Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb Auman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. "The Kid" has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep 701. Building a Business That Runs Without You

    Growth can stall when every job depends on more labor, more stress, and more guesswork. Caleb and Brittany discuss how their hardscaping business has evolved through better systems, sharper financial tools, and a more intentional approach to people. Instead of relying on manual labor as the default answer, they explore how strategic equipment investments can increase productivity, reduce overhead, and limit the personnel challenges that come with an inefficient workforce. The conversation also digs into the impact of fractional CFO services and specialized software for budgeting, cash flow, and long-term planning. Caleb and Brittany share how clearer numbers have helped them make stronger decisions, while improved hiring practices have raised the bar for team morale, customer satisfaction, and company culture. Covered in this episode: • Invest in specialized equipment to replace inefficient manual labor and reduce long-term overhead costs. • Hire a fractional CFO or utilize professional budgeting software to gain clarity on financial health and plan for future cash flow needs. • Refine your hiring process to focus on attitude and cultural fit rather than simply filling vacancies with "warm bodies." • Practice transparent communication with your team when facing high-stress periods to manage expectations and maintain professional morale. • Reward team excellence by offering financial incentives to employees who are specifically named in positive client reviews. This episode offers a practical look at what it takes to move a contracting business beyond reactive decisions and toward a more stable, scalable future.

    57 min

  2. 23 APR

    Ep 700. Why SOPs Matter When Your New Hire Knows Nothing

    On this episode Caleb discusses the logistical challenges of scaling a seven-figure landscaping business while integrating a completely inexperienced apprentice. He emphasizes that hiring for positive attitude over existing skill sets allows a leader to mold workers without having to break poor habits. To manage this "green" labor force effectively, Auman highlights the necessity of robust organizational systems, including color-coded tools, detailed digital documentation through Company Cam, and structured software like LMN for budgeting. He also explores broader economic trends affecting the labor pool and advocates for mentorship and clear communication to maintain productivity. Ultimately, the source serves as a guide for green industry professionals on how to leverage standard operating procedures to transform novice employees into skilled foremen. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    22 min

  3. 21 APR

    Ep 699. How to Step Out of the Field Without Losing Control

    Stepping out of the day-to-day work is not just an operations change. It is a leadership change. Caleb talks with Ryan Markewich of RMark Coaching in Canada about what it really takes to move from being the person doing the work to becoming the person leading the business. Drawing from his experience building a successful landscaping company, Ryan explains how open-book management, shared financial visibility, and a clear long-term vision helped create a stronger team and a more scalable company. The conversation centers on a challenge many owners face: staying trapped in the field while trying to grow. Ryan breaks down how business owners can begin shifting their focus toward strategy, management, and culture by helping employees understand how the company works and what success looks like. Covered in this episode: • Why leadership and personal growth set the ceiling for business growth • How sharing financial goals and performance metrics helps employees understand the bigger picture • What open-book management can do for accountability and team buy-in • Why a detailed long-term vision makes decision-making easier • How realistic expectations and a two- to three-year timeline support lasting culture change • Why training and empowering team members is essential for stepping out of field operations • How clearer standards can help owners regain control of their time and personal lives This episode offers a practical look at how to build a business that does not depend on the owner being everywhere at once. Listen for a grounded perspective on leadership, growth, and creating a company your team can help carry forward. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    1hr 10min

  4. 16 APR

    Ep 698. No More Apologies: Taking Control of the Budget Conversation

    Caleb speaks with green industry veteran Marty Grunder. The discussion focuses on professionalism and sales strategies within the landscaping business, emphasizing that customer service starts with internal team culture. Grunder highlights the necessity of screening potential clients and understanding company numbers to ensure profitability and successful project closing. He further explains that physical presentation, such as clean equipment and professional attire, is vital for landing high-value contracts. Additionally, Grunder details his educational ventures, including the Grow Group and various training seminars designed to mentor other entrepreneurs. The conversation concludes by stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication in a shifting economic landscape. Key Takeaways: Prioritize your internal team culture because the level of service your employees provide to clients will never exceed the level of service they receive from you. Implement a rigorous lead screening process to ensure you are only meeting with potential clients who are a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable fit for your business. Use a "Good, Better, Best" pricing model early in the sales conversation to help qualify the client's budget and demonstrate the value of different service levels. Enhance your professional image by consistently showing up on time, maintaining clean equipment, and dressing in a way that aligns with the high-end projects you want to land. Commit to continuous improvement through regular role-playing and ongoing education to sharpen your communication skills and maintain your status as an expert in your field. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    1hr 3min

  5. 14 APR

    Ep 697. Why a New Hire's Failure is 100% Your Fault with Sam Gembel

    Caleb talks with Sam Gembel regarding the essential principles of leadership and team management within the trades. Gembel emphasizes that business owners must define a clear vision and establish accountability to foster a "settled" company culture where employees feel secure. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the idea that leaders should never project their personal motivations onto their staff, summarized by the mantra "never compare your why to someone else's why." Sam also address the 100% responsibility an organization holds for the success or failure of new hires, advocating for radical clarity in job expectations. (Part 2 of 2). Key Takeaways: Focus on your unique motivations and avoid comparing your personal goals or "why" to those of others. Practice clarity in your leadership by defining exactly what success looks like for every task you assign. Take 100% responsibility for the success of your team members by ensuring they have the training and parameters they need to thrive. Avoid promoting individuals into leadership positions if they do not have a genuine desire or purpose to lead. Prioritize your own personal growth and self-leadership to become a more effective and inspiring leader for those around you. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    38 min

  6. 9 APR

    Ep 696. Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture of Leadership with Sam Gembel

    Caleb speaks with Sam Gembel, an entrepreneur who scaled his Michigan-based landscaping company from a side hustle to a multi-million dollar business. The conversation focuses on the critical shift from being a technician to a leader, emphasizing that business owners must prioritize people and culture over simple task management. Sam argues that the inability to find quality employees is often a reflection of poor leadership rather than a lack of talent in the market. He suggests that owners must build a destination company by providing clear career paths, benefits, and a mission that inspires workers to stay. Throughout the discussion, Gembel highlights the dangers of keyman risk and the importance of professionalizing internal training programs to move beyond the monotonous "treadmill cycle" of business. (Part 1 of 2). Key Takeaways:  Focus on building a destination company that naturally attracts high-quality talent through a strong culture and clear benefits. Transition your mindset to realize that once you hire your first employee, your primary role is now the people business. Commit to personal growth and self-leadership first because you cannot effectively lead a team if you are not leading yourself. Shift from managing daily tasks to leading the mission to avoid getting stuck in a repetitive cycle with no real progress. Clearly communicate to every team member what a successful day looks like so they understand their purpose beyond just manual labor. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    44 min

  7. 7 APR

    Ep 695. Control or Growth? Why You Can't Have Both

    Caleb explains how transitioning from a heavy workload to a structured business model saved his landscape company from stagnation. He highlights the launch of "Built for Contractors," a coaching program and subscription service designed to help peers implement scalable systems and professional accountability. The discussion emphasizes that business growth requires clear standards and logistical planning rather than just working harder. Auman also stresses the importance of nurturing professional relationships over expensive advertising to secure high-quality referrals. Throughout the show, he encourages listeners to adopt positive self-talk and a leadership mindset to overcome common operational hurdles. Key Takeaways: Practice intentional self-talk by speaking positively about your situation to influence better outcomes in your life and business. Prioritize building scalable systems and structured processes over relying on raw motivation to overcome professional chaos. Build a strong professional network by nurturing genuine relationships with peers and past clients without always leading with a sales pitch. Establish and uphold high performance standards for your daily operations rather than just setting goals to ensure consistent quality. Choose growth over total control by delegating responsibilities to your team and allowing them to solve specific problems independently. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    29 min

  8. 2 APR

    Ep 694. Tandem Marriage: Navigating the Cost of Success and Business Stress

    Caleb talks with Brad and Tammy Miller, the founders of Tandem Marriage. Drawing from their experience running a seven-figure counseling practice and their own 41-year marriage, the Millers discuss how professional success can lead to a "slow drift" that distances spouses. They emphasize that high-achieving business owners often fall into a "provider trap," mistakenly believing financial stability is the only way to show love while neglecting emotional connection. To counter this, they advocate for extreme intentionality, urging couples to remain curious about one another and prioritize their relationship as a unified team. The episode highlights various resources available at tandemarriage.com, including a video toolbox and mentorship advice, to help couples move from a mediocre marriage to a thriving one. Key Takeaways: Commit to being intentional in your relationship every day to prevent the natural "slow drift" that occurs when life and business become overwhelming. Prioritize a loving relationship with your spouse as the greatest gift you can give your children, providing them with a foundation of security and a healthy model for their own lives. Develop self-awareness during conflicts by pausing to ask yourself if there is any truth in what your spouse is saying before you react defensively. Ensure that your role as a financial provider never usurps your responsibility to be an emotionally present and supportive partner at home. Regularly seek outside guidance through mentors, coaching, or educational resources to keep your marriage thriving as you navigate different seasons of life and business. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  April 10-11th In person training (https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/in-person-training) 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    1hr 1min
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About

A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. "The Kid" has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.

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