In our final podcast of the year, we take a moment to honor the hard work, resilience, and unique personalities in the trades. From early mornings in tough weather to mastering their craft, blue-collar workers embody dedication and grit that often goes unnoticed. This heartfelt episode shares personal stories, lessons learned, and a tribute to some incredible individuals who’ve left their mark.

We’ll be back in January to kick off the New Year with fresh content! Until then, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast. Happy holidays, and here’s to a big year ahead for everyone!

Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction & Year-End Gratitude 1:00 – Tribute to the Trades: Respect for Blue Collar Workers 4:30 – Stories of Chucky: A True Original in the Field 6:45 – Remembering Shane: A Carpenter's Legacy 8:30 – Bill's Craftsmanship and Defining Moments

Key Takeaways:

1. The Underrated Grind: The blue-collar workforce demonstrates a relentless work ethic, overcoming harsh conditions and long hours.
2. Unique Personalities: Each trade professional has a story, from Chucky’s spirited nature to Shane’s positivity and resilience.
3. Mastery in the Trades: True craftsmanship, like Bill’s impeccable tile work, stands as a testament to dedication and skill.
4. Gratitude for the Trades: These workers are the backbone of the built world, deserving appreciation and respect.

🎧 Subscribe and follow us for more inspiring content in the New Year!

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In this episode of the Add Work, Not Worries podcast, we dive into the timeless principle of "the customer is always right" and how it can make or break your business. Whether you're navigating tough client relationships, managing long-term projects, or building a company culture that prioritizes customer service, this episode offers valuable insights for professionals in any industry.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of respecting client choice in a competitive market.
• Lessons from the field: an inspiring conversation with Nick, a dedicated electrician.
• Balancing personal frustrations with professionalism to strengthen company culture.

Subscribe for twice-weekly episodes filled with real-world experiences and actionable tips to elevate your business! Don’t forget to rate us 5 stars and hit that subscribe button to stay updated.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

Discover the inspiring journey of building a successful $7M/year business from the ground up! In this candid conversation with Nick the electrician, we dive into:

• Starting with a single van and no employees.
• Growing to 22+ team members and mastering customer service.
• Why this entrepreneur refuses to take loans or advertise.
• The power of word-of-mouth and investing in top talent.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and valuable insights on scaling a business sustainably. Don't miss this motivational story!

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Starting at 16 with construction side jobs, I worked my way up to becoming a premier home builder in Atherton and Bend, Oregon. This is the story of hard work, learning, and persistence—overcoming challenges, scaling up, and shocking markets with standout projects.

Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and importance of reviews
• 00:56: My start in construction at 16
• 08:00: Learning about water remediation and its impact on my career
• 12:48: Passing the contractor’s license test and starting my own business
• 29:00: Building my first multi-million-dollar home in Willow Glen
• 41:13: Establishing myself as a premier builder in Bend, Oregon

Key Takeaways:

1. From cleanup jobs to mastering trades, every step is a building block.
2. From unpaid dues to financial struggles, persistence pays off.
3. Shock the market by showing your skills and setting new standards.
4. Transition from small projects to high-end builds by focusing on quality and relationships.

If this story resonates with you, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights and inspiration!

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AddWork App launching February 2025!

Managing subcontractors is key to construction success. In this episode of the AddWrk Podcast, we share tips for working with small crews and large organizations, resolving miscommunications, and tailoring schedules to subcontractors' strengths. Learn strategies to save time, money, and stress on your projects.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a five-star review!

Timestamps:

00:00 – 02:24: Why Reviews Matter 02:25 – 05:06: The Role of Communication in Construction 05:07 – 09:10: Understanding Subcontractor Workflows 09:11 – 12:10: Tailoring Expectations for Subcontractor Size 12:11 – 18:30: Learning Subcontractors’ Mindsets 18:31 – 27:17: Tips for Avoiding Costly Mistakes 27:18 – End: Key Takeaway

Key Takeaways:

• Five-star reviews and feedback help the podcast grow and reach a wider audience.
• Regular check-ins with subcontractors prevent delays and misunderstandings.
• Small crews require flexibility, while larger teams thrive on tight schedules.
• Understanding their priorities and constraints helps align expectations.
• Include buffer zones in budgets and schedules to handle unexpected issues.
• Spend time learning about subcontractors personally to foster smoother collaborations.

Connect with Us! www.instagram.com/addworkapp www.facebook.com/addworknotworries www.tiktok.com/addworknotworries www.addwork.com   AddWork App launching February 2025!

In this episode, we dive into the two primary types of construction contracts: Fixed Price and Cost Plus. Whether you're a new contractor or an established builder, understanding the differences can help you navigate pricing strategies, profit margins, and client expectations. We’ll cover the benefits, challenges, and when to choose each model based on project scale and organizational growth.

Don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review to support the podcast!

Time Stamps:

0:00 – Intro & Review Reminder

0:50 – Overview of Fixed Price Contracts

2:30 – Benefits of Fixed Price for Smaller Projects

5:10 – Challenges of Fixed Price Contracts with Larger Projects 

8:00 – Why Scaling a Fixed Price Model Can Be Difficult

9:05 – Transitioning to Cost Plus Contracts

10:30 – Benefits of Transparency in Cost Plus Contracts

12:15 – Client Expectations & Justifying Markups

Key Takeaways:

• Fixed Price Contracts are great for smaller projects with less client oversight.
• Cost Plus Contracts provide transparency and are ideal for larger projects or scaling organizations. 
• Transitioning to Cost Plus as your business grows can reduce complications, increase client trust, and streamline project management.
• A detailed scope of work is crucial regardless of the contract type to manage expectations and protect profitability.

Subscribe for more insights on construction contracts, management tips, and strategies for growing your business!

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The age-old dilemma: Fast, Cheap, or Good — you can only pick two. In this episode, we explore how this principle applies to construction and project management. Learn how to:

• Identify the rare trifecta (and why it’s short-lived).
• Educate clients on managing expectations.
• Avoid costly mistakes when choosing “fast and cheap.”
• Default to “fast and good” for quality results.

Timestamps: 00:01:50 — The "Fast, Cheap, Good" Rule Explained 00:03:14 — Why the Trifecta is Rare and Short-Lived 00:05:03 — The Challenges of Fast and Cheap 00:07:54 — Real-Life Example: Costly Electrician Mistake 00:11:25 — Fast and Good: The Optimal Strategy

Key Takeaways:

1. The Trifecta is Rare: Fast, cheap, and good can happen but only for a short time. Typically, the "cheap" aspect fades as demand increases.
2. Educating Clients: Clear communication about sacrifices (e.g., quality) when choosing cheaper options is essential to avoid blame later.
3. Real-World Example: A fast-and-cheap electrician’s costly mistake led to delays and additional expenses.
4. Fast and Good Wins: Prioritizing quality and speed is often the best route, especially for custom homes and time-sensitive projects.

Listen now to learn how to balance cost, speed, and quality in your projects!

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In this episode, we're diving into the concept of "Survive and Advance" as an essential mindset for construction business owners. Navigating the challenges of starting a business can be difficult. We want to help you understand how to prioritize core operations to make incremental improvements. We'll provide you with actionable insights for building a company that starts the test of time and teach you how resilience, strategic focus, and smart growth strategies can help you stay in the game and beat out competitors. 

Whether you're a new business owner or an industry veteran, these lessons are crucial for sustainable success.

 

Timestamps:

0:00-0:30: Introcudtion to surviving and advancing in the construction industry.

0:40-0:1:13: Importance of 5-star reviews

1:15-5:12: How businesses survive through early challenges and why it's crucial

6:00-8:00: Focus on business resilience, the importance of improving daily systems, and building long-term vision

8:00-15:00: Managing resources properly

15:13-26:07: Keys to long-term business success

 

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of resilience for new businesses
• Navigating the critical 3-5 year danger zone
• Strategies to prioritize core operations and identify profit centers
• How to grow sustainably and build a business that lasts

 

If you've enjoyed this episode, make sure to like & subscribe to our podcast. A 5-star review is also always appreciated, and helps get our podcast in front of more people like you!

 

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In this video, I reflect on how branding has played a pivotal role in building my construction companies. From lessons learned during the early hustle to creating a hyper-localized brand for a new market, I share actionable insights on why brand over everything is the key to long-term success.

Key takeaways:

• How to differentiate your business through branding.
• Why branding builds trust and loyalty with clients.
• Tips for using professional photos, social media, and storytelling to strengthen your brand.

Timestamps: 0:00 – The Inspiration Behind Branding: Lessons from Jay-Z 2:00 – Starting My First Construction Company: The Hustle Mentality 5:00 – The Power of Pausing to Focus on Brand Identity 8:00 – Why Branding Beats Direct Response Marketing Every Time 10:30 – Simple Ways to Differentiate and Build Customer Loyalty

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more business tips!

Be on the lookout for AddWork updates. Launching January 2025!

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In this video, I break down why some of the least glamorous jobs in construction can actually be the most profitable. From managing multimillion-dollar builds to handling remodels, I explain the surprising benefits of choosing less "sexy" projects and how they can lead to higher margins and less competition.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why less glamorous jobs can be more profitable

01:20 - The economics behind a $5 million new construction project

04:45 - Hidden costs: insurance, project management, and incidentals

08:00 - The trade-offs between new builds and remodels

10:00 - How remodels can offer higher profit margins

Key Takeaways: 

• Large projects often have high overhead costs and low profit margins after expenses.
• Smaller or remodel projects can have much higher margins, sometimes reaching 30-35%. 
• The competition for less glamorous jobs is often lower, making them more attractive for business growth.

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