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Improved Purchasing. Improved Profitability
By Charles C. Shinn, Jr., Ph.D, Builder Partnerships
Throughout the course of my career, I've identified 25 ways home builders can improve their profitability. I've written often about each of the 25 ways, which you can find on the Builder Partnerships website, and this month, I want to focus on number 10: Improve Purchasing.
An inefficient purchasing department can add significantly to direct construction costs.
- Unit pricing vs. bid management: Develop a unit-price database, and bid on units instead of lump sum contract bids. This will simplify database management because a single-data entry will change the contract amount for every house plan, option and upgrade. Keep unit prices in the vendor file instead of the individual job file. This will also allow you to get the fudge factor out of the bids, since the estimating department will determine the quantities of units.
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Build a Leading Management Team
Take advantage of our Fall seminar offerings
Builder Partnerships is the premier organization providing management education for home builders and has been recognized as such due to our commitment to the industry. Our team provides invaluable insights on management techniques and presents readily implementable tools, processes and procedures that can help your team realize improved results across your entire organization.
Previously known as the Lee Evans Group / Shinn Group, we have been promoting excellence in management practices through our educational programs for home builders since 1954. First under the leadership of Lee Evans, and during the last twenty plus years under the direction of Charles C. Shinn, Jr. Ph.D.
This fall, the Builder Partnerships seminar series rolls out a collection of educational opportunities that are geared to helping home builders manage the growth of their companies and increase their profitability. Make sure to hold on to your profits. Attend one of our sessions today.
The Executive Summit - Get Ready for 2014 and Beyond
November 6-8, 2013
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Back by popular demand after a 5-year hiatus, The Executive Summit, created and led by the Profit Doctor, Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD, is a capstone seminar aimed at getting you on track to become a leader in the industry for 2014 and beyond. This year, the Executive Summit will be focused on preparing you to take advantage of the changes in the market. Don't miss it!
Click here for more details.
Purchasing, Estimating and Job Costing
September 25-27, 2013
Denver, Colo
Accurate estimates at the front end can greatly improve your entire construction process, which will save time and money and greatly reduce headaches later on. Learn how to organize and operate an effective estimating and purchasing process and understand the most effective techniques for negotiating with trade contractors and suppliers.
Click here for more details.
Field Management: The Superintendent's Job -
Front Line Manager
October 3-5, 2013
Denver
The superintendent's management ability impacts 65% to 75% of every dollar flowing through your company. This seminar is designed to teach, sharpen and enhance the management skills of your superintendent.
Click here for more details.
Operations/Strategy--Managing for Profit
December 4-6, 2013
Denver
Emerge from the downturn with a trim and efficient organization. The Managing for Profit seminar provides the blue print and road map!
Click here for more details.
Read more about our seminar series...
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Where's the American Work Ethic?
By Tom Richey, MIRM, CAASH, Richey Resources
 Everywhere we go and everyone we talk to, the conversation is the same. "Where is the American work ethic?" In a sales industry that requires hard work, trainability and a positive mental attitude, this is alarming. Perhaps new home sales requires more self-starting than any other sales business. Couple this with the admonition from the American Medical Association that "only 3% of the American work force can work in an unstructured, unsupervised environment." That means that 97% often have to be kicked, pleaded with or cajoled into doing their jobs. And, with new home sales being performed in communities distant from the home office, this is particularly relevant. So what's the solution? In a nutshell, hire the best A-potential and naturally gifted sales candidate from within or outside the housing industry. Read more...
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July Partner Notes
Dupont Features Courses on Handling Spray Polyurethane Foam
Safe Handling Training for Two-Component Spray Polyurethane Foams
This safe handling training course outlines the safe handling and storage of two-component polyurethane foams such as FROTH-PAK™ products from Dow.
Safe Handling Training for One-Component Spray Polyurethane Foams
This safe handling training course outlines the safe handling and storage of one-component polyurethane foams such as GREAT STUFF PRO™ products from Dow.
To learn more, click here.
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Gerber Adds Faucets to Popular Viper Collection
Kitchen and Bath Options Offer Style, Performance and Reliability
Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC has added several kitchen and bath faucets to its Viper Collection, previously known for its high performance toilets.
Bath Faucets-The new bath products in the Viper line offer a full suite of options: Single handle faucets, two-handle faucets, a tub/shower trip kit and a Roman tub faucet. These products have been designed with the plumbing professional in mind - a focus on quality (to eliminate call-backs) and quick installation (to save time and money). Some of the features include:
- Solid metal lever handle
- Drip-free ceramic disc technology to ensure reliability and longevity
- Touch-down drains for quick installation
Kitchen Faucets-The Viper kitchen faucets come in three configurations: pull-out, single handle and single handle with side spray. Each of the faucets feature a ceramic disc cartridge with temperature limit stops to ensure quality and safety, a solid lever handle and an aerator that ensures a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Faucets are available in Chrome and Stainless Steel finishes.
To learn more, click here.
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Building America Update 
Building America Offers New Video
Want to learn more about Building America or help us spread the word about the program? View the new video, "What is Building America?" on DOE's YouTube channel to learn about how Building America aims to bridge the gap between homes with high energy costs and homes that are healthy, durable, and energy efficient.
New Publications from Building America
The Building America Publications Library offers an extensive collection of technical reports, measure and strategy guidelines, case studies, and other resources to help you boost energy efficiency in new and existing homes. In addition, the Building America Solution Center links you to fast, free, and expert building science and energy efficiency information based on Building America research results.
Read more Partner Notes...
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Webinars
Are You Building a Solid Foundation or Living on Borrowed Time?
Thurs., Aug. 15 at 11am EDT
Join host Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD and industry expert David Bruce, Hubbell/CHANCE Earth Anchoring Systems as he explains the need-to-know basics of helical piles. A helical anchor is a cost-effective, efficient and proven alternative to other pile systems including concrete drilled shafts, caissons, etc.
Build a Better Website: Selling Homes through the Internet
Friday, Nov. 1 at 11am EST
Internet marketing is challenging. Join us as Brad Bombardiere explains the latest changes in internet marketing and how they can impact your business and the building industry overall.
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Live Events
Purchasing, Estimating and Job Costing
September 25-27, 2013
Marriott Courtyard Denver Airport
Denver, Colo.
A comprehensive seminar designed to improve profitability through a more accurate and effective estimating and purchasing department. Good estimating and purchasing is critical to obtaining superior profitability, and can increase your bottom line by as much as 5%.
Click here to learn more
Superintendent's Job: Front Line Manager
October 3-5, 2013
Embassy Suites-DTC
Centennial, Colo.
Learn the necessary tools to increase overall profitability and customer satisfaction.
Click here to learn more
The Executive Summit
November 6-8, 2013
The Broadmoor
Colorado Spring, Colo.
This seminar is designed to help yo stay on the cutting edge of industry issues. It is an intensive, interactive experience with an emphasis on economics, management, marketing, production and current issues.
Managing for Profit
December 4-6, 2013
Embassy Suites--DTC
Centennial, Colo.
Managing for Profit is an intesive seminar designed by Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD, to show you the road map to improved profitability.
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Builder Partnerships manages highly competitive rebate and incentive programs and works to strengthen relationships between builders, manufacturers and other service providers in the home building industry. Currently, we have more than 500 builders, more than 75 manufacturers and several service providers associated with our program.
For more information, visit www.builderpartnerships.com
The Shinn Group has more than 500 builder clients located across the U.S. and Canada, including top performers among regional homebuilders. We offer sound management and financial principles and practices to home builders across the U.S. and Canada.
For more information, visit www.theshinngroup.com
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