Beers With Contractors

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Drake explore a variety of fascinating topics ranging from the evolution of tools like the speed square and Philips head screwdriver to the implementation of captive insurance and group purchasing organizations in the contracting industry. They also discuss intriguing historical curiosities, such as the origin of the term 'penny' nails, the construction beneath Rome's Coliseum, and the first battery-powered drill. Interwoven with light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes, the episode provides valuable insights alongside an entertaining dive into lesser-known construction trivia.

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

00:52 Weather Talk and Co-Host Introduction

04:20 AI and Rabbit Holes

05:34 Speed Square: The Essential Tool

11:32 Phillips Head Screwdriver: A Historical Insight

16:48 Captive Insurance for Contractors

24:37 Group Purchasing Organizations

29:06 Boosting Sales and Productivity with Foundation Rescue Supply

29:59 The Power of Consignment and Group Purchasing Plans

31:54 Understanding Consignment Programs

35:31 Navigating Sales Tax for Contractors

37:50 The Origins of Labor Day

41:33 The History Behind Nail Sizes

44:36 Ancient Construction Techniques: Lessons from Rome

47:41 The Evolution of Cordless Drills

52:16 Final Thoughts and Fun Facts

55:53 Conclusion

Foundation Rescue Supply Link:

https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/

Contractors Kick Ass!

Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this Q&A episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry discuss a range of topics critical to the construction and contracting industry. They explore the importance of home shows for lead generation, the complexities of contracts and final payments, and effective ways to handle challenges such as workforce reductions and pay changes. The episode also delves into the pros and cons of door-to-door sales versus canvassing, how to manage indirect overhead costs, and the nuances of seller financing for business acquisitions. They also share personal anecdotes and helpful tips, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced contractors.

00:00 Introduction

03:34 Listener Interaction and New Subscribers

05:38 Discussing Payment Terms and Contracts

14:02 Strategies for Selling and Canvassing

20:00 Branding and Messaging Tips

21:51 Handling Equity and Compensation

26:16 Sales Manager vs. General Manager

33:14 Difficult Conversations About Pay

35:28 Leadership and Accountability

36:21 Transparency with Financials

36:49 Open Book Accounting Challenges

38:46 Leadership and Social Media

43:51 Home and Garden Shows

55:24 Credit Card Processing and Cash Payments

01:00:38 Funding Business Acquisitions

01:05:02 Lessons from Business Mistakes

01:08:12 Conclusion

**Foundation Rescue Supply Link:**

https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this engaging episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry are joined by Michael Stiers, President of Greenbaum Stiers, to discuss essential digital marketing strategies for contractors. They delve into key topics like the impact of recent privacy law changes, the importance of first-party data tracking, and the pitfalls of DIY digital marketing. Mike shares his background and journey in the contractor marketing space, offers crucial advice on setting up call tracking with CallRail, and discusses the significance of rich snippets and FAQs in AI-driven search engine results. The episode also touches on the deceptive practices of certain lead aggregators and concludes with a rapid-fire acronym quiz. An insightful session for contractors looking to enhance their marketing game.

00:00 Introduction

02:18 Weather and Travel Updates

04:31 Guest's Background and Career Journey

07:50 Marketing Strategies and Success Stories

09:43 Common Marketing Mistakes and Solutions

14:04 Importance of Data Tracking and CallRail

21:57 First Party Data and Privacy Laws

31:28 Google's Congressional Testimony and Cookie Policies

32:18 Geo-Fencing and Retargeting Challenges

32:45 Apple's Data Ownership and Compliance Issues

35:14 Deceptive Practices in Online Advertising

38:33 Effective Marketing Strategies for Contractors

40:51 The Role of Social Media in Contractor Marketing

44:57 Google Reviews Disappearance Mystery

47:42 AI in Home Service Marketing

52:08 Ethical Marketing Practices and Client Relationships

55:09 Rapid Fire Acronym Challenge

57:13 Conclusion

Contact Michael Stiers at:

Website: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michaelstiers

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenbaumstiersstrategicma8933

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenbaumstiers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbaumstiers/?hl=en

More about Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group:

End User Privacy Laws & Lead Generation

The Eleventh Circuit recently vacated the FCC’s one-to-one consent rule, effectively buying lead aggregators more time.

Citation: Eleventh Circuit Vacates FCC One-To-One Consent Rule

https://www.technologylawdispatch.com/2025/01/uncategorized/eleventh-circuit-vacates-fcc-one-to-one-consent-rule/

We don’t rely on spammy third-party lead gen. Our agency focuses on a diversified, relationship-based marketing mix that covers traditional media, digital campaigns, email outreach, SEO, direct mail, and in-person strategies. If any new regulations come out, it should help level the playing field in favor of more genuine approaches. We can give a quick update on this legal twist, but there’s no need for a deep dive since it’s on hold right now.

Foundation Rescue Supply Link:

https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/

Contractors Kick Ass!

Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry chat with Whitney Hill, owner of Central Staffing, about her journey into the staffing industry and the importance of investing in people. Whitney shares insights on the shifting trends in the construction industry, such as the increasing focus on work-life balance and the challenges of finding qualified labor. She also discusses her involvement in the Construct My Future high school internship program, which has successfully placed high school students in trade jobs, and highlights the importance of intentionality when engaging with young workers. Whitney describes how her staffing agency supports employees with additional resources, encourages commitment, and the impact of the Construct My Future initiative on both students and the industry. The episode concludes with practical advice for contractors on attracting and retaining young talent and Whitney's personal story of learning from a significant early mistake in her staffing business.

00:00 Introduction

02:57 Company Cost-Saving Tips

04:41 Introducing the Guest: Whitney Hill

06:37 Whitney's Journey into Staffing

10:49 Staffing Trends and Challenges

18:19 High School Internship Program

23:39 Hands-On Learning in the Trades

25:05 Challenges and Misconceptions in Hiring Young Workers

26:28 Success Stories and Industry Impact

27:53 Internship Program Benefits and Parental Support

31:26 Construction Rodeo: Engaging the Next Generation

38:05 Training and Preparation for Job Sites

40:23 Advice for Contractors and Future Goals

42:01 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Contact Whitney Hill at:

email: [email protected]

linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-hill-47975913a/

Construct My Future Link:

https://constructmyfutureok.org/

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with Dan Geer, the owner of Foster and Geer Structural Construction LLC, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the steel erecting industry. Dan shares his journey from working in ironworking to starting his own business, emphasizing the importance of safety and the evolving technology in the field. The conversation touches on the growth and potential of the Oklahoma City construction market, the value of partnerships, and the role of mentorship and networking in building a successful business. The episode also features some light-hearted banter about the puns and jokes commonly heard in the trade.

00:00 Introduction

00:54 Innovations in Construction Technology

04:03 Meet Dan Geer: From Ironworker to Entrepreneur

06:09 The Journey of Foster and Gear Structural

09:17 Challenges and Insights in Business

20:21 The Importance of Partnerships

24:53 Navigating Early Challenges in Business Partnerships

25:25 Advice for New Contractors

26:33 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Them

27:47 Dealing with Doubters and Taking Risks

33:05 The Importance of Safety in Ironworking

35:26 Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Trades

39:02 Market Trends and Future Outlook

41:39 Humor in the Trades: Best Puns and Jokes

44:13 Lessons from Failure: A Personal Story

45:36 Conclusion

Contact Dan Geer at:

website:  https://fosterandgeer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-geer-775058302/

Contractors Kick Ass!

Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with Josh Adel, Senior Vice President of First National Bank of Oklahoma, to discuss the world of banking for contractors. The discussion dives deep into various banking topics specific to contractors, such as the importance of maintaining good credit, types of loans suitable for contractors, the intricacies of SBA loans, and the significance of having a strong relationship with your banker. Josh emphasizes the human element still present in banking, shedding light on how personal financial statements, cash flow understanding, and wise business partner choices can make or break a contractor's financial health. The episode also touches on succession planning and the complexities of transitioning business ownership, offering key insights and practical advice. Join this informative and entertaining session as the trio navigates the often confusing aspects of banking in the construction industry.

00:00 Introduction

00:10 Vegas Recap

02:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Josh Adel

02:53 Banking Insights for Contractors

06:28 Common Loans for Contractors

08:17 Avoiding Bad Loans

10:45 Understanding Loan Approval

13:41 Credit Scores and Financial Statements

20:08 Working Capital vs Long Term Loans

24:57 Duck Hunting Memories and Business Talk

25:20 Student Success Stories

26:29 Banking Relationships and Advice

30:43 Understanding SBA Loans

33:36 Hidden Fees and Loan Terms

40:54 Succession Planning for Businesses

44:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

45:48 Conclusion

Contact Josh Adel at:

email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-adel-277aa891/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FNBOK/

Contractors Kick Ass!

Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Personal Financial Statement template is under "Financial Statement Forms" towards the bottom of the page.

https://fnbok.bank/business-banking/business-loans/

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry discuss essential strategies for scaling companies with a focus on marketing and sales. They welcome Cory Parks, owner and president of HydroHelp911, a foundation and concrete repair company based in North Carolina. Cory shares his journey from being a full-time fireman to establishing his own successful business. He emphasizes the importance of sales training, mindset shifts, and adopting a methodology that ensures high-quality leads. Cory explains his company's unique sales training process, including the critical role of personality assessments, onboarding, and continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on industry challenges, the motivation of salespeople, and the transformative power of consistent training and quality interactions with homeowners. Cory’s insights provide valuable lessons on building and refining a successful sales strategy in the contracting industry.

00:00 Introduction

02:31 Meet Cory Parks from HydroHelp911

03:40 Cory's Journey from Fireman to Business Owner

06:14 The Importance of Sales Training

08:16 Developing a Sales Training Program

20:07 Hiring and Onboarding Sales Reps

29:30 Analyzing Sales Techniques

29:50 The Importance of Ride Alongs

31:08 Addressing Closing Techniques

32:56 The Power of Asking Questions

36:06 Quality Over Quantity in Leads

41:13 Hiring and Training Sales Reps

44:49 Expanding Sales Training Programs

48:08 Conclusion

Contact Cory Parks at:

Website: https://www.hydrohelp911.com/#/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-parks-62b534142/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hydrohelp911/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HydroHelp911

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hydrohelp911

TikTok: tiktok.com/@hydrohelp911

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry discuss how they grew their business exponentially. They emphasize five critical focus areas for scaling a business: Vision, Processes, People, Finance, and Leadership. They share personal anecdotes, practical advice, and their own experiences. The episode also includes discussions about employee retention, the importance of understanding and adapting to the younger generation, and the humorous challenge they gave their leadership team to improve communication skills. Lastly, they highlight the importance of financial acumen and managing money flow effectively. The episode is packed with insights and practical tips for contractors looking to scale their businesses.

00:00 Introduction

00:49 Podcast Banter and Setup

03:42 Shoutouts and Social Media

04:45 Scaling Your Business: Key Insights

10:37 Vision: The Foundation of Success

25:34 Processes: The Backbone of Operations

29:59 Leveraging Resources for Problem Solving

30:41 The Importance of Clear Processes

32:06 Effective Employee Training

34:25 Humor in the Workplace

35:21 The Value of Vision in Business

37:23 Hiring and Retaining Employees

38:19 Adapting to New Generations

42:20 Communication Challenges in Business

46:55 Onboarding vs. Inboarding

48:57 Financial Management for Contractors

54:27 Leadership and Scaling Your Business

01:03:14 Conclusion

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this episode of 'Beers with Contractors, hosts Will, Terry and Drake discuss their favorite business books that have influenced their careers and provided valuable insights for contractors. Among the books reviewed are “Traction” by Gino Wickman, Michael Gerber's “The E-Myth,” “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, and “Rocket Fuel” by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters. They also address key takeaways from these books and how they can help contractors better manage their businesses, make hard decisions, and structure their companies for long-term success. They also touch on topics like imposter syndrome, the importance of integrators, and using AI in contracting. The episode wraps up with a humorous note on hearing issues from power tools and spontaneous combustion jokes.

00:00 Introduction

03:06 Road Trip Reflections and Audiobooks

05:16 Discussing Traction by Gino Wickman

11:34 The Six Types of Working Geniuses

14:13 Understanding Anti-Fragile Systems

17:25 The E-Myth and Working on Your Business

22:39 AI in Contracting and Rich Dad, Poor Dad

29:58 The Hard Things About Hard Things

31:53 Unexpected Challenges and Budgeting

33:12 Visionary vs. Integrator Dynamics

36:52 Defining Visionary and Integrator Roles

39:40 Case Studies of Visionary-Integrator Combos

44:34 Building a Business to Sell

50:50 Blue Ocean Strategy Explained

54:04 Thinking in Bets: Decision Making in Business

58:27 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

**List of Books:**

1. **Traction - EOS**: Gino Wickman (https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book)

2. **The 6 Types of Working Genius**: Patrick Lencioni (https://www.amazon.com/Types-Working-Genius-Understand-Frustrations/dp/1637743297)

3. **The E-Myth:** Michael E. Gerber (https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280)

4. **Rich Dad Poor Dad**: Robert Kiyosaki (https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teens-Money-That/dp/1612680305)

5. **Extreme Ownership**: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin (https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250183863)

6. **Leadership Skills and Tactics**: Jocko Willink (https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Strategy-Tactics-Field-Manual/dp/1250226848)

7. **Rocket Fuel**: Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters (https://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Fuel-audiobook/dp/B012HJOBRY/)

8. **Sales Leaders Playbook**: Nathan Jamail (https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Leaders-Playbook-Managing-Coaching/dp/0981778909)

9. **Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You**: John Warrillow (https://www.amazon.com/Built-Sell-Warrillow-28-Feb-2013-Paperback/dp/B011T6SNA2/)

10. **Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts**: Annie Duke (https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Bets-Making-Smarter-Decisions/dp/0735216355)

11. **First, Break All the Rules**: Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (https://www.amazon.com/First-Break-All-Rules-Differently/dp/0684852861)

12. **The Infinite Game**: Simon Sinek (https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X)

13. **Tax-Free Wealth**: Tom Wheelwright (https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Free-Wealth-Massive-Permanently-Lowering/dp/B0D15448Q7)

14. **Profit Problem**: Martin Holland (https://www.amazon.com/Profit-Problem-They-Make-Money/dp/1734603607)

15. **Blue Ocean Strategy**: W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne (https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491)

16. **The Hard Thing About Hard Things**: Ben Horowitz (https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205)

17. **Getting More**: Stuart Diamond (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-More-Negotiate-Succeed-Work/dp/0307716902)

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction

In this Q&A episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Drake dig deep into strategies for dominating market share, understanding sales cycles, and improving customer experience. They discuss the importance of clear branding, community engagement, and efficiency in both sales and service delivery. Topics include the ideal number of sales appointments, effective bonus structures for managers, and leveraging awards and volunteer opportunities for marketing. Special guest Drake shares insights on handling competition from large companies and the benefits of maintaining a welcoming office environment. The episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help contractors improve their businesses.

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Welcome to Beers with Contractors

00:52 Q&A Session Kickoff

03:27 Understanding Business Margins

09:55 Competing with Big Players

19:04 Office Environment and Customer Experience

26:34 Effective and Affordable Marketing Strategies

31:45 Effective Referral Strategies

34:04 Branding for Additional Services

37:17 Diversification vs. Focus

41:57 Inventory Management Insights

44:24 Managing Appointments for Sales Reps

52:07 Bonus Structures for Field Supervisors

56:04 Conclusion

**Contractors Kick Ass!**

**Podcast Store Link:**

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software

http://unisonworx.com/per4mance

Unison is Workforce Management Software for the Construction Industry

Learn more at https://unisonworx.com/industries/construction