Contractor Evolution

Breakthrough Academy
  • 4.9 (63)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution. In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level. If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.

  1. 4D AGO

    234. 3 Ways to Control Profit and STOP Confusing Your Finances - Spencer Sheinin

    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP234 Check out Spencer's benchmarking tool here: https://fixyourprofit.com/signup/bta Confused by your financials? You’re not alone. Most contractors struggle to make sense of their numbers, and it costs them big. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Spencer Sheinin, bestselling author of Entreprenumbers and CEO of Shift Financial, who’s on a mission to empower contractors by turning complex financial data into simple, actionable insights. Spencer used to be a contractor himself, so he gets the challenges you face. That’s why this conversation hits different. It’s not just about spreadsheets and profit margins, it’s about taking control of your business through real financial empowerment. 🔍 In this episode, we break down: How to make your numbers tell a story using visual toolsHow to spot red flags in your P&L before it’s too lateWhat your bookkeeper should really be doing for youThe three financial levers that drive profitability in contracting businesses 📘 Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting serious about your growth, this episode will help you stop fearing your financials and start using them to win. 🔗 Check out Spencer’s book Entreprenumbers here: https://entreprenumbers.com/ 👇 Drop a comment if you've ever felt overwhelmed by your P&L—and let us know your #1 takeaway from this episode! 00:00-Intro 01:55-About Spencer and Shift Financial 09:33-Define: Financial Empowerment 10:35-Three levers of profitability 14:32-How to determine which lever to pull (with visuals) 21:01-How to build your first proper budget 25:26-How to select your strategic financial team 38:24-Essential software and tools for financial management 40:25-How to maintain clean financial data 46:05-One thing listeners can go do right now to get comfortable with numbers 47:59-Free benchmarking tool

    53 min

  2. AUG 20

    233. No More Excuses: Stay Consistent When Goals Go Sideways - Mandy Gill

    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP233 Ever had a project go sideways, a client bail, or cash flow dry up? This episode of Contractor Evolution is your playbook for bouncing back when business gets messy. Today, Reset With Resilience author Mandy Gill, broadcaster, ultra-endurance athlete, and creator of the Hooked on Healthy Habits app, shares field-tested strategies for staying consistent, even when your goals go off the rails. 👉 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to hit reset when a client bails or a project stallsA resilience framework for handling cash flow crises and staffing headachesWhy courage (not comfort) is your best tool when motivation fadesThe daily habits top contractors use to stay on track—even in chaosHow to design goals that work in the messiness of construction, not just on paper Whether you’re growing a trades business or just trying to get your footing back, Mandy’s insights will give you the tools to navigate the “messy middle” and come out stronger. 📘 Get her book: https://www.mandygill.com/book 📱 Explore her app: https://www.mandygill.com/app 00:00-Intro 01:19-About Mandy 12:40-The Concept: Reset With Resilience 17:13-Courage vs. Comfort 21:21-Three Goal Setting Tips from the book 37:18-Building Healthy Habits 43:01-Leading with Resilience 47:41-Final thoughts

    51 min

  3. AUG 15

    232. 4 Matt Risinger Moments That Will Transform Your Contracting Business - Danny Kerr and Matt Risinger

    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP232 Today we are bringing back the best moments with our friend Matt Risinger This man is a true industry goliath: host of The BUILD Show, founder of Risinger Build, and one of the most trusted names in the industry. He’s been on our show four times and has shared some truly life-changing advice about everything from recruiting to finances. In this episode, we’ll be summarizing our favorite Matt Risinger moments from his various collaborations with Breakthrough Academy over the years. Important teachings, practical tips, and thought provoking stories from his experience building both of his massive brands. This video covers Matt Risinger’s top Contractor Evolution moments. Episode Highlights: Refresh your memory on the top 4 moments from Matt Risinger on Contractor Evolution.Hear about Matt’s $200K SOP mistake and what he learned from it.Get Matt’s insight on when to let a high-performer go, rather than try and keep them on. 00:00-Intro 01:31-Revenue is Vanity and Profit is Sanity 02:33-Matt's $200K Mistake 07:07-Profit Comes From Pre-Construction 07:56-When to Let A-Players Move On 09:43-Matt and Danny's next web class

    10 min

  4. AUG 13

    231. STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No-Frills Project Management Tips (Contractor Roundtable) - Danny Kerr, Charley Burtwistle, Dylan Ochala, Toby Wessel, Bradley Powers

    Grab your project management resource bundle and start implementing these tips today: https://trybta.com/DL231 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP231 Poor project management leads to massive financial losses in the construction industry (up to $40 BILLION each year), but this can be avoided with effective communication. By improving communication skills, contractors can avoid costly mistakes and improve overall project outcomes. Last month I hosted a roundtable webinar alongside Charley Burtwistle from The Building Code Podcast and two high-performing builders who’ve cracked the code on running smoother, more profitable projects. Today, it’s coming to you as a bonus episode. You’ll hear how Dylan from Tectonic Design Build and Toby and Bradley from New Beginnings Construction systemized their project management, defined key roles, and created a repeatable communication rhythm that keeps things on time and on budget—even on multi-million dollar projects. Episode highlights: Understand WHY project management is so hard to execute properlyLearn how to transform your PMs from glorified errand boys to forward-thinking team leadersGet tips for holding subcontractors accountable so they deliver quality work, consistently 00:00-Intro 05:54-About the panelists 12:31-Signs your PM is broken 18:06-What is a project manager's role? 25:02-What have you learned about PM hiring? 35:28-How does communication make or break project management? 49:01-Prove PM systems used by pro contractors 57:09-The evolution of the entrepreneur 01:04:02-How to use the Contractor Growth Method® 01:07:34-How to implement change TODAY 01:13:05-What advice would you give yourself five years ago? 01:17:55-Q&A

    1h 35m

  5. AUG 8

    230. How to Fire an Employee Without the Drama - Danny Kerr

    For help navigating critical conversations, download our free guide here: https://trybta.com/DL230 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP230 If you thought hiring was hard… …wait until you have to fire someone. It is not fun. Unfortunately, it’s also part of owning a business. Your job is to lead your team towards goals that benefit not just you, but everyone. And if someone on the team is working against those goals—intentionally or unintentionally—it’s your responsibility to let them go. But that doesn’t make it any easier. That’s why, today, we’re teaching you how to fire someone, the right way, with a six-step process you can use as soon as you need it. Episode Highlights: Learn the six steps to exiting an employee, from making the decision to dealing with the aftermath.Understand the red flags that an employee isn’t a fit for your company or their role.Get tips on having “the conversation” with the employee in question in a way that makes it as painless as possible for both parties. 00:00-Intro 01:04-Step 1: Make a list of actions or behaviors that are cause for firing 03:31-Step 2: Take corrective action and document it 04:15-Step 3: Make the decision 04:47-Step 4: Get your ducks in a row 05:46-Step 5: Have the conversation 06:45-Step 6: Deal with the aftermath 07:28-Wrap up

    8 min

  6. AUG 6

    229. Why Most Contractor Marketing Fails (And How To Fix It) - Ryan Chute

    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP229 Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a wall when it comes to marketing? You’re not alone. You can’t get someone to impulse buy a new deck, air conditioner, or new roof. Instead, you have to sell trust, reliability, and a rock-solid reputation. So why are most contractor and construction marketing strategies built like they’re selling sneakers? Today, I’m joined by Ryan Chute, partner at Wizard of Ads and international sales strategist, to unpack how trades and home service pros can rewire their approach to brand, advertising, and messaging. You’ll learn: How to create a brand message that actually sticks in your customer’s mind so you can stand out from your competition The biggest branding mistake contractors make in their marketing strategies (and how to fix it)Why your “satisfaction guarantee” is uselessHow to improve your marketing with the right approach and boost lead generation 00:00-Intro 01:23-About Ryan and Wizard of Ads 03:12-What's unique with contractors in marketing? 10:32-The 2 ingredients of brand: empathy and competence 14:56-How to identify your own powerful brand stories 21:07-How to distribute your brand stories 24:10-How to avoid messaging that misses the mark 31:47-Using a North Star Promise in your marketing 35:24-The case for returning to traditional media 41:48-Getting the copy right 46:07-Adapting and re-adapting your media mix 51:34-Easy ways to level up your contractor marketing 56:49-Quick win for contractor marketing

    1 hr

  7. JUL 30

    228. 4 Essential Business Systems Every Contractor Should Master - Tony Fraser-Jones

    To download tools that will help you implement these four systems, click here: https://trybta.com/DL228 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP228 What do New Zealand electricians and North American roofers have in common? More than you’d think—especially when it comes to the biggest problems in the trades: finding skilled people, keeping margins healthy, and finally getting off the damn tools. Today, I’m joined by Tony Fraser-Jones, an entrepreneur, business coach and founder of The Profitable Tradie who’s helped hundreds of contractors in Australia and New Zealand build profitable, self-managing companies. Tony and I have a ton in common. Similar backgrounds, similar career paths and similar missions in life. In this episode, we compare notes from opposite sides of the globe and unpack some plug-and-play systems you can implement this quarter—no matter what hemisphere you're in. Episode Highlights: Learn what the most common challenges are in Australia/New Zealand and in the US/Canada and how each region is tackling them differently.Walk through two practical playbooks you can start implementing this quarter from the founders of two highly successful contractor coaching businesses.Get a sneak peek into what Danny and Tony see coming in 2026 (in two different hemispheres). 00:00-Intro 01:56-Tony's story 07:28-System 1: Skilled-Labour Shortage 19:28-System 2: Financial Management 35:30-System 3: Productivity & Owner Focus 45:02-System 4: Sales and Marketing 53:32-Lightning Round

    1 hr

  8. JUL 23

    227. This $10MM Accountability System Has Crews CRUSHING Their Goals - Danny Kerr

    Grab your free accountability resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL227 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP227  Finger pointing, shoulder shrugging, pouting… If accountability conversations with your team feel like putting a toddler in time out, you’re not alone. The thing is, people (of all ages) need structure. They need clear expectations and well understood consequences they actually care about. And they need ongoing support and coaching along the way. Recently, Danny hosted a web class to teach contractors how to do just that by: Creating defined roles with clear expectations and deliverablesHolding a well-structured weekly meeting designed to get your staff ready and excited to hit their goalsBuilding an performance-driven environment where everyone wins Today, we’re launching it on the podcast so you can benefit from the takeaways. Episode Highlights: Learn what accountability actually means in the context of a high-performing contracting businessUnderstand the Performance Management Cycle and how it factors into team accountabilityWalk through the step-by-step Goal Setting and Review (GSR) process for holding effective one-on-one meetings with your key players 00:00 - Intro 06:19 - Why is Holding People Accountable So Hard? 10:51 - Step 1: Expectation Setting 19:08 - Step 2: Meeting Rhythms (Goal Setting and Review) 21:02 - Step 3: Meeting Preparation 22:56 - Step 4: Meeting Structure 33:09 - Step 5: Annual Reviews 39:42 - Who's Holding YOU Accountable? 50:05 - Q&A

    1h 10m
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4.9
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution. In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level. If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.

Information

  • Creator
    Breakthrough Academy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    234
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025
  • Show Website
    Contractor Evolution

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