Teaching builders to build great businesses

Click here to read the ITM Building Business Feb 2025 Issue

The Professional Builder (TPB) were excited to present at the ITM 2024 LBP Training Day events in Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with residential builders and share practical strategies for running a more profitable business. Over 30 minutes, we aimed to deliver real value and give builders the tools to tackle some of the most common business headaches.

Marti Amos, CEO and Founder of TPB, joined forces with Owen Chambers (General Manager), Brynn Wilson (Growth Advisor), and myself to lead the Profitable Projects Workshop. Although we could only dive into one area of our usual three pillars— Sales and Marketing, Teams and Systems, and Numbers and Pricing—we made sure it packed a punch. Here’s a taste of what we covered:

1. Stages of growth
We kicked things off by introducing TPB’s Systems Roadmap, a framework designed to match your business systems to your current growth stage. It’s like having the right tools in your toolbox for the job at hand. Whether you’re just starting to scale up or ready to step back from the tools, this roadmap helps keep your business moving forward

It was eye-opening to hear how many builders had to jump back on the tools over the past year without a clear plan to get themselves off them again. The current market is tough, but with the right systems, there’s a clear path forward.

2. Tackling builders’ biggest challenges
Let’s face it—many builders are feeling the squeeze with declining building consents. The culprit? A lack of solid lead generation and weak sales conversion. We shared simple, actionable solutions to turn things around, including tips on:

  • Optimising your website and social media profiles to work as your 24/7 sales team.
  • Implementing tools like the 1% Referral System to keep clients coming back.

Interestingly, when we asked the audience if they had a website, most said they didn’t. Unsurprisingly, our Website Optimisation Guide flew off the shelves! (You can find it under the Resources section on our website.)

3. Marketing for builders: your 2025 game plan
One of the workshop’s highlights was the introduction of TPB’s 151-Point Profit Checklist. Builders loved how it could add an extra $500 to $1,000 net profit to their weekly earnings. We also covered:

  • The “Charge for Quotes” script. A proven way to weed out tyre kickers and work only with serious clients.
  • Our 10-Step Sales Process and 40-Point Website Audit. This will boost lead generation and conversions.

4. The “Wow Pack” – A pre-selling powerhouse
Ever heard of the Wow Pack? It’s a personalised client gift that helps lock in an 80% conversion rate before you even step foot on site. Builders at the workshop were buzzing about how this simple tool builds trust and shows clients you mean business.

5. Real-world wins
Nothing beats hearing success stories from fellow builders who’ve walked the same path. We shared examples of TPB members who:

  • Boosted their average contract size from $150K to $600K using TPB’s marketing pillars.
  • Won contracts $140K above the competition with the “Quote as an Action Plan” process.
  • Walking away with a game plan

The Profitable Projects Workshop wasn’t just about taking notes – it was about taking action. Builders left with a clear vision of their dream business and concrete steps to get there. Whether it was charging for quotes, overhauling their website, or using the Wow Pack to impress clients, everyone walked away with strategies they could put into play immediately.

A big thanks goes to ITM for hosting these fantastic events. Together, we’re raising the bar for how residential building businesses operate across New Zealand.

Picture of Karla Farrar

Karla Farrar

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