Building Better Contractor Businesses: Systems, Team Building, Workflow, Profitability, Lead Generation

Shaytoya Brown
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Do you ever feel slammed with work but still not making the money you should? Like you’re always busy, putting out fires, and keeping everything in your head just to get through the week? Do clients get sticker shock when you send pricing, even though you know the work is good and you’re not overcharging? Are you struggling to get consistent work, not just any work? Does running the business feel harder than actually doing the work? If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Building Better Contractor Businesses is for contractors who want less chaos and more clarity. For contractors who want to run better businesses, not just finish the next job. Here, we talk about - Building predictable, steady work (not feast or famine) - Getting confident in your pricing and explaining your value - Creating systems so everything isn’t stuck in your head - Working with better clients and more reliable subcontractors - Getting out of survival mode and into control When a topic falls beyond my area of expertise, I collaborate with professionals who are deeply familiar with that aspect of the business, ensuring you receive insights from knowledgeable individuals. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real conversations about what actually works. Hey, I’m Shaytoya. I’ve been with K&B Communications for over 10 years, working behind the scenes in invoicing, sales, marketing, administration, and supporting operations, pretty much everything except being out in the field. I’ve watched contractors work nonstop and still feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure if they’re building the business the right way. Like many contractors, we tried getting advice from everyone. Different opinions. Different directions. Different “quick fixes.” Instead of helping, it kept us spinning. We struggled with our numbers. We didn’t have consistent work. We were busy but still stressed. What changed was realizing we weren’t the only ones dealing with this. The same issues kept coming up again and again: pricing confidence, lack of systems, inconsistent lead flow, and constant mental overload. So we stopped guessing and started building the business intentionally, one decision at a time. Today, we’ve built a stronger team, clearer systems, and a business that runs with more control and less chaos. If this podcast resonates with you, I want to invite you to continue the conversation inside our free Facebook community: Building Better Contractor Businesses Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MZbgzNKdo/ Become a Contractor Business CEO Insider https://buildingbettercontractorbusinesses.grwebsite.com/ Learn about our commercial low-voltage company https://www.kandbcom.com/ It’s a practical space for contractors who want real conversations, real support, and real progress, beyond just listening to an episode. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

  1. 3h ago

    34. Why Your Customers Forget About You & How to Stay Top of Mind

    When did you last check in with your customers? Has it been weeks, or has it quietly turned into months? Are you reaching out to customers regularly, or only when you need more work? In this episode, I’m sharing why staying in front of your customers matters and how a simple follow-up can keep your business top of mind. I’ll also share how we use our CRM to track conversations, schedule follow-ups, and make sure months don’t go by without staying in contact. What You’ll LearnWhy consistent customer follow-up mattersHow to use a CRM to stay on top of follow-upsWhy you shouldn’t wait until business is slow to reconnect Resources & LinksK&B Communications: www.kandbcom.com Monday.com: Monday.com Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17htYuRUGP/ About K&B CommunicationsK&B Communications is a commercial low-voltage contractor serving businesses throughout Nevada and Arizona. We specialize in security cameras, access control, fiber optics, and commercial AV. Learn more about K&B Communications: Connect With ShaytoyaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaytoya/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaytoyamarie_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaytoyastresing/ Your Next StepOpen your CRM today and look at the last time you contacted your customers, past customers, GCs, or other potential partners. If it's been months, don't overthink it. Send a simple check-in to restart the conversation.

  2. Sep 28

    33. Struggling With Content? How Contractors Can Find More Content Ideas

    Always wondering what you should post? Do you feel like you’re constantly trying to come up with new content ideas? What if the best content for your business is already happening around you? In this episode of Building Better Contractor Businesses, I’m sharing how I find content ideas by paying attention to what’s already happening around me. Some of my best ideas come from conversations with our team, customer questions, networking events, projects, blogs, and just getting out into the community. You don’t always have to sit behind a desk trying to figure out what to post. I’m sharing how I use everyday conversations and experiences to create content for K&B Communications, our blogs, social media, and this podcast, and why getting yourself out there can make creating content a whole lot easier. In This EpisodeWhy I ask our team to send me questions they hear from customersHow real customer questions can turn into blogs, videos, social posts, and podcast episodesWhy networking and community involvement give me so many content ideasHow I use what’s already happening in our business instead of always trying to create something newWhy you should write down content ideas when they happen Resources MentionedThey Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan K&B Communications Blog Connect With UsK&B Communications: www.kandbcom.com Shaytoya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaytoyastresing/ Next StepThis week, pay attention to what’s already happening around you and turn one of those moments into content.

  3. Sep 21

    32. Frustrated With Slow Seasons? How Saving Helped Us Avoid Debt

    What happens when business slows down, and you don't know when it'll pick back up? Are you saving during your good months or spending as if they'll last forever? Would your business have options if work suddenly slowed down? Highlights of EpisodeBusiness isn't always going to stay busy, and sometimes you won't know when things will pick back up. In this episode, I'm sharing how following Profit First and building reserves helped us get through an eight-month slowdown without taking on debt. I'm sharing five lessons we learned about saving during the good months, being intentional with the money coming into your business, paying yourself first, building reserves, and giving yourself options when business slows down. This isn't financial advice. It's simply our experience and what helped us get through a difficult season in business. Book Mentioned: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzCC3mmz1/ Connect With ShaytoyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaytoyastresing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaytoyamarie_/ Learn About K&B CommunicationsCommercial low-voltage contractor for businesses in Las Vegas and Arizona. Website: https://kandbcom.com/ Next StepJoin the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group, where we talk through the real problems contractors are facing while building and growing their businesses.

  4. Sep 14

    31. Struggling to Track Your Leads? 5 CRM Tips for Contractors

    Do you actually know where your leads are coming from? Are you spending time and money on marketing without knowing what’s actually bringing in business? Are you losing customer conversations and follow-ups because you aren’t documenting them? Episode HighlightsIn this episode, I’m sharing 5 things contractors should be documenting in their CRM so you can improve follow-up, understand where your leads are coming from, and make better marketing decisions. I also share why every customer interaction should have a clear next step and why the best CRM is the one your team will actually use. Resources & Links MentionedMonday.comBuilding Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group Connecting With Us & Next Steps YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kbcommunications/videos K&B Communications Website: www.kandbcom.com

  5. Sep 7

    30. Sick of Chasing Leads? Build Relationships Before You Need the Work

    Are you only reaching out to people when you need work? What if your next opportunity comes from a relationship you’ve already built? Would the people in your network feel confident recommending your company? Contractor lead generation isn’t always about finding more leads. Occasionally your best opportunities come from the relationships you’ve already built. In this episode of Building Better Contractor Businesses, Shaytoya shares how a simple day of dropping off cookies, reconnecting with contractors, and attending a networking event reminded her about business development: relationships matter long before you need the work. She talks about why not every conversation needs to turn into a job, why trust matters when someone recommends your business, and why being a connector can be as valuable as asking for the next opportunity. She also shares why contractors need simple systems to stay connected, even when business gets busy. In This EpisodeBuilding relationships before you need workWhy every conversation doesn’t need to become a leadThe trust behind referralsProtecting your reputationBecoming a connectorUsing systems to stay consistent Listen & ConnectListen to Building Better Contractor Businesses: Apple Podcasts Connect with Shaytoya on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaytoyastresing Your next step: Reconnect with someone in your network you haven’t talked to in a while without asking them for work.

  6. Aug 31

    29. Why Lead Generation Dies When Contractors Get Busy

    Are you great at marketing when work slows down but stop as soon as the schedule fills up? Do you wait until the pipeline is getting empty before following up with old estimates, clients, and referrals? Are Google reviews, relationship building, and marketing always the first things to disappear when business gets busy? In This EpisodeIn this episode of Building Better Contractor Businesses, Shaytoya Brown talks about why lead generation can feel inconsistent for contractors and how stopping your marketing when business gets busy can eventually dry up your pipeline. She shares what K&B Communications is doing to stay consistent with follow-up, Google reviews, relationship building, past customers, and regular business development. You’ll also hear why staying visible matters, how long some opportunities can take to close, and why the goal should be to keep your lead generation efforts going even when work picks up. Shaytoya also shares real examples from K&B Communications, including a project that took two years to close and why she blocks out Thursdays to visit clients, potential clients, and stay in front of people. In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy contractors often stop marketing at the wrong timeWhy lead generation needs to continue even when business gets busyWhy a “not right now” does not always mean a lead is deadHow consistent follow-up can turn old estimates into future projectsWhy Google reviews and staying visible online matterHow relationship building can create long-term opportunitiesWhy past customers can be one of your best sources of future workHow putting business development on your calendar helps you stay consistentWhy the goal is not to restart marketing every time work slows down; the goal is to never completely stop Resources & LinksK&B Communications: Commercial low-voltage contractor specializing in structured cabling, fiber optics, security cameras, access control, and commercial AV. https://kandbcom.com/ Building Better Contractor Businesses on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@kbcommunications/videos DisclaimerThe information shared in this podcast is based on personal experiences and lessons learned while running a business. Every company and situation is different. Use your own judgment and seek professional advice when appropriate.

  7. Aug 24

    28. Why Your Contractor Workflow Is Costing You Hours — And How to Fix It

    Still managing your jobs through texts, emails, and handwritten notes? Do you feel like you're spending too much time on admin instead of running your business? How much important project information is getting lost between you, your team, and your clients? Episode HighlightsIn this episode of Building Better Contractor Businesses, host Shaytoya Brown sits down with Nola Solomon, founder & CEO of Renoverse AI, to discuss how scattered communication can cost contractors time, create mistakes, and make an already busy job even harder. Nola shares how her own home renovation led her to build Renoverse AI and why better documentation and communication matter in construction. Shaytoya and Nola also discuss how contractors can use AI to reduce administrative work, keep project information organized, and improve their workflow without completely changing the way they already work. You'll also hear why technology can make communication and documentation easier, but can't replace accountability within your team. What You'll LearnWhy texts, emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes can create gaps in your contractor workflowWhere contractors may be losing hours each week to manual administrative workHow poor documentation can affect schedules, budgets, client relationships, and trustWhy important project decisions need to be documented instead of relying on memoryHow AI can help organize emails, voice notes, handwritten notes, and project informationHow contractors can use technology without completely changing the tools and workflows they're already comfortable withWhy technology can support accountability but can't make your team follow the processWhere to start if your project information is currently scattered across multiple places Connect With Building Better Contractor BusinessesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbcommunications/videos Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/890092163728657 Next StepsStep 1: Look at how you're currently managing project communication. If you find important information spread across texts, emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes, identify one area where you can start creating a better system. Step 2: Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group to connect with other contractors and continue the conversation about the real challenges of building a better business. Step 3: Share this episode with another contractor who could use a better way to manage communication and administrative work. About the HostShaytoya Brown is the Chief Marketing Officer at K&B Communications and host of Building Better Contractor Businesses. With more than 10 years of behind-the-scenes experience in the construction industry, Shaytoya shares real-world lessons on business systems, marketing, hiring, team building, and communication. DisclaimerThe information shared in this episode is based on personal experiences, opinions, and lessons learned. Every business and situation is different. Listeners should use their own judgment and seek professional advice when appropriate. Products, services, pricing, statistics, performance claims, or results discussed by a guest are provided by that guest and have not been independently verified by Building Better Contractor Businesses.

  8. Aug 17

    27. When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: How Contractors Keep Business Moving

    Does your business start falling apart whenever real life needs your attention? Are you overwhelmed trying to balance customers, employees, projects, children, and family responsibilities? Is your schedule built around the life you actually have or the life you wish you had? What You Will Learn Why your schedule should reflect the life and responsibilities you actually haveHow to review your calendar before commitments become emergenciesWhy changing a plan does not automatically mean the original decision was wrongHow delegation, communication, and contractor systems help the business continue when you step awayWhy protecting family time and personal time belongs on the calendar tooHow to give yourself grace, make the necessary adjustment, and execute the new plan Resources and Links Mentioned Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: Join the contractor communityListen on Apple Podcasts: Building Better Contractor BusinessesWatch on YouTube: K&B Communications videosLearn more about K&B Communications: www.kandbcom.com Connect and Take the Next Step Review tomorrow’s schedule before the end of today.Identify the work, family commitments, and deadlines that you cannot move.Choose one task to cancel, delegate, or reschedule before it becomes an emergency.Share this episode with another contractor who needs permission to adjust the plan without giving up.Join the Facebook group to keep the honest conversations going about the real challenges of running a contractor business. About the Host Shaytoya Brown is the Chief Marketing Officer at K&B Communications and the host of Building Better Contractor Businesses. Her experience spans marketing, recruiting, business development, and operations, giving her a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to grow a contracting company through real challenges. Shaytoya and her husband, Kevin, own K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. Learn more at www.kandbcom.com. Disclaimer The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and lessons learned. Every business and situation is different. Use your own judgment and seek professional advice when appropriate.

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Do you ever feel slammed with work but still not making the money you should? Like you’re always busy, putting out fires, and keeping everything in your head just to get through the week? Do clients get sticker shock when you send pricing, even though you know the work is good and you’re not overcharging? Are you struggling to get consistent work, not just any work? Does running the business feel harder than actually doing the work? If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Building Better Contractor Businesses is for contractors who want less chaos and more clarity. For contractors who want to run better businesses, not just finish the next job. Here, we talk about - Building predictable, steady work (not feast or famine) - Getting confident in your pricing and explaining your value - Creating systems so everything isn’t stuck in your head - Working with better clients and more reliable subcontractors - Getting out of survival mode and into control When a topic falls beyond my area of expertise, I collaborate with professionals who are deeply familiar with that aspect of the business, ensuring you receive insights from knowledgeable individuals. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real conversations about what actually works. Hey, I’m Shaytoya. I’ve been with K&B Communications for over 10 years, working behind the scenes in invoicing, sales, marketing, administration, and supporting operations, pretty much everything except being out in the field. I’ve watched contractors work nonstop and still feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure if they’re building the business the right way. Like many contractors, we tried getting advice from everyone. Different opinions. Different directions. Different “quick fixes.” Instead of helping, it kept us spinning. We struggled with our numbers. We didn’t have consistent work. We were busy but still stressed. What changed was realizing we weren’t the only ones dealing with this. The same issues kept coming up again and again: pricing confidence, lack of systems, inconsistent lead flow, and constant mental overload. So we stopped guessing and started building the business intentionally, one decision at a time. Today, we’ve built a stronger team, clearer systems, and a business that runs with more control and less chaos. If this podcast resonates with you, I want to invite you to continue the conversation inside our free Facebook community: Building Better Contractor Businesses Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MZbgzNKdo/ Become a Contractor Business CEO Insider https://buildingbettercontractorbusinesses.grwebsite.com/ Learn about our commercial low-voltage company https://www.kandbcom.com/ It’s a practical space for contractors who want real conversations, real support, and real progress, beyond just listening to an episode. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

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