Are you great at your trade but confused by the financial side of your business? You’re not alone. In this episode, Chris G sits down with Dustin Young, a construction finance expert, to break down the numbers that actually matter. They talk about the four key things every contractor should be tracking, how often you should look at your reports, and why cash flow feels so hard to understand. Dustin shares what usually happens when businesses hit the $2M mark, how to know when it's time to hire someone, and the role software can play in keeping your team on track. They also chat about setting goals, building a vision, and why sharing simple financial info with your team can make a huge difference.

Dustin Young is a fractional CFO and financial advisor who works primarily with construction and trade business owners to help them understand and improve their financial performance. He runs Raven CFO, where he focuses on helping contractors read financial reports, track key performance numbers, forecast cash flow, and build business plans that match their goals. Dustin has nearly a decade of experience working with construction firms and their finances, combining practical industry insight with accounting knowledge. He’s based in the Arizona area and helps clients simplify complex finance topics like cash flow, budgeting, growth planning, and when to hire or invest in systems.

Connect with Dustin:

Website: https://ravencfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinhyoung/

Phone: 480-269-2236

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:10) Meet Dustin Young

(2:21) The 4 numbers you should always track

(3:38) What a cash flow report actually tells you

(4:57) How often to check your numbers

(5:54) What changes when you hit $2M in revenue

(9:40) Simple software that helps

(12:59) Should your team know the company’s numbers?

(14:33) Start with your long-term goals

(18:07) Budgeting for the whole company, not just the job

(21:09) What if all you have is your tax return?

(23:55) Why having a vision matters

(27:12) Hiring vs. using tools, and how to decide

(30:01) Same money problems, different businesses

(33:33) How to reach Dustin at Raven CFO

(34:19) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Ever feel like you have to do everything yourself to get ahead? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G gets real about how that mindset nearly burned him out, and cost him big time. He shares stories from his 20+ years in construction and business, including hiring mistakes, failed partnerships, and why having a solid team matters more than trying to be the hero. Chris also talks about the power of clarity, the value of a good coach, and why your health isn't something you can ignore. If you're running a business (or thinking about it), this one’s packed with honest lessons you'll want to hear.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:51) Trying to do everything alone

(1:54) Why he thought he needed partners

(2:47) “Clarity beats motivation.”

(3:30) What to look for in a great coach

(5:38) Not every problem is yours to solve

(7:04) Your health is part of your business

(8:30) Lessons from hiring the wrong people

(10:07) Don’t jump too fast

(10:53) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Ever feel stuck trying to figure out how to market your home service business without blowing your budget? This week on Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G sits down with Joel Keith, former live event producer turned marketing expert, to talk real strategies for trades business owners. From working with Alice Cooper to helping HVAC and plumbing companies grow past $1M, Joel shares what’s working right now. They talk about using AI as a helpful tool (not a replacement), how to get more reviews the easy way, and why you should never let a marketing company control your website or data. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow past the $5M mark, this episode is packed with smart, down-to-earth advice.

Joel Keith is the Managing Partner at ASP, a marketing agency that helps home service and local businesses grow through smart digital strategies like SEO, paid ads, web design, and business coaching. Based near Detroit, Joel brings a mix of real-world experience and leadership to help companies scale without wasting time or money.

Before leading ASP, Joel held roles in operations and advertising, giving him a well-rounded view of what small businesses need to grow. He’s also a husband, dad, and homesteader who’s passionate about helping other business owners succeed.

Connect with Joel:

Website: https://www.aspbranding.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspbranding/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atomicsoulsproductions/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/aspbranding/

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:42) Meet Joel and his wild background in live events

(3:10) How content creation led to a marketing company

(4:53) How AI helps (and where it doesn’t)

(7:15) Using AI to train your sales team

(9:28) What “No Hostage Rule” means and why it matters

(15:04) Low-budget marketing tips for new businesses

(20:02) Better ad options

(22:09) How to get more Google reviews

(24:42) Reviews vs referrals: both matter

(30:02) Growing past $1M, $3M, and $5M

(32:44) What to do when you’re ready to scale

(34:50) What numbers really matter in marketing

(38:04) Why cheap leads usually aren’t good leads

(39:51) Final advice: own your stuff, always

(40:55) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Ever feel like you're stuck, tired, and don’t know what to do next? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. gets real about those heavy days when your thoughts won’t stop, and you're carrying more than you admit. He talks about stress, doubt, and that weird feeling in your gut when something’s about to change. Chris reminds us it’s okay to ask for help, to not have a five-year plan, and that even small steps count. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or just having a rough week, this is the message you didn’t know you needed today.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:33) Maybe you're here for a reason

(2:00) The weight we don’t talk about

(4:02) That uneasy feeling = change

(5:01) Forget the 5-year plan, focus on today

(6:01) You don’t need a partner, you need a team

(7:03) Talk to someone who gets it

(8:39) You’ve made it this far, don’t stop now

(9:06) Time to take that first step

(9:49) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Are you constantly working but barely making ends meet? In this powerful episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris Gilman gets real about a common trap contractors fall into, being busy but broke. He breaks down three big myths around pricing that could be keeping you from the profit you deserve. From the lie that lowering prices wins better work, to the fear of losing good clients by charging more, Chris explains why working smarter (not cheaper) is the key. With real talk, contractor stories, and simple truths, this episode will help you rethink what you charge, why you charge it, and how to attract the right kind of clients who actually respect your time and quality.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Why being busy doesn’t mean you’re making money

(0:26) Myth #1: Lower prices win more work

(2:56) Why “work” doesn’t equal “profit”

(4:20) Cheap clients = expensive problems

(4:33) Myth #2: Raising prices scares off good clients

(6:30) How high value keeps the right clients

(7:10) Myth #3: You have to be the most expensive

(9:52) Quick recap of the 3 myths

(10:14) What true profitability looks like

(11:01) Want to talk about your pricing? Book a call

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G keeps it real with straight talk for contractors who are done feeling stuck. He shares simple steps to help you make more money, work with better clients, and stop doing everything yourself. You’ll hear why planning ahead beats putting out fires, how better communication can win you more jobs, and why your time and knowledge are worth charging for—yes, even those estimates.

This isn’t a pep talk. It’s about making real changes that actually stick. If you’re ready to run your business smarter in 2026, not harder, hit play.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:26) Evaluate pricing, clients, and stress levels

(1:46) Get ideas out of your head and into a system

(3:23) Raise your standards and value

(4:00) Communicate better with clients and team

(6:01) Be clear to justify your prices

(6:19) Stop doing everything

(7:06) Charge for estimates, add friction

(8:07) Become a planner, not a firefighter

(9:16) Say no to status quo in 2026

(11:01) Reclaim your time and confidence

(11:44) Book your free breakthrough consultation for 2026

(12:27) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Ever feel like your business is running your life? In this episode, Chris G. talks with Ian Noble, a former small business owner who found a better way, using real estate to buy back his time. Ian shares how he went from long days and burnout to a life where he has more freedom, more family time, and steady income through passive real estate investing. They talk about the difference between being a landlord and investing passively, how to protect your money, and why getting started early matters. If you’re a business owner wondering what’s next, this episode is for you.

Ian Noble is the founder of RunSteady Investments and a former small business owner who successfully scaled and exited a 14-location service company in Austin, Texas, after 14 years in operation. With over a decade of experience in real estate investing, Ian now helps individuals invest passively in real estate funds, including mobile home parks, self-storage, and private credit. His personal portfolio includes residential, commercial, and syndicated investments across Texas and Colorado. Today, his focus is on helping busy professionals and business owners build wealth and time freedom through low-risk, well-vetted real estate opportunities.

Connect with Ian:

Website: https://runsteadyinvestments.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/

Get his free Passive Investing cheat sheet: https://tinyurl.com/4pphyjfh

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(1:05) Ian’s background: From dry cleaning to real estate

(1:40) Active vs passive real estate investing

(3:13) Why betting on the operator matters

(4:42) Using business income to build wealth

(6:08) How to legally protect your assets

(7:44) Reinvestment strategy and mindset

(9:50) Transitioning to passive investing after selling a business

(11:48) Tax advantages and depreciation explained

(14:14) Helping others invest through syndication

(18:04) Who can join and what’s required

(20:33) Long-term thinking and letting tenants build your wealth

(25:17) Return on time vs return on money

(29:11) What financial freedom really feels like

(32:14) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Ever feel like you're working your tail off but not really getting anywhere? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks about how 2025 turned into his best year yet, and it's all because he finally got clear. Clear on pricing, clear on leadership, and clear on what jobs to say yes (or no) to. He shares real stories from his past, the lessons he learned the hard way, and how hiring the right coaches made a big difference. If you're a contractor or small business owner tired of spinning your wheels, this one’s for you. It’s all about keeping things simple, knowing your worth, and building a business that actually works.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:30) What clarity really means and learning from past mistakes

(2:35) The value of having coaches

(4:09) Holding yourself accountable and showing value

(5:39) Getting clear on pricing and leadership

(5:56) Building simple, smart systems

(7:24) Stop overthinking, start moving

(8:14) Why saying “no” can help you grow

(9:02) What are you doing that someone else should?

(9:41) Hiring the right people

(11:16) Less stress, more results

(12:07) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Thinking about bringing new technology into your construction business, but worried your team won’t go for it? You’re not alone. In this episode, Chris G sits down with change expert Cesar Viana Teague to talk about how to actually get your people on board—without the confusion, resistance, or wasted money. Cesar shares his simple APE model (Analyze, Plan, Execute) and explains why timing, trust, and listening to your team are the keys to success. He also shares real stories of what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re a contractor or construction business owner thinking about change, this one’s for you.

Cesar Vianna Teague is a change management and enablement consultant and founder of Next Level Consulting, operating under the Change Is Good brand at changeisgood.io. He partners with CEOs, technology leaders and subject matter experts across the US and Europe to turn complex digital initiatives into structured, human centred change programs. Drawing on his A.P.E.E.E. model, he focuses on tech change readiness, stakeholder co design, communication strategy and authentic leadership so teams can adopt AI, ERP and CRM systems with less resistance and more real results.

Connect with Cesar:

Website: https://changeisgood.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesarvianateague/

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

​​(1:13) Meet Cesar and why tech change matters in construction

(3:20) How leadership can make or break the rollout

(5:26) Creating your "change team" from inside

(7:40) Cesar’s APE model explained

(15:19) Helping people who struggle with tech

(18:48) Where tech gives the best return

(20:49) Success and failure stories

(28:19) What to ask before making a big change

(30:54) How to reach Cesar

(31:31) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Feeling worn out, stressed, or stuck in your business? In today’s episode, Chris G. opens up about the things he wishes he knew back in his 30s and 40s. If you're running jobs, working long hours, and wondering why it’s not getting easier, this one’s for you. He talks real about burnout, broken systems, pricing mistakes, and what it really means to lead. You don’t have to keep grinding like this. You can fix your business, take better care of your health, and still build something great. It’s not too late, but it’s got to start now.

Episode highlights:

(0:00) Intro

(0:44) What leadership really looks like

(1:49) Burnout and losing your drive

(3:30) Lesson 1: You can’t fix a broken system by working harder

(4:31) Lesson 2: You’re not charging enough

(6:58) Lesson 3: Let go

(9:25) Lesson 4: Your body won’t hold up forever

(12:02) Lesson 5: It’s not too late to change everything

(14:48) Final thoughts and how to connect with Chris

(15:34) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/