
165. The 2024 Recap With Russ Stephens and Sky Kolade
12/19/24 • 46 min
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Sky Kolade and Russ Stephens, Co-founders of APB. In this episode, Sky and Russ reflect on 2024’s defining moments for builders, exploring key trends like AI adoption, financial literacy, and the critical role of industry events in fostering collaboration and growth.
This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0
INSIDE EPISODE 165 YOU WILL DISCOVER
- The impact of high inflation and interest rates on builders in 2024
- How AI adoption has revolutionized the construction industry
- The importance of systemization and financial literacy for sustainable growth
- The role of community and collaboration through industry events
- Key insights from the 2024 State of Residential Construction Industry Survey
- And much, much more.
ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS
Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.
Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens
ABOUT SKY KOLADE
Sky Kolade is a Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Sky is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and she was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction.
Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/
TIMELINE
- 01:37 Defining moments of 2024 for builders
- 04:12 How AI is transforming construction businesses
- 06:27 The value of industry events for collaboration
- 12:17 Survey insights: What separates successful builders
- 29:34 How builders are making an impact with the 141 Project
- 45:47 Top advice for builders heading into 2025
LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE
APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com
APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/
APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/
APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders
APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an insightful episode with Sky Kolade and Russ Stephens, Co-founders of APB. In this episode, Sky and Russ reflect on 2024’s defining moments for builders, exploring key trends like AI adoption, financial literacy, and the critical role of industry events in fostering collaboration and growth.
This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0
INSIDE EPISODE 165 YOU WILL DISCOVER
- The impact of high inflation and interest rates on builders in 2024
- How AI adoption has revolutionized the construction industry
- The importance of systemization and financial literacy for sustainable growth
- The role of community and collaboration through industry events
- Key insights from the 2024 State of Residential Construction Industry Survey
- And much, much more.
ABOUT RUSS STEPHENS
Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, Russ is a data analysis expert who has introduced data-driven decision making to the residential construction industry. Russ is also a proud member of the Forbes Business Development Council.
Connect with Russ: linkedin.com/in/russstephens
ABOUT SKY KOLADE
Sky Kolade is a Co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Sky is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction and she was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction.
Connect with Sky: linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/
TIMELINE
- 01:37 Defining moments of 2024 for builders
- 04:12 How AI is transforming construction businesses
- 06:27 The value of industry events for collaboration
- 12:17 Survey insights: What separates successful builders
- 29:34 How builders are making an impact with the 141 Project
- 45:47 Top advice for builders heading into 2025
LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE
APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com
APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/
APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/
APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders
APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders
Previous Episode

164. Preparing for 2025 With Andy Skarda
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Andy Skarda, head coach at APB. In this episode, Andy delves into the critical importance of planning for your business's future, emphasising why every builder should plan not just for the next year but for the next decade. With practical insights, Andy shares actionable steps to help you get started with a comprehensive strategy for 2025 and beyond.
This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0
INSIDE EPISODE 164 YOU WILL DISCOVER
- Why planning for 2027 matters more than planning for 2025
- How to conduct a brutally honest SWOT analysis for your business
- The three critical resources every builder must manage
- How to align your long-term BHAG with immediate actions
- Why focusing on what's important, not urgent, transforms your business
- And much, much more.
ABOUT ANDY SKARDA
Head Coach at the Association of Professional Builders, Andy specialises in helping business owners in the building industry identify and implement the skills and systems they need to be successful, without needing to go back to school. Or more importantly, without going bust.
Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-skarda-92a6875/
TIMELINE
- 1:50 Why you should plan for 2027, not just 2025
- 3:04 The biggest reasons builders avoid planning
- 5:50 How to recognise and avoid burnout
- 12:11 Breaking down your 10-year vision into actionable steps
- 26:12 Why marketing should be your starting point for growth
- 46:44 How planning differentiates you from competitors
LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE
APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com
APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/
APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/
APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders
APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders
Next Episode

166. Simplify Finance With AI With Matt Calvano
Professional Builders Secrets brings you an exclusive episode with Matt Calvano, Co-founder and CEO of Adaptive. In this episode, Matt dives deep into the complexities of construction bookkeeping and cash flow management. He shares the common mistakes builders make with their finances and offers actionable advice to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve profitability.
This episode is sponsored by Apparatus Contractor Services, click the link below to learn more:hubs.ly/Q02mNSsG0
INSIDE EPISODE 166 YOU WILL DISCOVER
- The unique challenges of construction accounting
- How to avoid costly financial errors
- Why builders struggle with cash flow and how to overcome it
- The power of AI in simplifying financial management
- and much, much more.
ABOUT MATT CALVANO
Matt Calvano is the Co-founder and CEO of Adaptive, a cutting-edge financial management platform tailored for the construction industry. With a background in finance and real estate private equity, Matt combines his expertise in financial processes with firsthand insights into the challenges faced by builders.
Connect with Matt: linkedin.com/in/mattcalvano/
TIMELINE
- 02:55 Why construction bookkeeping is such a common pain point
- 04:14 The inefficiencies holding builders back
- 14:34 The biggest financial mistakes builders make
- 20:42 Steps to create a tighter financial process
- 24:52 How AI is transforming construction financial management
- 28:28 The future of finance with AI
LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE
APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com
APB Rewards: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/rewards/
APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/
APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders
APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders
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