Episode Archives

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.156: The Power of Word of Mouth with Mark Harari

June 28, 2021 Marketing 00:30:56

For people who own businesses in all kinds of industries, the interaction on the front line with the public and clients is often what builds a positive image and keeps those clients. 

In most cases, it even creates the referrals that many strive to achieve.  Guest Mark Harari joins this episode to share how the word of mouth is a stepping stone to achieve these referrals, and how to use it as a marketing tactic.

Mark has been around remodeling both as a business owner, a lumber salesman, and now a marketing specialist.  He is the Vice President of Remodelers Advantage, President of RA Marketing and Co-Host of PowerTips Unscripted, as well as the best selling author of Lobster on a Cheese Plate: How to Stand Out, Attract the Best Clients, and Win Every Sale that Comes Your Way.  

Tim, Steve and Mark talk more about:

  • The target customer profile
  • Brand personality
  • Successful word of mouth etiquette
  • And more…

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

Ep.150: Building a Team, Not a Family with Jef Forward

May 10, 2021 Hiring, Management 00:40:45

While having a family-like culture is a well intended premise, it is oftentimes impractical.

Companies may notice that one or two employees are intolerant of the family-like culture in place, and leave the “family” dysfunctional. 

Creating an environment where there is a structure that resembles a team, rather than a family, is a way to avoid intolerance, and grow as a company.  In this episode, guest Jef Forward describes how he was able to achieve a team-like culture in his business, and why it has been successful.

Jef has a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan and started Forward Design Build in 1997, focusing on a design and build method to ensure successful projects. He defines a successful project as a happy homeowner with a beautiful, functional home completed with-in ‘stated’ expectations of cost, service and schedule from the beginning of design to the end of construction.

Tim, Steve and Jef talk more about:

  • The “locus of control” 
  • How to address and correct the path of someone who is trending sideways
  • How to efficiently communicate with different team members
  • And more…

Get on the Waitlist for the 2021 Remodelers Summit in Phoenix

We are very excited to announce that after more than a year of virtual conferences and canceled events, we are holding the Annual 2021 Remodelers Summit LIVE and In-person at the luxurious Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 22, 2021. We will launch registration on May 19, 2021, but if you’d like to join our waitlist, we will guarantee you a spot at this event and offer you the lowest pre-sale special pricing of $500 off the standard registration fee. So, sign up today!

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.147: How to Engage Your Staff to Help Train Each Other with Ned Trimming

April 19, 2021 Hiring, Management, The Tim Faller Show 00:40:28

Training, training, training!  

Business owners, production managers and general managers often get caught in a position wondering how to do it all. 

So, we turned to a former guest and a member of our production manager roundtables, Ned Trimming, to share his efficient training process, which involves both current and new employees.

Ned Trimming is the Production Manager at Crescent Builds located in Seattle, WA.  Ned and his team at Crescent are dedicated to building high-quality spaces for people to live and work in, while also creating an employee review process that continues to morph into new areas of training.

Tim, Steve and Ned talk more about:

  • Active cross-training
  • Training opportunities within a company
  • Establishing lateral service goals
  • And more…

We Have a New Production Manager Roundtables Group Forming Now!

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

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.