Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb speaks with Sam Gembel, an entrepreneur who scaled his Michigan-based landscaping company from a side hustle to a multi-million dollar business. The conversation focuses on the critical shift from being a technician to a leader, emphasizing that business owners must prioritize people and culture over simple task management. Sam argues that the inability to find quality employees is often a reflection of poor leadership rather than a lack of talent in the market. He suggests that owners must build a destination company by providing clear career paths, benefits, and a mission that inspires workers to stay. Throughout the discussion, Gembel highlights the dangers of keyman risk and the importance of professionalizing internal training programs to move beyond the monotonous "treadmill cycle" of business. (Part 1 of 2). Key Takeaways: Focus on building a destination company that naturally attracts high-quality talent through a strong culture and clear benefits. Transition your mindset to realize that once you hire your first employee, your primary role is now the people business. Commit to personal growth and self-leadership first because you cannot effectively lead a team if you are not leading yourself. Shift from managing daily tasks to leading the mission to avoid getting stuck in a repetitive cycle with no real progress. Clearly communicate to every team member what a successful day looks like so they understand their purpose beyond just manual labor. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb explains how transitioning from a heavy workload to a structured business model saved his landscape company from stagnation. He highlights the launch of "Built for Contractors," a coaching program and subscription service designed to help peers implement scalable systems and professional accountability. The discussion emphasizes that business growth requires clear standards and logistical planning rather than just working harder. Auman also stresses the importance of nurturing professional relationships over expensive advertising to secure high-quality referrals. Throughout the show, he encourages listeners to adopt positive self-talk and a leadership mindset to overcome common operational hurdles. Key Takeaways: Practice intentional self-talk by speaking positively about your situation to influence better outcomes in your life and business. Prioritize building scalable systems and structured processes over relying on raw motivation to overcome professional chaos. Build a strong professional network by nurturing genuine relationships with peers and past clients without always leading with a sales pitch. Establish and uphold high performance standards for your daily operations rather than just setting goals to ensure consistent quality. Choose growth over total control by delegating responsibilities to your team and allowing them to solve specific problems independently. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb talks with Brad and Tammy Miller, the founders of Tandem Marriage. Drawing from their experience running a seven-figure counseling practice and their own 41-year marriage, the Millers discuss how professional success can lead to a "slow drift" that distances spouses. They emphasize that high-achieving business owners often fall into a "provider trap," mistakenly believing financial stability is the only way to show love while neglecting emotional connection. To counter this, they advocate for extreme intentionality, urging couples to remain curious about one another and prioritize their relationship as a unified team. The episode highlights various resources available at tandemarriage.com, including a video toolbox and mentorship advice, to help couples move from a mediocre marriage to a thriving one. Key Takeaways: Commit to being intentional in your relationship every day to prevent the natural "slow drift" that occurs when life and business become overwhelming. Prioritize a loving relationship with your spouse as the greatest gift you can give your children, providing them with a foundation of security and a healthy model for their own lives. Develop self-awareness during conflicts by pausing to ask yourself if there is any truth in what your spouse is saying before you react defensively. Ensure that your role as a financial provider never usurps your responsibility to be an emotionally present and supportive partner at home. Regularly seek outside guidance through mentors, coaching, or educational resources to keep your marriage thriving as you navigate different seasons of life and business. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb talks with Andy Mulder of Mulder Outdoors about how great communication, showing up, cleanliness, and finishing strong helped build a premium landscaping brand. Andy explains that better clients come when you deliver a better experience, choose professionalism over excuses, and keep improving the details. He also warns that many contractors underprice their work and stresses the importance of knowing costs, using systems, and building a strong brand over time. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb and Brittany are discussing the importance of maintaining an abundance mindset during the busy spring season. They encourages business owners to "hold the line" by refusing low-profit projects and trusting that better opportunities will arise through consistent marketing and historical data. The episode includes an AI-assisted segment that defines the difference between acting out of fear-based scarcity and strategic confidence. While Caleb emphasizes the need for disciplined pricing and personal growth, Brittany shares the emotional challenge of overcoming the worry associated with providing for a team. Key Takeaways: Adopt an abundance mindset by trusting that the right opportunities will continue to arise if you focus on value rather than fear. Utilize historical data and management software to determine your actual costs and maintain profitable pricing. Exercise the discipline to say no to low-margin or misaligned work to leave room for higher-quality, strategic projects. Prioritize working on yourself and your internal mindset to prevent personal fears from limiting your professional and personal growth. Regularly review your project pipeline and schedule to ensure a consistent workflow through intentional management rather than reactive scrambling. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb interviews Diego López Fernández from One Fifty Three Brand Marketing, a brand strategist who helps landscapers differentiate themselves in a saturated market. Diego argues that contractors often struggle because they sell services based on price and utility rather than uncovering their deeper purpose. He encourages business owners to move past a victim mentality and embrace a heroic identity by recognizing the profound human connection their work facilitates. By defining a clear "why" and aligning it with consistent branding, owners can transition from being mere operators to becoming visionary leaders. The discussion emphasizes that high-level success requires mental clarity, robust systems, and the belief that one is building a lasting legacy rather than just performing manual labor. Key Takeaways: Define your deep purpose by looking beyond your daily tasks to understand the ultimate impact your work has on the lives of others. Adopt a hero mindset by choosing to believe that challenges happen for you and your growth rather than seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance. Create clarity and reduce chaos in your life and business by implementing structured systems and frameworks to manage your goals. Focus on selling outcomes rather than just services by painting a clear picture for others of what life looks like after their problem is solved. Establish clear expectations for yourself and those you lead to ensure everyone is aligned and held accountable to the same standards. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

This episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast features Caleb Auman interviewing Tonya Dalton, an expert on purposeful productivity and best-selling author. Dalton challenges the traditional concept of time management, arguing that time itself cannot be managed; instead, individuals must manage their choices, intentions, and energy. She introduces her "five Ps" framework—purge, process, prioritize, protect, and propel—to help listeners transition from a state of constant busyness to one of meaningful achievement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of habit stacking over raw discipline and encourages entrepreneurs to define their "cathedral," or long-term vision, to filter daily tasks. Dalton highlights that true productivity is not about doing more work, but about performing the most important work to ensure personal happiness and presence. Key Takeaways: Shift your focus from trying to manage time to intentionally managing your choices, activities, and intentions. Perform a weekly "purge" by writing down every idea and task in your head to create mental clarity and reduce stress. Establish a long-term vision, or "cathedral," and work backward to determine the practical steps you need to take in the coming months. Schedule non-negotiable blocks of time on your calendar for deep work and strategic thinking to prevent your day from being consumed by minor distractions. Implement habit stacking by attaching a new, small desired behavior to a routine you already perform consistently every day. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb speaks with serial entrepreneur Dwayne Kerrigan, who shares insights from his 40-year career across 31 different businesses. The conversation focuses on the psychological shift from forced discipline to authentic commitment, emphasizing how personal purpose pulls an individual toward success more effectively than constant internal pressure. Kerrigan explains the importance of changing one's "primary question" to foster joy and appreciation rather than judgment or a rigid need to be right. He also provides strategic business advice on navigating economic cycles, suggesting that maintaining high cash reserves during "summer" periods allows for massive growth during "winter" recessions. Throughout the podcast, Kerrigan stresses that radical self-awareness and humility are the most critical tools for any leader seeking long-term fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Focus on finding a purpose that pulls you forward with momentum rather than relying solely on discipline to push yourself through tasks. Pay attention to physiological triggers like defensiveness to recognize when you are resisting a truth about yourself that someone else is reflecting. Improve your daily experience by intentionally shifting your primary internal question to one that focuses on appreciation and joy. Actively seek out mentors and strive to be the least knowledgeable person in a room to accelerate your personal and professional growth. Establish strong organizational structures and financial reserves during prosperous times to ensure your stability when the economic season inevitably shifts to a downturn. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

Caleb interviews Brian Brown, owner of Estate Landscape and Tree in the Lake Tahoe region. Brown details his professional journey, explaining how he transitioned from an employee to the owner of a high-end firm through a strategic buyout. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing business management systems like LMN and the Leandcaper operating system to maintain profitability within a strictly regulated 24-week construction season. The discussion highlights the value of peer groups, mentorship, and leadership development for entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom and a better family lifestyle. Brown also recounts a dramatic story regarding an encounter with a Mexican cartel during a previous business venture. Key Takeaways: Implement business systems and software in gradual "baby steps" to avoid becoming overwhelmed while building a more efficient operation. Transition from employee to owner by proposing a strategic buyout plan that demonstrates clear value and creates a win-win scenario for the current founder. Define an Ideal Customer Profile to align your branding and services with the specific high-end or niche market you intend to dominate. Join a peer group or hire a business coach to gain objective perspectives from other leaders and ensure you aren't operating in isolation. Commit to constant evolution and the next "expedition" to prevent your business from stagnating once you reach an initial level of success. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN

Caleb and Brittany discuss the realities of running a seven-figure landscaping business while navigating major personal milestones and family responsibilities. The couple reflects on a recent trip to Las Vegas for a major construction trade show, using the experience as a backdrop to talk about the challenges of professional growth, entrepreneurship, and maintaining a strong family life. A significant part of the conversation focuses on their decision to homeschool their children while still maintaining high standards inside their growing business. They also share how their current success didn't happen overnight. Caleb and Brittany explain how years of financial discipline and commitment to the Dave Ramsey plan helped them recover from a past bankruptcy and build a more stable financial future. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of community, shared goals between spouses, and having a clear purpose behind major life decisions. The conversation offers practical insight for entrepreneurs trying to balance business growth, family priorities, and financial responsibility. Key Topics in This Episode • Managing a seven-figure landscaping business • Balancing entrepreneurship and family life • Homeschooling while running a company • Building a strong support network with industry peers • Recovering from bankruptcy through financial discipline • Following the Dave Ramsey plan to eliminate debt • Using vision boards and goal-setting to guide the future • Identifying your "why" before making major life decisions Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN

Caleb and Brittany are podcasting from Las Vegas during the ConExpo construction trade show. They discusses their business operations, including the launch of a new coaching group and Brittany's upcoming presentation on business growth. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on financial maturity, where they credit budgeting software and CFO services for transforming their company from a struggling venture into a profitable seven-figure business. They reflect on the necessity of professionalizing operations and moving away from "management by chaos" to achieve long-term stability. The episode serves as both a travel log of their time in Nevada and an educational resource for contractors seeking to improve their administrative systems. Key Takeaways: Avoid the temptation to fill your schedule with "junk work" during slow periods and instead remain selective to ensure you are available for high-quality projects that fit your ideal business profile. Utilize professional budgeting and management software to clearly see your numbers and ensure that every job you take is generating a real profit. Shift from reactive to proactive financial management by working with a CFO who can help you plan for future growth rather than just looking at past performance. Develop the confidence to charge higher prices by respecting the value of your work and understanding the actual overhead costs required to run a sustainable business. Practice long-term financial foresight by incrementally budgeting for future major expenses, such as new equipment or facilities, well before you actually need to make the purchase. Episode Sponsors CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com (Use code: AUMAN) LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com (Use code: AUMAN) Connect with Auman Landscape YouTube: @AumanLandscape Instagram: @aumanlandscapellc All Links: Linktree