Beers With Contractors

Beers with Contractors
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.

  1. 1d ago

    S2 E79 - The Million-Dollar Habit Every 8-Figure Contractor Has

    In this Q&A episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry discuss common contractor business challenges: profit margin vs. markup (including how material-based markup and costly callbacks destroy gross profit), marketing ROI (using an 8% budget target, prioritizing Google/search, SEO, CRM and call tracking, and avoiding billboards/TV), and branding basics like truck decals and lead tracking. They address hiring, arguing mindset and consistent recruiting/branding matter, and cite construction grad starting pay around $75,000. Compliance topics include excavation safety, MVR checks, subcontractor insurance/additional insured requirements, and documenting performance to reduce wrongful termination risk. Will describes slowing growth to improve systems, profits, reviews, satisfaction, and turnover; explains pricing psychology and a margin-based rationale for raising prices; predicts an AI/IT integration specialist role; and lists weekly KPIs: gross margin, net operating margin, leads, appointment conversion, and close rate. 00:00 Welcome and Cheers 00:38 Q&A Kickoff 01:15 Margin Trap Explained 02:03 Markup and Callbacks 05:00 Bad Rules of Thumb 07:45 Marketing Budget Math 11:48 Branding That Sticks 16:02 Hiring Mindset Shift 18:41 Recruiting Like Marketing 23:57 Compliance and Safety 30:19 Owner Bottlenecks 32:54 Leadership Bottlenecks 33:11 Working Genius Strengths 35:10 Finishers vs Starters 36:52 Million Dollar Mindset 40:50 Pricing Fear and Math 47:46 Scaling Without Burnout 52:00 AI Integration in Construction 59:34 Five Weekly KPIs 01:01:37 Final Wrap and Disclaimer Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  2. 6d ago

    S2 E78 - The Software That's Helping Contractors Win More Jobs

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry recap meeting listeners at the National Foundation Repair Association Conference and discuss Will’s Bedrock Academy event, then welcome guests Rachael and Leslie from Oblyss. They explain how Oblyss was created to solve foundation repair contractors’ pain points with disconnected tech stacks by consolidating scheduling, estimating, production tracking, and data into a single “ecosystem” with one login, integrating with other tools via APIs. Rachael describes funding and developing the platform over several years and focusing on contractor feedback, while Leslie emphasizes canonical data, rapid development, and simplifying onboarding by pulling data from existing systems. They cover supply catalog integration and markups, plans for estimate-to-order workflows, and permit/engineering coordination, plus future ideas like homeowner portals with job tracking, reviews, and AI-driven communication. 00:00 Introduction 00:36 NFRA Listener Stories 02:18 Meet Oblyss Team 03:47 Leslie Origin Story 06:46 Rachael Pain Points 09:14 Building Oblyss Vision 12:00 Contractors Need Tech 14:51 Data Tracking Matters 21:15 Oblyss Pipeline Preview 23:56 Demos and Onboarding 25:56 Catalogs and Ordering 28:09 Inventory and Engineering Workflow 29:22 Cost Savings and Consolidation 32:24 Permits and Engineering Fixes 35:56 Commercial Software Reality Check 38:16 Fast Integrations and Roadmap 41:00 Homeowner Portal Vision 44:51 Building Features Through Relationships 48:25 People First Product Iteration 51:10 Wrap Up and Safety Disclaimer Contact Rachael Jackson at: Website: https://oblysspro.com/ Email: rachael@oblysspro.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-jackson-oblyss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oblysspro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Oblysspro/ Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  3. Jun 28

    S2 E77 - Top Contractor Mistakes (Compilation)

    This episode of Beers with Contractors highlights common mistakes contractors make when starting and running their businesses and the lessons learned from costly real-world failures. Key themes include using clear, adequate contracts instead of informal paperwork, staying on top of lien timelines, and structuring payment terms to maintain leverage and avoid paying too early. Guests discuss trade-specific pitfalls like misdiagnosing foundation issues, improper roof ventilation that damages materials and voids warranties, and misunderstanding building science in areas like spray foam and attic ventilation. The conversation also covers safety and quality-control lapses, from electrical verification to measurement errors and jobsite accidents, emphasizing the importance of double-checking work. Hiring and retention strategies are addressed, along with the critical need to choose business partners carefully and seek professional legal and financial guidance to avoid severe consequences. 00:03 Season 1 Episode 38 - Legal Mistakes New Contractors Make 01:35 Season 2 Episode 21 - The #1 Mistake Foundation Contractors Keep Making 03:06 Season 2 Episode 19 - The Most Expensive Lesson Every Contractor Learns 06:29 Season 1 Episode 35 - Construction Safety 101: Always Check, Never Trust 07:24 Season 2 Episode 27 - The $40K Roofing Mistake 09:24 Season 2 Episode 05 - The Costliest Mistake—And Why It Was Worth It 10:34 Season 2 Episode 37 - The Overlooked Hiring Mistake 13:11 Season 1 Episode 32 - The Biggest Mistake in Home Insulation 15:36 Season 1 Episode 41 - Unexpected Lessons in Workplace Safety ‪@John_Malecki‬ 17:02 Season 1 Episode 49 - Biggest Sales Screw Up Ever 20:44 Season 1 Episode 44 - The Mistake That Can Bankrupt Your Business Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  4. Jun 22

    S2 E76 - Remix Episode: Close More Deals with These Sales & Financing Lessons

    In this remix episode of Beers with Contractors, the guests discuss why contractors should treat financing as a company-level commitment rather than leaving it to sales reps, including absorbing associated costs appropriately and marketing payment options early so customers expect them and can choose between cash, promotions, and monthly payments. One host shares an HVAC quote experience where added fees for credit card and financing, unclear terms, and lack of options led to a lost $30,000 sale, illustrating how friction kills conversions. They cover why contractors avoid financing (fear, fee reluctance, and customers not asking), when to introduce it (marketing, appointment setting, and pricing), and broader money advice like avoiding overleveraging trucks/equipment, properly managing lines of credit, knowing your banker, and understanding loan terms like default rate acceleration and collateral. The episode also emphasizes in-home sales fundamentals: ask questions, listen, educate, create clarity, train for character and teachability, spend more time with homeowners when needed, and maintain recruiting and slight overcapacity in sales staffing. 00:03 S2 E38 - The #1 Reason Financing Falls Flat 01:02 S2 E38 - How a $30K Sale Was Lost in 30 Seconds 03:15 S2 E38 - Why Contractors Still Avoid Financing 03:57 S2 E38 - When and How to Bring Up Financing 04:54 S1 E21 - How to Overcome Financing Fears for Good 08:22 S2 E26 - You're Asking the Wrong Finance Person for Advice 09:10 S2 E04 - The Loans Contractors Should Avoid 10:43 S2 E04 - One Banking Habit That Could Save Your Business 12:16 S2 E04 - The Hidden Loan Terms That Can Wreck You 17:42 S2 E27 - What Good Sales Training Actually Looks Like 19:19 S1 E34 - How to Train Technicians to Sell Without Being Pushy 21:08 S2 E63 - The Biggest Lie in Sales 24:54 S2 E03 - Why a High Close Rate Still Leaves You Broke 27:13 S2 E03 - How One Rep Made $28,000 by Slowing Down Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  5. Jun 14

    S2 E75 - ICF Explained: Energy Efficiency, Strength, and Speed

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry recap their fifth Construction Camp for Kids event and welcome longtime friend Alfonso Nieves of Fox Blocks (Airelite Plastics), an insulated concrete form (ICF) expert who trains contractors nationwide and with the National Home Builders Association. Alfonso explains how he entered the ICF industry, the technology’s origins in Canada in the 1960s, and why above-grade ICF excels for energy efficiency. They discuss ICF benefits including continuous insulation, fire rating, sound attenuation, storm resilience, fewer foundation issues, and faster construction (about 15% faster than finished CMU), plus typical cost premiums (about 7–10%) with a 5–10 year payback. Alfonso addresses myths (termites, “double the cost,” lack of installers, “houses don’t breathe”), covers rebar options and additives, outlines training availability via foxblocks.com, and shares contact info. 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Meet Alfonso Nieves 03:11 How Alfonso Nieves Found ICF 05:18 ICF Across Climates 07:16 ICF History Evolution 09:06 Beyond Homes Use Cases 10:37 Cost ROI Payback 12:36 Storm Safety Foundation 14:25 Speed Scheduling Cashflow 16:42 Myths Termites Cost 18:33 Affordable Housing Example 19:29 Tight Envelope HVAC Downsizing 20:42 Rebar Alternatives Logistics 25:33 FRP Rebar Availability 26:01 Thin Brick With ICF 27:54 Finding Fox Blocks Training 29:16 Construction Camp Stories 31:44 Lintels And Big Openings 34:04 Floor Systems On ICF 35:27 Fastening Strips Deep Dive 39:52 DIY Vs Pro Install Reality 42:36 Materials And Recycling Ties 45:07 How To Reach Alfonso 46:21 Final Wrap And Disclaimers Contact Alfonso Nieves at: Website: https://www.foxblocks.com/ Email: alfonso@foxblocks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonso-nieves-27113a49/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxblocks_icf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxblocks/ Twitter: https://x.com/FoxBlocksICF Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  6. Jun 4

    S2 E74 - Most Contractors Are Breaking Labor Laws Without Knowing It

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will introduces employment attorney Tracy Melvin of Melvin Law to discuss common employment-compliance pitfalls for construction and home services companies, especially around payroll and overtime. Tracy explains her HR-to-law background, employer-side focus, and ties to construction, then highlights frequent mistakes like misclassifying workers as independent contractors and miscalculating the “regular rate” by failing to include certain bonuses and other pay when computing overtime. They cover how audits and claims are triggered (disgruntled employees, random agency audits, state focus areas like Illinois), why early legal help can reduce fines, and examples where employers still face penalties even when practices benefited workers. Tracy outlines red flags for 1099/sub use, the complexity of multi-state rules, piece-rate risks, and clarifies discretionary vs non-discretionary bonuses and related tax issues. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:40 Meet Tracy Melvin 03:00 Why Employment Law 05:40 Payroll Mistakes Explained 07:36 Resources and Audits 11:09 When DOL Comes Knocking 13:52 Fines Penalties Reality 19:44 Seasonal Overtime Trap 21:42 1099 vs Employee Basics 26:06 Subcontractor Red Flags 28:48 Multi State Classification 29:48 Contractor Audit Pitfalls 31:13 Piece Rate Red Flags 34:03 Agreements Dont Override Law 35:32 AI Boilerplate Warnings 37:17 Bonus Types Explained 44:19 Taxable Perks And Rewards 48:15 Overtime Calculation Minefield 51:56 Regular Rate Defined 54:37 Commissions Mixed With Hourly 57:21 Closing And Contact Info 58:27 Final Disclaimer And Signoff Contact Tracy Melvin at: Email:  tmelvin@melvinlawoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjmelvin/ Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  7. May 29

    S2 E73 - How Construction Schools Build Job-Ready Workers

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry discuss how contractors can build effective systems and processes by borrowing from academic training models Terry uses in construction education. Terry explains the importance of designing training around different learning styles (auditory, visual, hands-on), using a repeatable sequence of explain/demonstrate/do/feedback, and running an assessment “cycle” each time training is delivered to measure what worked and make corrections. They note many new workers lack basic tool knowledge and that AI may push more inexperienced people into the trades, increasing the need for intentional onboarding. Terry describes collecting feedback via surveys (using five-option Likert scales) and informal check-ins, stresses mobile-friendly, short-form training, and emphasizes soft-skills coaching. He closes with three tips: assume zero baseline knowledge, be patient with repeated reps, and place people where their strengths fit. 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Why Systems Matter 06:15 Assessment and Cycles 09:34 Starting Training From Scratch 10:20 Learning Styles and Teaching 17:08 Hands On Theory to Practice 22:29 Work Ethic and Intentionality 26:41 Feedback Surveys and Baselines 28:15 Likert Scale Surveys 30:35 Survey UX Pitfalls 32:46 Feedback Loops Onboarding 34:05 Mobile First Training 37:41 Baseline Skills Mastery 42:05 Enrollment Shifts COVID AI 45:08 Soft Skills In Practice 50:43 Three Training Principles 52:52 Wrap Up And Disclaimers Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

  8. May 24

    S2 E72 - Q&A Episode: Financing Options, Value Engineering, CSR Metrics and More

    In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry catch up on summer plans and progress on a bar build, then run a Q&A from their audience. They discuss why offering customer financing matters in home services, question the value of 0% options, and mention using GreenSky while noting alternatives like Hearth and Interbank, plus why they don’t discount for cash payments. They compare change orders and slim commercial margins, then dive into documenting and training safety using OSHA guidelines, periodic OSHA/Department of Labor visits, and storing SOPs/MSDS in Slack, emphasizing a fun safety committee to encourage reporting. They explore value engineering as life-cycle cost thinking with examples of efficient design and construction, note risks when execution fails, and debate 3D-printed homes. They argue core values shouldn’t take truck-wrap real estate versus clear branding and calls-to-action, share CSR benchmarks (80 outbound calls/day and an 85% booking goal), advise joining associations or acquiring rather than starting a new trade, and recommend hiring a professional to convert from cash to accrual accounting, citing Martin Holland’s The Profit Problem. 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Summer Plans and Bar Build 01:50 Naming the Bar and Boats 03:16 Q&A Kickoff and TikTok 04:10 Customer Financing Options 08:11 Cash Payments and Discounts 10:18 Commercial Change Orders 12:59 Safety Training Systems 15:55 Safety Culture and Reporting 20:22 Value Engineering Basics 24:53 Value Engineering Life Cycle 27:26 Value Engineered House Hacks 28:47 Tech Meets Jobsite Reality 32:17 3D Printed Homes Debate 33:58 Core Values vs Branding 39:32 CSR Metrics That Matter 44:13 Diversify or Stay Focused 48:51 Cash to Accrual Accounting 51:13 Q&A Wrap and Disclaimer Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours

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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Beers with Contractors
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beers with Contractors
  • Show Website
    Beers With Contractors

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