Scott Sedam is president of TrueNorth Development, a consulting and training firm that works with builders to improve products, process, and profits. A senior contributing editor to Pro Builder, Scott writes about all aspects of the home building business and won the 2015 Jesse H. Neal Award, business journalism's most prestigious prize, for his commentary in Pro Builder. Scott invites you to join TrueNorth's Lean Building Group on LinkedIn and welcomes your feedback at [email protected] or 248.446.1275.

The most notable evolution is in building processes, not in products and systems. | Image: Bits and Splits / stock.adobe.com
The Most Notable Evolution Is In Building Processes, Not In Products And Systems | Image: Bits And Splits / Stock adobe

Business Management: Then vs. Now

How much has the home building industry changed in the last half-century? Here’s a look at 12 home building operating practices and how they’ve evolved
4th June 2023
More home builders should be using data to guide informed decision-making. | Image: goir / stock.adobe.com
More Home Builders Should Be Using Data To Guide Informed Decision Making | Image: Goir / Stock adobe

Managing With Data (or How to Get Your Processes to Talk to You)

To improve their margins, home builders need good data. But the home building industry isn't really skilled at measuring or providing it. It's time to change that
15th April 2023
Quantitative measures are often presented as straightforward: Find the data, apply the technique, do the analysis, make your decision, done. But it's rarely that simple. | Illustration: leremy / stock.adobe.com
Quantitative Measures Are Often Presented As Straightforward: Find The Data, Apply The Technique, Do The Analysis, Make Your Decision, Done But It's Rarely That Simple | Illustration: Leremy / Stock adobe

Business Measurement Fails, Part I

Why is getting the numbers right so hard when managing a business?
14th Feb. 2023
Deming has become a household name in major industries around the world, but home building still remains largely ignorant of his teachings. It's time to rectify that. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Deming has become a household name in major industries around the world, but home building still remains largely ignorant of his teachings. It's time to rectify that. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

A Deming Dozen: Nuggets of Wisdom to Work and Live By

Wise words from quality and efficiency expert Dr. W. Edwards Deming abound. Here’s a look at a dozen of the best of Deming's ideas that home builders can learn from
14th Feb. 2023
It's remarkable how many home builders and trades don't actively notice jobsite waste and simply walk on by. | Image: Nuthawut / stock.adobe.com
It's Remarkable How Many Home Builders And Trades Don't Actively Notice Jobsite Waste And Simply Walk On By | Image: Nuthawut / Stock adobe

Walk on By? If You're Ignoring Waste, It's at Your Own Expense

Sure, there are new methods and tech advances that might save you some coin, but don’t overlook the big dollars right in front of you right now
8th Jan. 2023
Many home builders find the software system they purchased does a lot of what they believed it would do, but not as much nor as well as they had hoped. | Image: gguy / stock.adobe.com
Many Home Builders Find The Software System They Purchased Does A Lot Of What They Believed It Would Do, But Not As Much Nor As Well As They Had Hoped | Image: Gguy / Stock adobe

Software for Home Builders: Why It Isn’t Working

Software systems offer home builders real operational advantages, but several stumbling blocks continue to undermine success
5th Dec. 2022
Eight great home builders you can learn from that really stand out for their particular strengths. | Icons: north100 / stock.adobe.com
Eight Great Home Builders You Can Learn From That Really Stand Out For Their Particular Strengths | Icons: North100 / Stock adobe

Good or Great: What Distinguishes Good Home Builders From Great Ones?

Why do some builders continue to struggle, even when they’re making money?
3rd Oct. 2022
Will this downturn be as bad as, or worse than, the great housing recession of 14 years ago? We don't know. What is clear is home builders should be prepared.
Will This Downturn Be As Bad As, Or Worse Than, The Great Housing Recession Of 14 Years Ago? We Don't Know What Is Clear Is Home Builders Should Be Prepared

Downturn Revisited—Why Efficiency Wins Every Time for Your Business

Pundits may not agree on the timing nor the severity of the next economic downturn, but one thing’s certain: these 10 essential tactics will boost your business' efficiency, productivit...
4th Aug. 2022