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198. Understanding Today’s Client With Bob Cain

⏱️ 22:27 🎀 Bob Cain
AUDIO EPISODE
198. Understanding Today’s Client With Bob Cain
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Managing Change Orders Profitably
    The host emphasizes that change orders, if managed effectively with a good system, can be profitable for builders.
  • 1:54
    Introducing Build Tools and Bob Cain
    Bob Cain, Business Unit Leader at BuildTools, discusses his 26 years of industry experience and how ECI Software Solutions, through BuildTools, helps custom builders and remodelers.
  • 4:58
    Standing Out in Initial Client Meetings
    Bob explains how builders can differentiate themselves in initial meetings by showcasing their organized process and use of technology like BuildTools.
  • 8:14
    Client Expectations: Communication & Organization
    The discussion covers modern clients' expectations for honest, timely communication and a well-organized building process.
  • 12:23
    Handling Change Orders Effectively
    Bob delves into the financial risks of poorly managed change orders and how a system like BuildTools helps maintain profitability and track revised budgets.
  • 18:55
    Understanding Work in Progress (WIP)
    The conversation shifts to the importance of WIP accounting for financial accuracy and how BuildTools integrates with this process to prevent overspending and profit surprises.
  • 25:27
    BuildTools Features Overview
    Bob provides a comprehensive overview of BuildTools, detailing its capabilities from proposal creation and bidding to scheduling, document management, and client communication.
  • 29:43
    Onsite Communication with Project Poster
    Bob highlights the unique 'Project Poster' feature in BuildTools that allows stakeholders to access job information on-site via QR codes for enhanced communication.

Speakers

B
Bob Cain
Business Unit Leader at BuildTools

Key Takeaways

✦

Implement a robust system for managing change orders to ensure they remain profitable and don't erode project margins. Price change orders appropriately with higher margins.

✦

Utilize technology and systems like BuildTools to showcase organization and communication capabilities during initial client meetings, helping to differentiate your business from competitors.

✦

Prioritize honest and timely communication with clients, providing weekly updates and access to a client portal for project status and documentation.

✦

Proactively set client expectations at every stage of the build process, particularly during 'low' periods like the construction phase, to manage emotions and maintain satisfaction.

✦

Regularly monitor net profit at the job level by comparing actual costs against the budget in real-time, adjusting for change orders, and conducting post-job 'scrubs' to learn from any budget overruns.

✦

Implement Work In Progress (WIP) accounting to accurately track project finances, anticipate future costs, and prevent over-reporting profit or unexpected financial surprises.

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