Contractor Evolution

Breakthrough Academy
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Contractor Evolution

Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution. In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level. If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    200. Celebrating 200 Episodes: Benji Reacts to His Favorite Moments - Benji Carlson

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP200  Today is a very special day for the team here at Contractor Evolution. Today, we’re releasing our 200th episode. We've spoken to some incredible guests, and that has helped us build a following of the coolest listeners in the world. So... if you've been on the show or just listen to it, we want to express profound gratitude to you. To say we are humbled and proud would be to say nothing at all. For this milestone episode, we're going back through some of Benji's favorite episodes and talking through the lessons we took away from the conversations. Episode Highlights: Celebrate 200 episodes with Benji and the Contractor Evolution team. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit stand out moments from past episodes. Discover hidden gem moments from episodes you may have missed (and then go back and listen to them! 00:00-Intro01:40-How To Create A Vivid Vision For Your Company - Cameron Herold10:16-Which Fire Should I Put Out Next? - Mike Michalowicz14:26-Is Blue-Collar Work Making a Comeback? - Ken Rusk20:47-What’s Your Business REALLY Worth? - John Warrilow26:45-Thinking Lean: Eliminate Waste Through Continuous Improvement - Paul Akers31:14-Mark Bradley: From 0 To 50MM + Founding LMN - Mark Bradley34:58-SOP's: Why Your Business Is A Mess & What To Do About It - Tom Hughes41:45-How To Buy Back Your Time - Dan Martell 50:15-Matt Risinger on Hiring - Matt Risinger56:02-Negotiation Tactics for Contractors - Chris Voss01:01:56-Is Wrapping Your Vehicles Worth It? - Dan Antonelli See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 7m

  2. 12 FEB

    199. Five Languages of Appreciation: Contractor Edition - Dr. Paul White

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP199  Use code TRADE2025 to get $10 off a copy of the Motivated By Appreciation Inventory for Trades here: https://shop.appreciationatwork.com/collections/mba-inventory (limit one code per email, good through March 15, 2025). Ever wonder why your staff feel “under-appreciated?” Like—you tell them they’re doing a good job, you take them for lunch every now and then, and you pay them fairly. And yet there’s always someone who feels like you don’t value their contributions. Our guest today, Dr. Paul White, has some possible answers.  He coauthored The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace alongside Gary Chapman, the man who coined the five love languages many of us are familiar with. The idea is simple: not everyone experiences appreciation the same way. Some like verbal praise, some find meaning in gifts, others need quality time with their manager or team. This conversation is about how to recognize the best way to appreciate your team, and the tangible impact appreciation can have on your business. Episode Highlights: Get a breakdown from Dr. Paul White, coauthor of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, of how the five love languages coined by Gary Chapman can be applied to how people give and receive appreciation in the workplace. Learn how learning how to appreciate your team members according to their appreciation language of choice can improve their sense of purpose in your business. Understand the tangible results proper appreciation can achieve in all areas of your business. 00:00-Intro 01:13-About Dr. Paul 03:01-Appreciation in the trades 08:12-Is blue-collar work underappreciated? 12:43-The psychology of appreciation? 16:03-Misconceptions about appreciation at work 17:52-The 5 Languages of Appreciation 18:21-Words of Affirmation 25:00-Quality Time 31:22-Acts of Service 35:21-Gifts 39:07-Physical Touch 41:09-Tools & assessments for appreciation at work 43:32-How to install appreciation across your organization See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min

  3. 5 FEB

    198. How SOPs Changed the Game For Matt Risinger - Matt Risinger

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 Get your free SOP starter kit here: https://trybta.com/DL198  To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP198   Ever wonder why some contractors scale smoothly to 7-figures and beyond while others constantly get stuck in an operational hellhole? Clients constantly badgering you… Crews relying on you to answer every single question… Margins so depressing they could make a grown man cry… The good news is, there’s a relatively simple tool that can help you solve most of your operational challenges.  SOPs (standard operating procedures). A while back, I co-hosted a comprehensive SOP web class with the one and only Matt Risinger, CEO of Risinger Build and founder of the Build Show Network. We covered everything you need to know about SOPs, based on Breakthrough Academy’s work with over 1500 contractors and Matt Risinger’s own experience scaling two massive companies. Today, we’re releasing that class as a podcast episode so more contractors can benefit from Matt’s insights. Episode Highlights: Hear about Matt Risinger’s SOP journey, including the time the lack of an SOP resulted in a 6-figure mistake. Get a step-by-step walkthrough of how to build SOPs for your company. Learn how to manage change when implementing SOPs with your team, so that they actually get used as intended. 00:00-Intro02:13-About the web class06:50-What part of your operations frustrates you the most?15:11-SOP Red Flags25:52-Where to start with SOPs35:34-How to build SOPs50:04-Change management58:54-Why SOPs fail01:00:49-The evolution of the entrepreneur01:02:09-Implement SOPs faster with the Contractor Growth Method01:04:53-Q&A See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 26m

  4. 29 JAN

    197. Keeping Faith During Tragic Times: Coach Ian’s Story - Ian Ouwerkerk

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:  https://trybta.com/EP197 When times get tough, tragedy strikes or things take a turn for the worst, how do you keep faith that everything will turn out ok? Today, that’s what our very own Breakthrough Academy coach Ian Ouwerkerk is joining me to discuss. On August 29th, 2008 on their way to a wedding, Ian, his mum and his dad were T-boned by a car going 70 miles an hour. The accident left Ian with a severed carotid artery plus 11 ribs and both his collar bones broken. And the list of injuries goes on.  He died and came back multiple times through this harrowing event. Today, he’s generously opening up about his accident, miraculous recovery and the life lessons he learned from the tragic experience. We talk about how to cultivate resilience, perspective, and faith in life’s most challenging seasons. Episode Highlights: BTA Coach Ian tells the story of the near-fatal car accident he survived in 2008 and how the event changed his life. Hear the life lessons Ian took away from the experience, and what they taught him about resilience and faith. Gain perspective on the challenges you’re facing in business and life, and understand how having faith can help you push through adversity. 00:00-Intro 01:31-About Coach Ian 08:17-Ian's accident and out of body experience 17:58-The injuries Ian had to overcome 28:27-What got Ian through the recovery process 30:32-Getting back on his feet 39:05-Enduring more bad news 49:07-Core lessons and takeaways from that difficult period 50:56-It's all about faith 01:06:57-The power of impacting others through entrepreneurship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 13m

  5. 22 JAN

    196. The Financial Secrets of $10MM Contractors - Bob Gauvreau

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 Grab your free "goodie bag" of financial management templates here: https://trybta.com/DL196  To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP196  If you’ve made it this far in business, I probably don’t need to tell you that need to budget, track your overhead, and do job costing. The problem is: nobody ever shows you HOW. A few weeks back, we co-hosted a webinar with our friend Bob Gauvreau from Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory to teach 7-figure contractors everything they need to know about managing their finances. We talked about budgeting, job costing, avoiding cash crunches and more. And today, we’re replaying it here on the podcast so more contractors can benefit from the insights. This is a must-listen for anyone whose New Year’s Resolution is to get better at financial management. Episode Highlights: Understand the least painful way to track your budgets, job costing, and  overhead—without wasting hours with mind-numbing numbers. Get insight into the top 5 cash flow problems to watch out for. Many of these are new in 2024 — but avoiding them is simple once you know what to look for. Learn how to take the guesswork out of your financial decision-making, including your financial benchmarks for your specific industry. 00:00-Intro02:34-About the session03:47-About our free templates (link in description)05:24-Why talk cash flow and budgeting?06:50-About Benji & Bob08:05-Purpose, Outcomes & Agenda10:59-Why is staying on top of your numbers so hard?13:41-Common challenges with financial management21:41-3 Core Systems of Financial Management36:23-Industry Benchmarks - Profit Margins41:20-Margins as you evolve46:21-Signs you should be worried about your cash flow51:04-Five Cash Flow Destroyers59:33-How to implement change01:07:18-Q&A See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 25m

  6. 15 JAN

    195. Tersh Blissett’s Automation Pro Tips - Tersh Blissett

    On March 11, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING2025 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP195 How are you using AI and automation in your business? Maybe you use ChatGPT for idea generation or have some automated reminders going out through your bookkeeping software or CRM. If so, that’s great. But the reality is there is a lot more you could be doing. And it doesn't all require in-depth programming knowledge or tech skills. Today’s conversation is with Tersh Blissett. He’s an AI and automations expert for trades and construction, Host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, owner of two HVAC companies, and founder of Trade Automation Pros.  We discuss the five types of automations all contractors need and three of the most clever ways he’s seeing AI deployed in the trades today.  If you’re tired of monotonous and repetitive tasks but aren’t sure where to start with automations, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: Get intel from Tersh Blissett, AI and automations expert for trades and construction, Host of the Service Business Mastery Podcast, owner of two HVAC companies, and founder of Trade Automation Pros.  Learn the five types of automations every contractor needs to optimize their operations. Get tips on how to get started with AI and automations, including three of Tersh’s favorite AI use cases in the contracting space. 00:00-Intro  01:16-Defining automations  02:04-Background on Tersh's passion for AI and automation  06:42-About Tersh  11:55-Five automations every contractor needs  12:23-Automated appointment scheduling and reminders  19:36-Streamlined customer support ticket handling  24:10-Automated lead management  25:23-Social media content curation and posting  30:54-Automated onboarding for new clients  40:49-Three clever ways contractors can use AI in their business  54:10-Advice for the not so tech-savvy contractor  56:52-Connect with Tersh   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 1m

  7. 8 JAN

    194. Essentialism for Contractors - Greg McKeown

    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP194  Get your copy of Greg McKeown's new Essentialism Planner here: https://gregmckeown.com/books/the-essentialism-planner/  Do you know what you want this year? Or next year? Or in five years? In this distracted world we’re living in, it can be pretty hard to drown out the noise, algorithms and influencers and figure out what it is that you want. And how to go get it. Our guest on the show today is Greg McKeown, author of one of the most beloved books in the small business world: Essentialism: the Disciplined Pursuit of Less. He’s here to teach us how to define and achieve what’s truly most important to you by narrowing your focus and aligning your actions with the highest priority—the most essential—goals in business and life. Late last year, Greg released a new workbook to help readers work through the concepts of an essentialist lifestyle, and we’re lucky enough to get a preview into what the process looks like on the show. Episode highlights: Learn how to apply the concepts of Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less to your business and life. Get tips from Benji and Greg on how to figure out what it is you actually want in life, and how to go after it with laser focus. Gain a new perspective on your 2025 strategic plan and vision, just in time to go out and crush your goals. 00:00-Intro 01:44-Essentialism: A 2024 Update 04:19-About the Essentialism Planner 07:43-How to discern the "trivial many" from the "vital few" 30:39-How to figure out what you actually want 55:25-The power of a graceful no 01:01:40-The importance of rest, play, and escape 01:10:40-Advice for contractors as they enter 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 20m

  8. 1 JAN

    193. 7 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself in 2025 - Benji Carlson

    Stop telling yourself the lies in this episode and start telling yourself the 7 TRUTHS in this free download instead: https://trybta.com/DL193 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:  https://trybta.com/PCEP193  For the first episode of 2025, Benji is speaking from the heart. Today, he's calling out seven lies to stop telling yourself in 2025. And, really, seven lies we all need to stop telling ourselves. We hope this episode helps you break unhealthy thought patterns. About your business. About your family. And most importantly, about yourself. New year, new you. And new us, too.  Episode Highlights:- Understand whether seven unhealthy thought patterns are impacting your business and life, and how to let them go as you enter the new year.- Reflect on the limiting beliefs that held you back in the past, and start to shift your thinking as you move into the future. 00:00-Intro02:09-It’s “just a [insert industry] business”04:32-Another business/industry would have been easier08:39-It HAS to be hard10:39-I need to be good at everything.11:45-I’m not worthy of the abundance my business is creating14:32-A+ Talent doesn't want to work for my business16:32-I’m behind; everyone else is so far ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
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About

Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution. In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level. If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.

Information

  • Creator
    Breakthrough Academy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Contractor Evolution

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