Travis’s journey from photography to co-founding Catalyst Construction is a testament to hard work and passion for craftsmanship. As a master electrician and HVAC professional, he shares insights on balancing technical excellence with client needs, mentoring teams, and advancing building science. 

Learn how his nonprofit, Building Science Symposium, has raised nearly $160,000 for skilled trades education and why he believes in committing to the process and staying passionate about your craft. 

Learn more about the Building Science Symposiums: https://bsandbeerkc.org/introduction
See the work that Travis and Catalyst Construction do: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

Want to seem like a genius? Start by asking great questions. 

In this episode, we explore how the smartest people embrace what they don’t know, use curiosity as their superpower, and break communication barriers to truly understand their customers. 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

In this episode, we explore managing stress and how to handle being overwhelmed by assessing emotions and separating feelings from facts. 

Learn to identify root causes, reset your perspective, and prioritize action steps to regain control and stay grounded—even in challenging times. 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

In this episode, Brent Hull joins us as we dive into the impact of today’s quick-fix culture on quality craftsmanship, from the pressures of fast delivery to the challenges builders face as they navigate a "Snap and Place" society. We explore how Americans have become champions of the "cheap and quick," often at the expense of true quality. You will hear strategies for educating clients on the value of quality processes, ways to show clients when and why quality matters, and approaches to knowledge sharing, especially crucial as experienced teams transition and age out. 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

On today's episode of The Contractor Commute, we’re diving into a critical question: "What should I charge vs. what can I charge?" 

Whether you’re a new contractor figuring out your pricing strategy or a seasoned pro looking to increase your value, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore how to evaluate your worth, adjust for market conditions, and assess if your value has shifted—whether for better or worse—as you navigate uncertain times. Tune in to make sure you're charging what you're truly worth! 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

What sets Brad Leavitt, and AFT Construction, apart in the construction and contracting world?

We dive deep into his journey—exploring how he built his business from the ground up, the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he leads his team with vision and purpose.

Check out what Brad and his team can do!

AFT Construction | Luxury Custom Home Builder in Scottsdale

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

Dan Parish is the Founder and CEO of Millworks by Design, a premier carpentry firm just outside Los Angeles.

We’re excited to have Dan join us for this episode, where he’ll share how he's developed a unique approach to training the next generation of carpenters and craftsmen.

In this conversation, we’ll dive into key topics such as:

• Building a training system that elevates your team while boosting your sales ability
• Creating buy-in, even on a tight budget
• The crucial role of accurate estimating and its impact on success

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

If you don’t know what you’re doing with your business before you hire an office manager, you’re not going to know what to do afterward. Be cautious about hiring for an ill-defined position when your processes might be what are running you dry!

This episode will help you break down if you need to hire an office manager or if you need to work on your priorities as a business owner. You can get behind sending invoices, building estimates, or contacting clients. Let's find out if an office manager is what you need!

Check this out for another episode on hiring your first employee: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1988219/14713559

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

Creating new habits within your team demands commitment, a clear strategy, and a compelling incentive. To gain buy-in, you'll often need to effectively "sell" the benefits of these changes.

In this episode, Ben and Kinsey dive into practical steps for building new habits and cementing your team's participation. By fostering a culture of positive habits, you'll set the foundation for your business to thrive.

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback

Customers can purposefully and unknowingly take advantage of you if you let them!

In this episode, Ben and Kinsey talk about the subtle ways that you frame your business to ensure you aren't being cheated whether that is how you talk about getting work, negotiating price, or moving around your schedule. 

Take ownership of your business and walk tall!

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com)
Youtube: ConGenius - YouTube

Email [email protected] for questions and feedback