3 Journeys of Builder & Remodeler Growth: Strategies & Lessons Learned with Jason Radford

Описание: Jason Radford started Radford Building Company in 2020 and got stuck at $2 million for 3 years. This episode breaks down exactly what changed, the systems, the hard decisions, and the construction marketing strategies that got him unstuck.

Preview for Rick and Jason's International Builders Show presentation (Orlando, February).

KEY NUMBERS:
Stuck at $2M for 3 years
2025: $3M revenue
2026 projection: $3.8-4M
Custom homes: $900K-$1.2M average
Renovations: $180K-$250K average
Estimate accuracy: 3% delta (concept to completion)

THE BREAKTHROUGH:
✓ Made delayed personnel decisions
✓ Landed marquee projects in 2024
✓ Hired virtual assistant (Virtual Construction Assistants)
✓ Website as #1 construction marketing asset

CHARGING FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION:
Rick's story: One builder went 3% to 9% net profit in 12 months just by charging more.

"We were our own worst enemies fighting price, clients weren't."

Jason's Two-Step Process:
1. Concept Agreement (signed, deposit, hour-limited drawings, budget range)
2. Preliminary Building Agreement (deep selections before contract)

Result: 3% accuracy concept to completion over 2 years.

FIXED-COST MODEL:
"Best contractors put their business on the line. Know your numbers well enough to offer fair pricing that protects margin while de-risking for client."

Exceptions clearly mapped: dirt unknowns, hidden damage, concealed issues.
"These are modest increases, not tens of thousands."

Jason: "I'd rather you walk away during pre-construction than start and create contentious relationship."

CLIENT EXPERIENCE:
Co-Construct access at concept agreement (earlier than most)
Fathom records/documents all meetings
100% communication through system
Collaborative from day one

CONSTRUCTION MARKETING:
Recent lead: "We found your website and it looked better than anybody else's."

2026 focus: SEO + GEO (AI search optimization) + video package

Houzz didn't work for custom builds.

HIRING WISDOM:
"Wired to help people" can be a disadvantage, too gracious with underperformers.

Lesson: See red flags? Respond immediately.

Used Contractor Staffing Source for recent hires.
"Costly but you get stronger, like working out."

JASON'S PHILOSOPHY:
Goal: $4-6M with 4-7 person team, impacting customers and vendors.

"Didn't start this for money, I love what I do."

When client's dog died, whole team signed handwritten note. "We just care about people."

RICK'S TWO SCARIEST MOMENTS:
1. First time saying NO to work
2. First reinvestment check

Young builders cut marketing in downturns.
Veterans: "Spend MORE, it's harder to get clients."

JASON'S WISDOM:
"Get comfortable with uncomfortable. That's where we gotta live."

RESOURCES:
radfordbuildingcompany.com
builderleadconverter.com/contact-us/
builderleadconverter.com/podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lOX...

#constructionmarketing #customhomebuilder #builderbusiness #radfordbuildingcompany #builderleadconverter #constructionmanagementtools