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Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors
EP212: From Debt to Financial Freedom: Practical Advice with Connor Tyson
The impulse to raise one's standard of life might result in unstable financial circumstances as people start to see the results of their labors translated into higher income. The idea of delaying gratification becomes apparent as a key tactic to guarantee both individual financial well-being and the company's survival.
In this episode, Brad and Connor talk about:
- The impact of lifestyle creep on personal finances
- Importance of a "hills and valleys" account for seasonal businesses
- Strategies for delaying gratification and building smart money habits
- The significance of proactive financial planning
- Understanding good vs. bad debt in business
- Tips for creating a sustainable budget and financial clarity
Mentioned:
Website: https://progressfc.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/progresssolutionsername
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorthefinancialcoach/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-tyson-chfc/me
Link to Resources:
Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprint
https://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com
You've been invited to check out Job Tread!
https://www.hammerandgrind.com/jobtread
Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
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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!
241. EP241: Stop Collecting Information and Start Taking Action
36:48||Ep. 241A lot of business owners confuse information gathering with quick action. They wait for the "ideal" piece of advice before acting, watching one more video, reading one more article, and attending one more webinar. But in real life, implementation is more important than knowledge.In this episode, Brad talks about:Understanding the difference between information and implementation problems in business.The importance of seeking actionable insights rather than accumulating knowledge.Four Main Levers: Mindset, Pricing/Sales, Systems/Time, and Team/Accountability.How to focus on solving major problems to eliminate smaller issues.The value of accountability and guidance in making effective business decisions.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!
240. EP240: The Foreman Test: How to Identify and Develop Effective Leaders
43:18||Ep. 240Have you ever promoted someone because they were great at their job only to realize later that leadership requires a completely different skill set? It’s a common challenge in the construction industry, where technical excellence doesn’t always translate into effective leadership.In this episode, Brad talks about:Importance of hiring and developing foremen in the construction industry.Promoting the best worker to foreman without considering leadership potential.Understanding the difference between task-oriented and time-oriented individuals.Exploring three types of leaders: Structured, Adaptive, and Craftsman.Introduction of a simplified Myers-Briggs-inspired test to identify leadership styles.Strategies for developing effective leadership skills in foremen.Link to Resources: Take the leadership style test: www.hammerandgrind.com/foreman 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!
239. EP239: The CORE 4 Method: Win Your Day Before It Starts
29:52||Ep. 239Do you start your mornings in chaos? Rushing out the door, skipping breakfast, and already behind before the day even begins? If you’ve ever felt like life is a constant fire drill, this episode will show you how to take control, create structure, and start living with purpose.In this episode, Brad talks about:Why your day actually starts the night beforeThe four steps of the Core Four Method:Cut off distractions – How to shut down electronics and prep for tomorrow.Optimize sleep – Tips for better rest and creating a consistent bedtime routine.Rise with intention – Practical ways to protect your morning and avoid distractions.Energize body and mind – Fueling yourself physically and mentally for peak performance.The importance of building habits that stickHow small, intentional changes can radically improve your productivityLink to Resources: Grab your free worksheet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a50b24gw-WP921BXD8G-jlos8TT0CHlH/view?usp=sharing 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!