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 outreach
• Uses networking, presentations, and follow-ups to create predictable revenue
• Turns one meeting into multiple project opportunities
• Structures his CRM and pipeline to stay organized and consistent

This 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 selling
• The goal is to get in before projects go to bid and become the trusted go-to
• Consistency beats intensity—just a few hours per week can transform your pipeline
• Your network is your biggest asset—leverage suppliers, GCs, and existing contacts
• Follow-up is everything (and most contractors fail here)

00:00-Intro

03:10-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

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 workflow

Whether 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-Intro

04:19-Identifying Unbillable Labor Wastage

07:05-Analyzing Contractor Production Systems

08:47-Practical Field Observation Steps

11:54-People Versus Workflow Problems

13:50-Integrating Effective Software Tools

16:30-Balancing AI and Accountability

29:56-Effective Team Adoption Strategies

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/id1541384174

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72kRn2i2oRcqAx77DqkM7K?si=y0Uy-aPYRs6VmijQpioXKw&nd=1

Breakthrough 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 #leadership

00:00-Intro

02:07-Enjoying the Entrepreneurial Journey

09:20-Building Business as an Asset

11:31-Overcoming Plateaus and Limiting Beliefs

25:56-Implementing a Vivid Vision

34:14-Strategic Leadership and Genius

42:32-Building the Right Team

56:32-Successful Entrepreneurial Patterns

Take 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 Episode

By the end of this conversation, you'll know how to:

• Implement open-book management without exposing what you take home
• Decide exactly which numbers to share with which roles on your team
• Handle the #1 objection: "Won't my team resent what I make?"
• Use gamification to turn financial targets into a competition your crew cares about
• Build a team that thinks like owners — not just clock-punchers
• Shift 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 influence
• Avoid the biggest pitfalls Ellen sees contractors make with open books

Learn more about Ellen: https://www.youtube.com/ellenrohr

00:00-Intro

02:08-Defining open book management

07:21-Financial transparency and strategic pricing

22:08-Prerequisites for rolling out financial reports

29:13-Departmentalization and relevant KPIs

37:22-The importance of manual tracking and gamification

50:59-Cultural yield and future technology

To 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 season
• Creative recruitment strategies the best contractors use to find A-players
• The difference between hiring out of desperation vs. hiring from a position of strength

Whether 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 backgrounds

08:21-Identifying hiring pain points & root causes

09:58-Candidate screening & interview process

30:08-Out-of-the-box recruiting & social media tactics

43:18-Leveraging AI and automation in recruitment

48:37-Key hiring lessons: ability over reactivity

01:14:53-Q&A: references & quality growth

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 Episode

By the end of this conversation, you'll know how to:

• Navigate the real tension between being business partners and life partners
• Define clear roles so you stop stepping on each other's toes
• Fight productively — without letting business stress destroy your relationship
• Rebuild trust and alignment after a major failure (including bankruptcy)
• Parent effectively while running a demanding contracting business
• Set boundaries between "work mode" and "marriage mode"
• Turn your partnership into a system that makes your business stronger

Check out The Kid Contractor Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8UxQJ9VFnDk4B2f7vMZzJLoWikTD_08k

00:00-Intro

03:37-Defining Missions and Shared Why

06:46-Navigating Bankruptcy and Partnership Roles

18:42-Dividing Spouse-Run Business Role

27:08-Self-Realization, Humility, and Leadership

40:07-Tools for Healthy Communication

50:17-Parenting and Instilling Values

59:28-Final Thoughts on Life Perspective

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 Episode

By 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 money
• Implement digital time tracking without your crew feeling "Big Brothered"
• Spot the "Silent Killers" in your workflow that paper timesheets hide
• Use construction time tracking data to bid more accurately next time
• Turn time data into a competitive advantage for safety and liability
• Move from "guessing" productivity to measuring it like a manufacturer

00:00-Intro

02:24-The importance of time tracking in construction

08:59-Productivity comparisons: Manufacturing vs. construction

14:26-Essential components of a healthy time tracking system

20:14-Frequency and best practices for reviewing project data

26:02-Strategies and pitfalls for owner adoption of technology

31:47-Incentivizing field crews and gamification

34:43-The future of AI in the construction industry



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 Episode

By 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 working
• Use customer lifetime value to make smarter marketing decisions
• Increase conversions without just pumping more cash into ads
• Position yourself as the go-to expert in your market
• Use 58 ai marketing tools to boost SEO, follow-up, and customer support
• Take the first practical AI step as a contractor today

00:00-Intro

03:35-Defining a Marketing Strategy

07:58-The Truth About Generating Leads

10:10-Defining the Ideal Customer and Screening Process

13:07-Focusing on Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

25:18-Achieving Consistent Growth and Predictability

30:53-Balancing Lead Generation and Branding

42:37-Implementing a Paid Priority Program for High-Ticket Services

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/0578551438

00:00-Intro

03:34-Why New Hires Leave in the First 90 Days

06:42-The XP3 Talent System and People Systems

11:17-Shifting from Management to Coaching and Creating Careers

14:19-Role Clarity and Defining Success in Hiring

21:17-The Importance of Personality, Skill, and Core Values in Hiring

35:24-Training and Onboarding Objectives: Creating an Amazing Experience

50:17-Retention Strategies and Interviewing for Fit

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 practices
• How 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-Intro

01:57-Background on Blake Butry and Churchill USA

04:23-The Evolution of Leadership and Team Building

07:48-Operating with Structural Fairness and Emotional Generosity

10:33-The Influence of Clear Roles and Boundaries on the Team

14:48-The Duality of Structure and Trust in Leadership

27:23-Balancing Fairness and Generosity in Compensation

44:57-Self-Leadership, Stress, and Anxiety Management

Grab your free Project Management Resource Bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL261

In 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 update

00:00-Intro

01:01-Four Principles of Project Management and Danny's Background

04:04-Red Flags and The Four Systems to Discuss

07:36-Employment Agreements, KPIs and Goal Setting & Review (GSR)

20:33-Project Communication Plan and Status Updates

29:49-Proper Use of Software and Hiring Project Managers

37:58-Growth Seen in Breakthrough Academy Businesses and The Contractor Growth Method

42:19-Takeaways, Implementation and Audience Questions

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 someone
• The 3 "languages" cofounders speak (and why mismatches cause endless arguments)
• How to have conflict conversations that actually resolve issues
• Strategies to anticipate partnership hurdles before they destroy the business

Check out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/

00:00-Intro

01:20-How the Guest Got Into Co-founder Relationships and Conflict Management

04:51-Biggest Blind Spots When Selecting a Partner

11:08-Big Questions to Ask Before Going into Business Together

12:17-Managing Decision-Making and Management Structure Conflict

17:32-Deeper Dynamics Fuelling Conflicts in Businesses

22:58-Navigating Conflicts Properly

40:52-Handling Conflict in Unique Partnership Situations

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 freedom
• The simple framework to stop procrastinating on SOPs
• How to build a business that runs on process, not just people
• The first steps to automating your operations today

00:00-Intro

01:33-The Genesis and “Magic” of Trainual and Customer Base

10:33-Overcoming Procrastination and the Owner's Mindset Shift for Documentation

17:41-Balancing Systems and Creativity in Business

19:44-Applying Lessons from Adventure to Business Leadership

22:46-Creativity in Marketing

30:32-Trainual's Perspective on AI

36:05-Wisdom for a Younger Entrepreneurial Self

Download 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-Intro

01:22-Trajectory of Business Growth and the Shift in the Owner's Mindset

05:07-Implementing Job Descriptions and Deliverables (KPIs)

10:58-Defining Deliverables and Setting Measurable Goals

17:56-The Organizational Chart and Determining Capacity

20:09-Leveraging Numbers and Data for Predictable Growth

23:00-Goal Setting and Review (GSR) Meetings

34:09-Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Seasonal Employment

39:09-Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Understanding the Numbers

43:46-The Strategy and Confidence for Acquisition

50:23-Final Advice on Building a Successful Team

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL257

How 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 clients

Today’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-Intro

01:29-Increasing Capacity Without Adding More People

01:37-Why Start with Email Management?

04:16-The RAD Framework: Reply, Archive, Defer

06:59-Quick Wins for Email Inbox Management

08:46-AI and Automation in Contracting Businesses

11:18-Progress and Context of Nick's Executive Assistant AI Agent

14:14-Asset Building vs. One-Time Requests with AI

21:54-Identifying Areas for AI Use

24:32-The Shift to AI as a Search Engine

27:05 -Final Thoughts and How to Contact Nick

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL256

Men’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=mU7m0Bk0Z9s

2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow

3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:

https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ

00:00-Intro

02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life

05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men

10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity

15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious

24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty

32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior

41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns

57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father

Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255

What 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 laborers
• The employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do instead
• And what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisis

If 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/AaronWitt

More episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:

How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JI

How to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMk

Leadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs

00:00-Intro

01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit

04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry

08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent

14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter

20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling

31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors

40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure

48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis

Use 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/assessment

Are 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 virtues

AND how to identify the 6 types of working genius within your team so you can help everyone thrive in their roles

Pat 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/a4RDJRtkOBY

Greg McKeown - Essentialism for Contractors: https://youtu.be/6J1qth84qwg

Garrett Gunderson - Why Most Contractors Stay Broke: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8

00:00-Intro

02:20-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 smart

07:15-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 process

28:23-"Scaring" people in the recruiting process

30:55-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

Grab a free copy of our annual budgeting template here: https://trybta.com/DL253

Check 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 2026

More 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-Intro

01:13-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

To 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-Intro

07:16-Catalyst for Protiv

12:53-Measuring the Productivity Lift from Performance-Based Pay

16:06-The Legal Compliance of Performance-Based Pay (Piece Rate, Overtime)

18:37-Setting up Performance-Based Pay: Numbers, Logistics, and Culture

24:23-The Three Keys to Effective Performance-Based Pay: Simple, Frequent, and Transparent

29:55-Shifting to a Performance-Based Culture

37:34-Team Buy-in and Implementation

43:43-Roles Best Suited for Performance-Based Pay

46:06-Handling Quality Issues and Rework

49:47-Addressing Budgets That Are Significantly Off

54:13-Final Takeaways

To 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-Intro

01:15-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 flags

26:59-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 business

49:49-Wrap up

To 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/YBa20g7kQRc

00:00-Intro

01:39-The dangers of "over-learning" for contractors

07:58-The Inspiration Matrix

17:50-"Just in time" learning vs "Just in case" learning

24:45-The importance of community to a contractor's learning journey

33:57-Thinking through the risks vs. "just going for it"

42:54-Micro-mastery vs. Quantum Leaps

51:00-Wrap up

To 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 budget

Want more webinar replays? Check out these episodes 👇

Episode 244: Secrets of $10MM Contractors: 6 Steps to Freedom

Episode 231: STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No-Frills Project Management Tips

Episode 212: How to Manage Budgets, Forecasting and Cash Flow Like Matt Risinger

00:00-Intro

05:32-Meet the panel

08:28-Transfer in: Where is your communication costing you sanity/time/money?

14:32-Signs your communication is whack

21:58-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 takeaways

59:39-How to implement change (next steps)

01:11:45-Bonus question: What communication tools do you use?

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your custom roadmap to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL248

When 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.

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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 Up

00:00-Intro

01:46-Kedma's origin story

16:02-Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs

39:09-Kedma's playbook for destroying limiting beliefs

58:09-Common limiting beliefs for entrepreneurs

08:26-Wrap up

To 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/eKNW3GQRM8M

More 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-Intro

01:40-About Dave's new book: Systems Champion

05:38-How to know if you need a Systems Champion

17:16-Traits of a great Systems Champion

29:58-What does a Systems Champion actually do?

38:33-How to make your Systems Champion act as your AI Champion

46:02-How long do we have before AI takes over the trades?

53:37-Wrap up and final thoughts

To 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 returns

Practical 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/Pa39XAcLRMY

Other 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-Intro

01:46-About Ryan's journey in Breakthrough Academy

06:46-How do you build relationships beyond transactions?

15:19-How to "Be Real" with the people around you

17:55-The true ROI of community as a contractor

22:14-How to overcome imposter syndrome

26:24-Why give back?

31:05-Should you collaborate with your competitors?

34:03-Ryan's unforgettable moment from Winter Summit 2025

39:26-How to know if you're in the right community

45:38-Wrap up and how to connect with Ryan

To 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 contractors
• What it takes to build a shared company brain that knows your systems, data, and workflows
• And 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-Intro

01:38-About Greg and Section AI

01:38-About Greg and Section AI

03:34-The AI Revolution: What's Happening and What's Next

07:21-How small business should be benefitting from AI

13:16-Are the trades AI proof?

19:39-Creating a "company brain" with AI tools

29:31-Practical use cases of AI tools for contractors

37:53-How to take the first step to make AI part of your company culture

44:37-Wrap up and next steps

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP244

Whether 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 faster

00:00-Intro

00:54-Welcome to the web class

09:06-About the 6 Systems (Contractor Growth Method™)

10:27-System 1: Financial Controls

14:39-System 2: Defined Roles

21:20-System 3: Hiring Systems

26:20-System 4: Training & onboarding

33:02-System 5: Sales & marketing

39:31-System 6: Goal Setting & Review

49:34-Getting started

57:59-Q&A

To 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.

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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-Intro

01:38-Mark's journey in the Green Industry

10:52-Being an entrepreneur vs. being a CEO

17:10-How to make the right decisions as a CEO

23:26-The future of the Green Industry

30:05-How to address change management in a rapidly changing industry

33:44-About the Granum rebrand: how did LMN, Greenius and SingleOps come together?

39:28-Finding balance as a high-impact CEO

43:52-Wrap up

To 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 it

04:32-Habit #2: “How can I…?”

07:32-Habit #3: Relinquishing control

09:07-Habit #4: “It’ll be fine.”

11:15-Wrap Up

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.

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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 now
• How 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-Intro

02:07-About Phil and Phlash Consulting

05:29-How is AI disrupting customer search? SEO vs. GEO vs. AEO

12:49-Is SEO still worth doing?

16:10-Becoming a content authority

29:21-How important is a "face of the brand?"

32:41-4 personalized videos for your drip sequence

38:44-Use cases for AI chat bots & automation for speed to lead

41:45-Use cases for self service tools

46:14-How to stay up-to-date on AI without getting overwhelmed

49:58-Connect with Phil

To 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.

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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 john@theinstituteofwow.com

Learn more about the Institute of Wow vacations Incentive - https://vacationsincentive.com/

00:00-Intro

01:32-About JD and the Institute of Wow

07:52-What exactly is direct response marketing?

11:01-5 components of direct response marketing

22:41-About the Wow Factor vacation incentive

39:26-How to be the "UN" authority

41:52-Quick hits: best and worse of JD's career

53:00-Wrap up

To 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 - Intro

02:03 - History of Liveswitch

04:15 - Balancing race to face vs. personalization

07:46 - 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 sales

24:19 - Creating a tech-enabled review/referral process

27:04 - Claiming the property with QR codes

32:16 - Does EVERY customer really prefer tech-enabled sales?

34:20 - Other tech to add to your stack

39:08 - Final thoughts and wrap up

To 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.

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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-Intro

01:24-Intro & Origin

03:04-Why contracting content works

12:00-Building an audience

31:28-Process of creating ideas: what works?

36:03-Ben's "how to bend drywall" video

41:07-Quick tips & wrap-up

To 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-Intro

02:44-What's changed in the contractor coaching space since you started at BTA?

09:35-Different types of coaching solutions

20:41-What to consider when choosing a contractor coaching program

43:32-How to make an informed decision on coaching (or anything)

46:31-Contractor coaching red flags

50:25-Wrap-up and next steps

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a personalized Contractor Growth Plan here: https://trybta.com/QF236

To 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 - Intro

03:54 - About Matt and Danny

09:45 - Purpose & Outcomes

13:27 - Step 1: Define Your Why

20:05 - Step 2: Strategic Planning

33:00 - Step 3: Priority Management

41:41 - Step 4: Time Management

51:13 - Recap

54:35 - Next Steps

01:07:34 - Q&A