PowerTips Unscripted

40 Episodes
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By: Remodelers Advantage

Industry leaders Victoria Downing and Mark Harari of Remodelers Advantage host this weekly podcast to bring you, the professional remodeler, tips, tactics and techniques to build a strong, profitable remodeling company. Every week we'll bring you in-depth interviews with leading business experts, best-selling authors, and owners of multi-million dollar remodeling companies from across the US and Canada. Oh, and there's a British lady, too.

Preparing Your Business For Your Departure with Pete McDowell – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Last Thursday at 12:02 PM

In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Victoria and Mark are joined by Pete McDowell to discuss succession planning and how business owners can exit their company. According to Pete, there are four primary ways for a business owner to leave their company: selling the company, transferring the company to family or employees, or ESOP. He also highlights some of the basics of a succession plan, regardless of the option the business owner chooses.

Pete McDowell is a Partner at ActionCOACH Columbus. Pete, alongside his partner, Peg Buehrle are a part of Remodelers Advantage as Consultants. They help p...


The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint with Spencer Powell – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
06/19/2025

For many remodelers, digital marketing is the “voodoo” magic. With so many options, where do you begin? Well, Spencer Powell has the answer.

In this episode, Spencer dives into his book, The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint. He talks about everything that you need to know about being found online, successfully.

Spencer is the CEO of Builder Funnel and founder of Builder Funnel Academy, author, and radio host. Spencer has been a longtime guest and sponsor of the show, and gives listeners even more knowledge about marketing in the remodeling world in this episode.

Victoria, Mark a...


Open Book Management with Ken Kirsch – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
06/12/2025

The thought of showing your financials to your employees may be unsettling. We’ve known remodelers who are so leery of sharing their numbers, their field crews don’t even know their project budgets.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Ken Kirsch, a proponent and practitioner of Open Book Management. In this episode, Ken tells Victoria and Mark that showing your numbers will engage and motivate your team — while helping your bottom line.

Ken is the president of MAK Design+Build Inc. in Davis, CA. Drawing on his experience as a carpente...


Are Your Employees Stealing From You? With Vicki Suiter – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
06/05/2025

The latest statistics on fraud should be a wake-up call for every small business owner. According to a survey by HISCOX, a specialty insurance company, 80 percent of embezzlements occurred at small businesses and 30 percent involved a loss of more than $500,000.

With more work is being done remotely, including paying vendors and processing payroll, you must have controls and processes in place to avoid this happening to you.

In this episode, we welcome Vicki Suiter, who shares simple practices and processes to help you avoid accounting fraud and stealing in your business.

Since starting S...


The Most Powerful Competitive Advantage with Steve Anderson – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
05/29/2025

In a low-unemployment economy, recruiting and retaining the best talent is a continuous effort. You need a powerful competitive advantage — one that’s nearly impossible for anyone else to copy. 

It’s your company culture.

In this episode, Steve Anderson tells Victoria and Mark why that is, and how you can develop a successful culture — or turn around a faltering one. 

Steve’s an author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He’s worked with tens of thousands of professionals to grow and expand their businesses. Steve has spoken at our Remodeler’s Summit and worked with our Roundta...


Discovering New Revenue Streams With Chris Landis – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
05/22/2025

We are all so busy running our businesses that we often don’t realize that there are other potential revenue-generating investments that align with our present and future business needs.

Chris Landis thinks you should consider helping businesses that lease their office space as an added revenue stream.

In this episode, Victoria, Mark and Chris talk more about this innovative revenue source.

Chris is a Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board of Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, DC and is a member of the AIA, with 28 years of experience in residential architecture. Landis Architects/Buil...


Tips For Hiring People Who Fit Your Culture with Erin Longmoon – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
05/15/2025

Is your company struggling to attract top-tier employees? Joining us today on PowerTips Unscripted is Erin Longmoon, the founder of Zephyr Connect. Erin will share some valuable insights into how to hire people who align with your company’s culture. She will discuss the strategies and tactics that have played a pivotal role in Zephyr’s 98% placement rate for their Residential Remodeling clients.

Erin Longmoon is the founder of Zephyr Connects. After a number of years as an Interior Designer, then turned business coach, Erin designed Zephyr Connects to solve the grueling hiring challenges of the Residential Remo...


Making Money in Cost Plus Remodeling with David Crane – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
05/08/2025

While Cost Plus Remodeling isn’t for everyone, it can be an enjoyable and profitable way of doing business.  If it is done well, it can be very rewarding and reduce the uncertainty of a market.

Guest David Crane joins this episode to share why cost plus remodeling has proven to be successful for his business and his clients, and why remodelers should adapt this form of a remodeling contract.

David is the CEO and President of Crane Builders in Nashville, Tennessee and has spent the past 34 years meeting clients’ needs with the highest standards in the...


Creating Rapid Financial Results and Lasting Cultural Change with Steve Baker – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
05/01/2025

“The high cost of replacing employees means it’s important to find ways to retain the best performers, and studies show that transparency from the top can be a solution, boosting employee engagement and motivation.

One way to achieve that transparency is to show employees the company’s numbers and teach them the business. Why not get them in the same game as the owner?

The strategy is to create a business of business people. Then and only then will they begin to make a connection to the numbers that measure their performance and talk intell...


Common Remodeler Mistakes that are Hitting Your Bottom Line with Alan Hanbury – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
04/24/2025

In this episode, guest Alan Hanbury of Hanbury Builders Inc. discusses three common areas where remodeling contractors are underperforming because they believe their gut rather than facts.

Alan also talks about referral marketing, the effects of job costing done half-heartedly, and hiring when taking net profitability into account.

Alan is president of House of Hanbury Builders Inc., and recently retired after 45 years as owner of the full-service remodeling firm in central Connecticut. Alan now concentrates on teaching, consulting and other business coaching opportunities. 

Victoria, Mark and Alan talk more about:

The importance of...


Seven Steps to Earning Positive Online Reviews with Bryan Sebring – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
04/17/2025

Online reviews can be the “Lifeblood” of any remodeling company’s business and marketing strategy and in Episode 9, Victoria and Mark speak with Bryan Sebring a very successful remodeler who has mastered the art of collecting online reviews from his satisfied clients. Bryan is the Owner of Sebring Design Build in Naperville, IL and has quickly become […]

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The Sales-to-Production Handoff with Bruce Case – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
04/10/2025

To many remodelers, a project works like a relay race, depending on good handoffs of the baton. The sales-to production-handoff is critical, and if you drop the baton, the race is over. But there are ways to make it less of a hard handoff and more of a continuum, says Bruce Case. Bruce joins Victoria […]

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Behavioral Finance: The Psychology of Financial Management with Jay Wheeler – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
04/03/2025

It’s not about the money, rather the feelings the money can bring. In this episode, Jay Wheeler dives into the psychology of financial management and investing in order to provide listeners with the potential reasons behind the way they may manage money.  Whether it’s business or personal finances, Jay describes how to better manage your […]

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Behavioral Finance: The Psychology of Financial Management with Jay Wheeler – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
04/03/2025

It’s not about the money, rather the feelings the money can bring.

In this episode, Jay Wheeler dives into the psychology of financial management and investing in order to provide listeners with the potential reasons behind the way they may manage money. 

Whether it’s business or personal finances, Jay describes how to better manage your behavior surrounding spending.

Jay is the President of Wheeler Financial and while he provides traditional financial planning and investment advice, he believes the best value that he provides his clients is helping manage their behavior when it come...


The Evolution of SEO with Spencer Powell – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
03/27/2025

Marketing is getting more complicated, and search engine optimization can seem like voodoo or black magic. The SEO landscape is always changing, as Google adjusts its algorithms every day. The goal remains the same, though — growing your organic traffic online to rank higher in the search listings, so you get found by the people […]

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The Art of Effective Communication with Paul Winans -[Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
03/20/2025

Most work requires more than one person to get it done. Effective communication is essential to the enterprise. Everyone has to learn the skills to communicate effectively. One key is concentrating on what brings you success — in work, with your spouse or partner, and in the rest of your life. Build on that. In […]

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Using Mindful Meditation to Deal with Clients and Employees with Peter Feinmann – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
03/10/2025

We have covered the dangers of stress and anxiety for you and your business a few times; most recently on Episode 108, where we touch on ways to battle and reduce it, including mindful meditation. To explore this topic further, Victoria and Mark welcome Peter Feinmann, President of Feinmann, Inc, a design build company in Lexington, MA, just […]

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Adapting and Leading Through a Health Crisis with Jef and Monica Forward – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
03/06/2025

Adaptability and leadership in times of crisis—whether personal or business-related—are essential skills for any business owner. In 2018, Jef and Monica Forward were coming off their best year yet and gearing up for an even stronger 2019. Everything was on track—until life threw them an unimaginable challenge. Two key team members were diagnosed with cancer, […]

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How and When To Hire a General Manager with Aaron Enfinger – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
02/27/2025

As companies experience growth, there are tipping points where changes need to be made. One of those points is when you realize you need additional management for the organization. Many remodelers are considering adding a General Manager, but are unsure how it will work in practice. The Cleary Company of Columbus, OH, reached this tipping point […]

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Zero Punch List Production with Tim Faller – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
02/20/2025

Today we are jumping back in time to the beginnings of the PowerTips Podcast.  For the past 20 years, Tim has worked with remodeling companies, large and small, to help improve profits by creating smooth, efficient production systems. As a Senior Consultant and “Master of Production” for Remodelers Advantage, Tim’s field and business ownership experience […]

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Developing Your Company’s Future Leaders with Jessica Lipson – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E6
02/13/2025

In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, host Victoria Downing chats with Jessica Lipson, Vice President of People and Culture at JBL Consulting, about building strong leadership within your remodeling business. Jessica, who brings over 20 years of HR experience, shares her insights on identifying high-potential leaders, developing effective mentorship programs, and fostering non-toxic, inclusive company […]

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Adding State Funded Work to Your Revenue Stream with Robert Gurinowitsch – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E5
02/06/2025

In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, host Victoria Downing interviews Robert Gurinowitsch who shares insights on incorporating state-funded projects into a remodeler’s revenue stream. Robert explains how these opportunities can be lucrative but require navigating government regulations and compliance. Robert Gurinowitsch is the regional program manager for Best Bath. Best Bath has been providing over […]

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Building a Remodeling Sales Team with Andy Wells – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
01/30/2025

Most remodelers start as the sole salesperson for their companies. Stepping out of that role is arguably one of the hardest things you can do — but you have to if you’re going to grow your company. Hiring, training, and managing a sales team is a challenge. Normandy Design Build Remodeling has a sales staff of […]

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Growing a Company from Stage 3 to Stage 4 with Jef Forward – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
01/23/2025

There are five stages of company growth, according to Judith Miller, one of our consultants and facilitators. Transitioning from Stage 3 to Stage 4 is one of the more complex. It takes a substantial shift in the owner’s responsibilities and skill sets. It can result in a much higher job satisfaction level, financial return, and […]

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How to Make Podcasts Your Most Valuable Marketing Tactic with John Corcoran – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
01/16/2025

So, you’ve been thinking of starting a podcast for your business. While it is one of the best reasons to gain notoriety and establish value for your community of clients, starting a podcast doesn’t mean it will bring success all on its own. Guest John Corcoran is here to share his tips and tricks for […]

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Demography is Destiny with Kenneth Gronbach – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
01/09/2025

As a remodeling business owner, you have likely heard of demographics and you have probably looked at it solely in the context of marketing and lead generation. But, the power of demographics lies much deeper than that, and in this episode, Ken Gronbach will share the subtle yet profound effect of shifting demography in the […]

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How Business Owners Can Tame the High Cost of College with Brad Baldridge – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
12/12/2024

Are you concerned that college tuition fees will deplete your savings? In today’s episode of PowerTips Unscripted, we have Brad Baldridge on the show to assist business owners in planning for their children’s college education without sacrificing their retirement funds. Brad discusses how owning a business can impact college finances and whether there are any […]

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The Fine Line: The Legal Consequences to Questionable Business Practices with Thomas Croessmann – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
12/05/2024

The remodeling industry is highly competitive and some may be tempted to break the rules. Although some may do it intentionally, others may start with good intentions, but over time the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Thomas Croessmann will be joining the show to discuss the consequences of breaking the rules, which in […]

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A Secret Shortcut to Estimating Labor with Chad Vincent – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
11/21/2024

Accurately estimating a project is critical to profit,  and one of the most challenging components of that estimate is labor.  Can you estimate labor simply and accurately? Are you spending too much time estimating labor for each job?  Guest Chad Vincent thinks so.  Tune into this episode to hear all about his new method towards […]

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Improve Team Performance with Virtual Ride-Alongs with Jef Forward – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
11/14/2024

When it comes to the employees who are responsible for onboarding and managing your clients, providing consistent coaching and training to your team is crucial for achieving success. One of the most effective techniques for training your team is through the ‘ride along’ or shadowing method. Although this process can be time-consuming, Jef Forward has […]

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The Steady Referral System with Doug Howard – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E4
11/07/2024

Worried about a steady flow of leads? If referrals are your main source of business, a structured, reliable process for generating them is essential! Many companies claim their top leads come from referrals, yet few have a formal strategy in place. In today’s episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Doug Howard shares a proven method for building […]

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How to Build a Reputation That Stands the Test of Time with Bjorn Johnson – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E3
10/31/2024

Today on PowerTips Unscripted, we’re excited to welcome Bjorn Johnson to the show! As General Manager at TraVek Remodeling and Roofing, Bjorn shares insights into the company’s journey as one of Arizona’s most trusted leaders in remodeling and roofing. Tune in to hear about TraVek’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, which has cemented […]

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A Month-End Close You Can Actually Make Business Decisions From with Doug Howard – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E2
10/24/2024

Successful organizations rely on accurate financial information to make informed decisions. But what sets great organizations apart is having a formal month-end close process in place. This ensures that financials are completed, reviewed, corrected, and ready for leaders and managers to use confidently in decision-making. In this episode of PowerTips Unscripted, Doug Howard joins us […]

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How to Capture Cost-Effective, Exclusive Leads by Blogging with Mike Foti – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
10/17/2024

We’re big believers in the power of blogging to generate interest and business. Today we’re talking to someone in the trenches who’s also a believer, because it’s helped him in growing his business, gaining credibility, elevating customer loyalty, and  — most importantly — generating cost-effective, exclusive leads. In this episode, Mike Foti discusses his business […]

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Live From Summit with Greg Harth – [PowerTips Unscripted] S6 E1
10/10/2024

Season 6 of PowerTips is here! Every business owner knows that the road to growth is filled with challenges—some of which can feel overwhelming. But in this episode, we’re talking to an entrepreneur who’s not only faced those obstacles but has led his business to remarkable success. Join hosts Victoria and Mark as they sit […]

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A Leader’s Inactions Are Just as Important as Actions with Wayne Rivers – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
10/03/2024

Victoria and Mark are just back from their own peer group meeting, and were inspired by what they learned. In particular, they were excited by something they heard from another member, Wayne Rivers. Wayne has a video blog, and we’re picking up one of his episodes about leadership. He says leaders tolerate bad behaviors in […]

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How to Build, Accelerate and Harvest the Value of a Company with John Warrillow – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
09/26/2024

Small business owners spend a lifetime building a company and have one shot at getting their exit right. Yet waiting to pounce on this unsuspecting group is a legion of financial mercenaries, private equity predators and corporate giants set up to prey on owner’s lack of experience when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. These […]

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What Healthcare Can Teach Remodeling about LEAN with Liz Moisan – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
09/12/2024

Toyota pioneered the LEAN manufacturing system, and we know — houses aren’t cars. But neither are people, and the LEAN concept of continuous improvement is used by hospitals too.  So even if remodeling isn’t brain surgery, we can learn a lot from how LEAN has been applied in healthcare. You can get some of the best help […]

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Building Meaningful Customer Personas with Aimee Pagano – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
09/05/2024

The concept behind developing a customer persona is pretty simple – get to know your audience better so that you can build a more meaningful relationship with them, both as a client and a prospect. The output of that analysis is inevitable company growth and client retention. So how do firms, of all sizes, build […]

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Creating Great Compensation Programs that Help Grow Your Company with Tom Miller – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
08/29/2024

For many, determining the compensation for an employee is nothing more than doing a quick Google search, or in our members case, maybe asking their peers what they pay for a particular position.  But Tom Miller doesn’t really agree with that methodology.  Instead, his company helps businesses apply the best compensation strategies that help recruit […]

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