Future Builders Crash Course Operations Manual

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Future Builders Crash Course: Operations Manual (SOP)

> [!IMPORTANT] > Mission Goal: Enable 1% of the global population to build their own homes by 2028 (approx. 10,000 events/year). > Current Status: Pilot Phase. Focus is on transitioning from "Survival Mode" to a "Self-Sustaining, Replicable Product."

1. Executive Summary & Financial Model

To scale to 10k events/year, each event must be cash-flow positive or neutral without relying on external subsidies.

1.1 Current Economics (Baseline)

• Revenue: ~$40,000 (20 participants @ ~$2k tuition)
• Expenses: ~$125,500
• Infrastructure Improvements: $70,000 (One-time/CapEx)
• Materials (House): $30,000
• Food: $14,000
• Tools: $5,000
• Machine Rental: $4,000
• Fuel/Electric: $2,500
• Net Position: -$85,500 (Loss)
• Recovery Strategy: Sale of finished house ($50k - $100k net revenue).

1.2 Target "Sustainable" Model

To achieve scalability, we must reduce variable costs and increase "Finish Velocity" to ensure the house sells.

• Tuition Target: Increase value proposition to justify higher tuition or more participants.
• Food Efficiency: Reduce $14k food bill via bulk prep and simpler, nutritious menus vs. ad-hoc catering.
• Materials: Partnerships/Sponsorships (e.g., Menards, local lumber) to drive down the $30k material cost.

2. Organization & Governance

A "hybrid" command structure is required to balance the intense focus needed for the build with the human needs of participants.

2.1 Roles

• Build Commander (Marcin): Absolute authority on the house build. Focus: Velocity, Quality, Problem Solving.
• Operations Manager (Specialized Role): Dedicated "Elite" role separate from the build.
• Responsibilities: Food, Safety, Logistics, Morale, Site Cleanliness.
• Note: This prevents "burnout" where builders try to manage the kitchen.
• Assistant Teachers: Specialized subject matter experts (SMEs) recruited for micro-topics (Electrical, Plumbing) to relieve the Build Commander.

2.2 The "Elite Team" Strategy

A small, specialized team splits time between the build and auxiliary support (Human Needs). This team ensures:

• The "Hab Lab" is warm and tidy.
• Food arrives on time.
• Participants feel safe and heard.

3. Site Management Protocols

3.1 Waste Stream Separation (Critical)

Problem: Burn barrels filled with co-mingled trash and recycling. Solution: "Source Separation Station"

1. Infrastructure: Deploy the 25 Coca-Cola drums immediately.
2. Labeling: Paint/Tag drums clearly:

• 🔴 TRASH (Open Source Landfill) - on-site landfilll which neutralizes any toxins
• 🟢 RECYCLE (Aluminum/Glass/Plastic) - Wash before tossing
• 🟤 COMPOST (Food Scraps Only)
• 🔵 BURNABLE (Clean Wood/Paper Only - NO PLASTIC)

1. Desginated Zone: Place stations at (1) Kitchen, (2) Build Site, (3) Dorms.
2. SOP: Morning announcement reminder. Operations Manager checks bins daily at 2 PM.

3.2 Safety & Comfort (Anti-Cautionary Tale)

Goal: Eliminate "unsafe" perceptions that damage OSE's reputation.

• Ventilation: NO unventilated diesel heaters in enclosed spaces. Install proper exhaust kits or use electric heaters in the Hab Lab.
• Hangar Roof: Inspect and secure loose panels. If structure is dubious, cordon off zones until repaired.
• Morale: Daily "Stand-up" to address safety concerns publicly. If a participant feels unsafe, work stops in that zone until resolved.

4. Food Operations Manual

Budget Target: Reduce $14k spend. Current Mode: Ad-hoc Catering (Expensive/Inefficient). Target Mode: "Camp Kitchen" Bulk Prep.

4.1 Catering (Backup/Treats)

When cooking is not possible, use approved local vendors:

• Mexican: Señor Barrigas (Hamilton, MO) - Taco Bar (Steak/Chicken/Beans).
• Pizza: Godfather's Pizza Express (Cameron, MO) - Meat Lovers/Veggie.
• Chinese: China Restaurant (Plattsburg, MO) - Party Trays (Sesame Chicken/Beef & Broccoli).
• Italian: Fazoli's (St. Joseph, MO) - Pasta Trays.

4.2 In-House Efficiency Plan

1. Menu Planning: Fixed rotational menu (Beans/Rice/Greens basics + Protein).
2. Bulk Purchasing: Purchase staples from restaurant supply (Costco/Sam's) rather than local grocery for every meal.
3. Labor: "Work Exchange" role specifically for a cook, or rotating teams of 2 participants per meal (prep/clean).

5. Event Operations & Logistics

5.1 Materials Logistics

• Initial: Manual runs to hardware stores (Lowes/Menards).
• Target: 100% Delivery to Site.
• SOP: BOM (Bill of Materials) must be locked 2 weeks prior.
• SOP: Order placed for delivery 3 days before start.
• Inventory: "Clerk of Works" checks delivery against BOM immediately. Missing items flagged instantly.

5.2 Teaching & Curriculum

• Replicable Curriculum: All lessons must be documented (Video/Wiki) so they can be taught by others in future locations.
• Micro-Topics: Break down complex skills (e.g., "Sweating Copper") into 15-minute operational modules.

6. Enterprise Development

To reach the 2028 Goal:

• Documentation: Every operational friction point (trash mixing, cold rooms, late food) must be documented in the Enterprise Spreadsheet.
• Feedback Loop: Post-event survey for participants. Did you feel safe? Was the food good? Did you learn?
• Replication: This manual is the "Source Code" for future Franchise/Chapter nodes.

Original Spreadsheet

Using this page for the SOP as requested. See History for original.

Food

• FBCC Food Operations Manual

Site Management

• This includes recycling, garbage, compost, hostel preparation, site preparation (signs, fencing, workshop space), cleaning, landscaping.

• As of the December 2025 Crash Course, there is a protocol that promotes a positive environmental impact. The goal is to leave every space better than you found it. This is manifesting as separating and sorting recyclables which can then be reused as valued resources, reducing our community carbon footprint. This could even be expanded to a modified “pack in, pack out” mentality for the whole property (e.g. banning single use plastics from the waste stream until further notice).

• As for hostel and site preparation for future Crash Courses, there is much that could be taken care of by an Operations Manager. The work exchange group for FBCC 12/2025 put in many hours getting things ready for this workshop and this created its share of successes and challenges. Attracting a live-on, Factor e Farm steward who maintains the property year-round could alleviate many of the stressors experienced during this most recent workshop. This person would be responsible for aesthetics and functionality of the property, could field most questions and requests, and could even delegate tasks to enthusiastic volunteers. This is an important supporting role so that Marcin can focus on all the logistics and moving parts of the build.

• For now, here are some site preparation action steps that can be taken immediately or passed on to the future caretaker:

1. Install lights/reflectors along the main pathways for ease of navigation after dark.
2. Create an official Factor e Farm sign welcoming visitors in from the road.
3. Work with Marcin to create SOPs for the next workshop, detailing and scheduling the flow of each day, including the ‘’behind the scenes’’ work.
4. Take and digitally record an extensive, modular inventory of all tools, materials, machines, etc.
5. Perform any preventative or reactive maintenance where needed and log hours.
6. Develop (and then maintain) OSE infrastructure that optimizes work around the property (e.g. a can crusher/shredder for ease of metal management. :)

Event Operations

• Materials runs - eventually automated fully and secured by Menards and online delivery, but initially involving a number of local pickups of materials, tools, and supplies - both for workshop use and for infrastructure improvements
• Teaching - assistant teachers who can handle specific content presented during the workshop

Teaching

Refers to recruiting subject matter experts to present on specific micotopics, and development of replicable curriculum that leadership can teach to a general audience.

Event Organization

Aspects of the event include:

• House plans and instructionals
• Collaborative development infrastructure - role allocation infrastructure, knowhow contributions by participants, CAD upgrade protocols, instructionals production protocols