Are you running your shop on numbers… or on feelings? In this episode, Dominic Rubino interviews Lauren Bourland of Custom Source Woodworking and board member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). They break down why logic and data must replace emotion when it comes to pricing, labor, and profitability. If you're a cabinet shop owner, remodeler, or trade contractor who feels busy but not as profitable as you should be, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: • Why the AWI Cost of Doing Business Survey matters • The difference between average and high-performing firms • What 17% vs 20%+ net profit really means • How to remove emotion from estimating • Why trade associations help contractors grow faster • The power of benchmarking your numbers This conversation is practical, direct, and focused on what actually works. 👉 Subscribe for more contractor-focused business strategies 👉 Like this video to support the channel 👉 Comment below: What's your current net profit target? More about Lauren Bourland Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bourland-8b785b183/ Company's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-source-woodworking-inc-/ Company's Website: https://www.csw.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customsourcewoodworking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customsourcewoodworking Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Jake Latvala, about the most common epoxy production problems foremen face and how to fix them before they turn into rework, delays, or callbacks. Topics covered in this episode: - Deep-pour epoxy vs low-grade epoxy (and why yellowing/cracking happens) - Wood prep: sanding, debarking, flake prevention, edge sealing for fewer bubbles - Flood coat vs oil finish (pros/cons + client expectations) -Summer vs winter curing differences (and what it does to scheduling) -Managing thermal reaction: fans, AC, and pouring in stages -Dust + bug control for flood coats (booth/tent strategies) -Why epoxy must be priced as custom work (materials can cost significantly more than wood) -Training options for shops and foremen getting into epoxy work 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More About Jake Latvala: Website | Facebook | Instagram Also check out:Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom | @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with RJ and Adrienne Folse of Brand Constructors to talk about how contractors can attract better clients, improve profitability, and build long-term stability. They share simple, proven strategies that help trades business owners move from "busy" to "successful." 📌 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to attract higher-quality projects • Why Google reviews drive more leads • How photos and videos build trust • Why answering the phone fast matters • How to build systems that scale This episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Adrienne Folse: LinkedIn | Instagram More about Rob Folse: LinkedIn | Books More about their Company: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Steven Moran (CEO of FlexiJet Digital Measuring) about how digital measuring can solve "people problems" by improving data accuracy, making delegation easier, and reducing rework. In this episode, we cover: Why measurement errors create costly go-backs How digital measuring reduces manual entry mistakes Training newer team members faster (without 20 years experience) Capturing jobsite info like "forensics" (photo + documentation) How better systems support succession planning and scaling What's coming next (LiDAR + future workflows) 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Steven Moraan: LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn | Website | Flexijet Instagram | Flexijet Facebook | Flexijet YouTube Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

Succession planning is one of the toughest challenges construction and contracting business owners face — especially when family is involved. In this episode, Dominic Rubino is joined by Josh Baron, Harvard Business School professor and family business expert, to break down why succession is so hard and what successful transitions actually require. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why founders struggle to let go of the business • The ARC of Succession: Assets, Roles, and Capabilities • How unclear ownership and leadership cause conflict • Why family governance matters in contracting businesses • How to prepare the next generation for long-term success This episode is essential listening for contractors thinking about retirement, selling their company, or passing the business to family. 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Josh Baron: LinkedIn | Book | Company Website | Instagram | YouTube Channel Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Justin Dews (Founder & CEO of PathOpt) about how AI is being used right now inside cabinet shops and trade businesses to reduce interruptions, protect institutional knowledge, and save time. This episode is for construction and contracting business owners who: • Feel stuck answering the same questions • Struggle with onboarding and training • Worry about losing key knowledge when people leave • Want estimating and pricing support without more chaos Topics Covered: • AI for onboarding and employee training • Capturing knowledge from owners and foremen • Using AI to support estimating and pricing • Reducing interruptions and wasted time • Security and confidentiality concerns explained 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Justin Dews: LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn | Site Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

Family businesses don't fail because of bad numbers, they fail because tough conversations never happen. In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down how to talk to your family about the business without a fight, using real-world experience from construction, contracting, and trades-based family companies. If you're a contractor, shop owner, or trades business owner dealing with: • Succession planning • Family involvement in the business • Ownership transitions • Protecting both legacy and value This episode gives you a clear, calm, and practical starting point. Topics covered: • Why avoidance destroys family businesses • How to open the conversation the right way • When timing can make or break everything • Protecting family relationships and business value • Real-world case studies from the trades 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

What if 2026 wasn't just "busy"… but actually healthy, profitable, and calm? In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with coach and business owner Ryan Hindmarsh to talk about how real contractors are building better lives and better businesses at the same time. You'll hear real stories from cabinet shops, millwork shops, and trades businesses who: • Delegated low-value work and finally had time to look after their health • Planned vacations first so the year doesn't disappear on them • Grew revenue by ~30% with a simple builder-outreach plan • Booked the biggest jobs in company history because systems and SOPs were ready • Used weekly rhythms (money, sales, planning) to keep every part of the business moving • Chose a "word of the year" like THRIVING to guide decisions • Joined in a water project that turns likes/comments into clean drinking water in Nicaragua 🔧 Topics Covered • Healthy: – Why owners need to protect their own health and energy – Delegation, "revenue responsibility per hour," and booking time to recharge – Planning vacations first and building the schedule around them • Wealthy: – 30% growth from a simple targeted marketing plan – Focusing on the right builders and repeat work – SOPs, foreman training, and predictable installs • Wise: – Reading, learning, and using coaching models to solve problems – Networking with other trades and shops instead of hiding from "competition" – Turning business success into impact (clean water project in Nicaragua) 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Ryan Hindmarsh: Site: https://www.rhinocoaching.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhindmarsh/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down what Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki would tell every shop owner, contractor, and builder about going from cashflow headaches to true profit power. Whether you run a cabinet shop, millwork shop, HVAC company, electrical crew, or remodeling business, this is a simple roadmap for taking control of your money — instead of letting money control you. ⭐ What You'll Learn in This Episode • How cashflow is the "breathing" of your company • Why most shops lose money in small daily leaks • Dave Ramsey's approach to discipline and financial control • Robert Kiyosaki's mindset shift from operator → investor • How to make money work for you (not the other way around) • The difference between bookkeepers, accountants, controllers & CFOs • Why mindset affects your balance sheet • How to build long-term wealth as a contract 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩