If you've ever found yourself wrestling with the dilemma of trying to decide whether to grow beyond a one-man-show, or stay where you are... then you'll love this episode!

Listen to this episode and learn how Derek Nichelson hired his first employee, and then rapidly grew beyond that. 

Derek tells us you need to think of your employee as an investment in your business and in yourself. 

He also tells us that just as all investments require risk, so the investment in an employee takes risk as well. 

He gives some warnings and great advice pertaining to how you know when you are ready to grow as well.

Don't wait. Download and listen today!

This is our first in a series we are calling "Ask A Protractor." Where each week we ask one Protractor one question. The regular Wednesday morning featured guests, will continue as well. Stay tuned! :)

This is my first solo episode where I take you behind the scenes of the podcast. In this podcast I talk about the history of the podcast, and some announcements that we have in the works for you right now. 

Inside this episode, you'll learn:

-The purpose of the podcast.

-This history of the podcast.

-The Protractor Creed.

-The new segment we are rolling out which answers one question each.

-The new segment we are launching which helps you with marketing.

-And how grateful we are for each of you.

Thank you so much for you ongoing support and encouragement. It means so much to me!

Have an awesome day!

Martin

I've known Thomas Murdock for quite some time online. I've enjoyed seeing the various types of work he does as he posts behind-the-scenes glimpses into his daily life. 

But what I never knew till I had the privilege of having him on the show, was how he got his start in construction, and how he learned the art of construction.

This is not your typical contractor story... and it is sure to educate, motivate and inspire. 

Inside you'll learn:

-All the various things Thomas tried BEFORE carpentry.

-How he learned construction by watching YouTube videos.

-What type of work Thomas said he would NEVER do again.

-Why he always goes over EVERY proposal in person.

-Which social media platform is giving him the MOST business.

-Why he always asks for reviews from his clients.

... and much more!

Download and listen to this interesting episode today! If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with your friends, and leave us a review on iTunes. We really do appreciate it!

Enjoy!

Maybe you think it’s not possible to grow a custom furniture business in this age of the IKEA box cabinet and software run wood-shops.

Well, that’s kind of what we thought too, to be honest.

But our guest today, Greg Pilotti, is doing this very thing. And he’s doing very well at it. And this is his story…

Listen today and you’ll learn:

• How Greg learned business by running a corner store he inherited.
• How he learned the ins/outs and little secrets of woodworking.
• How to use software to connect your office to your guys out in the shop.
• How Greg grew his business using Instagram and Google Images.
• How he competes with the big boys simply by being himself and keeping to his story.
• …. and much, much more.

Listen today to this incredible hour-long episode of woodworking skills and entrepreneurial genius!

And if you love this show, please share it with your friends, and leave us review on iTunes. We greatly appreciate it!

Enjoy!

Rob and his business partner Tommy, met at a very young age - around 13 years old. They hit it off right away because of their mutual interest in skateboarding. It snowballed into a long-lasting friendship and now, a business partnership. This is their story...

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to make a business partnership work with your best friend? Well, then you need to hear this episode. Rob and Tommy have no doubt been through their ups and downs together. However, they can't imagine doing business separately either. That's because the strengths of each person compliment the other. And together they make a very strong company.

Inside this episode you'll learn:

• How they got started, and what they've learned.
• It's possible to start a business at a young age and succeed very well.
• Why clear communication is vital for a business partnership to last.
• Their ninja method for giving away 20+ business cards per week to their ideal clients.
• How they are using Instagram to grow their brand.

...and much more!

Don't wait any longer. Listen to the entire episode today. You won't be disappointed.

If someone came up to you and asked you, "What is the most important aspect of your business?" What would your answer be?

• Your latest Festool purchase?
• Your new pickup?
• Your tight crown mold joints?
• Your sweet branded t-shirt?
• Your new stickers?

While all of those things are important to you, and possibly your business, there is something far greater in importance than any of those things.

It's the "business" side of your business. Your numbers.

That's why I invited Shawn Van Dyke on the show today to discuss this all-important topic. He's an expert when it comes to the numbers and systems in a construction company, and I know you'll love the insight you get from listening today.

Here's a taste of what's inside:

• How Shawn went from engineer to business consultant
• The amount you should be using for markup
• The sweet zone for business profit
• The 7 hats of a general contractor
• Why you should stop giving away free estimates
• How to account for the unknowns
• And much more!

The best way to begin improving your business tomorrow, is to get started taking ACTION today!

There's so much information packed into this one episode.

So, wait no longer.

Tap whatever button you need to tap to listen to the show today. And be sure and book mark this show, because it's one you will want to listen to over and over as your business continues to grow.

I'm very excited to have Heath Nicholson of Nicholson Builders onboard for today's show. I almost postponed this interview because of Heath's busy schedule, but at the last moment, we stuck to the schedule. And I'm so glad we did. 

This story took us places I had no idea we would go. Heath was very transparent, open, and vulnerable in this story about his struggles and his successes. 

If you don't get anything else done today... make sure you listen to this show. You will definitely be inspired, and motivated by Heath's story. 

Here's just a taste of what you will discover, if you listen today:

• How Heath struggled with addictions and finally broke free
• What it's like to grow a business in Australia
• How Heath did selfie style videos on Facebook before the selfie craze ever existed
• The 5 things Heath makes sure they are doing on Facebook
• Why it's so important to space your jobs out... and much more!

Go ahead. Download and listen to the entire show today. And please share it with a friend you know would be inspired by this story as well.

Thankyou!

I'm very excited to have Heath Nicholson of Nicholson Builders onboard for today's show. I almost postponed this interview because of Heath's busy schedule, but at the last moment, we stuck to the schedule. And I'm so glad we did. 

This story took us places I had no idea we would go. Heath was very transparent, open, and vulnerable in this story about his struggles and his successes. 

If you don't get anything else done today... make sure you listen to this show. You will definitely be inspired, and motivated by Heath's story. 

Here's just a taste of what you will discover, if you listen today:

• How Heath struggled with addictions and finally broke free
• What it's like to grow a business in Australia
• How Heath did selfie style videos on Facebook before the selfie craze ever existed
• The 5 things Heath makes sure they are doing on Facebook
• Why it's so important to space your jobs out... and much more!

Go ahead. Download and listen to the entire show today. And please share it with a friend you know would be inspired by this story as well.

Thankyou!

In this episode, we're pumped to bring you a very unique story from someone who is passionate about his craft. Jason Black, owner of @artisansignaturehomes has so much value and perspective to share with our community, and he really delivers in this show.
.
Here's a taste of what you'll learn inside:

My guest for this podcast episode is Anthony Vitale from ProBuilt Woodworking. He comes from a rich heritage of finish carpentry. It was so inspiring to explore his story in this episode. 

Learn all about him today on this latest podcast episode!