Navigating COVID-Related Issues with Customers

Monthly Briefing

Profits | Relationships | Knowledge

November 2021 Volume XVI, Issue 11

By Carol Smith

Owner, Home Address

“Surgeon General Warns of Uptick in

COVID-Cases as Cold Weather Arrives”

The headline on my phone this morning was not a surprise. Day after day, the updates about the virus seem unable to hint at any real improvement. The end is not yet in sight. This is a reality we can neither escape nor ignore. For home builders navigating these issues with customers, several steps can be taken.

Depending on local statistics in your area, you may have modified how you conduct customer meetings. Figure 1 offers some ideas in a handout that can be added to your homeowner guide or delivered separately to prospects. It lists steps you can take to maximize everyone’s safety and describes options available for online meetings.

Helping our builder community achieve greater levels of success is our mission. Our consulting and coaching packages are designed to help home builders transform their organizations by addressing problem areas and building systems to deliver profits well above the industry standard.

Our consultants are available for remote or on-site consulting, reviews, audits, and coaching packages involving every aspect of the home building business.

Dave Burleigh

Dave is passionate about Unit Price Measurement (UPM) and helping builders improve the accuracy of their estimates to reduce direct construction cost.

Areas of expertise: estimating, construction efficiency, material waste reduction.

Greg Ciliberto

As a second-generation builder with broad operational knowledge, Greg offers a fresh perspective when helping builders identify innovate solutions to increase efficiency and improve quality.

Areas of expertise: land acquisition, scopes of work, sales, customer service, quality.

Ed Hauck

Ed excels at helping builders reduce direct construction cost, streamline operations, and guide product design towards efficiency and cost control.

Areas of expertise: operational efficiency, purchasing, value engineering, design centers.

Blake Houston

With extensive experience in home building accounting and operations, Blake specializes in helping builders with successful software and systems integration and implementation.

Areas of expertise: accounting, land development, product design and development, sales and marketing.

Carrie Roeger

Carrie has vast operational experience, from land acquisition to warranty service. Helping builders streamline their operations to grow and improve profitability is her specialty.

Areas of expertise: operational efficiency, strategic planning, change management, ERP software implementation, culture, HR.

Jim Weigel

Jim specializes in helping builders implement effective management systems with a focus on disciplined leadership and performance excellence to increase revenue.

Areas of expertise: management, marketing, sales, finance, quality, valuation, owner transition.

Client Feedback

“I wanted you to know you've really helped us a lot. Last year was our best year ever. I look forward to reconnecting soon. Maybe a field session or two and some time on options and selections would be helpful in 30-60 days. Thanks again for your interest in us and your wise counsel!” Scott Bardwell, Bardwell Homes

For information on our consulting services and packages, contact us at 303-972-7666 or info@shinnconsulting.com.

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Going to IBS? Meet our consultants in person. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, or stop by and see us in booth W6753.

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Giving thanks for our valued builder, manufacturer, and service provider members.

We are grateful for your partnership and participation.

It is important to understand the differences between installing a steam shower versus a hot tub in your client’s home spa so you can help them make the right choice. Unless your client has an inordinate amount of space at their disposal, it’s rare that any residential bathroom can accommodate both.

Miss our November 17 webinar featuring Mr. Steam? Catch the replay here.

Since the 1990s, the construction industry has been making a gradual shift toward a Lean framework. Lean construction practices aim to eliminate and minimize waste at every step of a project. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to employ zero-waste solutions into your workflow where possible.

Zero-waste solutions provide your business with the opportunity to conserve vital resources across all facets of your building or construction project. They help reduce more obvious material waste while also cutting down on the less-tangible waste that impacts your bottom line—like labor, cost, and time.

Superintendent's Job

January 6-8, 2022

Atlanta, GA

Art of Purchasing

January 10-11, 2022 Atlanta, GA

Executive Summit

March 7-9, 2022 Charleston, SC

Builder Partnerships Award Program Honors Excellence

By Lisa Putnam

Program Manager, Builder Partnerships

It feels good to be recognized for your achievements, and recognizing builders for their dedication to excellence and continuous improvement is what the Builder Partnerships Achievement Awards are all about. “This is a recognition that is only earned by a select few builders in the nation,” said Chuck Shinn, founder of Builder Partnerships. “Their customers, employees, trade partners, and suppliers can all be assured that they are working with builders who are committed to high performance, fairness, and outstanding quality.”