Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

Solving problems in the business world is an important part of growth and innovation in any field. This idea has been shown to work in the gardening business by Weston Zimmerman and his team at Synced Up. Weston went from working as a 16-year-old for a landscaping company to now being the CEO of a software business. This shows how important it is to find and solve problems that affect the whole in...

Everyone who works as a contractor has to deal with scope creep. It means that the scope of a project is slowly changed or added to, usually without proper approval or paperwork. This can make things more expensive, take longer, and create frustration for both the contractor and the client. In this episode, Brad talks about: Factors leading to scope creep Detailed scope of work in estimates....

Accept the strength of being weak. Being vulnerable helps us connect with others more deeply, which leads to more kindness and understanding. It also lets us be who we are without worrying about being judged or rejected. Being open and honest about our real feelings and emotions with other people takes a lot of strength. We can break down barriers and build stronger, more meaningful ties with the...

People and business owners alike often think of their tax bill as one of their biggest costs. As a contractor or small business owner, you should know how to save money on taxes, stay away from common mistakes, and get your business off to a good start. In this episode, Brad and Melissa from Busy Bee Advisors talk about: Importance of tax planning and bookkeeping for contractors Five essentia...

Every business owner needs to be able to lead and handle people well to make their business successful. Leadership is about inspiring and pushing a group to reach a big goal. On the other hand, management is about running the day-to-day business and ensuring everything runs smoothly. People who own businesses need to know the difference between being a leader and a manager and find a good mix betw...

Are you ready to take control of your life and stop being a passive observer? People can move toward their goals with drive and purpose if they break out of their comfort zones. In this episode, Brad talks about: Importance of taking action and not making excuses. Reflection on daily efforts and commitment to their goals. The need to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and focus on high-level...

Finding good people takes time. This is a phrase that is often heard in the business world, especially in industries where finding skilled workers is crucial. Getting good people was a hot issue in this podcast with Dave MacDonald of the Better Together Group. In this episode, Brad and Dave talk about: Importance of investing time in the hiring process Differentiating between recruiting and hiring...

People who think too much often make up stories in their heads that might not even be true or reasonable. This habit of overthinking things all the time can make you feel stuck and unable to make choices. When it comes to business, overthinking can slow things down and keep people from doing what they need to do to move their company forward. In this episode, Brad talks about: Common issues that h...

Should you borrow money to start or grow your construction business? When people start a construction business with little money, they have to be smart about how they spend their money, buy tools slowly as the business grows, and focus on making money to keep it growing. In this episode, Brad talks about: Starting a construction business with minimal funds Risks of borrowing money without fin...

Life is full of changes that you can't avoid. Change is always happening around us, whether we like it or not. To do well in a changing world, we need to accept it and adapt. In this episode, Brad talks about: Five common mistakes contractors make that cost them big in their businesses. The importance of aligning their brand with their business goals and vision. Right pricing for services Targetin...

Value is important, so raise prices. When clients choose a contractor, the price isn't always the most important thing to them. People hire contractors because they want to know if they understand their needs, keep their promises, and do good work. As long as the value of the service is clearly expressed and shown, raising prices doesn't always mean losing customers. In this episode, Brad talks ab...

For contractors, having too many tasks can cause chaos on the job and make them feel like they're losing control. To make businesses more productive and efficient, it's important to set priorities for jobs and deal with the most important ones first. In this episode, Brad talks about: Common time-wasting activities contractors engage in and the importance of prioritizing tasks. Small incremental i...

Will you keep showing up and doing what you say you'll do like a professional? Or are you going to decide to either do half-assed work or just quit and fail out? Today, Brad talks with Dre Baldwin, founder of Work On Your Game Inc. about: The concept of the "third day" and its significance in consistency and commitment Importance of mindset in achieving goals and changing behaviors Strategies...

Stop complaining, be grateful. Change is a natural part of life, yet many people fear it. However, embracing change is essential for personal growth and development. Break the cycle and start being grateful for what you have. In this episode, Brad talks about: Importance of setting clear goals and knowing your self-worth for achieving success. Why complaining can lead to doubt and a low emotional...

Have you underbid a project because you wouldn't pay that much? Maybe you've been afraid to charge more because you think customers won't pay. When dealing with clients, it is crucial to avoid assuming their budget constraints and instead focus on providing the best solution for their needs. In this episode, Brad talks about: Contractors often bid based on personal spending preferences Importance...

Businesses need to have a well-documented process for bringing new employees up to speed on things like paperwork, tools, and company culture. There are a lot of contractors that don't properly train new hires, which can cause problems in the future. In this episode, Brad talks about: Contractors often overlook onboarding new hires Risks and inefficiencies associated with a lack of an on...

We often say that we can't decide because we're afraid of being judged for what we do. This fear can stop us in our tracks, keeping us from making choices that could help us grow or make changes we need to make. In this episode, Brad talks about: Overcoming indecision and fear of judgment in business decisions Fear of judgment can prevent us from taking necessary actions in our businesses Examples...

When considering purchasing or constructing a commercial building, it is important to recognize that the process can be more time-consuming than a residential transaction. In this episode, Brad and Paul talk about: Importance of owning your business space Benefits of buying commercial real estate over renting Process and considerations for buying commercial property Differences between residential...

When we're in business, we have to make decisions. Whether we grow or move forward with our business will greatly affect it. You can do many things, but these five decisions will help your contracting business the most. In this episode, Brad talks about: The importance of job costing in identifying profit leaks. The benefits of charging for estimates and consultations to increase pe...

If you've ever felt something holding you back but couldn't quite put your finger on it, this episode is for you. The idea of self-sabotage and how hidden views, which we often pick up as kids, can stop us from reaching our full potential. In this episode, Brad talks about: Harmful beliefs and how they can hold us back from reaching our full potential. The conversation with a client reveals how ch...

The idea of "extreme ownership" is similar to the idea that as a business owner or boss, you are responsible for the things that happen with your company. This way of thinking changes the focus from blaming outside causes to examining oneself and finding ways to get better. In this episode, Brad talks about: Leadership in contracting businesses, discussing common misconceptions and key principles....

Have you ever considered sending your clients a simple "thank you" card? Would you believe this gesture can increase repeat and referral business? Let's find out why having real connections with customers is essential instead of just seeing them as transactions. Today, Brad talks with Curtis Lewsey about: The power of appreciation marketing and how it can benefit contractors in building relationsh...

It is very important for small business owners, especially contractors, to put together a group of key advisors. By putting together a group of key advisors, contractors can get a wide range of advice and help. These advisors help contractors make smart choices, lower their risks, and build a solid business foundation for the long term. This approach not only helps people follow the law more close...

Successful constructors know how important it is to bring in people at every stage of the buying cycle so they can become their own clients and leads. Instead of focusing on standard ways of marketing like Facebook ads and networking groups, learn how to make your own clients and leads. In this episode, Brad talks about: Successful contractors focus on creating their lead flow Quality leads are th...

Contractors are often stuck in their businesses because they are afraid or have views that hold them back. Many people think that they can't raise their prices. It is possible to raise prices, which can lead to bigger gains, but you need to be sure of your sales skills and have faith in them. In this episode, Brad talks about: Why contractors get stuck in their business and how fear consumes them....