Contractor Bitesize books

Kevin
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Summarises the most important elements and ideas from books in the world of business, leadership, lifestyle, personal growth, mindset and applies the ideas specifically for contractors and construction business owners operating in the $0.5M to 5M revenue range.

  1. JUN 28

    The Job That Nearly Broke Me — And What It Taught Me About Influence

    You don’t lose jobs because of price. You lose them because people don’t trust you — yet. In this episode, we walk through one high-stakes project that pushed everything to the edge: a cold client, a flat crew, a blown deadline... and the turning point that saved it. Along the way, we unpack Dale Carnegie’s timeless lessons — not as theory, but as on-site tools that build trust, leadership, and real influence. If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying your whole business on your back… this one’s for you.

    6 min

  2. JUN 24

    Hard to Replace: How to Stop Competing and Start Leading - Zero To One

    You didn’t plan to be the boss — but here you are, drowning in decisions, juggling chaos, and wondering how to make the business less dependent on you. In this episode, we break down Zero to One by Peter Thiel — not for tech bros, but for real-world builders who need a business that lasts. Learn how to escape the price wars, discover what makes you irreplaceable, and lead with clarity — without the fluff, hype, or MBA nonsense.

    7 min

  3. JUN 23

    Freedom Comes from Values, Not Hustle - What Patagonia’s Founder Can Teach Construction Owners About Building a Business That Actually Feels Good to Run

    You’re not lazy. You’re just tired of running a business that pulls you away from what matters. In this episode, we unpack the bold business philosophy of Yvon Chouinard—founder of Patagonia—and apply it directly to the construction world. Because hustle can only take you so far. It’s values—lived values—that build real freedom. You’ll learn: Why most construction businesses are just glorified jobs—and how to change thatHow to turn your values into systems, habits, and hiring toolsWhy trusting your team might be the best investment you’ve never madeThe counterintuitive truth: when you stop chasing every job, your business gets strongerIf you want more clarity, more autonomy, and a company that reflects who you are, this one’s for you.

    7 min

  4. JUN 3

    What a Roman Emperor Can Teach You About Running a Construction Business

    Clients flake. Employees slack. Jobs go sideways.  And somehow, you’re supposed to stay calm, focused, and in control? In this episode of Builder’s Book Brief, we tap into the 2,000-year-old wisdom of Marcus Aurelius—Roman emperor, battlefield general, and reluctant philosopher-king. His book, Meditations, isn’t self-help fluff. It’s a raw, personal journal of how to lead when the world feels chaotic. You’ll learn: Why emotions are tools—not commandsHow to build a mindset that doesn’t swing with the jobsite moodWhat it means to control your circle of influence—and let the rest burnIf your days feel reactive, this episode gives you armor. Because when your inner game is solid, no client, weather delay, or 3 a.m. invoice panic can rattle you.

    10 min

  5. JUN 3

    You’re Making Good Money—So Why Do You Still Feel Broke?

    You're finally bringing in real revenue—$500K, $1M, maybe more.  But between the overhead, the chaos, and the late-night quote runs, you’re still feeling stressed, stretched, and stuck in survival mode. In this episode of Builder’s Book Brief, we unpack The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel—and why your financial problems aren’t about spreadsheets… they’re about behavior. You’ll learn: Why real wealth is invisible—and how flashy success can quietly destroy your marginHow to build a business that survives chaos, not just crushes good seasonsWhy defining “enough” is the most profitable thing you’re not doingIf you’ve ever made more money—and somehow felt less free—this one’s for you.

    5 min

  6. JUN 2

    If You Disappeared for 4 Weeks… Would Your Business Survive?

    If your construction business depends on you being on every site, solving every problem, and replying to every text—you don’t own a business. You own a job. In this episode of Builder’s Book Brief, we unpack Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz, a no-BS guide to building a company that runs smoothly—even when you’re not there. You’ll learn: Why your job isn’t to do the work—it’s to design the systems that do the workHow to identify and protect your Queen Bee Role (the one thing that keeps your business alive)What it means to pass the 4-Week Vacation Test—and how to start prepping for it nowPlus, we end with one small action you can take this week to start getting off the tools and into true ownership. If you want freedom, not just more revenue—this one’s essential.

    5 min

  7. JUN 2

    Why Your Crew Doesn’t Care—And How to Fix It

    You can’t build a business that runs without you if your crew only works when you’re watching. In this episode of Builder’s Book Brief, we break down Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek—a sharp, honest look at how great leaders earn trust, build loyalty, and create teams that perform even when the pressure’s on. For construction business owners doing $500K–$5M a year, this is the playbook for making the jump from reactive operator to trusted leader. You’ll learn: Why your team’s biggest performance blocker is fear—not lazinessHow to create a “Circle of Safety” where initiative and pride can growHow your mood, presence, and habits shape the entire jobsite cultureWe close with one small action you can take this week to improve trust, without adding more meetings, rules, or effort. If you want to build something that lasts—you have to lead like it matters.

    5 min

  8. JUN 2

    Ben Franklin for Contractors: Habits, Systems & Freedom from the Tools

    In this episode of Builder’s Book Brief, we break down timeless lessons from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin—the original self-made tradesman who scaled himself out of the shop and into legacy work. If you’re a construction business owner doing $500K–$5M/year and tired of running every project by brute force, this episode gives you three powerful takeaways: How to use Franklin’s daily system to escape chaos and reclaim focusWhy building habits and training your crew are more valuable than adding volumeHow to shift from operator to architect—and build something that lasts beyond youWe close with one simple action you can take this week to lead more like Franklin—without a white wig or printing press.

    6 min
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About

Summarises the most important elements and ideas from books in the world of business, leadership, lifestyle, personal growth, mindset and applies the ideas specifically for contractors and construction business owners operating in the $0.5M to 5M revenue range.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Contractor Bitesize books
  • Show Website
    Contractor Bitesize books