38. Building A Business That Serves You With Zak Johnson

In episode 38 of the Professional Builders Secrets podcast, we’re joined by Zak Johnson, owner of ZJ Building based out of South Australia. Throughout this episode, we learn about Zak’s story and how he created ZJ Building from the ground up. After starting his carpentry apprenticeship in January 2007. Zak immediately fell in love with the trade and all the opportunities to build and create. He gained a lot of experience in all aspects of the building trades including supervising architectural custom home builds and small commercial projects. From that point his decision was clear, and he chose the path of building. Within Episode 38 Zak shares the reasons behind why he wanted to create his own building company, along with the lessons he’s learnt along the way, and what inspires him to strive for excellence with each and every build Listen to the full episode to discover how Zak has created ZJ Building to be a business that serves him perfectly. ABOUT ZAK JOHNSON After recognising a gap in the industry with a lot of builders lacking in customer focus during projects that closely involve the homeowner, Zak found himself with an opportunity to create something truly unique. With a passion to deliver high quality projects and improve the lifestyles of South Australian homeowners, he started ZJ Building in 2015 and has been transforming homes ever since. With a strong drive for self improvement and professional development, Zak continues to evolve and improve the company. From building strong systems and processes for our customer's benefit to proudly running a virtually paperless office, the future of ZJ Building is always looking bright. Connect with Zak: linkedin.com/in/zak-johnson-35232716a/?originalSubdomain=au TIMELINE 1:44 About ZJ Building. 02:05 The decision to choose the path of building. 02:59 Zak’s perspective on the current labour shortage. 03:43 What got Zak started and his journey. 07:15 Lessons learned or most memorable moments. 08:56 What inspires Zak to executive plans of action and strive for excellence. 10:19 The transformation of ZJ Building. 11:41 Zak’s perspective on stepping away from the tools. 13:49 How Zak came across APB. 18:04 How Zak feels about working in the office. 19:08 Getting to the stage where the business as designed? 20:32 The next focus for ZJ Building. 21:45 The challenges in the market. 23:37 How APB has helped the feelings of isolation. 24:50 Zak’s advice to new builders. 26:53 Innovation in construction today. 28:39 How Zak finds balance between running a building company and family life. 30:02 The advice Zak would give a younger version of himself. LINKS, RESOURCES & MORE ZJ Building Website: zjbuilding.com.au APB Website: associationofprofessionalbuilders.com APB on Instagram: instagram.com/apbbuilders/ APB on Facebook: facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders APB on YouTube: youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders Join the Professional Builders Secrets Facebook group for builders & connect with professional builders world-wide: facebook.com/groups/builderssecrets