Episodes

Founder, entrepreneur, and developer, Andrew Vanderwoerd joins Mike Knoche to talk about his new product, Walk on Plans. What is it? It's a full scale projection of architectural drawings on an area where clients and contractors can actually walk through the house they are going to build! We get into the product development, challenges with large format projections, and then how it works. The benefits to builders and clients? Inexpensive insurance that the dimensions of the new home fit the wants and needs of the client. We go in-depth into the potential for implementing 3D components and franchising this innovative new business

Today, its Brant "The Tool Hacker" Taylor. He rails on the lack of an entry point into the trades and construction industry in the US because its not just public perspective on trades causing the issue with new recruitment. Brant, wants to go even further though. He's making tools and developing techniques to make work easier on the body to "keep the craftsman alive". Many people try trades but once they're in, there is no clear path to upward mobility. We have a huge housing shortage. We have a labor shortage. Who is gonna build the houses? Who's gonna build the bridges? Even with some movement towards "sustainable" building techniques, it's not enough. It's still incredibly wasteful and our building have relatively short lives. Brant suggests a direction for the industry.

Robin Clevett is a carpenter, joiner, and passionate builder in the UK and he's translating that work into a YouTube channel that has tutorials and techniques from his hands on business. He weaves a great tale about how he came out of school and "accidentally" getting onto business after he'd learned a bit of carpentry. It was a struggle but once he had a taste of self employment, it was over! Even though Robin and I grew up in distant lands, starting the business had similar challenges. They go into self employment vs working for somebody. It's a different mindset bc we have different goals. Then we move on to avoiding bad clients. Even if you think you know, it's still good to hear how Robin teases apart the contractor-client interaction to determine 1. if they really want to do it 2. do they have or will they fund it. Programming (television, cable) programs on property remodels and builds give the public unrealistic expectations about cost and project length. We move on to a touch…

In the second installment of interview with Brittany Farrow, Mike Knoche asks her to talk about burning out. The question comes up because the first time they attempted to talk on the phone, she was tired and stressed. She has a strategy but still burns the candle at both ends. Her biggest struggle running her business outside of sexism and discrimination...it's running the crew. Not being buddy-buddy, sensitivity, and, then, Mike shows his true colors about his frustration with employees. Having a partner has it's benefits! He does the books, payroll, and the office side so she can focus on the work. The Job Site Speed Round reveals what Brittany appreciates most. Then she runs through her vision for the future of her business. She's positive and a go getter

Up and coming framer Brittany Farrow, co-owner of BM Farrow Construction, talks business with Mike Knoche. She's a mentors women of all ages to get into the trades and runs a crew of women. Brittany lays out the realities for women in trades where she lives. From blatant harassment, disregard for bad behavior on jobsites, reactions from everyone when women show up to frame, the clients who love her, and how it all began for her.

The conversation meanders into ICF vs. framing for home construction, but "failure" is not linear. Getting your clients and contractors on board with building science and then having the "dumb" conversations that are necessary. Don't let your subs run williy nilly with locations. Make sure you walk through with them. This with some exampled from a current project. The guys go on to discuss the exciting challenges associated with doing work on old homes and projects that require research bc they have no experience there. Then it's a speed round 1. Tiny Houses 2. Offsite building 3. Remodels vs new construction 4. Historic restoration 5. Why architects insist on goofy eyewear. His advice to you: Be a team player, manage water, and build airtight! Steve Baczek wants you to write a 5 star review!

Steve Baczek is a hands on architect with previous experience in the trades. After some brief background, Steve and Mike talk the importance of talking budgets from the start. Bla bla bla. It's an in-depth discussion between two guys who have a lot of experience weeding out tire kickers and getting straight to the point. How much money do you have? Both of them agree that a lot of their clients are "pre-qualified" in a sense if they came to them based on reputation but the budget question still needs to be addressed! And tire kickers? They talk about some red flags and turn down a lot of people. When it comes to friends and family, charge full price or charge nothin at all! Steve then talks about his process with clients...listen as he describes " narrative" he assigns his clients for homework and then meet and discuss before any drawings are started. Guiding, coaching, or leadership, call it what you want, Mike and Steve agree that you are responsible for making your client underst…

This is the introduction to Season 2 with a few highlights of the episodes recorded so far. Season 2 of the Contracting Handbook is all about conversations on what ties builders together, who are we what are we, client communication, innovation, inspiration and more. Episodes drop weekly on Monday at 5:30 EST

I was invited to talk on my favorite podcast "Remodelers on the Rise". I've chopped up the audio to give you guys a little taste of my talk with Kyle Hunt where we talk about how I set boundaries with clients, what rules I have, how I implement said rules, and then we talk about my world travels a bit and how that influenced my

The Contracting Handbook is back! Well, kinda. In this teaser, Mike Knoche says what's in store for the first six guests in the second season of The Contracting Handbook