Episode Summary: In this episode, host Greg Woleck welcomes Ian Schwandt, a 20-year construction veteran and passionate advocate for financial literacy in the remodeling industry. Ian shares how understanding numbers and fostering financial transparency can strengthen companies through both good times and bad. From open-book management to key financial metrics, Ian offers valuable insights into building resilient businesses—and resilient teams—through a deeper understanding of money. Plus, Ian talks mentorship, mental health in the trades, and his favorite books and movie picks.Key Topics Discussed:Why financial literacy is foundational for a sustainable remodeling businessHow momentum can mask financial fragility in the industryCreating a culture of financial transparency within a companyTools and metrics Ian uses to manage projects and forecast performanceThe importance of mentorship, mental health, and continual learning in the tradesTranslating economic theories into real-world project management practicesGuest Bio: Ian Schwandt is a 20-year construction professional whose career has spanned union carpentry, site supervision in healthcare projects, architectural woodworking, and leadership roles in high-performance homebuilding. Ian is passionate about building systems, teaching financial literacy to production teams, and ensuring the long-term health of construction businesses. When he’s not managing projects or spreadsheets, Ian enjoys gardening, woodworking, and living in the high-performance home he built on his family's farm in Wisconsin.Memorable Quotes:"Knowing your numbers goes beyond just making a profit—it's what helps you stay strong through ups and downs and build a business that lasts." "Focus on gross profit. Revenue is almost meaningless on a day-to-day operational level." "Take care of your mental health. You can't take care of your team if you don't take care of yourself first."Resources & Tools Mentioned:Books:The Most Important Thing by Howard MarksSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg CrabtreeThe Infinite Game by Simon SinekThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldFinancial Tools:Volume-per-week tracking for project forecastingThe “Big Board” KPI tracking spreadsheetDirect Labor Efficiency Ratio (DLER) for understanding labor profitabilityFun Facts About Ian:If his life were made into a movie, he’d want Harrison Ford or Liam Neeson to play him.His dream casual dinner would be a shawarma on the streets of Midtown Manhattan with a favorite mentor from the architecture world.Believes that mentorship and peer support were critical influences on his career trajectory.Where to Connect with Ian: 📸 Instagram: @ijswoodworking – Reach out via DM to talk life, building, or business!

Ver todos los episodios