The ProfitDig Radio Show

AI is everywhere. From ChatGPT and Gemini to Copilot and Claude... artificial intelligence is being built into nearly every tool we use. But here’s the real question: Should contractors be worried? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, the guys sit down and talk through: • Why AI feels intimidating • The difference between chatbots and large language models • Real-world ways AI can improve productivi...

What is a construction takeoff - and why does it matter so much before you submit a bid? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff and Jeff break down the fundamentals of project takeoff. If you're bidding work without fully understanding your quantities, you’re guessing... and guessing is expensive. Here’s what we cover: • The difference between an estimate and a true blueprint takeoff • Why v...

When most people hear the word “lobbyist,” they think corruption, backroom deals, and politics gone wrong. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, we talk with Scott Miller from the Dixon Water Authority about what lobbyists actually do for utilities and why they matter more than most people realize. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how local utilities navigate regulations, legislation, and...

Dealing with customers is part of the job. Most of them are great. Some of them are not. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, we talk honestly about what it’s like to deal with customers in the real world, from appreciative homeowners who bring food to the crew, to the ones who skip calling you and go straight to complaints, social media, or the news. This is not about bashing customers. It’s about...

Growth sounds great… until you realize what it might actually cost you. In this ProfitDig Live episode, the guys break down real-world risk analysis for construction companies - what it is, why it matters, and how it can save your business from making a very expensive mistake. You’ll learn: What risk analysis really means in construction When to outsource it (and when you can do it yourself) How m...

Rain can shut a site down fast - muddy ground, unsafe conditions, blown timelines. Jeff breaks down how real contractors keep crews productive, protect their budgets, and avoid getting hammered with liquidated damages. From prefab work under tents to smart job selection to documenting every weather delay (and getting signatures to back it up), this is how you survive the wet season without blowing...

When work gets thin, a lot of contractors panic and chop 10–15% straight off the bottom of a bid. Jeff explains why that’s a fast way to wreck your margins - and what you should do instead. Learn how to tighten production, protect your hard costs, and stay competitive without blowing your budget or damaging supplier relationships. Contractors who survive slow seasons don’t get lucky… they get stra...

Material prices swing like crazy. Pipe, fuel, hydrants - you name it. Jeff breaks down a simple move that can save you serious money when the market gets volatile: stockpiling the right materials at the right time. Build relationships with your suppliers, watch your quotes, and don’t get caught bidding with outdated prices. ProfitDig helps you keep every material price fresh with automatic reminde...

The world is changing fast - and so is the way we power it. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff Givens and Jeff Spencer dive into how electrical systems really work - from transformers and AC/DC current to solar power, batteries, and electric vehicles - and what all this means for construction contractors. They discuss: How transformers and inverters actually manage the power you use Why the r...

If your projects keep coming in under your profit goal, it’s time to take a hard look at how you estimate, track, and manage your jobs. In this ProfitDig Live episode, Jeff Givens and Jeff Spencer break down real-world ways to protect your profit margin - from setting realistic production goals to rewarding crews who hit them. Learn how to: Keep your team focused on the true budget number Use Prof...

Google’s new AI overviews are changing how people find businesses online, and that includes construction contractors. In this ProfitDig Live, Jerry and Chris break down how you can keep your company visible: Use blogging and local content to show up in AI results Keep your Google Business Profile accurate and active Update old directory listings with the right info Use AI tools to help research an...

Think marketing is too complicated or expensive? Think again. In this ProfitDig Live, Jerry and Chris talk about Marketing by Walking Around - a simple way contractors can grow their brand with nothing more than a phone. From taking daily photos on the job to posting consistently on social media, this strategy helps you stay visible, win trust, and attract more work. They also cover time-saving to...

Got a customer asking for extra work while you’re standing on the job site? Don’t just dive in and hope for the best. In this ProfitDig Live, Jeff and Chris break down how to protect yourself with fast, legal agreements - even from your phone. From emails that hold up in court to quick paper sign-offs with witnesses, here’s how to make sure you get paid for every change order. Learn more about the...

Can you really go from shoveling dirt to running your own construction business in just a few years? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff Givens and Jeff Spencer talk about the real path from entry-level laborer to project manager - and eventually business owner. We cover: ✅ Why excelling at every stage matters ✅ The importance of learning bids, project management, and profit margins ✅ How t...

Running a job is tough enough - don’t make it harder by ignoring the simple stuff. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff Spencer and Jeff Givens swap practical hacks for project managers, from smart material placement and mobilization strategies to negotiating better supplier deals and hiring crews you can trust. If you’re a project manager or contractor looking for ways to save time, cut costs,...

Ever been stuck on a job where the design looks good on paper - but falls apart in the dirt? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff Spencer, Jeff Givens, and Jerry Work break down why communication between engineers and field crews is critical. We talk real-world examples of drawings that don’t match conditions, why younger engineers struggle with field feedback, and how site visits can save time...

If you've ever searched for construction bidding software, you’ve seen it: “FREE job costing software!” Spoiler alert - it’s not free. It’s barely affordable. In this ProfitDig Live episode, Jeff, Chris, and Producer Jerry break down the shady tactics used by legacy software companies: - Hidden module pricing - Confusing quotes and sales hoops - “Free” software that ends up costing double - D...

Contractors - when’s the last time you double-checked your material pricing? In this ProfitDig Live episode, Chris and Jeff walk through one of the most overlooked (but critical) parts of bidding: keeping your material costs accurate and updated. You’ll learn how ProfitDig’s material tracking and price verification system helps you avoid outdated pricing, stay profitable, and make smarter bidding...

Tired of wasting time adding the same materials to every bid? In this ProfitDig Live episode, Chris Work and Jeff Givens show off the blazing-fast Material Groups feature in the newly updated ProfitDig platform. Learn how to save time by grouping commonly used materials for repeat tasks - perfect for contractors who regularly bid similar jobs. Whether you're estimating water lines, sewer line...

Grab a beer, pull up a chair - this one goes deep. In this unfiltered episode of ProfitDig Live, Jerry, Chris, and Jeff sit down to talk about real-world marketing strategies for construction pros. From AI content creation to SEO, YouTube, Performance Max ads, and daily Google Business updates, nothing is off the table. Topics covered include: How contractors should (and shouldn't) use AI Wri...

Need to send out multiple bids or tweak numbers for different GCs? Don't start from scratch. Just hit "Clone." In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jerry, Chris, and Jeff walk through one of the handiest tools in the ProfitDig construction bidding software: Bid Cloning. Whether you're adjusting pricing, testing different strategies, or sending bids to multiple general contractors...

Ever wonder how to really understand what's inside a construction bid line item? Chris and Jeff from ProfitDig walk through a powerful (and newly updated) feature inside the ProfitDig app - Line Item Type Breakdown. This tool lets contractors drill down into the nitty-gritty of each line item: materials, labor, equipment, subs, contingencies, and more. ✔️ See how taxes, bond rates, and overhe...

Jeff Spencer explains why maintaining a daily job diary is extermely important, not just for staying organized and on-track, but for possible legal purposes. If bed weather prevents you from making progress on a job, you need to make sure that information is documented. The guys also discuss the upcoming daily diary feature that is being developed for ProfitDig. From ProfitDig - easy job bidding a...

Equipment breakdowns are expensive - and totally avoidable. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Jeff Givens, Jeff Spencer, and Chris Work talk about smart ways to track and plan maintenance for your construction equipment so you don’t get hit with surprise costs or unexpected downtime. Whether it’s earthmovers, pickups, or excavators, your gear is one of your biggest investments - take care of it a...

Just starting out as a contractor? Winning jobs is great - but if your bid isn’t airtight, you could lose your shirt after the job starts. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Chris Work, Jeff Spencer, and Jerry Work break down exactly how to build a solid bid proposal that wins work and keeps you out of trouble. What you’ll learn: How to bid strategically (not just competitively) What to include -...