Protractor Podcast

This is going to be my last episode here. I've got a lot of irons in the fire, and after giving it a lot of thought, I've decided, that unfortunately, this podcast is one thing that is going to have to go. At least for the time being. 

How To Prepare For A Happy New Year - My Favorite New Year Planning Framework - Preparing for another year is imperative for an entrepreneur. And in order to do that. I've found it necessary to do two things: 1) Reflect on the past year, and 2) Plan for the next year. The cool thing about this, is that you can do this in July, and it still works! Let me show you the exact process I use to reflect on the past year, and plan for the year to come.

New Episode!!! In this episode Martin Holsinger tells about a recent experience stuck in traffic trying to get over the mountain pass, and how it inspires him to keep pressing on through the trials.  

Merry Christmas everyone!!! In this episode learn some tips and tricks around how to use change orders effectively. Special Guests:  Brad Leavitt from @aft_construction Jackson Andrews from @jacksonandrewsbuilding … “Use change orders as a way to improve the home or project.” … “Use apps like Docusign to quickly keep a paper trail.” … “The more transparent you are the better off the whole process will be…” … “Any change in a project should be documented.” … “A free change order you can use is for your time.” … And much more… … Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc. … DM me if you WANT HELP with your website. Thanks!! … #contractingsimplifiedpodcast  #contractingsimplified  #contractor  #contractorresourceguide #businessresources  #contractormarketing   #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #contractorwebsite #webdesign #changeorders

How We Build Trust And Qualify Leads With Our Website - Brian Kashas

This is a live recording, never before published on this podcast, where Martin Holsinger interviews 3 Contractors Live at the Builder's Show. In this episode is a roundtable discussion with Morgan Molitor from @construction2style Brady Johanson from @bradycoltcustomhomes Chris Quinn from @cmq_qdchb

In this episode, listen to Corey Walker who has co-authored two Instagram Marketing books. She is a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to Instagram marketing. This episode is stock full of insight and tips for contractors to use on Instagram. 

In this episode Martin Holsinger wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving and tells about his experience of sitting in the hospital parking lot, in his truck, and waiting while his wife has heart surgery.   

Inspired by a football hall of fame speech given by Jerome Bettis, this episode is all about the immense value of your name and reputation. Would you do business with you if you Googled your name and saw the reviews?

Guest: Toby Cornell from @cornellcustomconstruction  ... In this episode Toby shares stories and tips from his experience in growing his luxury custom home building firm. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “You're only as good as your last job.” … “Want to build a good brand? These are some of the key components you must have: -Honesty. -Integrity. -Communication. -Follow Through.” … “Bid and build every home as if it were your own.” … “The key to marketing your contracting company is having a good website.” … “Get involved in a local charity around something you are passionate about.” … “If you are wanting to build a contracting company from scratch, here are some simple steps to get you started: Join a local association. Work for a local builder. Setup a website. Get active on social media. Get involved in your community.” … “Never stop learning and moving forward.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed!

Guest: Rosario Mannino from @rsmannino ... In this episode Rosario shares stories and tips from his experience in growing his architect led design build  firm. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “If you want to be an architect, get a job as a framer first.” … “Use social media to get your voice out there. Share these these things on social: -Who we are. -What we do. -Why we do it.” … “Everything comes down to relationships.” … “Read. Read a lot. I am where I am today because of all the books and mentors I've had.” … “Have multiple checking accounts for your business.” … Be passionate about what you are doing. Have the hunger. Just own it.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #contractingsimplifiedpodcast  #contractingsimplified  #contractor  #contractorresourceguide  #architect  #businessresources  #contractormarketing  #remodeling  #designbuild  #contractingsimplifiedpodcast  #martinholsinger #rosariomannino #rsmannino 

Martin Holsinger host of The Contracting Simplifed podcast.... ...Shares a lesson from the Dream Client Master Course all about having the right mindset.   

Guest: Ollie Ledbetter from @littletileguy ... In this episode Ollie shares stories and tips from his experience in growing his custom tile business. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “Try to choose a name no one else could use. A clever twist to the name will help it stick.” … “Pay your dues to those who offered to help you get in the trade.” … “I schedule 3 weeks of work per month. It's a mistake to schedule 4 weeks, or 30 days of planned work - that leaves no room for problems.” … “You cannot lose any money on a job you don't get. It's ok to lose a job or even to turn jobs down.” … “Don't forget to have fun with it.” … “Don't take yourself too seriously.” … “Don't get burnt out.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #contractingsimplifiedpodcast  #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #customtile #contractorresources #contractormarketing #remodeling #tile #tilework #littletileguy #martinholsinger #ollieledbetter #protractorpodcast

Guest: Rex Snyder from @carpentryplus ... In this episode Rex shares stories and tips from his experience in growing his carpentry/remodeling business.  Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “Most leads come through our website and social media. … “Steer everything through your website.” … “You only get one life here on this earth, so make the most of it.” … “Know your worth.” … “You gotta make a living, but you gotta live as well.” … “Building a brand means: A name people are familiar with. Over time you are still around. Expectation people have of quality and excellence. Your customers are satisfied.” … “If you are new and unknown: Create an online presence. Reach to some contractors and builders. Get some jobs.” … “You can't skip the struggle. You will learn from it. It will build character. Know your worth. Don't undervalue yourself as a human.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #customcabinets #businessresources #contractormarketing #remodeling #cabinetry #carpentry #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #carpentryplus #martinholsinger #rexsnyder

Guest: Andy Mac from @gosforthhandyman ... In this episode Andy shares all about his story of growing his handyman business and successful Youtube channel. ... “Always have an exit plan.” … “Don't bite off more than you can chew.” … “Make videos about what you enjoy. It's much more authentic that way.” … There are various ways to make money on Youtube: Adsense program Membership platform Affiliate links to products … “Having a website is #1. You have 100% control of it. You have to have some sort of online presence.” … Tips for building a brand: Be honest. Don't sell out to sponsors. Reputation and Loyalty are key. Price accurately. Don't join the race to the bottom. … “Always have pride in your work, and when you stop having pride in your work, find something else to do.” … Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc. ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #businessresources #contractormarketing #handyman #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #martinholsinger #customerservice #buildingabrand #gosforthhandyman #andymac #youtuber

Host: Martin Holsinger from @contractingsimplified and @martinholsinger ... In this episode Martin shares all about the one thing you must wear if you are trying to build a real and well-known brand.  ... It's all about customer service. And this episode dives into ONE principle that will help you develop better customer service. … Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #businessresources #contractormarketing #customhome #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #martinholsinger #customerservice #buildingabrand 

Guest: Ed Earl from @the_zen_builder ... In this episode Ed shares stories and tips from his experience in advising luxury home builders through the entire construction process. His passion is helping builders to ease the stress and find peace of mind. He also is heavily involved in helping contractors recruit great help. Which during these times is hugely needed! Here is a portion of what's inside: ... “There are 3 things you must understand to eliminate stress during construction: The homeowner's perspective The inherent lack of trust The emotions a homeowner goes through” ... “Understand the other other person, and be compassionate.“ ... “Trust the process.“ ... “It will all come together for a purpose.” ... “With adversity there is an opportunity.” … “ There are 6 hiring myths you must eliminate: Only recruit when you need help Viewing employees as an expense No need for a recruiting service Must hire from within the industry Hire fast, fire slow Thinking of recruiting like any other project.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #businessresources #contractormarketing #customhome #residentialhomes #customhomedesign #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #martinholsinger #edearl #thezenbuilder #hiringhelp #recruiting 

Guest: Chris Loughney from @fitch_hill ... In this episode Chris shares stories and tips from his experience in growing an award-winning building firm.  Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “Do the right thing.” ... “Stick to what you are good at.“ ... “Have a “fit meeting” before you ever start a contract to make sure you and your client are a good fit.“ ... “If you want to build a brand start by being your authentic self.” ... “The work you do doesn't define you as a person.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractorresourceguide #estimating #businessresources #contractormarketing #customhome #residentialhomes #customhomedesign #contractingsimplifiedpodcast #fitchhill #martinholsinger #chrisloughney

Guest: Dan Arket from Tekra Builders ... In this episode Dan drops some golden nuggets I'm sure you will find very helpful and valuable for your own business. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode. ... “Be someone you would want to hire.” ... “To build a brand help everyone in the company to have the same goal.“ ... “Be a sponge. Absorb as much information as you can.“ ... “Create a winning team where everyone truly believes your company is the best.” ... “Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Learn from it. Ask yourself, “why did it go wrong?”” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractors #contractorresourceguide #timetracking #estimating #businessresources #contractormarketing #customhomes #residentialhomes #customhome #customhomedesign  #contractorsofig #contractorsofinsta #protractormedia #podcast #homeimprovement #keepcraftalive #woodworking #carpentry #tile #designbuild #danarket  #tekrabuilders #trades #contractingsimplifiedpodcast

New Episode!!! Host: Martin Holsinger from @contractingsimplified and @martinholsinger ... In this episode Martin shares all about the two levels of trust every human has and how it relates to landing a job with your dream client. Here's a few snippets from inside the episode: ... “Every human being has two levels of trust.” ... “People want to trust you, but they also don't.“ ... “We don't want to trust people because we don't want to get hurt.“ ... “We've learned how to put barriers that we unconsciously make people pass through in order to win our trust.” ... “In order for someone to invite you into the intimate drama of helping them realize their dream project, you are going to have to earn their trust at the second level.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.   ... #protractorpodcast #contractingsimplified #contractor #contractors #contractorresourceguide #timetracking #estimating #businessresources #contractormarketing #customhomes #residentialhomes #customhome #customhomedesign  #contractorsofig #contractorsofinsta #protractormedia #podcast #homeimprovement #keepcraftalive #woodworking #carpentry #tile #designbuild #twolevelsoftrust #martinholsinger #buildingtrust #contractingsimplifiedpodcast

Andrew Patterson from @PattersonCustomHomes ... In this episode Andrew shares stories and tips from his experience in growing an award-winning building firm. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode: ... “There's a new standard in this industry.” ... “Control what you can control.“ ... “Always hire and surround yourself with people smarter than yourself.“ ... “Create a winning team where everyone truly believes your company is the best.” ... “Understand that money is an ebb and flow in this industry.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed!

Guest: Davie Santos from @daviemactile ... In this episode Davie shares from his experience some of his knowledge which I'm sure you will find very helpful and valuable for your own business. Here's a sampling of what's inside this episode: ... “Focus on making the customer happy!” ... “Having your own website is very important.“ ... “The results are what keep me going.“ ... “Be consistent. Be stubborn. Results take time.” ... “Do good work. Have people talk. Make an impression. Build a good reputation.” … And much, much more! ... Listen to the episode and share it with others. I know that you will be blessed! ... You can get this episode by clicking the link in our profile and following it to the podcast. Or go to your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Spotify… Etc.

Austin Vance Carpentry and @Tools_at_work 

3 Ways that a contractor can earn some extra cash from home using the knowledge and experience he already has.

I've been thinking a lot about all that we've been going through the past few weeks. And I've been thinking a lot about the contracting industry. So I recorded 10 Tips to help you as a contractor make the most of this time, if you feel stuck in quarantine. I hope this message helps! Please share!

Peter Akguc started his career as trader on wall street after pursuing a degree in finance. But the stress of the job lead to an unhealthily lifestyle. He transitioned into real estate and construction as the economy was rebounding from the financial crisis. The skills he gained on wall street helped him take great calculated risk in real estate investing. He said that once he started doing building projects on the side, he was much happier out there on the job site than he was managing projects on Wall Street. But the biggest question he faced concerning whether to switch careers, was this, "Can I support my family?" He decided he could, and took the plunge. Here is his story...

Adam McKinnon from Utah is a stair builder who’s seen every kind of staircase there is. After a shortage of work, he started working as a subcontractor to grow his business. He found a small niche and networked with other contractors to grow and his business. You will be inspired by this episode!

In this episode, Justin MacDonald, an electrical contractor from Nova Scotia talks how to price jobs, and the importance of properly estimating jobs. Also, he discusses scheduling when it comes to project management and staying small to maximize efficiency. 

In this episode you will hear the story of Brady Johanson and how he built his award winning custom home business. @bradycoltcustomhomes

Kayle Sickler joins us from Settlement Post and Beam which specializes in building solid post frame structures. Sickler, shares how he develop a sales and marketing acumen while working at his family’s business. He learned more about the craft from his dad and is now helping grow their company through online marketing, pay-per-click advertising and branding. This episode has lots of great marketing tips inside!

Early on Dan Devol went to work for Appalachian Forest Products. Then he went to work for a finish carpenter. At 21 he bought and rebuilt a house and then sold it. He made $40K  on it. Then after that he bought a lot and built his first house from scratch. This was just the beginning of a fulfilling career building high-end custom homes!

Drawing early influence from both his grandfather and father, Sam Pabich would incorporate the family’s commercial construction company Pabich Homes in 2016. Sam credits his Dad for helping jump start their company and fine tune their business using his background and over 4 decades experience in the construction industry. In this episode Sam shares practical advice and tips that help him to successfully operate and market their business day in and day out.

Connor Crook is the owner of Diamondback Toolbelts. After spending 30 years practicing law, Crook purchased Diamondback Toolbelts after leaving his corporate job. He would go on to turn the company around and transform it into a profitable business.

In this episode Michael Kaestner shares entrepreneurial wisdom and practical advice that highlights the importance of getting started early, networking, and coming out strong with a well-defined business plan.

The best advice given to Spencer came from his wife. It was leading up to him giving a talk at conference, and he was struggling knowing what to say, since he felt like his business had failed in the national recession. He was concerned about having people judge him for his story. But his wife encouraged him, and said, “Be Yourself.” She told him to just go out there and be himself. To be vulnerable and tell the truth. So he did. And that advice has stuck with him over and over and over again since then. He often tells himself, to just “Be Yourself.” Spencer Padgett now works for Co Construct as Builder In Residence. But he didn't always work here. He has developed hundreds of acres of land, and built multimillion dollar homes...and. much more.  Here is his story...

Today on the show, Mark King of Infinite Decks shares his advice for finding and hiring employees, giving raises, filtering client inquiries, and creating an effective call forwarding system. He also shares the importance of customer reviews and how to acquire them.

Jon Beer, a professional artist turned contractor, shares tips and incites for building and running a successful contracting business. Unlike most contractors, Jon never went to school or had close family members to teach him the trade. In this episode, he shares his non-traditional journey to starting his Jon Beer Contracting. 

Gabrielle Bieber co-founded Madison Builders around the belief that “homes are not just a container for your life, but rather an extension and an expression of oneself.” In this episode, Gabrielle shares how she and her husband started and grew their contracting business and why they made the decision to focus on building custom homes.    contractor podcast, construction podcast, builder podcast, remodeler podcast, architecture podcast

Tony Frazier is a home designer with a passion for timeless architecture.But what is timeless architecture. That is a question that we asked Tony, and then spent quite a bit of time discussing. PLUS many more tips and insights concerning entrepreneurship and running a good business.

Adam Wilson the founder of Icon Tile in California dropped out of high school and started working as a tile apprentice. Working closely with his boss, and also a part-time job at Whole Foods Market, he’d come to learn and develop business skills that can be attributed to running and growing his own successful tile company. Listen all the way through and BE INSPIRED!!!

Stacy Eakman is the founder of Eakman Construction Company in Seattle which specializes in large scale remodels and custom homes. In this episode, Stacy tells his story, gives insight into how he runs his business, and speaks on the importance of “percent complete” accounting to get control of your numbers.

Growing up, Christopher Quinn could be found working with his grandparents on various home renovations. He is now the managing partner at Apex Projects in Connecticut with his friend Brian Hyla. In this episode, he talks work life balance, the importance of networking, and shares various marketing tactics he’s currently using to grow his business. 

Jeff Pell has been in construction all of his life. After college, he’d move back home and start working his Uncle on various job sites. His passion for creating high-end luxury homes would prompt him to start Sky House Company in North Carolina. In this episode, he explains the importance of increasing exposure on multiple platforms so you can “say 'no' more than you say 'yes.'” And how to setup systems to help you streamline your vision and business. 

Luke Miller from Miller Tile and Stone is a Tile Contractor and the Founder and Host of the Tile Money podcast. With encouragement from his wife, he was able to build up the confidence to start his own company. He explains how he used grass roots marketing tactics and great customer service to successfully grow his tile contracting business. Also, he shares how he arrives at the numbers he needs to charge for his daily rate to remain profitable. 

Mike Grainger from Tink Construction Services in New Jersey specializes in bringing homes back to life. As a child, seeing his father grow and scale his contracting business would give him the inspiration to establish his own contracting business in 2009. In this episode, he shares advice on how to properly setup and structure a contracting business to scale.

After losing his job, Donnie Galli from Designs By Donnie found his passion as local furniture builder. In this episode, he shares the many trials and tribulations that have helped him build a profitable furniture design business.  

After leaving his job, Tyler Farrell started a custom home building business following the success of his first spec home. He attributes his success to staying focused on what he’s good at and hiring great talent to support him in areas that he is weak in.  

In this episode Eddie Leverett chronicles an impactful story that inspired him to create his business One Eleven LTD, which specializes in building universal homes for people with special needs.  

Sean Doyle and his wife Katie are the founders of  SD Custom Homes.  They call themselves a family building for families. Sean shares stories and insights he’s learned over the years that have helped him start and run a successful contracting business.