Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

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...

Discover how Andrew Nuhfer scaled AKN Interiors from craftsman to CEO, sharing leadership and remodeling sales training strategies tailored for contractors. In this episode, Brad and Andrew talk about: The importance of investing in a professional website and marketing The benefits of having an in-house purchasing manager Strategies for managing multiple projects simultaneously The significance of...

Master contractor time management with our essential tips for business owners. Learn how to optimize your schedule, prioritize important tasks, and enhance your daily productivity for sustained business success. In this episode, Brad talks about: Focusing on high-value tasks, not just doing more. Understand your Value Per Hour (VPH) to prioritize tasks effectively. Use time blocking to group simil...

Hiring the right people is key to success in construction. Tune in for expert advice on avoiding common hiring mistakes and improving your contractor hiring process with actionable construction hiring tips. In this episode, Brad and Paul talk about: The importance of having a recruiting budget and hiring proactively The myths surrounding hiring and how to overcome them The significance of behavior...

Discover 5 essential contractor sales training tips that can transform your remodeling business. From mastering sales techniques to closing more deals, this episode is packed with actionable advice to boost your sales performance and grow your contracting business. Perfect for contractors seeking proven sales tips. In this episode, Brad talks about: Why shifting from “selling” to becoming a truste...

You start with a plan and a lot of passion. But when things don’t go as expected, one lesson hits fast keeping overhead low can make or break your business. In this episode, Brad and Chris talk about: Turning a side hustle into a full-time landscaping business Costly mistakes and lessons learned along the way Why low overhead is key to staying profitable Simple marketing that actually brings in wo...

A lot of contractors still believe that if they do great work, the jobs will just come. But in today’s market, that mindset can quietly hold your business back. In this episode, Brad talk about: The importance of marketing and visibility for your business Why relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals can hinder your growth The key elements of effective branding and how to create a recognizable pre...

Public work in contracting opens the door to a wide range of opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. While many contractors assume federal jobs are the ultimate goal, there’s often more accessible, and practical opportunities closer to home. In this episode, Daniella and Brad talked about: Daniella's family history in flooring and the transition from retail to commercial w...

More tools. More systems. More problems. If your business feels heavier instead of better, this episode will make you rethink what “improvement” actually means. In this episode, Brad challenges that idea and shares a different approach: The misconception of needing more estimates vs. optimizing the sales process The dangers of hiring unnecessary staff to solve inefficiencies Identifying and addres...

Starting a business usually begins with excitement and big dreams. You imagine the freedom, the success, and the satisfaction of building something that’s truly your own. It’s easy to feel unstoppable in the beginning, but every entrepreneur eventually hits a different phase of the journey. In this episode, Brad talks about: Realities of starting and owning a construction business. Overview of the...

Most builders are obsessed with getting more leads. More calls. More estimates. More “opportunities.” But here’s the hard truth: more leads don’t automatically build a better business. If you’re tired of running estimates for people who were never a good fit to begin with, this episode will help you rethink what growth should really look like. In this episode, Brad and Rick talk about: The evoluti...

How many decisions have you already made today? In the contracting world, it never stops — hiring, scheduling, change orders, client questions, pricing adjustments. By the end of the day, your brain feels fried. And that mental exhaustion? It’s not weakness, it’s decision fatigue. In this episode, Brad talks about: Understanding why we make poor decisions later in the day. Definition of Decision F...

It's simple to become distracted by what other people are doing, particularly in competitive fields like building and remodeling. Flashy marketing, new advertisements, and cheaper prices can quickly grab your attention. If you’ve ever felt distracted by what the “other guy” is charging or promoting, this conversation will help you refocus on what truly matters. In this episode, Brad and Kyle talke...

What if the real reason your projects are behind, over budget, and full of tension isn’t a labor shortage, but a leadership and planning problem? In this episode, Brad and Mark Story talk about: Discussion on the shortage of tradespeople for large projects, particularly data centers and semiconductor plants. Mark explains how CCS helps project teams with planning, scheduling, and coaching to impro...

Profit isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. It’s what keeps your business alive. Everything feels rushed, tense, and reactive without it. When profit is missing, even good businesses end up in survival mode, constantly scrambling just to keep up. In this episode, Brad talks about: The importance of profit in business and why it’s often misunderstood. Common misconceptions about making money and t...

Running a business today means doing everything at once—clients, admin, follow-ups, and an endless to-do list. It’s exhausting. The truth is, the businesses that win aren’t the ones doing more; they’re the ones willing to change how they operate. In this episode, Brad talks about: Definition of a virtual assistant Signs you need a VA Key responsibilities for a VA Tasks your VA can handle The value...

Every business has its beginnings, and Nicolas Breedlove's began in a little bedroom at his parents' home. Nicolas demonstrates that great businesses don't need big beginnings by sharing the true tale of starting his playground firm from scratch. The connections he made along the road were more important than where he began. It serves as a reminder that trust, consistency, and treating coworkers f...

If you’re still running your business the same way you did five years ago, you’re already behind. Learn how contractors can use technology to save time, reduce chaos, and stop being the bottleneck in their own business. No hype, just real tools and systems that actually make day-to-day work easier and more profitable. In this episode, Brad talks about: Importance of documentation and note-taking t...