Successful communication with new or potential customers can make or break a company’s image. Alongside communication, ensuring that any preconceived notions or assumptions are put aside when working with a new customer can be crucial in securing their business.Victoria and Mark both share experiences with remodeling and trade companies that left them bringing their business elsewhere.  This is easily avoidable, and in this episode they talk about how communication plays a large part in having a successful business. Whether it’s poor communication or a lack thereof entirely, learn how to ensure that your business does not leave customers saying, “what were they thinking?”Victoria and Mark talk more about:* The importance of being personable* How to facilitate good communication* Advice for following-up* And more…

There are many legal challenges that can appear suddenly for remodelers, builders and business owners. It is imperative to build your business on a foundation that can weather the storm so that, as our guest today puts it, it doesn’t matter.
In this episode, we talk more about the process of “shatterproofing” your business with America’s Legal Coach, Scott Reib.
Scott is the owner of ReibLaw, a full-service law firm with over 20 years of Business Law and Estate Planning experience. For the last two decades, Scott has been helping business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers to “shatterproof” their businesses and succeed in the professional world.
Victoria, Mark and Scott cover:

* How Scott became known as America’s Legal Coach.
* The difference between a legal coach and a lawyer.
* What is meant by a “shatterproof” business.
* Why a business would need to be shatterproof.
* The biggest legal mistakes Scott sees businesses making.
* And more…

Jeff Borovitz has trained hundreds of remodeling sales people, designers and owners to help them increase sales and margins.  So, we have asked him to join us here to share his top ten sales tips with our listeners.Jeff is a franchise owner of Sandler Training and the Remodelers Advantage Sandler Sales Trainer. He 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.Victoria, Mark and Jeff talk more about:* The most commonly missed sales tip* Conviction and belief in relation to sales* Customized remodeling sales tips* And more…



























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Inspired by today’s conversation with Jeff Borovitz? Now’s your chance to go deeper. Jeff is leading three powerful Masterclasses designed exclusively for remodeling professionals who want to sharpen their skills, streamline client interactions, and close more profitable projects.Sandler Sales Foundations – Build a proven, repeatable sales process your whole team can use.Increased Profit Through Client Management – Keep projects on time, on budget, and clients happy.Mastering the Art of Lead Qualification – Turn more leads into the right kind of sales opportunities.Seats are limited—click the button below to learn more & register today!














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Dave Pollard, Co-Founder & Design Director of Liv Companies outside of Chicago, joins the show to talk more about how his firm utilizes 3D renderings in almost every aspect of their business.
Leading LivCo’s design team, Dave’s process quickly takes hand sketches to full-blown renderings and walk-throughs, and they are even leveraging the power of quick video editing to help clients and prospects truly feel what their home can be, and leave every meeting feeling inspired.
LivCo has been leveraging the power of 3D design since they began design/build back in 2012.  Initially used simply as a creative tool for developing ideas, they quickly learned that the 3D output could take them to a higher level in sales, efficiency of communication, and marketing.
Victoria, Mark and Dave talk more about:

* The software LivCo uses and why they use it.
* An overview of LivCo’s general design workflow.
* Using 3D visualization for more than just client presentations.
* The time it takes to make deliverables to the client.
* The fees to the client for 3D renderings.
* And more…

LivCo’s Drawing Board Playlist on YouTube



























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Employees thrive on feedback.
Then why is it that so few leaders proactively provide it? 
The answers, along with simple steps on how to provide timely, respectful, actionable feedback to your employees, are provided in this episode by guest, Tina Clements.
Tina, Vice President of The Retail Performance Company, is a leader, speaker, author, coach, entrepreneur.com contributor & facilitator, leading luxury industries for over 25 years. Her clients confirm, she is a communications expert & her book, The ART of Facilitation and keynote address ‘Yes, You Do Have a Choice’ are testimonials to her talent.
Victoria, Mark and Tina talk more about:

* Why leaders may not give feedback
* The steps to give real, timely, respectful feedback even when it’s difficult
* What to do when an employee may object feedback
* The secrets to giving feedback
* And more…




























Want to Master the Art of Giving Feedback?



Our Roundtables provide a safe, proven space where remodeling business owners grow as leaders—by practicing the very skills Tina shares in this episode. From handling tough conversations to offering timely, respectful feedback, you’ll learn from peers who’ve been there and done it.
Step into a Roundtable. Become the leader your team thrives under.














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Today on PowerTips Unscripted, we’re excited to welcome Bjorn Johnson to the show! As General Manager at TraVek Remodeling and Roofing, Bjorn shares insights into the company’s journey as one of Arizona’s most trusted leaders in remodeling and roofing. Tune in to hear about TraVek’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, which has cemented its strong reputation in the industry.Bjorn, who is passionate about sales and supporting his team’s growth both in and out of the office, joined TraVek for its solid foundation, core values, and great culture. He finds fulfillment in helping others succeed and is committed to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Join us as he unpacks the challenges, successes, and secrets behind TraVek’s top-tier service!Bjorn, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:* How is TraVek different from competitors?* What do you attribute your success to?* What is in the future for TraVek?* How are you handling these trying economic times in the construction industry?* And more…

Successful organizations rely on accurate financial information to make informed decisions. But what sets great organizations apart is having a formal month-end close process in place. This ensures that financials are completed, reviewed, corrected, and ready for leaders and managers to use confidently in decision-making. In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Doug Howard joins us to break down what a strong month-end close process looks like and how to implement it effectively.Doug Howard, a senior consultant with Remodelers Advantage since 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having facilitated over 8 Roundtables meetings each year, Doug has worked with hundreds of remodeling clients to help them master their financials, refine processes, and boost profitability.Doug, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:* What is included in a good month-end process?* How should financials be reviewed to know they are correct?* Who should be involved in the financial process?* And more…



























Want to Be the Remodeler Everyone Knows in the Neighborhood?











If this episode with Doug Howard sparked new ideas, it’s just the beginning. In his powerful masterclass, Own the Block: Marketing Tactics and AI Tools, Doug walks you step-by-step through the exact strategies successful remodelers are using to dominate their local markets.In this on-demand training, you’ll discover:Hyper-targeted marketing tactics that actually generate leadsHow to leverage AI tools to save time and boost resultsProven messaging and branding frameworks to build trust fastReal-life examples and templates you can apply immediately Learn from one of the industry’s top strategic minds and walk away with a marketing game plan you can implement tomorrow.






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Do you feel comfortable when presenting proposals/estimates to clients? Why should clients like the sound of your voice if you don’t? You might know what to say, but do you feel ok saying it?  These are all questions that body language and voice coaching expert John Baron is here to answer. John brings actor skills training to the business world, he was also a professional actor, owned and sold his own marketing business, a teacher of the Alexander Technique, a Corporate Trainer, and the founder of VocalCommunicationInBusiness.Victoria, Mark and John talk more about:* Why Construction Industry Professionals need voice training* Voice habits that are viewed negatively by clients* And more…



























Ready to Speak with Confidence and Win More Jobs?











If you struggle to sound confident when presenting estimates—or if your voice and body language are unintentionally holding you back—you’re not alone.On our latest podcast, expert John Baron breaks down how voice training can transform your client conversations. But what if you could go a step further?In Remodelers Advantage Roundtables™, you don’t just learn what to say—you gain the support and accountability to practice how to say it. From presentation skills to pricing strategies, your peer group helps you sharpen the communication skills that close deals.Join Roundtables and become the confident, credible leader your clients want to hire.














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Today’s episode of PowerTips Unscripted features Peg Buehrle as a guest. During the show, she discusses the significance of team development for business growth. The growth of a business depends on the growth of its key leaders and their respective teams. Therefore, it is crucial to have a development plan for each team member. Peg will shed light on how to ensure that this remains a top priority.Peg is a co-managing partner of ActionCOACH Columbus, the co-author of The Honest Truth about Leadership, and an internationally recognized speaker. She has 17 years of coaching experience and has helped hundreds of businesses grow. Peg is also a Remodelers Advantage consultant and specializes in team development. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, click here: https://remodelersadvantage.com/coaching/Peg, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:* Common omissions that business owners have about their teams* What gets in the way of business owners of actually doing a development plan* How do you create the discipline to make sure you execute your people plan?* And more…

Today on Power Tips Unscripted, Arlin Sorensen, the CEO of Oak Road Consulting joins the show. Understanding the art of creating value within your business is pivotal, especially in the context of planning your exit strategy. It’s all about setting clear goals for your personal wealth and translating that into a business value target that can drive your success. Arlin is here to share invaluable insights on how you can craft a robust value-creation strategy and harmonize it with your long-term financial goals.Arlin Sorenson is a simple Iowa farm boy who fell in love with technology and has spent the past 40 years in the IT industry. His passion is helping business owners and leaders achieve their definitions of success.Arlin, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:* How to create a value-creation strategy* Legacy/succession planning* What things can derail value?* And more…



























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Arlin Sorensen dives into building value in your business and planning for what’s next—but conversations like these are just the beginning.In Remodelers Advantage Roundtables, you’ll join a community of smart, growth-minded remodelers who don’t just talk about value—they build it, every single quarter. With expert facilitation, peer accountability, and real-world strategy sharing, you’ll transform insights like Arlin’s into measurable results.Don’t just plan your legacy—build it with Roundtables.














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In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Victoria and Mark are joined by Pete McDowell to discuss succession planning and how business owners can exit their company. According to Pete, there are four primary ways for a business owner to leave their company: selling the company, transferring the company to family or employees, or ESOP. He also highlights some of the basics of a succession plan, regardless of the option the business owner chooses.Pete McDowell is a Partner at ActionCOACH Columbus. Pete, alongside his partner, Peg Buehrle are a part of Remodelers Advantage as Consultants. They help people evaluate each of these options and select the best path. Along the way, they assist their clients to work less and build the value of their business. In this way, you can enjoy life NOW and look forward to a comfortable next chapter!Pete, Victoria, and Mark talk more about:* Preparing the team for succession planning* Examples of well executed succession plans* And more…



























Thinking About Life After Remodeling?











Whether you’re planning to sell, pass it on, or explore an ESOP, Pete McDowell and Peg Buehrle—part of the Remodelers Advantage Consulting Team—are here to guide you every step of the way. With a proven process to help you work less, grow your business value, and prepare for a smooth transition, you don’t have to figure it out alone.














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For many remodelers, digital marketing is the “voodoo” magic. With so many options, where do you begin? Well, Spencer Powell has the answer.In this episode, Spencer dives into his book, The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint. He talks about everything that you need to know about being found online, successfully.Spencer is the CEO of Builder Funnel and founder of Builder Funnel Academy, author, and radio host. Spencer has been a longtime guest and sponsor of the show, and gives listeners even more knowledge about marketing in the remodeling world in this episode.Victoria, Mark and Spencer talk more about:* How this journey began.* How marketing has changed over the years.* What the marketing blueprint looks like for remodelers.* The biggest mistakes remodelers are making today.* And more… 



















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Imagine having a trusted group of fellow remodelers—people who get it—to help you solve challenges, grow profits, and keep you accountable.That’s the power of Roundtables by Remodelers Advantage.🔹 Learn from industry leaders🔹 Get real-world advice—not theory🔹 Grow your business and your leadership skillsReady to stop going it alone?














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The thought of showing your financials to your employees may be unsettling. We’ve known remodelers who are so leery of sharing their numbers, their field crews don’t even know their project budgets.But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Ken Kirsch, a proponent and practitioner of Open Book Management. In this episode, Ken tells Victoria and Mark that showing your numbers will engage and motivate your team — while helping your bottom line.Ken is the president of MAK Design+Build Inc. in Davis, CA. Drawing on his experience as a carpenter and an artist, he and his wife Ellen started MAK Design+Build in 2003, out of an Airstream Trailer in their driveway. Ken’s a member of Roundtables group Krypton, and was introduced to the concept of Open Book Management at his very first RA meeting.Victoria and Mark talk with Ken about the positives, and one surprising negative, he’s experienced since embracing Open Book Management. They discuss:* What to show and what to avoid* Focusing on the Big Picture * The importance of your team being financially literate* When and how to discuss your numbers* Engaging your employees for lower turnover* And a whole lot more… Loved Ken Kirsch’s insights on open-book management?Ready to take your remodeling business to the next level?Learn how Remodelers Advantage can help you implement strategies like this—and more.Start your journey here.

The latest statistics on fraud should be a wake-up call for every small business owner. According to a survey by HISCOX, a specialty insurance company, 80 percent of embezzlements occurred at small businesses and 30 percent involved a loss of more than $500,000.With more work is being done remotely, including paying vendors and processing payroll, you must have controls and processes in place to avoid this happening to you.In this episode, we welcome Vicki Suiter, who shares simple practices and processes to help you avoid accounting fraud and stealing in your business.Since starting Suiter Business Builders in 1990, Vicki has helped hundreds of contractors and designers build solid foundations for their businesses, run operations more efficiently, and achieve the kind of success they never dreamed possible.Vicki’s articles and opinions have been widely shared in print and across the web. She is also the author of book “The Profit Bleed” – How managing margin can save your contracting business.Victoria, Mark and Vicki talk more about:* Why small businesses are targets in 80% of all embezzlement cases.* The most common place where people “steal” money.* Other ways employees and contacts embezzle funds from a company that are less obvious.* Recommended controls and practices a contractor should have in place to avoid this happening to them.* “10 Ways to Spot Accounting Fraud”Here is the link to the resource mentioned, “How to Spot Accounting Fraud”https://suiterbusinessbuilders.com/how-to-spot-accounting-fraud/

In a low-unemployment economy, recruiting and retaining the best talent is a continuous effort. You need a powerful competitive advantage — one that’s nearly impossible for anyone else to copy. It’s your company culture.In this episode, Steve Anderson tells Victoria and Mark why that is, and how you can develop a successful culture — or turn around a faltering one. Steve’s an author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He’s worked with tens of thousands of professionals to grow and expand their businesses. Steve has spoken at our Remodeler’s Summit and worked with our Roundtables members in the past.Your company culture is a combination of priorities and processes, and how your team acts on them, that results in how people feel about your company, inside and out. It can happen by default or by definition, but almost all successful cultures happen by design. He tells you how to look at your culture critically, and the steps to take to improve it, including:* Building on natural laws * Defining your priorities* Designing your culture intentionally* The law of emotion* What the 10 Commandments can teach you about changing your culture* Defining your culture in a written document* Setting expectations* Reinforcing acceptable behavior* Why the customer shouldn’t come first* Using your culture in recruiting and hiring* The culture mistakes you may be making* And more …There’s a copy of Steve’s first written culture guide in his book, The Culture of Success: 10 Natural Laws for Creating a Place Where Everyone Wants to Work. He invites everyone to use that culture guide to create your own — just click the link and make your purchase.

We are all so busy running our businesses that we often don’t realize that there are other potential revenue-generating investments that align with our present and future business needs.Chris Landis thinks you should consider helping businesses that lease their office space as an added revenue stream.In this episode, Victoria, Mark and Chris talk more about this innovative revenue source.Chris is a Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board of Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, DC and is a member of the AIA, with 28 years of experience in residential architecture. Landis Architects/Builders is one of the top Washington, DC renovation and remodeling firms and is co-founded by Chris and his brother, Ethan Landis.In this episode, Victoria, Mark and Chris cover:* The benefits, opportunities and challenges of owning your own building.* Offering space in your building to other business.* What is involved in becoming a landlord.* How these deals are structured financially and timelines involved.* How you can pass this knowledge onto other business owners. 

While Cost Plus Remodeling isn’t for everyone, it can be an enjoyable and profitable way of doing business.  If it is done well, it can be very rewarding and reduce the uncertainty of a market.Guest David Crane joins this episode to share why cost plus remodeling has proven to be successful for his business and his clients, and why remodelers should adapt this form of a remodeling contract.David is the CEO and President of Crane Builders in Nashville, Tennessee and has spent the past 34 years meeting clients’ needs with the highest standards in the remodeling and construction industry.  He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Construction and after spending 10 years in his hometown of New Orleans remodeling homes, he moved his business to Nashville where the company has been delighting clients since.  Victoria, Mark and David talk more about:* Some of the keys to successfully doing Cost Plus Remodeling* The differences in Cost Plus Remodeling vs. Fixed Price Remodeling* How to make a profit when you have to show the client your markup* What to do with your labor and Project Manager costs on a Cost Plus Project* And more…



























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You’re Either On the List—Or You’re Out.This isn’t just a waitlist. It’s your only shot at scoring 60% off your ticket to the most impactful, business-shifting event in the remodeling industry: The Remodelers Summit.We’re talking about a one-day window to unlock unprecedented access to the event that industry leaders never miss. No second chances. No extensions. No exceptions.✅ One Day✅ One Link✅ One ChanceOnce it’s gone—it’s gone.Getting on the list is 100% free.Missing this opportunity? That could cost you thousands in missed insights, missed connections, and missed growth.Join the insiders who move fast, think big, and always stay ahead.Are you in? Or are you out?














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“The high cost of replacing employees means it’s important to find ways to retain the best performers, and studies show that transparency from the top can be a solution, boosting employee engagement and motivation.One way to achieve that transparency is to show employees the company’s numbers and teach them the business. Why not get them in the same game as the owner?The strategy is to create a business of business people. Then and only then will they begin to make a connection to the numbers that measure their performance and talk intelligently about improving the business.”– Steve Baker Steve Baker joins Victoria and Mark to talk more about the benefits and advantages of open book management, as well as some of the challenges that business owners face.Steve is Vice President of The Great Game of Business, Inc. and co-authored Get in the Game as well as the update of the number one bestseller, The Great Game of Business—20th Anniversary Edition.Known for his engaging and irreverent style, Steve is a top-rated, sought-after speaker and coach on open-book management, strategy and execution, leadership, and employee engagement.Victoria, Mark and Steve talk more about:* The best reasons that a business owner should teach their people business* Common perceptions that employees have of ownership when there isn’t open-book transparency* How employees can benefit from an open-book policy* How you can get started* And more…Resources mentioned in this Episode:The Great Game of BusinessDownload the Get in the Game AudiobookR/A Lumber Yard Run Calculator 

In this episode, guest Alan Hanbury of Hanbury Builders Inc. discusses three common areas where remodeling contractors are underperforming because they believe their gut rather than facts.Alan also talks about referral marketing, the effects of job costing done half-heartedly, and hiring when taking net profitability into account.Alan is president of House of Hanbury Builders Inc., and recently retired after 45 years as owner of the full-service remodeling firm in central Connecticut. Alan now concentrates on teaching, consulting and other business coaching opportunities. Victoria, Mark and Alan talk more about:The importance of referralsWhy monitoring job costing reports may be more important than accounting resultsHiring during labor shortagesAnd more…

Online reviews can be the “Lifeblood” of any remodeling company’s business and marketing strategy and in Episode 9, Victoria and Mark speak with Bryan Sebring a very successful remodeler who has mastered the art of collecting online reviews from his satisfied clients.Bryan is the Owner of Sebring Design Build in Naperville, IL and has quickly become a valuable resource and thought-leader for R/A and our Roundtables members.According to Bryan he is a self-taught marketer who jumped in with both feet following a website re-design project that went sideways.Bryan’s 7 Step process for driving positive reviews is more than just a marketing strategy. As Bryan describes, his firm’s process of asking for reviews and earning them with hard work, great design and a client-first attitude has become more of a company culture.As Bryan, Victoria and Mark discuss the 7-step process, we learn more about:* Strategies around specific websites such as Houzz, Angie’s List and Yelp.* Infusing the review process into your sales/lead intake process* Dealing with bad reviews* How to encourage and educate your clients to read and provide reviews* Setting expectations with clients at project kickoff* How to work with client on project completion and walk-throughFree ResourceAs Bryan describes his sales and lead intake process, he mentions that he provides his clients and prospects with information to educate them about online reviews: what to look for, good signs, red flags, etc.  Here’s the blog post he share’s with them, which also includes his free Remodeling 101 ebook.