Contractor Evolution

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP281 Ready to build smarter? Meet Breakthrough Academy at Build Show Live in San Antonio, Sept 10–12. Use code BTA26 for 25% off. Click the link to register: https://www.buildshowlive.com/Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL281 When most contractors think about disaster planning, they picture insurance policies, backup equipment, and emergency contacts.But what if the real question is this:Would your team know what to do if you weren't there?BTA Members Curt Janzen and Kevin Boschee from Beyond Foam got an answer to that question when they found themselves in the worst case scenario:Their shop burned down. While they were on a business trip. Hundreds of miles away.In a matter of hours, their team had to make decisions, communicate with customers, protect equipment, coordinate next steps, and keep the business moving forward—all without waiting for the owners to swoop in and save the day.The result wasn't luck.It was the outcome of years spent building a business that didn't depend on them for every decision.00:00-Intro02:03-Operational Impact of a Fire09:27-Initial Team Response13:08-Enabling Structural Systems 18:45-Supporting Team Emotionally 24:21-Insurance Process Lessons 30:08-Overall Key Takeaways

Ready to build smarter? Meet Breakthrough Academy at Build Show Live in San Antonio, Sept 10–12. Use code BTA26 for 25% off. Click the link to register: https://www.buildshowlive.com/To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP280 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL280 Most contractors become leaders by accident.You start a business because you're great at your trade. Then suddenly you're managing crews, handling conflict, giving feedback, and trying to keep good people from walking out the door.And if you're like most owners, nobody ever taught you how to do any of it.That's why this week's Contractor Evolution episode with leadership expert and former Head of Storybrand Dr. J.J. Peterson is worth your time.In this conversation, Dr. J.J. breaks down a simple approach to leadership that helps you:- Keep your best people longer- Reduce costly mistakes and miscommunication- Build a team you can actually trust- Create a culture people want to be part ofThe best part?You don't need to become some hard-nosed manager or abandon the "nice guy" you've always been.Strong leadership isn't about being tougher. It's about creating clarity, accountability, and trust.00:00-Intro04:41-Guide Versus Hero11:28-Formulaic Collective Communication22:20-Badass Softy Philosophy30:45-Empathy and Authority40:45-Three Leadership Pillars49:53-Modern Leadership Era

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP279Download Rob’s AI Opportunity Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL279AI is exposing everything that's broken in your contracting business……before it fixes anything.Everyone's racing to adopt AI right now. But here's what nobody's saying: if your workflows are messy, AI doesn't clean them up. It accelerates the chaos. This episode is your filter; a practical, no-hype walkthrough of where AI for contractors actually fits, where it makes things worse, and how to know if your business is even ready.If you're running a contracting company and feeling the pressure to "do something with AI" before you fall behind, this is the episode to listen to first.In This Episode:🤖 The AI Trap: What contractors are believing about AI that's dead wrong, and why owners are wasting money on tools they don't need🔍 The Real Problem: Why AI exposes hidden workflow chaos before it saves you a minute, and where contractors have the most mess✅ The AI Readiness Test: The 3 things that need to be clear before you even look at a tool, and the signs your company isn't ready🎯 The Opportunity Filter:  A simple scorecard for evaluating AI ideas (so you stop confusing "cool" with "valuable")🏗️ Where AI Actually Fits: Sales follow-up, SOPs, job handoffs, client communication — and where it should stay far away👤 Human Review: What AI should never decide by itself and how to stop your team from treating AI like the final answer👥 Team Adoption: Why your crew will ignore new tools (it's not the tech — it's the conversation you haven't had)🛠️ Build Your First AI Workflow: If you're a $3M contracting business, here's exactly where to start this week00:00-Intro05:06-Decision-Making Hierarchy 08:26-Effective Workflow Documentation 14:59-Privacy and Security 20:13-Custom Business Models 25:16-High-Impact Contractor Cases 35:31-Internal Team Adoption 43:01-Future Contracting Trends 54:51-Starting with Friction

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP278 Get a copy of Ryan’s Lead Follow Up Formula (The Revenue Engine) here: https://trybta.com/DL278Most contractors assume the sale is dead after two ignored messages. The data says otherwise, and the money you're leaving on the table is staggering.Ryan Fenn, founder of CHIIRP, has analyzed massive volumes of real customer conversations to find out what actually gets replies, what kills deals, and what the best follow-up systems do differently. In this episode, we break it all down into the three elements that matter most: words, cadence, and channel.You'll learn: Why the words most contractors use in follow-up are silently killing deals — and what to say instead The data-backed timing and cadence that turns cold quotes into signed contracts Which channel (text, phone, email, video) actually converts — and when to use each one A simple dead quote reactivation system to bring stalled deals back to life Where AI is genuinely helping follow-up right now — and where it's hurtingIf you've ever wondered why your quotes go cold or how long you should really keep following up, this one's for you.00:00-Intro10:44-Follow-up in contracting 14:30-Effective sales language 29:57-Ideal follow-up cadence 44:13-Choosing communication channels 52:01-Risks of AI voice 56:05-Increasing lead conversion 

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP277 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL277 Your crew isn't lazy. Your processes are broken. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, process strategist Moustafa Moursy breaks down why most business systems collect dust, and introduces the OPTIMIZE Framework: a step-by-step method for building SOPs that your team actually uses, so you can stop running every decision through yourself.If you've ever written a process doc that nobody followed, this episode will show you exactly where you went wrong (and how to fix it).In this episode:Why "people problems" are almost always process problems in disguiseWhat you need to define BEFORE touching any software or templatesThe OPTIMIZE Framework: Observe → Picture → Tailor → Implement → Memorialize → Zoom/EvolveThe real balance between owner direction and team input when designing processesHow to know when a process is ready to roll out (instead of endlessly perfecting it)What separates a process that gets followed from one that gets ignored (the triangle)How great processes give your team independence, not just more controlCheck out Moustafa’s TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SemHh0n19LA 00:00-Intro02:21-Successful vs. Failed Processes07:21-Defining the Optimize Framework 10:14-Step 1: Observe 15:43-Step 2: Picture 21:58-Step 3: Tailor34:18-Step 4: Implement 45:54-Step 5: Evolve

Register for Matt and Danny’s upcoming team accountability web class: https://trybta.com/DL276 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP276 If you're the only person on every jobsite who can catch a mistake, you don't have a team; you have a daycare. In this episode, Matt Risinger (from The Build Show) maps the exact path from babysitter to system-builder, so your business runs without you hovering over every decision.Most contractors don't even realize they're micromanaging. They just know they're exhausted, their PMs won't make a call without them, and nothing gets caught until they personally show up. This episode breaks down why smart owners get trapped as the answer guy, what it's costing them in profit and sanity, and the step-by-step framework to build a team that thinks, decides, and polices standards on its own.You'll learn:How to spot the line between managing and micromanaging, and why crossing it is a silent profit killerThe real cost of being the only person who catches mistakes (hint: it shows up in your margins, your turnover, and your ceiling)How to set non-negotiable standards your team can self-audit before you ever see the workThe exact roles and decisions a PM must own before you can truly step backA simple accountability meeting structure you can use to get real value out of every meetingHow to train independent thinking into your people without killing their ownership when they get it wrongWhat has to be true culturally before your team starts policing standards themselves00:00-Intro02:18-The Path to Effective Delegation10:22-Building Loyalty & Accountability with Subcontractors16:59-Communication & Standards for On-Site Teams25:19-Defining Roles & Learning from Mistakes31:55-Structuring Effective Accountability Meetings36:50-Training for Independence & Mentorship48:28-Philosophy on Leading & Treating People

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP275 Download your free Cash Flow Resource Bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL275 You're winning jobs, billing strong — and still sweating payroll every two weeks. Cash timing slips. Payroll doesn't. Here's how to fix it.In this episode, Danny Kerr breaks down the exact cash flow management system BTA has used with 1,900+ contractors to stop the financial panic and start projecting 90 days ahead, so you can make growth decisions with intention, not desperation.What you'll learn:The 5 cash flow killers quietly draining your roofing contractor business (weak deposits, slow collections, and more)How to build a simple weekly cash flow system — so you know what you can spend before you hire, buy, or marketHow to project your cash position 90 days out and spot payroll pressure before it hitsThe financial benchmarks $10MM contractors actually useHow to stop playing financial roulette and build real confidence in your numbersWhether you're at $1M or pushing $10M, cash flow management isn't optional — it's the difference between scaling and gambling.00:00-Intro09:32-Developing Annual Budgets19:20-Effective Job Costing23:48-Industry Profit Benchmarks28:04-Strategic Cash Flow32:28-Avoiding Cash Flow Destroyers41:22-Using Cash Flow Projections53:43-Expense and Overhead Q&A

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:https://trybta.com/EP274 We’re actively working with ~600 contractors, and a LOT of them are struggling — and it's not the economy. Breakthrough Academy coach Jason Alcott reveals the hidden mindset trap keeping contractors stuck, and the one framework that changes everything.Most contractors are measuring their success the wrong way. They're locked in "the gap,” constantly chasing an ideal that keeps moving, instead of looking back at how far they've actually come. In this episode, Jason Alcott (BTA coach and former contractor who scaled Weatherguard Gutters to $6.5M with 25 staff) breaks down Dan Sullivan's Gap and the Gain framework and why fixing your mindset is the prerequisite to every system, every strategy, and every team decision you'll make this year.In this episode:Why 70% of the contractors Jason works with are having a rough year— and what's really behind itThe "Gap vs. Gain" framework that stops the overwhelm spiralHow your mindset as an owner trickles down and silently kills team moraleWhy tactics fail when mindset isn't addressed firstHow to set 90-day goals your team actually cares about (leading vs. lagging indicators)Gratitude as a stress management tool — and why it's more powerful than you thinkAbout Jason Alcott: Jason is a Breakthrough Academy coach and former BTA member who scaled a gutter contracting business to $6.5M before joining the coaching side. He currently coaches 25+ contractor businesses and is actively helping them navigate one of the toughest business climates in recent memory.00:00-Intro06:22-Why do we ignore mindset?10:44-Gap versus Gain15:29-Shifting your headspace27:27-Setting activity goals29:35-Implementing the Gain mindset

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP273 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL273 Have you ever pulled a 60-hour work week and felt like you got nothing done? Productivity researcher Chris Bailey ran a radical experiment—working 90 hours one week, 20 the next—just to see what would happen to his output. The results challenge everything contractors believe about grinding longer to get ahead.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Chris Bailey (author of Intentional) breaks down what his 90-hour vs 20-hour productivity experiment revealed about how work smarter not harder actually works. If you're running a contracting business and burning 60+ hours a week in the trenches, this conversation will show you why more hours ≠ more results—and give you practical methods for how to get more done in less time without sacrificing your margin or your mental health.What you'll learn: The surprising results of Chris Bailey's 90-hour productivity experiment Why working longer hours actually destroys your output (and the data that proves it)How to transition from "warrior" mode to "system-builder" mode in your businessSimple, research-backed methods for intentional productivity The real cost of contractor burnout—and how to prevent it Why the most productive contractors work fewer hours, not moreWhether you're stuck in the trenches or building systems to scale, this episode will change how you think about time, energy, and what it actually takes to grow a profitable contracting business.00:00-Intro02:12-Addiction to Distractions 03:55-Impact of Tech on Focus 09:51-Lessons from Boredom Experiment17:08-The Power of Wandering in Leadership20:00-Busyness Versus Productivity 28:17-Training Brain Presence 31:51-Sleep and Productivity Myths

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP272 Grab a copy of Megan’s OWN Your Contracts QuickStart Guide: https://meganshapiro.kit.com/590f12c899Check out Megan’s Negotiation Style Quiz: https://meganshapiro.kit.com/81045b49f1If you’ve thought about using AI to make the process of drafting, reading, and negotiating contracts easier, you’re not alone.But according to today’s guest, relying on AI for your contracts could be a costly mistake. Because the reality is: AI is only as good as the knowledge of the user.In this week’s episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with construction lawyer Megan Shapiro to break down what’s actually happening inside the agreements you’re signing, and how to negotiate them in a way that makes you more profit, keeps you out of legal trouble and empowers you to safely incorporate AI where appropriate.You’ll learn:The biggest contract clauses that quietly kill your marginsHow to spot red flags (before they cost you)A simple three part framework to review and negotiate contracts with confidenceWhere it’s appropriate to use AI in your negotiations (and where it can trigger a legal disaster)00:00-Intro05:49-Trade Contractor Contract Rights 07:22-Risks and Common Pitfalls  10:16-Introducing The OWN Framework 17:13-Weighing Specific Contract Provisions 29:29-Change Orders And Delays  39:27-Healthy Professional Negotiation Strategies  47:53-AI In Contract Management

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP271 Get a copy of John’s slide deck here: https://trybta.com/DL271 If you’re relying on leads coming in… you’re already behind.In this episode, Breakthrough Academy Member John Malanchuk breaks down a proven approach to business development for contractors; one that goes beyond marketing and sales, and focuses on building real relationships that generate consistent, high-value work.Drawing from nearly 20 years in the commercial painting space and five years in the Breakthrough Academy contractor coaching program, John shares exactly how he:Builds long-term relationships with decision-makers (not just bids against competitors)Lands $100K+ projects through simple, repeatable outreachUses networking, presentations, and follow-ups to create predictable revenueTurns one meeting into multiple project opportunitiesStructures his CRM and pipeline to stay organized and consistentThis isn’t theory—it’s a boots-on-the-ground system you can start using immediately, whether you're in commercial or residential contracting. Key Takeaways:Business development is proactive relationship building, not reactive sellingThe goal is to get in before projects go to bid and become the trusted go-toConsistency beats intensity—just a few hours per week can transform your pipelineYour network is your biggest asset—leverage suppliers, GCs, and existing contactsFollow-up is everything (and most contractors fail here)00:00-Intro03:10-Target Diverse Commercial Verticals 11:40-Residential Business Development Strategies 16:36-Effective Practical Networking Tactics 20:28-Key Success Tracking Metrics 23:30-Avoiding Common Followup Mistakes 28:19-Real World Project Examples 38:46-Implementing CRM Pipeline Systems

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP270 What’s slowing down your contracting or construction business isn’t always obvious.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Danny Kerr sits down with Mark Wong to break down the hidden inefficiencies that quietly drain profit, capacity, and momentum inside a growing company. From admin bloat and paperwork to wasted field time and poor workflows, this conversation dives into how smarter systems can improve construction management without adding more chaos.If you’ve been trying to grow but feel like your team is stuck in reactive mode, this episode will show you where to look first.Mark shares practical insights on business automation, how to identify repeatable tasks worth fixing, and where AI for contractors can actually create leverage. Instead of replacing people, the best tools help your team move faster, reduce non-billable work, and improve the customer experience.You’ll learn how to use ride-alongs to find wasted time, how to tell the difference between a people problem and a process problem, and why the best contractor automation opportunities often come from fixing one repeatable task at a time.In this episode, we cover:- how unbillable labor eats away at profit- where waste hides in the average job- how to spot automation opportunities in the field- the right way to approach business automation- where ai for contractors works best today- how better systems improve your construction business- why stronger construction management starts with visibility- how to use contractor automation without overcomplicating your workflowWhether you run a construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or other trades company, this episode will help you think differently about systems, efficiency, and scale.00:00-Intro04:19-Identifying Unbillable Labor Wastage07:05-Analyzing Contractor Production Systems08:47-Practical Field Observation Steps11:54-People Versus Workflow Problems13:50-Integrating Effective Software Tools16:30-Balancing AI and Accountability29:56-Effective Team Adoption Strategies

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP269 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL269 Most contractors didn't start a business to be trapped inside of it. Cameron Herold, the operational mind behind 1-800-GOT-JUNK's explosive scale from $2M to $106M, reveals the exact blueprint to turn your contracting company from a daily grind into a sellable, scalable asset.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Cameron breaks down why most contractors get stuck between $1M and $10M, what systems need to be in place before you can step out of the day-to-day, and the key hires that actually add enterprise value to your business. Whether you plan to sell someday or never, building like an owner (not an operator) changes everything.🔗 Grab Cameron's book "Vivid Vision": https://www.amazon.ca/Vivid-Vision-Remarkable-Aligning-Business/dp/161961877X🔗 Learn more about Cameron Herold’s program for COOs: https://cooalliance.com/In this episode, you'll learn:– Why most contractors build a job, not an asset– The mindset shift required to scale past $1M– How clear does your vision really need to be?– The first systems to get you out of the day-to-day– Key hires that add enterprise value (and when to make them)– How the owner's role must evolve as the company scales– Grounded expectations + frameworks to take action🎧 Listen to Contractor Evolution on your favorite platform:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/contractor-evolution/id1541384174Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72kRn2i2oRcqAx77DqkM7K?si=y0Uy-aPYRs6VmijQpioXKw&nd=1Breakthrough Academy is the home of the Contractor Growth Method™ — a business coaching program purpose-built for contractors who want to scale sustainably, build real systems, and get their time back.🌐 Website: https://btacademy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btacademy/#contractor #constructionbusiness #cameronherold #scaling #businessgrowth #contractorevolution #leadership00:00-Intro02:07-Enjoying the Entrepreneurial Journey09:20-Building Business as an Asset11:31-Overcoming Plateaus and Limiting Beliefs25:56-Implementing a Vivid Vision34:14-Strategic Leadership and Genius42:32-Building the Right Team56:32-Successful Entrepreneurial Patterns

Download a copy of Ellen's Weekly Financial Quick Check Templates here: https://trybta.com/DL268-2Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL268 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP268 What if the fastest way to build an accountable team was to show them the numbers you've been hiding? Ellen Rohr (Zoom Drain, Business Uncomplicated) has helped hundreds of contractors implement open book management — and the results are transformational. In this episode, she breaks down exactly how to share your financials with your team, what to share (and what NOT to), and how to turn transparency into a game your crew actually wants to win.If you've ever thought "My employees just don't care about profit" — this episode will show you why that's your fault, and how to fix it.🔥 What You'll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this conversation, you'll know how to:Implement open-book management without exposing what you take homeDecide exactly which numbers to share with which roles on your teamHandle the #1 objection: "Won't my team resent what I make?"Use gamification to turn financial targets into a competition your crew cares aboutBuild a team that thinks like owners — not just clock-punchersShift from "my team doesn't care" to "my team is obsessed with hitting the number"Structure incentives tied to the metrics your team can actually influenceAvoid the biggest pitfalls Ellen sees contractors make with open booksLearn more about Ellen: https://www.youtube.com/ellenrohr00:00-Intro02:08-Defining open book management07:21-Financial transparency and strategic pricing22:08-Prerequisites for rolling out financial reports29:13-Departmentalization and relevant KPIs37:22-The importance of manual tracking and gamification50:59-Cultural yield and future technology

To get your free Hiring Resource Bundle, click here: https://trybta.com/DL267To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP267 Most contractors post a job ad, get zero qualified applicants, and wonder why they can't find good people. The problem isn't the labor market — it's your hiring system.In this roundtable, Matt Risinger (founder of The Build Show Network), Jacob Toler ($2.8M contractor running a 35% gross profit), and BTA coach Matt Balfe break down exactly how top contractors recruit, hire, and retain A-players — even when no one's applying.In this episode, we cover:Why your job postings aren't attracting qualified candidates (and what to do instead)Hiring systems that build your bench so you're always staffed for busy seasonCreative recruitment strategies the best contractors use to find A-playersThe difference between hiring out of desperation vs. hiring from a position of strengthWhether you're a general contractor, remodeler, or specialty trade, if you're struggling to find good employees for your construction business, this conversation is your blueprint.00:00-Intro & speaker backgrounds08:21-Identifying hiring pain points & root causes09:58-Candidate screening & interview process30:08-Out-of-the-box recruiting & social media tactics43:18-Leveraging AI and automation in recruitment48:37-Key hiring lessons: ability over reactivity01:14:53-Q&A: references & quality growth

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP266 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL266 Can you actually run a contracting business with your spouse… …and still like each other at the end of the day? Caleb Auman (host of the Kid Contractor Podcast) and his wife Brittany have been through bankruptcy, business failure, and the kind of fights that almost ended everything. In this episode, they share the hard-won rules for how they rebuilt — together — and turned their marriage into their biggest competitive advantage.If you and your partner are building a business side by side (or thinking about it), this one's for you.🔥 What You'll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this conversation, you'll know how to:Navigate the real tension between being business partners and life partnersDefine clear roles so you stop stepping on each other's toesFight productively — without letting business stress destroy your relationshipRebuild trust and alignment after a major failure (including bankruptcy)Parent effectively while running a demanding contracting businessSet boundaries between "work mode" and "marriage mode"Turn your partnership into a system that makes your business strongerCheck out The Kid Contractor Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8UxQJ9VFnDk4B2f7vMZzJLoWikTD_08k00:00-Intro03:37-Defining Missions and Shared Why06:46-Navigating Bankruptcy and Partnership Roles18:42-Dividing Spouse-Run Business Role27:08-Self-Realization, Humility, and Leadership40:07-Tools for Healthy Communication50:17-Parenting and Instilling Values59:28-Final Thoughts on Life Perspective

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP265 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL265 Your biggest expense is labor. If you aren’t tracking it accurately, your job costing is a lie. In this episode, Derrik Shakespear (CRO of AlignOps) reveals why most contractors bleed profit through inaccurate time tracking—and how to fix it without micromanaging your crew.If you’re still using paper timesheets or trusting the "honor system," you’re likely losing thousands in unbilled hours and slip-ups every single year.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Stop "managing blind" and get accurate data on your biggest expense (Labor)Compare Estimates vs. Actuals to see which jobs actually made moneyImplement digital time tracking without your crew feeling "Big Brothered"Spot the "Silent Killers" in your workflow that paper timesheets hideUse construction time tracking data to bid more accurately next timeTurn time data into a competitive advantage for safety and liabilityMove from "guessing" productivity to measuring it like a manufacturer00:00-Intro02:24-The importance of time tracking in construction08:59-Productivity comparisons: Manufacturing vs. construction14:26-Essential components of a healthy time tracking system20:14-Frequency and best practices for reviewing project data26:02-Strategies and pitfalls for owner adoption of technology31:47-Incentivizing field crews and gamification34:43-The future of AI in the construction industry

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP264 Stop obsessing over lead generation and start building a real marketing machine. In this episode, Matt Jones (Founder of Tradie Web Guys & Host of The Site Shed) lays out the future of contractor marketing - from strategy and systems to for contractors and smarter, higher-quality leads.If you’re a contractor who feels like you’re spending more on ads but not seeing profit, this conversation will change how you think about marketing forever.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Build a real marketing strategy (not just random tactics or “more leads”)Define the right success markers so you know if your marketing is actually workingUse customer lifetime value to make smarter marketing decisionsIncrease conversions without just pumping more cash into adsPosition yourself as the go-to expert in your marketUse 58 ai marketing tools to boost SEO, follow-up, and customer supportTake the first practical AI step as a contractor today00:00-Intro03:35-Defining a Marketing Strategy07:58-The Truth About Generating Leads10:10-Defining the Ideal Customer and Screening Process13:07-Focusing on Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)25:18-Achieving Consistent Growth and Predictability30:53-Balancing Lead Generation and Branding42:37-Implementing a Paid Priority Program for High-Ticket Services

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:  https://trybta.com/EP263 Make training your next hire a breeze by grabbing a copy of our training checklist template: https://trybta.com/DL263 High employee turnover is killing profitability in the trades. And unfortunately, there is no quick fix.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Mike Matalone, author of Hire. Train. Retain., to break down exactly why you’re losing your best people and how to stop the bleeding.Managing employee retention isn't just about paying more; it requires building robust systems at every stage of the employee lifecycle. Mike reveals the secrets to unlocking 40-60% more productivity from your current team by tapping into their "discretionary effort."If construction hiring and retention are constantly giving you headaches, this episode gives you the blueprint to build a culture that keeps top talent engaged for the long haul. You'll learn the difference between hiring for roles versus people, the three onboarding steps that make new hires stick, and why career paths often matter more to your crew than their paycheck.Check out Mike’s book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Hire-Train-Retain-People-Things/dp/057855143800:00-Intro03:34-Why New Hires Leave in the First 90 Days06:42-The XP3 Talent System and People Systems11:17-Shifting from Management to Coaching and Creating Careers14:19-Role Clarity and Defining Success in Hiring21:17-The Importance of Personality, Skill, and Core Values in Hiring35:24-Training and Onboarding Objectives: Creating an Amazing Experience50:17-Retention Strategies and Interviewing for Fit

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP262 To download the exact accountability resources Blake used to turn a 30% Net Profit, click here: https://trybta.com/DL262 Most contractors believe you have to choose: be the "nice guy" and lose money, or be the "tough boss" and lose your team. Blake Butry, owner of Churchill USA, proves that is a myth.Since joining Breakthrough Academy in 2022, Blake has doubled his revenue while hitting an incredible 30.8% net profit. Even more impressive? He did it by building a culture centered on "emotional generosity."In this episode, we break down exactly how he balances strict financial accountability with genuine care for his team, and how you can apply this "fair but firm" approach to your own contracting business.In this episode, we cover:Insights into productive (and profitable) leadership strategies, emphasizing the balance between emotional generosity and structural fairness.The significance of articulating emotions, seeking counseling, and establishing healthy stress management practicesHow investing in team members' growth and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can lead to long-term success and a positive work environment.00:00-Intro01:57-Background on Blake Butry and Churchill USA04:23-The Evolution of Leadership and Team Building07:48-Operating with Structural Fairness and Emotional Generosity10:33-The Influence of Clear Roles and Boundaries on the Team14:48-The Duality of Structure and Trust in Leadership27:23-Balancing Fairness and Generosity in Compensation44:57-Self-Leadership, Stress, and Anxiety Management

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP261 Grab your free Project Management Resource Bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL261In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we’re releasing a talk Danny did at Build Show Live. In just 60 minutes, he breaks down the exact project management system he’s seen hundreds of contractors use to cut waste, increase profit and leave both their teams and customers happy.Danny walks through:- The four principles of good project management- How to properly structure a project manager role and hold them accountable through -effective goal setting and review rhythms- Foolproof templates for a project communication plan and status update00:00-Intro01:01-Four Principles of Project Management and Danny's Background04:04-Red Flags and The Four Systems to Discuss07:36-Employment Agreements, KPIs and Goal Setting & Review (GSR)20:33-Project Communication Plan and Status Updates29:49-Proper Use of Software and Hiring Project Managers37:58-Growth Seen in Breakthrough Academy Businesses and The Contractor Growth Method42:19-Takeaways, Implementation and Audience Questions

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP260 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL260 Going into business with a partner is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but knowing how to resolve cofounder conflict is critical if you want that business to survive. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Dr. Matt Jones (founder of Cofounder Clarity) joins us to break down why business partnerships fail and, more importantly, how to fix them. We dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges that come with shared leadership. If you’ve ever struggled to see eye-to-eye with your business partner, or you feel like you're speaking different languages, this episode is your roadmap to a healthier, more functional relationship.In this episode, we cover:The critical questions you MUST ask before starting a business with someoneThe 3 "languages" cofounders speak (and why mismatches cause endless arguments)How to have conflict conversations that actually resolve issuesStrategies to anticipate partnership hurdles before they destroy the businessCheck out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/ 00:00-Intro01:20-How the Guest Got Into Co-founder Relationships and Conflict Management04:51-Biggest Blind Spots When Selecting a Partner11:08-Big Questions to Ask Before Going into Business Together12:17-Managing Decision-Making and Management Structure Conflict17:32-Deeper Dynamics Fuelling Conflicts in Businesses22:58-Navigating Conflicts Properly40:52-Handling Conflict in Unique Partnership Situations

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP259 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL259 Systems and documentation don't have to kill your creativity—they are actually the secret to getting your life back.In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Ronzio, Co-Founder and CMO of Trainual, to dismantle the biggest myth in the contracting world: that SOPs are just "boring paperwork."If you’re constantly procrastinating on your systems and processes because they feel overwhelming or restrictive, Jonathan reveals the massive mindset shift you need to make. Learn how to stop being the bottleneck in your business, empower your team to run without you, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.In this episode, we cover:Why "boring" systems are the gateway to creative freedomThe simple framework to stop procrastinating on SOPsHow to build a business that runs on process, not just peopleThe first steps to automating your operations today00:00-Intro01:33-The Genesis and “Magic” of Trainual and Customer Base10:33-Overcoming Procrastination and the Owner's Mindset Shift for Documentation17:41-Balancing Systems and Creativity in Business19:44-Applying Lessons from Adventure to Business Leadership22:46-Creativity in Marketing30:32-Trainual's Perspective on AI36:05-Wisdom for a Younger Entrepreneurial Self

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP258Download the accountability resources Nick used to scale from $4M to $12.5M here: https://trybta.com/DL258 If you’re working 70+ hours a week, micromanaging every detail, and acting as the bottleneck in your own business, you are doing it wrong.In this episode, Breakthrough Academy Member and owner of Willie C. & Sons Landscaping Nick Cloutier explains how to shift your mindset from "Boss" to "Coach" and implement the 3 essential tools—Job Descriptions, KPIs, and GSR Meetings—that allow you to delegate with confidence. In this episode, we cover:The "Warrior Mode" Trap: Why working 80 hours/week is a sign of a broken system, not a badge of honor.$4M to $12.5M Blueprint: The specific acquisition strategy and systems used to scale rapidly in 2025.The 3 Essential Accountability Tools: How to build Job Descriptions that "teach to win," Deliverables (KPIs), and clear Org Charts.The GSR Method: Why "Goal Setting & Review" meetings are the single best thing you can do for employee retention.Financial Mastery: How to reverse engineer a 20% Net Profit budget using LMN.Check out Nick’s business, Willie C. & Sons Landscaping: https://williecandsonslandscaping.com/00:00-Intro01:22-Trajectory of Business Growth and the Shift in the Owner's Mindset05:07-Implementing Job Descriptions and Deliverables (KPIs)10:58-Defining Deliverables and Setting Measurable Goals17:56-The Organizational Chart and Determining Capacity20:09-Leveraging Numbers and Data for Predictable Growth23:00-Goal Setting and Review (GSR) Meetings34:09-Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Seasonal Employment39:09-Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Understanding the Numbers43:46-The Strategy and Confidence for Acquisition50:23-Final Advice on Building a Successful Team

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP257 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL257How much time do you waste each day on little inefficiencies?- Searching for the latest version of that SOP- Flipping through a hundred browser tabs to find your budget spreadsheet- Typing out the same email to 30 different clientsToday’s guest, Nick Sonnenberg, literally wrote the book on business efficiency. It’s called Come Up For Air and it is a go-to for small business owners and teams looking to stop “drowning in work” and free up the time they spend on redundant or inefficient tasks.In today’s episode, we get into all the little things you can do that may only save you seconds at the time… …but actually add up to minutes and hours when you stack them day after day.We talk email management, how to invest time up front to save yourself hours down the line, and how to set yourself up for success when it comes to AI and automations.This is a quick one, but we cover a lot.00:00-Intro01:29-Increasing Capacity Without Adding More People01:37-Why Start with Email Management?04:16-The RAD Framework: Reply, Archive, Defer06:59-Quick Wins for Email Inbox Management08:46-AI and Automation in Contracting Businesses11:18-Progress and Context of Nick's Executive Assistant AI Agent14:14-Asset Building vs. One-Time Requests with AI21:54-Identifying Areas for AI Use24:32-The Shift to AI as a Search Engine27:05 -Final Thoughts and How to Contact Nick

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP256Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL256Men’s mental health is in crisis. We are three times more likely to develop addictions and four times more likely to turn to suicide. And yet, 40% of men won’t seek help.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we are diving into the "silent struggle" with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks and author of Men’s Work. While we usually unpack business systems and profit margins, today we’re diving into the importance of men’s inner work.After overcoming his own struggles with infidelity, drugs, and alcohol, Connor’s mission is to help men become better leaders, spouses, dads, and humans.In this conversation, we cover:The Crisis: Why men are struggling today more than ever and why it’s so hard for us to get in touch with our inner selves.Shadow Work: How to identify and confront hidden parts of ourselves (what Connor calls Shadow Work) to stop self-sabotage.Leadership & Legacy: How doing your own inner work pays off for your team and family, and how to foster healthy masculinity and self-leadership on your job sites.We love to unpack business systems, but if this type of episode is useful for you, let us know in the comments.Check out ManTalks: https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalks🔥 Watch These Related Episodes Next:1. Business Therapist Destroys My Limiting Beliefs in Real Time:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7m0Bk0Z9s2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ00:00-Intro02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?Yes, there’s demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.Today’s guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast. He’s on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.In this episode you’ll learn:Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborersThe employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do insteadAnd what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisisIf you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one’s for you. Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWittMore episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JIHow to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMkLeadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs 00:00-Intro01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP254Use code EVOLUTION (at check out) for 20% off both the Ideal Team Player and Working Genius Assessments:Ideal Team Player: https://www.tablegroup.com/idealteamplayer/ Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessmentAre you sick of hiring the wrong people? Whether you got swindled by a smooth talker in an interview or hired a B-player in desperation, you know that recruiting top talent as a contractor is an uphill battle these days.So today, we invited one of the most well-known experts in the industry to teach us how to simplify our hiring standards by using two proven frameworks for assessing prospective and current employees.Our guest today is the one and only Patrick Lencioni.He is the bestselling author of 13 books selling over 9 million copies worldwide. He’s most well known for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.Today, we’re focusing on two of Pat’s books that are especially relevant for our industry: The Ideal Team Player and The 6 Types of Working Genius.In this episode you’ll learn:How to attract and hire Ideal Team Players at all levels of your business by looking for three key virtues.The common archetypes that show up when someone is missing one of these virtuesAND how to identify the 6 types of working genius within your team so you can help everyone thrive in their rolesPat was a dream to have on the show. If you have other guests you think we should interview, leave a comment and let us know.More HEAVY HITTERS on Contractor Evolution:Chris Voss - Negotiation Tactics for Contractors: https://youtu.be/a4RDJRtkOBYGreg McKeown - Essentialism for Contractors: https://youtu.be/6J1qth84qwgGarrett Gunderson - Why Most Contractors Stay Broke: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 00:00-Intro02:20-Why did you choose the construction industry to base your book, The Ideal Team Player, in?05:30-Defining the three virtues of an ideal team player: hungry, humble, and smart07:15-Defining "hungry"09:35-Defining "humble"11:33-Identifying "fake humble"17:36-Defining "smart" as emotional intelligence (EQ)23:05-How to spot these three virtues in the interview process28:23-"Scaring" people in the recruiting process30:55-How to look for "hunger"33:14-“Non-ideal archetypes": the accidental mess-maker (humble and hungry, but not smart)36:20-“Non-ideal archetypes": the lovable slacker (humble and smart, but not hungry)40:29-“Non-ideal archetypes": the skillful politician (hungry and smart, but not humble)44:35-About The 6 Types of Working Genius and getting people in the right seat on the bus

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP253Grab a free copy of our annual budgeting template here: https://trybta.com/DL253Check out our industry benchmarks and find out what your profit margins should be: https://www.btacademy.com/blog/profit-margin-benchmarks-for-contractors Are you constantly stressed about cash flow heading into 2026? You’re not alone. Our research shows:👉45% of contractors don’t have any financial plan beyond paying bills and sending invoices.👉50% of contractors hit cash crunches due to unforeseen circumstances👉30% of contractors describe their cash flow as “unpredictable.”In this Contractor Evolution episode, we’re answering common questions from contractors about cash flow, just in time for 2026 – so you can stay cash positive, pay yourself consistently, and actually crush your goals instead of feeling like you’re drowning under 2 inches of water.We cover:⬆️How to improve your cash flow (so you can have fewer painful conversations with your accountant)📋How to build an annual budget for your construction or home services business📊What job costing is and how it has the potential to completely change your business’ financial wellbeing🤔How to figure out if you can afford to hire someone new (or if you’ll just have to awkwardly lay them off down the road)💲AND what your profit margins should look like in 2026More videos to help you fix your finances and take control of your profit:💰3 Ways to Control Profit and STOP Confusing Your Finances: https://youtu.be/Qbm9yRBYgRk🛑STOP Losing Money on Jobs (Job Costing 101): https://youtu.be/nCzP0B2u4BM🔻Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Broke - Garrett Gunderson: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 👇 Your turn:What’s the #1 cash flow or budgeting question you want answered before 2026 kicks off? Drop it in the comments – I read every single one.00:00-Intro01:13-How do I improve my cash flow for 2026?04:47-How do you go about making an annual budget?07:26-What is job costing? Do I need to do it?09:17-How do I get customers to pay me on time?10:28-How do I know if I can afford a new hire?12:10-What should my profit margins be

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free roadmap to contractor growth: https://trybta.com/DL252To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP252 If you’ve ever felt like your crew works hard but your margins still suffer… you’re not alone.And, according to today’s guest, traditional hourly pay might be the root of the problem.Michael Fortinberry is the co-founder of Protiv, a performance pay platform built specifically for contractors.In this episode, Michael lays out a simple but powerful framework to amplify the productivity of your team using incentive based pay.He walks us through how performance pay actually shifts crew behavior, and the step-by-step system you can use to drive productivity, boost morale, and protect your bottom line.00:00-Intro07:16-Catalyst for Protiv12:53-Measuring the Productivity Lift from Performance-Based Pay16:06-The Legal Compliance of Performance-Based Pay (Piece Rate, Overtime)18:37-Setting up Performance-Based Pay: Numbers, Logistics, and Culture24:23-The Three Keys to Effective Performance-Based Pay: Simple, Frequent, and Transparent29:55-Shifting to a Performance-Based Culture37:34-Team Buy-in and Implementation43:43-Roles Best Suited for Performance-Based Pay46:06-Handling Quality Issues and Rework49:47-Addressing Budgets That Are Significantly Off54:13-Final Takeaways

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL251To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP251 Will AI replace construction workers? 🤔Not yet. But if it ever does, the most successful contracting businesses will be the ones who adapt the quickest.So how do you make sure your business is ready for automation and AI in construction to improve and gain popularity?Today’s guest, Kasim (think “awesome” with a K) Aslam has built and exited multiple multimillion-dollar companies and now dedicates his time to helping business owners and their teams take control of AI……Before it takes control of them.And in his opinion, that doesn’t mean automating EVERYTHING.It actually means doubling down on humanity at every possible opportunity.If you want to future-proof your business and stay on the right side of the AI revolution, this one’s for you. Episode highlights:Get perspective on the AI revolution from Kasim Aslam, renowned entrepreneur, business strategist and co-founder of Pareto Talent: a Virtual - Assistant agency that focuses exclusively on connecting owners with AI-empowered admin support.Learn why scalable things may not be relevant in the age of AI (and the shifts you need to make to future-proof your company).Understand why doubling down on your people is the counterintuitive way for contractors to win in the modern world.00:00-Intro01:15-What will trades businesses look like as AI progresses?09:35-Are small businesses screwed in the age of Private Equity?15:21-Biggest AI opportunities and biggest AI red flags26:59-What happens in 10 years?36:03-What should contractors be focused on right now?38:54-Kasim's thoughts on the emotional side of selling a business49:49-Wrap up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL250To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP250 Do you ever feel like there is WAY too much to learn or feel guilty for not learning enough? Financial literacy, AI, automation software, job site best practices, leadership theory…The list of things you COULD go and figure out is endless.But what if I told you the answer is actually to learn LESS?Our guest today is Pat Flynn: entrepreneur, podcast host and author of several books including Superfans and Will it Fly?In his newest book Lean Learning, Pat lays out a tangible framework for spending LESS time learning the RIGHT things.And today, we’re talking about how to understand what you NEED to learn, what you WANT to learn, and what you DON’T need to learn at all.Episode Highlights:- Understand the dangers of “over-learning” as a contractor and entrepreneur and why we feel so much pressure to “know it all.”- Learn Pat’s framework for determining what is worth learning and what is a waste of your time and energy.- Get tips on avoiding “analysis paralysis” by focusing on ONLY the important data points to make a decision for your business.Get Pat's book here: https://leanlearningbook.com/ Want to learn more about prioritization and decision making? Check out these videos 👇📝Steal These Prioritization Methods to Get More Done: https://youtu.be/-9zk4mQfL7k⏰Matt Risingers’ $10MM Time Blocking System REVEALED: https://youtu.be/Pdf4Vpq1KZ4✋No More Excuses: Stay Consistent When Goals Go Sideways: https://youtu.be/YBa20g7kQRc00:00-Intro01:39-The dangers of "over-learning" for contractors07:58-The Inspiration Matrix17:50-"Just in time" learning vs "Just in case" learning24:45-The importance of community to a contractor's learning journey33:57-Thinking through the risks vs. "just going for it"42:54-Micro-mastery vs. Quantum Leaps51:00-Wrap up

Get your free communication resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL249To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP249 How much money have you lost to unclear instructions, buried emails, and missed change orders? Poor communication is a hidden cash flow destroyer EVERY contractor falls victim to, but no one really talks about.In today’s episode of Contractor Evolution, Danny is joined by CompanyCam founder Luke Hansen and two high performing contractors for a roundtable discussion on how to invest in clear (and profitable) communication across your organization.You’ll learn:⚙️ Real world systems for keeping your crews, project managers and clients all on the same page🗣️ The single most impactful communication ritual to aligning your team with your company goals 💪 The secret to maintaining healthy projects, keeping things on time and on budgetWant more webinar replays? Check out these episodes 👇Episode 244: Secrets of $10MM Contractors: 6 Steps to FreedomEpisode 231: STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No-Frills Project Management TipsEpisode 212: How to Manage Budgets, Forecasting and Cash Flow Like Matt Risinger00:00-Intro05:32-Meet the panel08:28-Transfer in: Where is your communication costing you sanity/time/money?14:32-Signs your communication is whack21:58-Question 1: How do you ensure communication doesn't all flow through YOU?32:28-Question 2: How do you keep your team on the same page?42:21-Question 3: What does a strong sales-to-production handoff look like?54:46-Biggest takeaways59:39-How to implement change (next steps)01:11:45-Bonus question: What communication tools do you use?

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP248 Take our 5 minute quiz and get your custom roadmap to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL248When you don’t have anyone keeping you in check, it’s all too easy to get caught up in your own limiting beliefs. Today, business therapist Kedma Ough is on the show to coach Danny and show how tough love can be exactly what you need to break out of a negative thought pattern.—Do you struggle with limiting beliefs or negative self talk? Owning a contracting business makes it pretty hard not to.Complex operations, difficult team members, unhappy clients… the list of negative experiences you have in a week (or a day) is endless.In this episode, business therapist, TedX Speaker and bestselling author Kedma Ough coaches Danny on air to help him break out of old thought patterns and adopt a more positive mindset. We hope this shows you how you can do the same.Episode Highlights:Watch a real life coaching call take place between Danny and business therapist, TedX speaker and bestselling author Kedma Ough.Learn how to unpack your own limiting beliefs by watching Kedma help Danny to do just that.Get strategies for breaking the cycle of negative self-talk on your own or with a coach, therapist or counsellor. More episodes to help get rid of your head trash:👉 How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice)💲 Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Broke - Garrett Gunderson🧠 4 Mindset Shifts For When You Want To Give Up00:00-Intro01:46-Kedma's origin story16:02-Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs39:09-Kedma's playbook for destroying limiting beliefs58:09-Common limiting beliefs for entrepreneurs08:26-Wrap up

Take our five minute quiz and get a free custom road map to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL247To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP247 Building systems is the key to scaling your contractor business—but let's be honest, it's time-consuming and tedious work that most visionaries hate doing.What if there was ONE role that could build all your systems for you?In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Systemology author David Jenyns returns to introduce his groundbreaking new concept: The Systems Champion.This isn't an ops manager. It's not a COO. And it's not necessarily an integrator.It's something different—and potentially more powerful—especially as AI transforms how we work.David breaks down exactly what a Systems Champion is, who's the right fit for this role (the answer might surprise you), and how to create and fill this position in your business starting today.If you've been stuck in the weeds building systems yourself, this conversation will change everything.🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:• What a Systems Champion actually is (and why it's different from other roles)• The exact profile of who makes the best Systems Champion in your business• How to create this role without adding massive overhead• Why AI is making this role MORE important, not less• Step-by-step process to implement a Systems Champion in the next 90 days• Real examples of how this role transforms contractor businesses👤 ABOUT DAVID JENYNS:David Jenyns is the author of Systemology and the newly released Systems Champion. He's helped thousands of businesses create scalable systems without the business owner doing all the heavy lifting. His frameworks have transformed how contractors and service businesses approach systemization.📚 Get David's new book: https://www.systemology.com/scbook/🌐 Learn more about David's work: https://www.systemology.com/🎥 Check out the last episode we did with David: https://youtu.be/eKNW3GQRM8MMore videos on systems building:🚨4 Essential Business Systems Every Contractor Should Master (with Tony Fraser-Jones): https://youtu.be/4ljBnnHgHJE🦾From Reactive to Streamlined: Cory’s Business Automation Journey: https://youtu.be/NykhB5J8cE0💰This $10MM Accountability Systems Has Crews CRUSHING Their Goals (free web class): https://youtu.be/NvBjWbxXjcI 00:00-Intro01:40-About Dave's new book: Systems Champion05:38-How to know if you need a Systems Champion17:16-Traits of a great Systems Champion29:58-What does a Systems Champion actually do?38:33-How to make your Systems Champion act as your AI Champion46:02-How long do we have before AI takes over the trades?53:37-Wrap up and final thoughts

Take our five minute quiz and get a free custom roadmap to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL246To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP246 Entrepreneurship doesn't have to be lonely. But for most contractors, it is.After years of grinding alone, Ryan Lermitte from Umbrella Property Services discovered something that changed everything: the power of real community.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Ryan shares his 8-year journey with Breakthrough Academy and reveals why he stayed long after learning the systems. The deep connections, unexpected collaborations with competitors, and the emotional ROI that no spreadsheet can capture.If you've ever felt isolated in your business journey, this conversation will remind you that you're not meant to do this alone.🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why entrepreneurship feels so isolating (and what to do about it)How investing in community and connections can improve your wellbeing AND your profitability.Why emotional ROI matters as much as financial returnsPractical ways to build meaningful connections in your industry☂️Learn more about Ryan and his business: https://umbrellaservices.ca/📈Learn more about how Breakthrough Academy helped Ryan double his revenue and make his goals a reality: https://youtu.be/Pa39XAcLRMYOther stories from REAL contractors like Ryan:🦾From Reactive to Streamlined: Cory’d Business Automation Journey: https://youtu.be/NykhB5J8cE0✋STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No Frills Project Management Tips (Contractor Roundtable): https://youtu.be/xIMb9X4A2Zo⭐️More coaching success stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGzGbmYmvpYonpJ_EAAUldCob7iimjgmc 00:00-Intro01:46-About Ryan's journey in Breakthrough Academy06:46-How do you build relationships beyond transactions?15:19-How to "Be Real" with the people around you17:55-The true ROI of community as a contractor22:14-How to overcome imposter syndrome26:24-Why give back?31:05-Should you collaborate with your competitors?34:03-Ryan's unforgettable moment from Winter Summit 202539:26-How to know if you're in the right community45:38-Wrap up and how to connect with Ryan

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a custom roadmap to systemizing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL245To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP245 Over the next 5 years the ability to leverage AI tools is going to make or break contracting businesses.But 99% of contracting business owners are barely scratching the surface.Today we’re joined by Greg Shove, founder of Section AI, who’s gonna teach us how to go from AI-anxious to AI-fluent. In this episode, we cover:A roadmap to learning AI for beginners, intermediates and even well-versed contractorsWhat it takes to build a shared company brain that knows your systems, data, and workflowsAnd specific ways to use AI for construction businesses, home service companies and other trades.If you’re ready to stop treating AI like a toy and start using it as your competitive edge, this conversation is for you.00:00-Intro01:38-About Greg and Section AI01:38-About Greg and Section AI03:34-The AI Revolution: What's Happening and What's Next07:21-How small business should be benefitting from AI13:16-Are the trades AI proof?19:39-Creating a "company brain" with AI tools29:31-Practical use cases of AI tools for contractors37:53-How to take the first step to make AI part of your company culture44:37-Wrap up and next steps

Grab your FREE Contractor Growth Method resource bundle: https://trybta.com/DL244To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP244Whether it's being on the tools, selling jobs, or bookkeeping, we all have something in our business that we HATE doing—and for most 7 figure contractors, it's the relentless struggle with contractor cash flow and time management.The good news? There’s a predictable way out of small business owner burnout.After working with over 1,900 contractors, we’ve learned there are six key systems that, once implemented, give owners the freedom to do whatever they want while truly mastering contractor scaling.🔨 Swing a hammer.💼 Lead a sales team.⚾️ Coach baseball.🇬🇷 Move to Greece.These proven contractor time management systems transform how 7 figure contractors operate—no more 14-hour days, no more cash flow stress, no more feeling trapped in your business.In a web class we hosted a while back, I unpacked those six contractor scaling systems step-by-step—the same ones that help contractors break free from small business owner burnout and finally build businesses that serve them.Today, that web class is hitting the podcast.You’ll learn:- How to build a business budget to help with contractor cash flow and financial management- The foolproof hiring systems 7-figure contractors use to secure top talent- How to level up your time management skills to implement more systems faster00:00-Intro00:54-Welcome to the web class09:06-About the 6 Systems (Contractor Growth Method™)10:27-System 1: Financial Controls14:39-System 2: Defined Roles21:20-System 3: Hiring Systems26:20-System 4: Training & onboarding33:02-System 5: Sales & marketing39:31-System 6: Goal Setting & Review49:34-Getting started57:59-Q&A

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard today: https://trybta.com/DL243To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP243 LMN, Greenius and SingleOps are three of the biggest names in landscaping software. After rebranding to Granum, CEO Mark Sedgley is on the show to talk about the bright future of the green industry.---What does it take to lead lasting change, not just inside your business, but across an entire industry?Today’s guest is Mark Sedgley, CEO of LMN, Greenius, and SingleOps, three of the biggest names in landscaping software that are now coming together as one brand: Granum.Mark’s story—from entrepreneur to CEO—offers a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and building companies that put people first.In today’s episode, we talk about his vision for Granum, and what he sees as the future of the green industry.Episode Highlights:- Learn why Granum, the amalgamation of LMN, Greenius and SingleOps was created, straight from CEO Mark Sedgley.- Understand Mark’s entrepreneurial journey and how you can benefit from the lessons he’s learned about leadership.- Get insight into the bright future of the green industry and the trades more broadly from someone who is actively working to improve and professionalize the space.Learn more about Granum: https://granum.com/00:00-Intro01:38-Mark's journey in the Green Industry10:52-Being an entrepreneur vs. being a CEO17:10-How to make the right decisions as a CEO23:26-The future of the Green Industry30:05-How to address change management in a rapidly changing industry33:44-About the Granum rebrand: how did LMN, Greenius and SingleOps come together?39:28-Finding balance as a high-impact CEO43:52-Wrap up

Take our five minute quiz and get your free custom Contractor Growth Scorecard here: https://trybta.com/DL242To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP242 Some moments in life can completely shape the way we see the world. Hard lessons, key pieces of advice, or sudden realizations in the face of adversity. Today, Danny is opening up about four moments in his life that would become the mantras he uses to survive and thrive as a successful contractor, business coach and entrepreneur.Episode Highlights:Hear the story of how Danny went from a struggling dyslexic student to a successful paint contractor to the thriving founder and coach he is today.Understand the power of mantras in overcoming adversity, navigating relationships and staying calm under pressure.Benefit from Danny’s vulnerability, as he opens up about the personal and professional mistakes over the last 20 years as an entrepreneur.00:00-Intro 01:16-Habit #1: F*ck it04:32-Habit #2: “How can I…?”07:32-Habit #3: Relinquishing control09:07-Habit #4: “It’ll be fine.”11:15-Wrap Up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free personalized Contractor Growth Scorecard today: https://trybta.com/DL241 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP241 In a world where everyone turns to AI to ask questions, how do you make sure YOU show up as the answer? In today’s episode, Phil Risher reveals the secret to getting ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs) to promote your business to potential customers in every related search.---There’s no question that AI is changing the way people ask questions online.So, how do you make sure YOU show up as the answer?In today’s episode, we’re revealing the secret to getting ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs) to promote your business to potential customers in every related search.Contractor Marketing expert Phil Risher is a long-time SEO strategist that has been on the front lines as AI has changed the game for contractors and home service businesses. Our conversation covers:The difference between SEO, GEO and AEO and where you should invest your marketing efforts right nowHow Large Language Models actually decide which brands to recommend 4 personalized videos you can make in the next 10 minutes that will increase your conversion rate by 20%.This is a mandatory listen for contractors in every industry.00:00-Intro02:07-About Phil and Phlash Consulting05:29-How is AI disrupting customer search? SEO vs. GEO vs. AEO12:49-Is SEO still worth doing?16:10-Becoming a content authority29:21-How important is a "face of the brand?"32:41-4 personalized videos for your drip sequence38:44-Use cases for AI chat bots & automation for speed to lead41:45-Use cases for self service tools46:14-How to stay up-to-date on AI without getting overwhelmed49:58-Connect with Phil

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free personalized Contractor Growth Scorecard today: https://trybta.com/DL240To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP240 What if you offered a potential customer a free vacation if they hired you by the end of the week? Would it increase your closing rate? Today’s guest John Dwyer (JD, for short) swear by this strategy and in this episode, he’s gonna tell you why.---What if you offered a potential customer a free vacation if they hired you by the end of the week?Gimmicky? Maybe.But according to today’s guest, it works.John Dwyer, or “JD” for short, has built an entire business around incentive-based marketing. In other words, rather than resorting to price discounting to get more work, what if you looked for a value add incentive instead?Sometimes that’s something small, like a Happy Meal toy. Sometimes it’s a free trip to Disneyland.In this episode, JD breaks down what he thinks are the 5 elements of a successful direct response campaign, including what he calls the WOW factor incentive.This guy’s got some seriously out of the box ideas, so buckle up.Episode Highlights:- Learn how John “JD” Dwyer has used incentive-based marketing to generate over $15 billion in extra sales for businesses across multiple industries.- Understand what the “WOW Factor” is and how it might fit into your marketing strategy.- Get inspired to find creative alternatives the next time you’re thinking of price discounting to get more sales.Get in touch with JD at [email protected] more about the Institute of Wow vacations Incentive - https://vacationsincentive.com/00:00-Intro01:32-About JD and the Institute of Wow07:52-What exactly is direct response marketing?11:01-5 components of direct response marketing22:41-About the Wow Factor vacation incentive39:26-How to be the "UN" authority41:52-Quick hits: best and worse of JD's career53:00-Wrap up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/DL239To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP239 The modern buyer doesn’t want to wait. They expect instant answers, real-time communication, and a seamless experience from first click to final payment. Today, Liveswitch CRO James Hatfield is on the show to talk about how create a seamless and speedy experience for customers using virtual --quoting.--Here’s a hard reality:The modern buyer doesn’t want to wait. They expect instant answers, real-time communication, and a seamless experience from first click to final payment.But most trades businesses struggle to make that a reality for their customers.Today, I’m joined by James Hatfield, CRO at LiveSwitch, to unpack a faster, smarter way to sell—without losing the human connection.We’ll cover how expectations have shifted, where contractors are still falling short, and how to blend speed with authenticity in every step of the sales journey.If you want to win the “race to the face” and elevate your customer experience, this one’s for you.00:00 - Intro02:03 - History of Liveswitch04:15 - Balancing race to face vs. personalization07:46 - What does the modern buyer expect from a sales process?11:02 - What does the virtual quoting experience look like for customers?16:37 - Benefits of tech-enabled sales24:19 - Creating a tech-enabled review/referral process27:04 - Claiming the property with QR codes32:16 - Does EVERY customer really prefer tech-enabled sales?34:20 - Other tech to add to your stack39:08 - Final thoughts and wrap up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/DL238To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP238 Ben Degros has built an audience on two YouTube channels: one on skateboards and one on drywall. Guess which one has more subs? In this episode, Ben breaks down his process for creating content for his drywall channel, which has amassed over 700K subscribers over the years.---Today’s guest is living proof that you don’t need fancy gear or a media team to build a killer online brand—just some drywall dust and a camera.Ben Degros is a carpenter, drywaller, and the creator of Vancouver Carpenter, a YouTube channel that’s grown to over 700,000 subscribers with simple, value-packed videos shot right on job sites.The content? Just drywall videos. And people love it.But here’s the twist: Before drywall, Ben was a full-time skater, even running a skateboarding YouTube channel. Now, he’s blended his trades skills with content creation to build massive reach while still running a small contracting operation.Since Ben is a Vancouver local, we recorded this one in studio and dug into how contractors can build brand, trust, and community—all with a phone and a few smart tactics.If you’re considering leaning into video content, there are some great insights for you here.Episode Highlights:Learn how a larger-scale trades content creator brings videos to life from idea to results.Understand the challenges of balancing content creation with daily operations, especially when you don’t have a media production team behind you.Get some tips from Ben on how to incorporate content creation into your marketing, whether you’re committed to the process or just getting your feet wet.00:00-Intro01:24-Intro & Origin03:04-Why contracting content works12:00-Building an audience31:28-Process of creating ideas: what works?36:03-Ben's "how to bend drywall" video41:07-Quick tips & wrap-up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/DL237To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP237 When we started Breakthrough Academy 10 years ago, business coaching for contractors wasn’t particularly common.Most of the contractors we talked to had never considered coaching and really didn’t know what it was.Today, business coaching has skyrocketed in popularity, and as a result there are a TON of choices out there for contractors.So…if you’re considering coaching… HOW do you make a decision?Today, we’re joined by Brendon Toyne, our Head of Sales at BTA who’s personally talked to thousands of contractors during their decision-making process.In this episode, we explore what to consider before signing on with a coach, but we also talk more broadly about how to make smart business decisions when it comes to working with key vendors that will propel your business forward. Episode Highlights:Hear about the rise of business coaching for contractors and why there is now so much choice out there for those seeking coaching or consulting solutions.Understand the difference between coaching, consulting, online communities and other solutions.Get Brendon’s tips on making the right choice about coaching solutions, based on his experience guiding thousands of contractors through the decision making process.00:00-Intro02:44-What's changed in the contractor coaching space since you started at BTA?09:35-Different types of coaching solutions20:41-What to consider when choosing a contractor coaching program43:32-How to make an informed decision on coaching (or anything)46:31-Contractor coaching red flags50:25-Wrap-up and next steps

Grab your productivity resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL236Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/QF236To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP236 There’s 168 hours in every week. That’s true for everyone.So why do some people stall out while others build empires?Some might say it’s about time management. But that’s only half the story.Managing your time means deciding WHEN to get your work done. But just because you’re crushing tasks, doesn’t mean you’re crushing the RIGHT tasks.That’s why you need to shift your focus to priority management. This is a skill Matt Risinger had to master as he scaled Risinger Build and The Build Show into the goliaths they are today. Which is why Danny co-hosted a webinar with him a while back to teach contractors how to conquer their calendar, block interruptions and get the RIGHT sh*t done.Today, we're releasing it as a bonus episode so you can benefit from the insights.Episode Highlights:Learn how $10MM+ contractors accomplish more by doing less (using the 4 keys of priority management).Get simple tactics for placing guard rails on your time. PLUS tips for getting your clients, staff, and subs to understand how these new boundaries will benefit them.Understand how to recognize the 4 horsemen of overwhelm (and why common time management hacks don’t work). If you feel like you are always reacting to everyone else’s requests — this is for you.00:00 - Intro03:54 - About Matt and Danny09:45 - Purpose & Outcomes13:27 - Step 1: Define Your Why20:05 - Step 2: Strategic Planning33:00 - Step 3: Priority Management41:41 - Step 4: Time Management51:13 - Recap54:35 - Next Steps01:07:34 - Q&A

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP235 Let’s be honest:It’s kinda hard to prioritize when everything is on fire.With so many problems to solve and systems to build, how do you figure out what to focus on?Today, landscaper, content creator and author of Total Business Turnaround Mike Andes is here to answer that question.Mike built his business, Augusta Lawn Care into a national brand with 180 franchises. He also created CoPilot CRM, a software platform designed to help home service businesses streamline their operations.In this episode, Mike lays out the four areas of business you need to get dialed based on which phase of growth you’re in:- Lead Gen- Labor- Leadership and- LiquidityHis roadmap will help you focus on the most important systems for YOUR business. And give you a plan to put your fires out one at a time.00:00-Intro01:11-Intro & Why Franchising Matters04:19-Common Misconceptions About Readiness to Scale09:31-The 4 L’s10:50-Phase 1: Lead Gen16:43-Phase 2: Labor29:45-Phase 3: Leadership40:57-Phase Four: Liquidity53:22-Wrap up and how to connect with Mike

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP234 Check out Spencer's benchmarking tool here: https://fixyourprofit.com/signup/btaConfused by your financials? You’re not alone. Most contractors struggle to make sense of their numbers, and it costs them big.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Spencer Sheinin, bestselling author of Entreprenumbers and CEO of Shift Financial, who’s on a mission to empower contractors by turning complex financial data into simple, actionable insights.Spencer used to be a contractor himself, so he gets the challenges you face. That’s why this conversation hits different. It’s not just about spreadsheets and profit margins, it’s about taking control of your business through real financial empowerment.🔍 In this episode, we break down:How to make your numbers tell a story using visual toolsHow to spot red flags in your P&L before it’s too lateWhat your bookkeeper should really be doing for youThe three financial levers that drive profitability in contracting businesses📘 Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting serious about your growth, this episode will help you stop fearing your financials and start using them to win.🔗 Check out Spencer’s book Entreprenumbers here: https://entreprenumbers.com/👇 Drop a comment if you've ever felt overwhelmed by your P&L—and let us know your #1 takeaway from this episode!00:00-Intro01:55-About Spencer and Shift Financial09:33-Define: Financial Empowerment10:35-Three levers of profitability14:32-How to determine which lever to pull (with visuals)21:01-How to build your first proper budget25:26-How to select your strategic financial team38:24-Essential software and tools for financial management40:25-How to maintain clean financial data46:05-One thing listeners can go do right now to get comfortable with numbers47:59-Free benchmarking tool

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP233 Ever had a project go sideways, a client bail, or cash flow dry up?This episode of Contractor Evolution is your playbook for bouncing back when business gets messy. Today, Reset With Resilience author Mandy Gill, broadcaster, ultra-endurance athlete, and creator of the Hooked on Healthy Habits app, shares field-tested strategies for staying consistent, even when your goals go off the rails.👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:How to hit reset when a client bails or a project stallsA resilience framework for handling cash flow crises and staffing headachesWhy courage (not comfort) is your best tool when motivation fadesThe daily habits top contractors use to stay on track—even in chaosHow to design goals that work in the messiness of construction, not just on paperWhether you’re growing a trades business or just trying to get your footing back, Mandy’s insights will give you the tools to navigate the “messy middle” and come out stronger.📘 Get her book: https://www.mandygill.com/book 📱 Explore her app: https://www.mandygill.com/app00:00-Intro01:19-About Mandy12:40-The Concept: Reset With Resilience17:13-Courage vs. Comfort21:21-Three Goal Setting Tips from the book37:18-Building Healthy Habits43:01-Leading with Resilience47:41-Final thoughts

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP232 Today we are bringing back the best moments with our friend Matt RisingerThis man is a true industry goliath: host of The BUILD Show, founder of Risinger Build, and one of the most trusted names in the industry.He’s been on our show four times and has shared some truly life-changing advice about everything from recruiting to finances.In this episode, we’ll be summarizing our favorite Matt Risinger moments from his various collaborations with Breakthrough Academy over the years.Important teachings, practical tips, and thought provoking stories from his experience building both of his massive brands.This video covers Matt Risinger’s top Contractor Evolution moments.Episode Highlights:Refresh your memory on the top 4 moments from Matt Risinger on Contractor Evolution.Hear about Matt’s $200K SOP mistake and what he learned from it.Get Matt’s insight on when to let a high-performer go, rather than try and keep them on.00:00-Intro01:31-Revenue is Vanity and Profit is Sanity02:33-Matt's $200K Mistake07:07-Profit Comes From Pre-Construction07:56-When to Let A-Players Move On09:43-Matt and Danny's next web class