Robbing Peter to pay Paul isn’t growth — it’s chaos.

If you’re constantly sweating payroll, floating deposits, and juggling jobs just to cover expenses, you’re not building a business… you’re gambling with your future.

In this episode, Tom exposes the ugly truth behind why contractors stay broke while looking busy. He breaks down:

✅ What “robbing Peter to pay Paul” really looks like

✅ Why it’s not growth, it’s financial desperation

✅ The risks of low deposits and soft payment terms

✅ How to get control of your cash flow before it buries you

💥 Stop stealing from tomorrow to cover today. It’s time to fix your business.

👉 Listen now and start fighting for the respect and profit you deserve.

=================================================

☎️ Waiting until everything’s perfect before you pull the trigger? That’s why you’re stuck. Perfection is the setup that keeps most contractors broke.

👉 The turning point for hundreds of contractors was joining BATTLEGROUND. That’s where they finally stopped waiting for the “right time” and got the plan, the accountability, and the push to start running a real business — even if it was messy at first.

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, hiding from discomfort, and learning the hard way, book a free 15-minute Growth Call. We’ll show you how BATTLEGROUND can help you take imperfect action, clean up your chaos, and finally move forward.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

==================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Business isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, screwing up, and learning fast. In this raw episode, Derek and Tim share a hilarious (and humbling) story about being “set up” at an event — and how that ties into the lessons every contractor needs to learn:

• Why perfection is the enemy of progress
• How to keep showing up when you feel embarrassed or unprepared
• Why the “who” is more important than the “how” in business
• Why you don’t need to be good at everything — just at what matters

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t ready, polished, or “good enough,” this one’s for you.

=================================================

☎️ Waiting until everything’s perfect before you pull the trigger? That’s why you’re stuck. Perfection is the setup that keeps most contractors broke.

👉 The turning point for hundreds of contractors was joining BATTLEGROUND. That’s where they finally stopped waiting for the “right time” and got the plan, the accountability, and the push to start running a real business — even if it was messy at first.

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, hiding from discomfort, and learning the hard way, book a free 15-minute Growth Call. We’ll show you how BATTLEGROUND can help you take imperfect action, clean up your chaos, and finally move forward.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

==================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Most contractors tiptoe around money, and it’s killing their profits. In this episode, Derek Johnson and Tim Cutroni rip the curtain back on why talking openly about money is the #1 skill you need if you want to stop financing your client’s projects.

They share raw stories about deposits, draws, and payment schedules, plus how to stop being afraid of giving real numbers to customers. You’ll hear:

• Why deposits and progress draws protect your business
• How to talk about price without losing authority
• Breaking the generational mindset that “money talk” is taboo
• How transparency in pricing actually shortens your sales cycle

👉 If you’re still afraid to bring up money with clients, this episode will punch you in the gut (in a good way).

=============================

☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

=============================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Today on the show, Tom sits down with Ben and Amy Wright — Nashville-based contractors who went from touring musicians making $40K a year to running a thriving construction company doing over $655,000 YTD.

They talk about:

The shift from “broke band mindset” to building real wealth

How The Contractor Fight helped them kill bad money habits

What it takes to run a business and a marriage without burning out

Why keeping your “pack light” matters if you want to grow

The role of faith, mindset, and community in scaling a contracting business

This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it means to fight for your future as a contractor and a couple.

🔗 Listen, share, and leave a review to help more contractors find the show.

============================================================

☎️ Ben & Amy went from broke musicians making $40K a year… to contractors pulling over $655K and building a real future.

👉 Their turning point? Joining BATTLEGROUND. That’s where they got the plan, the accountability, and the kick in the ass they needed to stop living in survival mode and start running a business that actually works.

If you’re sick of grinding it out month after month with nothing to show for it, book a free 15-minute Growth Call. We’ll show you how BATTLEGROUND can help you kill the broke mindset and finally get ahead.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

The Lull is Real. Don’t Panic.

In this episode, Derek and Tim dive into the seasonal slowdown that every contractor faces. When the phones stop ringing as much and it feels like all you’re hearing is “no,” it’s easy to think you’re doing something wrong.

But here’s the truth: this is a normal cycle. Kids go back to school, families finish summer vacations, and homeowners hit pause on big projects. That doesn’t mean your business is broken. It means you’re in the lull.

We’ll break down:

• Why “no” isn’t always a bad thing
• How to recognize normal cycles vs. real sales issues
• The importance of pre-qualifying leads so you don’t waste time
• How to use slow periods to regroup, sharpen your skills, and spend time with family

Remember, this isn’t failure. It’s part of the fight. Stay the course, stick to your process, and the yeses will come.

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Why “no” happens more this time of year

03:00 – Story of a DIY gone wrong pond project

06:30 – Viral videos and unqualified leads

07:30 – Taking more “nos” than “yeses”

09:30 – Why “the lull” is normal every year

10:40 – How to handle the cycle and push through

============================================================

☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Most contractors are wasting thousands on marketing that doesn’t make them a dime. Why? Because they don’t track their Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC).

In this episode, Tom breaks down:

- The formula to calculate your CAC

- Why “busy but broke” means your CAC is too high

- The fastest ways to lower CAC (speed-to-lead, better targeting, sales process fixes)

- How to know which lead sources to double down on

Chapters:

00:00 – If you don’t know your CAC, you’re not running a business

02:00 – Why tracking CAC shows if your marketing actually works

05:20 – Math breakdown: $5K ad spend → 10 jobs

09:30 – Signs your CAC is too high

15:40 – How discounts kill your profits

20:15 – Tips to lower CAC (speed-to-lead, tracking, targeting, reviews, sales process)

28:00 – Why you’re winging it if you don’t know your CAC

============================================================

☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

In this episode, Tim and Derek dive deep into the uncomfortable moments that test contractors daily—both in business and life. From tech frustrations to difficult sales conversations, they highlight how discomfort is a necessary catalyst for growth and success. If you’re stuck in a rut, it’s likely because you’re avoiding the uncomfortable steps that push you forward.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• The real reason most contractors struggle: a lack of willingness to get uncomfortable
• Their own tech struggles as a metaphor for business challenges
• Why embracing discomfort in sales, communication, and leadership is essential
• The danger of getting too comfortable and stagnant in business practices
• How fear of looking foolish prevents growth and improvement
• The role your significant other plays in your journey and how to bring them along
• The impact of changing personal habits and how they affect your relationships
• Why consistent communication with your partner is crucial when you're growing your business
• Overcoming the fear of role-playing and uncomfortable conversations in sales
• Understanding that discomfort is often the gateway to breakthrough

=============================

☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

=============================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

In this episode of The Contractor Fight, Tom breaks down real contractor truck wraps submitted by fighters just like you. He exposes the good, the bad, and the downright embarrassing mistakes contractors make when they slap their name on a vehicle.

You’ll hear:

Why your truck is a moving billboard (and how most of you waste it)

Tom’s 5-point checklist for evaluating a wrap design

Real-life examples of what works and what fails at 60mph

How your wrap, website, and branding must all connect

👉 Want to stop looking like an amateur and start standing out as the premium contractor in your market? This episode will show you where you’re blowing it.

📌 Chapters

0:26 Why Truck Wraps Matter

0:55 Two Trucks, Big Impact

1:21 My Biggest Regret on Truck Wraps

1:52 The 5-Point Truck Wrap Checklist

2:20 Example #1: Cheyenne Home Services

5:08 Example #2: Legacy Fence

7:58 Example #3: Maine Outdoor Spaces

10:15 Example #4: Hernandez Essence Renovations

15:29 Example #5: Superior Ponds

18:25 Why Branding Must Match Your Quality of Work

19:16 Rebranding Success Stories

19:43 The $4/Day Marketing Investment That Works

============================================================

☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Tim and Derek dive into a real-world sales story that illustrates the power of connection, emotional intelligence, and proper communication. Tim shares how a routine consultation for pond maintenance turned into an unforgettable sales experience—one that highlights the importance of trust, empathy, and being fully prepared through training.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• How a simple pond consultation evolved into a deep emotional connection with the client
• The critical moment when trust was lost with the previous contractor—and how Tim seized the opportunity
• How understanding and labeling client emotions can open doors in sales conversations
• Why consultation fees and in-person visits matter when diagnosing problems and building relationships
• The bizarre yet powerful moment the client realized Tim looked just like her late father—and how it sealed the deal
• The importance of training, role-playing, and continuously sharpening your sales skills
• How preparation and consistency helped Tim confidently close the deal and land a long-term client

=================================

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.

Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Benji Carlson has spent his life building movements in the trades. From the franchise painting world to Breakthrough Academy to now helping lead Leanscaper, an AI-powered platform for landscapers. In this deep-dive with Tom, they tackle the real reasons the trades lost their shine, and what it’s going to take to make them cool again.

They talk content, culture, recruiting, money, and what separates struggling contractors from thriving ones. This episode is pure 🔥 for anyone serious about growing a blue-collar business with pride and purpose.

👇 CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

01:13 - Who is Benji Carlson?

03:00 - Why Startups Are His Sweet Spot

06:00 - Biggest Mistakes Contractors Make With Content

12:00 - The “It’s Not About You” Content Rule

14:30 - What Does It Mean to “Make the Trades Cool Again”?

17:00 - Why the College-First Narrative Failed

20:00 - The Death of Shop Class

23:00 - Being Blue-Collar and Broke Ain’t Cool

28:00 - Why the Trades Are Primed for a Renaissance

30:00 - AI’s Impact on the White-Collar Workforce

32:30 - How Contractors Must Shift Their Culture

35:00 - Using Social Media to Attract Top Talent

39:00 - Leadership vs. Managing: Be the Grandfather

41:00 - Get Young: Benji’s Mindset Shift for Building Culture

43:00 - Branding, Swag & the Piecework Future

46:00 - Rapid Fire: Benji’s Top Advice

53:00 - AI Tools That Are Changing the Game

57:00 - What Every Contractor Should Do This Week

59:00 - What Is LANA? The AI Tool Built for Landscapers

1:00:00 - Final Thoughts + Where to Find Benji

 Follow Benji Carlson & Leanscaper

Website: leanscaper.com

Instagram: @leanscaper

============================================================

🧰 CONTRACTOR BUSINESS SCHOOL

If you’re serious about building a profitable, structured contracting business without the chaos, this is your shot. Get the tools, insights, and mentorship you need to level up—on YOUR time, at YOUR pace.

https://contractorbusinessschool.com/

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify