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. 5 Years of Contractor Success: Lessons from the Forum's Founders [BONUS Episode!]

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    5 Years of Contractor Success: Lessons from the Forum's Founders [BONUS Episode!]

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Celebrating 5 years and 263 episodes! Wade Carpenter, Stephen Brown, and returning co-host Rob Williams share the most impactful episodes, business lessons, and evolution of the show.  Rob reveals his new focus on exit planning and business valuations for contractors earning $10M-$1B. From Profit First to joint ventures to scaling up strategies, discover the episodes that changed how contractors think about their businesses. Plus: why 75% of business owners regret their sales and how to avoid that trap. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Five Year Milestone00:50 Rob Returns Update01:11 Staging For Exit04:39 Rembrandt In Attic06:39 Favorite Episodes09:49 Profit First Lessons12:03 Cash Flow Drivers14:42 Throughput And Constraints16:58 Early Podcast Days18:20 Behind The Scenes Amanda18:35 Favorite Episodes Talk19:16 Survival Trap Lessons21:18 Coaching Contractors Better22:35 Rob’s Business Shift24:00 Exit Planning Purpose26:06 AI and Tech Mindset28:24 How to Reach Rob30:15 Sell Smart Not Fast32:00 Planned Exit Psychology34:54 Five Year Wrap UpThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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

    37 min
  2. 4 Ways to Grow Your Construction Company (That Actually Work!)

    2D AGO

    4 Ways to Grow Your Construction Company (That Actually Work!)

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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 Tired of working harder but seeing less profit? You're pulling the wrong levers. Wade and Stephen break down the four proven ways to grow your construction business that actually move the needle on your bottom line.  Learn why 'doing more work' isn't the answer and discover the mathematical drivers that can increase your business value by 85%. Plus exciting announcements as we kick off year six of the Contractor Success Forum! ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Working Hard Not Rich00:22 Podcast Milestone Intro01:35 Four Growth Levers02:34 Win Better Jobs04:16 Raise Contract Value05:24 Boost Gross Margin10:19 Control Overhead11:54 Pricing Math Reality12:47 Build Exit Value14:56 Year Six Reflections17:25 Audiobook Announcement19:32 Community Coaching Launch21:39 Subscribe And Wrap UpThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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
  3. The True Cost of 'Writing It Off': Avoid a Construction Cash Flow Spiral!

    MAR 24

    The True Cost of 'Writing It Off': Avoid a Construction Cash Flow Spiral!

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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 the shocking math behind equipment purchases that contractors never see. Wade and Stephen reveal how the common advice to 'just buy it and write it off' can trap your business in a dangerous cash flow spiral.  Learn the real numbers behind lease vs buy decisions, equipment depreciation, and why that tax deduction might cost you $20,000 more than you think. Essential listening for any contractor making equipment decisions. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Write Off Truck Myth01:46 Cash Flow First Questions03:02 Truck Loan Math Demo05:00 Negative Equity Trap08:14 Lease Versus Buy Reality12:54 Repair Versus Replace17:39 Section 179 Recapture Shock21:43 Avoiding the Debt Spiral24:13 Better Advice and Wrap UpThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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

    28 min
  4. The Write-Off Trap: How Misguided Tax Advice Can Ruin Contractors

    MAR 17

    The Write-Off Trap: How Misguided Tax Advice Can Ruin Contractors

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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 Your insurance premiums don't have to feel like surprise change orders. Wade Carpenter (CPA) and Stephen Brown (bonding/insurance expert) reveal actionable strategies to control your construction business insurance costs in 2026.  Learn what's driving premium increases, common contractor mistakes that spike rates, and proven tactics to get better coverage for less.  From vehicle insurance to workers' comp, discover how to work with your agent proactively instead of reactively to protect your cash flow and profitability. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Why Premiums Keep Rising00:22 What Drives Pricing02:42 Insurance Is Not A Commodity04:50 Hidden Premium Triggers08:46 Claims History And Hiring11:17 Best Contractors Win Rates13:06 Proactive Service Mindset16:19 Hard Versus Soft Markets20:19 Year Round Cost Control23:41 Key Takeaways And WrapThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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
  5. Contractor Insurance Secrets: How to Cut Costs in 2026

    MAR 10

    Contractor Insurance Secrets: How to Cut Costs in 2026

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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 Your insurance premiums don't have to feel like surprise change orders. Wade Carpenter (CPA) and Stephen Brown (bonding/insurance expert) reveal actionable strategies to control your construction business insurance costs in 2026.  Learn what's driving premium increases, common contractor mistakes that spike rates, and proven tactics to get better coverage for less.  From vehicle insurance to workers' comp, discover how to work with your agent proactively instead of reactively to protect your cash flow and profitability. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Why Premiums Keep Rising00:22 What Drives Pricing02:42 Insurance Is Not A Commodity04:50 Hidden Premium Triggers08:46 Claims History And Hiring11:17 Best Contractors Win Rates13:06 Proactive Service Mindset16:19 Hard Versus Soft Markets20:19 Year Round Cost Control23:41 Key Takeaways And WrapThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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

    27 min
  6. Why Your Bids Miss the Mark: Markup vs. Margin Secrets

    MAR 3

    Why Your Bids Miss the Mark: Markup vs. Margin Secrets

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page 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 Think markup and margin are the same? This costly mistake could be draining $100K+ from your annual profits.  Wade breaks down the math with real contractor examples, showing why a 25% markup only gives you 20% margin.  Learn the correct formulas to bid jobs that actually deliver the profit you expect, plus get access to calculation tools that ensure your estimators use the right numbers every time. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Profit Math Warning00:21 Markup vs Margin Setup02:07 Is 25% the Same03:01 The 2 Million Example03:48 Markup to Hit Margin06:58 Markup Table Shockers08:04 Remodeler Case Study11:20 Commercial GC Mistake13:16 Profit First Cash Impact14:54 Calculator Annual Losses16:17 Wrap Up Key Takeaways17:06 Final Recap and OutroThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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
  7. The Data Center Boom: Contractor Secrets to Navigating New Risks & Rewards

    FEB 24

    The Data Center Boom: Contractor Secrets to Navigating New Risks & Rewards

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Email Stephen to get his Data Center Job Risk Checklist Visit the episode page 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 Data center construction is exploding with $3 trillion in global investment by 2030. Wade and Stephen break down the massive opportunities and serious risks contractors face in this booming sector.  From specialized labor shortages to complex insurance requirements, liquidated damages, and equipment delays, learn what you need to know before bidding on these high-stakes projects that could make or break your business. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Why Construction Feels Different: The Data Center Boom Is Here00:24 Meet the Hosts + The ‘Infrastructure Supercycle’ Numbers01:38 What Makes Data Centers So Complex (Water, Power, MEP Trades)04:28 Contract & Bonding Landmines: Risk Before, During, and After07:08 Real-World Claims & Warranty Exposure08:55 How to Manage the Risk: Teams, Communication, and Long Lead Times12:21 Where the Growth Is + Power, Safety, and Community Pushback15:50 Contractor Playbook: Insurance, Bonding, and a Practical Risk Checklist21:32 Wrap-Up + Get the Checklist (Contact Info)The Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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
  8. From Confusion to Clarity: Unlocking the Power of WIP Reports

    FEB 17

    From Confusion to Clarity: Unlocking the Power of WIP Reports

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Get the free guide: The Contractor’s Guide to Work in Progress Reports Email Stephen to get his WIP schedule Visit the episode page 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 Stop the confusion between your accountant saying you owe taxes on invisible money and your bonding company cutting your credit line.  Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown reveal how proper Work in Progress (WIP) reports transform your construction business from reactive to proactive.  Learn the essential components, avoid common mistakes, and discover why monthly WIP reports are your secret weapon for maximizing profitability, securing bonding capacity, and making smarter business decisions. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Accountant vs. Bonding Company: Why Your Numbers Don’t Match00:22 What a WIP Report Really Tells Underwriters (and You)02:58 WIP Must Tie to Financials: Software Limits & Data Quality04:43 Core WIP Inputs: Contract, Costs, Billings, Change Orders & Retainage07:11 Percentage of Completion 101: Earned Revenue vs. Billed Cash09:31 Overbillings vs. Underbillings: Balance Sheet Impact & Bonding Red Flags13:09 Loss Jobs, GAAP Loss Recognition & Avoiding Underwriter Surprises15:21 Stored Materials, Near-Completion Issues & Other GAAP Gotchas17:21 Warning Signs on a WIP: Rising Costs, Missing Change Orders & Patterns21:46 Common WIP Mistakes: Miscoded Costs, Unrecorded Invoices & Stale Estimates24:13 Monthly WIP Best Practices + Checklists, Forms & How Often to Run It30:20 Wrap-Up: Resources & Contact InfoThe Contractor Profit Blueprint is a complete guide that breaks down exactly how to identify where your money's going and start keeping more of it. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I use with contractors I work with every single day. Head to profitfirstconstruction.com/blueprint to download your free copy.  Stop working for free. Let's get you keeping what you've earned. Join 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

    33 min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Contractor Success Forum
  • Show Website
    Contractor Success Forum

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