Women at WIRC

Revamping Your Pre-Construction Process with Bridget Bacon of Red House Design Build

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Bridget Bacon, development manager at Red House Design Build (https://redhousecustombuilding.com/), discusses the journey she underwent to systematize the pre-construction process at the Rhode Island-based remodeling company.
Bacon identified issues all contractors have faced: slippage, a delayed design process, and low pre-construction team morale. On this episode, Bacon outlines each step she took to turn each issue around.
Listen to see how and why Bacon interviewed every team member, created new project timelines, and ensured each team member's understanding.
Using this new system, the company saw a significant improvement in morale, efficient task management, and financial performance.
Learn More:
Red House Design Build: https://redhousecustombuilding.com/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/
Women in Residential+Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:14 Identifying the Problem
03:11 The First Steps to Improvement
04:28 Interviewing the Team
05:27 Creating the New Process
06:54 Implementing the New Process
08:06 Addressing Troublesome Areas
10:04 Lessons Learned and Advice
11:00 The Results and Benefits
12:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Leading with Effective Communication with Laura Burnes of Adams + Beasley Associates

Laura Burnes is the director of project planning and design at Adams + Beasley Associates in Carlisle, Mass. On this episode, Laura delves into her approach to leadership and project management, which relies on an emphasis of effective communication, in addition to sharing insights into the company's winning culture. Laura shares insights into conflict resolution, communication styles, and the company's commitment to diversity, highlighting the strong representation of women in leadership and project management roles.
Follow Us:
www.proremodeler.com
www.probuilder.com
www.adamsbeasley.com
Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference:
www.womensconstructionconference.com
About Us:
Women at WIRC is brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines. On this podcast, we, the editors, talk to standout women in residential construction to share their professional insights and highlight the amazing things these female leaders are doing. Be sure to rate and review, and like and follow our brands on all social media channels to stay up to date on everything women in res.

Preparing for Remodeling Business Contraction with Kourtney Davis of Medford Remodeling

Remodeling goes through ups and downs, depending on the economy. It’s inevitable. But not everyone can withstand those ups and downs. But Medford Remodeling can, as long as they follow their plans.
The company uses its airtight systems, detailed analytic tracking, and thorough scale up and scale down plans to prep for contraction and expansion.
On this episode of Women at WIRC, CEO Kourtney Davis tells us all the details, plus how the approach worked out to help the company prepare for what’s happening in the market today.
Find Us:
Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/
Medford Remodeling: https://remodelmm.com/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/

Strategically Growing a Remodeling Business with Alison McLennan of McLennan Contracting

On this episode of Women at WIRC, Alison McLennan joins us to talk about making the decision to strategically grow a remodeling business.
Though McLennan co-founded the business, McLennan Contracting (https://www.mclennancontracting.com/), with her husband, she remained in a supporting role for the first 15 years of operation. But five years ago, when the two decided it was time to either shut the doors or grow strategically, Alison took the helm as president and is now directing the company on its path from $2 million in revenue to $5 million.
"I think a lot of people decide to grow a business because they're either looking at, 'We want to increase our income,' or, 'We just we want to build this thing that we can be proud of, and leave a legacy.' have to be completely honest, and say that was not where our heads were, we were very much in a place of burnout, and kind of desperate to find a solution," says McLennan.
More about Women at WIRC:
On this podcast, we, the editors, talk to standout women in residential construction to share their professional insights and highlight the amazing things these female leaders are doing.
Find Us:
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/
Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/

Transitioning Out of the Business Through Leadership Teams with Dolores Davis of CG&S Design-Build

Dolores Davis of CG&S Design-Build (https://www.cgsdb.com/) joins us on this episode of Women at WIRC. Dolores chats about her approach to transitioning out of the business through developing leadership teams.
We talk about the best ways to get buy in from employees, why this approach works for her company, and what her role looks like as she transitions.
Stay updated on all things women in construction:
www.proremodeler.com
www.probuilder.com
https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/

Balancing Work/Life in Your Family-Run Business with Jessica Cargile of North Ridge Contracting

Jessica Cargile is the Co-Owner & CFO of North Ridge Contracting Inc, a Custom Home Design/Build firm operating out of North Idaho, which she and her husband Dale own and operate together.
That dynamic requires an ongoing effort to strike a healthy work/life balance, especially when running a business in challenging times.
Learn more:
North Ridge Contracting: https://www.homesbynorthridge.com/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

Artificial Intelligence and Home Building with Karlie Fike of Togal.AI

As head of marketing, operations, and investor relations at Togal.AI, Karlie Fike is introducing artificial intelligence to the home building industry as a tool that she says isn't meant to replace jobs, but to make them easier.
"AI is not going to replace you, but the person using AI will be the one to replace you," says Fike.
Learn more:
Togal.AI: https://www.togal.ai/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

Delivering the Best Customer Experience with Heather Tankersley of Tankersley Construction

Repeat and referrals are everything for a remodeling company, and with a great customer experience comes a great reputation.
On this episode of Women at WIRC, Heather Tankersley of Tankersley Construction shares how she and her crew go the extra mile to ensure superb customer service.
"One of the things we always talk about with with potential clients is, you can hire a guy in the truck, but is the guy in the truck going to be there in a year, or two years, three years? For us, you're hiring a company," says Tankersley.
Learn more:
Tankersley Construction: https://www.tankersleybuilds.com/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/

Defining and Executing Profitable Growth with April Bettinger of Nip Tuck Remodeling

Today, we’re defining profitable growth with April Bettinger of Nip Tuck Remodeling (https://niptuckremodel.com). Keep listening to learn more about April, her business, and key elements to successful financial planning.
"that's really the mindset, I think that a lot of contractors don't have is that you can have 10% profit, no matter what you're doing, you just have to actually plan for it, it's a purposeful event, it's not going to happen by accident that you are profitable. And growth takes money."
And! Stay in the know with all things Women in Construction:
WIR+CC Conference: https://www.womensconstructionconference.com/2023/
Pro Remodeler: https://www.proremodeler.com/
Pro Builder: https://www.probuilder.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIRCtogether

Leading Your Construction Company with HEART with Allison Iantosca of F.H. Perry Builder

Welcome back to Women at WIRC, a podcast featuring influential women in the residential construction industry, brought to you by Pro Remodeler and Pro Builder magazines.
On this episode, we talk to Allison Iantosca, owner and president of F.H. Perry Builder. Allison recently published her first book, Leading with HEART, a collection of essays from her company newsletter reflecting on life and leadership.