Contractor Evolution

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP266 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL266 Can you actually run a contracting business with your spouse… …and still like each other at the end of the day? Caleb Auman (host of the Kid Contractor Podcast) and his wife Brittany have been through bankruptcy, business failure, and the kind of fights that almost ended everything. In this episode, they share the hard-won rules for how they rebuilt — together — and turned their marriage into their biggest competitive advantage.If you and your partner are building a business side by side (or thinking about it), this one's for you.🔥 What You'll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this conversation, you'll know how to:Navigate the real tension between being business partners and life partnersDefine clear roles so you stop stepping on each other's toesFight productively — without letting business stress destroy your relationshipRebuild trust and alignment after a major failure (including bankruptcy)Parent effectively while running a demanding contracting businessSet boundaries between "work mode" and "marriage mode"Turn your partnership into a system that makes your business strongerCheck out The Kid Contractor Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8UxQJ9VFnDk4B2f7vMZzJLoWikTD_08k00:00-Intro03:37-Defining Missions and Shared Why06:46-Navigating Bankruptcy and Partnership Roles18:42-Dividing Spouse-Run Business Role27:08-Self-Realization, Humility, and Leadership40:07-Tools for Healthy Communication50:17-Parenting and Instilling Values59:28-Final Thoughts on Life Perspective

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP265 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL265 Your biggest expense is labor. If you aren’t tracking it accurately, your job costing is a lie. In this episode, Derrik Shakespear (CRO of AlignOps) reveals why most contractors bleed profit through inaccurate time tracking—and how to fix it without micromanaging your crew.If you’re still using paper timesheets or trusting the "honor system," you’re likely losing thousands in unbilled hours and slip-ups every single year.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Stop "managing blind" and get accurate data on your biggest expense (Labor)Compare Estimates vs. Actuals to see which jobs actually made moneyImplement digital time tracking without your crew feeling "Big Brothered"Spot the "Silent Killers" in your workflow that paper timesheets hideUse construction time tracking data to bid more accurately next timeTurn time data into a competitive advantage for safety and liabilityMove from "guessing" productivity to measuring it like a manufacturer00:00-Intro02:24-The importance of time tracking in construction08:59-Productivity comparisons: Manufacturing vs. construction14:26-Essential components of a healthy time tracking system20:14-Frequency and best practices for reviewing project data26:02-Strategies and pitfalls for owner adoption of technology31:47-Incentivizing field crews and gamification34:43-The future of AI in the construction industry

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP264 Stop obsessing over lead generation and start building a real marketing machine. In this episode, Matt Jones (Founder of Tradie Web Guys & Host of The Site Shed) lays out the future of contractor marketing - from strategy and systems to for contractors and smarter, higher-quality leads.If you’re a contractor who feels like you’re spending more on ads but not seeing profit, this conversation will change how you think about marketing forever.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Build a real marketing strategy (not just random tactics or “more leads”)Define the right success markers so you know if your marketing is actually workingUse customer lifetime value to make smarter marketing decisionsIncrease conversions without just pumping more cash into adsPosition yourself as the go-to expert in your marketUse 58 ai marketing tools to boost SEO, follow-up, and customer supportTake the first practical AI step as a contractor today00:00-Intro03:35-Defining a Marketing Strategy07:58-The Truth About Generating Leads10:10-Defining the Ideal Customer and Screening Process13:07-Focusing on Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)25:18-Achieving Consistent Growth and Predictability30:53-Balancing Lead Generation and Branding42:37-Implementing a Paid Priority Program for High-Ticket Services

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:  https://trybta.com/EP263 Make training your next hire a breeze by grabbing a copy of our training checklist template: https://trybta.com/DL263 High employee turnover is killing profitability in the trades. And unfortunately, there is no quick fix. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Mike Matalone, author of Hire. Train. Retain., to break down exactly why you’re losing your best people and how to stop the bleeding.Managing employee retention isn't just about paying more; it requires building robust systems at every stage of the employee lifecycle. Mike reveals the secrets to unlocking 40-60% more productivity from your current team by tapping into their "discretionary effort."If construction hiring and retention are constantly giving you headaches, this episode gives you the blueprint to build a culture that keeps top talent engaged for the long haul. You'll learn the difference between hiring for roles versus people, the three onboarding steps that make new hires stick, and why career paths often matter more to your crew than their paycheck.Check out Mike’s book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Hire-Train-Retain-People-Things/dp/057855143800:00-Intro03:34-Why New Hires Leave in the First 90 Days06:42-The XP3 Talent System and People Systems11:17-Shifting from Management to Coaching and Creating Careers14:19-Role Clarity and Defining Success in Hiring21:17-The Importance of Personality, Skill, and Core Values in Hiring35:24-Training and Onboarding Objectives: Creating an Amazing Experience50:17-Retention Strategies and Interviewing for Fit

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP262 To download the exact accountability resources Blake used to turn a 30% Net Profit, click here: https://trybta.com/DL262 Most contractors believe you have to choose: be the "nice guy" and lose money, or be the "tough boss" and lose your team. Blake Butry, owner of Churchill USA, proves that is a myth.Since joining Breakthrough Academy in 2022, Blake has doubled his revenue while hitting an incredible 30.8% net profit. Even more impressive? He did it by building a culture centered on "emotional generosity."In this episode, we break down exactly how he balances strict financial accountability with genuine care for his team, and how you can apply this "fair but firm" approach to your own contracting business.In this episode, we cover:Insights into productive (and profitable) leadership strategies, emphasizing the balance between emotional generosity and structural fairness.The significance of articulating emotions, seeking counseling, and establishing healthy stress management practicesHow investing in team members' growth and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can lead to long-term success and a positive work environment.00:00-Intro01:57-Background on Blake Butry and Churchill USA04:23-The Evolution of Leadership and Team Building07:48-Operating with Structural Fairness and Emotional Generosity10:33-The Influence of Clear Roles and Boundaries on the Team14:48-The Duality of Structure and Trust in Leadership27:23-Balancing Fairness and Generosity in Compensation44:57-Self-Leadership, Stress, and Anxiety Management

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP261 Grab your free Project Management Resource Bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL261In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we’re releasing a talk Danny did at Build Show Live. In just 60 minutes, he breaks down the exact project management system he’s seen hundreds of contractors use to cut waste, increase profit and leave both their teams and customers happy.Danny walks through:- The four principles of good project management- How to properly structure a project manager role and hold them accountable through -effective goal setting and review rhythms- Foolproof templates for a project communication plan and status update00:00-Intro01:01-Four Principles of Project Management and Danny's Background04:04-Red Flags and The Four Systems to Discuss07:36-Employment Agreements, KPIs and Goal Setting & Review (GSR)20:33-Project Communication Plan and Status Updates29:49-Proper Use of Software and Hiring Project Managers37:58-Growth Seen in Breakthrough Academy Businesses and The Contractor Growth Method42:19-Takeaways, Implementation and Audience Questions

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP260 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL260 Going into business with a partner is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but knowing how to resolve cofounder conflict is critical if you want that business to survive. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Dr. Matt Jones (founder of Cofounder Clarity) joins us to break down why business partnerships fail and, more importantly, how to fix them. We dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges that come with shared leadership. If you’ve ever struggled to see eye-to-eye with your business partner, or you feel like you're speaking different languages, this episode is your roadmap to a healthier, more functional relationship.In this episode, we cover:The critical questions you MUST ask before starting a business with someoneThe 3 "languages" cofounders speak (and why mismatches cause endless arguments)How to have conflict conversations that actually resolve issuesStrategies to anticipate partnership hurdles before they destroy the businessCheck out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/ 00:00-Intro01:20-How the Guest Got Into Co-founder Relationships and Conflict Management04:51-Biggest Blind Spots When Selecting a Partner11:08-Big Questions to Ask Before Going into Business Together12:17-Managing Decision-Making and Management Structure Conflict17:32-Deeper Dynamics Fuelling Conflicts in Businesses22:58-Navigating Conflicts Properly40:52-Handling Conflict in Unique Partnership Situations

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP259 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL259 Systems and documentation don't have to kill your creativity—they are actually the secret to getting your life back.In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Ronzio, Co-Founder and CMO of Trainual, to dismantle the biggest myth in the contracting world: that SOPs are just "boring paperwork."If you’re constantly procrastinating on your systems and processes because they feel overwhelming or restrictive, Jonathan reveals the massive mindset shift you need to make. Learn how to stop being the bottleneck in your business, empower your team to run without you, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.In this episode, we cover:Why "boring" systems are the gateway to creative freedomThe simple framework to stop procrastinating on SOPsHow to build a business that runs on process, not just peopleThe first steps to automating your operations today00:00-Intro01:33-The Genesis and “Magic” of Trainual and Customer Base10:33-Overcoming Procrastination and the Owner's Mindset Shift for Documentation17:41-Balancing Systems and Creativity in Business19:44-Applying Lessons from Adventure to Business Leadership22:46-Creativity in Marketing30:32-Trainual's Perspective on AI36:05-Wisdom for a Younger Entrepreneurial Self

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP258Download the accountability resources Nick used to scale from $4M to $12.5M here: https://trybta.com/DL258 If you’re working 70+ hours a week, micromanaging every detail, and acting as the bottleneck in your own business, you are doing it wrong.In this episode, Breakthrough Academy Member and owner of Willie C. & Sons Landscaping Nick Cloutier explains how to shift your mindset from "Boss" to "Coach" and implement the 3 essential tools—Job Descriptions, KPIs, and GSR Meetings—that allow you to delegate with confidence. In this episode, we cover:The "Warrior Mode" Trap: Why working 80 hours/week is a sign of a broken system, not a badge of honor.$4M to $12.5M Blueprint: The specific acquisition strategy and systems used to scale rapidly in 2025.The 3 Essential Accountability Tools: How to build Job Descriptions that "teach to win," Deliverables (KPIs), and clear Org Charts.The GSR Method: Why "Goal Setting & Review" meetings are the single best thing you can do for employee retention.Financial Mastery: How to reverse engineer a 20% Net Profit budget using LMN.Check out Nick’s business, Willie C. & Sons Landscaping: https://williecandsonslandscaping.com/00:00-Intro01:22-Trajectory of Business Growth and the Shift in the Owner's Mindset05:07-Implementing Job Descriptions and Deliverables (KPIs)10:58-Defining Deliverables and Setting Measurable Goals17:56-The Organizational Chart and Determining Capacity20:09-Leveraging Numbers and Data for Predictable Growth23:00-Goal Setting and Review (GSR) Meetings34:09-Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Seasonal Employment39:09-Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Understanding the Numbers43:46-The Strategy and Confidence for Acquisition50:23-Final Advice on Building a Successful Team

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP257 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL257How much time do you waste each day on little inefficiencies?- Searching for the latest version of that SOP- Flipping through a hundred browser tabs to find your budget spreadsheet- Typing out the same email to 30 different clientsToday’s guest, Nick Sonnenberg, literally wrote the book on business efficiency. It’s called Come Up For Air and it is a go-to for small business owners and teams looking to stop “drowning in work” and free up the time they spend on redundant or inefficient tasks.In today’s episode, we get into all the little things you can do that may only save you seconds at the time… …but actually add up to minutes and hours when you stack them day after day.We talk email management, how to invest time up front to save yourself hours down the line, and how to set yourself up for success when it comes to AI and automations.This is a quick one, but we cover a lot.00:00-Intro01:29-Increasing Capacity Without Adding More People01:37-Why Start with Email Management?04:16-The RAD Framework: Reply, Archive, Defer06:59-Quick Wins for Email Inbox Management08:46-AI and Automation in Contracting Businesses11:18-Progress and Context of Nick's Executive Assistant AI Agent14:14-Asset Building vs. One-Time Requests with AI21:54-Identifying Areas for AI Use24:32-The Shift to AI as a Search Engine27:05 -Final Thoughts and How to Contact Nick

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP256Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL256Men’s mental health is in crisis. We are three times more likely to develop addictions and four times more likely to turn to suicide. And yet, 40% of men won’t seek help.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we are diving into the "silent struggle" with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks and author of Men’s Work. While we usually unpack business systems and profit margins, today we’re diving into the importance of men’s inner work.After overcoming his own struggles with infidelity, drugs, and alcohol, Connor’s mission is to help men become better leaders, spouses, dads, and humans.In this conversation, we cover:The Crisis: Why men are struggling today more than ever and why it’s so hard for us to get in touch with our inner selves.Shadow Work: How to identify and confront hidden parts of ourselves (what Connor calls Shadow Work) to stop self-sabotage.Leadership & Legacy: How doing your own inner work pays off for your team and family, and how to foster healthy masculinity and self-leadership on your job sites.We love to unpack business systems, but if this type of episode is useful for you, let us know in the comments.Check out ManTalks: https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalks🔥 Watch These Related Episodes Next:1. Business Therapist Destroys My Limiting Beliefs in Real Time:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7m0Bk0Z9s2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ00:00-Intro02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?Yes, there’s demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.Today’s guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast. He’s on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.In this episode you’ll learn:Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborersThe employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do insteadAnd what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisisIf you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one’s for you. Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWittMore episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JIHow to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMkLeadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs 00:00-Intro01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP254Use code EVOLUTION (at check out) for 20% off both the Ideal Team Player and Working Genius Assessments:Ideal Team Player: https://www.tablegroup.com/idealteamplayer/ Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessmentAre you sick of hiring the wrong people? Whether you got swindled by a smooth talker in an interview or hired a B-player in desperation, you know that recruiting top talent as a contractor is an uphill battle these days.So today, we invited one of the most well-known experts in the industry to teach us how to simplify our hiring standards by using two proven frameworks for assessing prospective and current employees.Our guest today is the one and only Patrick Lencioni.He is the bestselling author of 13 books selling over 9 million copies worldwide. He’s most well known for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.Today, we’re focusing on two of Pat’s books that are especially relevant for our industry: The Ideal Team Player and The 6 Types of Working Genius.In this episode you’ll learn:How to attract and hire Ideal Team Players at all levels of your business by looking for three key virtues.The common archetypes that show up when someone is missing one of these virtuesAND how to identify the 6 types of working genius within your team so you can help everyone thrive in their rolesPat was a dream to have on the show. If you have other guests you think we should interview, leave a comment and let us know.More HEAVY HITTERS on Contractor Evolution:Chris Voss - Negotiation Tactics for Contractors: https://youtu.be/a4RDJRtkOBYGreg McKeown - Essentialism for Contractors: https://youtu.be/6J1qth84qwgGarrett Gunderson - Why Most Contractors Stay Broke: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 00:00-Intro02:20-Why did you choose the construction industry to base your book, The Ideal Team Player, in?05:30-Defining the three virtues of an ideal team player: hungry, humble, and smart07:15-Defining "hungry"09:35-Defining "humble"11:33-Identifying "fake humble"17:36-Defining "smart" as emotional intelligence (EQ)23:05-How to spot these three virtues in the interview process28:23-"Scaring" people in the recruiting process30:55-How to look for "hunger"33:14-“Non-ideal archetypes": the accidental mess-maker (humble and hungry, but not smart)36:20-“Non-ideal archetypes": the lovable slacker (humble and smart, but not hungry)40:29-“Non-ideal archetypes": the skillful politician (hungry and smart, but not humble)44:35-About The 6 Types of Working Genius and getting people in the right seat on the bus

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP253Grab a free copy of our annual budgeting template here: https://trybta.com/DL253Check out our industry benchmarks and find out what your profit margins should be: https://www.btacademy.com/blog/profit-margin-benchmarks-for-contractors Are you constantly stressed about cash flow heading into 2026? You’re not alone. Our research shows:👉45% of contractors don’t have any financial plan beyond paying bills and sending invoices.👉50% of contractors hit cash crunches due to unforeseen circumstances👉30% of contractors describe their cash flow as “unpredictable.”In this Contractor Evolution episode, we’re answering common questions from contractors about cash flow, just in time for 2026 – so you can stay cash positive, pay yourself consistently, and actually crush your goals instead of feeling like you’re drowning under 2 inches of water.We cover:⬆️How to improve your cash flow (so you can have fewer painful conversations with your accountant)📋How to build an annual budget for your construction or home services business📊What job costing is and how it has the potential to completely change your business’ financial wellbeing🤔How to figure out if you can afford to hire someone new (or if you’ll just have to awkwardly lay them off down the road)💲AND what your profit margins should look like in 2026More videos to help you fix your finances and take control of your profit:💰3 Ways to Control Profit and STOP Confusing Your Finances: https://youtu.be/Qbm9yRBYgRk🛑STOP Losing Money on Jobs (Job Costing 101): https://youtu.be/nCzP0B2u4BM🔻Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Broke - Garrett Gunderson: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 👇 Your turn:What’s the #1 cash flow or budgeting question you want answered before 2026 kicks off? Drop it in the comments – I read every single one.00:00-Intro01:13-How do I improve my cash flow for 2026?04:47-How do you go about making an annual budget?07:26-What is job costing? Do I need to do it?09:17-How do I get customers to pay me on time?10:28-How do I know if I can afford a new hire?12:10-What should my profit margins be