Successful contracting businesses need strong partnerships with subcontractors and vendors, which starts with a proper onboarding process designed to create long-term, profitable relationships for everyone involved.

• Two main categories: day-to-day crews (smaller operations handling labor) and larger vendors (established companies with their own processes)
• Large vendors require basic information collection, W-9s, and Certificates of Insurance with your company listed as a holder
• Smaller crews need in-person meetings in proper settings to establish true partnerships
• Skills assessment helps determine what subcontractors can do profitably and enjoyably
• Job timeline discussion explains pricing and profit structure transparently
• Subcontractor agreements cover payment terms, on-site behavior, client communication protocols, and warranty expectations
• Work orders should specify exactly what work is to be done, when to complete it, and payment amounts
• Consider allowing a one-month trial period before requiring insurance
• Proper documentation protects both parties and prevents misunderstandings
• The goal is setting foundations for relationships that will last 10-20 years

If you're interested in getting help with your contracting business, reach out at ProStruct360.com or ContractorCuts.com to learn about coaching options and the upcoming planning retreat in January.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Clark Turner reveals the top 10 critical items contractors forget to include in their estimates, resulting in lost profits and awkward change order conversations. He shares practical strategies for building comprehensive estimates that protect your margins and enhance client relationships.

• Due diligence line item covers pre-construction work like Gantt charts, selection workbooks, and MEP walks
• Design fees for renderings, layouts, or interior designer consultation should always be included
• Architectural and engineering costs need separate line items, especially for additions
• Port-a-potties, temporary utilities, and job boxes are essential job site preparation items
• Include separate line items for each required inspection to improve scheduling
• Site protection costs for floor coverings, countertop protection, and dust barriers
• Landscaping restoration is commonly forgotten but important for client satisfaction
• Final cleaning ensures the project ends on a high note and prevents disputes
• Create job templates in your estimating software to include these items by default
• Document when clients decline services like cleaning to avoid disputes later

If you want the full list of these 10 items or to learn more about our coaching services, visit prostruct360.com and schedule a call directly with me through the contact page.

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Clark and James tackle the challenges of estimating for profit in the contracting business, exploring strategies to price jobs appropriately while competing with lowballers and maintaining healthy margins.

• Detailed estimates showcase expertise and help filter out price-focused clients 
• The "cream rises" philosophy: focus on attracting clients who value quality over price
• Communicate transparently about potential issues competitors might not mention
• Three-phase estimation: desk estimate, site estimate, and final quote
• Present yourself as a guide on the renovation journey rather than a product seller
• Consistent follow-up (Tuesdays and Fridays) dramatically improves client conversion
• When handling changes, present options that might offset costs elsewhere
• Let the calendar be "the bad guy" instead of appearing desperate for work
• Be upfront about changes between estimate stages to build trust
• The better contractors collectively become, the better for the whole industry

If you want to talk about your business or how you can grow, go to ProStruct360.com and contact us to schedule a 30-minute call. Try our ProStruct360 software with a free two-week trial - it's month-to-month with no contracts at $199 or $89 depending on what level you need.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Proper projection planning is the key difference between struggling contractors and those who build consistently profitable businesses. We share how planning out your work calendar for the coming months transforms both client satisfaction and profitability.

• Most contractors operate job-to-job, causing poor client experiences and lost business
• Laying out detailed project timelines with realistic durations prevents schedule problems
• Scheduling critical path items (like shower glass and countertops) helps accurately project timelines
• Understanding financial implications of project timelines affects cash flow management
• Effective projection planning starts with just one hour of planning before each project
• Using a tracking spreadsheet for jobs with 50-90% likelihood of closing helps manage future workflow
• Weekly PAL (Project Manager Action List) meetings ensure accountability and cash flow visibility
• Communication with clients about timeline changes should happen immediately, not at project end
• Project managers should complete 80% of their work before the first hammer swings
• Change orders must be addressed immediately when scope changes occur, not at project completion

Ready to transform your business with better projections? Visit ProStruct360.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation about your business challenges.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Strategic pricing based on lead sources and client types can dramatically improve your contracting business's profitability and success rate. We explore how to tailor your approach and pricing for homeowners, investors, and agent referrals to win more jobs and maximize your margins.

• Three main types of residential clients: homeowners (focused on quality and experience), investors (driven by price and ROI), and agent referrals (reputation-focused)
• Homeowner clients need guidance on the "contractor's triangle" of time, quality, and cost—they can only prioritize two
• Understanding why homeowners are renovating helps determine appropriate upgrades and pricing
• Referral leads deserve mid-to-high range pricing as they already trust your value proposition
• Google/internet search leads need competitive pricing with emphasis on process and communication
• BBB leads often come from clients with higher expectations who need more reassurance
• Paid referral services like Angie's List typically require the lowest pricing and fastest response
• Tailoring your sales approach to each lead source dramatically increases closing rates
• The key is building your estimate around what each specific client values most

If you want to learn more about optimizing your contracting business, visit ProStruct360.com and schedule a 30-minute conversation to see how our coaching and software can help your company become more efficient and profitable.

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Contractors often accept every job that comes their way, leading to poor customer experiences and damaged reputations. We explore strategies for wisely selecting projects and communicating effectively with clients to protect your business.

• Understand the "Fruit Bowl Metaphor" – taking on too many jobs without capacity to service them leads to spoilage
• Frame declinations around customer benefit rather than your convenience
• Two types of "no" in contracting: jobs outside your expertise and capacity limitations
• Proper messaging: "I'd rather say no and lose money than say yes and give you a bad experience"
• Use desk estimates for initial client screening to save time and set expectations
• Schedule two time blocks for every estimate: site visit and writing/presenting the proposal
• Proactive communication preserves client goodwill even when you can't take a job immediately

If you want help implementing these strategies in your business, visit prostruct360.com. The contact page has a calendar link to schedule a free 30-minute conversation about your company.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

We deliver essential insights on implementing a work order system that creates financial accountability and sets clear expectations between contractors and subcontractors. This system eliminates the costly "expectation gap" that occurs when client promises don't precisely match subcontractor instructions.

• Work orders transform verbal agreements into documented commitments
• Creating work orders directly from approved client estimates ensures perfect alignment
• The system locks in labor costs and eliminates costly miscommunications
• Transitioning existing crews requires explaining benefits to their bottom line
• Present yourself as a business partner who handles administrative burdens
• Coach subs on efficiency practices like planning material needs to maximize earnings
• The ideal sub wants to complete quality work efficiently without client interaction
• A proper system enables scaling beyond dependence on a single trusted crew

If you're interested in learning more about implementing these systems, visit ProStruct360.com to schedule a coaching call or reach out through our contact page.

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Clark and James tackle the pervasive feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome that plague many contracting business owners, offering practical advice for breaking free from these destructive patterns.

• Text messages and emails from struggling contractors reveal the emotional toll of the business
• Constant criticism from customers, vendors, and sometimes family members creates a uniquely isolating environment
• Most contractors "fall backwards" into the industry rather than choosing it as a dream career
• Imposter syndrome typically appears when facing new challenges or comparing yourself to more experienced contractors
• Creating healthy internal dialogue can combat self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy
• Therapy provides clarity about why you think and act certain ways, offering practical paths to improvement
• Setting clear work-life boundaries through client engagement agreements protects mental health
• Scheduling time with friends and family outside the industry helps combat isolation
• Finding mentors and community is crucial for perspective and growth
• Setting realistic goals with bite-sized steps prevents overwhelm and builds confidence
• Reprioritizing family and personal relationships over business prevents burnout and maintains purpose

If you need 30 minutes of Clark's time with no obligation, visit prostruct360.com to schedule a call.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

Time slippage is a hidden money drain that costs contracting companies thousands of dollars in lost profit. We reveal how making simple adjustments to project timelines can dramatically increase your bottom line without requiring more work.

• Timeline management is critical for three main reasons: customer satisfaction, crew retention, and company profitability
• Poor timeline control can reduce a contractor's take-home pay from $100,000 to just $40,000 annually on $1 million in revenue
• Efficient contractors who save just 3 days on 3-week projects can boost annual revenue from $1 million to $1.2 million
• The average residential remodeler makes only 4% net profit, making timeline efficiency essential for survival
• Spending 80% of your management time on pre-construction planning prevents costly mid-project delays
• Create detailed Gantt charts during the due diligence phase to organize work sequentially and avoid confusion
• Include specific line items for inspections and client walkthroughs at critical points (framing, pre-drywall)
• Use a formal final walk checklist to create clear separation between project completion and warranty work
• Start with front-end organization and weekly timeline check-ins before implementing more advanced systems
• Efficient timeline management not only increases profits but helps retain quality crews who depend on project flow

If you want to talk with me directly about growth, structure, or implementing these systems, go to ProStruct360.com and schedule a free 30-minute consultation from our contact page.

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com

We explore the controversial world of managing subcontractors effectively, revealing how the right payment structure and relationship management can dramatically improve your contracting business's profitability and operations.

• Avoiding the pitfalls of the traditional daily/hourly labor model for subcontractors
• Why a work order system that ties payment to completed work rather than time spent creates fairer partnerships
• The difference between general crews (kept busy 5 days/week) and specialized vendor crews (shared resources)
• How to structure your general subcontractor crews for maximum efficiency
• Techniques for finding, interviewing, and onboarding the right subcontractors
• Setting clear expectations about roles—execution vs customer management
• Using a ranking system to identify subcontractors' true strengths and weaknesses
• Preparing subcontractors to make more money while doing less administrative work
• The importance of building long-term partnerships with quality-focused vendors

Visit prostruct360.com to schedule a call with us if you have questions about managing subcontractors or growing your contracting business. Our calendar is available on the website under "Contact Us."

Struggling to grow your contracting business? The Foundations Program is designed to help contractors break free from the chaos and build a business that runs smoothly. You’ll get a customized training program, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to a full paperwork database—including contracts and the Client Engagement Agreement. Join the Foundations Program today! 🚀

Go to ProStruct360.com or schedule a meeting with Clark at Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected] or text us at +1 (678) 940-5747

Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
Visit our website at ProStruct360.com