PaintED Podcast

You send your project manager — or go yourself — to check in on a jobsite. You get a great report back. Everything looks fine. Then a week later, it's not fine at all. Sound familiar? In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, breaks down the real reason jobsite check-ins fail: a lack of intentionality about what's actually being checked. By popular demand, this episode wraps up the Production SOP series with the Check-In Checklist — the exact list of what should be evaluated every single time you or your project manager sets foot on a jobsite mid-project. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why "it looks great" isn't a real jobsite report — and how vague check-ins let problems slip through until it's too late - The 7-point Check-In Checklist — the specific areas every jobsite visit should cover, including: - Client — guiding the color conversation, walking finished areas together, and gauging communication - Budget/Progress Plan — staying on track against the project plan - Punchlist walkthrough — catching issues early instead of at closeout - SOP adherence — is the crew actually following your documented process? - Jobsite cleanliness and organization - Safety check - Getting content — the step contractors forget most, and the one that fuels your marketing - Why structure beats good intentions — a business without systems is just a job, and the Check-In Checklist is what keeps quality consistent instead of accidental - What happens when you skip even one item — why every point on this list matters on its own, not just as a group This episode closes out the 3-part Production SOP series. If you haven't caught the first two, go back and listen to the Job Start SOP and Job Closeout SOP episodes — together, these three form a complete framework for running consistent, professional projects from kickoff to final walkthrough. Connect with Chris Moore and Elite Business Advisors: @elitebusinessadvisors on all social platforms www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to learn more about how they help Painting Contractors all over North America! This is the Elite Business Advice Podcast — practical business strategy for painting contractors who want to run a tighter, more profitable operation. #PaintingContractor #PaintingBusiness #SOP #PaintingCompany #ContractorTips #BusinessAdvice #CashflowManagement

AI 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.

There's one fundamental thing that trips up 95% of painting contractors — the Job Closeout SOP. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, breaks down exactly what a Job Closeout SOP should look like for your painting company, and why the process actually starts on day one of the project — not the last day. This is part 2 of a two-part Production SOP series. Last week covered the Job Start SOP; this week Chris focuses on the end of the customer experience — the walkthrough, the payment collection, and everything in between that determines whether a project closes clean or drags on with touchups, callbacks, and late payments. In this episode, you'll learn: · Why closeout problems are really structure problems — if you're dealing with late payments, callbacks, or crews saying "done" when it isn't, it likely traces back to a missing closeout process · Why the Job Closeout SOP starts on day one — setting expectations for the final walkthrough and payment collection before a single wall is painted · The 24-hour check-in — how to find out if the homeowner will be present for the final walkthrough, and how to problem-solve if they won't be · The 45-minute walkthrough script — exactly what to say to the homeowner as your crew leader or PM wraps up touchups, invoicing, and payment · How to build in reviews and referrals — using the walkthrough moment to hand off a Google Review postcard and introduce your Advocate discount program · Why mini-walkthroughs throughout the project make closeout easier — and how to avoid a chaotic final day · What closeout impacts — your mental bandwidth, your cashflow, and your schedule Whether you're closing out jobs yourself or handing that responsibility to a crew leader or PM, this episode gives you a repeatable framework to protect your cashflow, your reputation, and your peace of mind on every project. Missed part 1? Go back and listen to last week's episode on the Job Start SOP. Connect with Chris Moore and Elite Business Advisors: @elitebusinessadvisors on all social platforms www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to learn more about how they help Painting Contractors all over North America!

Most 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.

Struggling to get projects off to a smooth, professional start? You're not alone. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, breaks down exactly what a Job Start SOP should look like for your painting company — and why most contractors are losing money, trust, and crew efficiency without one. This is part one of a two-part series on Job Start and Job Closeout SOPs. Chris dives deep into the standard operating procedure every painting contractor needs to kick off projects with consistency, professionalism, and accountability. In this episode, you'll learn: · Why a documented Job Start SOP matters — the hidden costs of inconsistent project kickoffs that most contractors never see · The exact sequence for a professional job start — from leader arrival time and lawn sign placement to the final scope review with the homeowner · How a final scope review builds trust — and prevents the dreaded "homeowner hovering over your shoulder" problem · Standards and timelines that protect your business — colors confirmed 2 weeks out, work orders ready 1 week out, materials ordered 3-5 days before · Who's accountable for executing the SOP — and why accountability always sits one level above the person doing the work · The 3 areas Job Start SOPs impact — marketing and visibility, client experience, and project efficiency for your crew Whether you're a solo owner still running your own job starts or scaling a team of project managers and crew leaders, this episode gives you a repeatable framework to bring consistency, trust, and professionalism to every project kickoff. Next week: Chris covers the Job Closeout SOP — don't miss it. Connect with Chris Moore and Elite Business Advisors: @elitebusinessadvisors on all social platforms www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to learn more about how they help Painting Contractors all over North America! This is the Elite Business Advice Podcast — practical business strategy for painting contractors who want to run a tighter, more profitable operation. #PaintingContractor #PaintingBusiness #SOP #PaintingCompany #ContractorTips #BusinessAdvice

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).

It’s really easy for us as business advisors to see the ripple effect in motion to those around us or that attended the 2026 Elite Business Retreat. But the more important aspect would be how do you embody the ripple effect in your life when you learn something or attend an event? In today’s episode we share some takeaways from this years retreat while also sharing how to be impactful to those around you on a daily basis! Have a growth mindset and looking for help growing your painting company? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

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.

Struggling to let go of an underperforming employee? Hate conflict as a leader? This episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast is for you. Host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, breaks down the 3 HR systems every painting contractor needs to manage employees, protect their business, and avoid costly legal exposure — before termination ever becomes necessary. Why This Matters: · A single unemployment claim can cost employers an average of $4,200 — and $10,000+ if it drags out · Claims stay on your record for 3 years and typically raise your rates · Poor documentation opens the door to wrongful termination lawsuits, even when letting go of reasonable people The 3 Systems You Need: · Employee Handbook — the documented standard for behavior, attendance, drug/alcohol policy, and grounds for termination, signed by every employee · Written Warnings & a 3-Strike Process — what to include in every write-up to protect yourself and set clear expectations · A Termination Process That Protects You — how to conduct terminations privately, professionally, and with proper documentation Chris explains why documentation — not just the reason for termination — is what wins or loses unemployment hearings, and how a clear 3-strike system means no employee is ever blindsided. If you're a painting company owner ready to lead with structure instead of avoidance, this episode gives you the systems to do it right.

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.

If you're a painting contractor who relies on word-of-mouth and referrals to grow your business, this episode is a wake-up call. Chris Moore sits down with Sara Hardwick Grintz, President of GIFTOLOGY, to break down why "doing good work" alone won't sustain your referral pipeline — and what to do instead. Sara leads GIFTOLOGY's Relationship Operating System™, a proven framework that helps business owners turn scattered word-of-mouth into a predictable, always-on marketing engine. In this conversation, you'll learn: o Why "good work = referrals" is a myth — and why relying on it leaves your pipeline vulnerable o How to build a Relationship Operating System™ so referrals stop depending on memory or good intentions o How to identify, equip, and energize the referral partners already sending you business o The real difference between networking and building a true referral partner network o Where to start if you're ready to turn referrals into a system instead of a hope Whether you're a painting company owner looking to scale past referrals-by-luck or a contractor ready to build real marketing systems, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to make referrals work for you — consistently, and on autopilot. Connect with GIFTOLOGY on social @giftologygroup or visit their website to set up a call and see how they can help you in your business: www.giftologygroup.com 🎙️ New episodes of the Elite Business Advice Podcast drop weekly — practical business strategy for painting contractors who want to run a smarter, more profitable company.

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.

Most contractors get business backwards, they let their businesses results dictate their lifestyle instead of dreaming on what they want and then figuring out how to build their business to suit it. On this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, we share the importance of dreaming, how to make sure you do it right, and break down the limiting beliefs behind why we have head trash that prevents us from envisioning the life we want to live. Looking to map out that vision in your head for what your business needs to look like? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to see how we help painting contractors all over north America in their business.

On this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore and Ted Pierce break down the 3 areas of opportunity they see most with painting contractors in working with their clients across the country. From Understanding Your Numbers, to Following a Sales Process, and wrapping up with Project Plans and Management Strategies, they share a lot of actionable items both on the “why” it’s important but also the how-to implement details! Curious what it looks like to have the Elite Business Advisors team on your side in your business? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com

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's the real goal of a new lead? Most painting contractors think a new lead is just a chance to fill the schedule — but the most profitable painting companies in North America see it completely differently. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, breaks down the Strategic Cycle of a Lead — a compounding revenue framework that transforms a single paint job into years of repeat business, referrals, and raving fans. What You'll Learn: · The true purpose of a lead — and why most painting contractors are leaving a fortune on the table by thinking too short-term · The math behind compounding your customer base — a real-world model showing how a painting company can grow from $900K to over $1.3M in annual revenue without increasing their marketing spend · How to build a "happy satisfied customer database" — and what it takes to keep customers in your ecosystem year after year · The 7 proven strategies for driving repeat business and referrals: monthly value-add emails, customer appreciation, gifting, booking a job from a job, loyalty discounts, custom mailers, and strategic partnerships · Why momentum beats marketing spend — and how painting companies that nurture their community consistently outperform those who just try to buy new leads If you're a painting contractor or painting company owner who wants to build a business with sustainable, compounding growth — this episode is required listening. People that build a community around them will go further than those who try to buy their way to success. 🎙️ Elite Business Advice Podcast — Practical business strategies for painting contractors and painting company owners across North America. Interested in learning more about how we help painting contractors with their businesses? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

If 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.

Scheduling is the #1 headache we hear about from painting contractors — and in this episode, Chris Moore pulls back the curtain on how to build a scheduling system that actually works for your painting company. If you're tired of juggling whiteboards, spreadsheets, and last-minute crew shuffles, this episode breaks down exactly how to bring structure (and sanity) to your week. What You'll Learn: · Why there's no "perfect" scheduling solution — and the comforting truth that even the best-run painting companies don't operate at 100% efficiency · Scheduling software options for painting contractors, from CRMs and project management tools to Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and yes — even the office whiteboard · What information belongs in every job file — work orders, crew assignments, and the details that prevent costly miscommunication · How to maximize crew efficiency by assigning a dedicated project manager, scheduling around crew strengths and weaknesses, and setting up dedicated teams (like cabinet crews) · Weather-proofing your schedule — how to keep interior and commercial jobs in your pipeline to avoid rain delays killing your week · Setting expectations early with vague timeframes, Saturday work, and 10-hour days when rain days hit · The mindset shift: controlling what you can control so you can let go of what you can't (painters calling in sick, weather, etc.) Whether you're running a 5-person crew or scaling toward a fully systemized operation, this episode gives you practical, real-world frameworks to schedule smarter and run a more efficient painting business. 🎙️ This is the Elite Business Advice Podcast — practical business strategy for painting contractors and painting company owners across North America. 👉 Connect with Chris Moore and Elite Business Advisors: www.elitebusinessadvisors.com

If you're running a painting company and still handling your own scheduling, emails, social media, and back-office tasks — this episode is for you. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, tackles one of the most common and costly mistakes painting contractors and painting business owners make: waiting too long to hire administrative help. What You'll Learn: · Why every painting contractor needs admin support — and why most wait far too long to get it · Creative ways to hire admin help at every stage of your business — from virtual assistants and part-time help under $500K, to a network hire between $500K–$1M, to full-time staff at $1M+ · How to use AI tools (including tools like Manus) to handle graphic creation, redesigns, and repetitive tasks · How to build your admin task list — the work they take off your plate and the growth work they can drive for you (social posting, Google My Business updates, email campaigns to past clients, marketing coordination, and more) · The systems that make admin hires actually work — Trello, SOPs/Admin Playbooks, Loom videos, and building processes as you scale · The ROI question every painting business owner needs to answer: What would 5 to 7 hours back per week do for your company? Interested to learn more about what we do to help Painting Contractors all over North America? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

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.

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.

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 happens when you put a bad apple next to a perfectly good one? It doesn't take long to find out — and the same principle applies to your team. In this episode, Elite Business Advisors founder Chris Moore breaks down the "Bad Apple Theory" and why protecting your crew, your culture, and your rock stars is one of the most important things you can do as you head into busy season. One toxic, negative, or underperforming employee doesn't just drag themselves down — they can quietly rot the whole bunch. Chris covers why the worst business decisions get made in moments of desperation, and why keeping someone around simply because you feel like you "need" them is a strategy that almost always backfires. He shares a practical framework for how to handle bad apples the right way — from proper HR documentation and write-ups to employment agreements and employee handbooks — so that when it's time to act, you're protected and prepared. The hard truth? No client has ever regretted letting the bad apple go. Productivity goes up. Morale goes up. And your best people — the ones you actually depend on — finally get to thrive. If you're a painting contractor managing a crew this season, this episode is a timely reminder: don't let one person's attitude or performance undermine everything you've worked to build. Topics covered: · Why bad apples spread — and how fast it happens · The real cost of keeping underperformers out of desperation · How to isolate a problem employee and evaluate whether they can be salvaged · Building a termination plan backed by documentation · Protecting your culture, your reputation, and your rock stars

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.

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.

Most entrepreneurs know they should prioritize their health — but knowing and doing are two very different things. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore pulls back the curtain on the health and fitness journey he's been on this year and shares the three things that have actually produced real, consistent results. Chris breaks down why tracking macros — not just calories — changed everything, how he's using tools like ChatGPT and MacrosFirst to take the guesswork out of nutrition, and why pre-logging meals is one of the most powerful habits you're probably not doing. He also gets into the mental benefits of working out 3–4 times per week, why not blowing the diet matters more than not missing a workout, and the role that accountability has played in keeping the momentum going through 6:30 AM morning check-ins and shared wins. If you've been putting your health on the back burner while building your business, this episode is your permission slip to make it a priority — and a practical roadmap for doing it in a way that's actually sustainable.

Today’s guest is a trusted voice in the painting industry and a true educator at heart. Mike Kremsreiter, founder of Home Painting Advice, has spent over 25 years helping homeowners and contractors elevate their craft through practical knowledge, honest insights, and real-world experience. From running a successful residential painting business to building one of the fastest-growing online resources for DIYers and professionals alike, Mike has mastered the art of bridging hands-on expertise with digital education. His approachable style and deep technical know-how have helped thousands of homeowners avoid costly mistakes and empowered new contractors to grow with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance craftsmanship with content creation—or how to turn years of trade experience into lasting impact—this episode is for you. In this conversation, we dive into Mike’s journey from the job site to the digital stage. He shares: - The story behind Home Painting Advice and how it grew into a trusted online brand - The most common mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them) - Why communication and transparency are game changers for contractors - The truth behind “one-coat coverage” paints and other industry myths - How to educate, connect, and grow your audience through authentic content Whether you’re a painting contractor, DIY enthusiast, or business owner looking to modernize your approach, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable advice straight from one of the industry’s most genuine voices. Contact Mike Kremsreiter: Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 295-4950 Website: homepaintingadvice.com YouTube: @HomePaintingAdvice Instagram: @homepaintingadvice X : @homepaintadvice Watch, listen, or read the full podcast here: 🎧 Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1016944/episodes/18096691 📖 Transcript: https://www.estimaterocket.com/whats_new/bridging-hands-on-experience-and-digital-education-with-mike-kremsreiter Enjoying the video? Subscribe, hit the bell 🔔, and drop a like 👍 — it helps more contractors discover this content. 🚀 Connect with us: Official Website: https://www.estimaterocket.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estimaterocket/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estimate.rocket X: https://x.com/estimaterocket About Rocket Your Business for Trade Contractors: The Rocket Your Business for Trade Contractors podcast brings you off-the-cuff conversations from business growth and tech experts to help you grow your trade business. Whether you just started your own business or are a veteran with an expanding team, this show will keep bringing you useful ideas, interviews, tools, and tips to help you grow. About Estimate Rocket: Estimate Rocket is an all-in-one software platform built for contractors and service businesses to streamline their workflow from estimate to payment. With tools for estimating, scheduling, invoicing, reporting, and client communication, Estimate Rocket helps teams stay organized, profitable, and professional. Whether you’re managing field crews, tracking sales, or monitoring profitability, Estimate Rocket gives you the clarity and control you need to grow your business with confidence. #EstimateRocket #RocketYourBusinessPodcast

Is your bank account actually growing this busy season — or are you just staying busy? In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore breaks down the financial framework every painting contractor needs to maximize busy season profits. Because working harder doesn't automatically mean keeping more money — and too many contractors reach the end of busy season only to realize they never actually got ahead. Chris walks through three core areas: How to Measure — Get your baseline number: if you closed up shop today, what would you actually have free and clear? Chris explains why tracking this weekly is essential, how receivables distort your cash picture, and why real-time job costing against overhead is the habit that separates true business owners from the ones who stay stuck. How to Plan — Know your cash targets at every stage. Chris shares specific cushion goals and winter targets broken down by company size — from solo operators to $1.5M+ operations — so you know exactly what number you're chasing and how many months of busy season you have left to close the gap. How to Reap Without Guilt — Once your cushion and winter reserves are covered, Chris introduces Profit Account Theory and money management strategies — including high-yield savings, investments, and building additional income streams — so you can finally benefit as an owner without second-guessing every dollar you take home. If you're putting in the hours this busy season, this episode makes sure you see the fruits of your labor. 🎙️ Elite Business Advice Podcast | Hosted by Chris Moore, Founder of Elite Business Advisors Interested in scheduling a free business analysis meeting with us to see how we help Painting Contractors all over North America professionalize and/or grow their businesses? Visit www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

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 happens when a business coach gets put in the hot seat? In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore flips the format and answers the questions painting contractors are actually asking. Inspired by his good friend Nick Slavik of Ask a Painter Live, Chris tackles a few real-world business challenges head-on, all while painting the new EBA office: how to diagnose a Gross Profit stuck at 30% and what's likely causing the leak, which business model Chris would choose if he were starting apainting company from scratch today, how to structure an employee referral bonus program that actually motivates your team, and how to evaluate whether a neighborhood is worth targeting before you spend a dollar on marketing. Got questions or problems you need help solving in your business? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us to see how we structure our coaching to help painting contractors across North America!

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.

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.

If you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business! Knowing which numbers to watch is also only half the equation. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore breaks down the 5 KPIs every painting contractor needs to track: Gross Profit Margin, Net Profit Margin, Net Cash Flow, Closing Rate, and Marketing ROI. We go beyond just defining each metric, we share what to actually do with the data so your business keeps improving. Whether you're just starting to track your numbers or ready to level up your management game, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework built specifically for painting company owners. Tune in and find out where your business really stands. Schedule a Free Business Analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to learn more about how we help our clients use these KPI’s in their day to day business!

Chris Moore is coming off of vacation with a hard truth for painting contractors: if your business can’t run without you for a week, that’s not an excuse to skip the vacation, that’s the whole problem. In this episode, Chris breaks down 3 reasons why disconnecting from your business makes you sharper, more productive, and a better leader. Everything in this episode is backed by real research and his own experience finally unplugging. You didn’t build your business to be a slave to it. This episode will remind you why, and give you a simple action step to start scheduling real time away. If you’re looking for someone to help think through your decision point marketing plan for your business, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com

Over 33% of new hires quit... ...in just 33 days. How do you stop your contracting company from becoming a revolving door and actually retain skilled workers? Mike Matalone’s take: Proper onboarding systems. Detailed hiring processes. Crystal clear vision. It's not always the most fun part of business. But developing retention strategies is not negotiable. Check out Mike’s book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Hire-Train-Retain-People-Things/dp/0578551438

In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore talks about Decision Point Marketing, one of the most overlooked principles in building a marketing plan. What is Decision Point Marketing? Speaking to customers based on where they are in the buying cycle. Two stages exist: awareness/interest ("should I paint?") versus active buying intent ("who do I hire?"). The channel determines the message you should be creating. The Takeaway Match your message to the moment. When you understand where your buyer is mentally, you stop wasting ad spend and start having real conversations. That's Decision Point Marketing. If you’re looking for someone to help think through your decision point marketing plan for your business, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com

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.

If you’re a contractor who is constantly butting heads with your business partner, psychologist Dr. Matthew Jones is here to help you save the relationship. Learn how to navigate the "cofounder conflict" trap and turn endless arguments into productive strategy. Check out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Danny Kerr by PaintEd Podcast

If your painting company isn’t showing up online, you’re losing jobs to competitors who are — plain and simple. In this episode of Elite Business Advice, Chris sits down with Adam McChesney, CEO and Founder of Builders of Authority, to break down exactly what residential painting contractors need to do to dominate their local market online. Adam has built a 7-figure digital marketing agency from the ground up and has worked with hundreds of contractors, so he knows what works — and what’s a waste of money. In this episode, he shares the step-by-step playbook on Google Business Profile optimization, local SEO wins you can get without a big budget, what your website needs to actually convert leads, and how to run paid ads without flushing cash down the drain. Whether you’re just starting to think about digital marketing or you’ve been burned by agencies in the past, this episode will give you a clear picture of where to focus your time and money to get the best return. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to fully optimize your Google Business Profile to rank higher in local search • The easiest organic SEO wins painting contractors can do right now • What most contractor websites get wrong — and how to fix it • When to start running paid ads and how to avoid the most common mistakes • How to allocate a limited marketing budget for maximum ROI Connect with Adam: buildauthority.com | @adam.mcchesney on social If you’re looking to grow your business or professionalize it more, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Dave Scatturo by PaintEd Podcast

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - John MacFarland by PaintEd Podcast

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Justin Gordey by PaintEd Podcast

Most painting contractors run their business the way they were taught — but what if the way you were taught is costing you money? In this episode of Elite Business Advice, we apply first principles thinking to 5 core areas of your residential painting company, from how you price jobs to why customers actually choose you over a competitor. This isn't theory — it's a practical framework for stripping away industry assumptions and rebuilding smarter systems from the ground up. If you're ready to stop running your business on autopilot, this episode will change the way you think. If you’re looking for someone to help think through this First Principles Thinking with you in your business, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Nick and Jeff by PaintEd Podcast

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Bandon Lewis by PaintEd Podcast

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Shane Fast by PaintEd Podcast

Are you a painting contractor who's tired of being the only leader on your crew? In this episode of Elite Business Advice, we break down how to identify, develop, and promote foremen from within your own team using the same leadership system that made the San Antonio Spurs one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history. Whether you're running 3 crews or 10, this episode will give you a practical 5-step framework to build leaders without starting from scratch. If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck in your business, this one's for you. If you’re looking for some more practical advice on how to follow through on what we covered in this episode or looking to take your business to the next level in terms of growth or professionalization, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

What does it take to build something that truly changes an industry? In this powerful episode of the Women in Paint Podcast, I sit down with Angie Hicks, the co-founder of Angi, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business from the ground up—and lead it with purpose. Angie shares the story behind building one of the most recognized platforms in the home services industry, the challenges she faced along the way, and the mindset it took to keep going when things weren’t easy. But this conversation goes beyond business. We talk about what it means to be a woman in industries traditionally dominated by men—and why there is not only space for women in painting and the trades, but a massive opportunity to lead, grow, and thrive. This episode is for every woman who has ever questioned if she belongs in this industry. You do. And Angie’s story proves what’s possible when you believe it.

EXPO 2026 PaintED Podcast - Annie Newton by PaintEd Podcast