In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Scott Corbin, owner of Corbin's LLC, a multi-trade contracting company running 40-50 jobs simultaneously. Scott shares his raw journey from substance abuse and starting with nothing to building a family of companies including excavation, painting/drywall, and tree services. He discusses the brutal reality of his first year bringing in $280K but walking away with only $70K, why he views his role as "firefighter and babysitter," and the mindset shifts required to scale. Key discussions include building a family culture, learning through expensive mistakes, and why finding your purpose before chasing money is essential.

• Working 17-hour days and bringing in $280K meant nothing when profit after taxes was only $70K - revenue is vanity, profit is sanity
• "Find the reason before you make the money" - if money is your source of happiness, you'll never have enough
• The apostrophe in "Corbin's LLC" is intentional: everyone in the company is family and has a voice
• Five big jobs per year make the real money; the team keeps the lights on the rest of the time
• Losing money on a complex project (zip-up drainage system) was paid training - refusing to do it again would waste that investment
• Surround yourself with people doing what you want to do; you become who you spend time with
• The 18-22 age group is showing up hungry and ready to work; the 25-35 range is the hardest to find quality help
• Reaching out for help is the biggest lesson in business - making something on something beats zero on nothing
• Legacy matters more than cashing out - Minnesota Rusco's collapse shows what happens when you lose control of your vision
• College isn't wrong, trades aren't wrong - it depends on whether you want a 9-to-5 or to build something with no ceiling

• "Find the reason before you make the money. Because if that's the reason why you're happy, there will be no end to the happiness. You will never be happy."
• "There's always better on making something on something than zero on nothing."
• "I started with nothing. Absolutely nothing. I woke up in Minnesota in a treatment center going, how did I get here? That's when I started."
• "Pick up that shovel. Sweep the shop. If I could go back to doing stuff like that, I would pick it every day of the week."

In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Jake Iskierka, President of 10K Construction in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Jake recounts his journey from HVAC trade school at Hennepin Tech to co-founding a full-service general contracting company during COVID. He shares insights on customer service philosophy, insurance industry changes, building company culture, and why the competition makes it easy to win by simply answering the phone. Key discussions include the Randy Shaver Foundation partnership, navigating Minnesota's insurance regulation changes, and advice for the next generation considering trades.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Never telling customers "no" builds loyalty—even for problems outside your wheelhouse, tap your network to solve it.
• Answering the phone fast wins jobs; most competitors don't even call back when homeowners reach out to 6-7 companies.
• Minnesota insurance policies are changing significantly—deductibles shifting from flat rates to percentage of home value, and roofs over 10 years may only get actual cash value instead of full replacement cost.
• Profit matters more than revenue; you can sell $10M at 10% profit or $5M at higher margins and come out ahead.
• A real person answering phones beats AI automation—customers need the "warm and fuzzies" from that first contact.
• White glove service and turnkey processes keep quality consistent as the company grows.
• Building a business isn't easy—it takes long nights, family sacrifice, and learning from mistakes.
• Owner-operators in skilled trades (electricians, HVAC, plumbers, concrete, masonry) can make hundreds of thousands per year.
• 10K Construction supports team members who want to eventually start their own companies—they see themselves as a stepping stone.

SOUND BITES:

• "Our competition really makes it easy sometimes to win because they don't even show up."
• "No one else will care as much as you."
• "We're a customer first company."
• "Why not you? What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, why not you?"
• "There's a shit ton of money to be made in construction." (Ryan)

CHAPTERS/TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction and Jake's Background 01:17 – From HVAC Trade School to Construction 02:10 – What 10K Construction Does 02:42 – The "Never Say No" Philosophy 04:09 – Randy Shaver Foundation Partnership 06:13 – How the Partnership Came Together 09:04 – Winning Jobs by Answering the Phone 11:23 – Building the 10K Team and Culture 12:14 – Why Real People Beat AI for Customer Contact 13:47 – Minnesota Insurance Changes Explained 17:55 – Understanding Your Coverage vs. Premium 19:52 – Business Goals and Hiring Plans 21:43 – Growing at the Right Pace 23:27 – Profit vs. Revenue Mindset 25:20 – Work-Life Balance in Construction 28:11 – Challenges: Learning Your Way Isn't the Only Way 30:40 – Hiring for 2026: Two Project Managers 31:53 – Advice for the Next Generation 35:08 – Opportunities in the Trades 35:40 – Wrap-up

Keywords/Tags: 10K Construction, general contractor, insurance restoration, Coon Rapids, Twin Cities contractor, Randy Shaver Foundation, customer service, hiring, trades careers, Minnesota insurance, exterior remodeling, hail damage, insurance claims, construction business, skilled trades

In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Jason Schmidt, owner of American Plumbing in Burnsville, Minnesota. Jason shares his unexpected journey from aspiring dentist to master plumber, including failing his journeyman test three times and taking over the family business after his father's death in 1999.

They discuss the transition from remodeling to service work, honest pricing that undercuts big companies by 50%, and the business systems that create efficiency. Jason explains why the plumber shortage drives premium pricing, and the personal transformations (becoming morning people, lifestyle changes) that support business success. The conversation concludes with direct advice for the next generation: skip expensive trade school, pursue apprenticeships, and build recession-proof careers without student debt.

Takeaways:

• Jason never intended to become a plumber, initially planning to study dentistry at University of Minnesota
• He failed his journeyman test three times by margins as small as 0.08% before passing
• Big plumbing companies charge $3,000-$4,000 for water heaters Jason installs for $2,000
• The plumber shortage creates supply-demand economics that drive premium pricing across the industry
• Jason transitioned from remodeling to service work primarily for job happiness and satisfaction
• Field Pulse digital management costs $99/month per user and streamlines scheduling and invoicing
• QuickBooks automation eliminated year-end bookkeeping panic and auto-categorizes all business expenses
• Press tool technology reduced basement bathroom plumbing from 8 hours (copper) to 2 hours (PEX)
• Both Jason and Ryan became morning people after years of reprogramming late-night habits
• AI cannot replace skilled trades - it won't unplug toilets or repair frozen pipes
• Apprenticeships offer good pay from day one with no student debt

Sound Bites:

• "I never thought I'd be a plumber."
• "Your plumbing license is a license to steal."
• "I just wasn't happy doing it."
• "What would take me eight hours in copper, I'm home at lunch."
• "AI is not gonna unplug a toilet."
• "You're gonna make good money right out of the gate."
• "This is the first year I'm ready. I'm just waiting for January 1st."
• "Slow learners who don't quit."

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to American Plumbing
• 01:08 - Jason's Journey: From Dentistry Dreams to Plumbing Reality
• 02:38 - Failing the Journeyman Test Three Times
• 06:59 - Taking Over After His Father's Death (1999)
• 11:24 - The "License to Steal" and Big Company Pricing
• 12:18 - Choosing Service Work Over Remodeling for Happiness
• 15:01 - Real Numbers: $2,000 vs $4,000 Water Heater Pricing
• 18:33 - The Plumber Shortage and Market Economics
• 20:06 - Field Pulse: $99/Month Digital Management System 21:30 - QuickBooks Automation: Eliminating Year-End Panic
• 23:00 - Inventory Management and Shop Efficiency
• 26:36 - Copper vs PEX: From 8 Hours to 2 Hours
• 27:56 - Becoming Morning People: Breaking Late-Night Habits
• 30:05 - Slow Learners Who Don't Quit Build What They're Proud Of
• 34:25 - Advice for Next Generation: Apprenticeships Beat Trade School
  

  Keywords: plumbing business, journeyman plumber, master plumber, American Plumbing, apprenticeship, trade career, business systems, Minnesota contractor, Burnsville plumber, water heater pricing, morning routine

In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Michael Fafinski, founder of Gutter Galaxy. Michael recounts his entrepreneurial start from lawn mowing at 16 to building a gutter business in college. He shares insights on systems, SOPs, marketing challenges, Google Business Profiles, and why young people should consider trades. Key discussions include scaling through subcontracting, rebranding strategies, and implementing EOS Traction for business operations.

Takeaways:

• Michael started his entrepreneurial journey at 16 with lawn mowing.
• Subcontracting allowed for scaling without direct field work.
• Communication, craftsmanship, and hassle-free service differentiate Gutter Galaxy.
• Rebranding to Gutter Galaxy targeted direct-to-homeowner expansion.
• Google My Business is essential for local SEO and lead generation.
• Consistency in reviews and posts boosts GMB rankings.
• Implementing EOS Traction helps organize vision and operations.
• Young people should consider trades over college for better ROI.
• Jump into business to learn; balance systems with action.
• Annual strategic reviews provide clarity for growth.

• "I started lawn mowing at 16."
• "I want to be the go-to gutter guy."
• "Jump in and start doing it!"
• "My favorite SOP is how to create an SOP."
• "We need more young people in trades."

• 00:00 Introduction and Entrepreneurial Family Background
• 01:27 First Business Ventures: Lawn Mowing
• 02:59 Learning Management and Subcontracting
• 04:25 Launching Gutter Business in College
• 05:23 Balancing College Life and Business
• 07:56 Systems and Vetting Crews
• 08:48 Rebranding to Gutter Galaxy
• 09:01 Fox and Friends Appearance
• 10:17 Iterating Through Challenges
• 11:19 Favorite SOP: Creating SOPs
• 11:49 What Differentiates Gutter Galaxy
• 12:47 Annual Strategic Review
• 14:56 Marketing Challenges and Shifts
• 18:22 Google Ads vs. SEO
• 19:09 Power of Google My Business
• 21:37 Consistency in Reviews and Posts
• 22:26 Geotagging and Keywords
• 23:23 AI Tools and Building for Contractors
• 25:04 Navigating GMB Suspensions
• 26:10 Multiple GMB Strategies
• 29:30 Current Business Challenges
• 30:46 Implementing EOS Traction
• 31:51 Advice for Next Generation in Trades
• 35:58 Plugs and Contact Info
  
  Keywords/Tags:
  

  Gutter Galaxy, entrepreneurship, trades, marketing, business systems, Google My Business, construction industry, young entrepreneurs, performance metrics, rebranding, SOPs, KPIs, lead generation, subcontractors, EOS Traction

Reasonable Tech Dad interviews Erik Ellefson, owner of Topline Electric in Minnesota. Erik shares his journey into electrical work: inspired by his dad's small HVAC/refrigeration business, he job-shadowed electricians as a teen, started the program at Dakota County Technical College early via PSEO, and chose the trade for its hands-on nature, visible results, and strong project presence.

He discusses recent business improvements at Topline (currently 5 electricians running 3-4 crews plus office staff): shifting from single-price estimates to presenting six tailored options per project (two per buying tier: economy, mid, high-end), often with in-person follow-ups. This provides customers more choice, reduces decision pressure (them vs. someone else), and has earned positive feedback for thoroughness.

Challenges include slower winters, hiring aligned with values (caring, thorough, truthful), and adapting to modern leads—younger customers Google or ask on social media rather than rely on long-term contacts. Erik emphasizes building online presence (updated website, Google ads, transparent Facebook posts about work, team, and values) to earn trust.

The conversation turns to the next generation: Erik notes many electricians retiring without full replacement (roughly 5 out vs. 3 in, numbers approximate from memory) while demand grows 10-20% in the coming 5-10 years. He highlights multiple entry paths—tech schools, union apprenticeships, or the Electrical Association’s four-year online/night program alongside on-the-job hours—and encourages young people to consider trades for stability and fulfillment. Ryan adds that more people may be suited to hands-on work than they realize and suggests trying it before dismissing it.

• Electrical projects often require more time and budget than other subs, making it a reliable trade.
• Presenting six pricing/options (instead of one or three) better matches varied customer budgets and preferences.
• Core values are reinforced monthly with team examples to build culture.
• Modern marketing = consistent, authentic online presence over old-school referrals.
• Skilled trades face a replacement gap as boomers retire, with growing demand on top.
• Flexible apprenticeship options now exist for high-school grads and career changers alike.

• On replacement stats: “I wish I knew the percentages for electricians… for every five electricians retiring, there’s three entering the workforce… and the need for electrical work will increase like 10 to 20 percent.”
• On trying the trades: “Go try hauling some lumber or wiring boxes… At least you’ll know you hate it instead of just assuming.” (Ryan)
• On past referrals: “Alan’s retired, and now… that phone number on the magnet… doesn’t even pick up.”

00:00 – Introduction & Erik’s introduction and background 00:45 – Why Erik chose electrical after job shadowing

03:30 – Current business size and what’s working well 06:30 – The shift to six-option pricing and in-person presentations

12:00 – Company values and team culture

14:30 – Hiring challenges and slower seasons

15:30 – Shift from legacy referrals to digital leads

19:58 – Advice for the next generation + workforce stats 24:50 – Closing thoughts

25:33 – Wrap-up

Keywords

electrician, skilled trades, electrical business, customer pricing options, apprenticeship programs, workforce retirement, youth in trades, Minnesota electrician

Tim from TJM Electric shares his 20-year electrical journey from trade school through the union ranks to running his own successful contracting business. Starting at Minneapolis Community Technical College in 2005, Tim navigated the 2008 crash, organized into IBEW Local 110, and eventually broke free to start his own company three years ago. His story reveals the real challenges and rewards of going independent - from battling government red tape to achieving the ultimate prize: walking his kids to the school bus every morning.

1. The Anti-Herd Mentality Works - Tim consistently chose the path less traveled, from going non-union during the crash to starting his business when everyone said stay comfortable. This contrarian approach has been his edge.

1. The Hidden Costs of Growth - Hiring that first employee opens the floodgates of government regulation. "For every $100 I pay a guy, I gotta give the man $10" - payroll taxes, workers comp, and compliance can blindside new contractors.

1. Good Help is Gold - "I would hire a journeyman right now if I could find one." The skilled labor shortage is real - only 15 out of 2,500 union members are on the bench, and those are the ones who don't want to work.

1. Network is Net Worth - Tim's success comes from relationships built over decades. From Collins Electric connections to inspector buddies, every relationship became a future opportunity.

1. Freedom Over Fortune - The best part of running his own business isn't the money - it's walking his kid to the bus and being present for family moments he missed while working for others.

"I always do the opposite of what the herd does... It's to my detriment sometimes, but I'm just bullheaded like that."

"For every hundred bucks I pay a guy, I gotta give the man ten bucks... It's like every time you fill your gas tank, you gotta give them 15 or 20 bucks."

"I would hire a journeyman right now and put him in my van if I could find one. Everybody that's good has a job."

"The best thing about my thing since I went out... is getting to walk my kid to the bus in the morning."

"I'm wearing it like a loose garment - paying the bills without trying to get sunk."

"There's nothing worse than sitting and just trimming out receptacles, lights, devices for six months. There's nothing worse."

"Never be attached to the end result... Never settle and stop for some little comfort zone."

Twin Cities electrical contractor, IBEW Local 110, Minneapolis Community Technical College, independent electrician, union journeyman, electrical trade school, Minnesota contractor, small business electrical, residential electrical service, commercial electrical work, Collins Electric, Preferred Electric, contractor licensing, master electrician, work-life balance, skilled trades shortage, electrical apprenticeship, Prior Lake electrician, Lakeville schools, contractor business challenges

Luke Kuznia's path to owning a successful plumbing business started with dropping out of college and diving into hands-on work, proving that trades can offer a fulfilling alternative to traditional education – all built on word-of-mouth referrals without any advertising spend.

In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor, The Reasonable Tech Dad chats with Luke about how a leaky laundry valve brought them together, leading to a discussion on transitioning from college to the trades, mastering the journeyman exam, and building a business through exceptional customer service. They explore the realities of plumbing work, the value of problem-solving, and why more people should consider skilled trades amid growing shortages.

Whether you're a contractor seeking inspiration for your own business, a parent guiding your kids toward career options, or a homeowner frustrated by unreliable service, this episode highlights practical insights into thriving in the trades without a degree.

Key Takeaways:

• Dropped out of UND after 2 years, worked in moving before choosing plumbing over electrical for its unique opportunities
• Combined night classes at Hennepin Tech with daytime apprenticeship to learn code navigation and hands-on skills
• Journeyman test is tough: 240 questions in 4 hours, open-book but requires quick searching – Minnesota's is among the hardest, with examples of people failing 11 times
• Passed master's test on first try after 1.5 years as journeyman, enabling him to launch his own business 2 years ago
• Zero advertising: Relies on word-of-mouth from happy customers, emphasizing eye contact, fair pricing, and problem resolution
• Common challenges: Faulty products from suppliers (e.g., missing parts or broken items) that require quick fixes to maintain trust
• Advice for next generation: Don't fear trying trades if school isn't your vibe – it's fulfilling for hands-on problem-solvers

Sound Bites:

• "I went up to University of North Dakota after senior year of high school, tried the college gig for two years, realized very quickly wasn't for me."
• "I realized that you can only learn so much in a classroom... I knew very quickly you just had to get out in the field, get your hands on some tools, and just do it."
• "I don't do any advertising. I just let people kind of find me and word of mouth is so big... you can't beat that free advertising."
• "Customer service... you have to look the customer in the eye and just kind of hear their story... give them a fair price. And you just got to get the job done, make sure they're happy."
• "Don't be scared to try it. If you're in school and you don't like it, just don't be scared to try it."
• "If you're a problem solver, there's so many good fits for you in the blue collar industry."

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: How a Leaky Laundry Valve Connected Ryan and Luke

00:00:45 - Luke's Shift from College at UND to the Moving Industry

00:01:45 - Choosing Plumbing and Starting Apprenticeship with Night School

00:02:22 - Navigating the Codebook and the Realities of the Journeyman Test

00:05:17 - From Journeyman to Master: Launching His Own Business

00:06:41 - Building Success Through Word-of-Mouth and Customer Service

00:09:17 - Challenges with Suppliers and Faulty Products 00:11:10 - Advice for the Next Generation: Embrace Hands-On Problem-Solving in Trades

Keywords: master plumber, plumbing apprenticeship, journeyman test, college dropout, starting a plumbing business, word-of-mouth marketing, skilled trades shortage, hands-on learning, Twin Cities contractors, customer service in trades, problem-solving careers

Summary

In this episode of the Reasonable Contractor podcast, Ryan Templin interviews his father, Kurt, who shares his extensive experience in the construction industry and insights from running a lumber yard. The conversation covers the importance of communication in contracting, the value of local lumber yards compared to big box stores, and the current state of the trades, highlighting the demand for skilled labor and the opportunities available for the next generation.

Takeaways

Good contractors excel in customer service and communication.

Detailed estimates prevent misunderstandings with homeowners.

Building relationships with suppliers is crucial for contractors.

Local lumber yards offer expertise that big box stores lack.

The trades are currently experiencing a shortage of skilled labor.

There are significant financial opportunities in the trades.

Young people can start earning good money quickly in construction.

Communication with customers can lead to referrals and repeat business.

Contractors should document all details in written contracts.

The demand for tradespeople is high across the country.

Titles

Building a Legacy in Construction

The Art of Communication in Contracting

Sound bites

"It's all about referrals."

"The industry is short of everything."

"There's a ton of money in it."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Contractor's Journey

02:53 The Importance of Communication in Contracting

06:03 Building Strong Relationships with Suppliers

08:58 The Value of Local Lumber Yards vs. Big Box Stores

11:54 The Current State of the Trades Industry

14:59 Encouraging the Next Generation to Join the Trades

Keywords

contracting, communication, customer service, lumber yards, trades, construction, contractor relationships, local suppliers, job opportunities, skilled labor

300+ feet above Minneapolis...Cat Darby shares her journey into the world of union painting, detailing her initial entry into the trade, the challenges faced during her apprenticeship, and the fulfillment found in her work.

She discusses the complexities of professional painting, the importance of mentorship, and the unique challenges of working at large heights, and working on iconic Twin Cities landmarks like US Bank Stadium.

Through her experiences, Cat highlights the value of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes from seeing tangible results in her work. In this conversation, Reasonable Tech Dad and Cat Darby discuss the evolution of the painting industry, the significance of union contractors, and the importance of skilled trades for the next generation. They explore the challenges and benefits of project labor agreements, the necessity of manual labor in construction, and the pathways for young people to enter the trades.

The discussion emphasizes the value of hands-on skills and the fulfillment that comes from working in the trades.

Takeaways

• Cat Darby shares her journey into union painting.
• She was encouraged by her stepdad to join the union.
• Winning a scratch-off ticket helped her pay the entry fee.
• The challenges of being an apprentice in the painting industry.
• Journeymen often do not teach apprentices, making learning difficult.
• Sticking with the trade was motivated by better pay and career prospects.
• Cat found fulfillment in seeing her work's tangible results.
• Professional painting involves more than just applying paint.
• The cost of hiring a professional painter reflects the skill involved.
• Working at heights presents unique challenges and risks. The painting industry has seen significant changes over the years.
• Project labor agreements ensure that only union contractors are hired for state-funded projects.
• Union trades work together to maintain quality and standards in construction.
• Non-union contractors can undermine the quality of projects by cutting corners.
• The skilled trades are a dying art that requires manual labor and expertise.
• Young people should consider entering the trades for job security and skill development.
• Physical activity in trades can lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
• The union provides benefits and protections for workers in the trades.
• Job Corps and vocational schools offer pathways into the trades for young people.
• Understanding the politics of the industry is crucial for long-term success.

Keywords

Union painting, apprenticeship, painting industry, challenges, career journey, fulfillment, professional painting, industrial coatings, job satisfaction, heights, painting industry, skilled trades, union contractors, project labor agreements, apprenticeship, construction, manual labor, job opportunities, trade skills, vocational training

"From Flipping Houses to 13 Active Projects: How Sergio Built a Construction Empire on Pure Word-of-Mouth"

Sergio Pena from Renewal Experts Construction proves you don't need a website to run a successful contracting business - but should you? In this conversation, we dive into:

🔨 Emergency Response Systems - How to handle crisis calls and turn them into long-term customers

👥 Team Building Secrets - Why he'd rather manage "wild cards with high production" than nice people who don't deliver

💬 Customer Communication - The "country music analogy" that prevents project delays and angry clients

💰 Next Generation Opportunity - Why young people getting into HVAC, plumbing, or electrical can become millionaires

🏗️ "Construction, Not Perfection" - Managing expectations when you're peeling back the onion on every project

With 13 active projects and zero online presence, Sergio's success challenges everything we think we know about contractor marketing. Whether you're struggling to find customers or drowning in work, this conversation has insights you can use immediately.

Perfect for: Contractors, trades professionals, small business owners in service industries

Connect with Sergio: 763-381-9299 | [email protected]