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Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors
EP193: Mastering Labor Efficiency with Greg Crabtree
Financial knowledge is not merely a benefit in entrepreneurship; creating a strong and successful company is necessary. Even if many entrepreneurs are passionate about their goods or services, they frequently ignore important financial aspects essential to long-term success.
In this episode, Brad and Greg talk about:
- Understanding gross margin vs. revenue
- The importance of labor efficiency ratios
- Strategies for maintaining profitability
- Navigating inflation and market changes
- The future of the construction industry
Mentioned:
Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!
https://gregcrabtree.net/books/simple-numbers-straight-talk-big-profits/
Website: https://gregcrabtree.net/
https://www.simplenumberscri.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-crabtree-simple-numbers/
Links to Resources:
Grab Brad's tell all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprint
https://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
More episodes
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250. EP250: How Hyper-Targeted Marking Can Change The Game: Insights From Daniel Dixon
51:53||Ep. 250One of the biggest challenges many businesses face, especially in the early stages, is the urge to use a “shotgun” approach to marketing. When you're trying to attract anyone and everyone, it’s easy to spread your budget and efforts too thin. The result? Wasted ad spend, unfocused messaging, and campaigns that miss the mark.In this episode, Brad and Daniel talk about:Daniel Dixon’s journey and the story behind SendJimHis experience in the home service industryWhy targeted marketing consistently outperforms broad strategiesSmart and effective local marketing tacticsHow automation can streamline and strengthen your marketing effortsThe importance of tracking your numbers to know what truly worksWays to leverage customer relationships to encourage repeat business and upsellsMentioned:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sendjimautomation/Website: https://sendjim.com/Link to Resources:This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance — the smart, simple insurance designed for contractors and small business owners.Protect your business with fast, affordable coverage you can set up in minutes. Learn more at NEXTinsurance.com/hammerGrab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
249. EP249: Military Leadership Lessons for Small Business with Chris Hossfeld
01:02:41||Ep. 249Many people believe that being a leader is a fixed attribute that one either has or does not. But the truth is much more complex. In the area of effective leadership, ongoing self-improvement is not simply desirable; it is crucial.In this episode, Brad and Chris talk about:Importance of empowering team members and recognizing their strengthsDistinction between leadership and managementKey traits of effective leaders: vision, communication, and trustThe significance of setting and maintaining standardsThe role of pre-planning in project successConducting After Action Reviews (AARs) for continuous improvementCreating a safe space for team feedback and accountabilityMentioned:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barrel-strength-leadership/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrel_strength_leadership/Link to Resources:This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance — the smart, simple insurance designed for contractors and small business owners.Protect your business with fast, affordable coverage you can set up in minutes.Learn more at NEXTinsurance.com/hammerGrab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
248. EP248: Turning Chaos into Clarity in Your Contracting Business with Jake Isaacs
49:40||Ep. 248In today’s fast-paced business world, clarity is everything. As companies grow, so does the complexity of their operations, and without structure, confusion quickly follows.In this episode, Brad and Isaac talked about:The role of an integrator vs. a visionaryImportance of hiring and training for business growthThe freedom formula for business ownersOvercoming the scarcity mindset in hiringCreating a positive onboarding experience for new employeesInsights on business efficiency and productivityMentioned:LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-isaacs-28071b41/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jake.c.isaacs/rnameFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jake.isaacs.56YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachjakeisaacsnameLink to Resources:This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance — the smart, simple insurance designed for contractors and small business owners. Protect your business with fast, affordable coverage you can set up in minutes. 👉 Learn more at NEXTinsurance.com/hammerGrab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
247. EP247: Turning ADHD Challenges into Business Superpowers with Skye Waterson
43:57||Ep. 247ADHD impacts millions of people, shaping how they focus, prioritize, and stay productive. For many, it feels like being both the arsonist and the firefighter in their own life, like constantly sparking new ideas while scrambling to put out the flames of unfinished tasks. This nonstop cycle of excitement and overwhelm can leave individuals feeling frustrated or “not enough,” especially when they compare themselves to others who don’t face the same internal battles.In this episode, Brad and Skye talk about:Skye's journey from academia to entrepreneurshipThe impact of ADHD on business ownersImportance of tailored systems for ADHD brainsStrategies for prioritizing tasks and delegating effectivelyThe role of operations assistants in scaling businessesMentioned:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisationLink to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
246. EP246: How contractors can avoid costly insurance mistakes
25:17||Ep. 246Collecting subcontractor insurance certificates is one of the most critical responsibilities in the construction industry, yet it’s also one of the most overlooked. Many new contractors underestimate how important this step is, especially when navigating the complex requirements of workers’ compensation, general liability, and specialized coverage.In this episode, Brad talked about:Importance of insurance for contractorsThe audit process and its implicationsCollecting Certificates of Insurance (COIs) from subcontractorsWorkers' comp exemptions and state-specific regulationsThe significance of a reliable insurance agentTips for organizing and tracking insurance documentsLink to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
245. EP245: Lifestyle Creep: The # 1 Killer Of Contractor Success
30:55||Ep. 245Lifestyle creep often comes from the urge to show success through material things. Many contractors, after earning more, feel pressured to upgrade their lifestyle. This often leads to buying new trucks, bigger homes, or taking lavish trips as a way to demonstrate their financial progress.In this episode, Brad talked about:Definition of lifestyle creep and its impact on personal success for contractorsComparison of lifestyle creep to scope creep in businessPsychological factors driving lifestyle increases among contractorsImportance of financial discipline and delaying purchasesStrategies to combat lifestyle creep.Link to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
244. EP244: Why Referrals Are Drying Up (And How To Fix It)
37:32||Ep. 244Historically, referrals were the cornerstone of many businesses, particularly in industries like construction and home services. The idea was simple: provide excellent service, and satisfied customers would naturally spread the word. However, this model is becoming obsolete as the way consumers engage with services evolves.In this episode, Brad talked about:Reasons why referrals are drying up and how to effectively address this issue in your business.Understand why relying solely on referrals is not a sustainable business strategy.How modern homeowners shop and communicate differently.Five key reasons for declining referralsActionable tips on how to market your business beyond referrals.How to turn clients into raving fans for better referrals.Link to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
243. EP243: The Cost of Chaos: Why Your Business Feels Like a Circus and How to Fix It
50:47||Ep. 243Many contractors are not genuinely running a business but rather managing a chaotic circus with a stressed ringmaster and a bunch of unorganized clowns rather than a legitimate business. This chaos is not merely a symptom of external factors but is primarily rooted in the absence of effective systems.In this episode, Brad talks about:Understanding why many contractors run their businesses like a circus.Common misconceptions about chaos, including hiring and customer issues.How a lack of systems leads to chaos and inefficiency.Key indicators that your business is disorganized.The hidden costs of running a chaotic business.Simple systems to implement for better organization and efficiency.The importance of proactive management in building a successful business.Link to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
242. EP242: Turn words into wealth: Compelling Stories with Aurora Winter
42:41||Ep. 242Communication has a blueprint, much like building a house. You can’t put on the roof before you’ve laid the foundation. In the same way, you must follow a structure when communicating if you want to capture and hold someone’s attention.In this episode, Brad and Aurora talked about:The importance of the "hook" in communicationUnderstanding the neuroscience of communicationCrafting compelling stories for your audienceIdentifying your ideal client and setting boundariesThe value of practice and preparation in communicationResources for improving your messaging skillsMentioned:Website: https://www.aurorawinter.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AuroraWinterLinktree: https://linktr.ee/AuroraWinterOne Sheet with Sample Questions: https://aurorawinter.com/onesheet/Aurora-Winter-Impact-One-Sheet.pdfTurn Words Into Wealth Gift eBook for you: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7o54im0y52Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse Gift eBook for you: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/bd91o9fg2zLink to Resources:Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprinthttps://thecontractorprofitblueprint.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!