The AltaVista Angle: Contractor Sales & Marketing Strategies

New marketing tools are launching faster than ever. AI-powered lead generation platforms, buyer intent software, CRM automations, sales agents, data providers, and countless other technologies all promise the same thing: more leads, more sales, and faster growth. But which tools actually deliver results? In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, Aaron Hockel, Ray McLaughlin, Bryan Dunkel, and Brian...

In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, Aaron Hockel, Ray McLaughlin, and Bryan Dunkel break down the real challenges contractors face when building and growing a business through different stages of growth. From startup struggles to scaling a mature company, the conversation covers what separates contractors that continue growing from those that get stuck. The team also discusses today’s economic...

In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, the team sits down with Mike Henderson, President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Greater Baltimore, to break down what’s really happening across the construction industry today. From shifting market conditions to workforce challenges, this conversation covers what contractors are facing right now, and what separates companies that are...

Are your marketing mistakes slowing down your growth? In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, Aaron Hockel, Ray McLaughlin, and Bryan Dunkel break down the most common contractor marketing mistakes and how they directly impact your ability to win work in today’s market. From missed opportunities to inconsistent strategy, they cover what separates growing companies from those falling behind. You&ap...

Many companies overlook the power of cold calling in today’s digital world, but the truth is, it remains one of the most effective lead generation strategies. In this episode, AltaVista sales veterans Aaron Hockel, Ray McLaughlin, and Bryan Dunkel sit down with sales manager Ben Hollingsworth to discuss why cold calling continues to be one of the most effective lead generation strategies for B2B s...

Is AI finding your business?  In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, host Aaron Hockel and Managing Partner Ray McLaughlin dive into the transformative impact of AI-driven search on SEO, specifically for contractors. Joined by SEO expert Kent VanderWoude, they explore how AI is reshaping traditional search methods and the pivotal role your website plays in this new landscape. You'll discover...

A strong team doesn’t happen by accident. It grows from a culture that pushes people to show up, stay accountable, and support each other. In this episode, Aaron and Ray sit down with guest Todd Mohr for a real conversation about what drives a healthy culture and how it impacts performance across an organization. Together, they talk through the daily habits that shape team behavior, the role leade...

Are you losing deals before you ever get a chance to bid? In this episode of The AltaVista Angle, the partners at AltaVista Strategic Partners share why “back to basics” sales fundamentals matter now more than ever. You’ll hear: Why intake calls and follow-up set the tone for every opportunity How CRM discipline impacts closing ratios Real stories of missed opportunities from poor lead handling A...

Whether you want to speed up proposal follow-ups, improve your sales process, or understand how AI changes SEO for contractors, this episode of The AltaVista Angle shares practical ways to put AI to work in your contracting business right now. Host Aaron Hockel is joined by Managing Partner Ray McLaughlin, Partners Brian Nichols and Bryan Dunkel, and COO Kendall Mason. Together, they explain where...

Whether you’re actively exploring a sale, considering a private equity partner, or just want to understand how private equity impacts contracting businesses, this episode of The AltaVista Angle gives you an insider’s view into how it really works — and what to know before making a move. Host Aaron Hockel and AltaVista Managing Partner Ray McLaughlin sit down with Andrew Sachs, Founding Partner at...

The economy might be slowing down, but the most successful contractors are still winning — and this episode breaks down exactly how. Host Aaron Hockel and the AltaVista leadership team unpack how sales best practices, strategic marketing, and consistent execution are helping contractors stay competitive and close deals in 2025. You'll hear real client stories, industry insights, and proven me...

Welcome to the first episode of The AltaVista Angle, a podcast designed for contractors to learn what is new in the industry, trends, best practices, and what you need to do to maintain your business and its relevance today and in the future. In this kickoff episode, host Aaron Hockel is joined by AltaVista’s partners Brian Nichols, Bryan Dunkel, and Managing Partner Ray McLaughlin, to talk about...