The Builders Coach Show

Pricing mistakes are one of the biggest reasons builders are losing profit, and in some cases, going under.In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler breaks down the real issue facing the construction industry right now: pricing accuracy, margin confidence, and client communication.With rising costs, fixed-price contracts, and increasing insolvencies across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, builders are under more pressure than ever.But here’s the truth:👉 It’s not just the market, it’s how builders are pricing, managing risk, and communicating with clients.In this episode, we cover:- The 2 critical questions every client is now asking builders- Why pricing accuracy is more important than ever in construction- How to avoid price shock, variations, and client conflict- The real reason you should never compete on price- How to use provisional sums, buffers, and value management effectivelyA real-life case study of a builder dealing with a $790K quote backlashKurt also shares insights from his Channel 7 interview and explains why builders must step up as leaders in uncertain times.If you’re a residential builder, construction business owner, or project manager, this episode will change how you approach pricing and client communication.🎯 Want help with your numbers, pricing, or systems?Reach out: info@builderscoach.com.au

Most building problems don’t start on site.They start before construction even begins.In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess break down the powerful principle:“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”Originally used by firefighters and paramedics, this mindset has huge implications for residential builders and construction company owners.Kurt shares real stories from builders he coaches and explains why rushing the pre-construction phase leads to delays, cost blowouts, difficult clients, and lost profit.You’ll learn why the most successful builders focus on value management, early builder involvement (EBI), and strong leadership with clients before construction even starts.If you're a builder or construction company owner who wants better projects, better clients, and higher profits, this episode is essential.In this episode:- Why 80–90% of construction problems start in pre-construction- The biggest mistake builders make when starting a new project- Why traditional 3-quote tender processes often fail clients- How value management and EBI create better outcomes- The leadership skill builders must develop with clients- A real case study where a builder had to rip out a kitchen three timesThe message is simple:Slow down the front end, and your projects run faster and smoother.Subscribe for more insights on profit, leadership, marketing and systems for residential builders.Check out our website for more info and free resources: https://builderscoach.com

Builder insolvencies are rising at an unprecedented rate. In Australia alone, over 3,500 builders went insolvent in 2025 — more than double the historical average. Similar trends are happening globally. At the same time, demand for housing has never been higher. So why are builders still going bankrupt? In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess Norton unpack the real reasons behind the insolvency crisis affecting builders, and why many builders are struggling financially despite being fully booked. This conversation explores the financial realities builders face, the emotional toll the industry is taking, and the critical importance of understanding your numbers. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why builder insolvencies have doubled despite strong demand - How many builders unknowingly operate with dangerously low margins - Why not costing supervision and project management leads to hidden losses - The impact of financial pressure on builders’ mental health and personal lives - Why education and financial clarity are essential for long-term survival Kurt also explains how builders can regain control by understanding the financial fundamentals of their business and making informed decisions. If you’re a residential builder or construction business owner, this episode will give you clarity on what’s happening in the industry, and what you must understand to protect your business. To request a free copy of Million Dollar Builder 2.0: Email info@builderscoach.com.au Subject: Book Or check out our website for more info: https://builderscoach.com/book/

In this special episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt share the biggest lessons, insights, and hard-won strategies from 2025, and how builders can use them to make 2026 their most profitable and streamlined year yet.Whether you’re a residential builder, construction business owner, or managing a team and pipeline, this episode gives you practical clarity on leadership, estimating, pre-construction, value management, mindset, and margin protection.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why more architects are finally embracing one-builder tenders and value management- How builders can lead budget-led design to eliminate client price shock- Why pre-construction is where you win or lose the job, and how to run it like a machine- The 25/10/15 financial rule that helps builders quote accurately and protect gross margin- How to handle burnout, boundaries, criticism, and the pressure of never-ending to-do lists- Why “giving more than you take” is a core business strategy, not just philosophyPlus: book recommendations, timeless mindset shifts, and yearly rituals Kurt uses to stay sharp as a leader and coach.If you want to grow profit, improve workflow, lead better teams, and step into 2026 with confidence, this episode is for you.👉 Listen now and subscribe for weekly episodes designed to help builders scale smarter, earn more profit, and run calmer, more efficient businesses.#builders #builderscoach #residentialbuilder #constructionbusiness #valueengineering #preconstruction #estimating #leadership #businesscoachforbuilders #milliondollarbuilder

In Episode 46 of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack the strategy behind true profitability: market positioning, layered niches, and exceptional client experience.Most builders stay stuck in a red ocean, competing on price, blending into the market, and dealing with endless pressure. But the top 3% carve their own path. They choose a layered niche, position themselves as premium, and build a client experience that becomes a marketing engine.In this episode you’ll learn:- Why “marketing = profit” is the most important concept builders miss- What a layered niche really is (with real examples!)- How to choose high-margin clients who ALWAYS have money- Why communication failures destroy referrals (even when the build is perfect)- What your client experience must include to stand out- Exactly how to structure communication during AND before a build- How to turn every project into a referral machine👉 Want the “Top 10 Layered Niches List”?Email info@builderscoach.com.au with subject line Layered Niche and we’ll send it to you.👉 Need help building your niche, marketing strategy or client communication process?Book your free strategy call here: https://builderscoach.com/contact/Don’t forget to subscribe, like and comment, it helps us reach more builders who want to grow sustainably and profitably.

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt dive deep into the leadership leap that separates struggling builders from those who scale to multi-million-dollar businesses.Fresh off their Perth workshop and Rottnest Island trip, they unpack:- When to finally step off the tools & how to cost in supervision & PM (and why most builders never do)- The real cost of distractions & how to create “cocoon time”- Why ambition isn’t a feeling — it’s a capability you build- How to decide who is the true leader/GM in a two-director business- Massive gross profit case studies from recent Builders Coach clientsIf you’re a builder doing everything yourself, stuck in the cycle of “get work, do work,” or unsure how to scale without burning out — this episode will change your trajectory.👉 Want help implementing this? Book your FREE strategy call:https://builderscoach.com/contact/👉 Learn more about Builders Coach programs (Gold & Builders Coach for HER):https://builderscoach.com

Preparation = PROFIT. Proactive Communication, ECI & the Referral QuestionIf you want to stop putting out fires and start running a calm, profitable building company, preparation is your #1 leverage. In this episode, Jess and Kurt break down:- Why proactive client communication is a profit lever (and what to prep before every meeting). - The six-step sales process and the role of docs, FAQs & capability statements.- Scripts & role-plays (even with AI) to remove nerves before networking or big pitches.- ECI & Value Management: “Design freedom with cost feedback” to reduce risk and slippage. - The referral question to ask at project kickoff (and why it works).- A client-centric commencement/collaboration agreement to set clear rules without being authoritarian.- Networking that compounds—interior designers, suppliers, and architect partnerships.Chapters00:00 Welcome & why preparation matters02:45 Communication = marketing = profit08:10 Scripts, role-plays & AI rehearsal15:30 ECI/Value Management explained22:10 “Design freedom with cost feedback”28:05 The one referral question34:20 Client collaboration/commencement rules41:10 Networking that multiplies reach🔗 Links & resources• Builders Coach site & free resources: builderscoach.com• About Kurt & programs: https://builderscoach.com/about-us/🎯 Work with us / next stepBook a strategy call via Builders Coach and get the systems, scripts and comms cadence that protect margin and client experience.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Builders Coach Show, hosts Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess Norton unpack what real success means — and why consistent progress toward meaningful goals matters more than quick wins. From the hermit crab analogy on stepping out of your comfort zone to the South Pole expedition story from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, this episode explores how true growth often feels uncomfortable — but that’s exactly where transformation happens. Kurt and Jess also dive into: The truth behind “overnight success” myths in business Why journaling with 3 simple questions can accelerate your personal and leadership growth The power of AI as your “obedient PhD assistant” for smarter decision-making How to avoid information overload and shiny-object syndrome Why one-on-one coaching is still the fastest path to clarity and results Whether you’re a builder, entrepreneur, or leader ready to evolve, this episode will challenge your thinking and inspire you to take slow, steady, meaningful action toward your next big shell. Question of the episode: Are you ready to outgrow your shell?

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt reflect on our Auckland One Day Intensive—an event many called “the best you’ve ever done.” We unpack lessons from rugby greats Piri Weepu (All Blacks) and Duane Vermeulen (Springboks) and reveal how their insights into mindset, leadership, and preparation translate directly to running a profitable building company. 👉 Inside this episode: Why process beats outcome in both sport and construction Mental health, team culture, and leadership lessons from the field The Razor’s Edge Concept—how one small shift can transform your business trajectory Practical takeaways for builders: cash flow, sales process, client leadership, and more If you’re a residential builder or construction business owner who wants to scale profitably and gain back control, this episode is packed with strategies you can use straight away. 🔗 Learn more about Builders Coach: https://www.builderscoach.com Check out our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@builderscoach🎧 Subscribe & listen anywhere: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Women in Construction: The $20 Billion Profit Opportunity Builders Are Missing. In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack why more women in leadership roles isn’t just good for culture — it’s a proven profit booster.Discover: Why companies with 30% female leadership see 34% higher profits The leadership qualities women bring that supercharge productivity Real-life success stories of husband-and-wife teams and female leaders in construction 💡 If you’re ready to step into your leadership or bring the right people into your business for sustainable growth, check out Builders Coach for Her — business coaching designed for women in construction. 📩 Enquire here: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home884161🎧 Subscribe for more insights on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube

In this episode, Jess and Kurt dive deep into one of the biggest challenges builders face—time management. But this isn’t just about calendars and to-do lists. It’s about leadership in time management. They unpack: The biggest mistakes builders make with their time How to identify critical path activities Real-life examples of managing a business through personal crisis Why systems and automation are non-negotiable in 2025 The difference between “urgent” and “important”—and how to train your brain to tell the difference Whether you’re flat out or finally getting a breather, this episode will help you focus on what really moves the needle.

This is a special edition of The Builders Coach Show — recorded in front of a LIVE audience at Sydney Build Expo 2025! Jess and Kurt dive deep into how Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and Value Management can transform the residential construction industry.👉 Learn how to eliminate price shock, align client budgets from day one, and increase your margins without compromising trust.🚀 In this episode: - Why the old tender process is broken - Real examples of $500k projects blowing out to $1.4m - The 3-step Value Management Process builders are using now - How to lead with confidence (and boost your bottom line) - Why women are changing the face of construction — and how Builders Coach is supporting them🎁 Grab your free ECI & Value Management Guide: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/value-management-guide 👷‍♀️ Curious about Builders Coach for HER? Book a free strategy call: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home884161 🔔 Subscribe for more:👉 Apple Podcasts👉 Spotify👉 YouTube#BuildersCoach #ECI #ValueManagement #SydneyBuildExpo #WomenInConstruction #ResidentialBuilders #ProfitFirst #LeadershipInBuilding

Feeling stuck in reactive mode, constantly putting out fires? In this episode, Jess and Kurt dive deep into what it really means to be proactive as a builder—and why it’s the single most powerful shift to scale your business. Learn how leading builders use forecasting, 12-week planning, and clear communication to gain control, increase profit, and lead with clarity. ✅ How to shift from reactive to proactive thinking✅ The most important financial forecasting metrics every builder must track✅ Why proactive communication is the secret weapon to client trust and referrals If you’re ready to take control of your workflow, team, and profits—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in and take the first step off the hamster wheel.