Feed Me Your Construction Content

Mastering Construction Dynamics with Melody Hackett

• Joshua & Carolyn McMahon • Season 3 • Episode 36

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What happens when newfound fame meets the construction industry? Join us as Melody Hackett returns for her second appearance on "Feed Me Your Construction Content." Since her last visit, Melody has experienced quite the whirlwind, from glittering award ceremonies in Vegas to special recognitions in Georgia. Melody shares her first 90 days at 84 Lumber, opening up about the challenges of being the new person, learning the ropes, and ultimately adapting to a fresh environment. Her story is one of determination, patience, and learning to give oneself grace during times of transition.

The episode takes an insightful turn as we unpack the art of building strong supplier relationships and the challenges of seeking instant gratification in business. Discover why reliability and problem-solving can justify higher costs, and how teamwork between suppliers and builders can result in superior service. We also introduce turnkey framing as a game-changer for streamlining construction processes. From professional expertise in construction trades to humorous social media mishaps, this episode offers a rich blend of practical advice and light-hearted moments. Whether you're curious about new hires or future projects, Melody's experiences and insights make this an episode you won't want to miss.

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Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
mcmahonjoshua15@gmail.com

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

Speaker 1:

I love that. I love that.

Speaker 3:

Hey y'all, Welcome back to another episode of Feed Me your Construction Content. I'm Carolyn McMahon.

Speaker 1:

I'm Joshua McMahon.

Speaker 3:

Welcome back.

Speaker 1:

It's good to be back.

Speaker 3:

It's like every week. We think that this will be the last one.

Speaker 1:

Yes, we're one week away from being done.

Speaker 3:

Always.

Speaker 1:

With this project.

Speaker 3:

But we couldn't be done, because how would we have on Melanie Hackett again?

Speaker 1:

Round two Hello everyone, and now you're famous. People know your name because you came on this podcast.

Speaker 2:

That is true. I have had people come up to me and they're like weren't you on that podcast? I was like I'm almost famous.

Speaker 1:

It's great and it's reaffirming that they don't know the name of our podcast.

Speaker 3:

They just know that you are on a podcast which I'm sure you told them it's like oh, it's, Feed Me your Construction Content.

Speaker 1:

Thank you so much.

Speaker 3:

But we've had some random kind of things happen to us over the last couple of years. We went to Vegas for for Ibis.

Speaker 1:

Yes.

Speaker 3:

And Christy Salmon from Alliance Survey.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that's right.

Speaker 3:

Had called up with us and we were in some room and it was the ECI celebration.

Speaker 1:

We were, you were winning an award and they recognized your name as they called you up to get the award. Yeah.

Speaker 3:

After screwing it up a couple of times because no one can say McMahon. And then and I was like that's me, and so you know I get my major award and come back.

Speaker 3:

And she approached me and she was like oh my God, you're on the podcast and she's like I've listened to you and you know, because Boone does Alliant and we're really super involved with that. But that was cool. We were at a CBUSA event in Georgia. Someone recognized me through Josh, so that was kind of cool. So you're just notoriety is going to keep on building and building.

Speaker 2:

I know, I'm telling you, I feel famous.

Speaker 3:

It's pretty good. So, melody, we're going to talk about your first 90 days at 84 Lumber and what that journey is. I mean, look, is it? You know? Are they going to keep you, cause you know you're on a trial run for 90 days?

Speaker 1:

That's the only question that's really important. Are you going to get through the first 90 days?

Speaker 2:

I hope so, no.

Speaker 3:

Yes, I am, we love your confidence, that's a definite.

Speaker 2:

I'm definitely not giving up.

Speaker 3:

Okay, all right.

Speaker 1:

Well, we weren't talking about you giving up. We're talking about maybe you know it's a probationary period, right? I mean, it's just.

Speaker 2:

Are y'all hiring in case?

Speaker 1:

The podcast doesn't pay very well, but we would gladly hire you to be our third.

Speaker 3:

We have some amazing benefit.

Speaker 1:

A three-way podcast would be very challenging, but we can do it.

Speaker 3:

You can work from home. You don't even have to be here. There you go.

Speaker 1:

That'll work for me, I can see a three-way, but not a four-way podcast. That would be okay, nick. All right. Well, how have things been so far in your journey?

Speaker 2:

So things have been really, really well. You know it's been a little bit of a challenge being the new kid on the block, you know, learning about the store, learning about the people that I work with. Also, you know I can't answer any questions.

Speaker 2:

Yet for them to say is my, is my load going out today, when I don't even know how to get on the computer? Um? So I don't feel like I'm an expert there, um, but I do feel like that. You know, I'm able to work with the builders and that's really not anything that I've had a challenge with. I would just say, you know, the challenge for me is just getting to know the store, what we do, how things happen, that type of thing. People's names yes, people's names.

Speaker 1:

What I would say is, as someone who subscribes to who, not, how do you really need to know all of that stuff anyways the computer system, how it works when the load's going out, or do you more so need to know the person's name? That will have that answer for you.

Speaker 2:

Well, I think with me. I like to know it all. I do. I like to know every single piece.

Speaker 1:

Control freak.

Speaker 2:

Yes, and understand how it happens, but I'm learning. There are too many things involved for me to be that great at it, but I do know the person that handles that. So you know, now that I have their name written down, I can figure all that out. Um, you know, and it was also. You know what do we do in the house. You know how to. How are the trusses made? Where are they made?

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

You know all of those details that are very helpful for me. But, yeah, it's just getting you know how do you work the counter. You, yeah, it's just getting you know how do you work the counter. You know what are they doing at the front counter. Yeah, so it's just learning all of that.

Speaker 3:

She wants to know how the sausage is made.

Speaker 1:

Yes, Well, and it sounds like I mean for the first part, you just want to know the high-level version of how things are made, because I can see granted, we're not on video, so you, she knows your name. It doesn't have Josh on it. Joshua, carolyn, it's because we don't have a name tag on the desk. I told you we got to step our game up.

Speaker 3:

Oh, right Right.

Speaker 2:

Yes, y'all need a little name tag, just so I don't forget.

Speaker 3:

But you know we talked about that earlier, about you not being the person that has, you know, the expert knowledge. But you're going to get there and you have to give yourself some grace. And I'm probably talking more so to myself, because that's the person I mean, I'm typically a long-term employee, so by the time that I leave, I know it pretty much all right, yes, and so you know, not only it'd be different if you went to a purchasing job, right, you'd left Eagle to do that same job. And then there's just, you know, not only it'd be different if you went to a purchasing job, right, you'd left Eagle to do that same job.

Speaker 3:

And then there's just, you know, the only handicap you have is really just their computer systems or their software, exactly. So you're dealing with that. But then you're dealing with just a new thing altogether. So I think that that's been great. But you know, we talked about people who buy product from people, like where loyalty is. But you're just really good at this in general, so I would imagine anything to do with people. You would excel. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. The widget yes.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and you know we were talking earlier. You know when I sat on the? Yeah, and you know we were talking earlier. You know when I sat on the I guess they call it the dark side of the table, right Across from the person that is making the decisions and purchasing. I'm thinking this is what I wanted to have done for me when I was on that side.

Speaker 3:

Right. So what did you struggle with? Yes, you take that knowledge with you and now you're selling yes, yeah, identifying with you. And now you're selling yes, yeah, identifying a problem.

Speaker 1:

There you go.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I think it's, you know, and I did. I put it on my LinkedIn. It was like, you know, instead of selling your product, solve someone's problem. And you know, even when I go in to meet with builders, it's almost of a discovery. Lumber's lumber, I mean, it just says, um, I think it has a lot to do with you know, where do we fit with that builder? You know what do they need from us? Um, because, you know, I mean they could need turnkey framing. They could need, you know, turnkey trim or eye joists. Maybe they're using floor trusses. You know, it's just deciding what we can do to make their lives better.

Speaker 1:

I like that. I love that you try and solve their problem, because that's exactly what it is. And as I try to go and I want to interview suppliers or other trades, I'm asking questions to see if you can solve my problems. And you wouldn't believe. No, you would actually believe how many of them don't understand that assignment when they come to sit down with a builder.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I know, One of my um, one of my things that I would ask, that would tell you every single time, is you know a trade or supplier would come in and they're like, yeah, we deal with tons of builders and I'm like oh, who's your top five? They couldn't even say top one.

Speaker 1:

I mean, it was like so you know?

Speaker 2:

I mean, you're just trying to discover exactly how much they know, and I think, with me being on the other side of the table, I still ask a lot of questions, not to be nosy or rude, it's just more of discovery.

Speaker 1:

Well, I think you have to be that way, and that is one of my favorite questions as well. And I'm a small custom home builder. We're only building four to six homes a year. I asked a flooring vendor because they kept repeating we work with hundreds of builders five national builders or big regional builders and I said how does that align with a custom builder? It doesn't sound like there's alignment between our two businesses. Oh no, no, no, we got people that do that and I'm like, oh okay, is it the same people that do this? Because they can't do this.

Speaker 2:

Yes, there are some really tricky questions, to see if there's a fit.

Speaker 1:

Well, you have to have the right fit. Visions have to align, business models have to align and businesses change, and I think that's a good thing. That's what makes us great.

Speaker 2:

It is, it is, it definitely is.

Speaker 1:

Always evolving. What's been your primary focus over the last 90 days? Like when I get into a new role, I've got a focus or I got an idea of what I want to accomplish, and then sometimes I get punched in the face in that first week and you got to go a completely different direction. But how's that been for you?

Speaker 2:

So I would say the first week or two was getting to know my sales guys. So I have, I don't know, probably nine or 10. I wanted I sat down with them to see what they needed from me, to go over all their builder accounts, see what we could work on, and then after that it was, you know, I think I met probably 42 meetings so far. Wow, so I've been really busy. Just, you know, introducing myself, most people already know me, but there are some people that don't.

Speaker 3:

That live under a rock.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, Well, some people know who they think you are, but they don't know the real you. Yes, right, and that's where you really got to get in there and meet them. And then they're they've got a different idea of who you are.

Speaker 2:

Yes, yes, definitely.

Speaker 3:

Well, has your focus been? Uh, I, we hear a lot about new business, but you know, when I was in sales, it's like sometimes you would get caught in that whirlwind and you're solely focused on new business, that you forget your existing business. Right, because that's. You know your efforts are split and you know it's much harder at least it was for me to get a new customer than it was to keep an existing one. And so it's like so has that been the goal? Just primarily getting new business? You know, disrupting the market enrichment Was that true? They sat you down and like, look, this is what you need to do. Or, you know, again, maintaining those, because if someone is coming over from a competitor, then you know they're not having the same conversations about what you need to do to keep your business.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so you know I have a list and I, you know I already have a new business. So anything that's that's come in since I've been there is considered new business. Um, and I would say right now I'm at about 17 accounts Um, and I always have a touch point. You know, I make sure that we're on the job for, you know, the first couple of deliveries I check in by text. I always have a touch point. I make sure that we're on the job. For the first couple deliveries I check in by text. I just have little notes. I'll maybe send an email so that way they still know that I'm there, my sales guy and coordinator. They're taking care of the builder on that end, but I'm still going to lunch with them visiting plus trying to get new business as well.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that's good. How difficult has it been for you to get new business? Because I'll just say I mean, richmond, we get stuck in our ways and we've got our salesperson, we've got our company and you're not changing anything. It doesn't matter what your price is, we don't care.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I would say with what I do it's a process. Okay, so you go in, you know and it's you know, to get trusses done and priced and you know you've got two weeks there, so it's. It's not like you go in and you get it immediately. So it's a process. It's been. I would say it's been a little harder than I thought just because I won instant gratification instant instant, instant, instant, and it's not like that.

Speaker 3:

Listen, you don't get to home run, you don't get to home base.

Speaker 1:

that quick, sounds like an American girl. I mean, right, my type of woman.

Speaker 3:

First base, second base.

Speaker 1:

No bumping ground, let's just go Win and go home, that's a winner's mentality.

Speaker 3:

Okay, well, I mean, I'm a pusher. I'm a pusher, all right, but you know, some people need a little finesse, a little fluff, right.

Speaker 1:

Oh true, Some people do need a fluffer.

Speaker 3:

We just love Sam Fluffer.

Speaker 1:

That should be an official job title.

Speaker 3:

I think it is.

Speaker 1:

Oh, I meant in our industry.

Speaker 2:

Our industry, oh okay.

Speaker 1:

Sorry.

Speaker 3:

We'll talk more later.

Speaker 2:

We said that at the exact same time. That was funny. That was funny. That's scary.

Speaker 3:

But like you said, so you, so you go in, you make your first pitch, you know you go back, but you know you've got a deliverable.

Speaker 3:

So you know, you do what you say you're going to do and you review. I mean, josh, you talked about earlier that you are. You know you go with with the prices, but sometimes price is not the problem. Yes, you talked about identifying a problem. I'd say not a quality builder, but you may pay more for something, but what you're getting in return outweighs the cost benefit of it. I know you're going to be there. When you say you're going to be there, I know that I can get a fill in X amount of time. You've never let me down. And if I have to pay a little, or if you go like hey, you know price increases or this, you know that I'm not immediately going to like dump you and then go to the the. You know the next lowest bid.

Speaker 1:

I mean cause. How exhausting is that?

Speaker 3:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Yes, yeah.

Speaker 3:

For, for purchasing, for, for, whatever I mean. Can you imagine changing a vendor of that magnitude every six?

Speaker 2:

months. Oh, I mean, changing a vendor like that is a lot of work, especially depending on you know what type of system that you have right.

Speaker 3:

The size of it. So I mean again going back to when you have that business, what do you need to do to keep solving problems?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and you know. You just want to make sure that you do what you say you're going to do. Um, you know, in fill-ins, like we were saying, you know you need to get fill-ins. They need them either that day or the next morning. Yeah, you know, they can't wait. You know, if one of my guys has to put it in their truck, or you know my manager Blake has to put it in his truck, or I have to put it in my 4Runner.

Speaker 3:

Well, I mean listen, I mean, a 2x4 will fit in my Mercedes.

Speaker 1:

The hell it will. You are mistaken.

Speaker 3:

Okay, have you tried it? Oh no, oh, okay. I'm just guessing.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, uber, go get you an Uber and get you a two-by-four if you need a two-by-four.

Speaker 3:

Really it's like I don't want Uber Eats, I want an Uber Home Depot run or something like that. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

There's a who for that baby? Yeah.

Speaker 3:

Okay, all right, it's 84. Yeah there you go, there you go.

Speaker 2:

There you go.

Speaker 1:

Well, I do think that's important. The big thing for me is always just kind of the reliability and I think, like you said, doing what you say you're going to do, but also it's listening to feedback. Yes, I know you're not a big fan of feedback. No, I'm not.

Speaker 3:

God we joke about that all the time, do you really?

Speaker 2:

Oh my.

Speaker 3:

God, we love it, we love it.

Speaker 1:

Can I give you some feedback? Nope, but I think suppliers need to listen. But here's the other thing Builders need to listen too, because the supplier's in business to make money as well. So if the supplier's telling you, hey, you're killing my business with the way you're doing these things and if you could do this, it would help me, we need to be a partner and do that right, because I know we like to say trade partner is a way to get prices down, but there really is a partnership.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, definitely, and I think that helps us with our pricing. If you know, we can work together with the builder and you know I've been doing several of your custom guys because that really helps out with the turnkey things and they don't have to have as many project managers. So that's that type of partnership that I'm doing.

Speaker 3:

It just makes it a lot easier for them if we handle the house from, you know, right after foundation to when it has siding and roofing on it. So when does that? So you've sold a few jobs like that. When do those start turning around? When are you going to see those?

Speaker 2:

start. My first turnkey is getting their building permit back. They might've got it Friday, maybe Monday.

Speaker 3:

Okay, good, so we'll see results on that. Is that turnkey framing?

Speaker 2:

It would be turnkey framing. Yes, awesome, yeah, I'm pretty excited.

Speaker 1:

That's great. I mean, I want to see a supplier figure that out and find the right partnership with the right trade, because I do think that that's a solution to a lot of things. You know, I'm a fan of thinking outside the box with other products that maybe change the way we frame houses and I think this is another method of that. So you know, I'm rooting for you on this.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, definitely, and you don't have to worry about, you know, VPOs. You know there's never been such a clean job, unless it's turnkey framing. There's no plywood, you know, strode over the whole front yard. You know you don't have to worry about all of that, we take it.

Speaker 3:

Well, it's interesting because, the excuse me, when you don't do it turnkey and you are just hiring someone for labor, they really don't give a shit how many nails they drive into you know, or what goes into your dumpster or, um, you know, we we had the same relationship with the, with the tile vendor.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, and you know you'd go in there and there's all of this tile on the job and I'm like, are you using this at another job Because we wrote the check for it? Yeah, and you know, when you have to pay for it and it's part of your bid, then you become more responsible for it. Yes, and so, like what you said, you know your price is your price. I'm not going to. Oh shit, I did this. You need to then buy me this, this and this. Granted, the framer is relying on someone else to do a takeoff, so I get that part, but I think, at the same time, you hope they're going to be more mindful of your material.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and I have someone that'll be on the job too. It won't be just the framer, um it'll, and whoever's in charge. I'll have someone from 84 as well.

Speaker 3:

There should be a bonus based on how much garbage you have in the dumpster.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. I mean the dumpster fee is a big problem. We throw away a lot of lumber, a lot of lumber. That's still good.

Speaker 2:

Well, you know, I've had other jobs with you know, I would say like duck work and you know different things. Yeah, I mean, a dumpster pole is expensive.

Speaker 1:

Yes.

Speaker 2:

And if you can save them a dumpster pole. I mean, there's money right there that people do not think about.

Speaker 3:

Well, right, I mean, and dumpsters can be anywhere from $300 to $400 in Richmond. Well, $600 for you, because you're in bougie, charlottesville.

Speaker 1:

Stupid pricing. Anybody wants to get in the dumpster business in Charlottesville. It's prime.

Speaker 3:

You get to pay, you get the privilege of paying for that dumpster.

Speaker 1:

Every day $3 a day to rent the dumpster.

Speaker 2:

Really.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Why.

Speaker 1:

I don't know. I mean, that's why everybody was using dump trailers. And then I wanted to get rid of the dump trailers because I said we need to be managing the job and looking forward, not hauling trash around.

Speaker 2:

Wow, it's a different world in Charlottesville. That is insane. Yeah, I mean, but that's something a lot of people don't think about. But if you're in purchasing you think can I save a dumpster pool?

Speaker 3:

Right, you save a dumpster pool, I mean, or if your guys are mismanaging their trash, you know, if the if the people on the ground aren't like breaking down your boxes and doing you know, just stuff like that, it's a big deal.

Speaker 1:

I like that you're saying that, but most purchasing people I've dealt with don't think about any of those things and they only look at the number at the bottom of the page. Yes so how do you disrupt that part?

Speaker 2:

Well, I have learned the hard way in the last three months that when you send pricing to someone, you shouldn't email it. You should go in there and review it with them.

Speaker 1:

That's smart.

Speaker 2:

You just you know, because know is, is the window install and included in the window price, or is it in the framer price? Or you know, and um, are the specs on the OSB the same? Do they know what an eye joist is? You know there's so many things involved, um, and I don't want them to look at it and go, oh Lord, they're way too high. But they're not. They're not looking at the whole picture.

Speaker 3:

Well, and so how are you? I mean, is that a challenge for you? I think people just feel like they just don't have time. Right, so emailing is quicker, I can review it. I don't have time for this. Are you coming up to any challenges with that methodology of a kind of a bid review in person?

Speaker 2:

No, any challenges with that methodology of a kind of a bid review in person. No, because one thing that I try to do is when I sit down with the builder is make an appointment for the next meeting while I'm sitting there.

Speaker 1:

Smart Okay, that's good.

Speaker 3:

So you've already gotten kind of a commitment from them. We're going to put it on your calendar right now.

Speaker 1:

That's the only way you're getting to lock me down. Yes, good for you.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and you know, and I think the builders also like to review it with you because they're that's a time where they have to review it, because it's hard to find time to review a new trade. That's never fun, I mean, it just isn't Um. So if you sit down with them and you know, go through every single line and make sure you both understand, it makes it a lot different. And that way you know you're only taking an hour of their time, maybe not even an hour, but for them to try to figure it out, it's taken me, you know, three or four hours because I couldn't make heads or tails out of the bed Right If, or especially if, it wasn't in the format that you're familiar with.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely yeah, which is which is a constant problem. It's super difficult to understand how some people are bidding things versus others and I'm like, can you just get me to the point and then let's look at getting the weeds on it? Yes, yes. Well, I can tell you that I do appreciate sitting down with a supplier to review the bids, because I just did that with a trust takeoff and looking at each thing, looking at the overhangs and double checking things, because I'm not a trust expert, but the person who designed it and who's selling it, they are more of an expert. So then I can ask questions and maybe my dumb question ask the right thing that they're like. Oh crap, I missed that.

Speaker 1:

Because, they'll know that I don't know and I don't need to know.

Speaker 2:

No, I mean, I remember in purchasing I couldn't be an expert at everything. No, way. Every trade footing and foundation and HVAC you had to rely on people that were experts.

Speaker 1:

That's exactly right. You have to have Dave Sedlak to do your concrete, because you know he's going to do it right. You know he's going to capture things and if you don't understand something he'll tell you.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

Those are the type of people you want to be aligned with.

Speaker 2:

Yes, most definitely.

Speaker 1:

We got to get Dave Sadlock on here one of these days.

Speaker 2:

We'll get him to do it, he'll have to.

Speaker 1:

Maybe you can help encourage him.

Speaker 2:

I will.

Speaker 3:

Okay good, I've never met him.

Speaker 1:

Dave's awesome. He is awesome. One of my favorite people in this industry. He's awesome, like, awesome, awesome. Well, melody, with all the work stuff aside, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Speaker 2:

In my spare time.

Speaker 1:

Do you have any?

Speaker 2:

spare time.

Speaker 3:

No, I don't know. You just said you had an amazing head massage. I need to know more.

Speaker 2:

I have. I do a lot of self-care, you know.

Speaker 3:

Heck yeah.

Speaker 2:

I hang out with my family. Yeskids, Um, I don't really have a. Well, I just took up golf. Really Well, I figured, you know, with with this job now, I had to play golf.

Speaker 1:

What are you doing tomorrow?

Speaker 3:

That's the one thing I hate about our job. I'm like, look, can we go to a shooting range? That seems much funner.

Speaker 2:

I love I've only so. I took lessons for six weeks and then I went to Nemacolon and I wasn't awful. That was only my second time on the golf course.

Speaker 3:

See, I just figure the girls get in the way.

Speaker 2:

They do, but you kind of figure out how to improvise.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, that's why I say that I don't golf.

Speaker 1:

Steve and I are going tomorrow morning. If you want to come along, she's like it's Labor Day.

Speaker 3:

I'm doing something much, much.

Speaker 1:

You're doing work.

Speaker 3:

Probably so golf.

Speaker 2:

How do you know you don't like it exactly? How do you know?

Speaker 1:

I think the public display nobody sees you well, you would yeah, but we're all laughing at each other because we all golf.

Speaker 3:

I don't know. I mean, I think if, if uh drive shack is any indication that it would be, bad.

Speaker 2:

You could enjoy it. I mean, I'm telling you so driving the ball like drive shack is my most unfavorite part of the whole game, but that's only like 10% of the game. You know chipping and putting and that's where the game's at.

Speaker 2:

That's where the game is. Sometimes I don't even drive the ball. If you know, if we're playing captain's choice, I'll just go drop beside whoever got the ball. If you know, if we're playing captain's choice, I'll just go drop beside whoever got the best. Or sometimes I do better, because I get to shoot from the girl line when the girl line is helpful.

Speaker 1:

Well, we have to at least drive it past the women's tee.

Speaker 3:

Yes, or the ridicule I can imagine.

Speaker 1:

You have to drop your shorts and walk to your ball.

Speaker 2:

Now do you ever not shoot it past the women's tee?

Speaker 1:

Oh, absolutely. There are definitely times I mean there are multiple times that around the golf that we screw up, I screw up, I'm not a good golfer.

Speaker 2:

But you know what I've noticed about men? This is I mean, this is serious. They don't shoot it straight so they're in the trees. I may have only went 10 or 12 feet yes but I can see my ball, and my ball's still in play yeah, they can't find theirs, that's, that's right um it's so true and I say it every time I'm like why don't I just use my iron that I've got a lot more control of it's?

Speaker 1:

three shots to the green anyways, or two shots to the green anyways, so who gives a crap if I'm 20 more yards, I hate my driver and Steve's like get your driver, you can hit it. I'm like no, why am I going to do that? Don't screw with me.

Speaker 2:

You would love golf. You'll have to come with me when we golf.

Speaker 3:

I'll just be your driver.

Speaker 1:

That'd be great.

Speaker 3:

No, no, I just want to drive the golf cart.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I know, I think it would be great for you to come out and drive around.

Speaker 3:

It's just so peaceful and putt yeah, and putt yeah, yeah that's a no, and drink Fireball, it's really fun Okay.

Speaker 1:

Maybe, if you drink, golf is a lot of fun.

Speaker 3:

It's a maybe I've just I've seen too much on the golf course with a? Um bad driving.

Speaker 1:

Oh bad, bad driving yeah Golf car driving.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, you know it's great. Josh will go play golf and then I'll send him something on Instagram where a wife was pissed that her husband was on the golf course all day long. And you see this like Honda pilot race onto the golf cart and then start racing to the golf course and start, you know, running down all of the nobody was injured in the filming of that video, but that was uh that. That was great. You got thrown off of Tik TOK. Weren't you want to, didn't you do a video?

Speaker 1:

or something I did, but it had nothing to do with golf.

Speaker 3:

Oh okay, yes, so he was banned. He was in TikTok jail for a while doing something stupid.

Speaker 1:

It was fireworks. Oh, okay, and nobody was injured on that either. I'll show you the video after the pod is over Classic.

Speaker 3:

One of the few that got me banned.

Speaker 2:

Well, one of the few that got me banned. Well, listen, I mean, I hope you make it past your 90 days. I do too.

Speaker 1:

You're going to make it past your 90 days.

Speaker 3:

I think you'll be okay. I think you know you're hiring some great people. I'm really looking forward to hearing more about the turnkey. You know what were the challenges. And then again, if you had a challenge, most folks don't care about that, it's about how then you handled it.

Speaker 3:

Yes, and so that's, that's the big part, because, gosh, if you're going to get fired for from one mistake, then this person hiring you it's going to go through a ton of you and they you know. So that's what I want to hear more about is you know what were your successes, what were your failures, what are you going to do differently? So we'll have you on in 90 more days, because it sounds like some turnkey stuff will be coming up, so I'll be excited to see it.

Speaker 2:

Yes, definitely.

Speaker 1:

Well, before we let you go, though, what is something that you do look for in your teammates that you're bringing on as you're navigating a turnkey and these other things? What are you looking for in the people you're hiring to handle that stuff?

Speaker 2:

So I would say you know to handle turnkey. I would want someone that had not only you know construction knowledge in the field, but also some purchasing knowledge and also you know how to manage trades. Yeah, and also how to manage trades, yeah, and then on the sales side, I am learning that you can teach lumber, but you can't teach that sales mentality and the drive, no question. So it'll be very interesting in the next 90 days for us to catch up again.

Speaker 1:

Well, not everybody has that killer instinct.

Speaker 2:

They don't. You can't teach that, no.

Speaker 1:

I don't think you can.

Speaker 3:

This is why I'm not in sales anymore.

Speaker 1:

I know I've never thought of myself as a salesperson and then seven, eight months ago, moved more into a sales role with our custom home builder and I love it.

Speaker 2:

I love selling. When I sell, I'm more. You know, ask questions, discover stuff. I'm really not as. I'm not a salesy, salesy person. I just don't have that in me, and I think people like that Well, I mean you certainly.

Speaker 3:

I think you could people glean that you're genuine.

Speaker 1:

Yes, the thing is nobody wants to be sold to, we want're genuine, yes. The thing is nobody wants to be sold to, we want to buy, yes. And if you're asking questions and you're trying to figure out what our problem is, and then we want to buy because you understand what we're looking for, and I think that's the difference.

Speaker 3:

Well, right, because I mean for you and I personally when we go somewhere, we're buying, right?

Speaker 1:

It's already sold it's already sold.

Speaker 3:

It's already sold, but that person has an opportunity to screw up the deal.

Speaker 1:

Yes, the last thing we bought. It was a big purchase and I told the salesperson before he even started, when Carolyn was in the bathroom. I said, dude, we're here to buy, Don't waste a bunch of time bullshitting us. Just get to the point Give us the nitty gritty of the things that we're asking and get the contract ready. It's all we care about, because they're known for being pushy salespeople, Very annoying. I'm like you're going to walk me right out the door if you do this crap.

Speaker 3:

Right, right. So if you, if you're meeting with someone, obviously you have something that they need. Um. So, yeah, just do your best not to screw it up.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but you know we were talking about. You know some of the challenges, but there are builders that I go into and they're like you're not getting through this front door. That was something that was a challenge to get used to.

Speaker 3:

Oh, so you have to identify the gatekeeper then usually with that.

Speaker 2:

Yes, I need to learn all the gatekeepers.

Speaker 1:

Yes, how many builders were like that? Was it more regional, smaller, national, smaller, the littler builders.

Speaker 2:

The littler builders? Yeah, probably. I mean, you know, I would say the people there didn't know who I was. You know, when I walk into a builder, if they know who I am, it makes life so much easier. Sure, but I kind of feel I know how other trades and suppliers feel is, you know, it's that gatekeeper and people have their doors locked now so you can't just walk in the office. It's locked, so it's hard to get in the front door.

Speaker 3:

Oh, yeah, right, because they're not really open to the public or you have to ring some sort of bell.

Speaker 2:

You have to ring the bell. Yeah, you have to ring the bell.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, it's, it's. It's definitely different. And you know where we work. We don't have, um, like a greeter or anything. So someone just kind of walks in and we're like, hey, if you need design, you go to the left, anything other, you ring the spell and literally we have a bell and then we sit there and go. Okay, can I hear someone else dealing with that person at the front door?

Speaker 2:

Now who watches your bell?

Speaker 3:

Well, we just hear the bell, so our doors are open. It's open to the hallway, so listen, don't be coming up.

Speaker 2:

It's so funny. When I came to your office, what is her name? Augusta? Yes, she's like, you know, she was looking at me, and then she's like, oh my God, it's Melody, and it was just. You know, hugs, and that's how I like it.

Speaker 3:

Tra, and that's how I like it. Traitor, that's funny. She needs to hone in on her gatekeeper skills.

Speaker 2:

I know, I love her. She's sweet. Yes, we got a good one.

Speaker 1:

If you don't mind, if you could send me the names and numbers of some of the gatekeepers that you've had trouble getting through, because my gatekeeper sucks.

Speaker 3:

So you're looking for tips.

Speaker 1:

No, I'm looking for a new gatekeeper I'm like the to the gatekeeper. I'm like, uh, hey, listen, people come in, you just take their information and walk them back out the door. Nope, come stomping in my office. Oh, these people here to see. I'm like I'm not available do you?

Speaker 2:

is your front door locked?

Speaker 1:

it yeah.

Speaker 2:

Maybe you should try that first.

Speaker 1:

I think that's what I'm going to do. So what I want to do is lock it and put a ring doorbell on it, and then I know who's there.

Speaker 2:

Well, because you know what they do is they push the button and they talk to you. That's right. So you don't even get inside.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that's what I really need, thanks, for the tip.

Speaker 2:

But then people like me when they come they're like oh, I'm not getting in Well, so then I would be able to notice if you're bearing gifts or not.

Speaker 3:

Like donuts, yes.

Speaker 1:

I had a meeting with a framer on Thursday or Friday to go over to the next house we're building and looking at the plants. Two people came in the building during that 30-minute session.

Speaker 2:

Then you need to do that. Then, yeah, absolutely yeah, you do, you do Because Then you need to do that then yeah, absolutely yeah, you do.

Speaker 1:

You do, because our office is way too small. So like you come in and you're right in the action instantly.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, then you probably need to do that. I'm going to have to do it.

Speaker 1:

I'm going to have to shut that down. Take that shit. No more, gator, don't play.

Speaker 3:

All right. So locks on the doors, that's what you're going to come away. Well, listen, we'd love to. I mean this. I feel like we're going to have a melody series here.

Speaker 1:

We have to. I want to know more about the turnkey Cause I'm I mean just full transparency. I've never seen it work with suppliers doing full turnkey and I want it to work.

Speaker 2:

Yeah so.

Speaker 1:

I want to know what you're struggling with and even if you want to talk offline and what I've experienced on the builder side as you start getting into it, I'd love to share my insights and cause. I want it to work.

Speaker 3:

Yes, and Melody's like oh, challenge accepted, mofo.

Speaker 1:

I'm going to make this like I hope that's what it does to you. I love when somebody tells me I can't do something.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I've had people in this job. They're like you're not going to, you're not going to dwell, you're not going to do well, it's like you don't know me very well, you just said the exact thing that I need to go, you know, kick ass.

Speaker 3:

So, uh, yeah, so let's, let's, let's have you back in 90 days.

Speaker 2:

We we would love to have you back on melody nothing but success to you all right, thank you all so much thank you until next time okay, see ya bye.

People on this episode

Contributor

Carolyn McMahon

Co-host
Contributor

Joshua McMahon

Co-host