The Modern Contractor Podcast

A bigger marketing budget doesn’t automatically grow a home service contracting business. Brian and Jordan break down what actually helped drive 412% growth — and what contractors should be paying attention to in 2026. In this episode, they talk through the marketing moves that actually matter: local service ads, SEO, Google Business Profile, reviews, tracking, TV, AI, and why “more leads” won’t f...

In this episode, Brian shares the books, podcasts, newsletters, and ideas that have helped shape how he builds his home improvement company and coaching business. This is a different style of episode — part resource list, part business reflection. Brian walks through the ideas behind Purple Cow, Profit First, Founders Podcast, Finding Mastery, and Farnam Street, and explains how they apply to cont...

What happens when a corporate executive with zero construction experience buys a trades business? That's exactly what Paul Van Bergen did, and in this episode, he breaks down everything he's learned in the first few months of owning BW Construction, a premium window installation company in Chicago. From earning the trust of a 29-year veteran foreman, to why he believes customer experience beats le...

Most contractors never scale past $3M. Not because of bad leads. Not because of the economy. Not because labor is expensive. It's because of something much closer to home. Pella's Brandon, Mitchell, and Morgan have a combined 42+ years working alongside builders, remodelers, and contractors across the US. In this episode of the Modern Contractor Podcast, they reveal exactly what they've seen hold...

In the latest episode of The Modern Contractor Podcast, we sit down with Josh Dembicki, founder of Bellwether Windows, Siding & Doors, to break down one of the most real and eye-opening business journeys we’ve had on the show. From rapid growth to internal conflict… from $12M in revenue with no profit to rebuilding the company from the ground up — Josh shares what it actually takes to build a...

Building a multi-generational contracting business takes more than just technical skill—it takes a radical approach to people, pricing, and process. In this episode of the Modern Contractor podcast, Brian LaPelusa shares how his family-owned company has thrived in the Chicago market for over 62 years. You will learn the specific strategies they use to retain elite talent and why a race to the bott...

Tired of customers ghosting after you email a quote? Find out why this common practice might be costing you valuable relationships and sales! In this episode of The Modern Contractor podcast, we dive into why personal interactions and a tailored customer experience make all the difference. Learn how seasoned contractors like Andy Saitz of ArchCity Windows have transformed their businesses by focus...

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Nyberg, owner of PCS Residential, to pull back the curtain on what it takes to dominate the high-end window and roofing market. Chad shares the exact moment he realized that storm chasing wasn't a sustainable business model and how he transitioned into $100,000 average transactions. What you’ll learn: The $400,000 window measurement mistake that changed every...

Elizabeth Howell runs the Pella Certified Contractor Program nationally, giving her a front‑row seat to what separates the struggling, price‑driven contractor from the premium, in‑demand market leader. In this interview, she pulls back the curtain on what she’s learned working with top performers all over the country. In this video, you’ll learn: The traits every top contractor shares (and the red...

In this episode of The Modern Contractor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Miller of Oconee Elite to talk about how he got started in the industry, the challenges of scaling a growing business, and what it takes to build strong partnerships— including working with Pella. Luke shares real-world insights on growth, mindset, and doing things the right way as a modern contractor. Visit their website here...

Learn how to tackle common challenges like work-life balance, effective systems, and customer-centric strategies that make all the difference. Featuring a real coaching session with Nick and Myra from Nick’s Painting Plus, you’ll see firsthand how actionable advice can transform your contractor business. From leveraging CRM tools to organizing your operations, find out why focusing on customer exp...

My business journey is your insider look at the key transformations that can make all the difference for contractors. In this video, you'll find out why shifting your mindset and refining your approach to business can lead to exponential growth. Learn how a contractor grew his business from $65K per month to millions, overcoming setbacks, managing challenges, and implementing game-changing strateg...

Discover the secrets to contractor success in episode 2 of The Modern Contractor Podcast: Differentiate and Dominate! Learn how to stand out in a crowded construction industry, improve your contractor business marketing, and focus on customer experience to grow your business. Host Brian shares actionable strategies straight from his book, "Differentiate and Dominate," including unique ways to mark...

Discover how to differentiate and dominate in contracting with insights tailored for today’s modern contractor. If you’re a contractor struggling with challenges like standing out in a crowded market, improving systems, or scaling your business, this video is for you. Learn how to market a construction business effectively, overcome common obstacles, and gain actionable tips to create the life and...