Tyler Farrell, founder of Killowen Construction, is a custom home builder in Park City Utah.
He went to college and got a degree in Construction Management.
His first home he built for his new company was a spec home. When asked why he started with a spec home, he said, “Because I wanted to fast track my company into a higher income market.”
One thing he recommends if you are building spec homes is to make sure your income is strong enough during that time. Then your needs will be taken care of. And the sale of the spec home will be a bonus.
Tyler loves it when a job stops being a project and becomes a house. A home where people live and are happy. That’s what makes the grueling grind worth it. It’s no longer a “project” anymore, it’s a house. It’s a home.
When Tyler looks back to the time when he was just getting started, he wishes he knew:
The importance of standing his ground with his subs, and in budget meetings.
How to give bad news. He remembers times when he was too accommodating, and didn’t clearly state like it is.
Tyler likes to use the 3 tier bid system. He has a preliminary budget meeting and offers them the following 3 tiers:
- Base Bid
- Custom Bid
- Luxury Bid
This helps determine where a client is at financially, and what level of project they want to take on.
“We are really big on using checklists,” Tyler says, “Every room gets a checklist.”
He believes that designers should be your friend not your enemy. His advice is to treat them with respect, as if they were your clients. The end result will be much better.
When asked what the best advice is he ever received, Tyler said, “The best cure for anxiety is action.”
Tyler admits that he’s never been the smartest or most talented person out there. But he would challenge anyone to out work him. This is what he attributes his success too. Just good old fashioned hard work.
The philosophy that defines his company is: Do The Right Thing.
The software Tyler recommends is:
- Builder Trend.
- Dropbox
- G Suite
- G Tasks
The book Tyler recommends is:
- Checklist Manifesto
What Tyler would tell a young contractor who is just starting out is this.
Catch a sub when they are on the way up. In other words, when they are still hungry. When they really care. Then together you will help each other’s businesses grow and be successful. He goes on to advise, Be out there. Be hungry. Don’t try to fool people. Work for someone who is where you would like to be sometime and learn from them.
This was an awesome conversation! Listen all the way through and be inspired!
Today’s Protractor Tip is given by Brad Leavitt from AFT Construction. It’s all about the importance of having a “Super Punch.” If you don’t know what that is… you’ve got to listen to it. It’s a great tip!
Our featured contractor website today is myeasywindow.com by Darrin Marcure. They are exterior remodeling specialists. Darrin’s a great guy with a huge heart and love for his craft!
The book we recommend today is called Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. If you’ve never read this book and taken the test, then get it today. You’ll love it, and you’ll want to get a copy for everyone on your team!
Protractors – Making A Difference!