Sitting in the front row of a JobTread bootcamp, I learned a software feature could be a trust feature. Here's what that means for how I serve clients back home.
What I Learned in the Front Row at JobTread Bootcamp
There I was, sitting in the front row of a JobTread bootcamp in Texas, shoulder to shoulder with contractors from all over the country. One man next to me had been building homes for more than 20 years, yet he was there for the same reason I was: to learn.
At the front of the room, Mary Beth projected her laptop onto a large screen while we followed along on our own computers. Every click she made, we repeated. We weren't just listening to a presentation. We were building real projects, making mistakes, asking questions, and learning by doing.
Then she opened a feature called Selections.
At first, I assumed it was simply a way to organize upgrade options. But as she walked through what the homeowner actually experiences, something clicked.
This wasn't really a software feature.
It was a trust feature.
One of the biggest frustrations homeowners face isn't construction itself. It's uncertainty. They wonder what's included, what isn't, what happens if they change their mind, or whether they'll be surprised by extra costs later. Even the best contractors can unintentionally create confusion when those conversations happen over phone calls, text messages, or handwritten notes.
Selections changes that.
Imagine we finish a consultation, and later I remember we talked about upgrading to a higher-grade decking material, adding crown molding, or installing a custom railing. Instead of making another phone call or hoping we both remember the conversation later, I simply add those items as selections in the proposal.
When the client reviews their proposal, they can clearly see each option and decide whether they want it included or not.
No guessing.
No surprises.
No "I thought that was included."
Just clarity before the project ever begins.
As I looked around the room, I realized I wasn't surrounded by contractors who thought they had everything figured out. I was surrounded by professionals, many with decades more experience than I have, who were still investing their time and money to become better at serving their clients.
That reminded me of something Tony Robbins teaches: if you want to master something, immerse yourself in it. That's why I flew to Texas instead of watching a few videos online.
Jim Rohn also said we're the average of the five people we spend the most time with. I want to spend time around people who are constantly looking for better ways to serve others, because that challenges me to do the same.
My goal has never been to simply build beautiful decks and remodels. My goal is to build a company that people trust.
Sometimes that means getting on a plane, sitting in the front row, and being willing to learn something new.
If I want Luxury Decks of Southern Oregon to be known for delivering the highest level of service in our valley, that responsibility starts with me. It starts with continuing to learn, improving our systems, and earning our clients' trust long before construction begins.
That's why I'll keep investing in learning and doing my best.