Complimentary Keynotes & Classes

Featured Keynotes
2023 Houston Construction Monthly
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HOUSTON BUILD EXPO

June 26-27, 2024 | NRG Park Center (Hall E1/E3)

Exhibit Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Classes Start at 9:30 a.m. Each Day

Sponsored by
Guruli Window Representation
and
Construction Monthly Magazine

Over 250 Exhibitors

ImageBusiness On Purpose
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Scott Beebe
Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose
How Contractor Owners Can 20x’s Their Cash Accounts and Stop Borrowing Time and Money
Wednesday, June 26 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15p.m.

You will hear the true story of how one simple-minded contractor started 2020 thin on cash not realizing what the rest of the year had in store.

Three years later his business is on a sure foot while taking on zero debt. He borrow no money and has no need to ask his vendors, partners, or subs for additional time for payment.

You can run a small or large firm on cash. You can stop the constant calls from creditors wondering when they are going to get their money. You can

stop living from deposit to deposit. You can stop going to bed every night hoping the next receivable will be in the mailbox tomorrow.

In this life-changing talk, Scott Beebe (CEPA) will share real numbers from a simple contractor that will motivate and inspire you to build a business without being dictated by chaos, and placing you in the driver’s seat.

Learning Objectives

  1. See how using one or two bank accounts in your business is crippling
  2. Watch real life examples unfold showing the growth of the cash over time...even when a business declines in annual revenue
  3. Walk away with a simple structure you can implement tomorrow and the roadmap to do so

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

4 Predictable Ways Contractors Grow Their Business Without Debt or Expensive Software
Thursday, June 27 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15p.m.

In this mindset-shifting talk, Scott Beebe, CEPA, the founder of Business On Purpose will walk you through the difference between a "lifestyle business" and a "value creation" business that allows you both unlock the purpose, people, process, and profit of your business while living with real impact and purpose today and tomorrow.

This talk will catapult you from feeling like your business is a burden and chore, and reframe your business into a massive asset that allows for significant value for you, your family, and many others.

You will leave feeling hopeful about the business you already have instead of dreading what you are afraid your business has become.

Want to sell your business someday? This is the talk you need. Yes, even your business.

Discovery points...

  1. Learn how much of your net worth is locked away in your business
  2. Determine the most profitable and least profitable systems in your business
  3. Realize the number one myth in business related to workforce engagement
  4. Leave with ONE thing that you can implement tomorrow that will build value to either sell, or continue towards meaningful value growth

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

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Scott Specht
Founder & Principal | Specht Architects
House of the Future
Wednesday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scott Specht, founder of AIA Award-Winning firm Specht Architects, will give an interesting and humorous talk about the history of the “House of the Future.” This will cover unusual ideas from the 1920s through the 1970’s of how we’d be living in the future of 2020. Scott will cover the strange building techniques that these visionaries thought we’d be using, including spray-foam structures, bolt-together fiberglass shells, and even inflatable bubble homes.

Scott will also talk about what the true home of the future will encompass looking forward, covering the newer ideas of lighting, home automation, and architecture.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
Laura BrittImage
Laura Britt
Founder & Principal | Britt Design Group
The Everchanging Shift for Multifamily Design Post-COVID-19
Thursday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
2020 forced us to pivot quickly and learn to be productive working from home. Many companies have found their employees enjoy this flexibility and value more time at home. Because of this, we predict we'll see the rise in the focus of the home as a workspace as well as a deeper emphasis on health and wellness. As the work from home trend is here to stay, it will be increasingly important to take all that comes with that into account in post-pandemic design. Amenities like large business centers, community gathering areas, and gyms and wellness centers will be key in creating functional and enjoyable live/work environments.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
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Sponsored by
American Subcontractors Association Houston ChapterMJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal
Networking & Association Use

Wednesday, June 26 | 1:15 p.m.-2:15p.m.

In this class we will layout how to determine what associations to join, how to work them and get business from your involvement. The single greatest way to find grouped customers and network contacts is right in your backyard association! Work them to the fullest and you'll never make a cold call again!
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Selling Thru a Tough Economy

Thursday, June 27 | 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

We’re seeing volatile pricing formats, supply chain interruption and rising interest rates. This usually ends in tough economic conditions, resulting in construction industry challenges. Knowing the best way to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward is difficult. We’ll look at the methods successful contractors use to weather shifting economic conditions.

We’ll cover:

  1. Increasing your portion of the market pie
  2. Getting a competitive advantage
  3. Managing customer expectations
  4. Structuring your sales effort
  5. How to balance sales and marketing efforts

You’ll come away from this session with a better understanding of what it will take to grow in both revenue and profitability in these times. Sales is the most important aspect of your business. Everything else simply follows that lead.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
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Scott Specht
Founder & Principal | Specht Architects
House of the Future
Wednesday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scott Specht, founder of AIA Award-Winning firm Specht Architects, will give an interesting and humorous talk about the history of the “House of the Future.” This will cover unusual ideas from the 1920s through the 1970’s of how we’d be living in the future of 2020. Scott will cover the strange building techniques that these visionaries thought we’d be using, including spray-foam structures, bolt-together fiberglass shells, and even inflatable bubble homes.

Scott will also talk about what the true home of the future will encompass looking forward, covering the newer ideas of lighting, home automation, and architecture.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
Laura BrittImage
Laura Britt
Founder & Principal | Britt Design Group
The Everchanging Shift for Multifamily Design Post-COVID-19
Thursday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
2020 forced us to pivot quickly and learn to be productive working from home. Many companies have found their employees enjoy this flexibility and value more time at home. Because of this, we predict we'll see the rise in the focus of the home as a workspace as well as a deeper emphasis on health and wellness. As the work from home trend is here to stay, it will be increasingly important to take all that comes with that into account in post-pandemic design. Amenities like large business centers, community gathering areas, and gyms and wellness centers will be key in creating functional and enjoyable live/work environments.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Workshops & Classes

Effective Sales Presentations
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. |

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Sponsored by

American Subcontractors Association Houston ChapterMJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal

Construction professionals excel in building living and working environments, not necessarily doing a sales presentation. Most have never been formally trained in doing a presentation. Being more effective in presenting your bid, quote, product or
service can be the difference in securing the business. You’ll learn specific presenting tips that can make the difference.

  1. Managing a lunch and learn
  2. Effective in home presenting
  3. Controlling a commercial presentation
  4. Proper use of presentation tools

Sales is the most important aspect of any business, especially construction. Becoming more proficient in how you present to a potential customer can raise not just your revenue numbers but also profitability. The better you are at presenting, the easier the close!

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

4 Blind Spots Preventing Contractors From Retaining Talent and Growing Profit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

ImageBusiness On Purpose
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Scott Beebe
Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

Most contractor owners cross their fingers and hope for the best when desiring a solid culture, meaningful profit, and a product that they are proud of. Luck is not a strategy!

This highly engaging education program will reveal four critical blind spots sabotaging the growth of your business and your team. You will leave this presentation with ONE action item to immediately implement into your business that will wishing you had heard this talk ten years ago!

After this presentation you will have clarity on why the younger generation “will not listen” and how you can respond, the leadership “RPM’s for a healthy culture, and the one system that will ensure necessary profit that will fuel culture and growth.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn the 3 foundational cornerstones of EVERY contractor business
  2. Understand the 3 non-negotiables of building and leading a vision-centered team
  3. Discover how an owner's process leadership directly impacts people, profit, and productivity
  4. Create a proven plan for predicting your profit

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

PVC101 – The Benefits & Uses of Cellular PVC - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 603

Ben KitchensVersatex
AIA
Ben Kitchens
Market Development Specialist | Versatex Building Products

Upon completion of this course, architects and participants will understand:

  • Properties of cellular PVC
  • Cellular PVC micro-ingredients
  • Key differences between high and low-quality cellular PVC
  • Ease of use and adaptability
  • Common and unique end-use applications
  • Painting, staining, and laminating options
  • PVC’s contributions to Sustainability
  • Properties of Cellular PVC Trim
  • Are all cellular PVC Trims the same?
  • Working With PVC
  • Uses & Applications
    1. Residential – Exterior & Interior
    2. Commercial
    3. Multi-Family
    4. Historical Preservation
  • Dark paint technology for cellular PVC trim
  • New trim surface technology - Film Laminates
  • PVC’s contribution to Sustainability

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications.

Sustainability and resiliency: How it applies within the Built World  - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 605

Fernando Pages RuizVinyl Siding Institute
AIA
Fernando Pagés Ruiz
Consultant | Vinyl Siding Institute

1 Hour and attendees will receive 1 LU credit from AIA, and the objectives are as follows:

  1. Learn about vinyl's resiliency
  2. Learn about cladding and facades’ roles in sustainability and resilience
  3. Learn about material sustainability - and the environmental impact
  4. Learn about environmental impact measures and how everything impacts the environment

Target Audience: Architects and Developers

How a Coating Application Can Fail: Ways to Prepare for a Positive Result
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 610

Kevin OrmsbyCoval
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Kevin Ormsby

Technical Director | Coval Technologies

Learn ways to avert a coating application failure, with advice on correctly preparing and testing a flooring or infrastructure surface. Find the tools to determine whether a substrate is coating-ready, and the factors that can and cannot be adjusted for a successful application. 

Included in the presentation are the following topics: 

  1. Adhesion failure, and various factors that prohibit the adhesion
  2. Delamination, when there is a loss of adhesion to the pre-painted or primed surface 
  3. Stress cracking, attributed to moisture or lack of flexibility of the coating 
  4. Solvent lifting or Wrinkling, occurring when topcoats with a strong solvent blend react with previous and weaker solvent-based coatings when incompatible paint systems are used, or when overcoating takes place before the previous coat has adequately hardened 
  5. Plus, other visual cues of problems called blistering, blushing, chalking, cratering, fisheyes, and pin holing will be touched upon. 

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Commercial Builders, Subcontractors - Flooring professionals, Remodelers, Facilities Managers, Building Owners, Municipalities, Spec Writers, Government agencies

Estimating Direct and Indirect Costs in Construction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Author, Public Speaker & Trainer

Direct and indirect expenses in construction projects: This presentation takes a quick and comprehensive look at all expenses expected in a typical construction project. We identify direct and indirect expenses and list all types of categories under each type. The presentation makes a brief analysis of labor, materials, equipment, overhead, bonds and insurance, profit, contingency, and other expenses. Knowing and estimating these expenses can make or break the contractor’s business. This presentation is a must for contractors and anyone in the construction industry.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

How Google And Chat GPT Can Boost your Online Lead Flow
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Strategist | Strategic Point Marketing
Marketing & Communications Strategist | Strategic Point Marketing

Google has certain expectations of your website.  The number one thing Google wants…. Good User Experience (UX).

In this session learn:

  • Exactly how to communicate to Google
  • How to track what your user experience
  • How to use Chat GPT to communicate better

All of this plus get access to a free marketing/Chat GPT tool, complimentary in part from Build Expo and www.JRcmo.com  Joshua Ramsey, Fractional CMO.

Not sure what a fractional CMO is?  Learn more about a fractional CMO by searching ‘JRcmo fractional CMO’

Wondering if this speaker is worth your time?  Hear his podcasts, radio show and online teaching by searching 'Joshua Ramsey Marketing’

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Liens, Collections and Contract terms
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Liens

Karalynn Cromeens

Owner and seasoned Managing Partner | The Cromeens Law Firm (TCLF)
Karalynn will discuss the legal intricacies of liens, delve into effective strategies for collections management, and discuss the importance of contract terms.

Target Audience: General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Use of Chemical Grout to Stop Water Leaks into Commercial and Residential Structure
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 608

John M. ZiebellImage
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John M. Ziebell
Founder | Texas Protective Coating Consultants

Basic types of chemical grout and their application to stop leaks in commercial and residential structure.  Advantages over alternative repair methods.  Installed costs and contractor selection.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Contracting Strategy
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 609

Rene CotaCMG
Business Management
Rene Cota
President | CMG Alliance

The participant will gain an understanding of strategy within Government and public works contracting as well as understand best practices within project execution.

Target Audience: General and Specialty contractors

Don't Kill your Golden Goose-Lawsuit Protection, Tax Reduction & Estate Planning Strategies to Protect & Perpetuate your Business
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 602

Larry OxenhamImage
Larry Oxenham
Speaker, Trainer | American Society for Asset Protection

Discover the tools you can use to become invincible to lawsuits, save thousands in taxes, and achieve financial peace of mind. By the end of the presentation you will know how to:

  1. Protect 100% of your assets from lawsuits. You will learn how to make yourself so unattractive to a plaintiff attorney that they will never pursue a lawsuit against you.

  2. Save thousands of dollars each year in taxes. You will learn five tax reduction strategies most people fail to utilize, which could save you more than $10,000 each year in taxes.

  3. Avoid probate and eliminate all estate taxes.

    You will be taken through a checklist of items that are important to every estate and business succession plan. You will learn what you should be doing now to prepare for successful business and estate secession.


Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Job Costing to Guarantee Profitability 
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 601

Eric FortenberryJobTread Software
Project Management
Eric Fortenberry
Founder and CEO | JobTread

Have you ever wondered “what went wrong” when your actual profit margin fell short of your target? It’s time to identify the exact sources of the problem. Through accurate and timely job costing, you will be more in control of your finances for each job and find ways to stop your slipping profit.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners

Financing Rehabs & Builds in Today’s Market
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 611

Sara HootsteinImage
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Sara Hootstein
VP | Finance of America Commercial

Leveraging short-term bridge loans for construction & rehab properties is the key to success in today’s market. Find out your options and how to strategically profit while utilizing financing.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Overview of Section 179D and Other Tax Incentives
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 606

Abby Massey
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Abby Massey
 Tax Incentives Director | Calvetti Ferguson

This course will provide professionals, including design firms, owners, and contractors, with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings tax deduction. Participants will explore the qualification requirements for the deduction, examine recent changes in legislation, understand how energy-saving practices impact tax deductions, and learn how to discuss Section 179D with clients.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners

ANSI Z359.14-2021 Self Retracting Lifeline Update
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 607

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Malta Dynamics
Safety
David Ivey
Director of Supply Chain | Malta Dynamics

Join us for a comprehensive webinar on the latest updates in ANSI Z359.12-2021 self retracting lifeline. This informative session will cover all the essential changes and updates to the standard, including new requirements for testing, certification, and labeling. Our expert speakers will provide a detailed overview of the critical updates and how they impact the design, installation, and use of self-retracting lifelines. You'll also learn about the latest technologies and innovations in self-retracting lifelines that can help improve safety and efficiency in your workplace.

Target Audience: Safety Managers

Latest Trends in Green Building | 1 GBCI General CE
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 604

Sarah Andrews
LEED USGBC
Green Building
Sarah Andrews
CEO | Sustainable Solutions

This presentation will focus on a review of the latest trends in the green building industry which contribute in a positive fashion to the built environment.  Topics to be discussed include net zero, green roofs, modular construction, retrofitting, renewable energy, human health and well-being, and biophilic design.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize fundamental concepts in green building
  2. Understand the intended effects of various pathways on the built environment
  3. Compare multiple approaches to achieve the desired end result
  4. Identify strategies in your world which positively impact the built environment

This course is eligible for one hour of GBCI general CE.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Commercial Builders, Subcontractors - Flooring professionals, Remodelers, Facilities Managers, Building Owners, Municipalities, Spec Writers, Government agencies

Intro to High Performance HVAC Design - Crossroads of Function, Design, and Aesthetic - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

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MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
AIA
Voya Milasinovic
Manager, Performance Construction | Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US

Questions Answered:
Form or Function: Which is more important in New Building Design?
How can we meet access requirements, and still make it sexy?
Can we think Outside the box, but Inside the envelope?

Purpose:
To inform today’s building professional to the challenges, and opportunities posed by new HVAC technologies in building design and performance.

Target Audience: Residential and Commercial Architects (All experience levels), MEP’s, Builders, Developers

QuickBooks for Contractors - Beginner
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Sam Hallburn
SAM
QuickBooks
Sam Hallburn
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.

Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.

Tips and tricks in Cost Estimating
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer in construction project management

Cost estimating for construction projects is a complicated matter that requires knowledge and expertise. It involves so many aspects that a mistake in one of them can be devastating for the contractor. This seminar will provide a group of valuable tips that will improve the accuracy of the cost estimate. The tips include quantity take-offs, identifying individual items, adding waste allowances, pricing items, adjusting cost for productivity fluctuations, additional charges (such as shipping, delivery, taxes, customs, other fees), custom and special items, estimating overhead and profit, and contingency allowance, and putting the estimate together. Other topics include the impact of location and timing on the price and importance of reading the contract and good documentation. 

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

The Power of Corporate Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Brent Barnhart
Seasoned Business Credit Consultant | J. Galt

In J Galt's transformative speaking engagement, "The Power of Corporate Credit," audiences will be invited to explore the pivotal role that corporate credit plays in revolutionizing the business sector. This topic is a direct reflection of J Galt's mission to serve as industry-disrupting pioneers, steadfast in our commitment to the prosperity, protection, and promotion of business owners across the nation. By focusing on the strategic utilization of corporate credit, this presentation aims to enlighten participants on how to effectively leverage financial tools to ensure their businesses not only survive but thrive in competitive markets. Embodying our core values, this session is designed to inspire, educate, and empower attendees, equipping them with the insights needed to unlock new avenues of growth and stability in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Target Audience: Business Owners.

A Better Way to Manage Your Jobs From Start to Finish - JobTread Demo 
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 601

Rilee Fisher
JobTread Software
Project Management
Rilee Fisher
Director of Business Development | JobTread

Get organized, complete your projects on time, and increase your profits. JobTread is end- to-end construction management software that helps you manage all of your business processes, from sales and estimating through to project completion. Learn why contractors give JobTread a 5-star review and consider adding JobTread to your toolkit.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners

Healthy Buildings, Healthy People | 1 GBCI General CE
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 604

Sarah Andrews
LEED USGBC
Green Building
Sarah Andrews
CEO | Sustainable Solutions

Everyone deserves to live their best, healthiest life.  The WELL Building Standard applies the science of physical and social environments to benefit the health, well-being, and performance of people through air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community.  WELL is grounded in a body of medical research that explores the connection between the buildings where we spend more than 90 percent of our time, and the health and wellness of their occupants.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the fundamental concepts of WELL
  2. Identify systems that contribute to a healthy indoor environment
  3. List the positive effects on the occupants of WELL practices

This course is eligible for one hour of GBCI general CE.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Commercial Builders, Subcontractors - Flooring professionals, Remodelers, Facilities Managers, Building Owners, Municipalities, Spec Writers, Government agencies

Lightning Protection System Design | 1 AIA Credit
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 605

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Hicks Lighting Protection
AIA
Chuck Cooley

Business Development | Hicks Lightning Protection

The purpose of this presentation is to provide electrical engineers, architects, and contractors with the training necessary to understand the fundamentals of facility electrical protection related to Commercial & Industrial applications.

Target Audience: Architects and Engineers

Tree to Table | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 600

Brandon Berdoll
Berdoll Sawmill
AIA
Brandon Berdoll
Owner | Berdoll Sawmill

This course serves as a guide to selecting quality, sustainable hardwoods for bespoke furniture and design products by explaining the process of sourcing, harvesting, milling, drying, surfacing, and finishing hardwood materials. 

At the end of this course attendees will be able to: 

  • Understand the origins, importance, and reward of utilizing sustainable resources. Committing to environmentally conscious hardwoods increases the welfare of future generations. 
  • Identify properly milled and dried hardwoods. Safety risks are minimized when properly dried wood is selected for projects. 
  • Recognize best practices, treatments, and finishes to maximize longevity of hardwood furnishings. Durable and harmless treatments are important to the health of the clients. 
  • Ask knowledgeable questions and recognize hardwoods that incorporate sustainability into design. 

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications

Your Pathway to ZEROs - $2,500 or $5,000 Per Residence
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 606

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Green Building
Travis Cansler
CEO | ICS Inspectors, LLC
Don’t leave money on the table! From single-family, to multifamily high-rises, let us help you navigate The Federal Energy Efficiency Incentives.
 

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Retrofitters/Remodelers, and Residential Real Estate Investors

Photo-realistic vs. Artificial-looking CGI Renders - How to Spot the Difference?
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 608

Daniella Ziade
BoxBrownie
Web Marketing
Daniella Ziade
Business Development Manager | Boxbrownie

CGI Renders has fast become the solution for marketing off-the-plan properties - helping potential buyers visualize what the finished build will look like while the foundations are being laid. The challenge in visualization often lies in presenting an image that accurately represents the end result, in a way that doesn't detract from the overall presentation with cartoony or unrealistic details. From considering the lighting source, angles, textures, materials, and background, to checking the edges and making sure there aren't any unrealistic shadows - an expert eye is vital in presenting professional marketing. In this seminar, we discuss some of the most common problems we see in renders and how to avoid them when marketing your property and help to fetch that higher sale price. 

Target Audience: Builders, Real Estate Agents, Developers, Architects

Derek Stout
Terradyne
Sara McKay
Universal Injections
Engineering
Derek Stout
Regional Vice President | Terradyne

Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | 

This class introduces Geotechnical Engineering and why the Geotechnical Report is important in the construction of any foundation. Below is an overview of topics that will be covered as part of the presentation: 

  • Why is Geotechnical Engineering important? 
  • When is the Geotechnical Engineering report needed? 
  • How is the scope of services determined? 
  • Project Fee 
  • Drilling operations and field services 
  • Laboratory testing methods 
  • An overview of the Geotechnical Report 
  • Types of foundations and mitigation techniques 
  • Construction methods and quality control 
  • Liability and Protection 
  • Case studies and lessons learned 
  • Open discussion and questions 

At the conclusion of the presentation, builders, developers, architects and engineers should have a better understanding of the Geotechnical Engineering process and the importance of having a Geotechnical Engineer on the team. 

Target Audience: Engineers, Contractors, and Architects

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Sara McKay
Owner & Operating Partner | Universal Injections, Inc

Treatment Process for Soil Stabilization Mitigation Via Machine Injection
10:0 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

This class will introduce the audience to the application of ionic soil stabilization mitigation administered via machine injections. Our audience will gain an understanding of how stabilization mitigation processes compare in project budget and timelines, followed by a description of supplementing services and scope of work Universal Injections, Inc offers our clients. By the end of this discussion, our goal is to have advanced the audiences’ education in mitigation abilities of chemical injections, and how Universal Injections, Inc. works to benefit contractors and homeowners, in conjunction with their existent construction alliance.

  • Why is expansive soil problematic for Texas builders and homeowners?
  • What are the construction method comparisons of soil mitigation techniques? (i.e. financial and time duration comparisons of select fill, moisture conditioning, and soil injection)
  • Explanation of the machine injection soil stabilization mitigation procedure.
  • Exploration into the theory of environmental effect of soil injections creating rhizosphere bioavailability to plants nearby – resulting in a positive nutrient uptake relatable to fertilizer.
  • Introduction to Universal Injections, Inc. and the innovative designs our company introduced to the industry.
  • Description of our client services, how our scope of work is determined, and final steps of execution.
  • A closer look into the science and studies around the topic of how ionic changes reduce unfavorable PVR and Swell level.
  • Understanding post injection testing reports and drillings are conducted with geotechnical engineering groups.
  • What the post-injection swell letter represents for the project’s progress to foundation completion.
  • Open discussion and Q&A with audience.

Target Audience: Engineers, Contractors, and Architects

QuickBooks for Contractors - Beginner
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Sam HallburnSAM
QuickBooks
Sam Hallburn
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.

Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.

Practical Steps to Increase & Retain Working Capital
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 609

Richard Rodgers
Dannah
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Richard Rodgers
Founder | Dannah Investment Group, LLC

Come learn about 8 strategies to help your company increase profitability and lower your taxes using operational, insurance, and tax services.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals.

3 Proven Ways to Overcome Supply Chain Issues & Avoid Delays
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Room 604

Max Mayes
Contractors Code
Max Mayes
President | Contractors Code

3 Proven ways for construction professionals to avoid supply chain issues they currently face without being overwhelmed, experiencing slow downs, or overspending on jobs.

  1. How to defeat supply chain issues before they defeat you, so you don't lose profit, jobs, or time
  2. How to leverage the supply chain climate as a competitive advantage, so you can stand out from other contractors in your market
  3. How to leverage other construction professions to help you overcome this unpredictable climate, so you don't have to waste your resources

Target Audience: Remodeling or new construction contractors that are facing supply chain issues or want to figure out how to leverage their new skill to defeat the supply chain issues as a market advantage

10 Min Marketing Plan to Avoid Marketing Overspending & Headaches. Plus, Where / How to Generate More Leads?
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Specialist | Strategic Point Marketing

A Fractional CMO (Joshua Ramsey) is going to spend this time together show you how to deal with the most common frustrations of business owners.

  • Stop over-spending on marketing campaigns that don’t work
  • Use Technology to streamline your prospect funnels
  • Don’t let agencies take advantage of you

PLUS – learn how to build a ‘bullet proof marketing plan’ for yourself that big companies use to stay on top.

If you don’t attend this session, your competitors will!!

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

How to Build Financing into Your Sales Process
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

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Sales
James Ashton

Chief Operating Officer | TurboFi

  • The various forms of financing currently available on the market
  • The ways in which any business owner can easily implement this into their Business
  • The value of White Label Financing to builder groups
  • Increasing Sales by building Financing into your sales process.

Target Audience: Builder groups and individual contractors

Thursday, June 27, 2024
Workshops & Classes

Proper Customer Sales Management
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. |

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Sponsored by

American Subcontractors Association Houston ChapterMJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal

Construction professionals often struggle with the nuts and bolts of proper sales techniques. This includes closing new targets, maintaining recurring customers and crafting a complete sales effort. Properly managing customer expectations and satisfaction can cultivate further opportunity. Not doing so can result in low revenue and profitability results.

We’ll cover:

  1. Why customers commit
  2. Why your close rate is too low
  3. Winning projects or orders with peak profitability
  4. Managing commercial and residential customers

Applying these concepts can bring immediate results in your most critical sales efforts. Effectively reading your customers will result in you being in control of the sales process. Making closing work an easier proposition.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers.

Building a Predictable Business Culture that Recruits, Hires, and Retains Great Gen Z Talent
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Scott Beebe
Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

“Nobody wants to work anymore!”

That’s the outcry from our modern workplace, and yet we look around and talk with loads of people from younger generations desperate not just for work, but for meaningful work that comes with clarity and predictability.

In the AEC industries clarity is hard to come by and good luck landing in a land of predictability.

In this motivating and mindset-shifting talk Scott Beebe (CEPA) will flip our idea of what a younger generation is looking for and why the AEC industries are the perfect landing spot for young, ambitious, hungry talent to come devote their lives and their work to.

Come ready to think differently and gain insight into a simple and free method that can change the game for the culture and health of your business.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn the secret language of Gen Z and what they really want
  2. Identify the elements of your business that are ripe for new team members to engage with
  3. Build one simple tool during the workshop that you can implement that afternoon.

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

PVC101 – The Benefits & Uses of Cellular PVC - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 603

Ben KitchensVersatex
AIA
Ben Kitchens
Market Development Specialist | Versatex Building Products

Upon completion of this course, architects and participants will understand:

  • Properties of cellular PVC
  • Cellular PVC micro-ingredients
  • Key differences between high and low-quality cellular PVC
  • Ease of use and adaptability
  • Common and unique end-use applications
  • Painting, staining, and laminating options
  • PVC’s contributions to Sustainability
  • Properties of Cellular PVC Trim
  • Are all cellular PVC Trims the same?
  • Working With PVC
  • Uses & Applications
    1. Residential – Exterior & Interior
    2. Commercial
    3. Multi-Family
    4. Historical Preservation
  • Dark paint technology for cellular PVC trim
  • New trim surface technology - Film Laminates
  • PVC’s contribution to Sustainability

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications.

Sustainability and resiliency: How it applies within the Built World  - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 605

Fernando Pages RuizVinyl Siding Institute
AIA
Fernando Pagés Ruiz
Consultant | Vinyl Siding Institute

1 Hour and attendees will receive 1 LU credit from AIA, and the objectives are as follows:

  1. Learn about vinyl's resiliency
  2. Learn about cladding and facades’ roles in sustainability and resilience
  3. Learn about material sustainability - and the environmental impact
  4. Learn about environmental impact measures and how everything impacts the environment

Target Audience: Architects and Developers

Productivity Adjustments and its Impact on Cost and Duration
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Author, Public Speaker & Trainer

Productivity adjustments and its impact on cost and duration. Estimating crew (labor and equipment) productivity is crucial to both the cost and duration of the project. This is why the contractor must make proper adjustments to estimated productivity for each work activity, taking into account all impacting factors such as weather conditions. But adjustments must also be considered with schedule updates because things rarely, if ever, go as planned. This presentation takes a quick look at this process with valuable tips for more accurate cost estimates and schedules. 

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Estimating, Pricing and Increasing Sales with Upgrades & Selections
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 601

Rilee Fisher
JobTread Software
Estimating
Rilee Fisher
Director of Business Development | JobTread

We don’t always need to cut our profit to win the job! Learn how to leverage JobTread to estimate effectively, price jobs to reach target profits, and increase your sales through upgrades and selections.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners

How a Coating Application Can Fail: Ways to Prepare for a Positive Result
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 607

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Chase Valdez

Sales Manager | Coval Technologies

Learn ways to avert a coating application failure, with advice on correctly preparing and testing a flooring or infrastructure surface. Find the tools to determine whether a substrate is coating-ready, and the factors that can and cannot be adjusted for a successful application.

Included in the presentation are the following topics: 

  1. Adhesion failure, and various factors that prohibit the adhesion
  2. Delamination, when there is a loss of adhesion to the pre-painted or primed surface 
  3. Stress cracking, attributed to moisture or lack of flexibility of the coating 
  4. Solvent lifting or Wrinkling, occurring when topcoats with a strong solvent blend react with previous and weaker solvent-based coatings when incompatible paint systems are used, or when overcoating takes place before the previous coat has adequately hardened 
  5. Plus, other visual cues of problems called blistering, blushing, chalking, cratering, fisheyes, and pin holing will be touched upon. 

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Commercial Builders, Subcontractors - Flooring professionals, Remodelers, Facilities Managers, Building Owners, Municipalities, Spec Writers, Government agencies

How Google And Chat GPT Can Boost your Online Lead Flow
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Strategist | Strategic Point Marketing

Google has certain expectations of your website.  The number one thing Google wants…. Good User Experience (UX).

In this session learn:

  • Exactly how to communicate to Google
  • How to track what your user experience
  • How to use Chat GPT to communicate better

All of this plus get access to a free marketing/Chat GPT tool, complimentary in part from Build Expo and www.JRcmo.com  Joshua Ramsey, Fractional CMO.

Not sure what a fractional CMO is?  Learn more about a fractional CMO by searching ‘JRcmo fractional CMO’

Wondering if this speaker is worth your time?  Hear his podcasts, radio show and online teaching by searching 'Joshua Ramsey Marketing’

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Your Pathway to ZEROs - $2,500 or $5,000 Per Residence
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 606

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Green Building
Travis Cansler
CEO | ICS Inspectors, LLC

Don’t leave money on the table! From single-family, to multifamily high-rises, let us help you navigate The Federal Energy Efficiency Incentives.


Target Audience: Homebuilders, Retrofitters/Remodelers, and Residential Real Estate Investors

Turn Google Reviews, Messaging and Social Media to Revenue
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 604

Amanda Walker
Birdeye
Social Media
Amanda Walker
Business Growth Expert | Birdeye

If you're looking to improve your business' ranking on Google, you've come to the right place. Amanda will share the Birdeye guide on using reviews, messaging and social media to grow your local reputation and SEO. You should expect to take away a page of notes on everything you need to know about attracting, converting and delighting your customers and prospects that interact with your business.

Target Audience: Owners, Management, Solopreneurs, Supporting Staff

QuickBooks for Contractors - Advanced
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Sam HallburnSAM
QuickBooks
Sam Hallburn

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.

Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.

Liens, Collections and Contract terms
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Liens
Karalynn Cromeens
Owner and seasoned Managing Partner | The Cromeens Law Firm (TCLF)
Karalynn will discuss the legal intricacies of liens, delve into effective strategies for collections management, and discuss the importance of contract terms.
 

Target Audience: General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

The Power of Corporate Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

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Brent Barnhart
Seasoned Business Credit Consultant | J. Galt

In J Galt's transformative speaking engagement, "The Power of Corporate Credit," audiences will be invited to explore the pivotal role that corporate credit plays in revolutionizing the business sector. This topic is a direct reflection of J Galt's mission to serve as industry-disrupting pioneers, steadfast in our commitment to the prosperity, protection, and promotion of business owners across the nation. By focusing on the strategic utilization of corporate credit, this presentation aims to enlighten participants on how to effectively leverage financial tools to ensure their businesses not only survive but thrive in competitive markets. Embodying our core values, this session is designed to inspire, educate, and empower attendees, equipping them with the insights needed to unlock new avenues of growth and stability in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Target Audience: Business Owners.

10 Minute Marketing Strategy Plan
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 602

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Specialist | Strategic Point Marketing

A fractional CMO that ranks on page one in your city for the term, "Fractional CMO __(add your city name here)___" is coming to teach and tell you exactly how to rank on page one and also give you a 10 min action plan that will propel your business forward exponentially.Get your own 10 minute action plan that will drastically improve your marketing.  Then stay for the round table of other businesses similar to your industry on what they are doing and how they can improve through new techniques taught by Joshua Ramsey.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

A Better Way to Manage Your Jobs From Start to Finish - JobTread Demo 
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 601

Rilee Fisher
JobTread Software
Project Management
Rilee Fisher
Director of Business Development | JobTread

Get organized, complete your projects on time, and increase your profits. JobTread is end- to-end construction management software that helps you manage all of your business processes, from sales and estimating through to project completion. Learn why contractors give JobTread a 5-star review and consider adding JobTread to your toolkit.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners

Lightning Protection System Design | 1 AIA Credit
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 605

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Hicks Lighting Protection
AIA
Chuck Cooley

Business Development | Hicks Lightning Protection

The purpose of this presentation is to provide electrical engineers, architects, and contractors with the training necessary to understand the fundamentals of facility electrical protection related to Commercial & Industrial applications.

Target Audience: Architects and Engineers

Tree to Table | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 600

Brandon Berdoll
Berdoll Sawmill
AIA
Brandon Berdoll
Owner | Berdoll Sawmill

This course serves as a guide to selecting quality, sustainable hardwoods for bespoke furniture and design products by explaining the process of sourcing, harvesting, milling, drying, surfacing, and finishing hardwood materials. 

At the end of this course attendees will be able to: 

  • Understand the origins, importance, and reward of utilizing sustainable resources. Committing to environmentally conscious hardwoods increases the welfare of future generations. 
  • Identify properly milled and dried hardwoods. Safety risks are minimized when properly dried wood is selected for projects. 
  • Recognize best practices, treatments, and finishes to maximize longevity of hardwood furnishings. Durable and harmless treatments are important to the health of the clients. 
  • Ask knowledgeable questions and recognize hardwoods that incorporate sustainability into design. 

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications

Unlocking Leverage: How to Secure Reliable Private Capital for Spec Construction
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 603

Aidan Mosher
Lima One Capital
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Aidan Mosher

Business Development Regional Manager | Lima One Capital

In an uncertain market, it can feel like your capital sources are constantly moving the goalposts. In this class, we will pull back the curtain on the lenders that help keep the industry moving. Learn the red flags to avoid when choosing a lender and pick up some tips on how to secure consistent funding for all of your real estate investments.

Target Audience: Spec Builders who own their own company

First steps in contracting with the State of Texas
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

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Taylor Harkey
Outreach Specialist | Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)

We will start with step-by-step instructions on where to locate and apply for the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL). Next, we will go over the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) on Txsmartbuy.com where you will learn how to locate and read solicitations.

Target Audience: Everyone is the Building and Construction industry.

Construction Schedule Updating: What is my percent complete, anyway?
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

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Project Management
Saleh Mubarak
Consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer in construction project management

Contractors have to update the projects’ schedules periodically. This update is so important not only because it provides the contractor and the owner with an idea of where the project stands at this point, but also because progress payments from the owner to the contractor depend on information in these updates, specifically amount of work performed this period on each activity. This amount of work is usually expressed in percent complete. However, there are many types of percent complete, based on physical estimates (units), cost, time, manhours, or other. It is also important to calculate both baseline and actual percent complete for the activity, in order to determine if work is on, ahead, or behind schedule. This seminar takes a quick look at different types of percent complete, explains them, and discusses what they represent and when to use them.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

QuickBooks for Contractors - Advanced
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Sam HallburnSAM
QuickBooks
Sam Hallburn

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.

Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.

How to Scale Your Business with Remote Team Members
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 604

Chris Tighe
Elevation Construction
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Chris Tighe

Owner & CEO | Elevation Construction

Learn how to grow your business with team that works remote.

Target Audience: Small to medium sized businesses with owners who are struggling with keeping up with the day to day admin while trying to run their business