Technology

Ep.196: Inventory Management on the Go With Selema Lawson-Jack

June 13, 2022 00:33:57

Selema Lawson-Jack joins the show and discusses how she found a technology fix to solve an inventory management issue, but was able to expand its capabilities to create efficiencies across the organization, and generate revenue at the same time. She talks about how Sortly, the affordable app she implemented, operates and how she was able to successfully integrate it into the organization.

Selema works for Schroeder Design Build of Fairfax, VA and is the Director of Production, where she oversees all projects in the construction phase. She is the first point of contact on job sites and leads a team of project managers, project developers and carpenters. She was recently named to Pro Remodeler’s top 40 under 40.

Tim, Steve, and Selema talk more about:

Organizing inventory using Sortly
How Sortly improves the processes for the team
And more……

Ep.195: Using AI in Home Remodeling with Ben Ranta

June 6, 2022 00:30:50

Guest Ben Ranta joins the show to discuss his experiences with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the remodeling industry. Ben talks about how the AI software, Otter, is used for client meetings and how it helps his company, Forward Design Build be more effective in meeting client demands. He also discusses how he dealt with pushback when Otter was implemented.

Ben left his desk job in 2019 to pursue a career in the trades and joined Forward Design Build Remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After about 18 months as a carpenter, Ben then changed gears and became a Project Manager.

Tim, Steve, and Ben talk more about:

How AI is used for client meetings
Any pushbacks from clients and co-workers
And more…..

Ep.188: Skills Training Meets Technology with Jordan Smith

April 11, 2022 00:35:07

In this episode we’ll cover learning in a digital age, and how training impacts the way we hire and train workers. Guest Jordan Smith shares the best ways to implement or build onto an existing training program to foster employee progress, career growth and the overall success of one’s organization.

Jordan is the President and Founder of Smith House Company, a design + build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction.

Tim, Steve and Jordan talk more about:

Accounting for regional differences in business
MT Copeland
And more…

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

April 5, 2021 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.139: Solar Power Potential with Dana Weinberg

February 22, 2021 00:39:24

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular and is being seen in more and more new, and existing construction. The cost of it is coming down and the government is taking steps make it more affordable, therefore making it more appealing to property owners.

Dana Weinberg, Sales and Finance Director of Sunwatt Solar, joins Tim and Steve in this episode to talk about the benefits of solar power and rebates available for home and business owners.

Tim, Steve and Dana talk more about:

The benefits of solar power energy
Data and software used by solar power companies
How to get involved with solar power companies
The importance of consulting with a solar company to create great results
And more…

Ep. 136: Using 3D Imaging in Estimating & Production with Ned Trimming

February 1, 2021 00:37:17

While the pandemic situation, we’ve been dealing with for almost a year, has led us to one obstacle after another, it has also opened up the production side of the business to a variety of tech tools we haven’t thought of using until we were forced to.

3D imaging is one of those tools that was mentioned several times during our Production Manager Roundtables sessions last year, and we began looking at it further as we prepared for our Masterclass on Estimating coming up in April. Does it help with estimating to have these images?

We turned to one of the members of our production manager roundtables who was willing to share how they use 3D imaging in their process.

Ned Trimming is the Production Manager at Crescent Builds located in Seattle WA. Ned and his team at Crescent had initially purchased a 3D imaging camera due to the pandemic, minimizing client interactions onsite, but the technology has proven to have many other useful benefits as well.

Tim, Steve and Ned talk more about:

Background on Crescent Builds (size of projects, type of work, etc.).
The benefits of using 3D imaging.
Using 3D imaging in the Estimating process.
The time and cost of using 3D imaging with a client.
Challenges that Crescent ran into and how it has improved their process.
And more…

Peer-Power for your Production Team

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

People Management Problem solving and making & keeping commitments.
Technology Discussions on the latest and greatest technology available.
Training Developing personnel improvement plans to increase efficiency.
Customer Service The little things that turn a client from a fan to an apostle.

[Click Here for More Information]

Ep.124: 50 Shades of Green with Paul Eldrenkamp

October 26, 2020 00:36:33

How the concept of “green remodeling” has evolved over time and what, if anything, does it mean today?

In this episode, Tim and Steve discuss the green movement, where it has been, where it is going, and a little about being involved.

To dive further in we welcome Paul Eldrenkamp – Founder and Project Manager for Byggmeister, Inc. in Newton, MA to the show, as he was an early adopter of green building, and remains a thought-leader in the industry years later.

After a wide range of carpentry jobs and a bachelor’s degree in History and Literature of Medieval Europe, Paul founded Byggmeister (Scandinavian for “master builder”) in 1983. Over the course of nearly forty years in business, he has “always placed a high priority on two things: fostering easy, friendly relations with his clients and building a team of people who are as interesting and diverse as they are talented and dedicated.”

Tim, Steve and Paul cover:

Defining what “green renovation” means.
The biggest mistakes remodelers make when they incorporate green practices into their business model.
Reliable sources of building science information.
Some of the most entrenched myths about green remodeling.
How “green” practices have evolved over 40 years in the industry.

2020 Annual Remodelers Summit Coming November 11-12, 2020

Come learn from the experienced, respected thought-leaders who are making the biggest impact on our industry — now and into the future. These industry veterans, authors and business owners will give you the information, advice and tools you need to prepare for the largest economic recovery in the history of North America, heading into 2021.
[More Information + Registration]

Ep.110: Providing Energy Audits with Larry Mayer

July 6, 2020 00:31:46

Energy, and more specifically energy efficiency, has been a critical issue for building and remodeling since the late 80’s and 90’s when the attention seemed focused on window size and glazing. Fast-forward to today where the discussion has advanced to green energy, solar and thousands of products focused on energy conservation and efficiency.

An important step in the process is to analyze the current situation with an Energy Audit, performed by a trained professional and perhaps build that into your service offering as a builder or remodeler. Some lenders are requiring it and in many municipalities, it is required for the resale of a residence.

Tim and Steve welcome Larry Mayer to the show to discuss the topic further. Larry is the Owner of Comfort Choice Homes in Fargo, ND, which he founded in 2001 after a successful career with Honeywell. In addition to home building and remodeling, Larry’s company provides Energy Audits to both the residential and commercial markets.

In this episode, Tim, Steve and Larry cover:

What an energy audit is and some background on the need for them
What is involved and what the tests are
Who is qualified to provide an energy audit
Why Builders and Remodelers should pay to have this done
The need for energy audits in different climates

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Ep.103: Moisture Control with Bill Robinson

May 18, 2020 00:41:42

In this episode of the
Tim Faller Show, Tim and Steve explore some of the more technical aspects of
the remodeling and building industries. In this case, we take a closer look at
moisture control and bring in an industry veteran and well-known speaker, Bill
Robinson out of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bill is a nationally known construction trainer and presenter. He has demonstrated the proper use of building products in many parts of the country and at dozens of trade shows. Bill’s overarching message is understanding, detailing, and managing the building envelope and you can learn more about him and his business here.

Free Webinar: Recovery 2020: Let’s Get Ready to Restart!

As the world battles through the COVID-19 Pandemic, one theme is constant throughout North America; “How do we Recover?” Every area is effected differently and each remodeling company must look at the next 6-8 months and plan accordingly.

This month’s webinar features Tim and Doug Howard, taking a closer look at positioning your business to succeed and hitting the ground running as we all emerge from this disruption in the market.

This webinar will be a dual-presentation; first Doug will address the business side and then Tim will handle the challenges faced on the production side. Click Here for More Information and Registration >>

Ep.92: Using RFIs Effectively with Jason Brookshire

February 17, 2020 00:25:33

We’ve discussed adapting commercial construction systems and applications for use in the residential world. Implementing them is often met with resistance — but there are definitely processes that work well and add value.

Requests for Information are standard in the commercial construction world, but aren’t widely used in residential remodeling.

In this episode, Jason Brookshire talks to Tim and Steve about why he finds RFIs to be important to his work in residential remodeling, and how to implement your own system.

Jason has been the production manager at McBride Remodeling in Petoskey, MI, for more than four years. He has more than 15 years of experience as a commercial development superintendent in markets around the country.

In his work in commercial construction, Jason used written RFIs when clarification was needed in the scope of work from architects, owners, or other parties. At McBride, RFIs are used by lead carpenters and those in the office, creating better information flow. It cuts down on phone calls and clarifies communication. RFIs go through their cloud-based project management system. Jason talks about the advantages of using RFIs, including:

Building in accountability
Getting the details you need — when you need them
The type of information typically clarified
Getting staff buy-in
The time it saves
Who gets involved
How to use them
Simplifying change orders
Training your trade partners
And more …

The accountability and speed built in to the process are vital to growing companies, to streamline jobs and protect profits. If you’ve got questions about implementing RFIs in your company, Jason says you can get in touch with him at Jason@mcbrideremodeling.com.