Beers With Contractors

Beers with Contractors

Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.

  1. 6 GG FA

    S2 E62 - The Construction Labor Shortage: Causes and Solutions

    Hosts Will and Terry discuss construction workforce recruiting, arguing that young people aren’t lazy but approach work differently due to technology and changing expectations. Terry, now at the University of Oklahoma after OSU, shares how many students secure internships as early as freshman year and how companies that show loyalty often lock in top talent through repeat internships and part-time school-year work, with average starting salaries around $74,000 for OU grads. They emphasize culture fit, reputation, and being present at career fairs, including sending relatable recent graduates and providing branded swag. Terry explains what a formalized internship program can include—rotations through PM, superintendent, estimating, and presentations—and warns that poor intern treatment travels by word of mouth. They also cover licensed trades pathways in Oklahoma, merit vs. hour-based licensure, and the need for continuing education as technology changes. 00:00 Introduction 01:58 Nobody Wants to Work 03:22 Dad Jobsite Lessons 05:57 Gen Z Work Styles 07:25 Recruiting Top Talent Early 11:03 Culture and Loyalty 12:26 Building Internship Programs 16:30 Career Fairs and Headhunters 19:26 Pay Expectations and Degrees 21:49 Schools as Talent Pipeline 25:21 Speaking to Student Entrepreneurs 26:01 Employer Red Flags 26:55 Intern Feedback Loop 28:44 Trade Licensing Pathways 31:53 Merit vs Hour Requirements 33:30 Modernizing Licensure 38:19 Merit Based Storytime 43:52 Career Fairs and Branding 46:16 Recruiting Future Trends 50:41 Treat Hiring Like Sales 53:18 Conclusion Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    55 min

  2. 5 MAR

    S2 E61 - The Exact KPIs You Need to Grow Past $1M

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will answers the common question “how do I scale my construction company?” by explaining a simplified “flywheel” model for home services businesses: starter gear (cash, assets, technology) drives marketing, then call center, sales, production/installs, accounting, and sometimes service, with leftover money reinvested to keep the wheel spinning. He emphasizes scaling departments evenly to avoid financial strain and outlines key KPIs for each: marketing (total qualified leads, cost per lead, marketing spend as % of installed revenue), call center (lead-to-appointment conversion, speed to lead, follow-up rate), sales (total sales, average dollar per lead, cancellation rate), production (installed volume, gross profit margin, install volume per week, install rate, reviews), accounting (AR, AP, break-even, spread), and service (average dollar per stop, service sales, churn). 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Scaling Question Framed 01:46 Flywheel Model Explained 04:09 Starter Gear Basics 05:46 Departments Overview 11:15 KPIs Dashboard Mindset 12:46 Marketing KPIs 17:09 Call Center KPIs 20:18 Sales KPIs and ADL 25:40 Production KPIs Intro 26:30 Scaling With Suppliers 28:07 Gross Profit Margin KPI 29:42 Install Volume Metrics 30:41 Accounting Department KPIs 34:10 Service Department Metrics 37:58 Flywheel Recap 40:21 Hiring By Department 46:57 Investments And Debt 49:37 Final Takeaways Link to e-book: https://app.typeset.com/play/014G6E Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    51 min

  3. 26 FEB

    S2 E60 - Why Most Contractors Misunderstand Commercial Buyers

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry joke about which trades bash each other the most, then welcome return guest Brandon Sprenger, a former field tech and now commercial/industrial HVAC outside sales executive with Intech Solutions in Atlanta. Brandon explains key differences between residential and commercial HVAC especially identifying the real buyer across owners, property managers, and tenants—and how selling has shifted from pressure to consultative to an “intelligence era” focused on psychology and qualifying questions. They discuss efficiency claims vs real ROI, the importance of detailed digital reporting, and new AI tools that can capture asset data and generate quotes quickly while risking an overly transactional sales process. Brandon shares how ongoing sales training (e.g., Jeremy Miner, Alex Hormozi) and simplifying technical concepts for decision-makers help him sell outcomes, and they close with trade labor trend and rising technician pay. 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Which Trades Talk the Most 00:41 Concrete Guys and Online Critiques 01:14 MEP Blame Game and Finishers 03:37 Introducing Brandon Sprenger 04:56 Moving to Atlanta Culture Shock 06:24 Residential vs Commercial HVAC Buyers 08:42 Modern Selling and Amazon Mentality 10:42 Efficiency Talk and Owner Attitudes 15:00 Low Hanging Fruit Digital Reporting 18:30 AI Reporting and Auto Quoting 21:19 Will AI Replace Salespeople? 23:57 From Technician to Sales Skills 26:01 Sales Turning Point and School Board 26:48 Rejection To Skillbuilding 27:48 Words Mean Different Things 29:52 Selling Outcomes Not Products 30:42 Training For Mastery 35:25 Technical Knowledge In Sales 40:25 Trade Careers And Pay 43:21 Private Equity Disruption 51:15 Wrap Up And Listener Shoutouts Contact Brandon Sprenger on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-sprenger-293299220/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    54 min

  4. 19 FEB

    S2 E59 - The Future of Masonry: Robots, Prefab & Glass Brick

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with fourth-generation mason and Trinity Brick sales pro Zach Easley. They discuss why brick usually shouldn’t be painted, how masonry has evolved amid labor shortages, and efforts to rebuild interest in the trades through programs like Construct My Future, OU Construction Science, and Mid-Del Tech. Zach shares how hands-on training builds confidence and career pathways for students, from local competitions to nationals. The conversation also covers automation trials like the SAM bricklaying robot, prefab trends, and the growing use of thin brick for cost and logistics, while full-depth brick remains strong. They explore high-strength glass brick, its extreme cost and precision installation, architect-driven creative designs, and close with Zach’s brick-themed artwork, including massive brick-count pieces, and a shout-out to those supporting masonry education. 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Zach’s Background & Industry Role 04:22 Should You Paint Brick? 06:49 Masonry’s Future: Labor & Tools 09:18 Masonry Robots on the Jobsite 11:52 Training the Next Generation 17:23 Masonry as Art & Design 20:52 Thin Brick on the Rise 24:11 Thin vs. Full Brick 27:51 Prefab & Labor Impact 29:22 Prefab Pods Installed 30:17 Evolving Trade Skills 31:48 Old-School Jobsite Culture 38:25 Glass vs. Traditional Brick 40:11 Amsterdam Glass Brick Build 45:54 Brick Art & Massive Drawings 53:44 Conclusion Contact Zack Easley at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickartistzack/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-easley-ba6300b5/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brickartistzacke/ Email: zack@trinitybrick.com Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    58 min

  5. 12 FEB

    S2 E58 - Top Contractors Are Using This AI Tool

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry welcome Mark Winhoffer, head of the customer success team at Rilla, an AI-driven feedback tool for sales teams. The discussion includes the importance of using polite language with AI, Rilla's application in improving sales performance, and how it provides real-time, actionable feedback. The team also dives into humorous anecdotes from sales calls, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the tangible results businesses can achieve using Rilla. The conversation touches on the challenges of implementing AI in sales, legal considerations, and the importance of human involvement in utilizing AI technology effectively. 00:00 Introduction 00:47 AI Etiquette and Humor 03:16 Deep Dive into Rilla's Features 06:46 Sales Techniques and AI Feedback 14:21 Personal Stories and Sales Insights 27:02 AI Integration in Daily Life 28:21 Hilarious Sales Objection Stories 35:03 Privacy and Legal Concerns 38:15 The Human Element in Sales 42:14 Customer Success and Data Utilization 46:24 Future of AI in Sales 51:20 Conclusion Contact Mark Winhoffer on: Website:https://www.rilla.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-winhoffer-%F0%9F%87%B5%F0%9F%87%AD%E2%9A%BD%EF%B8%8F-b36282189/ LinkedIn (Rilla): https://www.linkedin.com/company/rilla-co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092587457445 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RillaMedia Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    55 min

  6. 5 FEB

    S2 E57 - What Will Actually Get Contractors Leads in 2026?

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will discusses the future of digital marketing for contractors with special guest Mike Stiers from Greenbaum Stiers. Mike fills in to provide expert advice on lead generation, AI integration in advertising, optimizing conversion rates, and leveraging local community engagement to combat larger competitors. The conversation delves into strategies for maintaining relevancy amidst rapidly evolving digital landscapes, utilizing AI cautiously, and the benefits of diversified marketing approaches. The episode wraps up with a discussion on building an internal marketing team versus using fractional CMOs, and projections for marketing practices heading into 2026. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Guest Introduction: Mike Stiers 01:38 Discussion on Digital Marketing Trends 02:55 Changes in Microsoft and Meta Advertising 03:42 Strategies for Reducing Lead Costs 05:46 OTT and Diversified Marketing 09:27 AI in Advertising and Marketing 11:23 Balancing Paid Ads and SEO 15:06 Local Strategies and Case Studies 17:38 Building a New Website 22:46 Fractional CMO and Marketing Teams 27:32 Conversion Rates and Best Practices 28:08 Leveraging AI for Customer Service 28:42 The Importance of Speed in Lead Conversion 29:10 Challenges with Family in Business 29:57 Investing in Expert Teams 30:51 AI's Role in Call Centers 35:01 Text-Based Lead Conversion Tools 39:10 Influencer Marketing in Contracting 42:29 The Power of Personal Branding 46:57 Hard Truths About Marketing in 2026 49:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell Contact Mike Stiers on: Website: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ LinkedIn (Mike Stiers): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstiers/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbaumstiers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenbaumstiers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbaumstiers/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenbaumstiersstrategicma8933 Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    53 min

  7. 29 GEN

    S2 E56 - Q&A Episode: What’s the Real Secret to Motivated Teams?

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will navigates a Q&A session, offering insights based on his entrepreneurial journey. Starting with a personal story of transitioning from a job to a business in home services, he shares lessons learned over 22 years, including the importance of processes, making tough leadership decisions, and maintaining a balance between operations and sales. The episode covers the impact of hiring mistakes, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and how staying focused on the mission and culture can drive business success. Additionally, Will talks about overcoming setbacks and how to keep employees motivated without just offering monetary incentives. 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Turning a Job into a Business 03:42 Expensive Mistakes and Lessons Learned 06:49 Business Surprises and Process Importance 09:04 A Week in the Life of a Contractor 11:44 The Role of Hustle and Processes 14:34 Unique Approaches in the Contracting Business 18:31 Motivating Employees Beyond Money 21:39 The Broken Window Theory 22:43 New York City's Subway Transformation 24:26 Motivating Employees with Purpose 26:14 Hardest Leadership Decisions 29:33 Delegation Challenges for Contractors 31:33 Defining Success in Business 34:47 Advice for Struggling Contractors 37:19 Improving Business Margins 42:58 Conclusion Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    45 min

  8. 22 GEN

    S2 E55 - Concrete Coating: What Makes It So Profitable?

    In this engaging episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with Alosha Pederson, the owner of Endless Poxybilities Concrete Coating, a leading concrete coating company. They discuss the challenges and journeys of starting and scaling a business in the concrete coating industry. Alosha shares insights on the importance of branding, the role of CRMs, and the strategic growth through acquisitions. He highlights the value of setting big goals, understanding finances, and being relentless in the pursuit of excellence. The episode also touches on the dynamics of working with a spouse and the impact of private equity in the industry. This conversation is a treasure trove of actionable advice and motivational anecdotes for anyone looking to build a thriving contracting business. 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Introducing the Guest: Alosha Pederson 02:41 Aloha's Journey into Concrete Coatings 04:56 Scaling the Business: Growth and Challenges 07:44 Building a Strong Team and Company Culture 16:11 The Importance of Branding 26:58 Scaling Through Acquisition 30:39 The Role of an Owner 34:15 Working with Your Spouse 38:45 Industry Insights and Future Plans 46:04 Conclusion Contact at Alosha Pederson: Website: https://endlesspoxybilities.com/ Facebook (Endless Poxybilities): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077723058514 Facebook (Alosha): https://www.facebook.com/alosha.pederson.1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endlesspoxybilitiescc/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

    49 min
Elenco completo (118)

Descrizione

Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Beers with Contractors
  • Anni di attività
    2023 - 2026
  • Puntate
    118
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti espliciti
  • Copyright
    © Beers with Contractors
  • Sito web del podcast
    Beers With Contractors