Contractor Success Forum

Let's talk real life construction bonding scenarios. From startups to high-growth companies, learn what bond underwriters actually look for and how to improve your chances of getting approved. Expert bond agent Stephen Brown breaks down practical strategies for construction bonds.

Subscribe for weekly construction finance tips:  https://www.youtube.com/@CarpenterCPAs?sub_confirmation=1

#ConstructionBonds #ContractorTips #SuretyBonds

Topics we cover in this episode:

• 01:39 - Getting insurance and bonding as a new company
• 04:00 - Bonding and insurance for someone who has limited cash reserves
• 06:46 - Getting bonds with limited financial records
• 10:19 - Getting bonds as a high growth contractor
• 12:52 - Getting bonds with outstanding legal issues
• 15:10 - Bonding when going from subcontractor to general contractor

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/getbonded for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

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Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Stuck making urgent decisions that don't move your business forward? Learn how to escape the survival trap using Mike Michalowicz's Fix This Next framework. Watch now to discover the Business Hierarchy of Needs and build your roadmap from survival to success. 

Click subscribe for weekly contractor tips → https://bit.ly/ContractorSuccess

#FixThisNext #BusinessGrowth #ContractorTips

Topics we cover in this episode:

• 01:08 - Ross Loveland's Background
• 02:55 - The Survival Trap
• 04:55 - Business Hierarchy Explained
• 08:55 - Sales Level Breakdown
• 12:55 - Profitability vs Growth
• 15:25 - The Order Level
• 17:47 - OMEN Process Overview
• 19:31 - Nurturing Business Growth
• 21:35 - Practical Implementation

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/survival for more details and a transcript of the show.

Find out more about Ross at https://trueprofitsalons.com/

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Want to make your construction company marketing actually work? We share 10 proven ways to stand out from other contractors and win better projects - from smart automation to creative partnerships. Watch now to learn how successful contractors are using these strategies to attract their ideal clients and boost profits.

🔨 Subscribe for weekly construction business tips: https://www.youtube.com/@CarpenterCPAs?sub_confirmation=1

#ConstructionMarketing #ContractorTips #BusinessGrowth

Topics we cover in this episode:

• 00:24 - Contractor Success Forum Overview
• 01:27 - Marketing Evolution in Construction
• 03:00 - CRM and Marketing Automation
• 05:25 - Industry Leadership & Niching
• 06:40 - Strategic Partnerships
• 08:38 - Referral Ecosystems
• 12:38 - Brand Storytelling
• 14:04 - Job Site Events
• 14:17 - AI in Marketing
• 15:59 - Customer Feedback
• 17:37 - Marketing Strategy Discussion

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/standout for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Learn how to make sense of insurance requirements in construction projects! This episode of Contractor Success Forum walks you through reading job specs to ensure you’re covered correctly without paying extra. Discover practical steps to streamline insurance for your bids, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance. This episode is perfect for contractors looking to simplify insurance and focus on what matters—building successful projects!

#constructioninsurance #constructionprojects #constructionpodcast

Topics we cover in this episode:

• 00:36 - Identifying Key Insurance Requirements
• 01:08 - Breaking Down Complex Insurance Specs
• 04:02 - Umbrella Coverage Essentials
• 04:32 - Understanding Liquidated Damages
• 08:00 - Navigating Different Types of Insurance
• 14:47 - Builder’s Risk and Property Coverage
• 16:00 - Role of a Specialized Insurance Agent
• 16:58 - Preparing Insurance Estimates Early

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/coverage for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Are you a construction business owner struggling to pay yourself? Learn practical steps to take control of your paycheck and break the cycle of being the last one paid. Discover common mistakes and how to fix them. Watch now for expert tips on managing your finances and growing your business! 👷‍♂️💰

#ContractorSuccess #ConstructionFinance #BusinessGrowth

Topics we cover in this episode:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:23 - Understanding Cash Flow
• 07:55 - Profit First System
• 11:50 - Family Dynamics in Business
• 15:18 - Defining Success
• 18:54 - Working Smarter
• 21:49 - Retirement Concerns
• 23:29 - Conclusion

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/ownerpay for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Unlock the secrets of strategic planning for contractors! Learn how to create a compelling vision, set SMART goals, and implement game-changing strategies. Discover why Panda Express's approach works and how you can apply it to your construction business. 

Ready to transform your company? Listen now and subscribe for more contractor success tips!

Topics we cover in this episode include:

• 00:05 - Importance of strategic planning for contractors
• 01:17 - Importance of a vision statement and mission
• 02:25 - Creating purpose-driven work for employees
• 04:05 - Case study: Panda Express and strategic planning
• 05:00 - Wade's business epiphany: The impact of vision and mission
• 08:50 - Learning from competition and SWOT analysis
• 11:19 - Setting SMART objectives for business success
• 16:30 - The benefit of hiring an external consultant
• 19:00 - Implementing and monitoring strategic plans
• 23:10 - Communicating the strategic plan with the team
• 25:30 - The value of revisiting and revising your strategy

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/strategery for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Curious how Trump and Harris's tax plans could impact your construction business? We break down the key proposals and what they mean for contractors. Learn how to prepare your finances for potential changes. Watch now to stay ahead of the game! 

Topics we cover in this episode include:

• 03:23 - Corporate Tax Rates
• 06:42 - Individual Tax Proposals
• 10:46 - Unrealized Capital Gains Tax
• 14:34 - Business Deductions
• 18:28 - Tariffs Discussion

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/taxplans for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

In this episode, we explore how your construction background can significantly shape the success of your company. Whether you come from a large corporation or a small hands-on business, your experience plays a key role in managing operations, handling finances, and growing your business. 

We share real-world examples and discuss how different backgrounds affect the approach to building a successful construction company. Perfect for contractors considering entrepreneurship or looking to refine their management style.

Topics we cover in this episode include:

• 00:00 - How construction experience influences business success.
• 00:18 - The Influence of Large vs. Small Company Experience 
• 01:00 - Setting Up Systems and the Mindset for Success
• 02:30 - Real-Life Examples of Contractors Transitioning
• 04:15 - Understanding Costs and Overhead
• 06:00 - Balancing Experience and Expectations
• 08:00 - Key Takeaways and Advice for Starting a Construction Business

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/background for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Ready to supercharge your construction business? We're breaking down 25 proven strategies to grow your construction company. From networking to financial management, we've got the insider tips you need to take your business to new heights. 

Watch now to learn how successful contractors are crushing it in today's market. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more construction success tips!

#ConstructionGrowth #ContractorTips #BusinessExpansion

What we cover on this episode: 

• 00:28 - Networking For Growth
• 02:18 - Quality Workmanship
• 03:14 - Customer Service
• 04:15 - Marketing Strategies
• 05:26 - Specialization
• 06:39 - Expanding Services
• 08:49 - Strategic Partnerships
• 09:16 - Financial Management
• 11:11 - Continuous Improvement
• 12:22 - Risk Management
• 13:43 - Pricing and Cashflow

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/grownow for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Unlock the power of strategic thinking in construction with the Six Thinking Hats approach. Learn how to make better decisions, spot risks, and find innovative solutions for your projects. Dive into each hat's unique perspective and transform your business mindset.

#ConstructionSuccess #StrategicThinking #BusinessLeadership

What we cover on this episode: 

• 00:00 - Introduction to Six Thinking Hats
• 03:23 - White Hat: The Analyst
• 05:54 - Red Hat: The Empath
• 08:57 - Black Hat: Risk Manager
• 11:38 - Yellow Hat: The Optimist
• 13:56 - Green Hat: The Innovator
• 17:16 - Blue Hat: The Organizer
• 19:29 - Conclusion and Feedback Request

LINKS

Visit the episode page at https://carpentercpas.com/sixhats for more details and a transcript of the show.

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com