As a seasoned contractor, I've seen firsthand the pitfalls of choosing the cheapest option. Recently, a client's experience with a low-cost concrete pad reminded me why quality should never be sacrificed for price. When we cut corners to save money, we often end up paying more in the long run. Whether it's unreliable equipment that wastes time on job sites or subpar materials that deteriorate quickly, the initial savings rarely justify the headaches and additional expenses down the road. I've learned this lesson the hard way, like when I installed cheap lighting fixtures for a budget-conscious client. The constant repairs and service calls ate into any profit and damaged my reputation. Now, I only use high-quality products like WAC Lighting, even if it means a higher upfront cost. To my fellow contractors: invest in quality tools, materials, and labor. It's not just about the immediate job - it's about building a sustainable, reputable business. And to homeowners: remember that the...

As our business continues to grow, Britt and I have been laser focused on optimizing our systems and standardizing communication across crews. On this week's episode we really dug into two areas that have been top of mind - daily updates from jobsites and financial management strategies.

Being able to plan for each day is so important when juggling multiple projects. We've tried a few different methods for end-of-day reports but weren't fully satisfied. After discussing the pros and cons, taking photos directly in Company Cam seems like the best fit. Not only will it provide a quick virtual check-in for me, but that permanent record will be invaluable for looking back at past jobs.

Proper financial oversight is another huge piece of running a successful business. We weighed options like fractional CFO services that could take us to the next level. While the value they provide is undeniable, the price tag may not be there yet as we continue to grow our top line. Still, the...

Brett is the owner of Eikenbary Landscape. His journey to entrepreneurship is one that is familiar to many. The desire to pursue one's passion, to find fulfillment in one's work, and to make a difference in the world are all powerful motivators that can drive people to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Brett had been working at a good company, with a steady job and good benefits, but he wasn't getting fulfilled. He had always been passionate about lawn and landscape, and slowly started to learn more about hardscapes as well. After discussing it with his wife Chase, they finally decided to take the leap and start their own business. The decision to start a business is never an easy one. It requires careful planning, a solid strategy, and a lot of hard work. Brett and Chase knew that if they were going to do it, they wanted to do it right. They spent a lot of time thinking about the branding and vision of their business, and when they finally set a launch date, they went...

During a recent episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, guest Dan Wheeler shared his experience in the fence industry and discusses the revolutionary technique that is changing the industry - the driving post technique.

Dan shares how his company, River City Fence, had their best year yet due to their increased efficiency and optimization. He attributes this success to learning from other experts in the field, including those on social media, and implementing their techniques. One of the techniques that has made a significant impact on their business is the driving post technique.

Dan explains that in areas where concrete frosting heave is an issue, such as up north, driving posts has been a proven and reliable technique for over 65 years. However, it was not widely known until recently when a fence company manager started sharing their techniques on social media. The driving post technique involves driving a post anywhere from 5-20 feet into the ground using a core...

Setting goals is an important part of achieving success in any aspect of life. Whether you are looking to grow your business or improve your personal life, setting clear and achievable goals is the key to making progress. In a recent podcast episode, Caleb and Brittany discuss the importance of setting one, two, and five-year goals personally, financially, and for the company.

At first, the conversation was a bit heated because Brittany was not confident in the goal they had set for themselves. Caleb reminded her that a goal must be something that you are passionate about and confident in achieving. This led to a decision to set a specific date to discuss and set their goals.

Caleb and Brittany discuss the importance of setting a timeline for achieving your goals. Whether it is a meeting with a client or a date with your spouse, putting it on the calendar ensures that it will happen. This also applies to achieving your goals. Setting a specific date for achieving your...

Starting a business can be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with highs and lows. For one entrepreneur, the journey started with a simple lawn mowing business in 2007. However, as the business evolved and started taking on wall projects, the owner fell in love with the hardscaping aspect of the business. Despite this newfound passion, the business struggled to make a profit with the wall projects. The owner understood maintenance well, but just couldn't seem to make the numbers work.

That's where Amanda stepped in, pushing the business to get rid of the maintenance aspect and focus solely on the hardscaping. This decision came with some hesitation as the business relied heavily on one large commercial contract for grass maintenance, but the owner knew that it was a necessary step to ensure long-term success.

Making this change was not easy, as the business had to give up a significant portion of its income. However, the owner was optimistic about the future and knew that the...

2020 was a year like no other, and the construction industry was not immune to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses were forced to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, including sudden shutdowns and decreased demand for services. In this blog post, we’ll explore how one construction company navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic and ultimately found success.

The beginning of the pandemic was uncertain and scary, with the mayor of Kansas City cracking down on non-essential workers. In this uncertain environment, the construction industry was deemed essential, allowing companies to continue working. However, as the pandemic took hold and the economy struggled, many clients began to cancel projects, leading to decreased demand for services. The company was able to keep its head above water by pivoting to stormwater management work, which was deemed essential and allowed them to continue operating.

As the pandemic continued, business began to pick back...