Share

cover art for EP251: 5 Moves Contractors Need To Take In 2026

Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

EP251: 5 Moves Contractors Need To Take In 2026

Ep. 251

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 clients
  • What 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 time
  • Simple ways to build visibility and credibility online so customers trust you before you even show up
  • Where AI actually makes sense in your business and how to use it to work smarter, not harder


Link to Resources:


Work Smarter in 2026

Get my FREE ChatGPT Tools

Text #2026 to 812-405-4610


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/hammer


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

View all episodes

  • 285. EP285: How to Stop Costly Estimating Mistakes for Contractors

    42:31||Ep. 285
    What if your contracting business is losing money before your crew ever steps onto the job site? A job doesn’t always become unprofitable during production. Sometimes, the profit was already gone the moment you sold it.In this episode, Brad talks about:The importance of accurate job costingCommon estimating mistakes: guessing labor and material costsUnderstanding true labor burden ratesThe impact of non-productive time on project timelinesThe dangers of pricing based on competitionThe necessity of a clear scope of workStrategies to avoid discounting correct estimatesLinks to resourcesGrab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bnWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteEnjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 284. EP284: Bad Pricing, Scope Creep, and More: 7 Profit Leaks Hurting Contractors

    32:58||Ep. 284
    You can be bringing in more revenue and still wonder where all the money went. For contractors, profit doesn’t always disappear because of one big mistake. Sometimes, it leaks out through bad pricing, scope creep, underbidding, wasted time, poor job costing, change orders, and other small issues that quietly add up.In this episode, Brad talks about:The difference between revenue and profitBad pricing strategiesFully burdened labor ratesScope creep and its impactThe costs of callbacks and reworkManaging overhead effectivelyThe owner's role in profit leaksLinks to resourcesGrab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away.https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bnWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteEnjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more.Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail.We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode!Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 283. EP283: Stop Making Short-Term Decisions That Kill Your Construction Business

    25:02||Ep. 283
    Your next decision could make or break your construction business. Lower prices. Take every job. Avoid the hard conversation. Sound familiar? These short term decisions can quietly hurt your profit, growth, and freedom.In this episode, Brad talks about:Every decision shapes your future: building the life you want vs. escaping the one you don’t.Stop optimizing for immediate comfort; think long-term.The importance of making decisions that buy freedom rather than steal from your future.The three decision filters:Does this move me closer to my goals?Can this be done better, faster, or simpler?Does this decision buy freedom or steal from my future?Links to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com
  • 282. EP282: Creating a Mission-Driven Workforce: Contractor Advice for Employee Engagement

    38:40||Ep. 282
    Creating a mission-driven workforce is the key to unlocking contractor confidence and boosting your business growth. This episode shares actionable contractor advice on building employee engagement and fostering a strong contractor marketing presence to scale your operations effectively.In this episode, Brad talks about:Understanding the difference between tasks, projects, and purpose in employee engagement.The importance of a clear mission statement and core values.Empowering employees through ownership and accountability.Recognizing and rewarding desired behaviors to foster a positive culture.The impact of leadership on employee motivation and performance.Creating an environment where the right people thrive and the wrong people are removed.Links to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 281. EP281: Is Your Contracting Business at Risk

    36:19||Ep. 281
    Wondering if a contractor is about to go out of business? EP281 shares critical contractor marketing and sales techniques alongside red flags to watch for so you can avoid risks and ensure project success. Gain expert contractor advice on cash flow management and business stability.In this episode, Brad talks about:The Slow Decline of Businesses: Understanding that failure rarely happens overnight.Three Stages of Business Failure: Financial, operational, and mental failures.Warning Signs: Key indicators of financial and operational distress.Importance of Knowing Your Numbers: Gross profit vs. net profit.Building Systems for Freedom: The role of systems in business success.Making Decisions Based on Facts, Not Fear: How to avoid emotional decision-making.Links to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 280. EP280: From Chaos to Control: Contractors' Guide to Organizational Charts

    24:00||Ep. 280
    Many people mistakenly believe that org charts are only for large corporations. However, the truth is that every business, regardless of size, can benefit from having one. An org chart provides a clear visual representation of the roles and responsibilities within your organization, which is essential for growth and efficiency.In this episode, Brad talks about:Importance of creating an org chart for clarity in businessHow org charts benefit businesses of all sizes, including solo entrepreneursRoles and responsibilities: defining ownership to prevent chaosUsing org charts for hiring and career path visibilityFinancial implications: understanding costs associated with each roleDecision-making: using org charts to identify hiring needs and improve efficiencyTools and software for creating effective org chartsLinks to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 279. EP279: How to add 100K in 12 months: Contractor Profitability Tips

    35:15||Ep. 279
    Overcome the fear of raising prices with confidence. This episode provides practical guidance for contractors on how to increase your rates, communicate value to clients effectively, and grow your contracting business sustainably.In this episode, Brad talks about:How to effectively raise your hourly rates without losing customers.The importance of pricing your services appropriately to reflect the value you provide.Strategies for overcoming the fear of raising prices and addressing common objections.Links to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 278. EP278: The S.A.C.R.E.D Process: Contractor Advice on Business Procedures for Consistency

    45:11||Ep. 278
    In the world of business, particularly within service-oriented industries, the processes you establish are not merely guidelines; they are sacred. The integrity of these processes is crucial, as they underpin the promises you make to your clients. Deviating from your established process risks breaking those promises, which can lead to negative outcomes for both you and your customers.In this episode, Brad talks about:Understanding the concept of the sacred process in businessThe importance of having a standardized process for delivering goods and servicesDifferentiating between preferences and a proven processReal-life examples of how breaking the process leads to problemsThe acronym SACRED: Standardize, Align, Control, Respect, Enforce, DeliverProtecting the process to ensure quality, accountability, and customer satisfactionThe significance of saying "no" to maintain process integrity and business successLinks to resourcesDownload the accompaning worksheets to help create your S.A.C.R.E.D process and enforce 3P accountability in your business. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bnWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!
  • 277. EP277: Employees vs. Subcontractors: Construction Hiring Tips for Contractors

    24:56||Ep. 277
    Explore the key differences between employees and subcontractors in the contracting business. Learn hiring tips and workforce management strategies to optimize your team while avoiding common pitfalls. Perfect for contractors looking to improve construction worker retention and streamline operations.In this episode, Brad talks about:Different business structures for contracting (employees vs. subcontractors)Legal implications of misclassifying employeesPros and cons of hiring employees versus subcontractorsThe hybrid model: combining employees and subcontractorsThe sales team model in contractingImportance of niching down for business clarityPersonal experiences and insights on business growthLinks to resourcesWant to go deeper?Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-websiteHelp us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast!

Comments