Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

For years, contractors were told the same thing: do good work and the jobs will keep coming. But in today’s market, that advice is outdated and in 2026, it’s costing a lot of businesses real opportunities.In this episode, Brad talks about:Why simply doing good work is no longer enough to attract clients.Understanding branding beyond logos and how it shapes client expectations.Why video content is essential for building trust and pre-selling your services.How to communicate effectively and differentiate yourself from competitors.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.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

The majority of entrepreneurs do not face financial difficulties due to their poor mathematical skills. Their beliefs about it force them to struggle. Your "money personality" drives how you handle finances, charge for your work, and think about money. It may be more positive or negative to your company than you realize.In this episode, Brad and Leanne talk about:Introduction to Leanne and her work with service-based businessesThe concept of "money personalities" and their impact on financial decisionsFive psychological instincts affecting business ownersThe importance of financial boundaries and strategic investmentsLeanne's "Two Number Method" for managing cash flowMentioned:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneozainesmith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitwithleanne/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leanne.ozainesmith/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@profitwithleanneWebsite: https://profitwithleanne.replit.app/Link to Resources:Download Leanne's guide at gift.profitwithleanne.comThis 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

The majority of contractors are falling behind because they continue to operate their businesses in the same manner while everything around them changes, rather than because they are poor at what they do.In this episode, Brad breaks down:Why most contractors undercharge and how to fix your pricing without losing good clientsWhat a real sales process looks like (and why winging it is costing you deals)How to put systems in place that reduce daily chaos and free up your timeSimple ways to build visibility and credibility online so customers trust you before you even show upWhere AI actually makes sense in your business and how to use it to work smarter, not harderLink to Resources:Work Smarter in 2026Get my FREE ChatGPT ToolsText #2026 to 812-405-4610This 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.comHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

One 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

Many 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

In 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

ADHD 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

Collecting 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!

Lifestyle 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!