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. How Surety Companies Really Analyze Your Construction Financials

    3일 전

    How Surety Companies Really Analyze Your Construction Financials

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Ever wonder why your bonding agent scrutinizes your profitable financial statements like they're hiding serious flaws? In construction, your numbers tell completely different stories to banks versus bonding companies - and understanding this difference could make or break your business growth. Wade and Stephen break down the critical distinctions between how banks and bonding companies analyze your financials. You'll discover why taking cash out of your company tanks bonding capacity, how working capital calculations differ dramatically between the two, and what profit fades really cost you in credibility. This episode reveals practical strategies to strengthen your position with both lenders and bonding companies, plus the most common financial mistakes that destroy contractor relationships. Learn how to present your company's true financial strength instead of just looking good on paper. Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:42 Common Financial Mistakes Contractors Make01:45 Differences Between Banks and Bonding Companies04:57 The Importance of Working Capital06:13 Paperwork and Financial Reports for Bonding15:10 Loans to Shareholders and Subordination Agreements19:26 Over and Under Billings: What You Need to Know22:50 Backlog Gross Profit and Profit FadesJoin 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

    27분
  2. Where the Money’s Going: Top Construction Growth Sectors for 2025

    7월 22일

    Where the Money’s Going: Top Construction Growth Sectors for 2025

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Data centers, manufacturing reshoring, energy projects, infrastructure builds—2025 could be a boom year for contractors, but only if you position your business to catch the wave. In this episode of Contractor Success Forum, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown break down exactly where construction dollars are flowing and how your company can win the most profitable work of the next decade. From federal contracts to high-margin data center jobs, this episode shows you how to pivot smartly and scale wisely—without overextending your business. Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:30 Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act01:41 Economic Trends and Market Sentiments02:36 Military and Infrastructure Spending04:23 Geographic Market Trends and Opportunities07:12 Federal Contracts and Small Business Participation14:29 Strategic Growth and Workforce ConsiderationsJoin 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

    20분
  3. Revolutionizing Construction: How AI is Transforming Job Sites

    7월 15일

    Revolutionizing Construction: How AI is Transforming Job Sites

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this episode, Wade and Stephen delve into the transformative impact of AI and technology on construction job sites. They discuss AI's role in improving safety, estimating, and project management, while highlighting real-world applications in job safety, video monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smart procurement.  The episode also explores the integration of AI for legal document analysis, bidding, and forecasting, ultimately showcasing how these advancements can save time, enhance efficiency, and increase profitability in the construction industry. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 01:35 AI for Safety and Monitoring03:37 AI in Insurance and Legal Documentation06:56 AI for Project Management and Estimation14:12 AI in Equipment Maintenance and Theft Prevention24:01 AI for Procurement and Material ManagementJoin 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

    27분
  4. Building Profits: Protect Your Construction Rights with SunRay's Ariela Wagner

    7월 8일

    Building Profits: Protect Your Construction Rights with SunRay's Ariela Wagner

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Learn more about SunRay Notice and reach out to Ariela Wagner Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this episode of The Contractor Success Forum, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown are joined once again by Ariela Wagner of Sunray Construction Solutions. They discuss the challenges contractors face when it comes to lien laws, contracts, and protecting their profits.  Ariela shares valuable insights on how to secure lien and bond claim rights, the importance of proper documentation, and the role of a strong credit and collections policy. Learn key strategies to avoid common pitfalls that could cost your business and ensure you're well-protected in every state. Don't miss this essential guide to maintaining your financial health in the construction industry. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:16 Meet Ariela Wagner from SunRay Construction Solutions03:09 Importance of Contracts in Construction07:37 Credit and Collections Policies23:19 Navigating State-Specific Lien Laws28:05 Conclusion and Contact InformationJoin 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

    30분
  5. Is Federal Contracting Right for You? Takeaways from the Fed Con Convention

    7월 1일

    Is Federal Contracting Right for You? Takeaways from the Fed Con Convention

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Is federal government contracting right for you? Wade and Stephen discuss the pros and cons, opportunities, and steps to get started in federal contracting. Fresh off attending the Fed Con Convention in Washington, D.C., Stephen shares valuable insights on the vast amount of construction work required by the federal government, primarily military and infrastructure projects.  He highlights the importance of small contractors, navigating the bidding process, and the potential for consistent, lucrative work in this realm. Tune in as they debunk common misconceptions and provide practical advice for anyone considering this path. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:22 Insights from the Fed Con Convention01:52 Opportunities for Small Contractors03:24 Understanding Federal Contracting Processes06:19 Specializations and Partnerships in Federal Contracting10:48 Pros and Cons of Federal Government Contracting16:00 Getting Started with Federal ContractingJoin 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

    19분
  6. From Debt to Profit: A Success Story for Contractors

    6월 24일

    From Debt to Profit: A Success Story for Contractors

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Join the group coaching program and Master Construction Cash Flow with Profit First Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Join Wade and Stephen as they delve into the intricate world of risk management in construction. Discover practical strategies for assessing and mitigating potential hazards in your projects with a simple one to five rating system. They discuss real-life examples, the importance of safety measures, and the role of proper contracting in managing risk.  Tune in to learn how to protect your construction business from financial losses, injuries, and reputation damage through systematic risk assessment and management. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:44 Understanding Risk Factors in Construction01:48 The Importance of Systematic Risk Assessment03:43 Weather and Contractual Risks05:02 Common Pitfalls and Risk Mitigation06:18 The Role of Risk Managers and Advisors16:02 Safety Measures and Toolbox TalksJoin 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

    21분
  7. Spotting Trouble Early: The Contractor's Risk Management Scale

    6월 17일

    Spotting Trouble Early: The Contractor's Risk Management Scale

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Join Wade and Stephen as they delve into the intricate world of risk management in construction. Discover practical strategies for assessing and mitigating potential hazards in your projects with a simple one to five rating system. They discuss real-life examples, the importance of safety measures, and the role of proper contracting in managing risk.  Tune in to learn how to protect your construction business from financial losses, injuries, and reputation damage through systematic risk assessment and management. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:44 Understanding Risk Factors in Construction01:48 The Importance of Systematic Risk Assessment03:43 Weather and Contractual Risks05:02 Common Pitfalls and Risk Mitigation06:18 The Role of Risk Managers and Advisors16:02 Safety Measures and Toolbox TalksJoin 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

    21분
  8. Dispelling Profit Myths: A Contractor's Guide

    6월 10일

    Dispelling Profit Myths: A Contractor's Guide

    Send us a text 🔗 LINKS Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show. Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW! ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this episode of The Contractor Success Forum, Wade and Stephen tackle the misconceptions surrounding the Profit First system in the construction industry. They discuss how this straightforward approach can streamline cash flow management and prevent financial troubles.  The hosts address common objections, such as the system being too simplistic, and highlight how adopting it can lead to significant improvements in business financial health. Listen in to hear real-life examples, analogies, and expert insights that demonstrate why simple may indeed be better when it comes to managing construction finances. The book is available now on Amazon! Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live. ⌚️ In this episode: 00:35 Debunking the Myths of Profit First02:04 Real-Life Feedback and CPA Skepticism03:52 The Simplicity and Effectiveness of Profit First07:44 Addressing Common Objections and Misconceptions10:53 The Importance of Cash Flow Management15:05 Real-World Success Stories and Practical AdviceJoin 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

    27분
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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. 

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    Contractor Success Forum
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    2021년 - 2025년
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