Shaping the Future of Building: Conversations on Business, Culture, and Craft

Did you catch Episode 56 with Michael Anschel? If you missed it, you can check it out here! We’re going to dive deeper into the conversation and share some of the highlights that we don’t want you to miss.

Building a Business that Lasts Beyond the Founder

In episode 56 of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams and guest Michael Anschel share an enlightening conversation about the essence of building a resilient business. One of the first points they address is the crucial task of cultivating a company that can operate without the constant oversight of its founder. For Michael, the journey began with a desire to travel and expose his children to diverse cultures and experiences. He underscores the significance of creating systems and protocols that ensure the business runs smoothly in his absence. This approach not only reduces dependency but also empowers employees to take ownership of their roles.

Anschel’s travels to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and China served as eye-openers, revealing the operational pain points and areas needing improvement within his company. By stepping away and observing from a distance, he could implement strategic changes that bolstered the company’s efficiency. His experience epitomizes the concept of working on the business rather than in it; a fundamental shift that many entrepreneurs struggle to make. By habit-stacking and systematically addressing each aspect of business management, Anschel created a framework that could sustain and thrive beyond his immediate influence.

The Essence of Company Culture at OA Design + Build

The conversation naturally transitions to the pivotal role of company culture in defining the success of a business. Anschel emphasizes that the tone of the company is set at the top. The owner’s attitude, values, and behavior invariably trickle down through the organization, shaping its culture. Mark Williams recounts his personal experience, noting that businesses should not just aim to be productive but also meaningful and human-centered.

They discuss how integrating personal touches into professional settings enhances relationships. Acts of kindness from clients, like baking cookies or offering cold drinks, can significantly uplift worker morale and forge stronger bonds. These gestures create a community feel rather than a purely transactional interaction, promoting respect and long-term client relationships.

Anschel’s journey from restoration work to launching his own company without a formal business plan for many years serves as a testament to the value of passion and energy in business. He reflects on the necessity of dreaming big and planning meticulously, highlighting an exercise that challenges individuals to spend $500 million in seven minutes to think creatively and innovatively.

The Challenge of Transitioning Out of Field Work

Another crucial topic covered is the process of transitioning out of fieldwork and emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals with superior skills. Anschel speaks candidly about the physical limitations that led him to step back from hands-on work. He discusses the need for clear standards and protocols to ensure seamless communication and consistency across all projects. This transition also necessitates identifying bottlenecks and delegating tasks effectively, allowing the business to grow and evolve.

The hosts underscore the inevitability of mistakes and the learning opportunities they present. Building a resilient team that adapts to changes and overcomes challenges is imperative. Anschel notes that seeing employees grow and take on new responsibilities reflects the owner’s willingness to relinquish control and trust in their team's capabilities.

Williams shares his perspective on the humanity aspect of remodeling work, emphasizing the disruptive nature of the process and its impact on families. By considering the emotional and practical effects on clients, builders can deliver a more thoughtful and considerate service. This approach, in turn, fosters deeper connections and better client satisfaction.

The Power of Continuous Learning and Inspiration

One of the most inspiring segments of the episode is the emphasis on the role of continuous learning and the pursuit of creativity in construction. Anschel draws parallels between the relentless dedication seen in athletes and musicians and the commitment required in the building industry. The metaphor underscores the beauty that emerges from consistent hard work and the continual refinement of one’s craft.

Williams and Anschel discuss the importance of taking vacations and stepping back from daily routines to gain fresh perspectives. Anschel’s aspiration to go skiing in Afghanistan at 50, despite his wife's disapproval, is a testament to his adventurous spirit and the belief in breaking routines to rejuvenate creativity. Williams lends a personal anecdote about his sister, who ventured into Kazakhstan amid conflict for the love of rock climbing, reflecting on the balance between passion and prudence.

Both hosts share the sentiment that seeing others achieve success serves as a powerful motivator. They discuss key milestones in Anschel’s career, such as moving from physical labor to integrative building approaches and finding a sustainable size for his company. This deliberate shift towards slowing down growth to focus on quality and sustainability offers valuable insights for other builders seeking long-term success.

In closing, the episode of The Curious Builder is a compelling exploration of the multifaceted nature of the construction business. From building a sustainable company and fostering a positive culture to navigating transitions and emphasizing continuous learning, the insights shared by Mark and Michael provide a roadmap for builders and entrepreneurs aiming to achieve lasting success and fulfillment in their endeavors.

Listen to episode 56 of the Curious Builder Podcast below or on your favorite podcast platform today!