Hard Hat Chat: No-BS Construction Discussion with Justin & Gerritt

Contractor+

Hard Hat Chat is your backstage pass to the gritty and sometimes mind-blowing world of construction. Hosted by Justin Smith, CEO at Contractor Plus, and Gerritt Bake, CEO at American Contractor Network, this show is all about keeping it real—no corporate fluff, no sugarcoating. Tune in each week for straight talk on growing a contracting business, avoiding industry pitfalls, and sharing the occasional “holy sh*t, did that really happen?” job site story. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your boots dirty, you’ll pick up hard-earned insights and a few good laughs along the way. Join us, throw on your hard hat, and let’s build something awesome.

  1. 3D AGO

    Is the US Entering a Construction Recession or Boom Cycle?

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO tackle one of the most confusing questions contractors are asking right now is the US construction industry heading into a recession, or are we standing at the front edge of a massive boom cycle? Justin and Gerritt cut through headline noise and fear-driven predictions to talk about what contractors are actually seeing on the ground. While economists debate charts and interest rates, tradespeople are booked out for months, homeowners are struggling to find qualified contractors, and backlogs continue to grow across residential, commercial, and infrastructure work. The episode breaks down why construction doesn’t follow the same economic rules as other industries. From housing shortages and aging infrastructure to reshoring manufacturing, disaster rebuilding, and energy upgrades, demand for skilled trades remains relentless. Justin and Gerritt explain why rising wages, labor shortages, and full schedules are signs of expansion not contraction. They also address the real friction contractors are feeling. Higher interest rates, material volatility, permitting delays, workforce shortages, and rising overhead all create pressure even inside a boom. Through real-world examples and realistic contractor scenarios, the episode explains why pressure and opportunity can exist at the same time. Rather than encouraging reckless growth or fear-based retreat, this conversation offers clarity. Contractors who modernize systems, price correctly, invest in teams, and build strong brands are positioned to thrive regardless of political or economic headlines. This episode is about confidence grounded in reality and understanding why the trades remain one of the strongest sectors in the US economy. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand whether construction demand is actually slowingSeparate economic headlines from jobsite realityRecognize the signs of a long-term boom cycleAdapt pricing and operations during economic uncertaintyPrepare your business for sustained demandAvoid fear-based decisions that stall growthPosition your company to win during market shiftsIf you’ve been unsure whether to pull back or push forward, this episode delivers the clarity contractors need to make smart, confident decisions.

    24 min

  2. FEB 12

    Immigrant Labor: Reality vs Politics in US Construction

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, take on one of the most avoided but critical conversations in the construction industry today, the role of immigrant labor and the growing gap between political narratives and jobsite reality. Justin and Gerritt speak directly from the contractor perspective, cutting through headlines and talking about what actually happens in the field. From labor shortages and rising project backlogs to housing delays and workforce burnout, they explain why immigrant labor is not a side issue but a core pillar holding the US construction industry together. The episode explores how immigrant workers fill critical skill gaps that domestic labor alone cannot meet, why many of the hardest and most physically demanding trades rely heavily on these crews, and how productivity, reliability, and craftsmanship often outweigh political rhetoric. Through real contractor stories and realistic examples, the conversation highlights how immigrant labor drives job completion, stabilizes schedules, and keeps costs from spiraling even higher. Justin and Gerritt also discuss the economic impact of labor shortages, the consequences contractors would face if this workforce disappeared, and why fair treatment, safety training, and clear hiring pathways are essential for the future of the trades. Rather than framing the topic as a political debate, the episode centers on business survival, human dignity, and the reality contractors live every day. This is an honest, grounded conversation about who is building America, why it matters, and what contractors must understand if they want to keep their businesses running in an increasingly constrained labor market. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand the real role immigrant labor plays in constructionRecognize why labor shortages are a math problem, not a political oneSee how immigrant crews impact productivity and jobsite reliabilityPrepare for the future workforce reality in constructionBuild stronger, more loyal teams through fair treatment and trainingAvoid the economic consequences of ignoring labor realitiesIf you want to understand the truth behind the workforce keeping construction moving, this episode delivers clarity without spin.

    21 min

  3. FEB 5

    Gen Z in Construction Lazy or Highly Overlooked Talent?

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, take on one of the most polarizing conversations happening across jobsites, supply houses, and contractor group chats right now, is Gen Z lazy, or are they highly overlooked talent? With labor shortages growing and experienced workers retiring faster than they’re being replaced, the construction industry is facing a critical moment. Gen Z is the largest generation entering the workforce, yet many contractors struggle to hire, train, and retain them. Justin and Gerritt break down why the stereotypes miss the mark and how leadership, culture, and training play a bigger role than age ever could. The conversation digs into what actually motivates Gen Z workers, why traditional jobsite culture often pushes them away, and how contractors who adapt are seeing major gains in productivity, loyalty, and innovation. Using real-world scenarios and realistic case studies, the episode highlights how younger workers bring efficiency, safety awareness, and tech-forward thinking that can strengthen operations instead of weakening them. Justin and Gerritt also cover onboarding strategies, mentorship structures, workplace culture shifts, and why investing in younger workers now determines which companies will still be standing a decade from today. Rather than framing this as a generational conflict, the episode reframes it as a leadership opportunity. Whether you’re frustrated with hiring, struggling to retain apprentices, or unsure how to bridge the gap between generations on your jobsite, this episode delivers practical insight and a fresh perspective on building the future workforce of construction. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand what Gen Z workers actually value at workImprove retention through better onboarding and mentorshipReduce labor shortages by evolving jobsite cultureLeverage younger workers’ strengths in technology and efficiencyBuild loyalty without lowering standardsCreate clear career paths that keep talent engagedLead across generations without frictionIf you want a stronger, more resilient workforce, this episode challenges assumptions and offers a smarter way forward.

    23 min

  4. JAN 29

    Do Contractor Websites Still Matter in 2026?

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, dive into a question that keeps popping up in contractor forums, supply houses, and jobsite conversations, do contractor websites still matter in 2026, or are social media and referrals enough? Justin and Gerritt break down how homeowner behavior has changed and why digital visibility now plays a major role in trust, credibility, and lead generation. From Google searches and online reviews to mobile speed and first impressions, this episode explains how homeowners judge contractors long before they ever pick up the phone. Through real-world scenarios and relatable contractor examples, the conversation highlights why relying solely on referrals or third-party platforms puts contractors at risk, especially when algorithms change or markets slow down. They discuss how a website acts as a digital home base, giving contractors control over their brand, messaging, and lead flow instead of depending on rented platforms. The episode also explores what makes a contractor website effective in 2026, including simplicity, speed, clear service areas, real project photos, and easy contact options. Justin shares how modern websites are no longer just online brochures but full conversion tools that capture leads, build confidence, and support faster follow-ups. Rather than framing websites as a technical burden, this episode reframes them as one of the most reliable assets a contractor can own. Whether you’re a solo operator or managing multiple crews, the conversation lays out why websites still matter, what mistakes to avoid, and how a strong online presence creates consistency instead of feast-or-famine cycles. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand how homeowners evaluate contractors onlineAvoid relying too heavily on social media or referral-only marketingBuild credibility before the first phone callTurn a website into a lead and trust-building toolImprove visibility in local search resultsReduce slow-season panic through consistent lead flowDecide what features actually matter on a contractor websiteIf you’ve ever wondered why competitors with similar skills seem to win more jobs, this episode explains the role digital presence plays in modern contracting.

    26 min

  5. JAN 22

    Why Contractors Fail at Branding (And How to Fix It)

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, tackle one of the most overlooked profit killers in construction, bad branding, or no branding at all. Too many skilled contractors lose jobs not because of price or quality, but because homeowners simply don’t remember them. Justin and Gerritt break down why branding is not about logos or colors, but about trust, recognition, and how customers feel the moment they encounter your business online or in person. The conversation explores the most common branding mistakes contractors make, including inconsistency, invisibility online, weak storytelling, and confusing messaging. Through real-world scenarios and realistic case studies, Justin and Gerritt show how branding directly impacts close rates, pricing power, referrals, hiring, and long-term business value. They also explain the psychology behind homeowner decision-making, why recognition drives trust, and how contractors can build a strong brand without hiring expensive agencies. From trucks and websites to communication and reviews, this episode lays out a practical roadmap for becoming memorable instead of invisible. Whether you’re a solo contractor or running multiple crews, this episode will change how you think about branding and show you how to turn your reputation into a competitive advantage. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand why branding affects trust and close ratesFix common branding mistakes that cost contractors jobsBuild recognition without massive marketing budgetsImprove pricing power through professional perceptionUse storytelling to stand out in crowded marketsTurn branding into a growth asset instead of an afterthoughtAttract better customers and stronger team membersIf you’ve ever lost a job where you knew you were the better contractor, this episode explains why and how to fix it.

    22 min

  6. JAN 15

    The End of Cheap Labor: The New Reality for US Contractors

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO tackle a hard truth facing every contractor in America, the era of cheap labor is over. For decades, many construction businesses relied on low-cost labor to protect margins and win bids. That model is breaking fast. Rising wages, retiring skilled workers, labor shortages, compliance costs, and higher expectations from workers are reshaping the economics of the trades. Justin and Gerritt break down why this shift isn’t temporary and why contractors who cling to outdated labor assumptions are getting squeezed from every direction. The conversation explores what this new reality means for small and mid-size contractors, from shrinking margins and higher turnover to quality issues and project delays. Using realistic contractor scenarios and fictional case studies, Justin and Gerritt explain why productivity, skill level, and leadership now matter more than hourly rates. They walk through practical strategies contractors can use to adapt, including value-based pricing, investing in training and tools, retaining skilled crews, restructuring bids, and focusing on fewer but higher-margin projects. The episode also dives into culture, respect for the trades, and why treating labor as disposable is no longer just unethical, it’s bad business. Rather than framing this as a crisis, Justin and Gerritt reframe it as an opportunity. Contractors who evolve their systems, pricing, and leadership approach can build stronger teams, deliver better work, and create more profitable, sustainable businesses in this new labor economy. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Understand why cheap labor is no longer sustainableAdjust bidding strategies for rising labor costsImprove productivity without increasing headcountRetain skilled workers through culture and respectShift from volume-based work to value-based projectsProtect margins as wages continue to riseLead crews in a changing labor marketIf you’re feeling pressure from labor costs, turnover, or shrinking margins, this episode explains why — and how to adapt before the gap widens further.

    21 min

  7. JAN 8

    Should Contractors Use a CRM or Is It Overkill?

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, and Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, tackle a question contractors debate constantly: is a CRM actually necessary, or is it just another piece of software that adds complexity? Justin and Gerritt break down what a CRM really does in plain language and why disorganization quietly costs contractors more money than bad pricing ever will. From missed calls and forgotten follow-ups to scheduling confusion and lost jobsite details, this episode exposes how chaos sneaks into growing construction businesses and slowly eats away at profit. Using real-world scenarios and relatable contractor stories, they explain how a contractor-focused CRM helps store customer history, track leads, manage crews, send estimates faster, and keep everyone aligned without relying on memory or sticky notes. The conversation also covers why CRMs are not just for large companies and why smaller contractors often benefit the most when systems are put in place early. They dive into practical features that actually matter in the field, the dangers of overcomplicated software, and how follow-up automation alone can dramatically increase close rates. Justin and Gerritt also address common resistance from crews, how to encourage adoption without friction, and why professionalism today is defined by responsiveness and organization. Whether you’re a one-man shop or running multiple crews, this episode delivers clear, no-nonsense guidance on when a CRM becomes essential and how to use it to reduce stress, improve customer experience, and scale without losing control. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Decide if a CRM is right for your contracting businessStop losing leads due to missed follow-upsImprove scheduling and team communicationTrack jobs, photos, and customer history in one placeIncrease close rates with faster response timesReduce chaos as your business growsBuild systems that protect profit and sanityIf running your business feels harder than it should, this episode will help you understand whether a CRM is the missing structure you need.

    22 min

  8. JAN 1

    Material Cost Volatility Winning Bids Without Losing Margin

    In this episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith, CEO of Contractor+, sits down with Gerritt Bake, CEO of Build PRO, to tackle one of the biggest profit killers in construction today, material cost volatility. From lumber and steel to wiring, concrete, and finishes, material prices continue to shift faster than most contractors can keep up with. Justin and Gerritt break down why volatility is no longer temporary, how it impacts bidding confidence, and why so many contractors are winning jobs on paper but losing money in reality. This conversation goes beyond theory and dives into real-world strategies contractors can use to protect margin while staying competitive. They cover smarter estimating habits, supplier relationship tactics, contract language that actually works, and how small and mid-size contractors can outmaneuver volatility instead of absorbing it. Using practical examples and realistic case studies, the episode explains how to adjust pricing systems, communicate transparently with customers, and build processes that keep profit stable even when markets aren’t. Justin and Gerritt also discuss mindset shifts that separate contractors who survive from those who scale during uncertain pricing cycles. Whether you’re bidding residential projects, commercial work, or specialty trades, this episode delivers actionable guidance you can apply immediately to stop margin leaks and bid with confidence. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Win bids without gambling your profitProtect margins during unpredictable material pricingUse bid expiration dates and escalation clauses correctlyBuild stronger supplier relationships for pricing stabilityTrack job costs before margin disappearsCommunicate price changes without losing customer trustShift from reactive pricing to proactive systemsIf material price swings have made you hesitate before sending estimates, this episode will help you regain control and bid smarter in today’s market.

    21 min
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About

Hard Hat Chat is your backstage pass to the gritty and sometimes mind-blowing world of construction. Hosted by Justin Smith, CEO at Contractor Plus, and Gerritt Bake, CEO at American Contractor Network, this show is all about keeping it real—no corporate fluff, no sugarcoating. Tune in each week for straight talk on growing a contracting business, avoiding industry pitfalls, and sharing the occasional “holy sh*t, did that really happen?” job site story. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your boots dirty, you’ll pick up hard-earned insights and a few good laughs along the way. Join us, throw on your hard hat, and let’s build something awesome.

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