The Contractor Commute

Pricing your work can make or break your business. In this episode, we dive into the real cost of setting your rates too high—or too low. How do you price your services as a growing contractor? What’s the balance between being competitive and making good money?  If you’re in it for the long haul, building a business with integrity and lasting reputation, this one's for you. And if you know a...

The owner’s character defines the ceiling for a company’s growth, culture, and success. Trust, reputation, and respect start at the top, setting the tone for everything that follows. If you’ve ever worked for someone else, you’ve seen firsthand how leadership shapes the entire organization. So, how can you make your character shine? This episode breaks down how! Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, an...

Wyatt has been in the construction industry for years, but it wasn't until he was laid off that he started his own company to keep moving forward.  A year later, we got the chance to sit down with Wyatt to talk about his leadership, the highs, the lows, and how he kept moving forward despite it all. See some of Wyatt's work at  Blacktail Builders LLC: Fine Woodworking & Custom Builds...

We’re busting the myth that “more jobs mean more money.” Accidental success may feel good, but it can’t support long-term growth. Scaling may lead to more business and revenue, but it could bring even bigger headaches. Discover why mastering a proven, replicable formula is the key to sustainable success, using data-driven systems, streamlined processes, and reliable checklists to deliver consisten...

We're taking a look back at one of our first episodes and giving it some new life! If you are looking to start your own construction business and strike out on your own, this episode is for you. We'll cover when to consider making the leap, what you need to get started, costs of business, and what your role might look like. Looking to get started? Here is a quick guide on how to start ma...

Travis’s journey from photography to co-founding Catalyst Construction is a testament to hard work and passion for craftsmanship. As a master electrician and HVAC professional, he shares insights on balancing technical excellence with client needs, mentoring teams, and advancing building science.  Learn how his nonprofit, Building Science Symposium, has raised nearly $160,000 for skilled trades ed...

Want to seem like a genius? Start by asking great questions.  In this episode, we explore how the smartest people embrace what they don’t know, use curiosity as their superpower, and break communication barriers to truly understand their customers.  Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff...

In this episode, we explore managing stress and how to handle being overwhelmed by assessing emotions and separating feelings from facts.  Learn to identify root causes, reset your perspective, and prioritize action steps to regain control and stay grounded—even in challenging times.  Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff S...

In this episode, Brent Hull joins us as we dive into the impact of today’s quick-fix culture on quality craftsmanship, from the pressures of fast delivery to the challenges builders face as they navigate a "Snap and Place" society. We explore how Americans have become champions of the "cheap and quick," often at the expense of true quality. You will hear strategies for educatin...

On today's episode of The Contractor Commute , we’re diving into a critical question: "What should I charge vs. what can I charge?"  Whether you’re a new contractor figuring out your pricing strategy or a seasoned pro looking to increase your value, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore how to evaluate your worth, adjust for market conditions, and assess if your value has shif...

What sets Brad Leavitt, and AFT Construction, apart in the construction and contracting world? We dive deep into his journey—exploring how he built his business from the ground up, the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he leads his team with vision and purpose. Check out what Brad and his team can do! AFT Construction | Luxury Custom Home Builder in Scottsdale Stay connected wit...

Dan Parish is the Founder and CEO of Millworks by Design, a premier carpentry firm just outside Los Angeles. We’re excited to have Dan join us for this episode, where he’ll share how he's developed a unique approach to training the next generation of carpenters and craftsmen. In this conversation, we’ll dive into key topics such as: Building a training system that elevates your team while boo...

If you don’t know what you’re doing with your business before you hire an office manager, you’re not going to know what to do afterward. Be cautious about hiring for an ill-defined position when your processes might be what are running you dry! This episode will help you break down if you need to hire an office manager or if you need to work on your priorities as a business owner. You can get behi...

Creating new habits within your team demands commitment, a clear strategy, and a compelling incentive. To gain buy-in, you'll often need to effectively "sell" the benefits of these changes. In this episode, Ben and Kinsey dive into practical steps for building new habits and cementing your team's participation. By fostering a culture of positive habits, you'll set the foun...

Customers can purposefully and unknowingly take advantage of you if you let them! In this episode, Ben and Kinsey talk about the subtle ways that you frame your business to ensure you aren't being cheated whether that is how you talk about getting work, negotiating price, or moving around your schedule.  Take ownership of your business and walk tall! Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the r...

Designers can help elevate your work to new heights, or they can be another bump in the road. Ben and Kinsey talk about working with designers, how to foster a healthy relationship, and the pros and cons that can come with it. Like any professional relationship, there is a lot you can do to help it succeed. If you haven't worked with a designer, this episode might give you a leg up! Stay conn...

Take the time to learn "why" your business could end up broke and take the practical lessons from this episode to ensure it doesn't happen! Ben and Kinsey cover items like invoicing on time, getting paid for the work that you do, taking inventory, asset management, and more! Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Take...

Being broke is overwhelming, whether it's in your personal life or your business. In this episode, Ben and Kinsey talk about how to ensure you know your worth, even if your bank account is empty. This is the first part of a two-part series where we look at how being broke is often a sign of bigger issues—issues that you have control over! We'll discuss what to do when you're broke a...

Ben started his construction business after growing up in the industry. He learned quite a bit over his years running his own business and wanted to share some of the best (and worst) lessons that he has to share.  This episode hopefully acts as a shortcut to save you some pain as you navigate owning and operating a small construction business. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The...

Standing out in the construction industry means becoming a hero to both your team and your customers. In this episode, Ben and Kinsey continue our project management mini-series by exploring the critical role of effective communication and showcasing various tools to improve your communication skills. Whether you rely on software, a whiteboard, or a notepad, mastering what, how, and when to commun...

Imagine a world where you’re consistently beating the schedule, you’re under budget, your team functions like a well-oiled machine. They’re efficient, they’re energized, they’re happy. You are meeting deadlines. You’re a hero to your customers. You're making money. You’re achieving your goals and dreams. This doesn't have to be hypothetical and it is easier than you think. In this episod...

With this episode, we're starting a new miniseries on Project Management in Construction. Today's episode covers processes and the impact they can have on you and your business.  Processes can impact these four areas: -Customer Experience -Financial Health -Employee Satisfaction -Job Consistency Listen to the episode to learn how! Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Cont...

On this episode of The Contractor Commute, we're joined by Will Worsham to explore the essential steps in legally structuring your business for success, from startup to handling challenges.  We delve into the costs involved in legal work, key considerations for business owners, and common pitfalls to steer clear of. Tune in as we guide you through the process of setting up your business as yo...

What do you need to make sure your business is set up well? In this episode, we look at what legal steps you need to take to ensure your business's legitimacy, safety, and future! 9 things you need to do: Create your entity Get insured Get licensed Open a bank account Set up accounting software Set up payroll provider (if you have employees) Business phone Setup website Google listing Stay co...

For every yes you give, in business and in life, you're saying no to something else.  This episode dives into learning when and how to say no to customers, to projects, and even when to say no to your team. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius...