Are you letting things happen TO you, or are YOU making things happen?
In this episode, Rick sits down with Steve Wheeler, Executive Director of Roundtables at Remodelers Advantage, to discuss the critical mindset shifts that separate struggling remodeling businesses from thriving ones.
Steve shares insights from working with hundreds of remodeling business owners across North America, revealing how the most successful companies approach challenges, sales, and company culture differently—even in the same market conditions.
What You'll Learn:
About Steve Wheeler:After 12 years owning a residential remodeling firm in Delaware, Steve now helps remodeling business owners improve processes and increase profit as Executive Director of Roundtables at Remodelers Advantage. He's also co-host of The Why We Build podcast and a frequent speaker at IBS, NARI, NAHB, and NKBA events.
Key Quote:"The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior that you allow." - Steve Wheeler
Resources Mentioned:
Conversations That Convert is brought to you by Builder Lead Converter - your perfect sales assistant for home builders and remodelers.
Visit builderleadconverter.com to learn how we help attract, capture, and convert high-quality leads.
#Remodeling #BusinessMindset #CompanyCulture #HomeImprovement #ConstructionBusiness #Leadership
Welcome to Conversations That Convert brought to you by Builder Lead Converter, your trusted sales assistant for home builders, remodelers, and home improvement companies.
In this episode, Rick talks with Morgan Smith from Smith & Company about the challenges of software integration for builders and remodelers. If you have ever struggled with do-it-yourself software setups or switching between platforms like JobTread, BuilderTrend, or CoConstruct, this episode offers valuable insights.
Morgan explains why software integration can often take up to 140 hours when done without expert help. They discuss how Smith & Company helps contractors by eliminating guesswork, customizing software to fit each company’s unique operations, and providing ongoing training and support.
Topics covered include:
The hidden costs of DIY software integration and why professional help saves time
Understanding your company’s sales, project management, and financial operations for smooth software setup
Getting owner and team buy-in to succeed with new software
How ongoing support ensures better software adoption and efficiency
Tips for migrating data and improving processes when changing platforms
If you are considering changing your software or want to maximize your current system, this episode provides actionable advice to simplify integration and improve your business operations.
Learn more about Smith & Company at smithandco.ltd or find them in the JobTread marketplace.
Subscribe to Conversations That Convert and never miss expert advice on lead generation and sales for home builders.
#BuilderLeadConverter #SoftwareIntegration #HomeBuilders #ConstructionSoftware #LeadGeneration #RemodelingIndustry
Join Rick and Drew for Part 3 of our Paid Ad Video Examples That Help Builders Attract, Capture, and Convert High-Quality Leads livestream, where we dive into paid video ads for home builders and remodelers. 🚀In this session, you’ll discover how to:🎥 Design paid video ads that attract new clients – Learn how to create videos that showcase your services, projects, and locations to prospects who haven’t heard of you yet.💻 Use boosted posts and paid social strategically – See how small investments in Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google can dramatically expand your reach.📊 Target the right audience with precision – Explore inbound vs. outbound video ad strategies, demographic targeting, and audience segmentation to get your ads in front of the people who matter most.🏡 Leverage warm and retargeting ads – Re-engage website visitors or past leads with video content that builds trust and reminds them why they should choose your business.✨ Enhance engagement with AI and motion video – Bring project photos to life, add narration, captions, and music to create memorable, high-converting ad experiences without a full production team.Whether promoting custom homes or remodeling projects, these paid video strategies show you how to:Increase awareness and recognition of your brandHighlight your craftsmanship and process visuallyCreate urgency with offers like limited-time discountsCapture leads efficiently and guide them toward booking consultations🔗 Ready to use paid video ads to attract, capture, and convert high-quality leads?Schedule your free strategy call today → https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule
🎥 **Conversations That Convert: 10 Ways to Use Short-Form Video on Social Media – Part 2**In this livestream, Rick and co-host Drew continue their series on **how home builders, remodelers, and contractors can use short-form video to attract prospective clients**. This is Part 2 of 2, showcasing **five more video templates** designed to boost engagement, build trust, and convert followers into high-quality leads.Learn how to:* 📈 Increase your **social media engagement** by posting consistent, high-impact videos.* 🎬 Use **testimonial videos, AI-generated ad reels, project carousels, and before/after posts** to showcase your work.* 🛠️ Demonstrate your craftsmanship, highlight project details, and create emotional connections with prospective clients.* 🔄 Repurpose video content across multiple platforms to maximize reach and impact.* 💡 Capture attention, educate your audience, and convert leads using strategic video formats.Whether you’re looking to **build your brand**, generate more leads, or demonstrate your expertise online, these video templates show how **short-form video can transform your marketing efforts**.🔗 **Schedule a free strategy call** and learn how we can help you attract, capture, and convert high-quality leads → [https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule](https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule)🌐 Learn more about Builder Lead Converter → [https://www.builderleadconverter.com](https://www.builderleadconverter.com)▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for more tips and examples → [https://www.youtube.com/@BuilderLeadConverter](https://www.youtube.com/@BuilderLeadConverter)👍 Follow us on Facebook → [https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter](https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter)💼 Connect on LinkedIn → [https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverter](https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverter)
In this livestream episode, Rick and Dru break down why posting consistently and sharing videos on social media is essential for home builders, remodelers, and home improvement professionals. Learn how to increase engagement, grow your audience, and turn followers into high-quality leads.In this 20-minute session, you’ll discover how to:📈 Boost your social media presence through consistent posting and video content.🖥️ Use Short Form Videos to showcase your work, highlight projects, and give potential clients a behind-the-scenes look at your craftsmanship.🔑 Leverage social platforms as a design inspiration hub for prospective clients.⚡ Build a system to capture leads directly from your social media efforts.🤝 Turn engagement into consultations, allowing you to pick and choose the best clients for your business.Whether you’re just starting your social strategy or looking to optimize your existing efforts, this episode will show you how to use Short Form Videos to make social media a predictable lead generation tool.🔗 Ready to put your social media to work?Schedule a free strategy call with Builder Lead Converter → https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule
Join Rick for our “Secure Top Contractors Before Demand Surges” livestream—your insider’s guide to building the skilled team you’ll need to dominate the next market upswing! 🚀In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn how to:👷 Proactively find and vet top-quality contractors before demand spikes🤝 Build strong, lasting relationships with your best trades and crews📋 Maintain a dependable talent pipeline so you’re never scrambling for help⚡ Position your business to take market share when opportunities arise💼 Avoid the costly mistakes that leave builders short-staffed during busy seasonsWhether you’re a custom home builder, remodeler, or home improvement pro, these staffing strategies will help you lock in the right people now—so you’re ready to grow when the market heats up.Schedule your FREE strategy call → https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule🌐 Learn more: https://www.builderleadconverter.com▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuilderLeadConverter👍 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverterConversations That Convert is brought to you by Builder Lead Converter, your perfect sales assistant.
Want to attract more high-quality leads with YouTube videos? 🎥In this episode of Conversations That Convert, Rick and the Builder Lead Converter marketing team reveal proven video strategies that builders, remodelers, and home improvement companies can use to turn prospects into clients.We break down:✅ Why short-form video dominates in 2025✅ How to use FAQ videos to answer your prospects’ top questions✅ The 4-part formula: Hook → Pain Point → Solution → Advice✅ How AI transforms your project photos into high-impact marketing videos✅ Tips to optimize YouTube titles, descriptions, and tags for organic search✅ Repurposing videos across platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and blogs for maximum reachYou’ll also see real examples of FAQ videos covering:How to set a realistic remodeling budgetHow to choose the right builder or contractorHow to avoid design mistakes that derail projectsWhether you’re a home builder, remodeler, or home improvement pro, this episode will show you exactly how to position yourself as the go-to expert in your market — and get found by motivated prospects searching for answers.
Join Rick for Part II of our “Website Video Examples That Capture Prospective Clients” livestream—your crash course in turning casual visitors into high‑quality leads! 🚀
In this 30‑minute session, you’ll learn how to:
🖥️ Use low‑risk web chat and sneak‑peek videos to remove the fear of “what happens next”
🎨 Offer enhanced design libraries, idea books, and planning guides that prospects can’t resist
💰 Walk clients through budget tools and scope‑of‑work wizards step‑by‑step
📆 Craft a “Schedule a Call” video that converts on the spot
⭐ Apply our 4‑step “secret sauce” for video CTAs: show the next step, remove risk, give a sneak peek, and confirm the positive outcome
Whether you’re a custom home builder, remodeler, or home improvement pro, these proven examples will help you keep your company on every prospect’s short list—and guide them all the way to a booked consultation.
🔗 Ready to put video to work?
• Schedule your FREE strategy call → https://www.builderleadconverter.com/schedule
🌐 Learn more: https://www.builderleadconverter.com
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuilderLeadConverter
👍 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter
💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverter
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Conversations That Convert is brought to you by Builder Lead Converter, your perfect sales assistant.
Website Video Examples That Attract & Engage Prospective Clients (Live Stream) – Part 1/ ?
Join Rick and Daiana LIVE on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn as they debut real website video demos—fresh from the editing bay—that show how short, guided clips can keep prospects on your site longer, move them to the right pages, and encourage them to start a conversation with you. This session introduces Builder Lead Videos, a new Builder Lead Converter service launching Q4 2025.
What You’ll Learn:
Stay on the Short List: Most visitors decide in 15–20 seconds whether to rule you out. See how a homepage “greeter” video quickly directs them to Build vs. Remodel paths so you don’t get eliminated.
Show & Tell Navigation: Use short clips to point leads to the exact info they want—plans, price guidance, remodeling ideas—rather than hoping they hunt through menus.
Lead Magnets in Action: Watch how preview snippets (Idea Book, Pricing Tool, Design Library) reduce risk and boost opt‑ins by showing exactly what happens after a form submit.
Tell Your Story & Build Trust: The About Us video pairs narration, imagery, reviews, and credentials (decades of experience) to answer “Why partner with you?” before a call.
Mobile + Captions + AI Motion Animation: See how alternate cuts, on‑screen word highlights, and motion‑brought‑to-life project photos increase engagement on phones and silent autoplay.
Consistent CTA Framework: Every clip closes with the reassuring line: “The journey to your perfect home begins with a conversation. Let’s start today.” Learn why repetition matters.
🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Conversations That Convert.
📅 Tune in live on:
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-olyRslR3p5pm59qgAShg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverter
👉 Schedule your Free Strategy Call: https://help.builderleadconverter.com/schedule-a-strategy-call-calendar-page-variation
Rick and Daiana break down the latest trends in custom home building and remodeling—revealing where demand still exists, what’s softening, and exactly what you need to do today to win tomorrow.What You’ll Learn: Ignore National Noise & Focus Micro-Markets Neighborhoods, zip codes, or school districts can outperform broad headlines—learn how to segment by product type and price point for hidden opportunities Custom Homes SoftnessSpring saw fewer new-home leads, spec-home pullbacks, and uneven performance except at the highest cash-buyer tiersRemodeling’s Roller CoasterLead volume swung month-to-month; large-project cancellations spiked above 50%, while mid-range jobs ($50K–$150K) held steadierInventory & Affordability TrendsRising resale stock and easing backlogs are pushing prices down—setting up better affordability and pent-up demand for late 2025 into 2026Outlook & TimingQ3 remains soft, Q4 should show a slight uptick, and political/stability factors point to stronger lead activity in early 2026Action Plan: Act NowWith a 6–12 month lag on results, today’s priorities are tightening internal processes, refreshing your marketing, and positioning to grab market share on the reboundResources & Links:👉 Download our 2025 Market Deep Dive (PDF)👉 Schedule your Free Strategy Call👍 Like if you found this update valuable💬 Drop your micro-market insights in the comments🔔 Subscribe for weekly 10–15 minute sales & marketing tips for builders and remodelers
Leveraging Video to Scale Your Home-Building or Remodeling Company – Part 6 of 6
In this capstone episode of our YouTube University for Builders series, Rick and Daiana show you how to turn short, strategic videos into a true growth engine—across marketing, sales, and operations. Whether you’re just getting started with video or ready to take it company-wide, you’ll discover practical tactics to drive traffic, capture more leads, streamline workflows, and boost client satisfaction.
What You’ll Learn:
0:00 – Intro & Series Recap
1:10 – Attract & Educate with SEO-Optimized FAQ and “How-To” Clips
3:00 – Enhance Website Engagement with 15–30s Branded Walkthroughs
4:45 – Automate Your Funnel: Lead-Magnet Sneak-Peeks & Boosted Posts
6:20 – Drive Appointments: Teasers + Reminder Sequences to Cut No-Shows
8:05 – Elevate Operations: WIP Updates & Loom Check-Ins for Clients & Trades
9:30 – Measure & Refine: Tracking Views, Engagement & Conversion Metrics
11:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Resources & Links:
👉 Find out how it works: https://www.builderleadconverter.com/services/
👉 Schedule your Complimentary Strategy Call: https://www.builderleadconverter.com/contact-us/
Stay Connected:
👍 Like this video if you found it helpful
💬 Drop your questions or share your favorite video tip in the comments
🔔 Subscribe and click the bell to catch every episode of Conversations That Convert
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About Conversations That Convert
Weekly 10–15 minute deep dives into lead generation, marketing, and sales tactics for home builders, remodelers, and home-improvement pros—powered by Builder Lead Converter, your perfect sales assistant.
In Part 5 of our YouTube University for Builders series, Rick and Diana dive deep into how to turn high-quality leads into booked appointments and profitable sales—using the power of video. Learn why your prospects need to talk to you, how to deliver on your promises, and why a controlled release of information keeps them engaged (but still hungry for more!). Discover: The 3 key offers your leads crave (design ideas, pricing scopes, and land-location insights) How video combines spoken word, visuals, and emotion to build trust A simple storyboard: problem → agitation → solution → irresistible call to action Tips for automating follow-through and making it effortless to schedule a callWhether you’re a remodeler, home builder, or home improvement pro, these tactics will help you qualify faster, book more consultations, and grow profitably—all with short, punchy videos.
Welcome to Part 4 of our YouTube University series for builders!In this episode of Conversations That Convert, Rick Storlie and Daiana reveal how to use short, strategic videos to attract, capture, and convert high-quality leads — even before they pick up the phone to call you.Whether you're a home builder, remodeler, or home improvement professional, you'll learn:✅ The 3 stages every lead goes through before hiring a builder✅ Why most builders lose leads during research and how to fix it✅ How to give prospects an “offer they can’t refuse” — using VIDEO✅ Tips for showcasing design ideas, pricing, and builder selection without sales pressure✅ How to reduce barriers and build trust before a single conversation
🏠 Are you a custom home builder or remodeler struggling to grow in 2025? You’re not alone—and the numbers don’t lie.In this video, we break down 7 powerful insights from the Association of Professional Builders’ 2025 industry report, based on data from 2,200+ builders worldwide. Learn exactly what separates the high-profit, systemized companies from those stuck in survival mode.🔍 You’ll discover:Why systemized builders are hitting 10%+ net marginsHow charging for quotes boosts trust & profitabilityThe hidden cost of “doing favors” for friends & familyWhy most builders’ financials are dead wrongAnd how content & planning drive real growth📚 Subscribe for more builder-specific strategies!
Your most powerful marketing tool isn’t a fancy CRM or paid ads — it’s your happy customers.
In this 1-hour masterclass, Rick and guest Karen Walshe from Go Recruit reveal how remodelers can tap into the stories, reviews, and referrals of past clients to consistently close more deals and grow their reputation — without spending extra money on ads.
🧰 What You’ll Learn:
How to turn project stories into case studies that sell
The right way (and time) to ask for reviews and referrals
Tools that automate follow-up and reward your clients
The “Proof Over Pitch” method that builds instant trust
How to work reviews into your sales presentations
🎥 How Builders Can Attract High-Quality Leads Using Video | YouTube University for Builders Welcome back to Conversations That Convert! In this episode, Rick and Daiana explore how builders, remodelers, and home improvement pros can leverage video marketing to attract, capture, and convert more high-quality leads. This is Part 3 of our YouTube University for Builders series, and today we’re diving deep into how to use video to draw in potential clients before they ever fill out a form.👷♂️ What you'll learn:The 4-part storytelling formula that builds emotional engagement and trustThe top 3 problems your leads are trying to solve (and how to address them with video)Why short, 30-60 second videos work best for SEO and engagementThe role of YouTube and social media for lead generation and awarenessHow to repurpose one video across multiple platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and your website📌 Whether you're a custom home builder or a remodeling contractor, this episode is packed with practical strategies to boost your online visibility, build trust with prospects, and generate better leads without spending a dime on ads.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📚 Watch all Conversation that Convert podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKlDW9Nu71_IjlKjFT5Ym99GGtGjyDHBq🌐 Learn more at https://builderleadconverter.com📲 Follow us on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builderleadconverter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderLeadConverter LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/builderleadconverter#BuildersMarketing #VideoMarketing #LeadGeneration #Remodelers #HomeBuilders #YouTubeMarketing #BuilderLeadConverter #ConversationsThatConvert
In this episode of Conversations That Convert, Rick and Daiana dive into the power of video for home builders and remodelers.You'll discover the power of video and why is a builder’s best friend and they will reveal how you can build emotional connections with your audience, showcase your projects, and establish yourself as a local authority in your market. Video has become an essential tool for marketing your construction services, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok making it easier than ever to reach your audience. 📹 What you'll learn in this episode:👉The power of video: combining spoken word, tone, and body language👉How video creates emotional connections and helps clients visualize their dream homes👉The best way to use video to communicate your value and services👉Why video should be an essential part of your lead generation strategyDon’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to harness the power of video and become the go-to expert for homeowners and clients in your area!👷♂️ Ready to integrate video into your business strategy? Schedule a strategy call with us to learn how we can help you leverage video for maximum impact.
Are you a homebuilder or remodeler thinking about running ads to generate leads? In this episode of Conversations That Convert, Rick and Daiana reveal why paid ads should be your last resort—not your first move.🔍 You’ll learn: ✅ The essential groundwork every builder must lay before advertising ✅ How to build a strong referral pipeline (B2C & B2B) ✅ Why SEO and organic traffic are your best lead sources 🚫 Which ad platforms to avoid (looking at you, Angi & Houzz) 👍 What actually works when you're truly ad-ready ⚠️ The hidden challenges of running paid campaigns in the building industry💡 Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your lead quality, this episode helps you invest your marketing budget where it actually pays off.
In this episode, we reveal essential steps every construction business owner needs to shift from day-to-day operator to strategic owner — and start building a truly profitable company.No matter where you're at — just getting started or already running a multi-million dollar business — these steps will help you stop the money leaks, tighten up your operations, and scale with confidence.Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to increase project revenue without changing job costs ✅ How to understand and lower your monthly breakeven point ✅ How to reduce overhead with streamlined, system-driven operations ✅ How to lower job costs through smarter purchasing and better efficiencyThese aren't just theories — they're battle-tested strategies that have helped contractors go from low profit margins to consistent, sustainable growth. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow builder who needs to hear this!
In this episode of Conversations That Convert, Rick is joined by Matt Santagata from Locorum to explore how builders and remodelers can use gift cards as a powerful tool in their referral marketing strategy. From pre-appointment outreach to post-sale appreciation, Locorum’s platform makes it easy for businesses to incentivize clients, employees, and trade partners — all while boosting their reputation.
What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ How gift cards can be used at different touchpoints in the customer journey, from pre-appointment to post-sale ✔️ The key to using gift cards to encourage repeat business and referrals ✔️ How Locorum’s platform supports reputation-building through review incentives ✔️ Real-life examples of how builders use gift cards to build loyal relationships with clients and partners ✔️ Innovative strategies like the "Neighborhood Pass" approach for turning happy clients into brand ambassadors ✔️ How to incorporate gift and reward cards into your employee appreciation programs
Whether you’re looking to enhance your referral process, improve client satisfaction, or get more reviews, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for builders and remodelers.
