Podcasts about contractors

Hiring a Contractor Part 3: The Handyman Pros continue the discussion on hiring contractors.  What should you be concerned with and how to avoid potential problems.  This episode discusses the agreement, estimates, and contracts.  Put it in writing.Questions, Comments, Concerns?Send us an email, ⁠questions@handymanprosradioshow.com⁠, go to our website and leave us a message, ⁠handymanprosradioshow.com⁠,, or join our facebook group ⁠@handyman pros⁠, or leave us a voice message ⁠(Click Here)⁠.

Schedule a Meeting with Joshua TODAY!Ever nailed the perfect proposal — only to hear, “Let me think about it”? What if that polite phrase actually means no? In this episode, Joshua Gillow uncovers why so many contractors and outdoor living professionals lose deals even after great consultations. If your clients vanish after smiling through your pitch, it's not your pricing — it's your process. You'll learn why emotion, not logic, drives the sale and how to tap into your customer's true motivation.You will:Discover the real reason customers say “I'll get back to you” — and how to prevent it.Learn the exact emotional questions that build instant trust and connection.Understand how to position yourself as a guide — not a salesperson — and become the premium choice in your market. Hit play now to learn how to turn every “let me think about it” into a confident “when can we start?” and finally close the deals you deserve.Connect with Joshua at:The WebsiteThe Facebook GroupSales Master ClassesHow to work with Joshua - https://yes.express/apply/Tune into this podcast where a seasoned craftsman shares expert communication skills, strategies for overcoming stress and overwhelm, and insights on building a profitable business in landscaping and hardscaping, with tips on how to sell, close more deals, and achieve financial freedom to retire early as a successful business owner in the design/build and outdoor living industry.

Without good books you never know if you are earning a profit and you have a great chance of sleepless nights worrying about cash.  Join Erin Andrews, owner of Level Accounting, as she explains why your bookkeeping is the roadmap of your business – not just a deduction tracker or afterthought.  She'll break down why hiring the wrong person to do your books is like hiring a Walmart greeter to draft your contracts…and yes, she actually said that. Free P&L Statement and Balance Sheet https://tinyurl.com/2rjd6wxu Ruth King Twitter - @RuthKing LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/   Podcast Produced by Nick Uttam https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-uttam-4b33a1147

Welcome back to another value-packed episode of the Untrapped Podcast! Keith Kalfas welcomes industry leader Naylor Taliaferro, founder of LCR Media and host of the LCR Summit, for a dynamic discussion about growing your lawn and landscaping business, the importance of networking, community-building events, and actionable strategies to scale both professionally and personally.   About Naylor Taliaferro:  Naylor Taliaferro is not just a business owner in the lawn care and landscaping space—he's a passionate leader, respected community builder, and innovator within the industry. As the founder of LCR Media and visionary behind the LCR Summit, Naylor has dedicated himself to helping entrepreneurs and professionals in the green sector connect, learn, and grow together. He began his journey inspired by early influencers and creators, noticing a genuine need for honest, detailed advice for people just starting. This gap led Naylor to document his own experiences, struggles, and breakthroughs, which quickly earned him a following. Today, he's a recognized authority on leveraging social media to build a brand, connect with potential clients, and inspire the next wave of landscape professionals. A significant part of Naylor's impact stems from his ability to organize and foster in-person events that go beyond the usual business practices. He started by creating the YouTube Rally—a casual meetup that has now become a hugely popular community event at industry expos, drawing hundreds of attendees each year. Building on this, he launched the LCR Summit. This game-changing two-day event combines hands-on business learning, high-level strategy, and networking with some of the industry's most successful and driven leaders. Naylor ensures the summit is both practical and immersive, focusing on not just business “toolsets” but also crucial elements such as mindset and skillset.   What You Will Discover:  How top entrepreneurs built thriving businesses and nurtured passionate communities in lawn care and landscaping. Lessons on the power of creating online content to market your business and connect with like-minded professionals. Proven frameworks for managing your business and personal life, including Naylor's unique “four seasons” success system.   “If you can restructure your business in a way that serves you instead of you being a servant to it, then you will come home with more energy and you'll come home a much better person, more positive, and then you'll have a much better mindset.” - Naylor Taliaferro   Episode Overview:  00:00:48 – 00:02:44 – Intro & Industry Titan Enters Keith and Naylor kick things off, reflecting on their 12+ year friendship, contributions to the landscaping community, and Naylor's impact as an educator, event host, and content creator. 00:02:44 – 00:10:39 – Roots of the Lawn Care Community Dive into the community's history, the evolution of online content (YouTube OGs), and the challenges and lessons of starting. Keith and Naylor discuss how content creation and knowledge sharing have shaped and unified the industry. 00:10:39 – 00:15:54 – First YouTube Rally & Community Growth Stories from the genre-defining Pleasure Ridge Pizza meetups and the exponential growth over the last 10 years. Naylor shares impactful moments of in-person gratitude and how those connections inspired his mission for further reach. 00:15:54 – 00:23:13 – Major Events for Industry Pros [Event Details] Equip Expo/YouTube Rally: Thursday, Oct 23rd, 6 pm at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC), Louisville, KY. The can't-miss in-person networking event, free with your Expo badge! Morning Show at Equip: Thursday, October 23rd, 8:00 a.m. Live stage podcasting and Q&A with top industry leaders. Pod Row: All days of the Equip Expo (Wed-Fri). Connect with podcasters, get on a show, and meet the community. 00:23:13 – 00:26:09 – Event Logistics & How-To Walk-through of venue info, how to register, where to stay, overview of event schedules, and tips for getting the most out of your trip to Louisville. 00:26:09 – 00:37:07 – LCR Summit Deep Dive LCR Summit: Monday & Tuesday, Oct 20-21, 9 am-5 pm at the Galt House, Louisville. A two-day immersive educational event covering mindset, skillset, toolset—business mastery, marketing, leadership, staffing, company culture, and personal development for green industry entrepreneurs. Get tickets at lcrsummit.com Ad: Footbridge Media Keith opens with a special shout-out to Footbridge Media, the experts in contractor marketing, optimized websites, SEO, and online presence geared towards growing your home service business. Visit footbridgemedia.com/Keith for more.    Ad: Jobber CRM Keith spotlights Jobber—an AI-powered CRM for home service pros. Features include automated billing, payments, review management, and a virtual receptionist. Ad info: Get a 2-week free trial and exclusive discount at getjobber.com/kalfas. Ad: Untrapped Alliance Private Group Join the Untrapped Alliance Private Group for bi-weekly live focus sessions, community networking, and actionable business coaching. Ad info: Apply at https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance 00:38:48 – 01:00:00 – Tactical Mindset, Marketing, & Takeaways Naylor and Keith discuss the importance of cyclical business and personal planning, the Four Seasons framework, and leveraging nature's lessons for entrepreneurial success. They emphasize the importance of continuous education, marketing (especially digital/content), and community engagement for long-term business growth. Closing – Wrap up with reminders to check out the LCR Summit, Equip Expo events, and the private Untrapped Alliance group. The hosts share their excitement for seeing listeners at the upcoming events and thank the audience for helping the Untrapped Podcast grow toward 1 million downloads. Key Takeaways Community is Everything: Networking, sharing, and connecting are the backbone of business growth in the green industry. Continual Learning: LCR Summit offers next-level insights, tactics, and mentorship—secure your spot early! Marketing is Non-Negotiable: Utilize social media and digital content to stay relevant and keep leads coming in. Business Systems: Adopt tools like Jobber CRM and partner with marketing pros like Footbridge Media to streamline growth. Get Involved: Equip Expo, YouTube Rally, Morning Show, and Pod Row are your annual chances to level up—don't miss out!   Connect with Naylor Taliaferro: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naylor_lcr_taliaferro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naylor.taliaferro/ Website: https://www.lcrmedianetwork.com/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/LawnCareRookie/   Connect with Keith Kalfas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Event & Resource Links LCR Summit Info & Tickets: lcrsummit.com Equip Expo Registration: https://plus.mcievents.com/event/equipexpo2025?RefId=KEITH50 Jobber CRM Free Trial:  getjobber.com/kalfas. Footbridge Media for Contractors: footbridgemedia.com/Keith Untrapped Alliance Application: keithkelfas.com/alliance     Written and Edited by: Ma. Teresa Catangay-Bardinas 

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Steve Bernas from the Better Business Bureau joined us to talk scams:-Naked picture send money asap email scam "Delete it no matter what you think, just delete it.  It's best not to even engage with them at all"-Tollway text scam-Random text scams -The paypal invoice scam-Contractor scamsscams, scams, and more scams ... IT'S THE TIP OFF TO THE RIPOFF! BBB.ORG   BBB.org To subscribe to The Pete McMurray Show Podcast just click here

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.Rich reminds time and again that effective marketing is good storytelling. That is what we are focusing on today: how and why it is crucial to tell your company's story in a way that explains–without a doubt–why you are the absolute best buying decision for your prospects.

A woman employee reports seeing a man at work with a baby's “pink pacifier” in his mouth, and “meowing” at people. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Q Edmonds interviews Hayden Wallace, who shares his journey in real estate, focusing on low-income housing. Hayden discusses the importance of progress, learning from failures, and the value of relationships in the industry. He emphasizes the need for gratitude and the lessons learned from challenges faced in his career. The conversation highlights the significance of community impact and personal growth in the real estate business.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

This Podcast Is Episode 646, And It's About Insights For Small Construction Business Owners Post-Disruption The past few years have been challenging for small business owners everywhere. For contractors, the global disruptions—pandemic shutdowns, supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, and inflation—hit especially hard. Projects were delayed, material costs spiked overnight, and cash flow felt like a rollercoaster.   If you're a small construction business owner, you've lived through it. And while it's been painful, it's also been a powerful teacher. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we've had front-row seats to see how disruptions shook contractors and what strategies helped them survive—or even thrive—despite the chaos.    Here are the key lessons learned from global disruption that every small contractor should carry forward.   1. Cash Flow is King When the world turned upside down, it wasn't just about profits on paper—it was about cash in the bank. Contractors who had substantial cash reserves or disciplined systems for separating money (using methods like Profit First) were able to weather late client payments, supply delays, and unexpected expenses. Those who ran lean with no buffer struggled the most. Many relied on credit cards, lines of credit, or personal savings to keep projects moving. Lesson: Always budget with a cushion. Build a reserve fund equal to at least two to three months of operating expenses. Cash flow isn't a luxury—it's survival. 2. Material pricing can change overnight Lumber tripled in price. The costs of concrete, steel, and copper spiked. Even basic items like drywall screws saw shortages. For contractors who bid on jobs months in advance, these increases wiped out their profit margins. The most resilient contractors learned to: Add price escalation clauses in contracts. Limit the validity period of an estimate. Communicate openly with clients about material volatility. Lesson: Build flexibility into your pricing. Protect yourself in writing from market swings you can't control.   3. Diversification builds stability Some contractors relied heavily on one type of work, such as extensive remodels or commercial tenant improvements. When those markets slowed during lockdowns, their revenue disappeared. Others had more diversified income streams—such as small service calls, maintenance contracts, consulting work, or digital products—and were able to pivot. Lesson: Don't rely on one type of project or client. Diversify your work mix so when one stream slows, another sustains you. 4. Relationships matter more than ever When suppliers had limited stock, who got the materials first? The contractors have strong, long-standing relationships. When crews were in short supply, which subs stuck around? The ones treated fairly, paid promptly, and respected. Lesson: Invest in your relationships. Pay suppliers and subs on time. Be transparent with clients. In times of disruption, trust and loyalty can save your business. 5. Technology isn't optional anymore The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology across the industry. Contractors who relied only on paper receipts, hand-written invoices, or in-person meetings found themselves at a standstill. Those using cloud-based bookkeeping, project management apps, digital invoicing, and video calls continued to move forward. Lesson: Adopt technology before you “need” it. Utilize digital systems for bookkeeping, estimating, contract management, and communication. It's not about replacing personal touch—it's about being adaptable when disruptions happen. 6. Lean teams are resilient teams   Many small contractors discovered they were carrying extra overhead—unused office space, underutilized vehicles, or administrative costs that didn't directly produce profit. During global disruption, reducing the crew to essentials, subs, and systems made survival possible. Lesson: Know your actual costs and eliminate waste. A lean operation is easier to sustain through downturns and easier to scale when demand returns.   7. Communication is your strongest tool   One of the biggest frustrations during disruption was uncertainty. Clients wanted updates. Subs wanted to know if they'd be paid. Suppliers were vague about delivery dates. Contractors who communicated clearly—even if the news wasn't good—earned respect. Those who stayed silent or overpromised quickly lost trust. Lesson: Make communication a priority. Share updates often and honestly. It builds confidence, even when circumstances aren't ideal.     8. Mental health and burnout are real   Global disruption didn't just strain finances—it strained people. Many contractors burned out from trying to keep jobs going under impossible conditions. Some worked longer hours to break even. Those who emerged stronger learned to set boundaries, delegate, and take care of themselves as much as they did their businesses. Lesson: You can't build a sustainable business if you're running on empty. Take time to recharge. A healthy owner leads a wholesome company.   9. Long-term planning beats short-term panic   Disruption exposed those who were running their business reactively and those who had systems in place for long-term stability. Contractors with business plans, financial tracking, and clear goals were able to make adjustments without losing direction. Those who made decisions only in the heat of crisis often compounded their problems. Lesson: Develop a Long-Term Strategy for Your Business. Even if the world shifts, you'll have a framework to guide your choices.   10. Adaptability is a competitive advantage   Perhaps the biggest lesson? The contractors who survived weren't always the strongest or the biggest—they were the most adaptable. They adopted new ways of working, revised their bidding process, experimented with various marketing approaches, and weren't afraid to adapt their business model. Lesson: Stay flexible. The ability to pivot quickly is more valuable than size or experience.   Final thoughts Global disruption has left scars on the construction industry, but it has also left lessons that we can't ignore. For small contractors, the takeaway is clear: Protect your cash flow. Write airtight contracts. Diversify your work. Invest in relationships and technology. Prioritize communication and your own well-being. Disruptions may come again—whether global or local. But the lessons you've learned now can make your business stronger, more resilient, and more profitable in the long run. About The Author: Norhalma Verzosa is a Certified Construction Marketing Professional and serves as the Web Administrator of Fast Easy Accounting, located in Lynnwood, WA. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Internet Web Professional, with certifications in Site Development Associate, Google AdWords Search Advertising, and HubSpot Academy. She manages the entire web presence of Fast Easy Accounting using a variety of SaaS tools, including HubSpot, Teachable, Shopify, and WordPress.

Today, Danielle Putnam, CEO of The New Flat Rate, sits down with Brennen Smith, Fractional CMO and founder of Compass Fractional, to unpack how contractors can stop wasting marketing dollars and start building strategies that actually drive revenue. From identifying “revenue levers” and constraints, to uncovering hidden cash flow in open estimates, Brennen explains how service businesses can think beyond quick fixes and set themselves apart in a crowded market. Whether you're tired of guessing where to spend your ad budget, or you want a long-term plan that matches your company's culture and vision, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can put into action right away.Social Media Links:InstagramTNFR- https://www.instagram.com/thenewflatrateFacebookTNFR- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheNewFlatRate⁠⁠⁠LinkedInTNFR- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-flat-rate-inc-/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠⁠Compass Fractional- https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithbp/YouTubeCompass Fractional- https://www.youtube.com/@Brennen_SmithLinks and Resources:⁠⁠https://thenewflatrate.com/https://compassfractional.com/https://compassfractional.com/tools

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In this conversation, seasoned real estate developer Matthew Otero shares his journey into the real estate industry, discussing his early experiences, the challenges of financing development projects, and the importance of understanding regulations and building relationships with city officials. He highlights the current trend towards new construction over flipping properties and offers insights into managing contractors effectively. Matthew also shares details about his current projects and the lucrative opportunities in the real estate market.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

The Patina shines in the Championship parade as political dealings behind closed doors cause unforeseen chaos.Cast: - Marathon Messenger is played by Penn Van Batavia. She can be found on Twitter at @acquiredchaste and in drag as horror king JOHN on Instagram at @john.is.risen. Penn is an indie TTRPG designer whose most recent work includes SLICE *IT* OUT, a grisly carving RPG about cutting pieces of yourself out to fit in. Check out faer other work at pennharper.itch.io. - Cassidy Shard is played by Sydney Whittington. She is our wonderful editor. She's also a contributing editor and occasional guest player for the Orpheus Protocol, a cosmic horror espionage actual play podcast. Find her on Twitter at @sydney_whitt. - Emma Blackwood is played by Cameron Robertson. Find her on Twitter at @midnightmusic13 and on Instagram at @reading_and_dreaming. Cameron is also a player on Tabletop Squadron, a Star Wars Edge of the Empire actual play podcast. - Birdie Foundling is played by Kit Adames. Find her on Twitter at @venusvultures. Kit is also a voice actor and writer on Elevator Pitch Podcast, a queer genre-hopping anthology podcast that can be accessed on Spotify and YouTube. - Our GM and narrator is Nick Robertson. Find him on Twitter at @alias58. Nick is also the GM for Tabletop Squadron and can also be found as a player on the Orpheus Protocol.Music & Sound Credits: - This podcast features the musical talents of Dora Violet and Arne Parrott. You can find Dora at facebook.com/doraviolett. You can find Arne at atptunes.com. - old radio Channel search sound effect by Garuda1982. Link & License. - WALLA Ballpark Applause Short 05 by AshFox. Link & License. - WALLA Ballpark Applause Short 01 by AshFox. Link & License. - Cardiff Indoor Market by odilonmarcenaro. Link & License. - Riot Crowd Immersed in 5.1 Take 1 by MrProfDrDickweed. Link & License. - Sleepers by Sergey Cheremisinov. Link & License. - Death Valley (ID 1001) - Remastered by Lobo Loco. Link & License.Art Credits: - The official artwork for this podcast was created by Rashed AlAkroka, who can be found on Instagram and Artstation @rashedjrs.Find Us Online: - Our Website - Twitter - Join our Patreon - Join our Discord

Over the last five years, Steve Carroll scaled Kelso Industries from zero to $1.1–$1.2B top line with 3,500+ employees across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) — powered by 29 acquisitions and an “empowered, decentralized” operating model. In this wide-ranging conversation, Steve and John unpack the Kelso flywheel (construction ➜ retrofit ➜ maintenance ➜ service), how to choose what to centralize vs. decentralize, why leadership pipelines matter more than playbooks, and the realities of integrating owner-led companies at scale. We also dig into data center demand, non-union strategy, and the “survival mode” moments that nearly derailed the journey.If you're thinking about multi-location expansion, commercial/industrial MEP, or acquiring while operating, this one's a blueprint.What You'll Learn-The Kelso flywheel: use construction as an entry point, expand into retrofit, sell maintenance, earn lifetime service-29 acquisitions without breaking culture: partnering with operators, light-touch integrations, and when to standardize-Centralize vs. decentralize: cash & risk centralization; empower branches on P&L, customers, and ops-Building leadership pipelines (trades & military) to keep growth from stalling-Data centers & industrial demand: where the growth is and what capabilities matter- How a billion-dollar platform still treats growth like survival

A new set calculator on the Enverge.App is designed to provide contractors with a quick, mobile tool displaying instant estimates for how many spray foam sets a project will need, as well as built-in calculators for circles, triangles, and corrugated metal. Ryan Decker, spray foam brand manager for Enverge, chats with CoatingsPro Magazine regarding the importance of digital integration for contractors and applicators; feedback from early adopters of these technologies; marketplace trends in the industry; and more.

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Schedule a Meeting with Joshua TODAY!Are you tired of being ghosted by clients even after giving them exactly what they asked for? Most outdoor living pros, hardscapers, and landscapers sell features — patios, decks, fire pits — without uncovering the deeper pain their clients are trying to solve. And that's exactly why they lose jobs to competitors with weaker skills but stronger listening. In this episode, you'll learn:Why clients are twice as motivated by avoiding pain as they are by gaining pleasure.The exact questions that uncover hidden pain points and create urgency to buy.How shifting from “feature selling” to “pain solving” builds trust, closes more deals, and attracts premium clients. Hit play now to discover how to stop being replaceable and start winning more outdoor living projects with confidence and clarity.Connect with Joshua at:The WebsiteThe Facebook GroupSales Master ClassesHow to work with Joshua - https://yes.express/apply/Tune into this podcast where a seasoned craftsman shares expert communication skills, strategies for overcoming stress and overwhelm, and insights on building a profitable business in landscaping and hardscaping, with tips on how to sell, close more deals, and achieve financial freedom to retire early as a successful business owner in the design/build and outdoor living industry.

Join Molly Nolan and Colin Nolan as they preview the 2025 Grand Summit Conference in Seattle- NCG's largest annual event bringing together business owners for learning, networking, and one-on-one coaching. Discover what's new this year, including keynote speaker Tiffany Bova, interactive Table Talks, sessions on AI and bot building, strategic wealth building, and business valuation, plus enhanced opportunities for collaboration among the Summit community. Registration closes October 3rd, so don't miss your chance to invest in your business growth at this can't-miss event!Register Here: https://sites.google.com/nolancg.com/grand-summit-2025-seattle/attendee-registration 

What separates an average technician from one customers love and leaders promote? It's not just technical skill — it's the discipline and soft skills that build trust. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore sits down with Jesse Olson and David Grennel. David shares his personal transformation — losing 70 pounds, reshaping his habits, and sharpening his communication — and how that discipline turned him into a stronger technician and leader. Jesse and Chris highlight why appearance, preparation, and confidence shape customer trust, and how great technicians go beyond fixing problems to become true client delighters, problem solvers, and revenue producers. If you're in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical — or you're a manager training the next generation of techs — this episode shows why discipline and soft skills are the difference between being just a “fixer” and becoming unforgettable. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why discipline is the foundation of technician success How appearance and preparation impact customer trust Why customers buy confidence as much as technical skill The Technician Triangle: client delighter, solver, producer How personal growth creates professional opportunities

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to lead stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Brian Hess, founder of Top Contractor School and The Pavement Group, to talk about what it takes to thrive in uncertain times. From starting The Pavement Group in 2018 to building a 3,300+ member 1 Team Network, Brian shares the vision behind TCS, the challenges contractors face right now, and the systems, mindset, and community that help leaders win no matter the market.

On October 8, we're teaming up with Luke Hansen and two high-performance contractors to show you how to fix your communication problems (with clients, subs, staff and more). Register for our Contractor Communications Roundtable here: https://trybta.com/CE-COM-OC2025Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/DL239Join us at Build Show Live! Use promo code BTA25 for 25% off your registration. Register here.To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP239 The modern buyer doesn't want to wait. They expect instant answers, real-time communication, and a seamless experience from first click to final payment. Today, Liveswitch CRO James Hatfield is on the show to talk about how create a seamless and speedy experience for customers using virtual --quoting.--Here's a hard reality:The modern buyer doesn't want to wait. They expect instant answers, real-time communication, and a seamless experience from first click to final payment.But most trades businesses struggle to make that a reality for their customers.Today, I'm joined by James Hatfield, CRO at LiveSwitch, to unpack a faster, smarter way to sell—without losing the human connection.We'll cover how expectations have shifted, where contractors are still falling short, and how to blend speed with authenticity in every step of the sales journey.If you want to win the “race to the face” and elevate your customer experience, this one's for you.00:00 - Intro02:03 - History of Liveswitch04:15 - Balancing race to face vs. personalization07:46 - What does the modern buyer expect from a sales process?11:02 - What does the virtual quoting experience look like for customers?16:37 - Benefits of tech-enabled sales24:19 - Creating a tech-enabled review/referral process27:04 - Claiming the property with QR codes32:16 - Does EVERY customer really prefer tech-enabled sales?34:20 - Other tech to add to your stack39:08 - Final thoughts and wrap up

What if repairs didn't stall your schedule or drain your cash while invoices pile up? We sit down with Starwind Equipment Services' president, Randi Glaszer, to unpack a smarter way to protect heavy equipment—one that matches the way contractors actually buy, finance, and fix their machines.We break down how multi‑year physical damage insurance on admitted paper can be written to the life of a lease or loan, with rates locked, loss payees satisfied, and premiums often rolled into financing. Randi explains why Starwind pays 100% actual cash value up front instead of staging replacement cost, and how broad PDI protection follows the machine through real‑world risks like transit damage, overturn, flood, theft, and job site incidents. The real unlock is claims. Starwind assigns one adjuster to coordinate both PDI and ESC from day one, opening files together, paying verified labor during parts delays, and ensuring towing, cranes, and protection costs don't slip through notice windows. We also talk eligibility, state availability, equipment age and exclusions, and why this model was built to advocate for small and mid‑sized contractors who can't afford friction when iron is idle. If you want fewer surprises, faster releases from the dealer, and protection that keeps projects moving, this conversation is for you. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to resumes@crcgroup.com today!

Thousands of federal workers are furloughed under the current government shutdown. Many fear their jobs could be lost under further reductions in force.

In this episode of the Investor Fuel podcast, host Michelle Kesil interviews Robert Carmona, a general contractor and owner of XRB Construction Services. Robert shares insights into his approach to construction management, emphasizing the importance of honesty and education in working with investors. He discusses current projects focused on maximizing property value and zoning, as well as strategies for helping investors understand the construction process. The conversation also touches on Robert's expansion plans and how he aims to create livable spaces that generate income for property owners.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Join Todd Miller and Ethan Young on this episode of Construction Disruption, featuring special guest Jordan Rueschhoff, Residential Sales Manager at Diversified Roofing. Jordan shares his journey from college athlete to roofing industry leader, discussing key experiences and insights gained along the way.Learn about the challenges and innovations in roofing, the importance of understanding the full scope of business operations, and effective sales and lead generation strategies. Jordan also explains how AI and digital tools are revolutionizing the industry and offers valuable advice for new salespeople. This episode is packed with practical tips and forward-thinking perspectives for anyone interested in the construction and home improvement sectors.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Host Banter01:22 Guest Introduction: Jordan Rueschhoff of Diversified Roofing02:05 Jordan's Journey: From College Athlete to Roofing Sales Manager05:25 Challenges and Successes in the Roofing Industry07:12 Sales Strategies and Team Management12:33 Lead Generation and Market Trends20:16 The Evolution of the Roofing Industry20:39 Innovations in Sales Technology22:55 Solar Energy and Sustainability Trends25:14 AI and Digital Tools in Roofing27:57 Challenges in the Roofing Industry30:23 Advice for New Salespeople32:56 Rapid Fire Questions36:54 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationConnect with Jordan OnlineLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-rueschhoff-462a7b93/Website: https://www.diversifiedroofing.com/Phone:  (602) 885-7133For more Construction Disruption, listen on Apple Podcasts or YouTubeConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedInThis episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.Construction Disruption was recently featured in this 15 Best Podcasts for Contractors list!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

High performers who wreck culture? Fire them. Elijah Mumm breaks down “culture over profits,” paying reps what they're owed, authentic sales, and how he'd scale a roofing company in 90 days. If you lead a roofing or home-service team, this is your playbook—leadership structure, rep development, and retention that prints revenue.

Inspection Fuel 2025 was FIRE! Pun intended. And we have SO much content to share with y'all starting with this episode! We kick off the show reflecting on some Fuel highlights during our time in New Orleans, including networking opportunities we had, engaging presentations we saw, and memorable moments. We also get into the evolution of the show, the concept behind 'The Ride Along,' and the importance of vendor insights in the inspection industry. In fact, the next couple of episodes highlight one of the key vendors at Fuel, ISN. As two inspectors who use ISN daily, we were stoked to hear about all the improvements made to the Report Writer, the app, and even some of the neat time-saving AI features they're launching. Be sure to comment about you favorite Inspection Fuel highlights!  The TLDR: - Networking is a key highlight of events.  - Mardi Gras World exceeded expectations.  - The live show format was a unique experience. - Audience participation added to the event's success. - The show's name change reflects its purpose. - Riding along with inspectors is a valuable learning experience. - Vendors play a crucial role in the industry. - Feedback from the audience helps shape the show. - The venue's layout fostered community interaction. - Future episodes will feature insights from various vendors. The links: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show  Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com      

While a shutdown is looming, one federal department is positioned to have a lot of funding no matter the outcome of congressional negotiations. This week, the Department of Homeland Security has more than $150 billion to spend from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed over the summer, and federal contractors are following the money and positioning themselves to contribute to DHS's mission. For more, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Jason is joined by reality TV and Jupiter, Florida's favorite couple, Tyler Cameron and Tate Madden! Many know Tyler from his numerous reality TV appearances, more specifically in Bachelor Nation where he was looking to find love. Little did he know that true love was right under his nose having met Tate while working at his company in Florida. Tyler and Tate have continued working together in their own entrepreneurial endeavors, including a new career pivot for Tyler. Tyler and Tate open up about where life and business have taken them since reality TV. Tyler shares his transition into real estate, what it's really like working as a realtor compared to being a contractor, and why—despite signing with Serhant—he won't be appearing on Selling Manhattan. He talks about the importance of being part of a team, his Emmy nomination, and the best house flip they've pulled off so far, plus why the “buy and hold” tactic matters in real estate. Tate dives into building her personal brand online, blocking out the noise of social media, and the influence her mom had on their early DIY projects. Together, they reflect on long-term professional and personal planning, the challenges that come with doing things that feel scary or uncomfortable, and how their personalities balance one another. From whether reality TV could still be in their future, to how their parents defend them online, to what today's reality shows can learn from younger generations—Tyler and Tate leave no stone unturned. And of course, some rapid-fire fun to wrap it all up. Tate and Tyler reveal all this and so much more in another episode you can't afford to miss! Host: Jason Tartick Co-Host: David Arduin Audio: John Gurney Guest: Tyler Cameron + Tate Madden Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!  Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast  Youtube: Trading Secrets Facebook: Join the Group All Access: Free 30-Day Trial  Trading Secrets Steals & Deals! Trova Trip: If you've been putting off that "someday" trip because of time or planning stress — here's your sign. Go to trovatrip.com and use code TRADINGSECRETS for $100 off your first trip. UpWork: Posting a job on Upwork is easy; with no cost to join, you can register, browse freelancer profiles, get help drafting a job post, or even book a consultation. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Yubico: Protecting the personal and business applications and accounts that people and companies rely on every day, the YubiKey stops AI-powered cyberattacks, online identity scams, fraud, and account takeovers. It provides powerful protection and it's easy to use. Visit Yubico.com and  use code “JASON” at purchase for $5 off a YubiKey 5C NFC.

Eric focuses on the concept of the "one degree of correction," emphasizing that small, consistent adjustments lead to significant long-term results in both business and personal life. The discussion centers on the importance of tracking and visibility to identify issues, drawing parallels between steering an airplane off course by one degree and the cumulative effects of minor deviations in areas like caloric intake or construction project management. The latter half of the conversation features participants sharing personal struggles and strategies related to balancing entrepreneurial work with family time, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being to achieve overall success and avoid regret. Key Takeaways: Consistently make small, one-degree course corrections to maintain your desired life trajectory. Clearly identify the destination you want to reach, or you will end up simply drifting. Stop guessing about key areas in your business or health and start tracking the important details for accuracy. Do not attempt to solve all problems simultaneously; instead, focus on correcting the one issue causing the most friction or time loss. Set aside intentional time for personal happiness and family, establishing hard limits that prioritize these important areas.

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Hiring a Contractor Part 2: The Handyman Pros continue the discussion on hiring contractors.  What should you be concerned with and how to avoid potential problems.  This episode discusses Describing the project, Sourcing contractors, Contacting contractors, and many other important tips for hiring contractors.

Schedule a Meeting with Joshua TODAY!Are you secretly draining your profits by constantly discounting your projects? Many contractors believe discounting is just part of doing business — or that they'll raise their prices once they have more jobs, photos, or experience. But the truth is, discounting destroys trust with clients, wrecks your margins, and leaves you stuck in a cycle of stress and self-doubt. In this episode, you'll discover:Why confidence — not pricing — is the real key to stopping discounts.How discounting silently erodes client trust and damages long-term relationships.The mindset shift every contractor must make to charge premium prices without apology.Press play now to learn how to ditch the discounts, reclaim your confidence, and finally get paid what you're worth.How to work with Joshua - https://yes.express/apply/Tune into this podcast where a seasoned craftsman shares expert communication skills, strategies for overcoming stress and overwhelm, and insights on building a profitable business in landscaping and hardscaping, with tips on how to sell, close more deals, and achieve financial freedom to retire early as a successful business owner in the design/build and outdoor living industry.

How do you know your marketing and advertising is paying for itself? Or are you throwing money down a black hole and not seeing any returns? Parker Ruiz, the CEO of Signature Media, gives you ways you can discover whether your marketing and advertising is producing the returns you want…and what to do if it isn't. Free P&L Statement and Balance Sheet https://tinyurl.com/2rjd6wxu Ruth King Twitter - @RuthKing LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/   Podcast Produced by Nick Uttam https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-uttam-4b33a1147

Stephen Grootes speaks to Bongani Dladla, CEO of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), about Minister Dean Macpherson’s endorsement of the blacklisting of 40 contractors since June, framing it as a decisive step in fighting the so-called “construction mafia.” Dallas unpacks how the CIDB process works, the criteria used to root out rogue players, and why cracking down on corruption and underperformance is vital to protect public money, restore trust, and safeguard South Africa’s infrastructure projects. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 focus on joint ventures. What's a joint venture? It's when you work with other companies to leverage either their brand or their customer list to generate leads and sales. Rich covers three instances of joint ventures in this episode. First, becoming a content provider… second, what he calls “left field endorsements,” and third “when you have something to sell no one has ever heard of.” Sit back and take notes. The answer to your question about where to locate more leads might just be your neighboring businesses.

Eric shares a "Weekly Compass" call, which serves as a business and personal development training session, emphasizing that "minutes equal money and mountains." He discusses the importance of tracking time, reducing workplace inefficiencies, and the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions in both business and personal growth. Examples range from calculating the financial cost of wasted time during meetings to highlighting participants' positive transformations in health and business success through daily, incremental improvements, or "the slight edge." The discussion also touches on the challenges of leadership, delegation, and maintaining personal well-being while striving for professional ascension. Key Takeaways: Manage your minutes vigilantly to ensure they accumulate into wealth, not overwhelming problems. Incorporate small, consistent daily training moments to ensure deep, long-lasting growth. Strive for ascension in every activity, as every moment is either moving you toward growth or decline. Direct your attention toward educational content that furthers your goals rather than noise that creates frustration. If struggling or feeling self-sabotage, reset by returning to a simple, locked-in diet and prioritizing sufficient rest.

In the second episode of our multi-part Shoptalk series, host David Carothers, co-host Kyle Houck, and guest Zane Goldthorp of ProWriters dive into the strategy of selling cyber insurance in a soft market. The conversation begins with an update on ProWriters' expanded capabilities as a full-scale professional liability wholesaler. The core of the episode focuses on the agent's "duty to offer" and presents a powerful strategic argument for getting clients into a cyber policy now, before the market inevitably hardens. They provide tactical advice for overcoming client pushback and reframe the conversation from selling a policy to fulfilling an advisor's duty to protect a client's livelihood. Key Highlights: More Than Just Cyber: ProWriters' Full Capabilities Zane Goldthorp clarifies that ProWriters is a full-scale professional liability wholesaler, handling everything from Tech E&O and D&O to specialty programs for Contractors and A&E, now backed by their acquisition by Victor. He also explains that their platform is complemented by a team of expert brokers who handle complex risks offline, ensuring agents have support for any professional liability need. The "Duty to Offer" Cyber Insurance David makes a strong case that agents have professional and E&O-driven "duty to offer" cyber coverage. He argues that an agent's job is to protect a client's assets and livelihood, which makes the cyber conversation a non-negotiable part of the relationship, even when clients are facing rate increases on other lines of coverage. The Strategic Case for Buying in a Soft Market The conversation presents a compelling strategy: get your clients into a cyber policy now. By the time high-profile breaches and increased claims make clients want to buy coverage, the market will have already hardened. David and Zane argue that the smart play is to lock in coverage when pricing is low and underwriting is flexible, turning a difficult future new business placement into a much simpler renewal. Overcoming Client Pushback on Price When a client is facing other premium increases, the agent must reframe the cyber conversation. The key is to acknowledge the financial strain but explain that an uninsured cyber claim would be far more catastrophic to their business. The hosts provide advice on breaking the cost down into manageable business terms to show its affordability relative to the risk. Connect with: Zane Goldthorp LinkedIn David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp ProWriters Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes

Some quotes: “When we treat the house as the biggest duct, comfort and performance finally line up.” “Field data becomes financial data the moment a homeowner decides—so it has to be right.” “If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.” — often attributed to Lord Kelvin Fresh back from the early-September NCI Summit in Austin, Bill and Eric recap three big themes: whole-home thinking, data you can trust, and tools that make better work faster. The “high-performance HVAC” mindset came through in a lively contractor panel moderated by Ben Lipscomb, where folks like Mitch Bailey, Dustin Cole, Ty Branaman, Jeremy Begley, MIcahel Cianfrocco, and others talked about uniting HVAC and building science to solve real problems, improve installs, and reduce callbacks. NCI's training depth—airflow, combustion, diagnostics—was front and center, and the format (several sessions presented twice) helped attendees catch more of what mattered. Eric highlighted his session on using recorded field data for smarter troubleshooting and clearer homeowner communication, calling out platforms like MeasureQuick to aggregate, analyze, and report. On the show floor, you two dug into standout tools: the Shaeco fin-restoration attachment for oscillating tools (a genuine hail-damage time saver), the EEV-Mate for driving unipolar electronic expansion valves (with a demo Ty Branaman filmed), and Testo's 860i wireless thermal imager that streams to a phone or tablet—great for homeowner show-and-tell. Startups NOSO Labs (AI for windshield-time prep and voice-note capture) and Thalo Labs (multi-point system sensors) hinted at where the trade is headed. With ~210 attendees and ~20 exhibitors—Fieldpiece, TEC, Daikin, Energy Circle, TSI, Sauermann, and more—the vibe was busy, practical, and optimistic. They also shouted out the Canadian contingent (including Anthony Woo, Contractor of the Year-Small) and noted EOS adoption gains. Bill also notes that BetterHVAC.org sign-ups ticked up to ~250 contractors, and he previewed a heavy fall travel calendar (Nexstar Super Meeting, Women in HVACR, BPA New England, Heat Pump Summit, ASHRAE Buildings XVI, etc.). NCI's next Summit is slated for September 2026 the Great Smoky Mountains—contractors should keep an eye out. LINKS: Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ NCI site: https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/ NCI Homeowner site: https://www.myhomecomfort.org/ NCI Summit Site: https://www.gotosummit.com/ The GRIT Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/ The Joe Groh Foundation: https://www.josephgrohfoundation.org/ Shaeco Coil Straightener: https://trutechtools.com/condenser-coil-connection/ EEV Mate: https://trutechtools.com/eevmate Testo 860i: https://trutechtools.com/testo-860i-wireless-thermal-imaging-camera/ BetterHVAC: www.BetterHVAC.org This episode was recorded in September 2025.  

This Podcast Is Episode 645, And It's About Construction Estimates: Why Your Bids Should Spell Everything Out As a contractor, you've likely had this experience: you deliver a job estimate to a client, they accept, and you get to work. Everything goes smoothly—until halfway through the project when the client says, “Wait, I thought this included the backsplash,” or “I assumed cleanup was part of the price.” Suddenly, what you thought was a straightforward project turns into a debate about expectations. The client feels misled, you feel frustrated, and worst of all, your profit margin starts to shrink. The root problem? The estimate wasn't clear enough. In construction, your estimate is more than just a number—it's a roadmap. It tells your client what's included, what's not, and sets the financial foundation for your project. A vague or rushed estimate leads to misunderstandings, disputes, and, most importantly, lost profits. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we've seen time and again that contractors who take the time to create precise, detailed estimates consistently run more profitable jobs. Let's break down why your bids should spell everything out, and how doing so protects your bottom line. The Real Cost of Vague Estimates When your estimate is unclear, three things happen: 1. Scope Creep Becomes Inevitable If you don't define exactly what's included, clients will naturally assume more. Every “little” addition—a fixture change, extra paint coat, or a bit of demo—eats into your profit. Without a signed change order, you're essentially doing free work. 2. Client Trust Erodes A client who feels surprised by added charges won't just be upset—they'll question your integrity. Even if you're being fair, unclear estimates make you look unprofessional. 3. Cash Flow Suffers If you forget to include certain costs—like disposal fees, permits, or delivery—you'll end up covering them out of pocket. Multiply that over several jobs, and suddenly your bank account feels tight, even though you're “busy.” What Clear Estimates Do for Your Business A well-written estimate does more than avoid disputes; it also facilitates effective communication. It creates a foundation for profitability: Protects Your Profit Margin – By listing labor, materials, and extras, you ensure that nothing is forgotten and everything is accurately priced. Manages Client Expectations – Clients understand precisely what they're getting and what they're not. No surprises, no arguments. Improves Professional Reputation – A polished, detailed bid positions you as a contractor who runs a serious business. This often justifies higher pricing. Simplifies Bookkeeping & Job Costing – Clear estimates help you track actual vs. estimated costs, making future bids more accurate.   What to Include in Every Estimate To protect your profit, your bids should cover more than just the basics. Here's what to spell out: 1. Scope of Work Detail exactly what work will be performed. For example: “Remove and replace 200 sq. ft. of flooring in the living room” is clearer than “Install flooring.” 2. Materials List the materials included, specifying the grade or brand when possible. If clients want upgrades, they'll know it costs more. 3. Labor Costs Break down labor separately from materials. This not only clarifies pricing but also helps if the client questions why the project costs what it does. 4. Timeline & Scheduling Provide an estimated start and completion date, along with notes on potential delays (e.g., permits, weather, client decisions). 5. Exclusions Spell out what is not included. For example, disposal, electrical, or painting, if not part of your scope. This protects you from assumptions. 6. Change Order Policy Include language like: “Any work not listed in this estimate will require a signed change order before proceeding.” This sets the expectation from the start. 7. Payment Terms Outline deposit requirements, progress payments, and final payment due dates. Clear payment terms support healthy cash flow. A Real-Life Example Let's say you bid on a bathroom remodel at $10,000. You wrote “install new tile floor” in your estimate. Halfway through, the client says they thought you were also retiling the shower walls. You now face a choice: Eat the cost and do it to keep the client happy (losing profit), or Argue that it wasn't included (damaging the relationship). If your estimate had said, “Install new tile floor, 200 sq. ft., client provides tile. Shower tile not included,” the expectation would be clear. Any additional work would require a signed change order. No profit lost. How Clear Estimates Make Bookkeeping Easier From a bookkeeping standpoint, detailed estimates are gold. Why? Because they give you a clear benchmark for job costing, you can compare what you estimated vs. what you actually spent on labor, materials, and subs. Over time, this data makes your bids sharper and your margins more reliable. Without detailed estimates, your books become guesswork. You'll never know which jobs are profitable and which ones are draining your resources. Tips for Creating Clear, Professional Estimates Use Templates – Don't start from scratch each time. A standard estimate template ensures you never forget important details. Leverage Software – Even basic estimating tools or accounting software can help automate calculations and keep everything organized. Don't Rush – Take the time to measure, calculate, and spell things out. A rushed estimate often leads to rushed profits. Review Before Sending – Double-check that labor, materials, and exclusions are listed clearly. Keep Copies – Always save a signed copy for your records. Final thoughts In construction, profit isn't just about how well you build—it's about how well you plan. A clear estimate isn't busywork; it's a tool that protects your bottom line, manages client expectations, and sets you apart as a professional. Every time you prepare a bid, ask yourself: If someone who knows nothing about construction read this, would they understand precisely what's included and what's not? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track. Remember: Clear estimates lead to clear profits. Don't leave your success up to chance—spell it out, every time. About The Author: Norhalma Verzosa is a Certified Construction Marketing Professional and serves as the Web Administrator of Fast Easy Accounting, located in Lynnwood, WA. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Internet Web Professional, with certifications in Site Development Associate, Google AdWords Search Advertising, and HubSpot Academy. She manages the entire web presence of Fast Easy Accounting using a variety of SaaS tools, including HubSpot, Teachable, Shopify, and WordPress.

Episode 2646 - Contractor says who killed Kirk? Netanyahu rips Tucker? The Afghanistan withdrawal . Is antisemitism on the rise globally? Was Epstein CIA? Fireside chat today! Great show

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After someone survives a disaster like a wildfire or hurricane, they often face daunting decisions while trying to rebuild. A growing number of scammers are targeting people seeking contractors, especially as events like flooding, hurricanes and wildfires happen more often.  Naveena Sadasivam is a senior staff writer for Grist. She’s covered disaster scams for the outlet and joins us with details of her reporting and how to avoid a scam.   Learn more about how to report fraud after a disaster in Oregon here.

In this episode, Paul talks about working clearance and chimes in on the debate about the requirement for working clearance and if it's even required for Transformers. Now, we are not talking Utility Transformers as we all know PAUL doesn't talk about utility stuff. Also, he addresses the working clearance for the AC Disconnect in this episode also.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visits https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/master-the-nec-podcast--1083733/support.Struggling with the National Electrical Code? Discover the real difference at Electrical Code Academy, Inc.—where you'll learn from the nation's most down-to-earth NEC expert who genuinely cares about your success. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just the best NEC training you'll actually remember.Visit https://FastTraxSystem.com to learn more.

The Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) effort has uncovered that many contractors are unaware of export control violations, which could lead to significant legal and financial penalties. As the certification becomes mandatory, early assessments indicate common violations of the International Traffic in Arms Regulation and Export Administration Regulations. Contractors are urged to map controlled, unclassified information and review data controls to identify and mitigate these violations before audits occur. This highlights the critical need to integrate export compliance with cybersecurity measures.Meanwhile, Congress is experimenting with Microsoft's AI chatbot, CoPilot, as part of an initiative to incorporate artificial intelligence into legislative operations. This move has sparked concerns among critics regarding the potential risks of misinformation and privacy hazards associated with using experimental technology in governance. Additionally, Congress faces challenges in renewing a vital cyber threat information sharing program, which is set to expire soon, raising alarms about the implications for national cybersecurity efforts.On the cybersecurity front, artificial intelligence is increasingly being exploited by criminal hackers, leading to a new era of sophisticated attacks. Generative AI technologies are being used to craft convincing phishing scams and manipulate everyday tools to execute attacks without triggering security alerts. Recent incidents have demonstrated the effectiveness of these tactics, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and advanced security measures to protect against evolving threats.In the realm of technology, companies like Notion, Google, and Zoom are embedding powerful AI features into their platforms, fundamentally changing how users interact with these tools. Notion's new AI agent can autonomously perform tasks, while Google has integrated its Gemini AI into Chrome for enhanced usability and security. Zoom is set to introduce photorealistic AI avatars for meetings, showcasing the rapid adoption of AI in everyday applications. As these tools become the new baseline, IT service providers must adapt by focusing on governance, compliance, and security to ensure that their clients can safely navigate this evolving landscape. Four things to know today 00:00 Compliance Blind Spots, Political Delays, and AI Experiments Show Why IT Providers Must Be the Steady Hand05:02 Generative AI Fuels Phishing and Supply Chain Attacks While SonicWall and WatchGuard Struggle With Flaws09:08 Notion, Google, and Zoom Push AI Deeper Into Everyday Tools12:43 Ingram Micro Credits Xvantage for Ransomware Recovery, but MSPs Should Focus on Client Continuity This is the Business of Tech.  Supported by:  scalepad  Webinar:   https://bit.ly/msprmail All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

RM Contractors Crypto Corner 092225

Shifting from a transactional mindset to a relationship-based mindset is the heart of growth in the contracting world. Instead of purely relying on projects, businesses are eager to find new opportunities in building long-term relationships and creating steady revenue streams through service. This episode focuses on the mindset, process, and leadership needed to be at the top of this transformation. Sean Samson is the CEO and founder of Sean Samson Training and EMAPlus. Sean is an industry thought leader and a mentor within the electrical, mechanical, service, and construction areas. Having trained and consulted over 300 contracting organizations across 16 countries, he is a highly sought-after industry leader whose training focuses on strengthening contractor service and maintenance operations. He joined Eric today to talk about how contractors can transform their businesses by building service divisions.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:49] The Light Bulb Moment: Building a Service Division.  [05:58] The mindset shift. [09:21] Overcoming overhead concerns. [14:49] The fundamental difference between construction and managing service. [20:17] The role of smaller service agreements. [23:39] Playing your own game. [28:30] Building a service division in larger organizations. [34:19] The three steps of selling service. [40:02] The first step of building the ‘game' of service. [44:29] Multi-year sales agreements.   RESOURCES Connect with Sean Samson LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/seansamsontraining/  Website - seansamsontraining.com/    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction