Hiring your first employee is a major milestone in your contracting business—and one that often comes with a lot of questions and hesitation. In this episode, Tom sits down with Battleground coach and remodelling business owner Anthony Abbott to talk through the ins and outs of bringing on your first team member. From knowing when it’s the right time to hire, to setting expectations, training, and finding the right fit, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical advice.

In this episode, they discuss:

• [00:00] – Why contractors struggle with knowing when and how to hire
• [00:32] – Introduction to Anthony Abbott, his role in The Fight, and his business growth story
• [02:20] – The real secret behind Anthony’s rapid success: hiring the right people
• [03:45] – How to know it’s time to hire your first employee
• [04:49] – The importance of finding someone who is adaptable and a culture fit
• [06:44] – Interviewing for character over competency and spotting growth potential
• [08:55] – Setting clear expectations to avoid misalignment as your business grows
• [10:50] – Hiring subcontractors vs. full-time employees—key differences and tips
• [12:36] – Training your team to handle responsibilities effectively
• [13:33] – Why hiring slowly can save you major headaches
• [14:54] – Choosing the right first hire: admin or project manager?
• [16:02] – The power of delegation: how Tom’s team structure freed up his time
• [16:54] – Breaking through the head trash of “people are the problem”
• [17:59] – How better leadership could have changed Anthony’s early hiring experiences
• [18:48] – The financial side: viewing employees as investments, not expenses
• [20:20] – Real numbers: Anthony’s explosive revenue growth tied to strategic hiring
• [21:32] – “I need more money before I can hire”—busting this common myth
• [22:45] – Battleground: how it helps overwhelmed contractors regain time and control
• [23:09] – Where to connect with Anthony online and get more hiring insights

Resources:

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