Los Angeles Classes

Complimentary Keynotes & Seminars

Los Angeles Build Expo's lineup of keynotes and classes are free to attend with your free, all-access pass.

Featured Keynotes

Platinum Sponsor of the Los Angeles Build Expo

Los Angeles Build Expo

August 28-29, 2024
Los Angeles Convention Center
(West Hall A)

Get Directions

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

Exhibitor Login Register to Attend

Sponsored by

Click to View

Scott Beebe

Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

How Contractor Owners Can 20x’s Their Cash Accounts and Stop Borrowing Time and Money

Wednesday, August 28 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.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

See how using one or two bank accounts in your business is crippling
Watch real life examples unfold showing the growth of the cash over time...even when a business declines in annual revenue
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, August 29 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.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...

Learn how much of your net worth is locked away in your business
Determine the most profitable and least profitable systems in your business
Realize the number one myth in business related to workforce engagement
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

Scott Beebe is the founder and head coach of MyBusinessOnPurpose.com and author of Let Your Business Burn: Stop Putting Out Fires, Discover Purpose, And Build A Business That Matters. Scott also hosts the Business On Purpose podcast sharing real stories of how he and the BOP team are working with business owners and their key leaders to build systems, process, and purpose using the Business On Purpose Roadmap to liberate businesses from the chaos of working IN their business and help them get their lives back.

Sponsored by

Tom Woodcock

President | Seal the Deal

Networking & Association Use

Wednesday, August 28 | 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.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, August 29 | 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:

Increasing your portion of the market pie
Getting a competitive advantage
Managing customer expectations
Structuring your sales effort
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

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Workshops & Classes

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

Sponsored by

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.

Managing a lunch and learn
Effective in home presenting
Controlling a commercial presentation
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

Author Tom Woodcock is nationally known as one of the most dynamic sales trainers and consultants in the country. He routinely speaks to thousands of contractors, sales personnel and suppliers concerning the sales skills necessary to compete in this intensely challenging construction industry. His personal success in sales is well documented and highly regarded. His latest book; "You're Not Sellin', They're Buyin'" is comprehensive in developing the proper sales skills, persona and methodology to rise above the competition.

His DVD series can literally be used as an individual or corporate training program. He's been featured on CNN and in USAToday as well as dozens of media outlets across the country. Tom is extremely entertaining in his approach and well studied in the dynamics that occur in bidding, quoting and developing customer brand loyalty. His high energy approach combined with practical applications can bring results immediately after his seminars.

His corporation, Seal the Deal, is sought after by trade associations, contractors, corporations, suppliers, construction expos and publications regularly. He currently writes for 4 publications, has 20 regular contractor clients and speaks to in excess of 10,000 construction industry individuals a year. Tom turned a Caterpillar rental territory from 2.5Mil to 10Mil in revenue in 18 months while raising margins by 2%! He also trained 325 sales reps for a 750 Mil nationwide equipment firm. In his first sales position at 19 yrs of age he took a 150K contractor sales territory to 2.5Mil in 1 year. His customized training programs hit areas targeted for improvement head on. He knows how to get people to buy and manage a sales effort to success!

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 301A

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:

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.
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.
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

Larry Oxenham, Author, Senior Advisor Larry Oxenham is one of America's top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of professionals achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction.

He has authored and co-authored several articles and books on the subject including The Asset Protection Bible and How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection. His career has been credited with helping thousands of people save millions of dollars. Larry Oxenham is a nationally recognized speaker who has trained thousands of professionals at hundreds of conventions, conferences and seminars across the country.

Senior Advisor, American Society for Asset Protection Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association

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

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

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

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

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

Joshua Ramsey

Fractional CMO, Marketing & Communications Strategist | JRCMO

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 users 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 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

Straight talk from a Google Certified Partner that will show you EXACT ways to increase your online visitors and leads. Bring your laptop with access to your Google Analytics and follow along in real time to know exactly what Google is trying to tell you about your website. Then see where and how to improve your organic rankings before you leave the conference.
A Google Certified Partner, Joshua teaches interactive conferences based on material received from Google. Plus hear real life stories of successes and failures that business owners have had. These powerful, interactive conferences are jammed packed with information that Joshua received during weekly meetings with Google. This is information every business owner needs to know.
Before becoming a Google Partner, Joshua was an outsourced CMO for several large U.S. based companies. As a Fractional CMO over the last 9 years, Joshua has managed over $2.5 million in AdWords and Digital Marketing Budgets and managed more than 2,800 campaigns. As a Bing Partner and Google Certified Partner, Joshua attends national conferences with some of the other great minds that influence SEO, digital marketing, and social media. Today, Joshua speaks all over the country helping businesses improve every element of their marketing.

Turning Invoicing and Online Payment into Your Competitive Advantage
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. |

Adam Eagle

Founder & CEO | Beam

Learn practical tips from some of the fastest-growing contractors in California on how to take control of invoicing and subcontractor payment so that you can grow your business and increase profitability. In this class, we'll cover:

The importance of regular invoicing, prompt subcontractor payment, and cash flow management
Several ways to improve your invoices to reduce back-and-forths and speed up payment
Systems and tools to organize the subcontractor and vendor payment process for speed and accuracy
Payment technologies to securely accept payments online
Contract payment structures and change order management to set you up for success

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

Adam Eagle is the Founder and CEO of Beam—an online platform that helps contractors organize their finances, send invoices, and get paid faster. Adam built invoicing, accounting, and payment products for Stripe, one of the world's largest global payments companies. He's worked closely with fast-growing general contractors and trade contractors to build an easy-to-use financial platform tailored for construction businesses.

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

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.

Samantha Hallburn began her career in the financial field in 2003 as a finance manager for Ford Motor Company, and later for Toyota. In 2008 she became the operations manager for a wireless telecom company. From there she was assigned the duties of assistant to the controller. After leaving the construction company, she began her banking career before starting her own firm in 2015. Samantha specializes in helping small businesses escape the daunting tasks of record-keeping and human resources as well as project management and creating operating systems.

Certify & Prosper: Unlocking Billions in Government Contracting Opportunities
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Amy Yan

Founder & CEO | C Three Business Consultants

Unlock access to billions of dollars in government contracts by strategically pursuing Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications. By leveraging these certifications effectively in your government contract bids, you can elevate your competitiveness and tap into a vast array of contracting opportunities. These opportunities span across local, state, and federal government entities, presenting a lucrative avenue for business growth and expansion.

Join our comprehensive class where we delve into the intricacies of certification requirements, the diverse range of certification options available, and expert strategies for securing both government and non-government contracts. Gain invaluable insights and actionable tactics to position your business for success in the competitive government contracting landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the different types of certifications.
Understanding the requirements needed to get certified.
Knowing where to get certified.
Where to find opportunities.
How to leverage your certification.

Target Audience: Women Owned Businesses, Minority Owned Businesses, Veteran Owned Business, Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Suppliers

Amy Yan, founder, and CEO of C Three Business Consultants boasts over 25 years of extensive experience and expertise in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Business Processes. With a commendable track record spanning over two decades in the construction industry, she has solidified her reputation as a seasoned professional. Amy has served on the leadership council for the Southern Illinois Builders Association and holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American General Contractors Association of Missouri and the Midwest American Subcontracting Association. Additionally, she spearheads the women’s leadership group within the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers.
Amy's tenure in the construction sector has endowed her with invaluable insights into emerging trends and technologies, positioning her as a respected authority in her field. Her achievements have been recognized through accolades such as being named among the Top 100 People to Know in St. Louis and receiving the distinguished title of Top STL Leader. Furthermore, C Three Business Consultants has been awarded Top Consulting Firm in 2024.
Amy's prominence extends beyond her professional achievements; she has lent her expertise as a panelist at esteemed events including Tech STL, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women’s Conference, and forums hosted by the Washington University School of Business. Her profound knowledge and thought leadership distinguish her as a preeminent figure in her industry, consistently delivering unparalleled insight and guidance across the Nation.

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

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

Construction project management consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer.
S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering, specialized in Construction Management.
Experience: Over 26 years diversified:
- Industrial: private and public sectors, in the U.S. and overseas. Positions occupied include project engineer / manager, cost estimator, planner / scheduler, project controls manager, cost manager, training manager.
- Academic: faculty member / professor, head of department.
Extensive experience in continuing education and professional training around the world. Topics are mainly technical but also include soft skills.
Author of:
- Construction Project Scheduling and Control (currently 3^rd edition)
- How to Estimate with Means Data: Basic Skills for Building Construction (currently 4^th edition)
- Many articles; technical and other
Many presentations in professional conferences such as PMI, AACE International, Primavera Users Conference. Also, a public speaker in many local, regional, and international events.
An authority on project planning, scheduling, and project control; was part of the PMI team that wrote the first Project Scheduling certification (PMI-SP) exam in 2007.
An advocate of holistic healthy living and sports

Manage Risk, Not Lawsuits
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304B

Matthew Rogers

Principal | Contractors Risk Solutions

There is a direct relationship between slowing economies and rising lawsuits. In order to protect your business, your expertise must extend beyond construction to the realm of Risk Management. In this class, you will learn strategies to avoid claims and lawsuits related to Worker’s Compensation. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from and speak to a Construction Risk Specialist, and Construction Attorney.

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

Matthew J. Rogers got an early start in construction when, at 18 months old, he began routinely disassembling his crib and other toys. An innate curiosity about how things work and a love of “dirty jobs” motivated Matt to seek out apprenticeships with tradespeople before even receiving his driver’s license. A born entrepreneur, by 16 years old, Matt was running a handyman business and saving money to pursue his dream of moving from his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, to Los Angeles, CA, after high school graduation.

In 1995, after several exciting years in L.A., Matt decided to pursue a college degree and enrolled at Kent State University. While in college, Matt continued to work in construction to put himself through school. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity during his time and lent his skills to helping Florida residents rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. An active member of his church, Matt traveled to El Salvador to build churches and houses—an experience that would spark a love of travel and exploration. From sailing the Caribbean to exploring India and teaching English in Thailand, Matt got to satisfy his curiosity again—this time about others’ cultures, lived experiences, and languages. He got to “learn by doing”—the preferred learning style of most of those in the trades!

After graduating college and returning to Los Angeles, Matt became a licensed Contractor, gaining experience in both residential and commercial settings. In 2012 Matt earned his insurance license and became a contractors’ insurance specialist. It was a natural fit. Knowing both sides of the business uniquely positions Matt to connect with his clients, who entrust him to leverage his expertise to design solutions to help their businesses thrive. Matt’s clients value his professionalism, specialized knowledge, attention to detail, creativity, and collaborative skills.

Matthew J. Rogers is the president of CIS – Contractors Insurance Solutions Inc, a California-based brokerage specializing in construction insurance. He has also spearheaded Contractor’s Risk Solutions (CRS), CIS’s division of Risk Management. Matt utilizes his 30 years of experience to create strategic solutions to protect his clients’ companies.

Matt has consulted for the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) regarding Workers’ Compensation and is recognized as an expert witness. He holds a designation as a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and is the author of the book, The Contractors Guide to Insurance. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.

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

Amanda Walker

Business Growth Expert | Birdeye

If you're looking to improve your business' ranking on Google, you've come to the right place. John 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, Soloprenuers, Supporting Staff

Amanda Walker is a business growth expert who has made a significant impact on business owners over the past decade in her Account Executive role. She has assisted hundreds of solopreneurs to large service business owners in expanding their footprint through a focus on reputation, attracting quality leads, and customer experience. With her extensive experience, Amanda is dedicated to coaching and making recommendations on how to use messaging, reviews, and social media to be the go-to service provider. Her commitment to helping others achieve success has established her as a respected and sought-after authority in the field.

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

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

Construction project management consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer.

B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering specialized in Construction Management.

Experience: Over 26 years diversified:

Industrial: private and public sectors, in the U.S. and overseas. Positions occupied include project engineer/manager, cost estimator, planner/scheduler, project controls manager, cost manager, training manager.
Academic: faculty member / professor, head of department.
Extensive experience in continuing education and professional training around the world. Topics are mainly technical but also include soft skills.

Author of:

Construction Project Scheduling and Control (currently 3rd edition)
How to Estimate with Means Data: Basic Skills for Building Construction (currently 4th edition)
Many articles; technical and other
Many presentations in professional conferences such as PMI, AACE International, Primavera Users Conference. Also, a public speaker in many local, regional, and international events.
An authority on project planning, scheduling, and project control; was part of the PMI team that wrote the first Project Scheduling certification (PMI-SP) exam in 2007.
An advocate of holistic healthy living and sports.

Make Your Business A Lead Generation Machine
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 306A

Joshua Erazo

Owner | Vital Utility

Free Tips how to generate leads from your website, social media & much more.

Target Audience: Essential Businesses

Hi my name is Joshua Erazo CEO/Vital Utility, LLC. I have been in Digital Marketing/Advertising Realm for over 10 years. My passion is helping business owners with their marketing strategies/techniques. My company Vital Utility, LLC brings customized one-on-one Marketing Strategies for all Industries and if you need help I am one phone call away at 1-323-391-6908. What are my favorite things to do? I love to travel with my wife, sports and good food!

The Aluminum Advantage in High Performance Windows and Doors
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304A

Thomas Ehret

Sales Representative | Windows N' Things

Aluminum production has recently decreased its environmental footprint dramatically, and aluminum extrusion technology has advanced considerably to make aluminum one of the most sustainable materials and aluminum windows and doors top performers.

This course covers the production enhancements and developments in the design of unique aluminum extrusions that, when combined with innovative thermal barrier materials, create window and door systems that save energy, increase healthy indoor air quality, and improve safety, sustainability, and aesthetics. The course concludes with a case study of a high-performance building using high-performance windows with custom extrusions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Select or design aluminum extrusions to deliver the best window and door performance
Recall the sustainable attributes of aluminum when selecting window and door frame material
Integrate superior frame technology with glazing strategies to create energy-efficient aluminum windows and doors
Improve indoor environments with reduced air and water leakage and increased daylighting from aluminum extruded windows and doors

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

Thomas is our Sales Representative for business development in the Central Coast, Los Angeles, and Arizona. He comes to All Weather with more than 22 years of experience in the Construction and Fenestration industries.

Utilizing his experience and industry knowledge, Thomas has successfully driven business, completed projects, and built relationships with Architects, Engineers, and Builders throughout Southern California.

His philosophy is "Be honest and have integrity while making people smile. You will have a positive impact on everyone you meet"

Thomas coaches Club Soccer and enjoys frisbee golf, golfing and playing softball.

Service Area: Central Coast I Los Angeles | Arizona

Financing Rehabs & Builds in Today’s Market
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304C

Gregg Kennedy

Head of Sales | CIVIC Financial Services

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

As Managing Director of Loan Originations for CIVIC Financial Services, Gregg oversees sales of residential and commercial real estate lending nationwide. Throughout his career, Gregg has developed strong business connections with a wide range of real estate professionals, the list includes residential and commercial real estate developers, institutional and private money lenders, real estate wholesalers, residential and commercial real estate agents and brokers, loan officers and mortgage brokers, escrow officers, real estate attorneys, general contractors, REO brokers, asset managers, and individual residential and commercial real estate investors. His expertise includes in-depth residential and commercial real estate investment analysis, residential and commercial real estate evaluation, direct loan underwriting, loan origination and all aspects of residential real estate acquisitions. Gregg has worked in the real estate industry since 2012 and received his Masters in Real Estate Finance from New York University in 2008.

Automatizando Tus Procesos con QuickBooks y Aplicaciones para Contratistas - Nivel 1
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Vanessa Vásquez

Estratega Empresarial y Educadora

Aprende a integrar QuickBooks con las aplicaciones más avanzadas específicamente diseñadas para contratistas, optimizando así tu flujo de trabajo, aumentando la precisión de tus finanzas y liberando tiempo valioso para enfocarte en lo que realmente importa: construir y expandir tu negocio. Esta clase práctica te guiará a través de configuraciones esenciales, automatizaciones inteligentes y estrategias de gestión financiera personalizadas, asegurando que saques el máximo provecho de tu software contable y aplicaciones complementarias.Conozca las soluciones que pueden cambiar completamente su perspectiva sobre la contabilidad y el manejo de proyectos.

Audiencia: Arquitectos, Ingenieros, Diseñadores, Contratistas generales, Subcontratistas, Constructores comerciales, Constructores de viviendas, Desarrolladores, Profesionales inmobiliarios, Gerentes de edificios, Planificadores estatales, Escritores de especificaciones, Agencias gubernamentales, Municipios, Gerentes de instalaciones, Firmas de administración e propiedades, Militares / Corporación de Ingenieros, y cualquier dueño de negocio en la industria de la construcción

Vanessa Vásquez es una estrella brillante en el mundo empresarial, conocida por su increíble talento para ayudar a las empresas a crecer y crear legados vivos. Combina una planificación inteligente, procesos fuertes y una buena gestión del dinero para ayudar a los emprendedores no solo a iniciar negocios, sino a crear algo que perdure y muestre su verdadera pasión y habilidades. El objetivo de Vanessa es ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a superar su mayor desafío: no saber lo suficiente para tener éxito. Con las mejores herramientas y consejos, ayuda a las empresas a crecer y prosperar. Vanessa se dedica a mejorar la gestión financiera para los propietarios de negocios mediante la educación y la última tecnología. Con más de 18 años de experiencia como una destacada Emprendedora Latina y la dedicación de una súper mamá, Vanessa es un fuerte apoyo para la creciente comunidad de negocios de habla hispana, ofreciéndoles una puerta de acceso al aprendizaje y al dominio financiero. Ha sido honrada como la Mejor Asesora del Año y es la fuerza visionaria detrás de la Conferencia F.I.T., una conferencia aclamada dedicada a las Finanzas, Innovación y Tecnología para la comunidad hispana. Como creadora de contenido prolífica para Firm of The Future, CPA Academy, Insightful Accountant, Negozee y Alt Accountant, y miembro de la Red de Escritores y Formadores de Intuit y la Coalición de Instructores y Escritores de Woodard, la influencia de Vanessa es amplia. Reconocida como la Mejor App-Ologista entre los 100 Mejores Asesores, posee certificaciones avanzadas en QuickBooks Online y QuickBooks Desktop, marcándola como una líder en la esfera de la tecnología financiera.

Frame For Success – Avoid Callbacks - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Aleeta Dene, P.E.

Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

Based on hundreds of job site inspections, APA staff have identified the most common wood construction framing and sheathing errors found in today's construction market. This session will examine the consequences of the errors and provide practical solutions for avoiding them.

Target Audience: Architects, Framers,Builders

Aleeta Dene, P.E.is an Engineered Wood Specialist for the Field Services Division of APA. A licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, Aleeta graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. Prior to joining APA, Aleeta worked as a structural engineer for 9 years in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Aleeta is an active member of SEAOC and CBIA in Los Angeles.

Mastering Lien Rights: Lower Your Risk and Get Paid Faster
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Aaron Blum

VP of Sales and Operations | CRM Lien Services

Doing business in the construction industry comes with a heightened risk of non-payment. Securing timely payments and minimizing non-payment risks is crucial in being able to grow a sustainable and lasting business. This session will delve into the lien right management process, providing practical insights on how to streamline your prelim and lien process to get paid faster.

In this class, we’ll cover:

Secure Your Lien Rights: Learn how to secure your lien rights on every job and how and when to take action on your lien rights.

Benefits of Preliminary Notices: Understand how serving preliminary notices secure your right to lien and the hidden benefits they offer to contractors and suppliers.

Mechanics Liens Explained: Discover how mechanics liens work and how they provide leverage for ensuring payment when payment issues arise on the job.

Tracking Timeframes: Gain techniques to effectively track your timeframes and due dates for notices and liens.

Ensuring Valid Lien Rights: Ensure that you have valid lien rights by serving notices that are timely, complete, accurate, and fulfill all state statute requirements.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Avoid the costly mistakes that most construction companies make on their prelims and liens, which can lead to losing lien rights and losing money.

Business Growth Strategy: Explore how an effective lien rights management process can be a powerful tool for growing your business.

Risk Assessment: Learn how to assess risk on new projects and create a strategy for ensuring payment on every job.

Join us to discover how leveraging lien rights can not only accelerate your payment cycles but also create the foundation for your business to grow.

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

A dedicated leader and entrepreneur, Aaron Blum has been shaping the future of lien services as the VP of Sales and Operations at CRM Lien Services for the past five years. Aaron is passionate about helping construction businesses receive their rightful payments and strives to make the process of preparing preliminary notices and liens as easy and stress-free as possible. Under his leadership, CRM Lien Services has grown to become a trusted partner for thousands of contractors, subs, and material suppliers across the United States. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys time with his family. Married for 10 years, he and his wife have an energetic 2-year-old son and a big hound dog named Rufus. He is a marathon runner, an amateur surfer, and sci-fi novel enthusiast. Aaron is dedicated to personal and professional growth, always seeking new ways to enrich his life and those around him.

Building Electrification for Residential Retrofits
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Kavita Rodrigues

Advisor | Southern California Edison

Kavita Rodrigues is an Advisor at Southern California Edison. She has a Bachelor of Architecture from Manipal, India and a Master of Building Science from USC.
Kavita works at SCE’s Energy Education Center developing curriculum on Building Electrification and Decarbonization aiming to inform the public on California’s climate goals, the urgent need for decarbonizing the building sector, and the significance of building electrification in the clean energy transition.

Robert Hagstrom

Engineer | Southern California Edison

Robert Hagstrom is an Engineer for Southern California Edison’s Energy Education Center. He is a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in CA and AZ, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Robert has over 16 years of design and project management through construction completion of both new builds and modernizations and ten years at SCE focusing on the energy sector. He has performed customer site energy audits, energy analysis, design assistance and incentive programs in the areas of Energy Efficiency (EE), Building Electrification (BE), Transportation Electrification (TE). He currently focuses on sharing the latest knowledge and concepts with professionals and customers to help them futureproof their lives, resulting in positive energy and economic impacts to their projects or homes.

Building electrification can reduce energy costs, increase home values and enhance occupant comfort and health. Learn what building electrification is, why it is an increasingly important strategy for achieving California’s clean energy goals, and how to electrify existing homes.

Target Audience: Architects, Designers, Contractors

Accessory Dwelling Units ("ADU")
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 301A

Seth Phillips

Licensed Broker/Agent | Realm Home

Until recently, a house with a garage was just a house with a garage. But no more! Thanks to the housing crisis, it’s a Brave New World! With the passage of Senate Bills 9 and 10, you can now construct 2-3-4 units on your land for more rental income. (And 10 units if your property is near a transportation hub.) Seth is considered “California’s Leading Expert on ADUs.” Join Seth (“Mr. ADU”) as he discusses the benefits of Senate Bills 9 and 10, and how you can easily improve your rental income by building more units on your property. Property owners must take advantage of Senate Bill 9! Seth will be covering this new law that allows property owners to add up to three rental units to their single-family residence. That's right! State law now allows you to increase the number of rental units on your property with very few restrictions. Under the new “ADU Law,” owners may add three new rental units (in addition to existing SFR) regardless of square footage. This legislation gives real estate investors a new tool to create much-needed housing while at the same time creating great opportunities to accumulate new wealth by “optimizing an asset” you already own or want to buy. At Seth’s presentation, you will learn how to…

Convert garages, laundry and storage rooms into ADUs.
Double, triple, or more, your multifamily rental income.
Learn how Senate Bills 9 and 10 help your properties & income.
Generate income with triplexes and four-plexes.
Learn the “step-by-step ADU process.”
Construct ADUs for any of your properties.

Target Audience: All Building and Construction Professionals

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 Ramsey

Fractional CMO, Marketing & Communications Strategist | JRCMO

Fractional CMO, Joshua Ramsey is going to 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" like the big companies use to stay on top.

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

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

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

Sam Hallburn

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

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

Hyper Growth: The 5 Steps to Scaling your Revenue, Profits, and Team
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Gila Kurtz

Lead CEO Mentor | Pinnacle Global Network

Business Owners that are serious about scaling often get stuck at 7 and 8-figures and cannot get beyond that, even when they're working non-stop, sacrificing time, health, and sanity... for years.

The Business Model that got takes your company to 1 million can’t get you to 10 million, 50 million or beyond 100 million. Scaling doesn't come from the hustle. It comes from implementing creative strategy and expanding into a more scalable model.

It’s about working smarter, not harder.

In this presentation, Gila Kurtz, Lead CEO Mentor of Pinnacle Global Network, will show you:

How to get off the hamster wheel, get your life back and empower your team to scale.
How to build a Dream Team that can take your vision and run with it
15 Super-Powered Scalable Models for the construction industry that will take less time, use less overhead, decrease stress, and generate WAY more impact.
Leave with Tools and Strategies you can implement right away to scale your company.

Target Audience: Business owners

Gila is a serial entrepreneur, an international best-selling author, and the co-founder of Dog is Good, an award-winning global brand for dog lovers- which she and her husband built from a start-up to multiple seven-figures. She has been recognized as one of the top 25 women of influence in the pet industry and was featured in Success Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Grow-Wire Show. Gila thrives on helping CEO’s master their mindset and has expertise in leadership, product development and distribution, licensing, brand story, messaging, marketing, and scale strategies. As a former Pinnacle client, she has used the SCALEit method to build her own team-managed company and now finds her greatest joy in helping others chase their dreams, dig up joy, and fetch anything they want in business and life.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

John Aristoteles Pinelo Sr.

Workforce Development/Continuing Education | Construction Industry Veteran

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the need for continuous skill development and adaptation is more critical than ever. This session explores the dynamic intersection of workforce development and continuing education, focusing on strategies to enhance employability, foster career advancement, and meet the demands of changing industries.

John A. Pinelo Sr. brings over 35 years of extensive experience in the Construction Industry, specializing in Electrical and Low Voltage systems. As a seasoned Electrical-Low Voltage Instructor for the past decade, John is committed to fostering skill development and professional growth within the industry.
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to advancing workforce development and continuing education initiatives. He has a keen interest in enhancing skills development, facilitating professional certifications, and delivering industry-specific training that addresses the evolving demands of today's job market.
Currently, John is actively pursuing collaboration opportunities with various industry professionals in Continuing Education. He aims to leverage his expertise to contribute to and benefit from the resources and programs offered through strategic partnerships.
John's achievements include being nominated as Instructor of the Year for ABC SoCal and recognized as Project Manager of the Year by past employers. He also serves on the Sound Committee for the State of California and volunteers his time with the BICSI Mentor program, supporting volunteer opportunities in his community.
Passionate about nurturing the next generation of professionals and advancing the Trade Industry, John remains deeply involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing educational and career pathways.

Streamline Construction Permits
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Jenifer Carvalho

CEO and Founder | LA Expedite Inc.

Introduction to Permit Expediting:

- Understanding the permit expediting process and its key benefits.

Common Pain Points in Permit Expediting:

- Learning curve associated with permit expediting.
- Lack of understanding of expediting processes.
- Training staff on expediting processes.
- Time and money wasted on training.
- Interruptions to design and planning due to jurisdictional requirements.

Strategies to Overcome Permit Expediting Challenges:

- Streamlining permit expediting workflows.
- Leveraging technology for efficient permit processing.
- Effective communication with regulatory bodies.

Project Management Best Practices:

- Integrating project management with permit expediting.
- Efficient resource allocation and timeline management.
- Real-life case studies of successful project management.

Q&A and Interactive Session:

- Addressing specific questions from participants.
- Sharing experiences and solutions.

Target Audience: Architects, Developers, Contractors, Design-Build Firms, Building Owners

Electrical Safety Workshop for Business Owners
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Alix Smith

CPO | Southwest Industrial Electric

Alix came to Southwest Industrial Electric straight out of high school. His inspiration for entering the electrical field was sparked from observing his cousin's endeavors in the electrical industry and his hands-on experience working on a commercial fishing boat at the age of 15. Early on the prospect of working outdoors and engaging in daily hands-on tasks appealed to Alix, instilling in him a passion that has never left him. These initial experiences laid the foundation for his strong work ethic, as well as emphasized the value of hard work and patience—an indispensable skill, particularly in the realm of electrical systems.
With nearly 19 years of industry expertise, Alix values the enduring sense of family that permeates Southwest Industrial Electric, a culture that has persisted despite the company's growth. Throughout his journey with SIE, Alix remains captivated by the role of electricity in propelling the world forward. Recognizing its pervasive presence in almost every global process, he views the ability to comprehend and manage electricity as an invaluable skill. Alix perceives SIE as a place that harbors ambitious goals while maintaining a nurturing "Mom and Pop" attitude. This ethos is evident in his leadership role, where he treats every employee as an extension of the SIE family.

Daniel DiGalbo

Senior Production Officer | Southwest Industrial Electric

Daniel DiGalbo is a Senior Production manager here at Southwest Industrial Electric. Daniel has extensive electrical experience and manages projects ranging from small-scale installations to large-scale industrial electrical systems. With over a decade in the industry, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Southwest Industrial Electric. He oversees aspects of production, ensuring projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget. Daniel's dedication is evident in every project he undertakes, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction
Common Electrical Issues and Solutions
Safety assessments for Commercial clients
Machine Service and Maintenance: Highlight the importance of regular maintenance, common electrical issues in machinery, and preventive strategies to avoid downtime.
Energy-Saving Tips (Intro energy assessments, service upgrades etc.)
Q&A

Target Audience: Business Owners

Resilient Building Design: The Business Case for Onsite Water Reuse
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Eric Hough

Chief Commercial Officer | Epic Cleantec

This session will discuss how severe drought and aridification are increasingly drawing attention to an often-overlooked topic of building sustainability: water resilience. Attendees will learn how water conservation strategies are altering in response to changing climate conditions, allowing buildings to reduce water and sewer utility demand by as much as 95 percent and help achieve LEED certifications. From greywater and blackwater reuse to full resource recovery, this session will describe the technology landscape, building integration options, long-term operations and maintenance requirements, and regulatory implications associated with the various onsite water reuse strategies.

Attendees will engage in a detailed discussion of cost tradeoffs, with a focus on practical solutions for cost-conscious developers and owners. The session will also provide an overview of strategies to reduce first costs, incentive programs options, and what to expect during the permitting process.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand the severity of our water scarcity crisis, limited resources of fresh water supply and how buildings attribute to mass water consumption.
Attendees will gain an appreciation for onsite water reuse and its viability as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the built environment.
Attendees will learn what to expect during the permitting process and what resources & incentives may be available.
Lastly, participants will gain real-life applicability of how these systems can be implemented locally.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Eric Hough, PMP, Chief Commercial Officer at Epic Cleantec, leads business development and project delivery initiatives out of their California office. With a bachelor's in environmental engineering from The Ohio State University, Eric has nearly 15 years of experience in various water reuse applications; from mega-municipal water recycling facilities, wineries and breweries to Living Building Challenge projects for tech campuses. Eric is well versed in technology, regulations, and building integration strategies that enable buildings to become net-zero water users. Most recently, Eric served on the board of directors for the William Worthen Foundation, a San Francisco-based non-profit focused on educating and connecting architects, engineers, and contractors with leading design solutions and technologies for high performance buildings.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Workshops & Classes

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

Sponsored by

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:

Why customers commit
Why your close rate is too low
Winning projects or orders with peak profitability
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. |

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

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

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

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

Sam Hallburn

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

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

Implementando QuickBooks y Aplicaciones para Contratistas - Nivel 2
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Vanessa Vásquez

Estratega Empresarial y Educadora

Sumérgete en el poder de la contabilidad digital con nuestra clase exclusiva "Implementando QuickBooks y Aplicaciones para Contratistas". Diseñada específicamente para el sector de la construcción, esta clase te equipará con las habilidades necesarias para implementar y maximizar QuickBooks junto con aplicaciones complementarias, transformando la gestión de tus proyectos y finanzas. Ya sea que busques mejorar la eficiencia operativa, optimizar la gestión de costos o escalar tu negocio, esta clase práctica te proporcionará las herramientas y conocimientos para lograrlo. Prepárate para llevar tu negocio de construcción al siguiente nivel, optimizando tu tiempo y recursos con soluciones tecnológicas avanzadas.

Audiencia: Arquitectos, Ingenieros, Diseñadores, Contratistas generales, Subcontratistas, Constructores comerciales, Constructores de viviendas, Desarrolladores , Profesionales inmobiliarios, Gerentes de edificios, Planificadores estatales, Escritores de especificaciones, Agencias gubernamentales, Municipios, Gerentes de instalaciones, Firmas de administración de propiedades, Militares / Corporación de Ingenieros, y cualquier dueño de negocio en la industria de la construcción

Wood Structural Panels as an Air Barrier - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Aleeta Dene, P.E.

Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

This class will describe the advantages of using continuous wood structural panel (WSP) wall sheathing as part of an air barrier system by explaining panel characteristics and the installation methods used in residential markets. It will discuss the basis for testing and code compliance along with cost and energy tradeoffs. Participants will see successful and unsuccessful examples of air barriers and air barrier systems using side by side comparisons.

Target Audience: Architects, Builders, Designers

Aleeta Dene, P.E. is an Engineered Wood Specialist for the Field Services Division of APA. A licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, Aleeta graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. Prior to joining APA, Aleeta worked as a structural engineer for 9 years in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Aleeta is an active member of SEAOC and CBIA in Los Angeles.

How Optimizing your Computers Can Save You $5000 Towards your Dream Vacation!
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 303A

Anthony Hernandez

CEO | Captain IT

In this seminar, you will learn how the minutest of issues can cost thousands of dollars in the long run. You may not see it now, but every time a computer crashes, your Wi-Fi connection drops, and your office manager must step in and be the “IT guy,” it can cost you dollars that your business can be saving for yourself or reinvest back into the business. We will discuss how these issues can be prevented for current costs and maintenance to avoid future expenses. We’ll provide you with a checklist and steps to take so you can better focus on your business and save costs on the bottom line.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Anthony Hernandez has been a technology consultant for 25 years. He's always had a passion for technology and helping people. He's worked as a computer repair technician, website designer, database programmer, senior-level field engineer, technology manager, and technology director.

Before Captain IT, he worked for Green Dot Public Schools, a charter school group encompassing 20 sites. From scratch, he helped the entire organization design and implement a computer network infrastructure that served each one of these sites. This robust technology infrastructure continues to operate today.

At Green Dot, the infrastructure consisted of clustered Microsoft exchange servers, Cisco firewalls, backup strategies, designing data centers, replicating servers (across all 20 locations), and asset management systems; he developed policies and procedures for effective technology management, budget management, and procurement where each of these were concerned. He learned everything from scratch. As a result, the knowledge and expertise that he gained while managing the technology of an entire school district gave him the skills, motivation, and courage to start his own business. He wanted his company to focus on providing excellent service to his partners in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and wholesaling, as seen through his business relationships that have lasted more than a decade.

Improving Functional Recovery Using Replaceable Fuses
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 306B

Justin Marshall

President | DuraFuse Frames

The minimum standard for seismic design in current building codes is Life Safety. This means buildings are expected to experience controlled damage but not collapse during a major seismic event. The unexpected outcome of this practice is that following a major earthquake may result in very costly repair or building demolition being the best options. Major updates to building code requirements are in process so that they address Re-Occupancy and Functional Recovery in addition to Life Safety. Several strategies to improve Functional Recovery are highlighted, including the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Various replaceable fuse concepts are explored with the most practical concepts already being used in practice. The simplest and most economical of these methods is improving the repairability of structures, through replaceable fuses, enabling a quick return to service after severe earthquakes.

Class Objectives: Upon completion of the class, the participants will be able to:

Describe the expected state of code designed structures following a major earthquake.
List several ways Functional Recovery can be improved when designing and building new structures.
Explain the premise and the advantages of the replaceable fuse concept for design or retrofit of buildings and other structures.

Target Audience: Owner/Developer, Contractor, architects, engineers

Justin Marshall is the President of DuraFuse Frames. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from BYU and his PhD from Virginia Tech. His engineering career has included both professional practice and academia. His design career included stops in New York and the Western United States. His 13 years at Auburn University included teaching structural engineering courses and doing research on seismic and wind engineering. He has been involved in several post-disaster reconnaissance efforts including earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, and has served on the Seismic Subcommittee to update the seismic provisions for ASCE 7-16 and 7-22. He is licensed in Utah, California, and Nevada.

Starting your Digital Transformation Journey
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304A

Shirin Arnold

Industry Solutions Lead for Construction | Dropbox

How Dropbox can change the way you do business.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Shirin Arnold is the Industry Solutions Lead for Construction at Dropbox. Shirin joined Dropbox at the end of 2021 from Autodesk where she held several key positions in sales and product. She was a Technical Solutions Executive for the AEC industry as well as a Group Product Manager driving the BIM 360 Field Management solutions forward. Even though she holds a Master’s in Structural Engineering from Stanford University, she has always leaned towards the construction industry. Her interest in construction led her straight to a boots on the ground position, with a major general contractor as a project engineer where her interest flourished. She has held various product management positions from Credit Suisse to Graphisoft where she has been able to continue to influence the construction industry.

How To Find, Vet, Hire & Retain Top Talent in Construction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304C

Matt DiBara

CEO | The Contractor Consultants

In the midst of the current labor crisis, The Contractor Consultants offer a seamless, end-to-end hiring service designed specifically for contractors seeking top talent without the hassle. Our innovative platform streamlines the recruitment process, allowing contractors to focus on their core business while we take care of the rest.

Matt is a fourth generation mason who discovered his passion for the construction industry when he was just nine years old, working on job sites with his father. After graduating from UMass with a degree in Construction Management and Environmental Design, Matt embraced his family’s legacy and established his own masonry company in Los Angeles, CA. He soon earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and impeccable service. But as his business flourished, he witnessed many of his colleagues struggling to navigate the notoriously turbulent construction industry. Matt co-founded The Contractor Consultants as a way to share his passion and experience with other contractors who lacked the skills, resources, or knowledge to achieve the success they deserved. With The Contractor Consultants, Matt also set out to solve the single biggest pain point experienced by all contractors: Recruitment. That led to The Contractor Hiring Course and the first ever fully done for you hiring service for construction companies.

Within the last 12 months alone, Matt has shared his knowledge with some of the biggest in the industry: The Masonry Association of America (national), Roofcon, World of Concrete, Billd, Hearth, and Angi.

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

Joshua Ramsey

Fractional CMO, Marketing & Communications Strategist | JRCMO

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 users 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 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."

Hyper Growth: The 5 Steps to Scaling your Revenue, Profits, and Team
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |

Gila Kurtz

Lead CEO Mentor | Pinnacle Global Network

Business Owners that are serious about scaling often get stuck at 7 and 8-figures and cannot get beyond that, even when they're working non-stop, sacrificing time, health, and sanity... for years.

It’s about working smarter, not harder.

In this presentation, Gila Kurtz, Lead CEO Mentor of Pinnacle Global Network, will show you:

How to get off the hamster wheel, get your life back and empower your team to scale.
How to build a Dream Team that can take your vision and run with it
15 Super-Powered Scalable Models for the construction industry that will take less time, use less overhead, decrease stress, and generate WAY more impact.
Leave with Tools and Strategies you can implement right away to scale your company.

Target Audience: Business owners

Navigating Cybersecurity in Construction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Amy Yan

Founder & CEO | C Three Business Consultants

Compliance with regulations is non-negotiable, as failing to meet regulatory requirements can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. Understanding and adhering to regulations such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, GDPR, or industry-specific standards like the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Cybersecurity Program is essential.

In this class, we discuss real-world examples of cyber threats in the construction industry and their consequences. Which can help illustrate the importance of cybersecurity measures. Additionally, we will provide practical guidance on developing and implementing a cybersecurity strategy tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the construction industry to effectively safeguard your assets, data, and reputation.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the different types of threats both on and offline.
Understanding the risks of a cyber intrusion.
Staying on top of current security measures for compliancy.
Understanding cybersecurity insurance.
Creating a disaster recovery plan to be proactive rather than reactive.

Target Audience: Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Suppliers

Amy's tenure in the construction sector has endowed her with invaluable insights into emerging trends and technologies, positioning her as a respected authority in her field. Her achievements have been recognized through accolades such as being named among the Top 100 People to Know in St. Louis and receiving the distinguished title of Top STL Leader. Furthermore, C Three Business Consultants has been awarded Top Consulting Firm in 2024.

Amy's prominence extends beyond her professional achievements; she has lent her expertise as a panelist at esteemed events including Tech STL, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women’s Conference, and forums hosted by the Washington University School of Business. Her profound knowledge and thought leadership distinguish her as a preeminent figure in her industry, consistently delivering unparalleled insight and guidance across the Nation.

Talking with Clients about Electrification - 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Nick Brown

President | Build Smart

This session will guide professionals in talking with clients about electric appliance options, addressing common misconceptions. We will explore life cycle costs, discuss the evolving electric grid, highlight efficient technologies such as heat pumps, and evaluate environmental impacts. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits associated with building electrification.

Target Audience: Contractors, Builders and Architects

Nick Brown is President of Build Smart, an independent energy consultancy specializing in California energy modeling, energy code, and building performance that supports builders and architects in designing energy-efficient buildings. Nick is a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) for residential and an Associate Energy Analyst (AEA) for nonresidential construction by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC). He is a Subject Matter Expert on the Energy Code Ace statewide education team and teaches classes for Southern California Edison on Net Zero Design, All-electric Homes, Heat Pumps, and Selling Clean Energy Homes. As part of a CalSEED team, Nick is currently researching phase change material applications in HVAC systems. Nick was elected to the Board of Directors of CABEC beginning in 2018. He holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. He remodeled his own home in 2014 in a deep energy retrofit and has written and presented extensively on Net Zero buildings, high-performance walls, and energy efficient building. Prior to starting Build Smart, he served as President of Merlex Stucco for 15 years, a $15 million Southern California stucco manufacturer.

Mastering Lien Rights: Lower Your Risk and Get Paid Faster
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

Aaron Blum

VP of Sales and Operations | CRM Lien Services

In this class, we’ll cover:

Secure Your Lien Rights: Learn how to secure your lien rights on every job and how and when to take action on your lien rights.

Benefits of Preliminary Notices: Understand how serving preliminary notices secure your right to lien and the hidden benefits they offer to contractors and suppliers.

Mechanics Liens Explained: Discover how mechanics liens work and how they provide leverage for ensuring payment when payment issues arise on the job.

Tracking Timeframes: Gain techniques to effectively track your timeframes and due dates for notices and liens.

Ensuring Valid Lien Rights: Ensure that you have valid lien rights by serving notices that are timely, complete, accurate, and fulfill all state statute requirements.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Avoid the costly mistakes that most construction companies make on their prelims and liens, which can lead to losing lien rights and losing money.

Business Growth Strategy: Explore how an effective lien rights management process can be a powerful tool for growing your business.

Risk Assessment: Learn how to assess risk on new projects and create a strategy for ensuring payment on every job.

Join us to discover how leveraging lien rights can not only accelerate your payment cycles but also create the foundation for your business to grow.

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

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

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

Construction project management consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer.
S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering, specialized in Construction Management.
Experience: Over 26 years diversified:
- Industrial: private and public sectors, in the U.S. and overseas. Positions occupied include project engineer / manager, cost estimator, planner / scheduler, project controls manager, cost manager, training manager.
- Academic: faculty member / professor, head of department.
Extensive experience in continuing education and professional training around the world. Topics are mainly technical but also include soft skills.
Author of:
- Construction Project Scheduling and Control (currently 3^rd edition)
- How to Estimate with Means Data: Basic Skills for Building Construction (currently 4^th edition)
- Many articles; technical and other
Many presentations in professional conferences such as PMI, AACE International, Primavera Users Conference. Also, a public speaker in many local, regional, and international events.
An authority on project planning, scheduling, and project control; was part of the PMI team that wrote the first Project Scheduling certification (PMI-SP) exam in 2007.
An advocate of holistic healthy living and sports

Save Money on Construction Insurance
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 304B

Matthew Rogers

Principal | Contractors Risk Solutions

Insurance costs are on the rise. In this class, you will learn to use Risk Management strategies to lower your rates for Workers Compensation, General Liability, and bonds. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from and speak to a Construction Risk Specialist, Construction Attorney, and Worker’s Compensation Safety Analyst

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

Streamlining Construction Permits: Fast-Track Tips and Risk Management Strategies for Contractors and Developers
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 306A

Jenifer Carvalho

Principal - Pre-construction Expert | LA Expedite

Navigate the complex world of construction permits with ease! In this one-hour course, you'll gain expert insights into:

Understanding the Permit Process: Learn the ins and outs of acquiring essential permits for various construction scenarios.
Essential Tips and Shortcuts: Discover proven strategies to expedite the process and avoid common pitfalls.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks from the start, ensuring a smooth project flow.
Navigating Agencies: Follow a step-by-step roadmap to engage with each relevant agency effectively.
Handling Roadblocks: Acquire actionable strategies to overcome unexpected obstacles and keep your project on track.

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

Born in Bogota and rooted in NYC, I am transforming the construction industry through my company, now expanding from New York Expedite to LA Expedite Inc. Built on the principles of knowledge, hard work, and relentless pursuit of progress as an industry disruptor, at LA Expedite Inc., we offer diverse services that include architectural design, land-use consulting, and pre-construction project management and permit expediting as well as structural and civil engineering services all in one stop hub, which allows our clients to save an incredible amount of money and time. We are committed to navigating complex jurisdictional requirements and ensuring prompt project completion, minimizing timelines, and never hesitating in the race for final approval. I believe in growth through knowledge and opportunity, and aim to make life better with every project. Let's shape the future, one blueprint at a time!

Accessory Dwelling Units ("ADU")
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 301A

Seth Phillips

Licensed Broker/Agent | Realm Home

Convert garages, laundry and storage rooms into ADUs.
Double, triple, or more, your multifamily rental income.
Learn how Senate Bills 9 and 10 help your properties & income.
Generate income with triplexes and four-plexes.
Learn the “step-by-step ADU process.”
Construct ADUs for any of your properties.

Target Audience: All Building and Construction Professionals

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

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

Industrial: private and public sectors, in the U.S. and overseas. Positions occupied include project engineer/manager, cost estimator, planner/scheduler, project controls manager, cost manager, training manager.
Academic: faculty member / professor, head of department.
Extensive experience in continuing education and professional training around the world. Topics are mainly technical but also include soft skills.

Author of:

Construction Project Scheduling and Control (currently 3rd edition)
How to Estimate with Means Data: Basic Skills for Building Construction (currently 4th edition)
Many articles; technical and other
Many presentations in professional conferences such as PMI, AACE International, Primavera Users Conference. Also, a public speaker in many local, regional, and international events.
An authority on project planning, scheduling, and project control; was part of the PMI team that wrote the first Project Scheduling certification (PMI-SP) exam in 2007.
An advocate of holistic healthy living and sports.

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

Sam Hallburn

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor | PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions

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

Best Practices for Bidding Public Works Project
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Arash Daghighian

Vice President of Operations | FORD EC Involvement

Locating and bidding public works projects has a series of challenges and strict guidelines that change based on the Agency and project. The process in knowing how to navigate through the bidding process a key factor is securing projects but more importantly securing the “right project.”. This discussion will focus on the process that FORD EC takes during the bidding process to ensure the Agencies requirements are met, locating the proper subcontractors/vendors and being specific on if the project is the right avenue for company. Discussion will assist subcontractors, general contractors and others on the process that has taken over 25 years to develop in the evolving bidding process. The project will have an emphasis on bidding with the City of LA but can apply to many other Public Agencies.

Target Audience: Contractors and owner.

Arash Daghighian has been an active member of Ford E.C. since 1997 and worked both in the field and in the office on a full scale of levels. Arash currently is Vice President of Operations and shares responsibility for all oversight and direct onsite management of the Company. To date, Ford EC has completed over 80 plus projects totaling over $200 million dollars. Over the last four years Arash has spearheaded FORD EC involvement with the housing crises by Building over 11 Emergency Shelters in the greater Los Angeles area at a record pace. There is a direct passion and commitment to help address the current housing crises.

Efficient Affordable Housing Development
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |

Jenifer Carvalho

CEO and Founder | LA Expedite Inc.

Overview of Affordable Housing Development:

- Understanding the importance of affordable housing and key challenges.

Navigating Complex Jurisdictional Requirements:

- Breaking down complex regulations and requirements.
- Strategies to simplify compliance processes.

Optimizing Design and Planning for Affordable Housing:

- Innovative architectural solutions for affordable housing.
- Balancing cost-efficiency with quality and sustainability.

Funding and Financial Strategies:

- Exploring funding options for affordable housing projects.
- Managing budgets and financial planning.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

- Building strong partnerships with stakeholders.
- Effective communication and collaboration techniques.

Case Studies and Best Practices:

- Successful affordable housing projects.
- Lessons learned and key takeaways.

Q&A and Wrap-Up Session:

- Open floor for questions and discussions.
- Recap of key points and actionable insights.

Target Audience: Architects, Developers, Contractors, Design-Build Firms, Building Owners

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

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

Straight talk from a Google Certified Partner that will show you EXACT ways to increase your online visitors and leads. Bring your laptop with access to your Google Analytics and following along in real time to know exactly what Google is trying to tell you about your website. Then see where and how to improve your organic rankings before you leave the conference.

A Google Certified Partner, Joshua's teaches interactive conferences based on material received from Google. Plus hear real life stories of success and failures that business owners have had. These powerful, interactive conferences are jammed packed with information that Joshua received during weekly meetings with Google. This is information every business owner needs to know.

Before becoming a Google Partner, Joshua was an outsourced CMO for several large U.S. based companies. As a CMO over the last 9 years, Joshua has managed over $2.5 million in AdWords and Digital Marketing Budgets and managed more than 2,800 campaigns. As a Bing Partner and Google Certified Partner, Joshua attends national conferences with some of the other great minds that influence SEO, digital marketing, and social media. Today, Joshua speaks all over the country helping businesses improve every element of their marketing.

2024 Exhibitors