Profit Tool Belt I Construction I Contracting I Renovations I Remodelling I Construction Business Coach Dominic Rubino

Where did the profit go?

Many cabinet shop owners are busier than ever but still wonder why cash is always tight.

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Kristen Deese, Virtual CFO for the Trades, to discuss why revenue alone doesn't build wealth.

You'll learn why successful businesses eventually stop relying on gut feelings and begin using financial data to make better decisions.

In this episode:

✅ Why selling more doesn't always increase profit

✅ The difference between a CPA and a CFO

✅ Why profit should be planned not left over

✅ How cash flow and net profit are different

✅ Why job costing matters

✅ Understanding Work In Progress (WIP)

✅ Common financial mistakes growing cabinet shops make

✅ Why better numbers lead to better business decisions

If you're building a cabinet shop, millwork company, or woodworking business and want more profit with less stress, this episode will change how you look at your business.

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💬 Comment your biggest takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners.

More about Kristen Deese:

Site: https://www.kristendeese.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.deese.7/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-virtual-cfo-for-the-trades/

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #KristenDeese #Podcast

What Are You Really Leaving Your Kids?

Most business owners dream of leaving something meaningful behind.

But if your company depends on you every day, are you really leaving a business… or just handing your family another job?

In this episode, Dominic Rubino explains one of the most important numbers every owner should know: Revenue Responsibility Per Hour (RR/H).

You'll discover why owner dependency quietly limits growth, how to identify the work only you should be doing, and what it takes to build a company that can thrive without you.

Whether you plan to pass your business to your children, your leadership team, or eventually sell it, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, systems, and legacy.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What Revenue Responsibility Per Hour (RR/H) really means

• Why doing $40/hour work can cost you thousands

• The difference between being the hero and becoming the leader

• How systems increase business value

• Why your children may not want your business if nothing changes

• The first steps toward creating a true legacy business

If this episode helped you think differently about your business, subscribe for more practical strategies on leadership, profitability, systems, and building a company that creates freedom.

👍 Like this video

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway

More about Dominic Rubino:

Site: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/

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

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

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

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA # #Podcast

Your financial statements say you're profitable...

So why isn't there any money in the bank?

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Fractional CFO Natalia Zacharin to explain one of the biggest financial mysteries business owners face.

You'll learn:

✔️ The difference between profit and cash flow

✔️ Why profitable companies still struggle with cash

✔️ The hidden expenses that drain your bank account

✔️ How to improve project profitability

✔️ Why forecasting is critical for long-term success

✔️ When a Fractional CFO makes sense for your business

If you're a contractor, entrepreneur, or business owner looking to improve your financial decision-making, this episode is packed with practical advice.

👍 Like the video

💬 Leave your biggest takeaway in the comments

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on growing a profitable business.

More about Natalia Zacharin:

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

Website: https://zacharinconsulting.com

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

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

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #NataliaZacharin #Profit

Can you really stop running paid ads and still grow your contracting business?

In this episode of Profit Tool Belt, Dominic Rubino sits down with Daniel Dixon, CEO of SendJim and a successful home service entrepreneur, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in the trades.

Most contractors believe they need more leads to grow. Daniel explains why the real opportunity is often hidden in the customers you already have.

You'll discover:

✅ Why paid ads become an expensive habit for many contractors

✅ The real value of your customer database (and why buyers pay for it)

✅ How to generate more revenue without constantly buying new leads

✅ The "heat map" strategy that helps dominate neighborhoods

✅ Why selling to past customers is dramatically cheaper than acquiring new ones

✅ How to increase customer lifetime value and build a more valuable business

✅ Practical marketing ideas every home service business can use

Whether you're a roofer, remodeler, HVAC contractor, painter, plumber, electrician, or landscaper, this conversation will change how you think about marketing and business growth.

If you enjoyed this episode:

👍 Like it

🔔 Subscribe for weekly contractor business advice

💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway

More about Daniel Dixon:

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

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dixon-88359764/

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #SendJim #danieldixon

Are you measuring the right numbers in your cabinet shop or just staying busy?

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with business coach and entrepreneur Adam Sylvester to discuss the key performance indicators that separate profitable cabinet shops from those constantly struggling with cash flow.

You'll learn why tracking more numbers isn't the answer, how revenue per employee can transform your hiring decisions, why your close rate may be telling you you're underpriced, and how focusing on the right KPI can improve every area of your business.

In this episode:

• The one KPI every profitable business tracks

• Why most owners focus on the wrong numbers

• Revenue per employee explained

• How pricing impacts long-term profitability

• Why winning too many jobs can actually hurt your business

• Building a business that's profitable not just busy

• Leadership lessons that improve company culture

Whether you own a cabinet shop, remodeling company, or trades business, these insights will help you make smarter decisions and build a stronger company.

👇 Subscribe for more interviews and business strategies designed specifically for cabinet shop owners and contractors.

More about Adam Sylvester:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sylvester-72b64350/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottesville-gutter-pros/

Podcast Name: Masters of Home Service

Podcast Page (Jobber): https://www.getjobber.com/podcast/

Direct Podcast Feed: https://mastersofhomeservice.podbean.com

Personal Website: https://www.adamsylvester.com/

Company Website (Charlottesville Gutter Pros): https://cvillegutterpros.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.sylvester.71/

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

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #AdamSylvester

Why do some contractors stay busy but never land the best projects?

In this episode of Profit Tool Belt, Dominic Rubino sits down with construction marketing experts Rob and Adrienne Folse to discuss how contractors can attract better clients, improve profitability, and build a marketing system that generates consistent opportunities.

Rather than chasing every job that comes along, successful contractors position themselves to win higher-value projects through strategic branding, Google reviews, professional project photography, responsive customer service, and long-term marketing consistency.

Inside this episode you'll learn:

✅ Why staying busy isn't the same as building a profitable business

✅ How to attract better-paying construction clients

✅ The power of Google Business Profiles and reviews

✅ Why before-and-after photography sells your work

✅ Marketing strategies for contractors that actually work

✅ How to transition from technician to business owner

✅ Building a business that's valuable enough to sell one day

Whether you're a remodeler, cabinet shop owner, custom home builder, or general contractor, these practical strategies can help you attract more of the work you actually want.

👍 If you found value in this episode, subscribe for more interviews designed to help contractors build stronger, more profitable businesses.

More about Adrienne and Rob Folse:

Site: https://designtheplanet.com/

https://brandconstructors.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/folselife/

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienneoftheplanet/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brand-constructors/

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#cabinetmakerprofitsystem #ProfitToolBelt #dominicrubino #millwork #cabinetmaker #woodwork #profitability #podcast #efficiency #entrepreneur #architecturalmillwork #woodworkingbusiness #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #WoodworkingBusiness #ShopManagement #ExitPlanning #ManagementBuyout #ConstructionBusiness #RobFolse #AdrienneFolse #ConstructionMarketing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #GeneralContractor #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionIndustry #SmallBusiness

How does a Management Buyout (MBO) actually work?

Many contractors dream of stepping away from their business but don't want to sell to a competitor or private equity firm.

In this episode, investment banker Tim Vorhoff explains how a Management Buyout works, when it makes sense, and what business owners need to know before selling their company to their leadership team.

You'll learn:

✅ What a Management Buyout (MBO) is

✅ How management teams finance the purchase

✅ How business valuation works

✅ Common mistakes owners make when selling

✅ When an MBO is the right exit strategy and when it isn't

Whether you're planning to retire in 2 years or 20, understanding your exit options today can help you maximize the value of the business you've spent years building.

Guest

Tim Vorhoff

Investment Banker & Author of Exit Right

In This Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:50 Different ways to exit a business

05:00 Choosing the right exit strategy

09:00 How buyers evaluate your business

18:45 What is a Management Buyout?

20:00 How a Management Buyout is financed

28:00 Common mistakes owners make

35:00 Is an MBO right for you?

🎙️ Profit Tool Belt Podcast

Helping contractors build businesses that work without them.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, profit, systems, succession, and business growth.

👍 Like this video

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway

More about Tim Vorhoff:

Book: https://howtoexitright.com/

Site: https://creovalo.com/

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

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

#cabinetmakerprofitsystem #ProfitToolBelt #dominicrubino #millwork #cabinetmaker #woodwork #profitability #podcast #efficiency #entrepreneur #architecturalmillwork #woodworkingbusiness #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #WoodworkingBusiness #ShopManagement #ExitPlanning #ManagementBuyout #SuccessionPlanning #ConstructionBusiness #TimVorhoff

How do you lead a team when every employee is different?

That's exactly what Dominic Rubino explores in this episode of the Profit Tool Belt Podcast with leadership expert Tony Alessandra.

Most contractors were taught the Golden Rule: treat people the way you want to be treated.

Tony explains why that mindset often creates conflict inside growing businesses—and why the best leaders follow a better principle: learn how each person prefers to communicate and lead them accordingly.

In this episode you'll learn:

✅ Why one leadership style doesn't work for every employee

✅ How better communication reduces conflict

✅ The basics of DISC personality styles

✅ How to build stronger relationships with employees and customers

✅ Why training is one of the best investments you can make

✅ How cross-training creates stronger, more resilient teams

✅ Practical leadership lessons every contractor can use immediately

Whether you own an HVAC company, renovation business, plumbing company, electrical company, painting business, landscaping company, or any growing trades business, these leadership principles will help you build a stronger team and a business that depends less on you.

👍 Like this video

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners.

More about Tony Alessandra:

Site: https://www.alessandra.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assessments24x7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assessments24x7

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dustan Biegler shares the ROI framework that helped him build and lead Apple Roofing into a $32 million company with a fleet of more than 70 trucks.

What started as a conversation about trucks quickly became a masterclass in business ownership, profitability, leadership, and making smarter decisions with your money and time.

Dustan explains how successful entrepreneurs evaluate purchases, avoid costly mistakes, calculate true return on investment, and focus on the activities that create the greatest impact in their business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to calculate ROI before making major purchases

• The hidden costs most business owners overlook

• Why impulse buying hurts profitability

• How successful entrepreneurs think differently about money

• Why business owners should avoid low-value activities

• The role coaching, mentorship, and books play in business growth

• How paying attention to the small things creates long-term success

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish

• Construction Millionaire Secrets by Dominic Rubino

Our mission at Profit Tool Belt is to help construction business owners work smarter, increase profitability, and build companies that support the lifestyle they want.

👍 Like this video if you're committed to making smarter business decisions.

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway from Dustan's ROI framework.

🔔 Subscribe for practical, no-fluff business advice for contractors.

This interview was recorded with Dustan Biegler, co-founder and CEO of Apple Roofing. Dustan was a respected entrepreneur and business leader whose insights on ROI, leadership, and business growth continue to impact contractors and business owners today.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com

#ProfitToolBelt #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #RoofingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ROI #Profitability

If you're a construction business owner who's tired of paying rent and wondering how to build long-term wealth, this episode is for you. Dominic Rubino sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and real estate expert Ken Wimberly to discuss how contractors, tradespeople, and small business owners can transition from leasing space to owning commercial real estate.

Ken shares practical strategies for getting started, including how SBA loans work, why building relationships with lenders matters, how to identify undervalued properties, and why surrounding yourself with successful investors can accelerate your growth. The conversation also explores real-world examples of contractors, chiropractors, and entrepreneurs who built substantial wealth through commercial property ownership.

Beyond real estate investing, Ken discusses the importance of mentorship, the power of your Reticular Activation System (RAS), and why successful entrepreneurs intentionally expose themselves to new ideas and opportunities. The episode closes with an inspiring conversation about family legacy, journaling, and Ken's Legacy of Love app.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How construction companies can own commercial real estate with as little as 10% down • Why SBA loans can be a powerful tool for business owners • How to find commercial properties with built-in rental income • The role of lenders, brokers, and property inspectors in your investment strategy • Why mentorship and networking are critical for long-term success • How real estate can create retirement income beyond selling your business • The mindset shifts required to build wealth outside your day-to-day operations

Our mission at Profit Toolbelt is to help construction business owners work smarter, increase profitability, and build companies that support the lifestyle they want.

👍 Like this video if you're done burning money on rent. 💬 Comment your biggest insight from today's episode. 🔔 Subscribe for practical, no-fluff business advice for contractors.

Also check out:

Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/

Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com

#CommercialRealEstate #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionEntrepreneur #BusinessOwnership #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #SmallBusinessGrowth #ContractorLife #ProfitToolbelt