The Tim Faller Show

Ep.165: Taking the Client Experience to the Next Level with Jeremy Kelley (Part 1)

September 27, 2021 Management, Production, The Tim Faller Show 00:30:59

People mysteriously up and leave without giving notice, and we are stuck with the issue of keeping and retaining that “good help.” From a manager’s perspective all was going so well, but still, there is something going on in the employee’s head that causes them to leave. 

In almost all cases, getting more money somewhere else is the most common explanation.  Money is the prominent tangible item in the experience, so it is often used as the excuse. But what prompted them to even look someplace else? Why did the good relationship get to the point where someone was not wanting to stay?

In these next two episodes, we will be talking about how our personality and more importantly, the other person’s personality impact these relationships. We will discuss the external client in the first episode, and the internal client in the second, with the help of guest Jeremy Kelley.

Jeremy joined BACK Construction four years ago after running his own Residential Design/Build company for 11 years. Over the last year, his position has changed slightly from Production manager to Director of the Remodeling Division. 

Tim, Steve and Jeremy talk more about:

  • Utilizing temperament tests
  • The importance of “listening well”
  • Working better together through understanding better
  • And more…

Let Us Turn Your Project Manager into a Superhero!

Remodelers Advantage presents a Masterclass course explicitly designed for Project Management personnel in the remodeling and custom-building industries.

This two-day program, held in-person at our office in Maryland, focuses on two of the most critical aspects of managing a project – hitting the agreed-upon budget and working with and managing the team effectively.

Industry and business experts Tim Faller, Victoria Downing, and Doug Howard will be facilitating this course.

More Info + Registration

Ep.164: Sales for Non-Sales People (Part 2) with Jeff Borovitz

September 13, 2021 Sales, The Tim Faller Show 00:46:01

In Part II of this series about sales for non sales people, tune in to hear about certain sales situations that you may find yourself in, and some possible solutions to those problems. In case you missed it, check out Part I first, where some general ideas are discussed, like why this topic is so important and the potential results of not embracing the field of sales. 

Guest Jeff Borovitz is known for triple digit revenue and profit increases, with over 25 years of experience as an award-winning quota busting salesperson, sales manager, general manager and small business owner

Jeff has advised, trained and coached small and medium sized companies as well as large enterprise companies on developing stronger sales teams, closing more sales and leading organizational change. Jeff is also available for speaking opportunities and keynote speeches.

Tim, Steve and Jeff talk more about:

  • Change Orders
  • Warranty Work
  • Communicating to achieve the best results
  • And more… 

Learn to Become a Great Negotiator!

With Sandler’s Negotiating Mastery, you will learn how to keep deals and other agreements on track, lead win-win negotiations and deal with common negotiation mistakes and power-play tactics.

Masterclass: How To Become A Great Negotiator starts on September 30th.

[Click Here for More Information + Registration]

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.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.155: The Games People Play with Jeff Neal

June 21, 2021 Hiring, Management, The Tim Faller Show 00:32:02

One of the most important topics in our industry is the labor situation. A corollary is once we have good staff how do we keep them? There are many answers to that question but the one that pops up more frequently than others is to have a great culture.

One thing is for sure you have to care about the people that work for you and let them know that in every way you can. Another component seems to be – have some fun.

Back in Episode 5, our guest, Brad Yetman, referred to what we have come to call “mini games” or different ways we can motivate and engage with our team members to keep them interested and on board.

In this episode we look at things from a slightly different perspective with guest, Jeff Neal from Ozarks Remodeling and Design in Springfield, MO. Jeff joined Ozarks in August of 2020 to take over managing the production side of the business and has been able to grow the production staff to double the size, allowing them to reduce their backlog and serve their customers sooner.

Tim, Steve and Jeff talk more about:

  • Background and description of Ozark Remodeling (size, types of work, etc.)
  • The Definition of a “mini game.”
  • Where the concept come from and the motivation behind offering them to the team.
  • An example of a game that has been used to “fix” a problem.
  • And more…

Ep.154: The Locus of Control with Jef Forward

June 14, 2021 Management, Operations, The Tim Faller Show 00:39:01

The Locus of Control is a concept that highlights one’s ability to control the outcomes and events in their lives.  When applied in a business, The Locus of Control can increase productivity, and breed ownership and support.

The Tim Faller Show welcomes back guest Jef Forward, to share his experiences surrounding the locus of control in his remodeling business. 

Jef is the founder and co-owner, with his wife, Monica, of Forward Design Build Remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over 23 years, the company has grown to a team of 30+ engaged, positive, and supportive employees, and their path towards continued success is heavily focused on team and leadership building.

Tim, Steve and Jef talk more about:

  • Background and overview of The Locus of Control
  • The five dysfunctions of a team
  • Building a trustworthy team
  • Reaching goals
  • And more…

Let Us Turn Your Project Manager into a Superhero!

Project Management Intensive

This course combines in-person instruction, interactive exercises, and Roundtables elements such as individual focus time and formulating commitments in a group of non-competing remodeling companies.

This two-day program focuses on two of the most critical aspects of managing a project – hitting the agreed-upon budget and working with and managing the team effectively.

NEW DATES ADDED: November 4-5, 2021

[ More Information + Registration ]

Ep.153: Using a Talent Management Test for Hiring with Ben Reynolds

June 7, 2021 Hiring, Operations, The Tim Faller Show 00:34:27

The hiring process is a big challenge for, well, all of us.  

One way to assist in this process is by having a good set of interview questions, and the skills to actively listen to the responses given.  Without these tools, you may find yourself later on wondering how you missed red flags in an employee’s interview and hiring process. 

Guest Ben Reynolds joins this episode to teach you how to avoid that very situation.

Ben is the production manager at Kawartha Lakes Construction in Lakefield, Ontario, a design build company that has implemented a hiring process that has proved to be successful, and promotes employee retention.  

This process includes a required skills assessment made up of practical tasks that a potential employee in a specific position would be faced with on a regular occurrence.  By adding this to their hiring process, they are able to ensure that prospective employees are proficient and efficient when operating in remote and hard to access areas, a large part of their business.

Tim, Steve and Ben talk more about:

  • Who should be participating in the interview process
  • What positions require this demonstration of talent
  • Hiring based on drive and aptitude
  • And more…

How Much Does a Bad Hire Cost Your Business?

The Remodelers Advantage Hiring Edge Program helps you hire key team members more effectively using a unique combination of TriMetrix DNA Assessment Tools and experienced, hands-on business coaching. Our mission is to improve your hiring process and help you attract the talent your company needs and deserves.
[Click Here for More Information]

Ep.152: Building Teamwork with Trades with Daniel Carrero

May 24, 2021 Management, Operations, The Tim Faller Show 00:41:20

Do you struggle to maintain relationships with subcontractors and experience your projects not being handled with urgency or priority? If so, you haven’t built a team, you have built a contact list.  

Guest Daniel Carrero joins Tim and Steve to talk about how he has built a solid team with little turnover and kept tradesmen that have been with him for over 15 years.

Daniel Carrero, President of House to Home Solutions in Rockville, Maryland, has been able to build a Sub-Contractor Team that prioritizes his jobs over any other contractor. 

He shares his tips and tricks to how he has made a team that has stuck with him for years and are willing to take care of service issues without question.

Tim, Steve and Daniel talk more about:

  • Building relationships with subcontractors and trades. 
  • How to stand out to subcontractors
  • Getting trades engaged
  • Prioritizing trades and subcontractors
  • And more…

These are the Types of Topics Being Discussed at Summit in September... Don't Miss it!

Tim Faller will be leading the Production Track at the Annual Remodelers Summit on September 22, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ. 4-5 topics, guest presenters, relevant keynotes and we’ve even thrown in a few golf events to wrap up the week. If you are looking to improve your production department and head into 2022 ready to roll, this is the perfect event for you and your key managers.
Click Here for more information and Registration.

Summit 2021 Simple Black

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