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. Funds Control: Is This The Key to Bigger Jobs?

    6D AGO

    Funds Control: Is This The Key to Bigger Jobs?

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show. Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Struggling to get bonded for bigger jobs? Funds control might be your ticket to landing contracts you never thought possible. Wade and Stephen break down how this third-party payment system works, when it's required, and how to make it work FOR your business instead of against it.  Learn the difference between good and bad funds control companies, how it can open doors with SBA bonding, and why smart contractors see it as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Why Funds Control Matters00:40 Funds Control Explained02:18 Costs and Key Benefits03:07 Choosing the Right Provider06:11 Set Expectations Upfront08:12 Cash Flow and Turnaround09:55 Accounting and Job Costing11:24 SBA and Bigger Bonds12:49 Getting Bond Ready16:11 Future Uses 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

    20 min
  2. Top 4 Mistakes That Bankrupt Contractors (Avoid Them!)

    APR 14

    Top 4 Mistakes That Bankrupt Contractors (Avoid Them!)

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show. Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Most contractors don't fail from one bad job—they go broke slowly over time. Liberty Mutual's claims analysis reveals the top 4 categories that bankrupt contractors: cash flow deterioration, dangerous changes, subcontractor network failures, and risky bond terms.  Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown break down each category with practical insights to protect your business and maintain strong surety relationships. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Why Contractors Fail Slowly00:25 Liberty Mutual Claims Lessons02:11 Category 1 Cash Flow Red Flags03:08 Job Borrow and Late Financials06:28 Category 2 Dangerous Change10:13 Category 3 Subcontractor Network Risk12:13 Category 4 Contract and Bond Traps14:42 Surety Support During Claims16:07 Key Takeaways for Bonded Work17:45 How to Reach Stephen19:03 Wrap Up and SubscribeThe 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

    21 min
  3. The Cash Flow MRI: Diagnose & Cure Your Contractor Cash Problems

    APR 7

    The Cash Flow MRI: Diagnose & Cure Your Contractor Cash Problems

    Send us Fan Mail 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page for more details and a transcript of the show. Sign up for group coaching to get your Cash Flow MRI 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 big payments coming in only to worry about payroll two weeks later? Wade reveals his revolutionary Cash Flow MRI, a comprehensive diagnostic tool that uncovers hidden cash drains traditional accounting misses.  Learn why your profitable P&L might be masking serious cash flow problems and discover the real breakeven numbers you need to bid profitably. Includes debt analysis, sustainable growth calculations, and a complete system for contractor financial health. ⌚️ Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Cash Flow Wakeup Call00:32 Meet the Hosts01:02 The MRI Story02:59 X Ray vs MRI Money04:07 Why Profit Isnt Cash05:30 Inside the MRI Tool07:43 Cash Reality Bridge08:16 Break Even Reframed09:46 Cash Conversion Cycle10:50 Data Quality Matters12:05 Debt and Bidding Fixes13:46 Growth and Cash Gaps15:35 Profit First Setup Plan17:45 Owner Pay and Seasonality18:51 Report and Coaching Offer21:34 Wrap Up and Next StepsThe 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
  4. 5 Years of Contractor Success: Lessons from the Forum's Founders [BONUS Episode!]

    APR 1 ·  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
  5. 4 Ways to Grow Your Construction Company (That Actually Work!)

    MAR 31

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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5
out of 5
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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
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Contractor Success Forum
  • Show Website
    Contractor Success Forum

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