The Contractor Grow Show

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Dawn Marie Forest Callahan, co-founder of SkyWater on Call, a disaster recovery and restoration company based in Largo, Florida. Dawn shares the inspiring story behind the company's founding, the challenges and rewards of running a commercial restoration business, and how they’ve navigated catastrophic events like floods and hurricanes to help their clients recover quickly and effectively.

Dawn talks about how SkyWater on Call began in 2022 after her husband’s retirement, leveraging her 20+ years of experience and strong client relationships to get the business off the ground. She explains the unique approach SkyWater takes in the restoration industry, focusing on commercial properties and offering a woman-owned perspective to a traditionally male-dominated field.

Throughout the conversation, Dawn highlights the most common types of disasters in their area, the importance of educating clients on legal regulations (like asbestos testing), and the challenges of managing large-scale projects while balancing client expectations. She also touches on team building, recruiting talent, and the specialized skills needed to succeed in the disaster recovery industry.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of running a disaster restoration business, managing complex commercial projects, and navigating the aftermath of natural disasters, this episode is for you!

Podcast Description:

In this episode of The Contract to Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Andrew Schneider, the founder of The Wiring Guy, a premier low-voltage company based in Calabasas, California. With over 28 years in the business, Andrew has carved out a niche in the high-end home AV and low-voltage installation space, serving luxury homeowners in Southern California’s elite communities.

Andrew shares his journey from Chicago to Calabasas, the growth of his business, and how he navigates the challenges of designing and installing sophisticated systems for high-net-worth clients. From home theaters and audio systems to security and surveillance, The Wiring Guy offers comprehensive solutions for upscale properties, all while managing the delicate balance between growth, quality, and client satisfaction.

Whether you’re interested in the technical side of home AV systems, the business of high-end installations, or insights into scaling a small business in a competitive market, this episode has something for you. Tune in to learn about the strategies that have helped The Wiring Guy thrive in one of the country’s most exclusive markets.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of collaboration with designers and architects in luxury home builds.
• How Andrew’s business has grown over 25 years through word of mouth and trusted partnerships.
• The challenges of scaling a high-end service business while maintaining quality.
• Insights on the future of home technology installations and the demand for low-voltage experts.

If you're in the AV space or simply fascinated by the world of high-end home tech, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Mark Lamberth chats with Jeff Margulies, the owner and operator of Good Earth Landscaping, a full-service landscaping business based in Carbondale, Colorado. Jeff shares his fascinating journey from a career in finance to becoming a successful operator in the green industry. He discusses how his business background has helped him transform Good Earth Landscaping over the past 7 years and the unique challenges of scaling a service-based business in a seasonal market like the Roaring Fork Valley.

Key highlights from this conversation include:

- How Jeff and his business partner, Josh Austin, applied business strategy and financial principles to grow Good Earth Landscaping.

- The implementation of new software and operational systems to improve efficiency, including Aspire software and fleet management.

- Building a company culture through team bonding activities and fostering relationships with employees, especially in a bilingual workforce.

- Jeff's approach to recruiting, motivating, and retaining talent in a competitive, resort-style market.

- Insights into how Jeff’s family background in leadership and his strong relationships with mentors have shaped his approach to managing and growing the business.

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone interested in how to take a service-based business to the next level, especially in an industry that relies heavily on people and operational efficiency.

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Ami Feller, the founder of Roofer Chicks, a unique roofing company based in New Braunfels, Texas. Ami shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to becoming a successful business owner in the male-dominated roofing industry. With a passion for empowering women, she’s not only building a thriving roofing company but also breaking down barriers by creating an all-female roofing crew.

Ami talks about how Roofer Chicks stands out in a crowded market by embracing a bold brand identity, featuring bright pink trucks and a fun, quirky logo. She shares insights into her rebranding efforts, from moving away from her original name to embracing a more inclusive, women-focused brand. Ami also dives into the challenges and rewards of working with an industry that’s only 0.5% female in the labor force and her ongoing efforts to attract and retain women in roofing.

The conversation also touches on Ami's strategic approach to customer service, including her creative use of automation for collecting reviews, her active role in the community, and her dedication to running an organized, responsive business. With over 350 glowing reviews and a strong local presence, Roofer Chicks is a prime example of how intentional branding, customer care, and community involvement can set a business apart.

If you're looking to learn more about building a distinctive brand, growing your business through reviews, and fostering a positive company culture, you won't want to miss this episode!

Key Highlights:

Ami’s transition from corporate jobs to starting a roofing business with her brother.

The evolution of Roofer Chicks into a female-focused roofing company.

Overcoming challenges as a woman in the roofing industry.

How Ami uses automation and customer-focused practices to generate reviews.

The importance of community involvement and authentic connections for business growth.

Listen Now to hear how Ami turned a niche into a thriving business and is changing the game for women in trades!

In this episode of The Contractor Grows Show, we dive into the key strategies for building trust, retaining top talent, and growing a successful painting business. Learn how to recruit and train reliable team members, create a positive work environment, and maintain strong relationships with both your crew and clients.

Whether you're in the trades or just looking to improve your team dynamics, Andy Cruse shares valuable insights on what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry. Tune in for practical advice that can help you elevate your business.

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Show, Mark sits down with Andy Bowyer, the founder of Middle Fork Luxury, a premier luxury home building and restoration firm based in Chicago. Andy shares insights into the challenges and rewards of working on high-end residential projects in some of the city's most historic neighborhoods.

With a background in both architecture and business, Andy explains how he navigates Chicago's rigorous building codes, especially the unique historical preservation regulations that have shaped the city's architecture since the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He dives into the complexities of restoring historic homes while integrating modern designs, and why he embraces working on only a few select projects at a time, focusing on quality and craftsmanship over rapid growth.

Andy also discusses the unique challenges of building luxury homes in tight, urban spaces, how long-term relationships with clients and partners are key to his success, and why he prefers to stay small and hands-on. If you’re interested in luxury home building, historic preservation, or the inner workings of high-end construction in a major city, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of Chicago’s top luxury builders.

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth talks to Allen Morgan, managing partner of Nevada Stairs in Las Vegas. Allen shares the story behind Nevada Stairs, which was founded in 1994, and how he transitioned from his family's roller skating business to the stair industry. He discusses the company’s focus on both new residential builds and staircase renovations for existing homes, and how they’ve grown over the years by offering high-quality, personalized service.

Allen also shares his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, prompt responses, and setting proper expectations with clients. He talks about the challenges of finding skilled labor in the trades and how his wife, Tina, has helped build a local trade school to train the next generation of craftsmen.

If you're a contractor or homeowner interested in custom stairs or business strategies for the trades, this episode is full of great insights.

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Don McDaniel, co-owner of FM Constructors, a general contracting firm based in Flower Mound, Texas. Don shares insights into the growth and success of FM Constructors, which specializes in commercial tenant finish-outs and improvements. He discusses the unique dynamics of commercial versus residential construction, the importance of strong community ties, and how personal values shape their business model.

Don dives into the impact of social media and word-of-mouth marketing on their growth, as well as the significance of building long-lasting relationships within their community. He also talks about his passion for philanthropy, serving on several nonprofit boards, and his experiences as a former stay-at-home dad.

As a seasoned contractor, Don offers valuable advice for others in the industry, particularly those just starting out or looking to expand. From defining core values to adapting your business model to meet market demands, Don’s insights provide actionable strategies for success in both business and life.

If you're a contractor looking to grow your business or someone interested in the intersection of community involvement and business success, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with FM Constructors:

• Website: fmconstructors.com
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Contractor Growth Show, Mark speaks with Mike Sharp, founder of Verti-Crete and Verti-Block, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike shares the story behind his company, which specializes in vertical poured precast concrete wall and form systems. Verde Crete's innovative approach to concrete panels offers a more cost-effective and durable solution for decorative sound walls, boundary walls, and landscaping applications.

Mike explains how the company revolutionized the concrete industry by developing a system that pours panels vertically, allowing for beautifully textured, double-sided walls that mimic natural stone. He highlights the labor and space-saving benefits of this method, which results in faster production times and reduced costs. Verti-Crete's product line is used for both residential and commercial projects, providing high-quality, aesthetic concrete walls at a fraction of the cost of traditional masonry.

The episode also covers the company’s expansion into licensing their technology to precast manufacturers across the U.S. and beyond. Mike talks about how they support their partners with marketing, engineering, and product training to help them succeed in offering these unique, high-performance concrete solutions.

Mike's website:

https://Verti-Crete.com

Learn how Ali Felschow of Crystal Pools, LLC learned the business from her Dad. Then went on to become the premier Pool Builder in Columbia, SC. Some great tips here on retaining employees, how to advertise, and the curious effect Covid had on her business.

Link to Ali's site:

https://CrystalPoolsLLC.com