Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

Your contracting business might be generating more revenue, bringing in more leads, and keeping your crews busy, but why does it still feel like you're not making progress? The problem could be a business bottleneck. In this episode, Brad talks about: The four major business functions every contractor needs to evaluate: Management, Money, Market, and Machine How to identify the bottlenecks lim...

Homeowners aren't just buying a finished project, they're buying the experience of working with you. So why are so many contractors losing jobs to cheaper competitors, even when they can deliver better work? In this episode, you'll learn: Why homeowners choose contractors who charge more How to stop competing on price and start selling value Why your estimate alone won't convince c...

Is buying new equipment really a smart investment for your contracting business? Before you spend thousands of dollars, you need to understand the true cost of equipment ownership and how it will impact your contractor profit. In this episode, you'll learn: How to calculate equipment ROI before buying Why the purchase price doesn't tell the whole story How equipment costs can affect your c...

Why do contractors keep facing the same problems, even after they've tried to fix them? Brad breaks down why so many contractors become trapped in a cycle of constant firefighting, trying to run their businesses out of their heads, and struggling to get their teams to work independently. Without documented processes, clear standards, and repeatable systems, business growth can create even more...

Have you ever looked at one of your employees and thought, "How do they not know this?" If so, you're not alone. After years of experience, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be a beginner. In this episode, I unpack the frustrations that come from this phenomenon and how it can impact your business. Here’s what you can expect to learn: The Curse of Knowledge : Understanding how...

Are you stuck trying to do everything on your own as a contractor? Brad breaks down the hidden price of inexperience and why hiring experts for tasks outside your core skills is crucial. Valuable advice on delegating without abdicating, managing time wisely, and boosting contractor profits. Learn to stop bottlenecking your growth and focus on what matters most. In this episode, Brad talks about: T...

Empower your contracting business with vital tips on managing change orders, improving contractor profit, and addressing scope creep issues. From contractor marketing to business transition and cash flow management, this podcast delivers expert contractor advice and practical solutions for contractor business challenges. Elevate your contractor confidence and profit through effective decision-maki...

Discover the inspiring business transition journey of Cameron Matteucci as he masters kitchen remodeling and builds contractor profit through focused contractor advice and project management strategies. Learn how narrowing your niche and effective business transition can lead to remodeling success and contractor profit boost. In this episode, Brad talks about: Transitioning from handyman to kitche...

Contractors face significant profit leaks due to scope creep. This episode breaks down practical solutions including clear change order processes, tracking free work, and managing client expectations to boost your bottom line. In this episode, Brad talks about: What scope creep is and how it happens The hidden costs associated with extra work Strategies to prevent scope creep without alienating yo...

If you’re paying an employee $30 an hour, they don’t actually cost your construction business $30 an hour. In this episode of the Hammer & Grind Podcast, Brad Huebner breaks down how contractors can calculate their true labor costs and use the right labor burden rate to protect their profit margins. Your employee’s hourly wage is only one part of the total cost. Payroll taxes, workers’ compens...

What if your contracting business is losing money before your crew ever steps onto the job site? A job doesn’t always become unprofitable during production. Sometimes, the profit was already gone the moment you sold it. In this episode, Brad talks about: The importance of accurate job costing Common estimating mistakes: guessing labor and material costs Understanding true labor burden rates The im...

You can be bringing in more revenue and still wonder where all the money went. For contractors, profit doesn’t always disappear because of one big mistake. Sometimes, it leaks out through bad pricing, scope creep, underbidding, wasted time, poor job costing, change orders, and other small issues that quietly add up. In this episode, Brad talks about: The difference between revenue and profit Bad p...

Your next decision could make or break your construction business. Lower prices. Take every job. Avoid the hard conversation. Sound familiar? These short term decisions can quietly hurt your profit, growth, and freedom. In this episode, Brad talks about: Every decision shapes your future: building the life you want vs. escaping the one you don’t. Stop optimizing for immediate comfort; think long-t...

Creating a mission-driven workforce is the key to unlocking contractor confidence and boosting your business growth. This episode shares actionable contractor advice on building employee engagement and fostering a strong contractor marketing presence to scale your operations effectively. In this episode, Brad talks about: Understanding the difference between tasks, projects, and purpose in employe...

Wondering if a contractor is about to go out of business? EP281 shares critical contractor marketing and sales techniques alongside red flags to watch for so you can avoid risks and ensure project success. Gain expert contractor advice on cash flow management and business stability. In this episode, Brad talks about: The Slow Decline of Businesses : Understanding that failure rarely happens overni...

Many people mistakenly believe that org charts are only for large corporations. However, the truth is that every business, regardless of size, can benefit from having one. An org chart provides a clear visual representation of the roles and responsibilities within your organization, which is essential for growth and efficiency. In this episode, Brad talks about: Importance of creating an org chart...

Overcome the fear of raising prices with confidence. This episode provides practical guidance for contractors on how to increase your rates, communicate value to clients effectively, and grow your contracting business sustainably. In this episode, Brad talks about: How to effectively raise your hourly rates without losing customers. The importance of pricing your services appropriately to reflect...

In the world of business, particularly within service-oriented industries, the processes you establish are not merely guidelines; they are sacred. The integrity of these processes is crucial, as they underpin the promises you make to your clients. Deviating from your established process risks breaking those promises, which can lead to negative outcomes for both you and your customers. In this epis...

Explore the key differences between employees and subcontractors in the contracting business. Learn hiring tips and workforce management strategies to optimize your team while avoiding common pitfalls. Perfect for contractors looking to improve construction worker retention and streamline operations. In this episode, Brad talks about: Different business structures for contracting (employees vs. su...

Wrapping up the series on contractor struggles, this episode dives into the crucial business side: interpreting financial statements, creating and implementing systems that provide freedom, and the power of constant improvement. Discover actionable tips to help contractors achieve predictable growth and improved operations. In this episode, Brad talks about: Understanding the language of your busi...

In Part 2 of this series, discover powerful contractor client acquisition strategies that move you from hopeful prospects to closed deals. Learn actionable tips on contractor marketing, sales techniques, and overcoming business challenges to boost your client base and profitability. Perfect for contractors seeking to scale their business effectively and master client acquisition. In this episode,...

Learn proven niche marketing techniques tailored for contractors to help you attract the right clients and scale your business. Packed with tips on contractor sales strategies, profitability, and managing business challenges, this episode is essential for contractor success. In this episode, Brad talks about: Why contractors receive bad leads The dangers of broad marketing messages The importance...

Contractors face unique financial hurdles. Learn strategies for mastering cash flow and achieving lasting financial stability to support business growth and success. In this episode, Brad talks about: Why separate bank accounts are crucial for financial clarity The importance of living below your means and staying lean How to collect deposits to stay ahead of costs The necessity of saving money fo...

Contractors often get stuck in a busy but unprofitable cycle. Explore proven strategies to break free and prioritize profit over just revenue growth. In this episode, Brad talks about: The misconception that scaling a business solves profitability issues Understanding the difference between revenue and profit The dangers of being busy without being profitable The importance of tracking financial m...

Fear can be a major obstacle for contractors. Learn how to identify and break free from fear, empowering you to grow your contracting business with confidence and strong leadership skills. In this episode, Brad talks about: Understanding how fear manifests in procrastination and perfectionism. The difference between positive thinking and reducing negative self-talk. The importance of community and...