Tom’s guest today is Isaac Barlow. Isaac is the founder of the contractor business software busybusy, which helps contractors get their business systems and processes in order. Isaac talks about why now is the best time to build your contracting business and share strategies for becoming profitable, achieving the freedom you’ve always wanted, and so much more.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [01:35] - Isaac’s background [03:48] - Being successful as a contractor [05:34] - Handling uncertain times in business [10:07] - What it means to know your numbers [15:04] - Mental lessons for dealing with current events [18:39] - Why now is the best time to build your contractor business [22:25] - Leadership during challenging times [27:46] - Strategies for improving your trades business [30:00] - Profit% that is right under your nose [34:21] - Strategies for finding hidden revenue and increasing margins [37:07] - Profit killers of the contracting industry [39:57] - Busybusy software for contractors [46:11] - Isaac’s message for contractors  Resources: ==Busybusy:  https://busybusy.com/   

TCF756: Why Now is the Best Time to Build Your Contractor Business with Isaac Barlow

Stop stressing out about your contracting business and take back control. The Contractor Fight is bringing respect and dignity back to the trades one contractor at a time. Discover how to market, sell, and consistently produce your projects at a profit with industry expert and powerful motivator Tom Reber.

Stop stealing from your family.
Earn what you're worth.
Build a business that serves you.

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

Entrepreneurship

Do you sometimes feel like you are taken advantage of or stressed because you don’t want to say no to a client or someone else? It can be hard, but setting clear boundaries is really important for reducing stress and standing up for yourself. Tim and Derek talk about setting boundaries with clients, family, and friends. They discuss why boundaries matter, how to establish them, and the courage it takes to stick to them.  In this episode, they discuss:The importance of setting boundaries in personal and professional lifeThe time when Tim almost lost money by underestimating a landscaping job costSetting a boundary with yourself to not be crossedWorking to get better at setting boundaries instead of avoiding confrontationsUsing tactical empathy to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting when boundaries are testedRespectfully setting boundaries while also validating other people’s feelings
Resources: 

TCF910: Setting Your Boundaries

It’s the middle of 2024. How’s business going? Are you hitting your goals? Is everything going as planned? Or are you stuck with average results and wanting more?  Many contractors are finding that their sales and leads are lower than expected. In this episode, Tom talks about breaking free from mediocrity and aiming higher and tells you to live every day with the mantra “Mediocrity Dies Today.” 
 Episode Highlights: [00:00] - The challenges many contractors are facing [01:09] - Where you’ve allowed mediocrity to creep in [02:21] - Be clear on your WHY to maintain focus [03:51] - Find your most important discipline [05:58] - Use the next six months to make 2024 the best year yet [06:59] - Full-day boot camps for Battleground members [07:35] - Free training to increase your income to $200k [09:34] - Lean into discomfort for growth [12:31] - Closing remarks 
 Click here to access the free training on increasing your income: https://thecontractorfight.com/200k/   
Resources: 

TCF909: Mediocrity Dies Today

Tom is joined by Battleground member Derek Prince to discuss his incredible business transformation. Derek shares how he grew his contracting business from $500k in revenue with a 26% gross profit to $2.5 million with a 44% gross profit in just 12 months. They talk about Derek’s approach to managing multiple ventures—his construction business, gym, and property management company—and the strategies he applied to his business. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [01:11] - Derek’s background [03:32] - Derek’s journey into contracting [05:21] - Fitness routine of Derek and why staying healthy matters [07:48] - Tom’s 75 Hard experience and finding what works for you [10:45] - Tracking KPIs and macros [12:26] - Derek’s construction company [13:07] - Implementing the subcontractor model [16:22] - How Derek found The Fight and why he joined [18:55] - Transformation in business after applying The Fight’s teachings [21:08] - What got him from $500k to $2.5 million [23:19] - Importance of niching in business [25:12] - Leveraging his project manager’s sales skills [26:14] - Taking action instead of just consuming info [28:14] - Derek’s pricing strategy [32:22] - Business is all about adjustments and improvements [34:13] - Handling issues the right way [38:22] - Key takeaways from joining Battleground [40:31] - How fitness and discipline impact business  [44:11] - Expansion and contraction phases of business [48:29] - Best way to connect with Derek [49:20] - What Derek’s average day looks like? [52:55] - Closing thoughts 
Resources: = Pro Property Services Website: https://www.propropertyserviceswnc.com/ 
= Pro Property Services on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propropertyserviceswnc/ 


TCF908: $500k to $2.5 Million in ONE YEAR

Have you ever put off an important task and then regretted it later? Or made a decision you wish you could take back? Tim and Derek discuss how the actions we take today directly impact our future success. They tell you not to screw over your future self by procrastinating or neglecting important tasks. Take action on your goals, so you have no regrets down the road. Your future success depends on it! In this episode, they discuss:The impact of today's actions on your tomorrow's outcomeMaking decisions and taking action today – if you delay, things may not be not favorable for youImportant things contractors need to be doing in their sales process so that they don't screw their future selvesFollowing up with clients — small actions like reminder calls or emails can make a big difference long termNot delaying important tasks or your future self will be mad you missed out on opportunities
Resources: 

TCF907: Don't Screw your Future Self

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to do it all in your contracting business, but still, your profits aren’t where you want them to be? Tom explains that every business goes through different phases, each phase requiring different efforts from you as the owner. He discusses the 3 key phases of business and how to focus your time and energy in each stage. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:16] - The 3 phases of business [01:49] - Hustle and grind phase (Up to $50k/month) [03:04] - Farming phase ($50k to $100k/month) [05:14] - Protect phase (Over $100k/month) [08:32] - How much time should be spent on each phase [12:27] - Shifting priorities as business grows [12:58] - Biggest takeawayResources: 

TCF756: Why Now is the Best Time to Build Your Contractor Business with Isaac Barlow

Download our free app to listen on your phone