In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss the challenges and opportunities of growing a contracting business. They explore deciding when to scale, the importance of building strong foundations, and strategies for creating a sustainable, efficient operation. With candid insights from their own experiences, they share practical tips to help contractors determine their next steps.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Deciding how big you want your company to grow and aligning your goals with your personal vision.
• Why having the right foundation—such as job management systems, employee handbooks, and processes—is crucial for sustainable growth.
• The importance of delegation and creating a team that allows your business to operate without being owner-dependent.
• Examples of contractors who scaled their businesses successfully by focusing on communication and efficiency.
• How to determine whether adding vehicles, employees, or services aligns with your long-term vision.
• The role of consistent communication as a differentiator in the contracting industry and how it builds trust with clients.

Resources:

🧰 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/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 Steps to 5 Stars: How to Charge Premium Prices and Never Run Out of Leads https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

💰 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/

🎧 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.

💬 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

In this episode, Tom discusses practical strategies to maintain consistent income during the slower months of the year. Tom shares how contractors can overcome the seasonal slump and keep their cash flow steady by focusing on relationship-building, networking, and strategic service expansion.

• [00:00] - Introduction: Tackling the challenges of slow seasons
• [01:00] - Leveraging your past clients for repeat business and referrals
• [01:57] - Overcoming the fear of reaching out to past clients and why it’s a goldmine for contractors
• [02:26] - The importance of networking groups and community involvement for long-term success
• [03:22] - How networking is like farming: patience and consistency pay off
• [03:48] - Adding adjacent services to your offerings during the off-season
• [04:18] - Examples of additional services, such as snow removal and Christmas light installation
• [04:48] - Introducing CONTRACTOR BUSINESS SCHOOL
• [05:17] - Final thoughts: Taking action on low-hanging fruit to boost cash flow

🧰 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/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 Steps to 5 Stars: How to Charge Premium Prices and Never Run Out of Leads https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

💰 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/

🎧 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.

💬 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

In this quick and high-energy episode, Tim and Derek discuss the power of preparation, mindset, and the role of sales training in elevating your business. They share insights from their Shinfu sales training, emphasizing the importance of building your own style while staying consistent in your approach.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The value of role-playing and how it prepares contractors to handle real-world sales scenarios with confidence.
• Why understanding a client’s motive and pain points is key to connecting and closing deals faster.
• The concept of crafting your personal sales style while incorporating proven techniques from the Shinfu method.
• The importance of group coaching and learning from contractors with different personalities and regional styles.
• How focusing on communication skills can help build trust and long-term client relationships.
• Insights into common sales challenges, like handling objections and identifying decision-makers, with actionable strategies to overcome them.

Resources:

🧰 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/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 Steps to 5 Stars: How to Charge Premium Prices and Never Run Out of Leads https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

💰 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/

🎧 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.

💬 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

In this episode, Tom delivers a no-holds-barred breakdown of the top reasons contractors struggle to make money. With a focus on actionable advice, Tom identifies the mindset shifts and business strategies necessary to turn things around and build a profitable contracting business.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• Why treating your business as transactional rather than relational is costing you repeat clients and referrals.
• The lack of personal discipline and how it sabotages your ability to stay consistent and reach your goals.
• The importance of shifting your identity from craftsman to business owner and embracing your role as a marketer and salesperson.
• Practical tips to build stronger client relationships, maintain discipline in daily decisions, and prioritize marketing to drive consistent leads.
• An introduction to the Contractor Business School, designed specifically for contractors generating under $500K per year, and how it helps you build a profitable, sustainable business. https://ContractorBusinessSchool.com/

Resources:

🧰 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/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 Steps to 5 Stars: How to Charge Premium Prices and Never Run Out of Leads https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

💰 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/

🎧 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.

💬 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

In this episode, Tim and Derek dive deep into the essential practice of job costing. They break down how accurate job costing can transform your contracting business by identifying inefficiencies, maximizing profitability, and fostering accountability among your team. With actionable tips and real-life examples, they provide a comprehensive guide to tracking and analyzing your project costs for long-term success.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The fundamentals of job costing: what it is, why it matters, and how to implement it effectively in your business.
• Common pitfalls in job costing, such as labor overages and untracked materials, and how to avoid them.
• The importance of monitoring jobs in real time and how ongoing job costing can help you course-correct during a project.
• Strategies for handling unexpected expenses and leveraging upsells to offset losses.
• Why aiming for a 50% gross profit margin should be your baseline—and how to push beyond that for greater success.
• The role of communication with vendors and clients in ensuring accurate billing and reducing inefficiencies.
• How tracking historical data from past jobs can improve future estimates and pricing strategies.

Resources:

⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business. 5 Steps to 5 Stars : How to charge premium prices and never run out of leads - https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars

💰 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/

💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

== Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground

== Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Grab the Gear ==

https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/

== Find Us on Social Media ==

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

Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

Tom is at it again. After being out of the game for over 12 years, he is building a brand new painting company, Simplify Painting, from scratch. In this episode, Tom shares why he’s returning to the industry, his strategies for building a contracting company from the ground up, and how he is approaching marketing, lead generation, and brand building. Tom also shares the impressive sales and profit numbers Simplify Painting has achieved in a short time.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Tom’s new business: Simplify Painting

[01:22] - Why Tom started a new painting business 

[03:24] - Creating new experiences and stories to share

[06:38] - How Tom started his new business from scratch

[06:51] - Strategies for lead generation

[07:26] - #1: Paid sources

[09:36] - #2: Prospecting

[10:44] - #3: Utilizing social media and SEO

[11:22] - #4: Door-to-door canvassing

[11:52] - How side hustle allows him to focus all profits on business growth

[13:10] - Sales success so far

[15:36] - Why Tom turned down a $14k job

[17:31] - Mistakes Tom made that cost him money

[20:08] - Quick, consistent, and clear communication

[21:12] - Don’t be discouraged by economic negativity

[23:16] - Importance of quality control and maintaining high standards

[26:30] - Build your brand

[27:52] - Implement the strategies of BATTLEGROUND 

[29:41] - Final thoughts

Resources:

== Simplify Painting: https://www.simplifypainting.com/ 

⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business. 5 Steps to 5 Stars : How to charge premium prices and never run out of leads - https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars

💰 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/

💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

== Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground 

== Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook 

== Grab the Gear ==

https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ 

== Find Us on Social Media ==

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

Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig 

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts  

Spotify 

Mentioned in this episode:

Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss the importance of creating a seamless and customer-centric experience for your clients. From responding quickly to inquiries to using technology that makes the sales process smoother, they explore how contractors can set themselves apart by prioritizing the client’s needs at every step.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The power of speed in communication: why responding promptly to inquiries can help you win more jobs and build trust with clients.
• How tools like Calendly streamline the scheduling process and allow clients to choose times that work best for them.
• Strategies to make potential clients feel valued and in control, including personalized follow-ups and clear communication.
• The impact of organized systems and processes on customer satisfaction and business efficiency.
• Real-world examples of how meeting clients where they are creates stronger relationships and long-term loyalty.
• How to collect and use customer information effectively to tailor your sales approach and improve closing rates.

Resources:

Calendly: https://calendly.com/

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADS

https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

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

💰 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/

💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

== Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground

== Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Grab the Gear ==

https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/

== Find Us on Social Media ==

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

Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Tom shares a heartfelt message to contractors who may have found themselves financially strapped this Christmas. Reflecting on his own experiences, he provides actionable insights to help you break the cycle of holiday financial stress and start building a profitable, sustainable business that supports your family and future goals.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] - Tom reflects on stressful Christmases and how financial struggles impact family life.
• [01:25] - The sting of falling short and how reacting out of fear hinders long-term success.
• [02:52] - The vicious cycle of debt: working half the year just to break even.
• [04:18] - Changing your financial mindset and habits to create a “new normal.”
• [05:16] - Daily habits that compound into financial stress or success.
• [06:14] - The critical role of discipline in business and personal finances.
• [07:08] - "Don’t mess with the money" — Why money discipline is essential to stability.
• [07:53] - Free resources available: Tom’s book, YouTube channel, podcast, and Facebook group.
• [08:50] - The importance of being an implementer rather than just a consumer of information.
• [09:16] - Commit to never being in the same financial position again by making real changes.

Resources:

📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADS

https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

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

💰 Get the cheat sheet to ensure you’re bidding projects properly and maximizing profit: https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

💬 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

Mentioned in this episode:

Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

In this special holiday edition, Tim and Derek reflect on the value of relationships, intentional communication, and the role of consulting fees in the contracting business. With humor and insight, they share strategies to help contractors navigate challenging conversations and set clear expectations with clients, all while maintaining a sense of gratitude and purpose during the holiday season.

In this episode, they discuss:

• When charging a consultation fee makes sense and when it doesn’t, based on your pipeline and client needs.
• The true purpose of consulting: providing actionable insights that empower clients to make informed decisions.
• Examples of real-life client interactions, including how to handle requests for discounts from nonprofits while staying confident in your value.
• The importance of training and preparation for handling unexpected situations with professionalism and grace.
• How setting clear boundaries and understanding your worth helps build a sustainable and profitable business.
• Tim and Derek’s heartfelt holiday wishes to contractors, encouraging them to approach the new year with clarity and determination.

Resources:

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADS

https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

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

💰 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/

💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/interventio== Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground

== Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Grab the Gear ==

https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/

== Find Us on Social Media ==

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

Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

Tom shares his candid thoughts on why he would never choose to run a handyman business and offers insights for contractors who are building their businesses. From the challenges of being a generalist to the benefits of niching down, Tom breaks down how to create a business that commands respect, earns more money, and delivers value to the right clients.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• The downsides of being a “jack of all trades” and why specialization leads to better profitability and credibility.
• How the handyman label often attracts low-budget clients who undervalue your work and question your rates.
• The operational chaos of managing multiple small jobs and how it hinders business growth.
• Real-world examples of how niching down into areas like bathroom remodeling, high-end kitchens, or custom decks has transformed businesses.
• Why scaling a handyman business is harder due to the challenge of finding skilled and reliable team members who can handle a variety of tasks.
• The importance of building a brand around a niche to charge premium rates and attract clients who value your expertise.

Resources:

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business

5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADS

https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/

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

💰 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/

💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap

💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

== Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground

== Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Grab the Gear ==

https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/

== Find Us on Social Media ==

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

Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify