The Contractor Grow Show

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Colby Couch of TPMC (now part of Titan Industrial Group) to unpack how he went from being $250K in the hole to leading a $130M+ industrial construction and metal fabrication company—and why he’s now doubling down on focused, “good” growth instead of chasing everything that moves. You’ll hear how Colby builds food and beverage manufacturing facilities for giants like Tyson Foods and Gatorade, why this niche is so hard to break into, and the leadership moves that let him scale fast without blowing up his team or his margins. Whether you’re trying to get past $5M, stuck between $50M–$75M, or just want a clearer playbook for sustainable growth, this conversation is a masterclass in niching down, hiring better, and investing in true subject‑matter experts instead of trying to do it all yourself.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Colby grew his previous company from ‑$250K to $130M+ in just five and a half years
• Why niching into food and beverage manufacturing (instead of “doing everything”) led to faster, better growth
• The difference between “good growth” and “bad growth” for contractors trying to scale past $30M–$50M
• How to use subject‑matter experts and executive leadership training to level up your team
• Practical ways to retain road‑warrior field crews and communicate better with welders, fabricators, and installers
• Why breaking into large enterprise clients is mostly about reputation, relationships, and deep process knowledge
• The hidden pain of scaling from $50M to $100M—and why Colby is targeting a sustainable $30M–$40M first
• How TPMC combines in‑house stainless fabrication, process piping, CSA work, and construction management under one roof

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Jay Moore of Jay Moore Landscaping in Omaha, Nebraska, to unpack what it really takes to turn a bare lot or tired yard into a custom outdoor living space that fits how you actually live. Jay shares how his design-build-maintain team handles everything from new construction installs and total renovations to drainage fixes, privacy screening, pools, outdoor kitchens, and more—all tailored to each homeowner’s lifestyle and long-term plans. He also explains how 3D landscape design software has transformed his sales process, allowing him to present immersive designs, make changes fast, and keep projects moving without endless site visits. Along the way, Jay talks about building a reputation over decades, why he’ll lose money on a line item before leaving a client unhappy, and how that mindset keeps referrals and reviews strong in a competitive market. If you’re a contractor or landscape pro looking to elevate your design-build offering—or a homeowner wondering what’s possible in your own backyard—this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world experience you can put to work right away.

Bullet points (6–8)

• How Jay structures a design-build-maintenance landscaping company around lifestyle-driven outdoor spaces.
• New construction vs. renovation: assessing existing landscapes, what to keep, what to remove, and how to plan years ahead.
• Using 3D landscape design software to wow homeowners, speed up approvals, and close projects faster with fewer meetings.
• Designing and installing outdoor kitchens, pools, turf areas, privacy screening, drainage solutions, and high-impact hardscapes.
• Seasonal maintenance systems Jay uses to keep projects looking sharp and clients coming back year after year.
• The customer-first philosophy that has built Jay’s reputation in Omaha—even if it means sacrificing margin on a project.
• How Jay runs multiple crews, manages manpower, and still answers his own phone as the company’s lead designer.
• Why combining great work on-site with smart web presence and reviews keeps Jay Moore Landscaping at the top locally.

Calvin Winters of Bird Dog Construction Co. shares how he walked away from a stable county government procurement career to build a high-performance custom home and remodeling company serving the Green Bay, Wisconsin area. He breaks down his sub-based, low-overhead business model, how he stays hands-on without employees, and why communication and punctuality have become his key differentiators with homeowners who are tired of no-shows and ghosting contractors. You’ll also hear how his love of upland bird hunting inspired the Bird Dog brand, why he recently rebranded to better reflect his higher-end custom focus, and the building science and energy-efficiency details that set his projects apart in a market full of “standard” builds.

• Walking away from a county government procurement job to go all-in on construction flips and self-employment
• Running a sole proprietor, sub-based model that keeps overhead low while still delivering full custom homes and remodels
• What Calvin’s day actually looks like as CEO, salesperson, project manager, and finish carpenter on new builds
• The communication and punctuality systems that win him projects when other contractors don’t even show up or follow through
• How Bird Dog’s brand evolved from an outdoors-inspired logo to a higher-end identity that matches their custom, high-performance work
• The building science behind LP WeatherLogic sheathing, blown-in blanket insulation, and advanced air-sealing to prevent air and water infiltration in Wisconsin’s climate
• Why remodeling everything from 5-year-old homes to 1890s houses is a true niche — and how that shapes Bird Dog’s growth plans over the next few years

Discover how seminary‑trained owner Chris Tyrrell built Chris’ Garage Doors into a purpose‑driven, award‑winning garage door company serving the Greater Denver area while donating 3% of top‑line revenue to local nonprofits. In this episode, Chris shares how a “divine intervention” job installing 41 doors in Steamboat Springs launched his business, why his mission is to “make Colorado a better place to live,” and how he integrates faith, ethics, and community impact into every decision. You’ll hear how he balances profitability with integrity, grows slowly and intentionally, and turns a small W‑2 team into a long‑term asset that delivers nearly 300 five‑star reviews while supporting causes like food insecurity and mental health across Colorado.

Key topics:

• How Chris went from earning a Master of Divinity to launching a residential garage door company with a mission bigger than profit.
• The origin story of landing a 41‑door apartment complex job that funded tools, truck, and launch with no debt or overhead.
• Why Chris donates 3% of gross revenue to Colorado nonprofits and has given more than $100,000 since 2019 to make the state a better place to live.
• The mindset and systems behind earning nearly 300 five‑star Google reviews as a small team serving the Denver metro area.
• How a clear purpose and ethical framework led to honors like the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and recognition as a CO—100 Community Champion by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
• Practical tactics for asking customers for reviews, using software for automated follow‑up, and keeping the process ethical and customer‑friendly.
• Why Chris prefers W‑2 employees over subs, how he thinks about slow growth, and what “trimming the fat” looks like during a reset season.
• How skills from running a small business translate into stronger leadership, preaching, and service inside his local church and the broader community.

Discover how Ken Foster built Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping into a 16‑person, full‑service ecological landscape company serving the Monterey Bay area with design, install, and maintenance since 1988. In this episode, Ken shares how his organic farming roots and permaculture teaching at Cabrillo College shaped a business that designs landscapes in harmony with nature while aligning deeply with Santa Cruz’s eco‑conscious community. You’ll also hear the story behind his bicycle‑powered maintenance service, his decades‑long ride to the Ecological Farming Conference, and his new book, “Confessions of a Bicycle Powered Landscaper,” now available through Bookshop Santa Cruz. If you’re a contractor or landscaper looking to differentiate with sustainability, or a homeowner wanting non‑toxic, wildlife‑friendly, fossil‑free landscaping, this conversation is packed with practical inspiration you can apply in your own market.

Key topics:

• How Terra Nova grew from a two‑person partnership into a 16‑employee ecological landscaping company in Santa Cruz County.
• What “design, build, install, and maintain” looks like in a truly ecological, permaculture‑driven landscape business model.
• The origin story and operations of their bicycle‑powered maintenance service and why trucks are still used strategically for larger installs.
• How Ken’s advocacy helped secure a citywide ban on gas leaf blowers in Santa Cruz and why Terra Nova took the “no leaf blower” pledge.
• Ken’s annual 25‑year tradition of biking from Santa Cruz to the Ecological Farming Conference and how it fueled his new book.
• The evolution of his book from “Landscaping a New Earth” to “Confessions of a Bicycle Powered Landscaper” and how he finally got it published.
• How Terra Nova’s design questionnaire, raised bed installs, drip irrigation, and sheet mulching support low‑impact, food‑producing landscapes.
• Ways contractors can align their values with their branding, services, and local community to attract the right clients and team members.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Alan Lochridge, owner of The Stone Man in Charlotte, NC, to unpack how he’s built a highly reviewed, design‑build outdoor living company that homeowners love working with. Alan shares how he bought an existing stonework business, expanded into full backyard transformations, and positioned his team as a premium, reputation‑driven brand in a competitive market. You’ll hear how The Stone Man uses 3D design, daily communication, and rock‑solid systems to command higher prices, generate five‑star reviews, and keep great subcontractor crews for the long haul. Alan also talks about why outsourcing marketing was a game‑changer, how the Charlotte market shaped their service mix, and why serious fitness is part of how he shows up as a calm, decisive leader for his team and clients. If you’re a growth‑minded contractor who wants to elevate your brand, improve your client experience, and think bigger about the future of your company, this one’s for you.

Bullet points

• How Alan bought The Stone Man and turned a custom stone shop into a full outdoor living brand.
• The 3D design and pre‑construction process that creates raving‑fan clients before the first shovel hits the ground.
• Why they’re unapologetically not the lowest bid—and how they still win great projects at premium prices.
• Systems for communication, daily site visits, and subcontractor relationships that keep projects smooth and profitable.
• How Charlotte’s climate and demographics shaped their move into pools, landscaping, and “holistic backyard” projects.
• Why Alan outsources marketing instead of DIY‑ing SEO and ads—and what that frees him up to focus on.
• The role of endurance training and early‑morning workouts in managing stress and leading with energy as an owner.
• Future growth plans, from maximizing the Charlotte market to potentially expanding into new cities like Raleigh or Greenville.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Joseph Vigier of Vizion Crane & Industrial Support in Houston, Texas, to unpack how he went from union crane operator traveling the country to owning a seven-crane fleet serving oil and gas, commercial construction, and major public projects across the region. Joseph shares the real numbers behind cranes that cost well into the millions, how a minority business opportunity contract gave him the foothold he needed, and why relationships and association involvement have driven growth more than any formal marketing so far.

• How Joseph went from running cranes nationwide as a union operator to launching Vizion Crane in 2010
• The lessons learned from buying the “wrong” first crane, regrouping, and growing to seven machines in Houston
• What it takes to win and execute multi-year city and toll road contracts while balancing day-to-day rental work
• How minority business enterprise certification opened the door to a four-year city contract and real industry access
• The high-stakes reality of crane ownership: capital costs, insurance, and keeping equipment moving every single day
• Why Joseph leans on associations like Houston Contractors Association, Economic Alliance, and SC&RA to open doors
• How Vizion Crane supports oil and gas, commercial, and healthcare projects, including long-term hospital and elevator work
• Joseph’s next moves: moving into tower cranes, hiring marketing help, and keeping the phone ringing with referrals and repeat clients

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Adam Sherry, owner of Innovative Storage Systems in Central New Jersey, to unpack how he turned “pimping out” his own closet into a near seven‑figure custom storage company that beats the big franchises on speed, price, and reviews. Adam shares how his “measure today, quote tomorrow, install within a week” model wins millennial buyers who expect instant gratification, and why focusing on a tight niche of closets, pantries, and laundry rooms has kept his reviews at five stars for over 25 years. If you’re a contractor who wants to grow without becoming a bloated franchise, you’ll get practical insights on positioning, sales, and customer communication that you can implement immediately.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Adam cloned (and improved) the California Closets franchise model without buying a franchise.
• The “measure today, quote tomorrow, install in a week” promise that crushes 3–4 month lead times.
• Why narrowing to a profitable niche beats trying to “be everything to everybody” in home services.
• The pricing and discounting game big franchises play—and how a small shop can ethically undercut them.
• Why turning salespeople into designers (not designers into salespeople) is key to closing more jobs.
• Adam’s simple review‑getting system that keeps Google and Facebook packed with five‑star testimonials.
• How obsessive communication and owner follow‑up become a competitive advantage in a “no‑show” industry.
• What it really takes to scale from a one‑man shop to a near $1M operation without massive ad spend.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Joe Hyde, founder of Hyde Roofing LLC in Birmingham and Decatur, Alabama, to unpack how he went from white-collar wealth management to building a fast-growing, high-integrity roofing company. Joe shares how sleeping in a van as a traveling property adjuster, writing checks on storm-damaged homes, and watching low-quality roofs get installed sparked his mission to “be the roofer you can trust” and protect homeowners from cut‑corner work.

You’ll hear how Joe leverages his adjusting background to advocate for homeowners on insurance claims, his obsession with speed to action when hail storms hit, and why unwavering integrity and professionalism are non‑negotiable for his team. He also breaks down his philosophy of “growing at the rate of opportunity,” staying family‑owned, and creating life‑changing careers for the next generation of roofing professionals. If you’re a roofer, contractor, or home service pro who wants to build a business that lasts, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, character, and serving your market.

Bullet points (6–8)

• How Joe went from straight‑commission wealth management to founding Hyde Roofing in 2019.
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• The turning point: seeing cheap roofing systems installed on big insurance checks—and deciding to do things differently.
• Why his property adjuster background gives homeowners a powerful advocate during hail and storm damage claims.
• What “speed to action” really means when two‑inch hail takes siding off homes in rainy Alabama.
• How Hyde Roofing blends premium materials, fast response, and clear communication to earn long‑term trust.
• Joe’s approach to unwavering integrity, professional appearance, and changing the stereotype of roofers.
• Why he refuses to over‑hire and instead “grows at the rate of opportunity” to stay in business for decades.
• Joe’s vision for remaining a family‑owned company while creating more opportunity for the next generation of high‑performing team members.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Greg Culver from Pua Lani Landscape Design shares how he grew a boutique, high-end design-build landscape firm in Kailua, Hawaii from a one-man operation with a beat-up truck into a 40+ person team serving Fortune 500 executives, Hollywood clients, and luxury homeowners—without traditional advertising. You’ll hear how he navigates Hawaii’s strict regulations, labor shortages, and invasive pests while building a loyal team and client base that keeps the company thriving decade after decade.

• How Greg went from knocking on doors with a pick, shovel, and old truck in 1981 to leading a full-service design-build firm with 42 employees.
• Why Pua Lani targets high-end residential, second/third homes, and celebrity clients—and how that stabilizes revenue through economic ups and downs.
• The simple “do great work, let clients talk” referral system that allowed them to grow with virtually no advertising or paid marketing.
• The power of maintenance contracts for steady cash flow—and what Greg learned about cash flow the hard way during Hawaii’s boom-and-bust cycles.
• How they retain team members for 30+ years with old-school leadership: knowing families by name, caring in tough times, and creating multi-generational careers.
• The unique operational challenges of landscaping in Hawaii: high taxes, mandatory health coverage, plant shortages, and strict plant import rules.
• How Pua Lani is working with arborists to combat invasive pests like the coconut rhinoceros beetle that threaten Hawaii’s iconic palm trees and landscape industry.
• Why Greg brought in the next generation to modernize the business with a website and online presence—and how that opened the door to out-of-state luxury clients.