Friday, October 11, 2024

Interview with David Birkes, Owner & General Contractor of Birkes Builders: Leveraging Technology for Growth & Success

Leaders Perception Magazine is currently running an interview series called – Innovate & Elevate: Inside the Entrepreneur’s Toolkit
Today, we had the opportunity to interview David Birkes – Owner | General Contractor & Builder @ Birkes Builders.

Today, we are joined by David Birkes, the Owner and General Contractor of Birkes Builders. With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, David has a passion for transforming spaces through curated design and construction. Founded in 2020, Birkes Builders is redefining the traditional building experience by blending time-honored craftsmanship with the latest technology. In this interview, we will explore the essential tools and technologies David relies on to manage his business effectively, the unconventional and creative approaches he has implemented to contribute to the growth and success of his business, and how he addresses the learning curve and potential resistance from his team when implementing new tools or technologies.

Interviewee Name: David Birkes

Company: Birkes Builders

David Birkes’s favourite quote: My favorite quote, often misattributed to Winston Churchill, is “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” As the owner of a construction business for over a decade, I’ve learned that both successes and setbacks are impermanent states. This quote encapsulates the perseverance needed in the construction industry, where challenges are inevitable, and the true victory lies in pushing forward, innovating, and continuing to build, quite literally, upon both our triumphs and our lessons learned.

The Interview

Thank you so much for joining us today! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your backstory?

David Birkes : I’m David, a seasoned builder with a passion for transforming spaces through curated design and construction. With over a decade’s experience, my expertise ranges from intricate historic restorations to crafting cutting-edge modern homes. Prioritizing communication and innovation, I founded Birkes Builders in 2020 aiming to redefine the traditional building experience by blending time-honored craftsmanship with the latest technology, like 3D renderings and advanced project management tools. Backed by a strong educational foundation holding a Bachelor of Science and an MBA, my focus has always been on enhancing the quality of life by creating enduring and sophisticated homes that resonate with the unique style and needs of each client.

What are the essential tools and technologies you rely on to manage your business effectively??

David Birkes : In running Birkes Builders, efficiency and precision are at the core of our operations. With a diverse background ranging from product management to facilities maintenance, I’ve always leaned on technology to streamline processes. Here are the main tools that we rely on:

Airtable functions as the backbone for project planning and tracking. Its flexibility allows us to manage schedules, vendors, and client information in a way that traditional spreadsheets simply can’t.

Houzz Pro is indispensable for both lead management and for showcasing our work. It’s a platform where our design-build expertise really shines, and prospective clients can envision what we do.

Make.com is my go-to for automation. It connects our disparate systems, enabling a smooth flow of information and reducing manual entry, a timesaver that can’t be overstated in this industry.

Lastly, Webflow helps us maintain our digital presence with ease. It gives us control over our website without the need for a developer, which aligns well with my hands-on, problem-solving nature.

Each of these tools plays a pivotal role in upholding high standards in our builds and fostering growth in a competitive marketplace.

Are there any unconventional or creative approaches you’ve implemented that significantly contributed to the growth and success of your business??

David Birkes : Certainly! In the ever-evolving construction industry, staying ahead often requires unconventional thinking. One creative approach that I’ve deployed successfully is implementing 3D renders for customer projects. This not only elevated our client engagement by providing vivid project visualizations but also significantly streamlined our design approval process, leading to quicker project turnarounds and higher client satisfaction rates.

How do you address the learning curve and potential resistance from your team when implementing new tools or technologies? ?

David Birkes : Adapting to new technologies has been pivotal in our growth and maintaining a competitive edge.

Introducing new tools or tech can indeed meet some resistance. In my experience, the key is transparency and involvement right from the outset. When evaluating a new technology, I involve team leads in the process, allowing them to provide input and take ownership. This approach helps to alleviate fears and transition from resistance to acceptance. We start on a smaller scale, integrating technology in phases which I have found to be less intimidating and provides a learning ramp-up time. Regular training sessions and open-forum discussions are integral to our strategy, ensuring everyone’s proficiency and confidence grow together.

Remember, it’s also about the human side of change. So, I take time to listen to and address individual concerns — making sure my team knows that their voices are heard and valued. And, when we hit a milestone or successfully navigate a part of the change, we celebrate together, reinforcing the positive impact and collective achievement.

Leaders Perception would like to thank David Birkes and Birkes Builders for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!

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