Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb Auman
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A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. "The Kid" has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep 708. Escape the Owner's Trap: How Documentation Allows You to Replace Yourself in the Field w/ Tony Bass

    Caleb interviews Tony Bass, a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant who specializes in building profitable, systems-driven landscape companies. Bass emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and shares strategies for finding and retaining high-quality employees by focusing on their specific needs and psychological drivers. He argues that business owners must move away from manual labor toward documented processes, allowing them to scale and eventually replace themselves in daily tasks. The discussion highlights how frequent feedback and incremental raises can improve staff loyalty and performance. Bass also advocates for fiscal conservatism, suggesting that contractors maintain a full year of overhead in cash to ensure long-term stability. Key Takeaways: Revamp your recruitment strategy by using "fresh start" headlines in job ads to attract a broader audience instead of only targeting candidates with specific technical titles. Create an automated filtering process for new hires by using audio or video recordings to answer frequently asked questions before you commit to an in-person interview. Boost employee retention by providing frequent, small incremental raises and immediate recognition for new technical skills or educational achievements. Systematize your business by documenting every repetitive task in detail so that you can eventually replace yourself in the field and focus on high-level management. Build a solid financial foundation by setting a goal to save one full year's worth of company overhead in cash to protect the business against future economic downturns. Super Lawn Tool Kit: https://superlawntoolkit.com/  Finding Great Employees: https://superlawntoolkit.com/finding-employees/ 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    1h 11m

  2. 4D AGO

    Ep 707. Hardscape Hustle and Household Friction: Managing Business and Marriage

    This a lively and contentious episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, hosted by Caleb Auman alongside his wife, Brittany. The conversation highlights the financial and operational tensions inherent in running a multi-million dollar landscaping business, specifically focusing on Caleb's recent unplanned equipment purchases and job costing errors. Brittany challenges Caleb on his lack of administrative discipline, criticizing his failure to follow change order protocols which resulted in a project yielding a minimal $290 profit. The episode serves as a raw look at the realities of spousal business partnerships, balancing technical industry talk with the logistical struggles of scaling a trade company. Key Takeaways: Closely monitor your business financials and net profit margins to ensure that your hard work is actually resulting in a profitable enterprise. Implement and strictly follow standardized protocols for change orders to capture all billable work and prevent revenue from slipping through the cracks. Adopt a proactive mentality regarding equipment maintenance by replacing unreliable tools that waste valuable time and energy. Become a technical expert in your specific industry to build trust with clients and effectively communicate the value of your services. Establish clear boundaries and communication channels when running a business with a spouse to manage the inevitable friction that comes with shared professional and personal responsibilities. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    45 min

  3. MAY 14

    Ep 706. Stop Being Busy, Start Building: The Power of the "One Thing"

    Caleb and Brittany, focus on the transition from being a busy business owner to becoming a strategic leader who builds scalable systems. They emphasize the "automate, delegate, and eliminate" framework to help contractors reclaim their time and focus on high-level growth. They argue that entrepreneurs are often the primary bottleneck in their own companies and must undergo a mindset shift to fix systemic issues. Additionally, the discussion highlights various industry tools and resources, such as LMN and Cycle CPA, which provide the data and structure necessary for long-term success. Through candid dialogue, the Aumans advocate for extreme accountability and the implementation of standard operating procedures to move beyond daily chaos. Key Takeaways:  Perform a daily task audit to categorize activities into things you can automate, delegate to others, or eliminate entirely. Focus on your "one thing" each day by identifying and completing the most critical task that drives long-term progress before getting bogged down in minor details. Build scalable systems and clear processes to replace yourself in the day-to-day operations so the business can thrive without your constant presence. Adopt a growth mindset that accepts personal responsibility for business failures, recognizing that a company's success is limited by the founder's own capacity. Protect your most valuable resource—time—by cutting out low-value clients and administrative distractions that do not contribute to your ultimate goals. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    40 min

  4. MAY 12

    Ep 705. Clearing the Fog: Lessons on Life, Legacy, and Loss

    Caleb reflects on the anniversary of his father's passing and the lessons learned from that experience. He introduces the concept of a "fog" that often clouds judgment during times of intense grief, advising listeners to avoid making major life decisions until they can think clearly. Auman honors his father's legacy by discussing the foundational trade skills, spiritual values, and constitutional principles passed down to him. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family time over work, reminding his audience that personal connections are far more valuable than professional achievements. Key Takeaways: Avoid making major life or financial decisions while experiencing the "fog" of grief, as emotional distress can cloud your judgment and lead to mistakes. Prioritize spending meaningful time with family and loved ones over extra work, because you will likely never regret working less when looking back on your life. Practice the skill of active listening by using your ears more than your mouth to gain wisdom and information from others. Proactively seek out mentors and learn as much as possible from the people in your life, regardless of your age or professional experience. Ensure your family is protected for the future by managing your finances responsibly and setting up assets like life insurance and savings. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    23 min

  5. MAY 7

    Ep 704. Slamfire: Are You Your Business, or Is Your Business You?

    Today Caleb and Brittany discuss the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship and the difficulty of separating personal identity from business performance. The couple shares updates on their landscaping company's financial goals and their current living situation while building a new home. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on legacy and values, with Caleb reflecting on his father's stable career as a form of self-sacrifice for family security. They explore the idea that while a business reflects one's personality and work ethic, a person's ultimate worth is defined by their roles as parents and their faith. Key Takeaways: Practice separating your personal identity and self-worth from the financial performance and daily highs and lows of your business. Reflect on the specific legacy you want to leave for your family, employees, and community to ensure your current actions align with those long-term goals. Invest in self-development tools like marriage coaching or therapy to better understand your deeper motivations and emotional processing. Balance your entrepreneurial ambitions with the need for household stability to protect your family from unnecessary financial risk. Define your non-negotiable core values to provide a consistent foundation for making difficult life and business decisions. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    46 min

  6. MAY 7

    Ep 703. Spring Grind Stoicism: Managing Chaos, Exhaustion, and Equipment Failures

    Caleb and Brittany discuss the operational challenges and triumphs of the spring season. They highlight the importance of their integrated tech stack, specifically using Company Cam for visual documentation and LMN for precise job costing and scheduling. The couple candidly reflects on managing employee accountability, overcoming logistical hurdles, and the mental strain of balancing a high-growth company with family life. Additionally, they promote industry events and educational resources like The Hardscape Academy and Cycle CPA to help other contractors professionalize their bookkeeping. The discussion emphasizes that consistent communication and structured inventory systems are essential for maintaining efficiency during their busiest months.  Key Takeaways: Use visual communication tools and site photos to ensure every crew member understands the specific details and expectations of a project before starting. Automate your material tracking with a QR-code-based inventory system to save time and prevent project delays caused by missing supplies. Establish a routine of weekly or bi-weekly financial meetings with an accountant to stay informed about your actual profit margins and cash flow. Align your annual budget with a revenue goal you realistically believe you can achieve to avoid skewing your overhead and pricing models. Practice intentional perspective-shifting during stressful periods by focusing on team health and project abundance rather than minor daily setbacks. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    40 min

  7. MAY 2

    Ep 702. Why Your Team Should Solve Your Problems (Instead of You)

    Caleb and Brittany discuss the evolution of their landscaping business and the critical shifts in their leadership mindset. They emphasize the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and established systems as their team grows beyond the original "old guard" of long-term employees. Brittany highlights a pivotal meeting with a mentor that provided the clarity needed to simplify complex business decisions and move past an overwhelming "hamster wheel" of tasks. The discussion explores the power of delegation, showing how giving employees the freedom to solve their own problems increases both field efficiency and staff morale.  Key Takeaways: Stop performing low-value tasks like equipment maintenance yourself if you want to scale your business beyond a basic level. Create and follow standard operating procedures to provide the necessary structure for new employees as your company expands. Ensure you have personal buy-in and confidence in new systems before trying to implement them with your staff. Let your team develop their own solutions to operational problems to build their confidence and reduce your daily workload. Focus on your core purpose and mission to simplify complex decisions and avoid getting overwhelmed by too many conflicting priorities. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    31 min

  8. APR 28

    Ep 701. Building a Business That Runs Without You

    Growth can stall when every job depends on more labor, more stress, and more guesswork. Caleb and Brittany discuss how their hardscaping business has evolved through better systems, sharper financial tools, and a more intentional approach to people. Instead of relying on manual labor as the default answer, they explore how strategic equipment investments can increase productivity, reduce overhead, and limit the personnel challenges that come with an inefficient workforce. The conversation also digs into the impact of fractional CFO services and specialized software for budgeting, cash flow, and long-term planning. Caleb and Brittany share how clearer numbers have helped them make stronger decisions, while improved hiring practices have raised the bar for team morale, customer satisfaction, and company culture. Covered in this episode: • Invest in specialized equipment to replace inefficient manual labor and reduce long-term overhead costs. • Hire a fractional CFO or utilize professional budgeting software to gain clarity on financial health and plan for future cash flow needs. • Refine your hiring process to focus on attitude and cultural fit rather than simply filling vacancies with "warm bodies." • Practice transparent communication with your team when facing high-stress periods to manage expectations and maintain professional morale. • Reward team excellence by offering financial incentives to employees who are specifically named in positive client reviews. This episode offers a practical look at what it takes to move a contracting business beyond reactive decisions and toward a more stable, scalable future. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/  👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/  Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaper https://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip  https://www.equipexposition.com/ Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak https://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching https://www.frwrdcoaching.com/

    57 min
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About

A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. "The Kid" has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.

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