Ever wondered how the right labor choices can transform your contracting business? On this episode of Contractor Cuts, we're unpacking the essential strategies behind in-house labor, subcontractors, and invoicing vendors. Whether you’re managing a general contracting company, specializing in HVAC, or anything in between, understanding when and how to deploy these different types of labor can make or break your bottom line. We promise you’ll gain insights into optimizing your workforce to enhance productivity and scale your business efficiently.

Navigating the complex landscape of a General Contracting (GC) company requires meticulous cost control and strategic decision-making around labor. We'll dissect the pros and cons of employing W-2 workers versus 1099 subcontractors, especially for specialized trades. By tuning in, you'll learn how to balance maintaining high-quality standards with the flexibility of subcontractors, mitigating risks while aligning with compliance, and ensuring your projects run smoothly and profitably. This episode provides a roadmap for making informed decisions that protect your profit margins and operational efficiency.

Mastering pricing and vendor management is crucial for any contracting company aiming for longevity and success. We delve into the nitty-gritty of accurate cost estimation, transparent vendor communication, and the art of fostering long-term relationships with skilled subcontractors. Discover the benefits of preset pricing structures to streamline project discussions and maintain clarity with clients and crews alike. With actionable tips and real-world examples, get ready to elevate your contracting business, ensuring both client satisfaction and optimal profitability. Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights for your next project!

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
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Is it better to hire when you're swamped with work or to bring someone on board proactively? This question haunts many contractors, and today on Contractor Cuts, we promise to help you find the answer. Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of both hiring strategies, backed by our extensive coaching experiences and real-life examples. You'll walk away with a handy checklist to help you decide the best time to expand your team without sacrificing your business's financial health.

Rushing to hand over significant responsibilities to new hires can be tempting, especially under client pressure. But are you setting them up for failure? We'll share personal stories that emphasize the need for structured training plans, even if it means short-term sacrifices. Learn the strategies that ensure new employees are well-prepared, ultimately contributing to your long-term success without putting your business at risk.

Due diligence in hiring is non-negotiable, and skipping it can lead to costly mistakes. We recount a sobering tale of bypassing thorough background checks and the resulting challenges. This episode underscores the importance of a financial runway and a structured hiring process. From crafting comprehensive job descriptions to setting clear accountability standards, we'll provide practical tips for evaluating candidates effectively. Don't miss this essential guide to growing your contracting business sustainably.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
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Want to learn more about our software or coaching?
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What if selling your contracting services could be as much about trust as it is about craftsmanship? In this episode of Contractor Cuts, we promise to reshape how you think about client relationships in the contracting industry. Learn why focusing solely on the end product—a gleaming new kitchen or bathroom—isn't enough to set you apart. We highlight the importance of showcasing your process, building trust, and enhancing the entire customer experience. Through effective communication and transparency, discover how to address the distinct pain points and fears of your clients, ensuring a smooth and satisfying project journey that leaves competitors in the dust. 

We also delve into the pivotal role of the Client Engagement Agreement (CEA) in securing trust and jobs, examining how understanding clients' past experiences can guide future interactions. Whether working with homeowners seeking personalized attention or investors prioritizing speed and efficiency, clear communication about pricing, timelines, and involvement levels is vital. Furthermore, we explore the intricacies of commercial projects, from balancing multiple stakeholders to managing cash flow and maintaining a solid reputation. Strengthening ties with real estate and insurance agents can amplify your reach and credibility, positioning you as a trusted partner in the contracting landscape. Tune in for actionable strategies to elevate your business and forge stronger client relationships.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

Can your business thrive without you at the helm every single day? Discover the transformational strategies to make it happen as we delve into the world of contracting company expansion. We kick off with a striking metaphor about a grocery store selling milk, shedding light on the crucial importance of having a replicable process for delivering products. Learn how strategic planning, diligent staff training, and maintaining consistency in product delivery are the keys to ensuring your business runs smoothly, even in your absence.

Next, we explore four distinct pathways to grow your company, starting with maximizing efficiency in your current operations. Imagine doing the same work, but better and faster! We guide you through the process of hiring additional staff to maintain a consistent customer experience while improving processes to free up your time and boost profits. Hear real-life examples from our coaching program on how to create new divisions within your business, such as branching out from general contracting to residential renovations and repairs, offering the same reliable service through different methodologies.

Finally, we navigate the complexities of expanding through new products and geographic regions. With insights from our own experiences launching ventures like an HVAC or real estate company, we discuss the hidden challenges and costs involved. Learn the importance of strategic planning and understanding the ripple effects on existing operations when adding new services. We'll also cover the significance of evaluating ROI to make informed, smarter decisions. Tune in for a treasure trove of actionable strategies to ensure your business not only grows but thrives.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to growing your contracting business and achieve long-term success? This week on Contractor Cuts, we promise to arm you with actionable strategies tailored to your unique needs, whether you're in HVAC, general contracting, or any related field. Discover our tailored coaching systems and our comprehensive 12-week business bootcamp designed to help you secure more work, streamline your finances, and lay the foundations for substantial progress.

We'll explore the critical importance of streamlining your business processes from initial customer contact to final delivery and payment. By identifying and fixing inefficiencies, you can create a self-sustaining organization that thrives beyond its founder's lifetime. Hear our real-world insights into building a successful business and learn how consistent documentation and process refinement can dramatically improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is delegation. We'll discuss how to overcome the need for control by establishing clear, systematic procedures and training your team to handle specific tasks. Avoid burnout and ensure consistent operations by trusting your team and holding them accountable. Finally, we invite you to engage more deeply with our coaching services at prostruck360.com and provide any questions or suggestions for future episodes. Whether you're ready for personalized coaching or just seeking advice, we're here to support your business journey. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to elevate your contracting business!

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

How can you safeguard your estimates and protect the profitability of your contracting business? Join us as we unravel the secrets to accurate project estimation and maintaining financial health in the construction industry. We discuss the indispensable role of work orders and client engagement agreements in minimizing errors and ensuring transparency. Our focus is on establishing clear processes and expectations with subcontractors to avoid unexpected costs and common pitfalls like miscommunications, which often lead to budget overruns.

Misestimations are inevitable in construction, but how you handle them can make or break your business. We spotlight the importance of transparency and trust with clients when confronting budget variances. Learn how to leverage your subcontractors as partners in identifying overlooked details, adjusting estimates, and managing negotiations to stay within budget while ensuring fair compensation. By addressing potential cost increases upfront, you'll not only protect your financial interests but also build a stronger, trust-based relationship with your clients.

Change orders can be a minefield, but they don't have to be. We'll guide you through the three main types of change orders—client-generated, contractor-generated, and government-generated—and their impacts on project costs and timelines. Clear communication and detailed documentation are your best defenses against misunderstandings and disputes. We also share strategies to avoid losses in job estimating, emphasizing proactive material ordering, accurate initial measurements, and maintaining transparent client communication. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of contracting, ensuring your business remains both profitable and professional.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

Ever wondered how some contractors seem to nail their estimates every time while others struggle? Discover the secrets to accurate contractor estimates in our latest episode of Contractor Cuts. We promise you’ll gain the confidence to trust your numbers, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. We'll cover the essentials of understanding job processes and costs, teaming up with experts, and leveraging resources like YouTube to build reliable estimates. Say goodbye to second-guessing your bids and hello to a more secure contracting business.

Next, we tackle the intricate dance between general and specialty labor in home improvement projects. What’s the real cost of hiring a licensed professional versus a general handyman? We break it all down, delving into local permit requirements and the financial implications of your labor choices. Clear client communication is key, and we show you how to navigate these decisions to ensure your projects are both profitable and low-risk. Using roofing as our primary example, we discuss the delicate balance between using specialized contractors for efficiency and managing with a general crew for a potentially higher profit.

Finally, we focus on the nuts and bolts of building accurate contractor estimates and managing costs effectively. Structuring your estimate process, understanding break-even points, and determining profit margins are all crucial for a thriving business. Our software simplifies this task, enabling you to input costs and desired margins, automatically calculating the necessary charges for each line item. We also touch on transitioning from hands-on labor to project management and the financial shifts it entails. Stay tuned as we preview strategies for protecting against estimate errors to safeguard both your finances and reputation.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

Could burnout be silently sabotaging your contracting business? Learn how to recognize the early warning signs and prevent a downward spiral in this week's episode of Contractor Cuts. We break down the two primary types of burnout that contractors face—physical and mental exhaustion from grueling work weeks, and emotional toll from challenging clients and crews. Discover actionable strategies to regain control and find a healthier work-life balance, all while reconnecting with the passion that originally drove you into this demanding yet rewarding field.

Struggling to juggle the demands of entrepreneurship while still maintaining your sanity? We share practical tips for breaking down long-term goals into achievable steps, ensuring you can celebrate small victories and maintain forward momentum. Learn how effective time management is not just a buzzword, but a vital skill that allows you to balance mandatory tasks with strategic planning. We also discuss the paradox of seeking independence while being overwhelmed by external demands, and how prioritizing tasks that align with your aspirations can make a game-changing difference.

Finally, we dissect how inefficient business processes can lead to increased stress and financial headaches. Real-life examples illuminate the consequences of poor communication and inconsistent time management, but it’s not all doom and gloom—we offer solutions for taking back control. From implementing standardized procedures to leveraging specialized software, we cover the gamut of strategies designed to streamline your operations and reduce stress. Wrap it up with insights on the importance of periodically reassessing your goals, taking necessary time off, and using comprehensive software to manage your business efficiently. Join us and take the first steps toward a more organized, balanced, and successful contracting career.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

What if the secret to happier clients isn't just delivering exceptional work, but changing the way you view your clients entirely? Join us on this episode of Contractor Cuts, where we reshuffle the contractor-client dynamic to boost satisfaction and communication. Think of your projects like a NASCAR race: you're the expert driver, and your client is the team owner who deserves to be kept in the loop. We'll guide you through practical metaphors and strategies to see your clients as navigators, enhancing collaboration and reducing frustration. 

We'll also uncover how empathy, preparation, and proactive communication can transform your business. Learn why viewing clients as collaborators rather than obstacles can create a win-win scenario, using real-life examples like a whiskey nightclub project to showcase the power of understanding long-term goals. We'll discuss the importance of establishing balanced relationships, where your expertise guides the project while respecting the client's vision. By combining these thoughtful approaches, you're set to build stronger, more trusting client relationships, ensuring smoother and more efficient project execution.

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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

As we look back on 100 episodes, we’re filled with gratitude for our loyal listeners who have been with us through every episode. During this episode, we highlight some of the most impactful podcasts we've done and rehash some of the topics those episodes covered.

One lucky listener will win a $6,000 ticket to our annual event in Nashville, Tennessee! To enter, email us and tell us a bit about your company and why you want to attend the retreat at [email protected]

Episodes mentioned in the podcast:

Most Underrated Episode: "Are You Working as a Contractor or Running a Contracting Company" EP.12 - November 2021

Most Controversial Episode: "Do NOT Use Hourly/Daily Labor" EP. 34 - May 2022

Best Episode for Newcomers: "If I Could Start Over - Mistakes I'd Avoid Building a Contracting Company" EP. 56 - March 2023

Most Actionable Episode: "How a 4% Markup can Double Your Profits" EP. 10 - November 2021

Most Popular Episode: "How to Pay Yourself as The Owner: A Strategic Approach to Financial Management" EP. 76 - December 2023

Hiring for Contractors YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Er1twgLrveOOYmx7oq4zT8ALincc-qh

Managing Subcontractors YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Er1twgLrveyWbjmHGkfifLYR9AioszY

Join us January 11–13 in Nashville for the Chart the Course 2026 Planning Retreat. Sign up now and get three free coaching sessions before the event to finish 2025 strong and hit 2026 with a clear game plan. At the retreat, you’ll tackle systems, hiring, marketing, and leadership alongside ambitious contractors, leaving with a blueprint for growth. Spots are limited—visit prostruct360.com to learn more!

Have a question or an idea to improve the podcast?
Email us at [email protected]

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