Building Margin

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Most contractors think they’re making money until the bank account says otherwise. 

In this episode, Steve breaks down the dangerous gap between revenue, profit, and actual cash flow. He reveals the three costly mistakes killing contractor businesses: gut-based decision-making, flawed estimating, and confusing deposits for real revenue. You’ll also learn how to use financial dashboards, track the right KPIs, and finally understand what your numbers are really telling you. 

Book your free strategy call: coltivar.com/schedule-your-call 

Disclaimer: 
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. 

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Check out our tools & calculators: coltivar.com/tools 

Free training for construction owners: coltivar.com/construction-series 

You can be profitable on every job, and still run out of cash. The difference between contractors who thrive and those who go bust often comes down to one overlooked metric: throughput. It’s not just about how much profit you earn, but how fast you earn it. 

Steve breaks down what throughput really means, how to calculate it, and why it’s the key to making smarter bids, improving crew efficiency, and avoiding the cash crunch that sinks so many businesses. With real stories and practical steps, you’ll learn how to spot low-throughput jobs before they drain your resources—and how to focus on the projects that drive profit fast. 

Book your free strategy call: coltivar.com/schedule-your-call 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Too many contractors think they have a strategy when all they really have is a to-do list. In this episode of Building Margin, Steve explains the critical difference between strategy and planning and why getting it wrong can keep your business stuck, or worse, lead it straight to failure. 

Steve walks through the real framework behind strategic clarity, including how to define your biggest constraint, how to align your financial goals with real-world actions, and why buzzwords like “mission” and “SWOT” won’t cut it. You’ll also hear how he uses the scientific method to help construction companies actually execute strategy and see results. 

If your team’s chasing random initiatives without solving what’s really holding you back, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right. 

Disclaimer: 
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in construction finance: revenue recognition. Just because the money hits your bank account doesn’t mean you’ve earned it, and messing this up could lead to chaotic books, cash flow surprises, and even bankruptcy-level mistakes. 

Steve breaks down the five key rules every contractor must follow when it comes to recognizing revenue, even if you’re not a “numbers person.” From deposits to change orders to percentage-of-completion billing, he walks you through what matters, why it matters, and how to fix your process before it bites you later. 

If your income statement swings like a rollercoaster—or you’ve ever looked at your profit one month and thought, “That can’t be right”—this episode is for you. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. 

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. 

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Levers of Profit Calculator: www.coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator 

Construction industry benchmarks: www.coltivar.com/benchmarks 

Steve tackles one of the biggest myths in construction: that the only way to boost profit is to work more and sell more. He breaks down the four levers every contractor can use to improve their bottom line—and reveals why most people are pulling the wrong ones. 

You’ll learn which lever has the biggest impact on profit (hint: it’s not volume), how a 1% change can transform your margins, and where to find a free tool that shows you exactly what to fix in your business. If you’re stuck grinding and wondering where all your money’s going, this one’s a game-changer. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Construction industry benchmarks: www.coltivar.com/benchmarks 

Check out our free calculators: www.coltivar.com/tools 

In this episode, Steve breaks down the not-so-obvious reasons why most construction businesses are working hard… but barely breaking even. He shares the top three mistakes that kill margins, the truth about economic vs. accounting profit, and why thinking you have a competitive advantage doesn’t mean you actually do. 

If you've ever looked at your numbers and thought, “We’re busy—so why aren’t we making more money?” — this is your episode. Steve walks you through a simple step to see how you stack up against industry benchmarks and what to do if you’re falling behind. No fluff. No jargon. Just real talk about what’s draining your profits and how to start fixing it. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve unpacks one of the biggest traps business owners fall into: growing revenue while losing margin. Through real-world stories and hard-won insights, he explains why more work doesn't always mean more profit—and how pursuing the wrong clients, underpricing jobs, and scaling without systems can erode the very thing that makes a business sustainable. 

Steve introduces the concept of the “margin gap,” why it happens, and what to do about it. Whether you're under a million in revenue or pushing past ten, this episode will challenge your assumptions about growth and guide you to a smarter, more profitable path. If you're ready to stop chasing volume and start building value, this one’s for you. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Is your business beating the stock market? 

Steve shares the three metrics every founder must know if they want to grow profitably and build a business that’s both valuable and optional. Drawing from his experience as a CFO for a billion-dollar construction firm, he breaks down what he calls the "three efficiencies"—and how they reveal whether you're wasting money on sales, underperforming on labor, or sitting on a business that’s barely outperforming an index fund. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to measure true performance, this one’s for you. Steve walks you through the calculations, benchmarks, and tells you exactly where to look in your financials, without getting lost in jargon. You’ll leave knowing which KPI deserves your attention... and why it might just be time to raise your standards. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve shares the turning point that changed everything during his time as CFO of a billion-dollar construction company. When margins tightened and chaos crept in, he built a tool that reshaped how he approached strategy and financial decisions.  

This episode unpacks the powerful intersection of finance and focus, revealing how understanding the right levers can create clarity, drive cash flow, and restore control. If you’re tired of working harder with no increase in profit, this conversation will help you reframe how you lead and scale. 

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

If someone showed up today, ready to buy your business, would you be proud of what they’d find? Today, Steve shares what really separates a company that commands top dollar from one that quietly gets passed over. Whether you plan to sell or not, this one will shift how you think about building lasting value.  

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.

LinkedIn | YouTube

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