Contractors need estimators with a solid estimating philosophy and proficiency with estimating software to perform at the highest level possible. Estimating 101 offers basic and advanced training modules for methods in Trimble® ACCUBID™ Classic products that are designed to turn your good estimators into great estimators. In this environment of competitive markets and narrowing margins, contractors must maximize their estimator’s potential to be as productive as possible.
If you need help with estimating philosophy, estimating organization or database management, Estimating 101 can help you raise the standard and quality of your estimating department.
Estimating 101 specializes in estimator training, departmental organization, and proficiency with Trimble® ACCUBID™ classic products.
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Training By The Numbers
127
Contractors
486
Trainees
2210
Hours Of Training
40
States
Testimonials
Don Kiper has provided estimates for our company, with these estimates we were able to negotiate contracts for these projects. His estimates are complete and it is obvious he understands the electrical work required to do the installation considering he has found errors on plans that were not shown or drawn correctly. Don sent us the needed information which allowed us to send RFI’s to the contractor in order to clarify bid information.All in all it is a good relationship between our company’s estimators and Don.
- Jim Breig, President, Designed Electrical Solutions, Florida
- Jim Breig, President, Designed Electrical Solutions, Florida
After training with you on branch wiring takeoff methods, I would like to congratulate you on your knowledge and presentation of the process. I was very impressed with the material presented and the organizational skills you provided. Your approach to branch wiring takeoff is very clear and easy to follow and understand. I would highly recommend Don for all your estimating training needs
- David L. Webb, Project Manager – Fagan Electric Co. Inc., Joplin, MO
- David L. Webb, Project Manager – Fagan Electric Co. Inc., Joplin, MO
As a Project Manager it is important to have a complete breakdown of the estimate by systems and labour to effectively manage resources on site. Having managed several of Don’s projects, his estimates provided me with the information required to properly purchase materials and manage labour. His experience and expertise is clearly shown throughout his estimates. It is a pleasure to handle projects that were estimated by Don.
- Mark Hollemans, Project Manager, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON
- Mark Hollemans, Project Manager, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON
Kraun Electric hired Don to train a new estimator on Accubid Pro with excellent results. The gentleman he trained was completely new to the Accubid program and had to be started from scratch. Over the course of a few weeks Don effectively trained this individual in all aspects of the software. Following the training, our estimator was able to handle small projects almost immediately on his own and after a few months of experience has become a very valuable asset to our company- able to handle multiple estimating projects at a time and provide concise well organized takeoffs. I credit this quick success to Don’s training.
I would definitely recommend Don for future training assignments. If we ever have the need in the future I will be sure to contact him.
- Kevin Krause, Chief Estimator, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON
I would definitely recommend Don for future training assignments. If we ever have the need in the future I will be sure to contact him.
- Kevin Krause, Chief Estimator, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON
We put Don’s latest database to use and found it immediately helped speed up our estimates. No more looking all over for associated items.
- Neil Fairey, Chief Operating Officer, Leader Electric, New York, NY
- Neil Fairey, Chief Operating Officer, Leader Electric, New York, NY
CIR Electrical Construction Corporation recently made a transition from our previous estimating software to Trimble ACCUBID Pro. Don Kiper assisted our company by setting up our database, and guiding use in the basic and advanced workings of the software. He made the transition smooth and painless. In just a short time we learned to use the program proficiently and phased out our old less efficient software. Don’s years as a seasoned estimator, and master of the software, was a tremendous asset to our company. Through Don’s comprehensive teachings, our company has continued to grow and become more successful.
- James W. Gardner – Chief Estimator, CIR Electrical, Buffalo, New York
- James W. Gardner – Chief Estimator, CIR Electrical, Buffalo, New York
I’m writing this to thank you for your ACCUBID database that we recently purchased from you. Josh has explained to me that you really went above and beyond helping us customized and tailor the database to our market down here in Pittsburgh. The database has really increased our
efficiency and consistency of our estimates. We particularly like the way you have the hotlist systematically and logically set up to where we’re not
looking through the database. This feature alone has helped us pump out more estimates faster!
Again, thank you for your services and please let us know when you add anything else to your database that may be beneficial to us.
- Mike Clista, President, Clista Electric Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
efficiency and consistency of our estimates. We particularly like the way you have the hotlist systematically and logically set up to where we’re not
looking through the database. This feature alone has helped us pump out more estimates faster!
Again, thank you for your services and please let us know when you add anything else to your database that may be beneficial to us.
- Mike Clista, President, Clista Electric Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
At Ferry Electric Company we have worked with Don Kiper for several projects, all with great success. We’ve used Don for estimator training, database work and for estimator pre-hire assessments. Don is very knowledgeable and has always been easy to work with. We look forward to continuing to work with Don into the future.
- James J. Ferry, President, Ferry Electric – Pittsburgh, PA
- James J. Ferry, President, Ferry Electric – Pittsburgh, PA
Don has a unique way of understanding everyone’s strengths and weaknesses which helps his style of teaching. He proves his methods and software by showing us true life estimates. He is a real master at his craft.
- Stephen Borrelli, President, All-Brite Electric, Inc., West Haven, CT
- Stephen Borrelli, President, All-Brite Electric, Inc., West Haven, CT
Bombard Electric hired Estimating 101 to train our estimators and project managers in the fundamentals of estimating and ACCUBID software. The training was customized to fit our needs as a company and accomplish the goals that were discussed and needed.
Don gave us solutions to increase our accuracy and efficiency. We also purchased Don’s custom-built database for ACCUBID Classic software. It has great structure, organization, assemblies, and library arrangement for fast efficient takeoff.
The training exceeded my expectations and I can whole heartily recommend Don Kiper to other contractors in need of estimator training.
- Terry Bombard – Vice President, Bombard Electric LLC, Las Vegas, NV
Don gave us solutions to increase our accuracy and efficiency. We also purchased Don’s custom-built database for ACCUBID Classic software. It has great structure, organization, assemblies, and library arrangement for fast efficient takeoff.
The training exceeded my expectations and I can whole heartily recommend Don Kiper to other contractors in need of estimator training.
- Terry Bombard – Vice President, Bombard Electric LLC, Las Vegas, NV
With 5 years of estimating under my belt. I can truly say this is by far the best training I have ever received in my professional career. This class was well organized, delivered a lot of content with extreme enthusiasm and passion. You covered everything from what is electrical contracting to the role of the estimator. We covered takeoff techniques, understanding of labor and what factors can affect labor productivity. We also covered the estimating sequence and how to summarize the estimate. You showed us the “how”, but you also provided us with the “why”. This workshop was not the typical training I have come to expect, this was first class training and truly invaluable. I don’t see how any estimator could afford not to have this training. Your passion and drive to help improve others understanding was second to none. I am truly grateful to have had your instruction and knowledge presented to me.
- Shelby Creech – Lead Estimator, ATEC Electrical Contractors, Lebanon, IN
- Shelby Creech – Lead Estimator, ATEC Electrical Contractors, Lebanon, IN
“Don is a very knowledgeable and engaging instructor. I was shocked and impressed by the level of enthusiasm and engagement he created with our staff during training. Great feedback from everyone in the class!!”
- Ken Naumann, PE – President, Kaiser Electric – Fenton, MO
- Ken Naumann, PE – President, Kaiser Electric – Fenton, MO
Don is a subject matter expert with the ability to teach with passion. The industry needs this man.”
- Dennis Harter Sr. – V.P. of Operations, Kaiser Electric – Fenton, MO
- Dennis Harter Sr. – V.P. of Operations, Kaiser Electric – Fenton, MO
“Don, you exceeded our expectations. We knew we had a need for training. The good news is that you took that head on and provided great insight.”
- Joel Kahn – COO, Converse Electric, Columbus, OH
- Joel Kahn – COO, Converse Electric, Columbus, OH
Don Kiper has provided estimates for our company, with these estimates we were able to negotiate contracts for these projects. His estimates are complete and it is obvious he understands the electrical work required to do the installation considering he has found errors on plans that were not shown or drawn correctly. Don sent us the needed information which allowed us to send RFI’s to the contractor in order to clarify bid information.All in all it is a good relationship between our company’s estimators and Don.
- Jim Breig, President, Designed Electrical Solutions, Florida
- Jim Breig, President, Designed Electrical Solutions, Florida
After training with you on branch wiring takeoff methods, I would like to congratulate you on your knowledge and presentation of the process. I was very impressed with the material presented and the organizational skills you provided. Your approach to branch wiring takeoff is very clear and easy to follow and understand. I would highly recommend Don for all your estimating training needs.
- David L. Webb, Project Manager – Fagan Electric Co. Inc., Joplin, MO
- David L. Webb, Project Manager – Fagan Electric Co. Inc., Joplin, MO
As a Project Manager it is important to have a complete breakdown of the estimate by systems and labour to effectively manage resources on site. Having managed several of Don’s projects, his estimates provided me with the information required to properly purchase materials and manage labour. His experience and expertise is clearly shown throughout his estimates. It is a pleasure to handle projects that were estimated by Don.
- Mark Hollemans, Project Manager, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON
- Mark Hollemans, Project Manager, Kraun Electric, St. Catharines, ON