Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb Auman
  • 4.9 (199)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 5d ago

    E724. Why Your Management Style is Throttling Company Growth

    Today Caleb emphasizes that company leaders are often the primary bottleneck to growth, particularly when they fail to delegate or implement standardized operating procedures. Auman highlights how operational waste can become hidden as a firm expands, stressing the financial importance of improving efficiency in daily tasks like site loadouts. To combat these issues, he advocates for high levels of due diligence, including thorough site visits and the use of digital documentation tools like Company Cam. The discussion also touches on the necessity of learning from costly mistakes and establishing a unified "company way" to ensure consistency across multiple crews.  Key Takeaways: Track and eliminate small daily inefficiencies to prevent them from scaling into major financial losses as your business grows. Perform visual site checks at least one week before a project begins to ensure other trades are ready and avoid costly delays. Identify where you are the bottleneck by sharing critical information like schedules so your team can operate independently. Require that all project details be recorded and transcribed rather than relying on verbal phone conversations to prevent expensive misunderstandings. Create a blanket company standard for every task so that quality remains consistent regardless of which team member is performing the work. 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/

  2. Jul 14

    E723. Is Business Your Calling? Why Your Company Isn't Actually About You

    Caleb explores the idea of business as a divine calling rather than a mere means of personal gain. Drawing from a conversation with a colleague and insights from industry peers, Auman argues that entrepreneurship is a gift intended to serve others and provide meaningful work for employees. He details the importance of implementing structured systems, specifically mentioning Leanscaper, to transition from a chaotic manual workload to an organized managerial role. By viewing their talents as God-given responsibilities, contractors are encouraged to move beyond "hope" and instead set intentional goals to grow their organizations. Key Takeaways: View your business or daily work as a divine calling intended to serve others and provide dignity through employment. Implement clear operating systems and documentation to move from working excessive hours to having true control over your life and business. Transition to a servant leadership mindset by providing your team with clear incentives, responsibilities, and the tools they need to succeed. Replace vague hopes with intentionality by setting specific, measurable goals for revenue and growth. Commit to fully utilizing your natural talents and gifts to avoid the sin of wasting the potential you have been given. 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/

  3. Jul 9

    E722. Stop Digging and Start Scaling to Transition from Operator to Business Leader

    Caleb emphasizes the necessity of shifting from a manual laborer to a strategic leader by stepping away from field work to focus on building a robust sales pipeline. Auman details practical methods for maintaining growth, such as consistent client outreach, leveraging CRM technology, and utilizing specialized tools like Company Cam and Cycle CPA. He argues that true business expansion requires disciplined communication and the courage to delegate tasks to a well-trained crew.  Key Takeaways: Make a habit of calling ten past clients, vendors, or friends every day to maintain a consistent flow of leads and work. Transition from being a field operator to a business leader by intentionally stepping away from daily labor to focus on growth and strategy. Use visual documentation tools to provide your team with clear instructions and project details so they can succeed without your constant supervision. Communicate your long-term business vision to your crew so they understand that your time spent selling work directly secures their jobs and future opportunities. Build a robust sales pipeline so you can stop lowering your prices out of desperation and start selecting only high-value projects with healthy profit margins. 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/

  4. Jul 7

    E721. Why Your Business Must Run Without You to Grow

    This episode highlights a major milestone where the company is beginning to function independently, allowing Caleb to transition from day-to-day fires to long-term growth and content creation. The Aumans explore the nuances of leadership training, emphasizing the need to foster loyalty and initiative within their "new guard" of employees. They also provide a candid look into the challenges of a husband-wife partnership, debating different management styles and the mental load of entrepreneurship.  Key Takeaways: Delegate daily tasks so that your business can eventually run without your constant direct supervision. Eliminate yourself as a bottleneck by providing your team with clear written plans and documented instructions. Build a stronger team culture by actively listening to and addressing the individual needs of your staff members. Test the leadership potential of newer employees by giving them responsibility for smaller projects to build their confidence. Prioritize hiring people who take pride in their work and show a genuine desire to perform a good job. 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/

  5. Jul 2

    E720. Stop Being the Bottleneck and Scale Your Business Beyond One Million Dollars

    Caleb discusses the essential shift from manual labor to strategic business leadership. He shares personal stories about overcoming stagnancy through structured systems and the courage to face uncertainty, while also promoting specialized coaching programs like Built for Contractors. The episode emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology for project documentation and the psychological resilience needed to scale a business beyond the owner's individual capacity. Auman highlights that sustainable growth requires asking for help and prioritizing a strong team culture over mere profit. Key Takeaways: Implement scalable systems and structured processes to move beyond the daily chaos of repeating the same business problems. Develop the courage to take action when there is a high short-term cost and an uncertain delayed benefit. Use thorough photo documentation to transform lengthy project disputes into quick, fact-based decisions. Prioritize the well-being and growth of your team above profit to create a better culture and more satisfied customers. Acknowledge when you need help and empower your team to share the load instead of trying to carry every burden alone. 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/

  6. Jun 30

    E719. Get More Revenue from Your Revenue: The Metrics Every Small Business Must Track

    Caleb speaks with Kevin Dorsey, the Chief Revenue Officer at Leanscaper, regarding business growth and leadership within the green industry. Dorsey explains the distinction between sales and total revenue, highlighting the necessity of tracking specific performance metrics to ensure long-term stability. The discussion emphasizes the importance of hiring for character rather than just technical skills, while also advocating for rigorous training to build employee competence. Dorsey introduces psychological concepts such as growth mindset and visualization, suggesting that true resilience is built through preparation rather than simply enduring hardship. Finally, the episode warns against "shiny object syndrome," advising business owners to use clear long-term goals as filters to avoid burnout and maintain progress. Key Takeaways: Implement the GERMS methodology by prioritizing gratitude, exercise, reading, meditation, and sleep to prevent burnout and maintain peak performance. Define a Keystone Goal for a one-to-three-year horizon to serve as a filter for new projects and help you avoid the trap of shiny object syndrome. Practice dual-visualization by mentally rehearsing both your successful outcomes and the specific obstacles you may encounter to build a more resilient mindset. Focus on hiring for characteristics like discipline and motivation while leaving technical skills for the training phase, as core traits are much harder to develop than job competence. Track micro-progress through specific daily or weekly metrics to maintain momentum and stay motivated during challenging periods in your business or personal life. 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/

  7. Jun 25

    E718. The Leader as Learner: Why You Don't Need All the Answers to Lead

    Caleb interviews leadership expert Eric Termuende and the discussion centers on the intentional construction of company culture, specifically focusing on how small business owners can foster trust and open communication within their teams. Termuende emphasizes that leaders do not need to possess all the answers but should instead empower their employees to help navigate uncertainty. He highlights the importance of genuine personal relationships and clarity of vision over transactional management styles.  Key Takeaways: Deepen the sense of trust within your team and actively work to remove friction to better handle future uncertainty. Clearly define and communicate your company's end goal so every team member understands exactly what they are working toward. Foster stronger team connectivity by getting to know your colleagues on a personal level and building genuine relationships beyond work tasks. Embrace a leadership style that prioritizes asking insightful questions and learning over always feeling the need to have the right answers. Empower your team to contribute their unique perspectives by crowdsourcing the best practices for reaching your established goals. Connect with Eric: https://erictermuende.com/?shem=isphe%2C 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/

  8. Jun 23

    E717. Stop Selling Products, Start Selling Experiences: Hooking Your Ideal Client

    Caleb talks with branding expert John Dalton about how contractors can move beyond basic advertising and build a brand that actually connects. Dalton explains why strong branding starts with the customer's emotional experience, not just a list of services. He shares the importance of "Clarity plus Consistency," the value of vehicle wraps for tradespeople, and why simple, direct messaging beats clever marketing every time. Key Takeaways: Sell the emotional experience and the "feeling" your work provides rather than just the technical features of your service. Prioritize your vehicle wraps as your most valuable marketing asset by ensuring they are clear, clean, and legible from a distance. Adopt a "less is more" philosophy by removing at least one unnecessary element from every design to improve clarity and reduce cognitive overload. Ensure absolute consistency across your brand by using the exact same fonts and color tones for every customer-facing piece of media. Embrace humility by admitting when you lack expertise in areas like marketing and proactively seeking guidance from professionals to grow. 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/

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4.9
out of 5
199 Ratings

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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