Contractor Success Forum

Contractor Success Forum
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Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from two long-term industry professionals: Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. Each host has unique, but complementary views and advice from each of their 30+ years in the contracting industry. Their goal is to promote healthy, thought-provoking discussions and tips for running a better, more profitable, and successful company. Subscribe for new insights and discussion every week. Visit ContractorSuccessForum.com to view all episodes and find out more. 

  1. From Stuck to Scaling: Which 10 Founder Habits Are Killing Your Profits?

    6D AGO

    From Stuck to Scaling: Which 10 Founder Habits Are Killing Your Profits?

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Feeling like your construction company is stuck in second gear? You might be the problem.  Wade and Stephen reveal the top 10 ways construction founders accidentally strangle their own businesses. From decision hoarding to hero syndrome, discover which founder habits are killing your growth and profitability.  This isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter and finally scaling your business beyond your personal capacity. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Blind Spots13:03 Common Misconceptions in Financial Management13:08 Challenges in Tracking Work in Progress (WIP)13:11 Distinguishing Job Expenses from Overhead Expenses13:16 The Profit First Approach13:18 Fear of Growth Due to Cash Risks13:23 The Pitfalls of Cash Flow ManagementJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    20 min
  2. From Grit to Growth: How to Scale Your Construction Biz Without the Chaos

    DEC 16

    From Grit to Growth: How to Scale Your Construction Biz Without the Chaos

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Every construction contractor hits the same wall—they become the bottleneck. You can build a $2M business on grit, but you can't scale to $10M on caffeine and chaos. Wade and Stephen kick off a three-part series exploring how to scale your construction company by getting out of your own way.  Discover the growth stages that trip up contractors and why your business isn't outgrowing the market—it's outgrowing you. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction: The Bottleneck in Construction Businesses00:30 The Chaos of Winning Big Jobs01:46 Setting Goals and Realizing Bottlenecks03:16 The Founder’s Dilemma: Control vs. Growth04:43 The Importance of Delegation08:35 Recognizing and Overcoming Scaling Problems12:39 Conclusion: Identifying the Real ProblemJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    14 min
  3. The Secret to Winning More Construction Work in 2026

    DEC 9

    The Secret to Winning More Construction Work in 2026

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Most contractors still rely on dropping off donuts and hoping for callbacks, but today's buyers research you online before they ever return your call.  Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown break down why digital business development isn't optional anymore—it's your competitive advantage.  Learn how to build trust before the first meeting, speed up your proposal process, and stand out from competitors who are still stuck in the past. Your digital footprint is your first handshake. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Business Development00:20 The Digital Shift: Embracing Online Presence00:37 Understanding the Modern Buyer01:14 Building a Strong Digital Footprint03:25 The Importance of Reputation and Authenticity06:01 Leveraging AI and Technology10:46 The Role of CRM Systems12:33 Combining Digital and Personal Touch13:32 The Future of Business Development20:05 Conclusion: Evolving with the TimesJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    21 min
  4. Why Your Construction Business Isn't Making Money: Avoid These Pitfalls!

    DEC 2

    Why Your Construction Business Isn't Making Money: Avoid These Pitfalls!

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Feeling like your construction business is growing but your bank account isn't? You've hit the growth gap - that predictable wall between $2-10 million where contractors get stuck.  Wade and Stephen break down why your company might be running on an outdated foundation, causing cash flow problems, pricing breakdowns, and management chaos.  Learn the four key dynamics holding you back and actionable strategies to break through to profitable growth. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction: The Growth Gap in Construction00:38 Understanding the Growth Paradox02:16 Business Books on Growth Challenges05:42 Identifying the Root Causes11:12 Strategies for Overcoming Growth Barriers17:27 Conclusion: Planning for Sustainable GrowthJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    22 min
  5. Survive the Slow Season: Winter Cash Flow Tips for Contractors

    NOV 25

    Survive the Slow Season: Winter Cash Flow Tips for Contractors

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Every winter, broke contractors blame the weather while disciplined ones use the slow season to rebuild and prepare for spring.  Wade and Stephen share practical cash flow strategies to help you survive seasonal slowdowns, including the 'drip account' method, reverse calendar planning, and how to keep your crew paid when work slows down.  Learn to build financial reserves during good times so you can buy competitors' equipment at half price instead of taking predatory loans. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:26 Seasonal Challenges and Opportunities01:11 Practical Tips for Winter Preparation02:44 Financial Strategies for Contractors04:52 Cash Flow Management Insights07:24 Planning Ahead for Success12:04 Creative Solutions and Final ThoughtsJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    18 min
  6. AI Can't Fix Chaos: Cut Through the Noise with These Tips

    NOV 18

    AI Can't Fix Chaos: Cut Through the Noise with These Tips

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Are you constantly chasing the next AI tool hoping it will magically fix your construction business? Wade and Stephen reveal why the real shortcut isn't smarter software - it's getting your systems and people to speak the same language.  Learn how to eliminate translation friction between estimators, project managers, CPAs, and bonding agents before you invest in more technology. Discover practical strategies to streamline your business operations and set the foundation for AI success. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:15 The Real Shortcut: Unified Communication00:56 AI in Practice: Real-World Examples01:16 The Evolution of AI: From ChatGPT to Today01:38 Challenges in AI Adoption03:39 The Language Barrier in Construction05:25 Streamlining Systems with AI09:05 Standardizing Work In Progress (WIP)12:18 The Future of AI in BusinessJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    17 min
  7. Private Equity's Secret Playbook: Building & Buying Construction Firms

    NOV 11

    Private Equity's Secret Playbook: Building & Buying Construction Firms

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Discover why private equity firms and consolidators are aggressively buying construction companies and what they're really looking for.  Wade and Stephen break down the secret playbook: how buyers evaluate EBITDA multiples, consolidate overhead for higher margins, and what happens during due diligence.  Learn the critical factors that drive valuations, from bonding relationships to recurring revenue streams, plus real stories of deals gone right and wrong. Essential listening for any contractor considering an exit strategy. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:29 The Surge of Private Equity in Construction00:55 Valuation and Deal Considerations03:18 Why Buy a Construction Company?05:23 Challenges and Strategies in Mergers and Acquisitions07:10 The Role of Due Diligence09:50 Post-Acquisition Integration and ManagementJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    23 min
  8. When Bids Go Bad: Contractor Horror Stories

    NOV 4

    When Bids Go Bad: Contractor Horror Stories

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Ready for some real frights? Forget ghosts and goblins – these true contractor bid horror stories will keep you up at night checking your Excel formulas.  Wade and Stephen share spine-chilling tales of million-dollar spreadsheet errors, last-minute sub pullouts, and bid day disasters that cost contractors their profits (and sometimes their jobs).  Learn from these nightmares with practical tips to protect your business from bid day terror. Perfect Halloween listening for contractors who want to avoid their own estimating horror story. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 01:33 Setting the Stage for Bid Day02:25 Common Bid Day Mistakes and Their Consequences05:04 Real-Life Bid Day Horror Stories14:04 Technical Issues and Their Impact17:24 Preventing Bid Day DisastersJoin the Profit First for Construction community! Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs FIND US ONLINE Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

    24 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from two long-term industry professionals: Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. Each host has unique, but complementary views and advice from each of their 30+ years in the contracting industry. Their goal is to promote healthy, thought-provoking discussions and tips for running a better, more profitable, and successful company. Subscribe for new insights and discussion every week. Visit ContractorSuccessForum.com to view all episodes and find out more. 

Information

  • Creator
    Contractor Success Forum
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Contractor Success Forum
  • Show Website
    Contractor Success Forum