Contractor Success Forum

By Contractor Success Forum

Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from two long-term industry professionals: Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. Each host has

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FAQs about Contractor Success Forum:

How many episodes does Contractor Success Forum have?

The podcast currently has 267 episodes available.

Contractor Success Forum episodes:

April 28, 2026The Five Numbers Contractors Get Wrong (+ Free Tools to Fix Them)
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🔗 LINKS
Get the Five FREE calculators!
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.
Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Stop running your construction business with broken financial tools.

Wade and Stephen reveal the 5 critical numbers most contractors calculate wrong, then gives you free calculators to fix them.

Learn your true labor costs, master markup vs margin, track job profitability, calculate real equipment costs, and simulate cash flow timing.

These aren't theories, they're working tools that can transform your bidding accuracy and bottom line.
Download all 5 calculators free, no strings attached: https://carpentercpas.com/numbers
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Financial Toolbox Intro
00:21 Meet the Hosts
00:39 Five Free Calculators
02:33 Labor Burden Breakdown
05:26 Markup Versus Margin
06:57 Job Profitability Tracking
08:06 True Equipment Costs
10:27 Cashflow Timing Simulator
12:05 How to Download and Use These Free Tools
13:13 Introducing the Permanently Profitable Contractor
15:09 Final Wrap-Up
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
17min
April 21, 2026Funds Control: Is This The Key to Bigger Jobs?
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🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.
Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Struggling to get bonded for bigger jobs? Funds control might be your ticket to landing contracts you never thought possible.

Wade and Stephen break down how this third-party payment system works, when it's required, and how to make it work FOR your business instead of against it.

Learn the difference between good and bad funds control companies, how it can open doors with SBA bonding, and why smart contractors see it as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Why Funds Control Matters
00:40 Funds Control Explained
02:18 Costs and Key Benefits
03:07 Choosing the Right Provider
06:11 Set Expectations Upfront
08:12 Cash Flow and Turnaround
09:55 Accounting and Job Costing
11:24 SBA and Bigger Bonds
12:49 Getting Bond Ready
16:11 Future Uses and Wrap Up
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
20min
April 14, 2026Top 4 Mistakes That Bankrupt Contractors (Avoid Them!)
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.
Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Most contractors don't fail from one bad job—they go broke slowly over time. Liberty Mutual's claims analysis reveals the top 4 categories that bankrupt contractors: cash flow deterioration, dangerous changes, subcontractor network failures, and risky bond terms.

Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown break down each category with practical insights to protect your business and maintain strong surety relationships.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Why Contractors Fail Slowly
00:25 Liberty Mutual Claims Lessons
02:11 Category 1 Cash Flow Red Flags
03:08 Job Borrow and Late Financials
06:28 Category 2 Dangerous Change
10:13 Category 3 Subcontractor Network Risk
12:13 Category 4 Contract and Bond Traps
14:42 Surety Support During Claims
16:07 Key Takeaways for Bonded Work
17:45 How to Reach Stephen
19:03 Wrap Up and Subscribe
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
21min
April 07, 2026The Cash Flow MRI: Diagnose & Cure Your Contractor Cash Problems
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.
Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Tired of big payments coming in only to worry about payroll two weeks later? Wade reveals his revolutionary Cash Flow MRI, a comprehensive diagnostic tool that uncovers hidden cash drains traditional accounting misses.

Learn why your profitable P&L might be masking serious cash flow problems and discover the real breakeven numbers you need to bid profitably. Includes debt analysis, sustainable growth calculations, and a complete system for contractor financial health.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Cash Flow Wakeup Call
00:32 Meet the Hosts
01:02 The MRI Story
02:59 X Ray vs MRI Money
04:07 Why Profit Isnt Cash
05:30 Inside the MRI Tool
07:43 Cash Reality Bridge
08:16 Break Even Reframed
09:46 Cash Conversion Cycle
10:50 Data Quality Matters
12:05 Debt and Bidding Fixes
13:46 Growth and Cash Gaps
15:35 Profit First Setup Plan
17:45 Owner Pay and Seasonality
18:51 Report and Coaching Offer
21:34 Wrap Up and Next Steps
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
25min
April 01, 20265 Years of Contractor Success: Lessons from the Forum's Founders [BONUS Episode!]
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.
Connect with Rob on LinkedIn

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Celebrating 5 years and 263 episodes! Wade Carpenter, Stephen Brown, and returning co-host Rob Williams share the most impactful episodes, business lessons, and evolution of the show.

Rob reveals his new focus on exit planning and business valuations for contractors earning $10M-$1B. From Profit First to joint ventures to scaling up strategies, discover the episodes that changed how contractors think about their businesses. Plus: why 75% of business owners regret their sales and how to avoid that trap.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Five Year Milestone
00:50 Rob Returns Update
01:11 Staging For Exit
04:39 Rembrandt In Attic
06:39 Favorite Episodes
09:49 Profit First Lessons
12:03 Cash Flow Drivers
14:42 Throughput And Constraints
16:58 Early Podcast Days
18:20 Behind The Scenes Amanda
18:35 Favorite Episodes Talk
19:16 Survival Trap Lessons
21:18 Coaching Contractors Better
22:35 Rob’s Business Shift
24:00 Exit Planning Purpose
26:06 AI and Tech Mindset
28:24 How to Reach Rob
30:15 Sell Smart Not Fast
32:00 Planned Exit Psychology
34:54 Five Year Wrap Up
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
37min
March 31, 20264 Ways to Grow Your Construction Company (That Actually Work!)
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Tired of working harder but seeing less profit? You're pulling the wrong levers. Wade and Stephen break down the four proven ways to grow your construction business that actually move the needle on your bottom line.
Learn why 'doing more work' isn't the answer and discover the mathematical drivers that can increase your business value by 85%. Plus exciting announcements as we kick off year six of the Contractor Success Forum!
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Working Hard Not Rich
00:22 Podcast Milestone Intro
01:35 Four Growth Levers
02:34 Win Better Jobs
04:16 Raise Contract Value
05:24 Boost Gross Margin
10:19 Control Overhead
11:54 Pricing Math Reality
12:47 Build Exit Value
14:56 Year Six Reflections
17:25 Audiobook Announcement
19:32 Community Coaching Launch
21:39 Subscribe And Wrap Up
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
25min
March 24, 2026The True Cost of 'Writing It Off': Avoid a Construction Cash Flow Spiral!
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Discover the shocking math behind equipment purchases that contractors never see. Wade and Stephen reveal how the common advice to 'just buy it and write it off' can trap your business in a dangerous cash flow spiral.

Learn the real numbers behind lease vs buy decisions, equipment depreciation, and why that tax deduction might cost you $20,000 more than you think. Essential listening for any contractor making equipment decisions.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Write Off Truck Myth
01:46 Cash Flow First Questions
03:02 Truck Loan Math Demo
05:00 Negative Equity Trap
08:14 Lease Versus Buy Reality
12:54 Repair Versus Replace
17:39 Section 179 Recapture Shock
21:43 Avoiding the Debt Spiral
24:13 Better Advice and Wrap Up
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
29min
March 17, 2026The Write-Off Trap: How Misguided Tax Advice Can Ruin Contractors
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Your insurance premiums don't have to feel like surprise change orders. Wade Carpenter (CPA) and Stephen Brown (bonding/insurance expert) reveal actionable strategies to control your construction business insurance costs in 2026.

Learn what's driving premium increases, common contractor mistakes that spike rates, and proven tactics to get better coverage for less.

From vehicle insurance to workers' comp, discover how to work with your agent proactively instead of reactively to protect your cash flow and profitability.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Why Premiums Keep Rising
00:22 What Drives Pricing
02:42 Insurance Is Not A Commodity
04:50 Hidden Premium Triggers
08:46 Claims History And Hiring
11:17 Best Contractors Win Rates
13:06 Proactive Service Mindset
16:19 Hard Versus Soft Markets
20:19 Year Round Cost Control
23:41 Key Takeaways And Wrap
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
25min
March 10, 2026Contractor Insurance Secrets: How to Cut Costs in 2026
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Your insurance premiums don't have to feel like surprise change orders. Wade Carpenter (CPA) and Stephen Brown (bonding/insurance expert) reveal actionable strategies to control your construction business insurance costs in 2026.

Learn what's driving premium increases, common contractor mistakes that spike rates, and proven tactics to get better coverage for less.

From vehicle insurance to workers' comp, discover how to work with your agent proactively instead of reactively to protect your cash flow and profitability.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Why Premiums Keep Rising
00:22 What Drives Pricing
02:42 Insurance Is Not A Commodity
04:50 Hidden Premium Triggers
08:46 Claims History And Hiring
11:17 Best Contractors Win Rates
13:06 Proactive Service Mindset
16:19 Hard Versus Soft Markets
20:19 Year Round Cost Control
23:41 Key Takeaways And Wrap
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
28min
March 03, 2026Why Your Bids Miss the Mark: Markup vs. Margin Secrets
Send us Fan Mail
🔗 LINKS
Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!
Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Think markup and margin are the same? This costly mistake could be draining $100K+ from your annual profits.

Wade breaks down the math with real contractor examples, showing why a 25% markup only gives you 20% margin.

Learn the correct formulas to bid jobs that actually deliver the profit you expect, plus get access to calculation tools that ensure your estimators use the right numbers every time.
⌚️ Key moments in this episode:
00:00 Profit Math Warning
00:21 Markup vs Margin Setup
02:07 Is 25% the Same
03:01 The 2 Million Example
03:48 Markup to Hit Margin
06:58 Markup Table Shockers
08:04 Remodeler Case Study
11:20 Commercial GC Mistake
13:16 Profit First Cash Impact
14:54 Calculator Annual Losses
16:17 Wrap Up Key Takeaways
17:06 Final Recap and Outro
The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day.
Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.
Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned.
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
...more
20min

FAQs about Contractor Success Forum:

How many episodes does Contractor Success Forum have?

The podcast currently has 267 episodes available.