Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

Your contracting business might be generating more revenue, bringing in more leads, and keeping your crews busy, but why does it still feel like you're not making progress?

The problem could be a business bottleneck.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• The four major business functions every contractor needs to evaluate: Management, Money, Market, and Machine
• How to identify the bottlenecks limiting your contractor business growth
• Why more leads and sales won't fix broken operations
• How poor financial management can affect cash flow and profitability
• The difference between growing and scaling a contracting business
• The four levels of business performance: Foundation, Build, Scale, and Freedom
• How to prioritize the biggest constraint instead of trying to fix everything at once
• Why identifying your business bottlenecks is essential for long-term growth and owner freedom

TAKE THE FREE CONTRACTOR BOTTLENECK ASSESSMENT

Not sure what's holding your contracting business back?

Brad created a free assessment based on the 4M Framework to help you evaluate your business, identify potential bottlenecks, and discover what you should focus on first.

Take the assessment here: https://findmybottlenecks.com

Links to resources

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homeowners aren't just buying a finished project, they're buying the experience of working with you. So why are so many contractors losing jobs to cheaper competitors, even when they can deliver better work?

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why homeowners choose contractors who charge more
• How to stop competing on price and start selling value
• Why your estimate alone won't convince customers to hire you
• How marketing, reviews, communication, and consultations build trust
• Why pre-qualifying leads can save time and reduce wasted estimates
• How charging for consultations can help you provide a better experience
• How to create memorable customer experiences without spending a fortune
• How to standardize a unique experience that sets your business apart

Ready to build a more profitable contracting business?

Links to resources

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast?

Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover?

Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is buying new equipment really a smart investment for your contracting business? Before you spend thousands of dollars, you need to understand the true cost of equipment ownership and how it will impact your contractor profit.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to calculate equipment ROI before buying
• Why the purchase price doesn't tell the whole story
• How equipment costs can affect your contracting business's profitability
• How to evaluate the expected return on an equipment investment
• Why calculating your break-even point matters before making a purchase
• How to think through buying versus renting equipment
• How to make smarter equipment purchasing decisions that protect your profit

The goal isn't simply to own better equipment. It's to make sure every major investment supports your business's financial goals.

Before you buy your next piece of equipment, run the numbers. Make sure the investment makes sense for your contracting business.

Ready to build a more profitable contracting business?

Links to resources

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast?

Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover?

Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do contractors keep facing the same problems, even after they've tried to fix them?

Brad breaks down why so many contractors become trapped in a cycle of constant firefighting, trying to run their businesses out of their heads, and struggling to get their teams to work independently. Without documented processes, clear standards, and repeatable systems, business growth can create even more chaos.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• Why contractors keep solving the same business problems
• The difference between fixing symptoms and solving root causes
• How job costing reveals problems that hurt profitability
• When to create SOPs, checklists, rules, and automated processes
• How poor communication and handoffs create recurring mistakes
• Why contractors need to stop being the solution to everything
• How to empower employees to think critically and solve problems
• Why you should prioritize major problems before smaller ones
• How to build a process-driven construction business
• How solving one recurring problem each week can transform your business

If you're tired of constantly putting out fires, working long hours, and answering every question your team brings to you, this episode will help you start building a business that runs on systems instead of depending on you for every solution.

Links to resources

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever looked at one of your employees and thought, "How do they not know this?" If so, you're not alone. After years of experience, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be a beginner. In this episode, I unpack the frustrations that come from this phenomenon and how it can impact your business.

Here’s what you can expect to learn:

• The Curse of Knowledge: Understanding how experience can lead to frustration in communication with team members.
• Common Sense vs. Common Experience: Why what seems obvious to you may not be clear to others.
• The Tapping Experiment: A demonstration of how knowledge gaps affect understanding.
• Beginner's Mindset: Adopting a fresh perspective to improve training and communication.
• Defining Standards: The importance of clear expectations and visual aids in training.
• Accountability vs. Experience Problems: Differentiating between accountability issues and genuine knowledge gaps.

Links to resources:

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you stuck trying to do everything on your own as a contractor? Brad breaks down the hidden price of inexperience and why hiring experts for tasks outside your core skills is crucial. Valuable advice on delegating without abdicating, managing time wisely, and boosting contractor profits. Learn to stop bottlenecking your growth and focus on what matters most.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• The true cost of DIY projects in your business
• Why your time is not free and how to assign a dollar value to it
• The dangers of trying to figure everything out on your own
• Real-life examples of costly mistakes made by business owners
• Strategies for effective delegation and management

Links to resources:

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empower your contracting business with vital tips on managing change orders, improving contractor profit, and addressing scope creep issues. From contractor marketing to business transition and cash flow management, this podcast delivers expert contractor advice and practical solutions for contractor business challenges. Elevate your contractor confidence and profit through effective decision-making and execution.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• The significance of executing decisions swiftly to gain a competitive edge.
• Understanding opportunity costs and the impact of indecision on your business.
• Practical strategies for setting decision deadlines and overcoming fear of failure.
• Real-life examples of how quick decision-making has led to success in Brad's own business.

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the inspiring business transition journey of Cameron Matteucci as he masters kitchen remodeling and builds contractor profit through focused contractor advice and project management strategies. Learn how narrowing your niche and effective business transition can lead to remodeling success and contractor profit boost.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• Transitioning from handyman to kitchen remodeling
• The importance of niching down in business
• Building strong relationships with subcontractors
• The impact of client demographics on pricing
• The benefits of streamlined systems in a focused business model
• Overcoming the fear of change and saying no to certain jobs

Links to resources

Connect with Cameron at Redtail Renovations

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Contractors face significant profit leaks due to scope creep. This episode breaks down practical solutions including clear change order processes, tracking free work, and managing client expectations to boost your bottom line.

In this episode, Brad talks about:

• What scope creep is and how it happens
• The hidden costs associated with extra work
• Strategies to prevent scope creep without alienating your customers
• The importance of having a clear change order process
• Tips for training your team to handle customer requests effectively

Links to resources

Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com

Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups!

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re paying an employee $30 an hour, they don’t actually cost your construction business $30 an hour.

In this episode of the Hammer & Grind Podcast, Brad Huebner breaks down how contractors can calculate their true labor costs and use the right labor burden rate to protect their profit margins. Your employee’s hourly wage is only one part of the total cost. Payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, paid time off, training, meetings, and other non-productive paid hours can significantly increase what that employee actually costs your business.

You’ll learn how to:

• Calculate your true labor burden rate
• Separate employee wages from total labor costs
• Account for payroll taxes and workers’ compensation
• Factor in employee benefits and other direct labor costs
• Calculate the cost of non-productive paid time
• Determine your true cost per productive hour
• Understand the difference between markup and gross profit margin
• Avoid underpricing labor on construction estimates
• Identify hidden labor-related profit leaks
• Price your labor correctly across multiple employees and crews

If you’re a contractor who wants better construction estimating, stronger profit margins, and a clearer understanding of what your employees actually cost your business, this episode is a must-listen.

Get the Labor Burden Worksheet:

Use the worksheet to calculate your labor burden rate and understand your true labor cost per hour, day, week, month, and year. The worksheet can also help you calculate costs for different employee teams and crews.

Links to resources

Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.

https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn

Want to go deeper?

Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/

Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website

Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.

Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.

We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!

Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.