The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Tom and Dan address your questions about including your overhead in your gross profit, how you handle estimations with the differences in price between materials, if Facebook advertising is a good idea, and surrounding yourself and networking with other like-minded individuals. In this episode, we talk about… Question1: I included my overhead in my hourly rate. Do I still need to include it in the gross profit? Find out what your hourly rate should be because you have to charge for the field labor, recover overhead, and then make a profit. Many people charge double their hourly rate. But if you are charging twice for overhead and profit, you are making your prices way higher than they need to be. Use the job costing sheet instead of the charge sheet. Question2: How do you deal with estimates with the way materials are all over the place price-wise? If you get a deposit and have a shop, you can buy the materials at that day's price. Material is not your problem; it's the customers' problem. Material pricing is a sales process and marketing issue. This is content that should be on your website. Some people have no confidence indirectly addressing costs on the front end — start with that. Question3: Do you think Facebook advertising is a good idea? You are thinking of tactics — Facebook ads, Google ads, and direct mails are tactics. Think strategically — how do you want to build your brand, or how do you want to position yourself? Question4: What should a first-year look like for a new business when funding is limited to using the profits to reinvest? I have no access to any loans or outside help. The first year in business should be a high gross profit business. Start right, get some help, educate yourself, invest in yourself, make sure you're charging enough, do not get into debt, and market yourself. You don't need outside money if you do your work right. Do not be in a hurry to hire — if you're on the tools, stay on the tools and make sure all the money goes into your pocket. Question5: Say something about the importance of surrounding yourself and networking with like-minded people and how that affects profitability and growth. Read chapter 45, "Show me your friends," in Tom's book. You become who you hang out with. Question6: Can you put the job costing link in there? Link for job costing sheet: https://thecontractorfight.com/jobcosting/ The left side is where you put in what you think will happen, and the right side is what actually happens when the job is done. Resources: Submit your questions to [email protected] with the subject "Podcast" and Tom and Dan will try and answer them on an upcoming show. == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Grab the Job Costing worksheet here (before Tom deletes it): https://thecontractorfight.com/jobcosting Connect with Karalynn Cromeens, BATTLEGROUND Legal Coach here: https://thecromeenslawfirm.com/ == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) ==https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Today, Tom has a conversation with Mauricio Coto of Contigo Group. Mauricio is a home improvement contractor on the East Coast, where he has worked for several builders and settled over 1000 houses. They discussed what mistakes Mauricio was making before, the changes he made to scale his business, the challenges that he overcame, and his marketing strategy. In this episode, we talk about… Before entering the contractor fight, how was Mauricio’s business doing, and what changes did he implement to grow his business Mauricio’s insecurities that precluded him from approaching ideal clients, and how he overcame them Mauricio’s advice to somebody who thinks it's time to scale the business now What does his marketing plan look like Mauricio’s sales process before and after joining the contractor fight, including the reasons why he couldn't sell anything before The mistakes people often commit while trying to make a sale Mauricio's experience working on a project which caused him to suffer a huge loss of money, how he handled it, and how he was able to remain positive throughout the situation The power of being involved in your community Mauricio shares his experience of behind the scenes of The Contractor Fight Resources: Mauricio Coto and the Contigo Group: https://www.contigogrp.online/ Join us this September in Denver, CO at the Mile High Profit Summit: https://thecontractorfight.com/mile-high-profit-summit/ Want the success Mauricio is enjoying for yourself? Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Tom, Steve, and Derek discuss the money mindset, how you should approach the sales game, and other quality actions you can implement consistently to increase sales. In this episode, we talk about… Advice for people who are in their learning and grinding phase Stupid decisions you make because of money Consequences of dropping your price to get the job Understanding the emotions of clients in order to get hired Gaining an insight into how the customer thinks to increase your sales What is patient urgency and the role it plays in your success? Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

It is everyone's desire to perform at their best, no matter what their job is. But, how to do that? Tom explains why you need to focus on finding your edge to get the success you want. In this episode, we talk about… What is your edge, and how you can find your edge What is the FW-Day Taking care of yourself — physically, mentally, and spiritually Taking care of the people that are close to you Building your empire Stacking the small wins to get the big wins that you want Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

There are often situations when you believe everything is under control, but it turns out to be the opposite, and things go bad quickly. Today, Tim and Greg discuss how to handle situations of mayhem and come out with a positive outcome. In this episode, we talk about… A calm and attentive approach works well in managing the situation of mayhem and bringing a favorable resolution. Talk to people who have been in your place before — most likely, if you ask, they will be willing to help you. Learn from people who do things better than you. At times, you have to switch off your emotions and focus on listening to the client. Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight == https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

Google will provide you with all the information you need, but coaching will enable you to act on that information! Dan explains why you should pay for coaching and what you can expect when you do. In this episode, we talk about… How professional coaches help you to improve your performance Paying for coaching vs. free content What you get when you pay for coaching Some reasons to pay for coaching Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Tom and Dan address your questions about how to fix your charges, the best way for you to run a painting business, how to deal with customers who have Google at their fingertips, and how you can increase your online presence to grow your business. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: As a general contractor in upstate New York, I sub out all the work, and my goal is to do high-end residential construction from the ground up. What should I charge when other contractors charge 25%, and I'm charging 15%? The worst thing that we can do as a contractor is price our work based on the going rate When it comes to money and pricing your work, there's an asterisk — means there's more to the story The blend of all the margins that you're marking up should be around that 50% mark Know the difference between margin and markup Question 2: I have been running my residential painting business for four years. What is the best advice you can give on how to get leads for a painting business? Find GCS that look like they're working on projects. Chase people that control multiple wallets. A single homeowner just has their own budget, and a good influencer could have dozens of budgets Build your brand and let people know who you are Question3: I have a plumbing business. Which is the best way to deal with customers who have Google at their fingertips and tell us how much material really costs? This is about your brand and attracting the right customers Look at your branding, your website, your sales process, and the way you are pre-qualifying people When you build the trust level, this issue goes away. Buy stuff at retail price MSRP, and put all the money in your labor bid Triple or quadruple your labor fuel so you can recover all your overhead in the labor Question4: I'm starting a fence stain and seal business. What is the best way to increase my online presence? Be on social every day, build your brand on social media, and invest in a content-rich website. On your website, describe your pricing and introduce your team Consistency is important for creating an online fingerprint since it takes time Resources: == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

In this episode, Tom and Dan talk with Bob Turner of Turner Builders in Windham, Maine. Bob has been involved in the fight world for six months. He ran a contracting business with his father for five years from 2013 to 2017. He then shut it down and worked for a local custom home builder for three years and built their renovation business to over $2 million a year, and left at the end of 2020. In 2021 he started his own contracting business from scratch business that handles large-scale renovations. In this episode, we talk about…Bob’s business mindset before and after joining The Contractor FightEstablishing good relationships with wise people who know how to suffer and are disciplined in doing soThe reason things weren't going well with Bob’s project manager His habits and mindsets that helped him succeed in businessHow he started his business from scratch and things he was doing wrongHow meeting people at live events changes the dynamic of relationships in the business worldLearn the difference between markup and margin. It will change your businessDo not light your life on fire in the quest of building a businessSome of the biggest changes that he’s seen in himself and his businessAdvice he offers fellow contractors and listers Resources: Turner Builders: https://turnerbuildersllc.com/ Want the success Bob is enjoying for yourself? Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ = Find Us on Social Media = YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReberInstagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/igLive Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid 

If you are going to give 100% to one aspect, you have to leave the rest of your life behind. Life is not just about making money or running a business; it is about having a little bit of everything! Tom, Steve, and Derek are here to show you that you can have a great family life, be involved in your kids' lives, and own a successful business at the same time. In this episode, we talk about… How to make the impact that you want Changing people's lives by sharing your knowledge Marital problems of contractors Reverse engineering the life that you want The three rules of life: Learn for the first third of your life Earn for the second third of your life, And give for the third and final third of your life Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Tom explains that success doesn't care about your feelings, so take courage to do the uncomfortable things and grow, and this applies to anything you strive for. In this episode, we talk about… The challenges you face are opportunities for you to improve Things don't always go as planned, but that's a test of your commitment to your goals Don't let your feelings get in the way of your goal—just do what needs to be done How to put standards over feelings Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Make sure you take care of things when they are not in use, so they are ready when you need them! Tim and Greg remind you to take care of what you need to take care of. In this episode, we talk about… Keeping things in good condition when they aren't in use The habit of neglecting stuff until they're a problem Taking care of your body, skills, equipment, etc. Some employees may be struggling — look after them. Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Dan encourages you to take a look at your money mindset, see where you stand in terms of how you price jobs and make sure you are being fair to yourself and your company because your profitability is the lifeblood of your business. In this episode, we talk about… Avoid selling based on your own perception of a budget. Do you want to make money, or do you want to make yourself feel good? The only perception of value that matters is the clients. Four reasons why you need to shift your money mindset There are no absolutes when it comes to the perception of value As there are a lot of risks involved, materials, labor, etc., you deserve to get paid for it Charging more also allows you to provide a better service Profit isn't a dirty thing Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about who should handle materials and quotes when you hire a sub, a reasonable warranty timeline, explaining profit margins to customers when you hire a sub and determining what rate to charge. In this episode, we answer the questions… Question1: I hire subs, and take care of the quotes, materials, orders, designs, etc. Is that your responsibility for hiring them? And what is the general contractor and subcontractor offering on each project? If you're subbing out to a framer, expect the framer to buy the materials. You can negotiate when the work is done. Take responsibility for the material to ensure top-quality finishes are used. Question2: What is a good warranty timeline? I'm a deck builder. If you're building something structural, it would be several years Warranty is not a problem. It becomes a customer service opportunity to get in front of people and get the deal done. Question 3: If you took 25% on a project after subcontracting, and the customer asked for a breakdown, how would you explain it to them? You are the one they hired, so if your sub goes out of business, you are responsible for paying for repairs, you are warranting the job, and they are coming after you, not your sub. 25 percent is too little—it should be double what your subs charge you Your customer should never know your targets. Question 4: We offer a wide variety of services. Would you recommend charging different rates for different projects as long as I hit my target of $80 an hour per man-hour? Provide services that are easy to find for the customer, and the labor is easy to locate with a hassle-free experience Offering so many services would be difficult to justify Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

Dan and Tom speak with guest Chris Treese. Chris is the owner of a construction company called Classic Home Concepts. Chris discusses the value of being part of the right community, the power of meeting people in person, and the importance of participating in live events. In this episode, we talk about… His financial condition before he joined the Contractor Fight How being a part of the Contractor Fight programs changed his mindset and business Getting real-time help with your issues through Contractor Fight's open coaching program Changes Chris made to his business and marketing strategy Final deciding factors in closing a sale Differentiating yourself from other companies that offer the same services as you Chris' journey from being a third-party installer for a manufacturer to taking on his own marketing What you need to know before hiring a media professional How to build your brand as a local business owner How he has changed as a leader in the last few years The importance of conducting weekly team meetings Working through your mindset instead of saying, "why can't I do this or why can't I succeed." Resources: Connect with Chris here - Classic Home Concepts: https://classichomeconcepts.com/ Want the success Chris is enjoying for yourself? Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

Tom and Steve discuss the "Bucketization" of your business so that you can run your business more efficiently. They also discuss what contractors struggle with and what they can do to overcome those issues. In this episode, we talk about… How to bucketize your business for greater efficiency The issue of having lots of cash flow but no profit Pricing your work and selling it at a 50% gross profit margin How to communicate with a potential prospect over the phone The areas where most contractors have difficulty How to build a good team and be a good leader What to do when your employees arrive late for work Pushing your limits so you can reach the next level Keeping your employees in the loop about the profits of your company Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

If a battle cannot be won, do not fight it! Tom recommends that you pick your job wisely, i.e., do not begin a project if you do not feel 100% sure that you are going to win. In this episode, we talk about… Never accept a job unless you are confident that you will keep at least 50% of the money. Learning how to pre-plan projects to win before you even step foot on the job site Organizing pre-job visits to get a sense of the project and getting your team ready for it Mapping out your ideal outcome for the work you do every day Don’t do a job if you're not 100% sure you'll win — you'll never get hurt on a job you didn't do. Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Stop giving unsolicited advice—unsolicited advice never helps anyone! Tim and Greg tell you why acting like an expert never benefits anyone and why you should become a better listener and process your thoughts before speaking. In this episode, we talk about… Why you shouldn't act like an expert How to be a good communicator What are you missing, if you don't listen to your prospects Taking a few seconds and processing your thoughts before you speak Why you should be a good listener to be a good speaker Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Dan explains that the fundamentals of the contracting industry—communicating, marketing, selling, interacting with homeowners, fulfilling the job, leading your crew, etc.—are all the same. So get rid of the unicorn syndrome. In this episode, we talk about… We all suffer from snowflakes syndrome and think we're just super unique. Share your experiences with other contractors, take their advice—don't feel alone or isolated. Don't be afraid that reaching out to another contractor will make you appear weak and stupid. What you do has already been won by others in the past. So, don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel. If you want knowledge, move beyond free content or free Facebook groups, and find unparalleled community, knowledge, and support with Contractor Fight programs. Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Tom and Dan answer your questions about how to pay yourself as the owner of the company, providing your subcontractors with shirts and magnets to give them a sense of your company's identity, how to inform your clients about hiring subcontractors, and how to get leads in winter, etc. In this episode, we talk about… Question1: As a result of COVID, I was unable to find good employees to work for the business that I established at the end of 2019. When should I quit my full-time job and return to my business? Learn how to communicate properly Communication is an important component of how you're building your personal brand Even if you couldn't find people to work with, don't give up Be serious about building a business Question 2: I'm structured as an escort and also work in the field for an average of 80 hours monthly. In addition to the salary, should I also pay myself an hourly wage? Talk to your accountant about how they want to structure the money It's more important how you job-cost your time in the field rather than how you pay yourself Question3: When I hire subcontractors, should I provide them with shirts and magnets to represent my business or not? Also, do I need to inform the homeowner that subcontractors will be doing the work? If so, how? You shouldn't provide shirts and magnets because they're a subcontractor. They have their own business. Subs are just glorified employees, and you're going to get audited and screwed at some point. Letting the customer know or not know about hiring subs is a marketing and sales process issue Bring the right subs to do the job, and then set the expectation in the sales process Most customers don't care who does the job. They just want to know who will do it. Question 4: How do you get leads in winter? The only trades that can get constant leads are the emergency trades like electric, heating, air, plumbing, etc. Currently, your only option is to contact past customers. Don't expect fast work from anyone who isn't a past customer since you're behind the eight ball. The number one job you have as a business owner is to market your business, build your brand and sell it. Don't care about producing at this point—sell it first, then figure out how to produce it. Get fanatical about marketing and building your brand—invest a portion of your revenue into branding your business. Check out our Marketing Boot Camp—it will teach you how to market and build relationships, etc. Build relationships with influencers, interior designers, realtors, etc Make warranty calls—ask if anything is wrong, etc. This will differentiate you from everybody else. Warranty calls are one of the greatest ways to build your brand and business. Question 5: I do bathroom models, and I have too many leads. Tell me how you recommend screening leads. Check the Shin-Fu process Be good and efficient at what you do Resources: == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Tom and Dan talk with guest Ben Schneider. Ben is the owner of Peak Sodding in North Carolina and is also a BATTLEGROUND program member. Ben discusses how you're not alone in the business world, getting involved in a community that can help you grow, building relationships, and the changes he has made to his business that turned his business and family life around. In this episode, we talk about… Mistakes he was making in his business and changes he made that turned his business around His mental state when his business was not doing well How he used social media to find the right subcontractors Why it is important to have a good relationship with your subcontractors and what he does to do so How he came to know about the contractor fight programs and insights he got from being a part of the community His interaction with the other members of the community How knowing your numbers will help you grow your business, and why so many people are intimidated about doing so How the contractor fight programs proved to be one of the biggest game-changer for his mindset Spending your marketing money when demand is the highest Ben's experience at the Contractor Fight Profit Summit in Denver What he wishes he had known before starting his business How you're not alone mentality helped him to succeed in his business Resources: Connect with Ben, Peak Sodding: https://peaksodding.com/ Want the success Ben is enjoying for yourself? Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecontractorfight/

Money should not be the cause of your problems, but a tool for your happy and problem-free life! Tom and Steve remind us that you can have money, be happy, and have great relationships in your life, and it’s not hard to earn money—all you need to do is keep doing what you're good at with proper guidance. In this episode, we talk about… The mindset that most powerful business owners have Things successful entrepreneurs have in common Why your business is falling apart Developing the high-performance habits of success Being fanatical about your passion The two most important words in success—know what you want, and do what you have to do every day to achieve it The story of Cliff walks at Newport, Rhode Island Why do some people purposely sabotage certain areas of their lives Earning your potential to find more opportunities The process of maximizing your earning power The truth behind, “I don’t care about money. Money is not really important to me.” Problems in your life that are correlated with money Your success depends on the people you hang out with The fat gym syndrome To win the battle between your ears and you need to find yourself a Battleground About the battleground program—a powerful community of sales, marketing, leadership, and legal professionals Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

Honoring your commitments will keep you moving toward your goals in your business and life! Today Tom shares his tips for a successful 2022. In this episode, we talk about… What is making you unattractive to your team and potential team members Learning how to run a meeting and how to be a better leader Becoming a fanatic about growing profitable sales and building your team Reasons why you're not getting success: You don't lead your team with confidence and vision—because you don't trust yourself as a leader. You don't trust yourself because you continue to break your promises—this erodes your confidence. You are not having company meetings regularly. You're changing habits in your business, marketing, sales, etc., but you're not making any adjustments at home or with your overhead. You're sabotaging yourself and not doing what you know you need to do because you're afraid to grow—you just want to stay small and profitable. Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Today, Tom introduces The Long & Short of It with Tim Cutroni and Greg. Tim and Greg are sales coaches in The Contractor Fight and are also active contractors. The two discuss how to keep yourself mentally and physically fit during the offseason. In this episode, we talk about…    The hosts of the Long and Short of it, Tim and Greg How the winter season looks for a seasonal contractor Overeating during the winter season What to do to clear off seasonal depression Ways to keep yourself mentally and physically sharp in the offseason Listen to some thought-provoking podcasts Keep yourself involved in physical activities Keep learning and pass on your knowledge   Resources:  Tim Cutroni, Pond Builder at New England Aquatic Landscapinghttps://iloveponds.com/  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book  == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight:https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid  The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Dan is here to remind you to look at your business and your life, to find out if you're getting sucked into a predictable path you don't want to follow, and to get off that path as fast as you can. In this episode, we talk about… What is a rip current and how does it relate to your life If you feel that you’re in a situation that does not feel right, you should reevaluate the situation and escape. Three examples of people escaping from unwanted situations from the Battleground group The cost worksheet led a guy to analyze his overhead and labor costs. People who quit drinking and focus on their mental and physical health A guy ended his partnership in business after realizing that it wasn't going to work Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about how to price a job, how to decide when to hire your first employee, what percent should you make when it comes to marking up subs, why do clients prefer free estimates instead of professional charge quotes, even if the contractor is a registered member of a professional body and the best one-line advice for a brand new starter. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: I'm running an electrical company in Australia, and the material prices have skyrocketed. Is it better to charge by the hour or by the job? The most successful contractors have a minimum service call. Inflation is not your problem—it's the customer's problem—charge what you need to charge to do the job. Make 60-70% of your gross labor profit. Have $100 per project sundries fees and hand the rest of the sundries receipts to the customer. The materials are not your problem as contractors—the customers are the ones that have to pay for it. Question 2: How do you gauge when to hire your first employee? Figure out your own pricing and start making the profit that you need to make Market your brand and learn how to sell Build relationships with other contractors Get your money before you bring on employees Sub everything out that you need to Set a goal for yourself to put $1,000 a day in your pocket Question 3: I need help working on a minimum call-out and price a job. It's very risky to replace a water meter in a building—it won't take much time, but there's a high risk The price is the solution, not the time charge—charge what it's worth This is about salesmanship, having a conversation, and setting expectations Question 4: When it comes to marking up subs, like a deck or a pavilion, what percent do you recommend? 100%—if subs charge me five, I charge 10 for the job Let them price the job in a healthy margin—be happy, show up on time and then double it Great marketing and salesmanship makes this easy. Question 5: What habits have you developed to overcome your limiting beliefs? Objectively analyze yourself regularly- Dan My affirmations are based on the kind of person I want to be in the future, and then develop the habits and actions that will make me more like him, and then your confidence grows- Tom. Surround yourself with FWS and people that think the same way Question 6: Why do clients prefer free estimates instead of professional charge quotes, even if we're registered members of a professional body? Contractors have trained consumers to get free estimates. Clients prefer it because it's free. When you learn to sell and connect with their motives, position yourself and dig into the emotions of the thing, then they're happy to pay a consultation fee. Question 7: Give one of the best one-line advice for a brand new starter. Do something that's going to set you up where you need to be and set yourself up to win- Dan. Be passionate about building your brand and marketing your business every single day—build that habit early on, because you will not make any money and you won't sell jobs without opportunities- Tom Resources: == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Today, Tom's guest is Anthony Abbott. Anthony is a United States Army veteran and a remodeling contractor. He runs a company called Greystone Remodeling in Raleigh, North Carolina. Anthony shares how he could never make more than $275k in sales in a year and paid himself only 12 grand in 2020 as a business owner, and what changes he made in his business, so he was able to pay himself over 100 grand in 2021. In this episode, we talk about… How bad was Anthony's sales and revenue situation before he joined the $100k program Mistakes he was making in his business before 2020 How he was able to turn his business and income around Changes Anthony made to his mindset, sales process, and business model How he was able to change his multiplier from 1.27x to 3.8x as a remodeler Putting yourself on the payroll as the business owner How his bad business was affecting his relationship with his wife and life at home The 50% gross profit rule—don't sell anything less than 50% gross profit The biggest changes he has made in himself as a leader in the last year Things he still struggles with within his business Anthony’s advice to contractors Resources: = Greystone Remodeling Website: https://greystoneremodelinginc.com/ = Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground = Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/book (Just pay to ship) = Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook = Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid. = Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

All talk and no action—it's a habit that kills your business, relationships, and health and sabotages your life! Tom is here to remind you that start working on the cattle part instead of worrying about how cool your hat looks. In this episode we talk about… Wearing all the hats and not making any money Story of a guy with all hat and no cattle What should you do to improve your business The world is full of trash-talkers. Don't be one of them There are too many contractors out there that are all talk and no action Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

The real action begins when you begin to get serious about the work! Dan is here to remind you to take a moment to write down your action plan to follow up on those big promises you made to yourself at the start of the year. Just start by taking small steps, and you'll get there. In this episode, we talk about… Being compassionate and knowing what is really important in life Story of an old sailor and a young professor The most important thing we need to master in life Creating an action plan to achieve your goals Resources: == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about how to be a better and more encouraging leader, what should you do if you're losing passion for your business, how to find skilled people, what should be your GP when you're new to the business, what action you should take when you find out one of your staff members is using office time, utilities, and resources to work on other projects, and is it necessary to have the logo and the website to do your business. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: Can you give any suggestions on courses to be a better, more encouraging leader in my business? Check out anything by John Maxwell—the guru on leadership Read Winning the Contractor Fight book by Tom Read Uncommon Leadership book by Ben Newman If you want to be a better leader, be the example Put yourself in the shoes of a past leader Question 2: What should I do if I am losing passion for my business and finding it difficult to hire skilled employees? Figure out what you like about your business Be positive, and then start spreading your business Whether you find people or not right now, start having fun yourself in the business and finding ways to win. Put on your own job fair Build your brand consistently Have a careers page on your website Question 3: When you're new to the business, do you start off at 50% GP or punish yourself for a couple of decades undercharging until you're in trouble? It's much easier to have conversations with new customers than with old clients. Position yourself as not the cheap guy Build your brand the way you want it to be right from the start Question 4: What do you do when you find out that one of your staff members uses office time, utilities, and resources to work on other projects? Figure out what your employee handbook says. Explain clearly during onboarding that company resources and time cannot be used for side projects Before you take any action, find out why they are doing that. Question 5: Is it essential to have the logo and the website to do the business? If you're going to have a real business, it's very important to have a real company identity, branding campaign, and strategy. If you are a company, you need to be branded. You're irrelevant if you're not out there branding and marketing your business and telling a story. Resources: Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Today, Tom’s guest is Chris Olson, the owner of Pacific Home Maintenance, LLC in Washington state. Chris has earned a brown belt in Shin-Fu training. Chris talked about working hard, staying focused, and surrounding yourself with winners. In this episode, we talk about… Marketing, selling, and leading—and how to know your numbers Going all-in, putting in the work, staying focused, and surrounding yourself with winners The experience Chris gained in The Contractor Fight group and 100k program The necessity of holding regular team meetings The 50% gross profit rule—don’t sell anything less than 50% gross profit Fear of being underpriced for a job Chris’ experience with the pre-Shin-Fu sales process Why it is important to understand other people’s reasons for buying Setting up a consultation fee for your clients Confidence building for the sales process Understanding the value of your employees and their ability to solve problems Charging enough to have some margin for mistakes Resources: Pacific Home Maintenance Website: https://pacifichomewa.com/ == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: https://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid.

Every action you take and every habit you have is a vote for the type of person you want to become! We are kicking off a new year, and Tom is here to tell you about the things that will make or break your business. In this episode, we talk about… Things that will derail your 2022 The mindset that will determine your success TBAR—Thoughts lead to Beliefs, which lead to Actions, which get Results Habits that are derailing you from achieving success Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/book (Just pay shipping) == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ The Contractor Fight is the ultimate resource for becoming an uncommon contractor! Pick a fight with mediocrity. Live Unafraid. == Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig Live Unafraid Swag: http://thecontractorfight.com/unafraid

Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it! Dan is here to remind you that knowing something, being aware of something doesn't mean it won't happen again. In this episode, we talk about… Do not prioritize business over family Knowing about something doesn't mean it won't happen again—be proactive and avoid repeating the same mistake Assessing where you are and what you can do to prevent the past from repeating itself. Not being a workaholic to the point where you ignore your family or kids Resources: Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner Interested in 1-1 deep-dive coaching with us? Shoot an email to [email protected]

Today, Tom’s guests are Andrew Houston and Liam Morin from Profit For Contractors. Liam and Andrew have a book coming out called, How to Steal Your Competitors' Tradespeople Ethically. Today they share some strategies and tactics to help you attract your competitors' employees and make them want to work for you. In this episode, we talk about… What the book How to Steal Your Competitors' Tradespeople Ethically is all about The realities all tradespeople are experiencing How COVID has affected the contracting industry If you want to succeed in your business, pick up the phone and answer your clients Best ethical ways of stealing the best talent from your competition How to truly become a business owner The biggest thing plaguing contractors right now is their victim mindset around hiring. Build yourself from the inside out, and then invest—start with investing in the people that you have on your team right now Give your best to your teammates or employees to help them to reach their goals The place that you've got to build a great environment is with the people that you have right now The foundational principles of communication If you want to hire the best employees, go to the Instagram profile of the top 10 contractors in your area—copy their job add, change five things on it and repost it The worst time to hire is when you need somebody. Resources: Profitable Contractors Association FB Group Link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/contractortips Get a copy of the book here: https://www.contractorhiringmastery.com/earlybird-1 Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight Night – https://thecontractorfight.com/fightnight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Making a better decision and taking different actions will lead to better results, both of which are in your control. Make the right decision, take the right steps, and win the year! Dan is here to remind you to change your choices and actions to get better results. In this episode, we talk about… Do something if you don't like the results you get. Control your thoughts, your attitudes, and your actions Things will get harder, but you can choose to be a victim or not. Start over and place your targets on the ship you want. Resources: The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw The Contractor Fight Night –https://thecontractorfight.com/fightnight/

Dan is here to remind you that the key to a happy and fulfilling life is to surround yourself with people who will lend you a helping hand when you need it! In this episode, we talk about… Being around individuals whose actions and ideas inspire you Building blocks to living an awesome life Making sure you know your supporters' needs and be ready to help them if they fall Appreciating those who care for you Resources: The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner Interested in 1-1 deep-dive coaching with us? Shoot an email to [email protected]

The guys answer your questions about how to communicate with clients to see whether or not you’ll be hired, should you stop working with homeowners and work with investors, should you visit a client’s site for an estimate if you think there’s no chance to pre-qualify over the phone, and some tips for growing your painting business. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: Can I get some examples of what to say to a homeowner to know if they want to hire you or not? Do not chase prospects, potential clients, or homeowners You should know how your customers feel about the price Know all the circumstances that lead to decisions To be a great salesperson, put your ego aside Question 2: Has anyone stopped working for homeowners and started working with investors? Communicate appropriately with clients to set the right expectations Working with investors is a low bid—they have a budget Investors provide you with a continual flow of leads Residential is an easy place for you to shine if you understand respect, communication, and cleanliness It’s easy to make homeowners happy and get around the games Good relationships are the key—no matter what arena you choose to compete in. Question 3: When there is no way to pre-qualify a potential client over the phone, should you visit their site if they ask for an estimate and a visit? You can pre-qualify people over the phone without even knowing what they want Go out and meet people if you see a potential client for a long term relationship Question 4: I want some advice on growing my paint business. Focus on the profit, scale the profit, then everything else will follow Look at your job costing and see where you’re making money and where you’re not Focus on the things that are repeatable and high profit, and make your life easier Resources: To have your questions answered by Tom and Dan shoot us an email to [email protected] with the subject “Podcast” and we’ll try and answer it on a future show. Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob

Don’t let your clients chase you for updates and information—initiate the communication and be the uncommon contractor! Tom is here to remind you of the importance of being the initiator of communications if you want to win in business! In this episode, we talk about… Don’t let days and days and weeks and weeks go by—pick up the phone and communicate. Update the situation to the client—it doesn’t matter if it’s good, bad, or indifferent news. Your silence puts a wedge between you and your clients. Instead of looking for the next marketing and sales strategy, get on the phone with your clients and have an open, honest conversation Links to Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

The more detail you put into envisioning your future, the more likely you are to achieve your goals! Dan is here to remind you to head into 2022 with absolute clarity in every area of your life. In this episode, we talk about… Making sure that you get incredibly clear about the future you want See your future with great detail, and make that part of your vision Write down your vision, read it, and recite it—you’ll be amazed by the results Envisioning your future in detail is hard mental work — when you do that, you program your brain to get it Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Dan is here to remind you that you need to clarify how you want your business to serve you and then reverse engineer your business to meet those goals. In this episode, we talk about… Reverse engineering your business to suit your goal Living your life to satisfy somebody else's expectation What will make you succeed in your business To know what direction you want your business to be in, figure out: What you want your life to be beyond your business What do you want your family life to look like What are your financial needs Resources: The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Interested in 1-1 deep-dive coaching with us? Shoot an email to [email protected]

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about whether you should pay yourself an hourly wage or the owners' salary as the owner of the business, calculating your net profit, the best way to build your brand, and the right time to cut the cord and go full time. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: Should I pay myself an hourly wage as the owner of the business? And how do I calculate my net profit? Pay yourself an owner salary instead of an hourly wage Put your net profit into your overhead Net Profit does not include what you pay yourself As the owner pay yourself a salary ≥ what you would make doing the same job in somebody else's company Question 2: The pre-qualifying step in the sales process makes me worry that I will lose business. How do I overcome this mentality? Taking control through the SHIN-FU and not writing up bids like everybody else Get rid of the people that are wasting your time Finding people that value the process will resolve the issue Telling yourself that you’re worth the money that you’re charging If you know your production rates, you can give prices confidently Question 3: What would be the best advertising company to promote my website? Talk to some people that work with contractors, and can provide data—analytics of how they increase their site visits The best advertising company is going to first identify what your issue is Identify through Google analytics, are people finding your site Often the traffic issue is because there’s a problem with your site framework, the title pages or tags If you’re getting traffic and it's not converting to leads—there's an issue with your website Ads don't work if you got a substandard site Question 4: When it comes to building your brand, what is the number one thing you can do? Your brand is the story that is told when people see you or think of you To build your brand is to build your personal brand Pay attention to the little details Be intentional about the story you want to tell about you and your company Question 5: What time is the right time to cut the cord and go full time Start your business from a position of strength and not desperation Have a hustle attitude or hunter mindset—to start your business from a position of desperation Resources: To have your questions answered by Tom and Dan shoot us an email to [email protected] with the subject “Podcast” and we’ll try and answer it on a future show. Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob

Enforcing the standards in your company and not being everyone’s buddy doesn’t mean you aren’t likable. It just means that you make the tough decisions when they are needed—that’s what a leader does. Tom’s here to remind you to stop being friends with your employees. In this episode, we talk about… The DiSC profile—(D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness, (C)onscientiousness Being clear on the code of conduct of your business Befriending your employees is harmful to your company’s future, employees’ ability to grow, and your capability to lead. Keep yourself from being friends with your employees—as a leader, you need to take responsibility for your team, set a new standard, communicate and enforce it. You can’t be trusted as a leader if you’re not consistently showing up with the communication Leadership is influence—if you really want to have influence over your team, you’ve got to build the habit of getting uncomfortable yourself. Your number one job is to create leverage in your company and lift everybody up with you Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Your non-negotiable values are huge—they guide you in making decisions, protect your integrity, boost morale and empower your employees! Tom is here to remind you that do not start this new year without getting clear on your non-negotiable values. In this episode, we talk about… Tom’s NNV’s (Non-Negotiable Values) Set the values and the standard that you'll live by and run your business by Roll the red value—do everything with excellence Using your values as a filter to make life decisions Resources: Grab your copy of Tom's book - Winning the Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/book/ Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Don’t step over today for tomorrow! Dan is here to remind you that instead of dedicating your life to your business, consider how you can dedicate your business to serve your life. In this episode, we talk about… If you're gonna dedicate your life to a business to succeed. Why not go huge? Always scaling your business Consequences that come with growing your business Don't aim for the success defined by society — set your own goals If you're not constantly scaling, your business is dying Resources: The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner Interested in 1-1 deep-dive coaching with us? Shoot an email to [email protected]

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about restarting your contracting business without any portfolio, the best ways to find general contractors, and finding ideal clients without relying on word-of-mouth. In this episode, we talk about… Question1: I want to re-start my contracting business but have no portfolio of my past work and was an unlicensed contractor. What should my first steps be? Hire an attorney—make sure your business entity is correct and is going to protect you Get a job working for somebody else while you do your side hustle business to make some money Be passionate about building your brand Decide what you want your business to look like in the future Rent your equipment instead of buying Be clear about: What you’re going to build Is there demand in your market Who’s your ideal client Question 2: What are the best ways to find general contractors? Find companies that you want to align with—take advantage of their schedule crunch Make use of social media to market your business Question 3: How do I find more ideal customers without word-of-mouth? Despite posting on social networking sites, my target market is not narrowing down. There may be no response in the initial phase—but keep posting Level up your game and be more personal and more relevant Instagram is a goldmine for contractors for building relationships Make sure your content resonates with your ideal client Resources: To have your questions answered by Tom and Dan shoot us an email to [email protected] with the subject “Podcast” and we’ll try and answer it on a future show. Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner

Today, Tom’s guest is Todd Dawalt, host of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast. Todd shares tips for being a great leader, and how to shore up profit leaks in your business. In this episode, we talk about… Your job as a leader is to give your people a vision Don’t just tell when you coach people—ask questions. This will make you a ninja-level conversationalist The better relationships you have, the less you’re going to have profit leaks If you're trying to get somebody to do something, don't ask them why they can't do it—ask, what would it take to solve this? “There's this myth that the leader has to come up with the plan—No—your job is to get the right people in the room, ask the right questions, and then get out of the way, let them let them do their thing” How your control over your employees affects their productivity The solution to productivity crisis and skilled labor shortage A good leader asks good questions Solve the handoff—this is where 80% of the profit bleeds live Ways to leverage yourself Start thinking differently about yourself and your company Design your organization for the future Resources: Construction Leading Edge Podcast – http://www.constructionleadingedge.com/ Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight Night – https://thecontractorfight.com/fightnight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Be the exception — take action when others are taking a break — stand out from others and grow your brand. Dan is here to remind you that now is the perfect time to gain traction in your business — Finish this year strong! In this episode, we talk about… December is an amazing month to make new relationships — grow your business The mindset you need to have to make your business grow Holidays shouldn’t be your excuse to stop working Being uncommon to stand out and gain ground to build your business Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

There is no greater importance to life than the experiences it brings — they make you realize what is important and what is not. Dan is here to remind you not to underestimate the importance of life experiences. In this episode, we talk about… When it comes to business — there is no replacement for life experiences Lack of life experiences are holding back young contractors If you’re able to harness the superpower life experiences — you’re going to be ahead of 99% of people on this planet Know the reality, look at your past decisions, and use that perspective to bounce your decisions For every bad experience, there is some guaranteed win as well — use that experience to leverage your decisions forward You only get guts through life experiences! Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner Interested in 1-1 deep-dive coaching with us? Shoot an email to [email protected]

Listen in as Tom and Dan answer your questions about how to pay your sales representative, spending money on building a website as a new business, and the time you need to stay live while doing video content for a business page. In this episode, we talk about… Question 1: “Should I spend a large amount of money on building a website as a new contractor? I don’t have the funds yet.” Build your own website—it should be the hub of everything you do Some web companies create a full website for you in phases New contractors—put 8-10 hours/day into marketing and building your brand The hustle and grind phase of new business Start small, and get your name out there Question 2: “How do you pay your sales representative—hourly or commission?” To know the need for a sales rep for your business—work on the math of gross profit and cost per sale Solar and roofing companies—give 100% commission to your sales rep Give full lead to your salesperson or increase your marketing spend to generate enough lead Creating teamwork between your sales and your employees Mistakes to avoid while hiring a sales rep Question 3: “Is there a recommended time to stay live while doing video content for a business page?” The time you stay live depends on who your audience is Short-form content with valuable information is good Resources: To have your questions answered by Tom and Dan shoot us an email to [email protected] with the subject “Podcast” and we’ll try and answer it on a future show. Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k Order Your Fight Planner – https://thecontractorfight.com/fight-planner

Don’t be afraid to play the long game—build the foundation as strong as you can! Tom’s here to remind you not to move for anything advanced until you master the basics. In this episode, we talk about… The habits you need to let go of—to work towards the future that you want Until you have that strong foundation, you’ll not be able to bear more load The foundation of contractor business The next level of sales training Mastering the basics of running a business—to move your business to an advanced level Digging deeper into the information you’re given—to understand their motives and the outcome they want. Resources: For more mindset mojo follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight Night – https://thecontractorfight.com/fightnight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw

Challenges are opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement! Dan is here to remind you that hard times are there to refine you and mold you into a better version of yourself. In this episode, we talk about… Being refined, being tested, and growing through it Making you a better version of yourself Refining yourself through the heat of your life Learning from your pains Your perspective of seeing problems will change your life Things don’t happen to you—they happen for you Resources: Follow Tom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber The $100k Contractor is designed to get you to at least $100k a year in personal income. It’s time we quit stealing from our families and get that time back! https://TheContractorFight.com/100k The Contractor Fight Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecontractorfight/ The Contractor Fight Night – https://thecontractorfight.com/fightnight/ The Contractor Fight TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWHDzg1Tnogow9uAL3YESw