training Plan with Kevin Dunn

July 26, 2021 Hiring, Production 00:30:53

In an earlier episode, we spoke to Charles Boucher of Neal’s Remodeling in Cincinnati, Ohio, and discussed his role coming from auto parts manufacturing, to remodeling. 

He mentioned that he and their former Production Manager, Kevin Dunn, were working on training plans for the field staff, and we knew we needed to get Kevin on the show to discuss the need for companies to do the training of both entry level staff as well as those who have been around for a while. 

Kevin is the Production Training Manager at Neal’s Design Remodel, and has been with the company for 17 years.  He started at the company as a lead carpenter with 25 years of experience in construction, and has spent the last 12 years with Neal’s as a production manager, and managed the production staff from 4 million to 9 million per year. 

Tim, Steve and Kevin talk more about:

  • Starting a training plan
  • Creating structure
  • Implementing these plans
  • And more…

Upcoming Production Masterclasses

R/A Masterclasses are rich, intense, interactive learning experiences with plenty of hands-on instruction; blended with information, advice and strategies from some of the most experienced instructors in the industry.

The following Masterclasses will be focused on Production and led by Tim Faller:

Ep.159: Hiring a Trade Contractor to be a Production Manager with August Bergdahl

July 19, 2021 Hiring, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:34:20

With business booming and companies growing, one of the questions a lot of remodelers find themselves asking is, “Where can I find a good Production Manager?”  It is hard to find people that can do this very difficult role, and this episode will continue to look at this role in a company and who may be the best fit.

The focus of this episode is hiring one of your trades out of their business, and into yours.  Guest August Bergdahl talks about how this method came about and some tips for listeners to be successful in their search for a great production manager.

August is the Founder, Chief Growth Officer, and a Principal of Crescent Builds, a Seattle based residential construction and remodeling firm. August started Crescent Builds in 2007 and has been leading sales, growth, and business development from the start. He currently leads the sales team and is focused on the growth and success of Crescent delivered through relationships, analytics and new opportunities. 

Tim, Steve and August talk more about:

  • Getting started in the process of finding a production manager
  • Where to look in the search for a production manager
  • Signs you may need a production manager
  • And more…

Ep.158: Getting Some Help with Alan Hendy

July 12, 2021 Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:28:43

One of the biggest challenges for contractors, other than labor shortages, is the fact that many face the process of building a business in isolation and their experience is often graded as pass or fail.  

When they pass they are happy, but when they fail it causes many issues for them and the families that they support.  But where do they turn for help?  Using the Power of Peers or hiring a consultant are both great approaches, and guest Alan Hendy joins this episode to help listeners explore the possibility of bringing a consultant in to assist in their business.

Alan is the CEO of Neals Design Remodel in Cincinnati, Ohio, a company that offers full-service design, estimating, and production of projects that transform their clients homes.  He graduated from Miami University and spent time working in the insurance industry until 28 years ago when he returned to the family business to become the second generation owner of Neals Design Remodel. 

Tim, Steve and Alan talk more about:

  • The benefits of hiring a consultant
  • Receiving and utilizing a consultants advice 
  • Advice for those considering hiring a consultant
  • And more…

Remodelers Advantage Consultants Standing by to Help You...

We’re Here to Help

The mission of the R/A consulting team is to join you on your path to success; providing the coaching, resources, and assistance you need to develop and implement strategies that will get you to the next level. Contact us today for information about how we can help. 

Ep.157: Going From the Frying Pan into the Fire with Charles Boucher

July 6, 2021 Management, Production 00:31:34

More and more companies are reaching that point in their development where they require a production manager. It is one of the toughest jobs out there, since it feels at times that their attention is needed from almost everyone. There are the trades, the employees, the client and of course, the boss.  

Companies have tried all kinds of ideas to fill this role, such as promoting a “Lead Carpenter” and are typically left without achieving what they had hoped for.  Guest Charles Boucher joins this episode to share his experience in his role as a production manager and where you can look to find a great one.

Charles is the Production Manager at Neals Design Remodel in Cincinnati, Ohio and with many years of experience in the manufacturing industry and hospitality management, he brings a new point of view about production management and its benefits in remodeling.

Tim, Steve and Charles talk more about:

  • Project Managers and Lead Carpenters
  • Where to begin the search for a great production manager
  • Industry related roles
  • And more…

Upcoming Production Masterclasses

R/A Masterclasses are rich, intense, interactive learning experiences with plenty of hands-on instruction; blended with information, advice and strategies from some of the most experienced instructors in the industry.

The following Masterclasses will be focused on Production and led by Tim Faller:

Ep.151: Building a Great Handyman Service with Charlie Schloegel

May 17, 2021 Management, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:42:55

Handyman services are no stranger to the field of design and build, but very few of these companies are able to successfully incorporate a handyman team into their business.  

Schloegel Design Remodel saw a need for a handyman department and since its creation, it now has eleven team members all dedicated to handyman services. 

Guest Charlie Schloegel attributes the success of his handyman department to efficient scheduling, time management and the team’s willingness to be flexible.

In this episode, learn how a separate handyman department can create a hardworking team that turns what was once deferred maintenance, into revenue.

Tim, Steve and Charlie talk more about:

  • The differences between design build and handyman services
  • Using handyman services alongside remodeling
  • Why offering these services can create better relationships with customers
  • And more…

Have a Topic or Idea for an Episode of the Tim Faller Show?

Many of our topic ideas come from our loyal listeners and associates in the field. If you have a topic idea, or even a question or issue you need help with, contact Tim today and we will take a look. If we use your idea or topic we will be sure to give you a shout out and link to your website! Click to E-mail Tim

Ep.149: The Power of Peers with Victoria Downing

May 3, 2021 Management, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:32:16

Many business owners and certainly production managers feel alone in their business at times, and want and or need some kind of external input.  So, where do they turn?

Trade associations provide some input but are typically limited to whatever the “topic of the evening” is.  Remodelers Advantage President, Victoria Downing, saw this issue and took action through the creation of the Remodelers Advantage Roundtables Programs. 

Through the roundtables, members share support and guidance to ultimately help business owners earn more, and work less.

In addition to being the president of Remodelers Advantage, Victoria is the co-host of PowerTips Unscripted, a podcast dedicated to helping remodelers build a strong, profitable company.  She is an award-winning author and speaker and brings over 30 years of expertise in the remodeling industry to share how crucial peer groups are in order to successfully grow your business.

Tim, Steve and Victoria talk more about:

  • What it really means to be in the remodeling industry
  • The importance of receiving feedback
  • How to actually utilize feedback
  • And more…

Peer-Power for your Production Team

Developed and led by Senior Consultant and “Production Guru”, Tim Faller, this special Roundtables™ Program for Production Managers focuses on all aspects of production management.

We are currently forming the sixth group of production management professionals from some of the best remodelers in the U.S. and Canada. If you are interested in learning more, contact Tim Faller or visit our website. 

EP. 148 How to Build Morale and Culture During a Transition with Jason Willet

April 16, 2021 Management, Operations, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:34:56

Keeping your team engaged throughout the process of a transition is an opportunity to grow as a company.

Willet Construction did this through an event called “Vision Day” where the goal was to get everyone to understand the how, what, when, where, and why of the transition.  The event brought their team closer together, raised morale and reinforced the culture of their company.

Guest Jason Willet shares how providing an event such as Vision Day can truly help a company  have better success transitioning their business if the whole team knows what the goal is and can assist in getting there.  Jason became an official partner of Willet Construction in 2019 and is now the Vice President after his father transitioned the business to him.  He assists in estimating and design in addition to being an exterior consultant.

Tim, Steve and Jason talk more about:

  • How to create an agenda during a transition
  • Utilizing team opinions
  • Prioritizing goals
  • And more…

Three Production-focused Masterclasses Coming up

Project Manager Intensive:  June 10 – 11, 2021
Let us turn your Production Manager into a Super Hero!

The Art of Estimating:  August 18-19, 2021
You will find a gold mine of information in this Masterclass, led by Tim Faller.

Production Team Training with Tim Faller: Starts September 13, 2021
Get Your Entire Production Team Focused on Profit!

Ep.145: Shedding Light on The Darkness with Chris Bache

April 5, 2021 Production, Technology, The Tim Faller Show 00:36:20

By all accounts, business is booming. Projects are being booked way in advance, and everything is roses and sunshine. Or is it? 

In this episode, guest Chris Bache joins Tim and Steve to discuss the “dark period” – the period of time after the sale is completed, the project is booked, and is on the schedule. A critical time where the battle for client satisfaction can be won or lost. 

Chris Bache is the CEO and co-founder at Hatch, a messaging app specifically built for the remodeling industry that centralizes and automates homeowner communication.

Hatch began as a trial when Chris and his partner, Bill Violante, were asked by a local Pella franchise to help solve two huge blind-spots in their business – follow-up and customer experience.

That’s when the idea for Hatch was, well, hatched.  Word spread like wildfire through other Pella franchises, and then eventually into other areas of the industry.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

  • How to keep customers happily engaged until the project occurs
  • The customer experience
  • How to successfully communicate with customers
  • And more…

We Have a New Production Manager Roundtables Group Forming Now!

Do you want your Production Manager to learn from the best?

Do you want to give them the opportunity to exchange ideas with experienced Production Managers from some of the most successful remodeling companies in the business?

Remodelers Advantage is adding a new Production Managers Roundtables Group to our roster of 5 successful, thriving groups.

If you are interested in learning more, click here to visit our website.

Ep.144: Moving From Tract Building to Custom Renovations with Scott Fridrych

March 29, 2021 Management, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:43:08

Bridging the gap between new home construction and remodeling can seem pretty intense. There can be a lot of bias from each side about which is better or quite frankly, which is easier. 

Hearing the perspective of someone who has had experience from both sides can help both new home builders and remodelers understand the benefits of each, and in this episode, guest Scott Fridrych does just that.

Scott has spent two years as the project manager at Liv Companies, and was brought on to lighten the workload between the owner and supervisor, allowing them to focus on building the company. 

Scott has a BA in construction management from Ferris State University and brings over 20 years of experience in residential construction to this episode to talk about the transition from new home building to remodeling.

Tim, Steve and Scott talk more about:

  • What it’s like going from a production builder to custom remodeling
  • Why a production builder might make that transition
  • More about Liv Companies
  • And more…

Are you and your team struggling with estimating?

Unable to Win Contracts? Or, Getting the work, but not making a profit?

Whether you are an owner that handles the estimates or the estimator for a company, you will find a gold mine of information in the Art of Estimating Masterclass, led by Tim Faller, on April 13th & 14th. 

[Click Here for More Information + Registration]