The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

A brief summary of this episode

In this episode I share a few things that have been on my mind lately. Please join me as I discuss: The Fatal Mistake I See Contractors Making on a Regular Basis! How Your Passion is Making You a Starving Artist! An Invitation to Apply for Our Upcoming Profit Summit this Fall! Head here to apply for the Profit Summit!

Nick Slavic, of Nick Slavic Painting & Restoration is a former Army Paratrooper who volunteered for two tours overseas after the 9/11 attacks. He fishes with a spear, grows his own food and has an accounting degree. I met Nick in early 2016 and immediately had a respect for him as a person and a businessman as I watched how he was building his brand. Show Highlights Nick calls himself a “Proprietor.” Started painting in his dad’s business at about 12 years old. After a disagreement with his father he went out on his own in 2007. Nick’s philosophy is “Remove all excuses,” followed closely with, “Lead by example.” He has been called a “hipster”, but Nick considers himself more a man out of his time. Nick still advertises pretty heavily in traditional newspaper ads which is still pretty effective in his area. He models them on “old-school” advertisements with a modern edge. He works regularly with local photographers styling marketing images intentionally to look more traditional. This helps catch attention on modern social platforms like Facebook. Nick knows his target market is 45-70 year old women and he adapts his marketing to appeal to this audience. Nick differentiates himself from the competition by making the passion he has for this work abundantly clear to the homeowners he meets. He defines “success” as “you supply the best coatings and best finishes, you have the happiest customers and if you can call your life happy, you call it happy.” Nick feels this is truly his life’s calling and all three are important. Nick’s biggest leadership fail is failing to use the third 8 hours of a 24 hour day. Nick’s top tip for other business owners is to use the third 8 hours of the day. 8 hours each day is for sleep, 8 hours for trade, and Nick believes it’s important to be intentional about how you use what he calls the “third 8”. Nick truly believes that if you’re passionate about the work that you do, it’s easy to devote this much time to your business. He believes that his passion for his trade is no different than an artist’s passion for creating, or a musician’s passion for music. One of his pet peeves is people not respecting someone’s passion for their trade. Nick finds novice painters and puts them through a journeyman/apprenticeship program. He fully invests in each employee as though they’ll be with him their whole life, even if they’re just staying for the summer. He feels that contractors place too much value on marketing keywords and hypnotic sales sheets when the bottom-line, most crucial factor to succeeding in a contracting business is authentic trust. Your clients need to trust you and that just takes time. Nick’s rule is perfect the product and experience before you focus on marketing and SEO. Get the foundation right, before you expand on your marketing. Focus on the long-game. Join him Saturday Mornings at 10am CST, “Ask a Painter” on Facebook live from his deck. You can submit questions. Reach Nick at: http://nickslavik.com/ https://www.instagram.com/slaviknick/ https://www.facebook.com/nick.slavik.92

Jake’s Designs is an award winning, Colorado Springs based, landscape company established in 2000. Jake’s Designs specializes in guiding homeowners through the process of the landscape design all the way through the installation of the project. Jake’s employs two degreed landscape designers to start the process who truly believe that “every great landscape starts with a great design”. Once a design and price is met the designers very comfortably hand the clients off to a great construction manager who ensures the designs are properly installed and come to life! Jake Harris graduated from Colorado State University in 2000 with a degree in landscape architecture and immediately founded Jake’s Designs. Since that day he has coached his team into what he had envisioned. Coming from a family of self-employed parents he has always had a strong belief in customer satisfaction and credits that to the success of his company. Jake always puts his whole heart into his designs to make sure all the client’s needs are met. jakesdesigns.com Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group Outro Music: Takeo Ischi "New Bibi-Hendl

Jake’s Designs is an award winning, Colorado Springs based, landscape company established in 2000. Jake’s Designs specializes in guiding homeowners through the process of the landscape design all the way through the installation of the project. Jake’s employs two degreed landscape designers to start the process who truly believe that “every great landscape starts with a great design”. Once a design and price is met the designers very comfortably hand the clients off to a great construction manager who ensures the designs are properly installed and come to life! Jake Harris graduated from Colorado State University in 2000 with a degree in landscape architecture and immediately founded Jake’s Designs. Since that day he has coached his team into what he had envisioned. Coming from a family of self-employed parents he has always had a strong belief in customer satisfaction and credits that to the success of his company. Jake always puts his whole heart into his designs to make sure all the client’s needs are met. jakesdesigns.com Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this SOLOCAST, Tom shares his own story and tips on how to avoid burnout and build a strong business. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Keith Kalfas about how he grew a youtube channel from 0 to 21,000 subscribers. Keith gives advice to those who are unsure of what to use youtube and other platforms for growing your contracting business. http://www.thelandscapingemployeetrap.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEmployeeTrap ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Matt White, the founder of Remodeler Marketing Institute and owner of JoltCMS and The Remodeler's Edge about how to build credibility and trust in this new world of buying & selling. stopsellingstarthelping.com joltcms.com theremodelersedge.com remodelermarketinginstitute.com contact:[email protected] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Tom Lopatosky about nailing down your sales process, building relationships, charging for estimates, and add value to your community. Tom L gives you 5 steps to creating a system for maximizing networking events. http://www.lopcocontracting.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Travis Brown the producer of the Strongpreneur Podcast. They talk about why every human being should podcast. 1. Become an authority 2. It's "evergreen" promotion3. People get to know you 4. Tell future clients what you want them to know 5. Podcasts are freee. 6. No one reads blogs 7. Technology is your friend. [email protected] 630.915.5780 iamtravisbrown.bandcamp.com Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews David Chism from adavidcreation.com a small marketing firm that helps small businesses grow, be more profitable and become better known to their target clients. David touches on 5 mistakes contractors make in marketing themselves and their business. He talks about closing on the spot and what avenues he thinks are best for contractors to market their business. adavidcreation.com ralawn.com ------------------------------------------------ Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Steve Shinholser about the golden rules of contracting. 1. Treat your customers and employees as you want to be treated (like an owner). 2. Make 50% on bids and track your jobs. "I'd rather make an easy $50 than a hard $100." - Steve Shinholser Contractor Sales Academy The Shinholser Effect www.motorhard.com ------------------------------------------------ Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom breaks down the business math of a contractor. Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold = Gross Profit Gross Profit - Overheard = Net Profit Challenge: Next project cut your cost by 1/2 = 50% Gross Profit www.motorhard.com ------------------------------------------------ Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom talks about the "rebirth" of the podcast and why he's making the changes to become a contractor specific podcast. "A man who chases two rabbits catches none." ~ Roman Proverb [15138] www.motorhard.com www.orderofman.com 2 words that will always lead to business success: Clarity & Consistency motorhard.com/contractor-coaching-group ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this solocast Tom discusses how you can create the ultimate experience for your clients. 1. You are where you are because of the choices you've made. 2. You become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with - Jim Rohn 3. Don't project your beliefs about money on your clients. 4. Two things that reveal your priorities your checkbook and your calendar: How are you spending your time and money? 5. Make sure your new hires see you have a plan for them while on boarding. 6. It's not your responsibility to find your clients magic money tree. 7. There is enough time in the day. ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom answers user questions from the Strongpreneur Nation Mastermind Group. Level up your business and join 275 other entrepreneurs today by clicking here ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews David Katz a conscience CEO and change maker. David Katz is a social entrepreneur from Vancouver, Canada who decided to do something about plastic waste. David is the Founder & CEO of The Plastic Bank, the world’s first triple-bottom-line company that turns plastic waste into an even more valuable social and economic asset (called Social Plastic®) that also empowers leadership and economic prosperity in some of the world’s poorest communities. Tom sat down with David to ask him some questions on his personal journey being a leader of a rapidly expanding global movement. David Katz Twitter SocialPlastic.org The Obstacle is the Way Book ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this SOLOCAST Tom tells you how to sell more of your stuff. Create content to become the expert in your field, answer customer questions, update your site with relevant data for good google search results, and continue to add value to potential customers life. Challenge: Create one piece of content a week for your site Marcus Sheridan - The Sales Lion ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this SOLOCAST Tom Reber discusses not taking the bait that inevitably steals your time from your ultimate goals. Are you a fish? Do you find yourself biting on the new shiny option? Are you focused on the right things? "Taking the bait always begins with good intentions." Tom's tip: Use https://basecamp.com/ If you like this podcast please remember the #1 rule of the internet: Sharing. Share this podcast on whatever social media you like best Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram! By sharing you can help Tom grow and continue to make more and more content going forward. Join the mastermind group and level up through the community. ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this SOLOCAST Tom Reber shares an embarrassing story about himself that made him feel foolish. Are you missing details in your life and business? Do you have someone to keep you accountable and double check your decisions? Join the mastermind group and level up through the community. ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Midwest Fit Club's co-founders Steve Arch and Shane Herman. Midwest Fit Club (MFC) is a privately-owned gym that offers personal training, fitness classes, and corporate wellness programs. MFC’s fitness staff members are certified professionals with years of training experience obtained through formal education, certification programs, and practical applications. Club members receive expert fitness guidance and motivation to exceed their health and fitness goals, whether a member is new to working out or a fitness enthusiast. MFC’s trainers offer a variety of training styles and develop customized fitness plans for its clients. http://midwestfitclub.com/ ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this episode Tom interviews Brad Barton a witty, magical business speaker. Professional keynote speaker Brad Barton was a misdirected kid headed for disaster. He ran headlong into a stern Greek wrestling coach who looked at this skinny little rebel and created a world class athlete. He ricocheted off an English teacher who took the time to read his dyslexic ramblings and created an author and public speaker. He bounced like a positive pinball from mentor to mentor all the way to a successful happy life as a father of six, a husband, a corporate speaker – a life designed for failure but destined for greatness. Brad Barton Speaks Brad on Linkedin [email protected] ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group

In this SOLOCAST Tom Reber takes you through 3 steps to actually starting your business. Are you falling into the typical traps that most people do when starting a business? Expedite the process, stop waiting, and get what you really want. It's 2016 - Are you ready to Motor this year? ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind

Ryan Michler is a husband, father, Iraqi Combat Veteran, and the Founder of Order of Man. Growing up without a permanent father figure, Ryan was left to learn how to be a man on his own and with the help of a few strong men in his life.He believes that most, if not all, of the world's biggest problems could be solved if males everywhere learned how to be better husbands, fathers, friends, and leaders. He's on a mission to help all men become the men they were meant to be. http://www.orderofman.com/ Order of Man Podcast ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind

Ryan Stewart builds websites and then markets the sh*t out of them. Ryan is a digital marketer with 8 years of client facing marketing experience. He's worked with Accenture, Target, and more. webris.org/blog ryanwashere.com/ Facebook Group - Digital Marketing Questions ------------------------------------------------ Take the Strongpreneur Pledge Join the Strongpreneur Mastermind Group