The Level 10 Contractor Daily Podcast

In this episode, you'll hear a behind-the-scenes look at Rich Harshaw collaborating with Shugarman's Bath to develop radio ad concepts. The discussion highlights how the company's guarantees, values, and customer promises can be translated into compelling advertising that connects with listeners.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… Today, that something is “getting more utility out of all these great blog posts that you are creating.” After all, if they just sit there on your website, they are underleveraged! So here are some good ideas on what to actually do with them!

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run.This week, we talk about Level 10 Contractor's Secret Sauce: Identity. You've been listening to Rich talk about Identity for a million years now on this podcast… And he's been talking about it for a lot longer than the podcast has been around, trust me! But how, exactly, do you determine what your identity points are… then execute on your identity? Glad you asked! On today's showcase we hit the ABC's of Level 10 Contractor Identity.

Rich and Chad Morgan discuss Quick Page, a video-based follow-up tool transforming contractor sales. They reveal how personalized video builds trust, boosts engagement, and closes more deals faster than traditional methods.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, we've pulled out one of Rich's old “Open Forum Webinars” where members could participate and ask any question they want. In this episode, a contractor has committed $2,000 for a home show, and wants to find the best way to maximize her investment there. Rich gives her plenty of good advice, including a couple of his favorites: sweepstakes, and the big bill.

In this MetalCast episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Rich joins Heidi J. Ellsworth from the MetalCast podcast. Rich shares how Operation Lead Surge marketing event is transforming the way contractors generate and close leads, with proven strategies that deliver 200–500 qualified leads every month. From real-world success stories to actionable marketing tactics, this conversation is your intel briefing for building a lead-generation system that works like clockwork.

This episode is the first in a series of 3 talks that Rich gave and recorded at a recent conference he spoke at. Instead of focusing on marketing, he instead decided to focus on what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur. Today's episode is Entrepreneurship 101.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… We're going to visit Wall Drug… that middle-of-nowhere tourist trap somewhere in South Dakota that has a million billboards that try to coax you to stop and buy a doughnut or look at their dinosaurs. If that all sounds weird, just listen to podcast #576  from April 6, 2021. Bottom line, we're here today to talk about different ways to hit people over the head with a message a million times–in a really compact timeframe… to enhance the likelihood of said messages being seen and absorbed.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run.This week, we talk about online reviews. Everybody knows that online reviews are super duper extra important, right? Well then why do we see so many contractors and so many websites that either don't have any at all… or just sort of tack them on as a little extra thing, almost as an afterthought? Today, we talk about the importance of social proof when convincing prospects to buy from you as opposed to buying from anyone else, specifically utilizing online reviews. If you aren't turning your happy customers into raving fans, you're losing sales before you even have a chance to sell them.

Rich interviews Chuck Thokey of Top Rep about scaling remodeling companies through stronger sales leadership and coaching. They discuss shifting from owner-driven sales to professional teams, proactive versus reactive management, modern training methods, and Top Rep's innovative AI sales simulator that sharpens skills, boosts closing rates, and drives growth.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, we're going to join Rich on what they used to call their Tuesday Morning Ad Clinic; a client with a Siding Company asks Rich to critique some neighborhood mailers they got from their manufacturer… and when Rich took a look, the mailers basically just said “we're in your neighborhood.” Suffice it to say, he wasn't thrilled with that, so he gave them some advice as to what might work better.

This discussion with the founder of gFour marketing, Brian Kaskavalciyan, is all about how to use follow up emails, texts, and mailers to MASSIVELY increase repeat & referral business. Rich gets really worked up about this… and at the end, he basically says you are, well, stupid… if you don't take Brian up on his services. That's a bold claim… take a listen to see what that's all about!

Rich interviews Heidi Ellsworth, founder of Roofer's Coffee Shop, an online community for contractors. They discuss its evolution from classifieds to a multimedia hub offering podcasts, webinars, articles, directories, and forums. Heidi also shares insights on women in roofing, industry innovation, and expanding into specialized “coffee shop” platforms.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… Today's topic: Social Proof. What we're talking about here is showing people that OTHER people who have used you actually LIKE you… here's how to get it done.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run.This week, we talk about search engine optimization, most commonly known as SEO. This includes coding and content put in place on your website to get Google's attention so Google serves you up to their customers and your prospects. We will discover today that the practice of SEO has been unnecessarily shrouded in mystery. It is actually as simple as casting a hook on a line in the ocean. Yes, it requires work to get a bite and even more when you do, but you'll learn today SEO is something any of us can understand… and win at.

 If you've read the book, Unlocking Unlimited Lead Flow, then this will be very familiar to you. This is the story of the 172 hardwood dowel rods… going way, way back to the very beginning of Rich's career, and his client who made pool tables, air hockey tables, and video game cabinets, Dynamo. This version of the story has a few extras not found in the book… and is a fantastic example of how to build an identity with high levels of power, precision… and passion.

 It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, we're going back in time to December, 2012… and if memory serves, that's when the world was supposed to end because of the Mayan Calendar, or something… Rich sounds awfully calm in the face of impending doom as he discusses creating incentive programs for people who give you referrals.

Rich Harshaw talks with Tim Brown Jr. of RGS Exteriors, discussing the strategic makeover that elevated net profit from 5% to 15% in just three years. They unpack actionable tactics, mindset shifts, and operational strategies tailored for remodeling pros aiming for sustainable, high-margin growth.

Rich's keynotes energize contractors to “make the jump” to $10 million+. He lays out identity-based websites, top-rank SEO, guaranteed PPC leads, and strategic radio/TV media—all integrated to deliver real lead volume, differentiate brands with precision and passion, and empower sustained, market-dominating growth.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… There are a few building blocks of the Level 10 philosophy that just never change… that you can take to the bank. Identity, Engaging Content, and Farming are three that come to mind. And also Diggable content. Yes, you have to have interesting, relevant ENGAGING content… on your site, in your ads… anywhere you are marketing. But the key is to make sure that people actually SEE it. That's what DIggable content is all about--making sure your awesome content is seen.

It·s another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run.This week, it's all about Fun! Specifically, it's a challenge to you to find ways to make doing business with your company more exciting and pleasurable! It's not only possible, it might actually be a big competitive advantage for you.

Have you ever bought leads from Home Advisor or Modernize or similar companies? How'd it go? If you're like most companies--not all that well. But there is a small group of contractors out there who have cracked the code and are making money hand over fist from what Rich calls “aggregated” leads… and in this episode, he covers both the pros and cons of pursuing them… and if you do, how to capitalize.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, we dig deep into the archives for a webinar Rich did on Canvassing in 2013. The information is still good… he covers why traditional canvassing approaches can be problematic, and three different ways to approach it that might be better and more effective. If you have any interest in knocking doors, this is the podcast for you.

Rich frequently talks on the podcast about the importance of building your brand; today Rich is going to talk about raising your prices so you can AFFORD to build your brand. He's going to share the story of the Ignition Code--which is all about having the swagger that comes with KNOWING you're the best. When you get there, it's time to raise those prices and get paid what you're really worth. Your sales staff might not like it--and Rich has a solution for that, too. You might want to take this one sitting down.

Have you ever thought about running a contest in your business as a lead generator? You know, like a sweepstakes… or a giveaway? As you're about to hear, contests can be very effective--if you have the right tools and the right plan in place. On the podcast, Rich is going to give you some quick tips on how to run a contest.

Everybody knows that reaching out to your existing customer base is a great way to generate incremental sales… but for many contractors, it's one of those “should do” things that they never really get around to. Consider today's podcast a little nudge in that direction… a little inspiration to get you moving.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. Here, we talk about referrals. We love referrals--love them!---which is why we practically beg every customer for a list of friends and family, understanding that if we could leverage this social proof, we could transform one job into a never-ending stream of revenue. Unfortunately, as we all know too well, referrals are more elusive than Bigfoot, and more times than not, when we ask for them as we wrap up the job, customers clam up like they're keeping a secret. They aren't lying or being cagey most of the time; they just really don't know who else needs a roof or new gutters or a  kitchen remodel when you ask them out of the blue.

This podcast is an answer to an email that Rich received recently from a podcast listener about landing pages. It seems that RIch had mentioned on a webinar that he prefers to send web traffic to landing pages that are on your main website… as opposed to some conventional wisdom that says you should have stand-along landing pages. What's the best way to handle this? Rich has all the answers on this admittedly thorny topic.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, Rich walks you through the website home page identities of 25 different remodeling companies in rapid-fire format. If you've ever listened to Rich talk about the concept of Identity and wanted to see examples, well, here's your big chance.

It's one of Rich's least favorite but most passionate topics today--the poo poo platter! This is a crappy radio or TV proposal that a TV or radio station will send over to a local contractor, hoping that they will sign it without really understanding what it is they are buying. Rich has had a couple of these sent his way recently for evaluation, which told him that it's time to do another podcast on this topic, so he can expose the tactic and save you from a bad media buy.

Unlock the secrets to explosive business growth with Gary Cohen of CCN. “Managing KPIs” distills complex metrics into simple, actionable steps. Learn how to track what matters—boost revenue, optimize profits, and scale your operations—all in just a few minutes. A must-watch for entrepreneurs serious about measurable success.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… Rich is going to talk about information offers. That's when you put an offer in your advertising for people to request a free report of some kind… you know, instead of just calling in to set an appointment. Information offers cause leads to go up… but a lot of those leads are not ready to meet with you. So… is it worth it? Rich thinks so… with a little strategy and planning.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. Here, we talk about squeezing every lead you can from a jobsite, specifically from the neighbors. We're talking proximity marketing strategies to incept your brand and brand promise---your identity as we call it--into the mind of every curious or jealous neighbor learning about the Smith's new steel roof or the Jones's updated kitchen from the jobsite sign in their yard to identity-driven take-one flyer, from the bright van wraps to the postcards with compelling education and offers that begin to show up in their mailboxes like clockwork.

AI call center technology just got 30-50x smarter. Balto CEO Mark Bernstein reveals how their real-time AI coaching transforms call center reps into closers while they're talking to customers. Unlike voice bots that make people hang up, this human-in-the-loop system provides instant answers, automated note-taking, and edge case solutions. Starting at $20K for 15 seats - the future of call centers is here.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Here, we're dipping into the archives clear back to 2012 when Rich did a webinar where he breaks down a book called “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It's a good book, and therefore, a good webinar/podcast… as Rich distills the most important parts for your listening convenience. First, he reviews principles from the book… then he talks about how to implement positive habits into your company and your marketing… and also your personal life.

Abby Bender reveals how she built Abby Home from startup to $15M using strategic TV marketing, storytelling, and her signature "I know a girl" tagline. Learn her exact playbook: 15-second TV spots, triple-pane window sales strategies, brand ambassador programs, and OTT advertising tactics that captured 27% market share in Milwaukee's competitive construction industry.

Okay, so you might be looking at the title of this podcast and be thinking, “what the heck is an information offer?” What we're talking about is in your advertising… instead of ONLY asking people to call in and set appointments… or only calling in to take advantage of some promotion or sale that you're running. ALSO giving people an option to request INFORMATION from you. That could be in the form on a comparison guide, and idea guide… something like that. Rich is here to give you all the details.. And show you exactly how this works.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… You know you need to write engaging blog posts… I mean, Rich has only talked about engaging content as the cornerstone of your website and SEO about a million times… but the question is: How do I come up with IDEAS for engaging content? Rich is here to shed some light on that topic… he has 5 ways, to be specific, including leaning into your identity, educating people about your products, identifying common sales questions, using something called The Headline Bank… and using Case Studies.

It·s another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

This Topic Showcase episode compiles highlights from 2000+ Level 10 Contractor podcasts, focusing on post-rejection sales strategies. Rich explores how to follow up after homeowners say no, turning rejections into future sales through persistence and education. Today, learn non-intrusive follow-up methods, hear from a CEO on effective programs, and discover the real reasons behind in-home sales failures and recovery tactics.

Fair warning, today's podcast has some elements of being political in it… but the message itself isn't political at all. It's about kindness, empathy, and compassion… and how to give yourself and others permission to be less than perfect. This will be helpful in both your personal life and your business life.  

Everyone knows online reviews are crucial, yet many contractors either lack them entirely or treat them as afterthoughts. Rich explores why reviews are game-changers across platforms like Amazon, App Store, and travel sites, then applies these insights to contracting businesses. Drawing from a relevant webinar, he demonstrates how strategic review management can transform your business success.

This podcast covers Operation Lead Surge, a major remodeling industry marketing event featuring 88 marketing ideas. The preview webinar focuses on magnetic identity building strategies, seven lead generation methods producing 200-500+ monthly leads, and conversion engines that stop profit leaks. The two-day Philadelphia event in September offers tactical, no-fluff systems for contractors spending $25K-$100K+ monthly on marketing, with exclusive attendee discounts available.

The discussion explores how companies can sacrifice short-term profits to accelerate growth and generate larger future profits. Amazon serves as the prime example of this strategy, successfully forgoing immediate profitability to reinvest in rapid expansion. This approach allows businesses to scale faster and ultimately achieve greater long-term financial success than traditional profit-focused models.

This podcast features Rich Harshaw and Tim Mush discussing five ways to improve speed to lead for contractors. Key strategies include: optimizing website conversion ability, testing response times regularly, routing leads to CRM with real-time alerts, communicating immediately through multiple channels (phone, email, text), and adding chat functionality to websites. They emphasize that 78% of customers buy from the first business that responds, making rapid follow-up critical. The discussion also stresses combining speed with skill for effective lead conversion.