How this builder went from start-up to seven-figure business with targeted marketing and tech

Many tradespeople first and foremost see themselves as a specialist in remodeling, home building or some other skill. To be successful over an extended period of time, you must first see yourself as a businessperson who happens to be a specialist in whatever trade they are in. Business comes first and the craft itself comes second. And to be successful in business, you must have your marketing efforts defined to solicit the type of work you desire.

Mastering the details of the trade is obviously important. Understanding your profits and organizing the business operations are critical. And your marketing must be positioned for the type of work you desire months and years in advance.

The problem we see is when people do not properly target the business topics. Many tend to first get their systems organized for estimating, invoicing and job costing before they get their marketing organized. They forget that marketing traction takes time to make an impact, and that’s why marketing efforts should begin before operational efficiency efforts take place.

Here’s the story of Crossbeam Builders, a growing remodeler and builder in Salt Lake City, Utah, who has organized their business for long-term success.

The company went from being a start-up, to generating half a million per year, to generating over $1 million per year. They’ve been recognized as an NAHB Remodeler of the Month and generated just under $2 million last year. The strategy for sustained business growth is the foundation of where Crossbeam Builders shines.

Where they started: Surviving but not thriving

About five years ago Crossbeam was keeping busy but struggling to find their ideal work. Most work was coming from referrals. Sometimes a job sign or truck signage would stimulate a call. Their marketing efforts were not coordinated. While aesthetically pleasing, their website was not developed to be found by search engines. They simply were failing at reaching ideal clients or generating leads.

They realized they needed to make an investment and focus on growing with ideal opportunities. It took some time and effort to implement, but eventually the company began to grow.

Crossbeam was using QuickBooks to send estimates and invoicing. All their estimates and information from subcontractors were saved in a paper file that also served as the job site binder. More prospects were coming while current jobs were in progress. Coordination efforts were difficult since many of their customers were in other states or remote locations. The financial challenges were growing for billing and invoicing as well.

The influx of business was great, but their team became too busy, too fast. They knew they needed a solution that would serve as a hub for communications, invoicing and change orders. They also needed a better way to collect payments that was more efficient and reliable than having checks mailed.

Where they’re at: Seeing growth with strategic marketing and construction software

Today, Crossbeam has mature marketing efforts where their services and preferred geographic areas are prominently positioned against their top competitors. They’re in the running when consumers are looking for them, whether locally or out of state.

The company has mature business systems in place to handle whatever workload comes their way.  Clients really appreciate the Daily Logs and Schedule features that come with Buildertrend’s construction project management software. The Customer Portal gives them access to check on project updates without having to call.

Payment times have also been reduced from two or three weeks to one week. The Crossbeam team sends out bid packages including plans, selections and SOP for each trade through the platform. This helps them shorten the lead time on bids, allows more efficient scheduling and ensures accurate pricing for the clients before they sign a contract.

Crossbeam strategized for their ideal clients with their marketing efforts, and then strategized to run the company more efficiently with their business process efforts. Not only are they growing, but they’re growing with stronger profits with more ideal project types and clients.

Let us help bring your construction business to the next level

MyOnlineToolbox, a marketing education and planning company, partnered with Crossbeam on the marketing efforts to attract ideal customers. Buildertrend partnered with Crossbeam on the business efficiency efforts. While both MyOnlineToolbox and Buildertrend have a success story to share, so does Crossbeam. Their efforts and timing for strategizing have outlined a path for business growth and continued success for many years to come.

If you’re ready to transform how you manage projects to grow your business, explore what Buildertrend has to offer. Schedule a demo to see how our leading construction software can take your construction business to the next level of excellence.