The Contractor Grow Show

Mark Lamberth

Are you a successful contractor, remodeler, or home service provider looking to elevate your business through smarter digital marketing? The Contractor Grow Show is your go-to resource for proven, actionable strategies to grow your business online. Hosted every two weeks, this podcast dives deep into the digital marketing techniques that can help home service providers like you reach new customers, optimize lead generation, and boost revenue. Each episode features exclusive interviews with industry-leading experts, digital marketing pros, and high-performing contractors who are sharing their real-world success stories and game-changing strategies. Whether you're already doing $1M in annual revenue or on your way, you'll learn how to leverage SEO, paid advertising, social media, and more to stand out in a competitive market. Get insights from entrepreneurs and contractors you’ve never heard from before—who are using digital marketing to push their business to the next level. If you're ready to take your business to the next level with the latest digital marketing techniques tailored specifically for remodelers and home service pros, the Contractor Grow Show is the podcast for you!

  1. 1d ago

    Dmitry Tokarev on Running a More Efficient Construction Business

    How do you build a successful construction business by doing things differently—and keep your team productive while growing? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Dmitry Tokarev, owner of Tokarev Building Services in Santa Barbara, California, to discuss how he went from working as an HVAC journeyman to building his own residential and commercial construction business. Dmitry shares how his frustration with employee downtime inspired him to start his own company, how he builds relationships through smaller handyman projects, and what it takes to manage a growing construction team in a market with strict building codes. In this episode, you'll learn: How employee idle time inspired Dmitry to start his own construction business.Why keeping crews productive and managing time efficiently are essential to profitability.How small handyman projects can lead to larger remodeling and construction opportunities.Why building strong relationships with customers can create new business connections.How hard work, honesty, punctuality, and diligence contribute to long-term business success.The challenges of navigating strict building codes, inspections, and construction regulations.How unexpected project delays can affect scheduling, employees, and business operations.Why investing in marketing, client management, and employee training is important for future growth. Dmitry started his construction career after moving to the United States and serving four years in the military. Now in his sixth year running Tokarev Building Services, he manages a team of five and is expanding from residential work into larger commercial projects. He also shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, the challenges of growing a construction company, and why he believes business owners should always be looking for ways to improve. Whether you're a general contractor, remodeling contractor, HVAC professional, or construction business owner, this conversation offers practical lessons on managing crews, building customer relationships, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. GUEST INFORMATION Guest: Dmitry Tokarev Company: Tokarev Building Services Location: Santa Barbara, California Website: https://tokarevbs.com / https://tokarevbs.net Email: service@tokarevbs.com Phone: 805-886-0656 Ready to learn from contractors who are building successful businesses? Listen to the full episode, subscribe to The Contractor Grow Show, and discover more real-world strategies from contractors sharing how they built, managed, and grew their companies.

    Dmitry Tokarev on Running a More Efficient Construction Business
  2. 1d ago

    From Cruise Ships to Concrete Empire: Jessica Davis on Scaling ChemSystems Inc

    In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Jessica Davis, owner of ChemSystems Inc, shares how she went from cruise ships and hospitality management to running a 50-person decorative concrete manufacturing company with locations in Houston, Fort Worth, and Kansas City. She breaks down what it really takes to buy, grow, and manage multiple businesses in the decorative concrete space while keeping a strong family-style culture. You’ll hear how her father bought ChemSystems almost sight unseen, how they navigated the 2008 downturn without collapsing, and the role strategic acquisitions played in their expansion across the central U.S. Jessica also explains how ChemSystems supports contractors with on-site manufacturing, custom color matching, and fast-turn supply so crews can get product same day instead of waiting on shipments. Whether you’re a decorative concrete contractor, a supplier, or a business owner thinking about acquisitions, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on growth, succession, and leadership in a blue-collar industry. Episode highlights: How Jessica accidentally fell in love with decorative concrete after leaving a career on cruise shipsThe story of her dad buying ChemSystems “sight unseen” and growing from 4 to nearly 50 employeesNavigating an economic downturn by adding the right partner and book of business instead of shrinkingUsing acquisitions and “hybrid” local manufacturing locations to better serve regional contractor needsWhy they keep each location’s books separate and how that helps each branch play to its strengthsThe challenges and rewards of leading a family-style team across three facilities and multiple statesHow ChemSystems balances distributor relationships with direct contractor sales and e-commercePractical steps for contractors to start working with ChemSystems and what support they can expect

    From Cruise Ships to Concrete Empire: Jessica Davis on Scaling ChemSystems Inc
  3. Nov 6

    From Decks to Public Work: How Ari Bacharach Grew a Referral-Only GC in Portland

    In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark chats with Ari Bacharach of Bacharach Construction LLC, a commercial general contractor specializing in tenant improvements across the Portland metro area and the Columbia Gorge. Ari breaks down how he grew from small residential projects into serious commercial and public work, why 90%+ of his jobs are referral-based, and what it really takes to build a reputation that keeps brokers, owners, and institutions coming back. You’ll hear how Ari manages tight turnover deadlines and liquidated damages, coordinates work in occupied spaces without disrupting tenants, and leans on trusted trade partners while his in-house crew self-performs demo, framing, drywall, and finish carpentry. He also opens up about balancing growth with quality of life, the myth of “hands-off” ownership, and how community involvement shapes the way he shows up as a builder and business owner. Whether you’re a contractor looking to move from residential into commercial, or a GC trying to reduce stress while staying profitable, Ari’s story offers practical insight into building a durable, relationship-driven business in a competitive market. Key takeaways: How Ari transitioned from residential work to commercial and public projects step by step.What “tenant improvements” really involve in offices, retail, restaurants, and more.Strategies for working in occupied spaces without upsetting neighbors, tenants, or the public.How to think about turnover deadlines, liquidated damages, and “skeletons in the closet” on older buildings.Why 90%+ of Bacharach Construction’s jobs come from referrals, not online lead platforms.The role of community and faith-based networks in building long-term trust and opportunities.How Ari balances ambition with family time, and why he’s optimizing for efficiency over chasing nine-figure revenue.Practical advice for owners who want to grow through better relationships, not just more marketing.

    From Decks to Public Work: How Ari Bacharach Grew a Referral-Only GC in Portland
  4. Nov 5

    How Renova Contractors Gets 95% of Leads Online | Nick James

    How can contractors generate consistent leads online and grow their business in a competitive market? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Nick James of Renova Contractors LLC in Seattle, Washington, to discuss how his team built a strong online presence and adapted to a changing construction market. Nick shares how approximately 95% of their incoming clients come through their website, ChatGPT, and organic online channels. He explains why investing in a professional website, transparent credentials, detailed estimates, and strong client communication has helped Renova stand out. They also discuss the challenges of a slowing residential remodeling market and how the company is expanding into commercial contracting, government projects, and mitigation and restoration services. In this episode, you'll learn: How Renova Contractors generates approximately 95% of its incoming clients onlineWhy contractors should optimize their websites for AI search tools like ChatGPTHow displaying licenses, insurance, bonds, and certifications builds trustWhy detailed, line-item estimates help clients understand project costsHow to adapt when residential remodeling demand slows downThe importance of professionalism, communication, and responsivenessHow referrals, YouTube, and online marketing work together to grow a contracting businessWhy expanding into commercial and government projects can create new opportunities Nick also shares practical advice for contractors navigating rising material costs, increasing competition, and the expectations of today's customers. Guest: Nick James Company: Renova Contractors LLC Location: Seattle, Washington Website: https://renova.contractors Phone: 206-255-2708 If you're a contractor looking to generate more leads, improve your online presence, and build a more resilient business, this episode is for you. Subscribe to The Contractor Grow Show for more conversations with contractors about how they built and grew their businesses.

    How Renova Contractors Gets 95% of Leads Online | Nick James
  5. Oct 29

    From Marketing Nerd to 200+ Yards a Week: How Chance Scaled Plano Landscaping

    Title (max 100 chars) From Marketing Nerd to 200+ Yards a Week: How Chance Scaled Plano Landscaping Description In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Chance Killian of Plano Landscaping Company in Plano, Texas to unpack how he went from a marketing agency desk job to running three install crews, three solo maintenance routes, and servicing 200+ homes every week across Plano, Frisco, and McKinney. Chance shares how he used SEO, reviews, and consistent content to drive 60% of his business from online marketing, then backed it up with systems, processes, and rock-solid customer service. You’ll hear how COVID unexpectedly accelerated demand for outdoor living spaces, how Chance strategically schedules hardscape-heavy jobs in winter and plant-heavy work in spring/summer to stay busy year-round, and why he believes you must dial in operations before adding more trucks and guys. He also breaks down how he documents jobs in Jobber, tracks profit and loss on each project, and uses referrals as the “hottest leads” to keep high-quality work flowing in. Whether you’re a landscaper, hardscaper, or any home service contractor, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a marketing engine, systemizing your workflows, and growing without burning out your team or your reputation. How Chance leveraged a marketing background to launch and grow Plano Landscaping CompanyUsing SEO, Google reviews, and content so 60% of leads come from online searchStaying busy year-round by scheduling hardscape vs. plant-heavy work by seasonBuilding systems and processes before scaling crews to avoid growing “too fast”How Jobber, photos, and detailed notes keep crews aligned and jobs profitableTracking margins on every job to know when to raise or lower pricesTurning exceptional service into repeat work and high-converting referral leadsBalancing rapid growth with personal life while serving 200+ homes weekly

    From Marketing Nerd to 200+ Yards a Week: How Chance Scaled Plano Landscaping
  6. Oct 21

    From Family Mowers to 120-Man Snow Ops: Growing Mountain View Landscaping

    In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with TJ Iacobucci of Mountain View Landscaping in Cromwell, Connecticut to unpack how a pickup truck and a 48" mower grew into a 40-person landscape team and a 120-person commercial snow operation across much of the state. TJ shares how his family business carved out a lucrative niche in large-scale maintenance and 24/7 snow removal for hospitals, convalescent homes, and major distribution centers—and why overservicing and smart equipment investments are central to their model. You’ll hear how he leads crews from weed‑whacker operators to six‑figure salespeople, why core values and culture now drive their hiring, and how mentorship through SIMA helps them systemize growth instead of chasing it blindly. If you’re a contractor looking to scale profitably without losing your soul—or your team—this conversation is packed with practical leadership, operations, and growth insights you can apply right away. Bullet points (6–8) How Mountain View evolved from a small family outfit into a multi-crew commercial maintenance and snow operation across Connecticut.The systems, staffing model, and equipment strategy that let them manage multi-acre sites and 24/7 snow for hospitals and distribution centers.Why TJ believes you must “want it to snow” to win in commercial snow and how SIMA mentorship shaped their approach.Leadership lessons from running 30–40 landscape staff and ramping to 120+ snow team members without losing culture.Using organization, margins, and capacity planning to grow without letting payroll and equipment costs erase profit.How treating every role—from litter pickup to six‑figure sales—with equal respect builds loyalty and word‑of‑mouth recruiting.Why TJ is formalizing core values now and using them as a filter for hiring, promotion, and tough decisions.The vision for Mountain View’s next 5–10 years and how they’re preparing the systems first so growth doesn’t break the business.

    From Family Mowers to 120-Man Snow Ops: Growing Mountain View Landscaping
  7. Oct 15

    From ‑$250K to $130M: How Colby Couch Scaled Industrial Construction the Smart Way

    In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Colby Couch of TPMC (now part of Titan Industrial Group) to unpack how he went from being $250K in the hole to leading a $130M+ industrial construction and metal fabrication company—and why he’s now doubling down on focused, “good” growth instead of chasing everything that moves. You’ll hear how Colby builds food and beverage manufacturing facilities for giants like Tyson Foods and Gatorade, why this niche is so hard to break into, and the leadership moves that let him scale fast without blowing up his team or his margins. Whether you’re trying to get past $5M, stuck between $50M–$75M, or just want a clearer playbook for sustainable growth, this conversation is a masterclass in niching down, hiring better, and investing in true subject‑matter experts instead of trying to do it all yourself. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Colby grew his previous company from ‑$250K to $130M+ in just five and a half yearsWhy niching into food and beverage manufacturing (instead of “doing everything”) led to faster, better growthThe difference between “good growth” and “bad growth” for contractors trying to scale past $30M–$50MHow to use subject‑matter experts and executive leadership training to level up your teamPractical ways to retain road‑warrior field crews and communicate better with welders, fabricators, and installersWhy breaking into large enterprise clients is mostly about reputation, relationships, and deep process knowledgeThe hidden pain of scaling from $50M to $100M—and why Colby is targeting a sustainable $30M–$40M firstHow TPMC combines in‑house stainless fabrication, process piping, CSA work, and construction management under one roof

    From ‑$250K to $130M: How Colby Couch Scaled Industrial Construction the Smart Way
  8. Oct 8

    From Blueprint to Backyard Oasis: Design-Build Landscaping with Jay Moore

    In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Jay Moore of Jay Moore Landscaping in Omaha, Nebraska, to unpack what it really takes to turn a bare lot or tired yard into a custom outdoor living space that fits how you actually live. Jay shares how his design-build-maintain team handles everything from new construction installs and total renovations to drainage fixes, privacy screening, pools, outdoor kitchens, and more—all tailored to each homeowner’s lifestyle and long-term plans. He also explains how 3D landscape design software has transformed his sales process, allowing him to present immersive designs, make changes fast, and keep projects moving without endless site visits. Along the way, Jay talks about building a reputation over decades, why he’ll lose money on a line item before leaving a client unhappy, and how that mindset keeps referrals and reviews strong in a competitive market. If you’re a contractor or landscape pro looking to elevate your design-build offering—or a homeowner wondering what’s possible in your own backyard—this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world experience you can put to work right away. Bullet points (6–8) How Jay structures a design-build-maintenance landscaping company around lifestyle-driven outdoor spaces.New construction vs. renovation: assessing existing landscapes, what to keep, what to remove, and how to plan years ahead.Using 3D landscape design software to wow homeowners, speed up approvals, and close projects faster with fewer meetings.Designing and installing outdoor kitchens, pools, turf areas, privacy screening, drainage solutions, and high-impact hardscapes.Seasonal maintenance systems Jay uses to keep projects looking sharp and clients coming back year after year.The customer-first philosophy that has built Jay’s reputation in Omaha—even if it means sacrificing margin on a project.How Jay runs multiple crews, manages manpower, and still answers his own phone as the company’s lead designer.Why combining great work on-site with smart web presence and reviews keeps Jay Moore Landscaping at the top locally.

    From Blueprint to Backyard Oasis: Design-Build Landscaping with Jay Moore

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Are you a successful contractor, remodeler, or home service provider looking to elevate your business through smarter digital marketing? The Contractor Grow Show is your go-to resource for proven, actionable strategies to grow your business online. Hosted every two weeks, this podcast dives deep into the digital marketing techniques that can help home service providers like you reach new customers, optimize lead generation, and boost revenue. Each episode features exclusive interviews with industry-leading experts, digital marketing pros, and high-performing contractors who are sharing their real-world success stories and game-changing strategies. Whether you're already doing $1M in annual revenue or on your way, you'll learn how to leverage SEO, paid advertising, social media, and more to stand out in a competitive market. Get insights from entrepreneurs and contractors you’ve never heard from before—who are using digital marketing to push their business to the next level. If you're ready to take your business to the next level with the latest digital marketing techniques tailored specifically for remodelers and home service pros, the Contractor Grow Show is the podcast for you!