Building Better Contractor Businesses: Systems, Team Building, Workflow, Profitability, Lead Generation

Shaytoya Brown
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Do you ever feel slammed with work but still not making the money you should? Like you’re always busy, putting out fires, and keeping everything in your head just to get through the week? Do clients get sticker shock when you send pricing, even though you know the work is good and you’re not overcharging? Are you struggling to get consistent work, not just any work? Does running the business feel harder than actually doing the work? If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Building Better Contractor Businesses is for contractors who want less chaos and more clarity. For contractors who want to run better businesses, not just finish the next job. Here, we talk about - Building predictable, steady work (not feast or famine) - Getting confident in your pricing and explaining your value - Creating systems so everything isn’t stuck in your head - Working with better clients and more reliable subcontractors - Getting out of survival mode and into control When a topic falls beyond my area of expertise, I collaborate with professionals who are deeply familiar with that aspect of the business, ensuring you receive insights from knowledgeable individuals. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real conversations about what actually works. Hey, I’m Shaytoya. I’ve been with K&B Communications for over 10 years, working behind the scenes in invoicing, sales, marketing, administration, and supporting operations, pretty much everything except being out in the field. I’ve watched contractors work nonstop and still feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure if they’re building the business the right way. Like many contractors, we tried getting advice from everyone. Different opinions. Different directions. Different “quick fixes.” Instead of helping, it kept us spinning. We struggled with our numbers. We didn’t have consistent work. We were busy but still stressed. What changed was realizing we weren’t the only ones dealing with this. The same issues kept coming up again and again: pricing confidence, lack of systems, inconsistent lead flow, and constant mental overload. So we stopped guessing and started building the business intentionally, one decision at a time. Today, we’ve built a stronger team, clearer systems, and a business that runs with more control and less chaos. If this podcast resonates with you, I want to invite you to continue the conversation inside our free Facebook community: Building Better Contractor Businesses Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MZbgzNKdo/ Become a Contractor Business CEO Insider https://buildingbettercontractorbusinesses.grwebsite.com/ Learn about our commercial low-voltage company https://www.kandbcom.com/ It’s a practical space for contractors who want real conversations, real support, and real progress, beyond just listening to an episode. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

  1. 4d ago

    23.Why Contractors End Up Starting Over (And How to Avoid It)

    Have you ever had your best year in business... ...only to wonder where your next job is coming from? Do you stop networking once business gets busy? Are you tired of the feast-or-famine cycle in your contractor business? Episode SummaryIn this episode, I'm sharing how our business went from our best year ever to one of our slowest seasons and the biggest lesson we learned along the way. You'll hear what changed, why consistency became one of our biggest priorities, and the simple habits we're committed to so we never have to start over again. Resources MentionedProfit First by Mike MichalowiczJoin the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group Connect With UsLearn more about our contractor business: www.kandbcom.com Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Aw7NiNXG/ Next Steps1. Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group to connect with other contractors who want to build better businesses. 2. Share this episode with another contractor who could benefit from hearing it. 3. Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes on lead generation, business systems, workflow, profitability, and team building. Affiliate DisclosureDisclosure: Some of the links shared in our show notes may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend books, tools, and resources that we personally use, trust, or believe will provide value to contractors. Business Disclaimer The strategies, opinions, and experiences shared on Building Better Contractor Businesses are based on our journey and are intended for educational and informational purposes. Every contractor, business, market, and situation is different. Results will vary, and you should evaluate any strategy based on your own business goals, financial situation, and professional advice where appropriate.

  2. Jul 13

    22. Afraid to Raise Your Prices? How Contractors Build Confidence and Grow Their Business

    Are you afraid to raise your prices? Do you second-guess every big business decision? Are fear and overthinking keeping your contracting business from growing? Episode HighlightsIn this episode, I'm joined by Marjorie Broce, host of the Break Free From Insecurity podcast. We're talking about how contractors can overcome fear, stop overthinking, and build the confidence needed to raise prices, hire employees, and grow their businesses. Marjorie shares practical strategies for identifying limiting beliefs, making better decisions, leading with confidence, and learning to separate your worth from your business performance. If you've ever questioned yourself before making a big business decision, this episode will give you practical tools to move forward with confidence rather than fear. Resources & Links MentionedBreak Free From Insecurity PodcastRelated Content from Marjorie Podcast: Leading from Security, Not Certainty: Why Confident Leaders Don't Need All the Answers Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-how-to-lead-with-confidence-even-when-you-dont-have/id1892876547?i=1000773711699 Join our free Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Mosp3TXn3/ Marjorie Podcast Details: Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/break-free-from-insecurity-intrusive-thoughts-self/id1892876547 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gRbKvsBHoFF7klxul4w6B?si=1c3565ae1eca466c Meet the HostShaytoya Brown is the host of Building Better Contractor Businesses and the chief marketing officer of K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. With more than a decade of experience in business development, marketing, recruiting, and operations, Shaytoya is passionate about helping contractors build stronger businesses through better leadership, systems, sales, and relationships. Through solo episodes and conversations with industry experts, she aims to help contractors build stronger, more profitable businesses. Next StepsStep 1: Join the free Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group to connect with contractors building stronger, more profitable businesses. Step 2: Subscribe to the Building Better Contractor Businesses podcast so you never miss an episode full of practical strategies to grow your contracting business. Step 3: Share this episode with another contractor who could benefit from building more confidence in their leadership and business decisions.

  3. Jul 6

    21. Stop Chasing Every Opportunity: Why Mastering One Thing Builds a Better Business

    Have you ever wondered if you're focusing on the wrong business instead of growing the one you already have? Do you find yourself constantly chasing the next opportunity, strategy, or business idea but never feeling like you're making real progress? What if the biggest thing holding your contractor business back isn't your talent, but your lack of long-term focus? Episode HighlightsIn this episode of Building Better Contractor Businesses, Shaytoya shares one of the biggest lessons she's learned after more than 12 years in the construction industry: success doesn't come from chasing every opportunity; it comes from mastering one thing. After trying insurance, marketing, travel, and several other business opportunities, Shaytoya realized that construction wasn't just her husband's business anymore; it had become her expertise, too. That realization changed the way she approached business growth. You'll learn why every industry has challenges, why the "grass is always greener" mindset can keep contractors stuck, and why consistency often beats constantly changing strategies. We also discuss how building on what you already know creates stronger business systems, improves your workflow, and leads to a more profitable contractor business over time. If you've been distracted by the next shiny object or wondering whether you should change directions, this episode will help you refocus on what you've already spent years building. In this episode, you will learn:Every business has challenges, even the ones that look successful.How consistency creates stronger business systems and better long-term results.Improving your workflow starts with committing to one direction.How mastering one skill can increase your profitability and business opportunities.Why is becoming known for one thing more valuable than chasing multiple businesses?A simple exercise to help you identify what's distracting you from long-term success. Resources & Links Mentioned📚 Book Recommendation The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan 👥 Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook group. Connect with contractors who focus on improving their business systems, building stronger teams, generating consistent leads, and creating profitable businesses. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19CdeoDwQz/ Next StepsStep 1: Join the free Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook group and connect with other contractors who are building stronger businesses. Step 2: Read The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan and ask yourself: "What's the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?" Step 3: Complete this week's challenge and share it in the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook group. Write down every business idea, side hustle, opportunity, and distraction you're currently chasing. Then ask yourself: What's the one thing I've already spent years building? Share your answer in the Facebook group and tell us what you're committing to over the next year. Meet Your HostShaytoya Brown is the host of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast and has spent more than 12 years helping grow a commercial construction business from behind the scenes. Her experience spans marketing, business development, recruiting, networking, operations, and leadership. Through honest conversations, practical strategies, and real business experiences, Shaytoya is on a mission to help contractors build predictable, profitable businesses with stronger systems, better teams, and long-term growth. About K&B CommunicationsK&B Communications is the commercial low-voltage company behind the Building Better Contractor Businesses podcast. Learn more at www.kandbcom.com Affiliate DisclosureSome of the books, products, and resources mentioned in this episode may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources that we personally use, trust, or believe will provide value to contractors and business owners. Thank you for supporting the podcast. DisclaimerThe information shared on the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and lessons learned while building and operating a commercial contracting business. Every business is different. Strategies that have worked for us may not produce the same results for you due to differences in markets, industries, financial situations, experience, and business goals. This podcast serves only educational and informational purposes and does not provide legal, financial, accounting, or professional business advice. We encourage you to consult qualified professionals before making significant business decisions.

  4. Jun 29

    20. Struggling With Business Systems? Stop Doing Everything Yourself

    Are you doing everything in your business? Do you feel like your business can't run without you? Are you struggling to build systems that actually save you time? Episode SummaryIn this episode, Shaytoya sits down with Cory Blumenfeld, founder of BlueMoso, to discuss why so many contractors become the bottleneck in their own businesses. They explore how business systems, delegation, and clear processes can help contractors stop doing everything themselves, build a stronger team, and create a business that continues to grow even when they're away. What You'll LearnWhy business systems matter more than working longer hoursThe first tasks contractors should delegateHow to stop becoming the bottleneckWhy everything should'nt live in your headThe biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring helpHow systems create more freedom and scalability Connect with Building Better Contractor Businesses👥 Join our free Facebook community. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DkcPRVrMA/ 🌐 K&B Communications https://www.kandbcom.com Next StepsStep 1: Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group and connect with contractors who are working to build more predictable, profitable businesses. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss future episodes focused on systems, lead generation, profitability, workflow, and team building. Step 3: Share this episode with another contractor who feels like they're doing everything themselves. About the HostShaytoya Brown is the host of Building Better Contractor Businesses and the COO of K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. With more than 10 years of experience in the construction industry, she is passionate about helping contractors build predictable, profitable businesses through better systems, leadership, marketing, recruiting, and operations. Disclaimer Every contractor's business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success. The guests featured on Building Better Contractor Businesses share strategies and lessons based on their own experiences and expertise. While we hope these conversations inspire new ideas, we encourage you to evaluate which ones fit your business, goals, and team before implementing any new strategy.

  5. Jun 22

    19. Why Your Lead Generation Isn't the Problem (And What to Fix Instead)

    Does it feel like you're starting over in your business? Are you working harder but not seeing the same results? Wondering why business feels slower even though you're doing all the right things? In this episode of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast, I'm sharing a real look behind the scenes at what happened when our business slowed down and what Kevin and I did to get back on track. Like many contractors, we started asking ourselves the same questions you may be asking right now. Do we need more leads? Do we need more marketing? What are we missing? But after taking a hard look at our business, we realized the problem wasn't lead generation. Our standards had slipped. We had focused so much on delegation and stepping back from the day-to-day that some of the activities that helped us build the business stopped happening. In this episode, I share: Why our business slowed downThe lessons we learned from reading Buy Back Your TimeHow standards impact lead follow-up and customer experienceWhy consistent follow-up matters more than most contractors realizeHow we're using the Dream 100 to build relationships and create consistent leadsWhy relationship marketing still worksThe importance of staying visible even when business is busyHow to avoid the feast-or-famine cycle many contractors experienceWhat we're doing differently to get back on track If you're a contractor looking for more consistent leads, better systems, and predictable work, this episode is for you. Resources MentionedJoin the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1K64LtaA33/ Book Mentioned: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell About the HostShaytoya Brown is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. Through the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast, she shares real-world lessons, systems, marketing strategies, and leadership insights to help contractors build predictable, profitable businesses. Learn more about K&B Communications: https://www.kandbcom.com Connect With ShaytoyaWebsite: https://www.kandbcom.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1K64LtaA33/ Next StepsStep 1: Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group and connect with other contractors working to build predictable, profitable businesses. Step 2: Make a list of 25 companies you'd like to work with and create a simple follow-up plan. Step 3: Share your plan inside the Facebook group and let us know what you're doing to build better relationships and generate more consistent leads.

  6. Jun 15

    18. Why Profitability Is Actually a Systems Problem for Contractors

    Are you working harder but making less money? Do you feel like you're constantly putting out fires in your business? Wondering why profitability seems harder than it should be, even when you're busy? In this episode of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast, Shaytoya sits down with Brent Garrett, owner of a successful residential plumbing and HVAC company, business coach, and author of 30 Days to a Better Business. Brent shares the powerful story of walking into his office one day only to discover the power had been shut off because the company hadn't paid the electric bill. That moment led him to uncover over $1 million in debt and forced him to completely rethink leadership, systems, culture, and financial management in his business. During this conversation, Brent shares practical lessons contractors can use immediately to improve profitability, strengthen company culture, build better business systems, understand their numbers, and create a more predictable contractor business. In this episode, you'll learn:The $1 million wake-up call that changed Brent's business foreverWhy every contractor must know their numbersThe financial KPIs contractors should review regularlyHow company culture impacts profitability and growthWhy many contractors struggle with salesThe power of offering Good, Better, and Best optionsHow to stop underpricing your servicesThe biggest mistakes contractors make when hiringWhat the "messy middle" looks like when growing a businessWhy systems and delegation are critical for scalingLessons from Brent's book, 30 Days to a Better BusinessHow natural law and doing the right thing can impact long-term business success Resources & Links Mentioned📘 Connect with Brent Garrett: https://brentgarrett.com 📘 Get Brent's Book: 30 Days to a Better Business https://amzn.to/4xs9fgb 🎙 Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1K64LtaA33/ About the HostShaytoya Brown is the host of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast and leads business development for K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. Through candid conversations with industry experts and lessons learned from real-world experience, she helps contractors build stronger systems, improve profitability, generate better leads, and create more predictable businesses. 🌐 www.kandbcom.com Next StepsStep 1:Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group and connect with other contractors working to build more predictable and profitable businesses. Step 2:Share this episode with another contractor who needs help improving profitability, leadership, and business systems. Step 3:Listen to more episodes of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast for practical strategies to help you grow a predictable, profitable contractor business. DisclaimerEverything shared on this podcast is based on real-world experience, lessons learned, and conversations with industry professionals. Every business is different, and what works for one contractor may not work for another. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Always evaluate strategies, systems, and decisions based on your specific business, market, and goals. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links mentioned in this episode may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

  7. Jun 8

    17. Why Contractors Undervalue Themselves (And How It Impacts Their Business)

    Are You Struggling With Pricing Confidence?Do you find yourself discounting jobs just to win work?Have you ever felt like other contractors are charging more for the same services?Are you undervaluing yourself, your team, or your business without even realizing it? Episode HighlightsIn this episode, I'm sharing why your perception of value may be one of the biggest factors impacting your contractor business. From pricing confidence and profitability to the clients you work with and the opportunities you pursue, it all begins with how you see yourself and what you offer. I also share some personal challenges we've faced recently, lessons learned during slower seasons, and five practical ways contractors can increase their value, improve confidence, and continue building a better business. If you've been struggling with confidence, pricing, growth, or simply wondering what's holding you back, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn:Why slow seasons do not determine your valueHow pricing confidence impacts profitabilityThe importance of investing in yourself through books, podcasts, and educationWhy the people you surround yourself with matterHow raising your standards improves your businessWhy contractors often undervalue themselvesThe connection between mindset and business growthHow to stop accepting projects that don't align with your goalsSimple ways to increase your perception of value starting today National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)https://www.nawic.org Toastmasters Internationalhttps://www.toastmasters.org The Contractor Fighthttps://thecontractorfight.com Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/1K64LtaA33/ Connect with K&B Communicationshttps://www.kandbcom.com About the HostAbout the Host Shaytoya Marie is the host of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast and a leader at K&B Communications, a commercial low-voltage contractor serving Nevada and Arizona. Through her work at K&B Communications, Shaytoya has spent more than a decade helping to grow a contracting business while navigating the real challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, sales, marketing, systems, and team development. The stories, lessons, successes, and mistakes shared on this podcast come from real-world experience inside K&B Communications and from conversations with contractors across the industry. The goal is simple: help contractors build predictable, profitable businesses while creating a better life for themselves and their families. Learn more at: www.kandbcom.com Next StepsStep 1: Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group and share one area where you may be undervaluing yourself. Step 2: Pick one way to invest in yourself this week, whether that's reading a book, attending an event, listening to a podcast, or learning a new skill. Step 3: Review your pricing, standards, and the customers you accept. Ask yourself: Am I operating at the level of value I know I bring to the table?

  8. Jun 1

    16. Why Your Lead Generation Isn’t Working and 3 Easy Ways to Attract Better Contractor Leads

    Tired of spending money on marketing with little to show for it?Wondering why your lead generation feels inconsistent?Are you getting leads that aren't the right fit for your business?Frustrated because your marketing seems busy but isn't producing profitable jobs? Episode Highlights:In this episode of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast, Shaytoya Brown sits down with Thaddeus Tondu, founder of On Purpose Media, to discuss what actually works in contractor marketing and lead generation. If you're a contractor who relies heavily on referrals, struggles with inconsistent leads, or feels overwhelmed by marketing, this episode breaks down practical strategies you can start using right away. We discuss contractor lead generation, Google Business Profiles, websites, reviews, SEO, paid advertising, and the key numbers every contractor should understand before investing more money into marketing. This conversation offers simple, actionable advice to help contractors build better marketing systems, generate higher-quality leads, and create a more predictable business. In This Episode We Discuss:Why do many contractor marketing efforts failThe difference between leads and qualified leadsHow Google searches drive buying decisionsWhy your website matters more than you thinkThe importance of a complete Google Business ProfileHow reviews impact trust and conversionsSEO vs. Google Ads and when to use eachUnderstanding customer acquisition costsThe numbers every contractor should trackBuilding marketing systems that create predictable work Resources & Links MentionedOn Purpose Media Website: https://onpurposemedia.comFree Marketing Audit: https://onpurposemedia.com/audit Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1K64LtaA33/ About the GuestThaddeus Tondu founded On Purpose Media, a digital marketing agency focused on helping contractors and home service businesses generate better leads through websites, SEO, and Google Ads. He specializes in helping contractors create marketing systems that drive consistent growth and measurable results. About the HostShaytoya Brown is the host of the Building Better Contractor Businesses Podcast, where she shares real-world lessons, wins, challenges, and strategies to help contractors build predictable, profitable businesses. With more than a decade of experience working in the construction industry, Shaytoya brings practical insights on lead generation, business systems, workflow, profitability, and team building. Through honest conversations with industry experts and lessons learned in the field, she helps contractors reduce chaos, create consistency, and build businesses that support both their goals and their families. Learn more about K&B Communications: www.kandbcom.com Next StepsStep 1:Join the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group and connect with other contractors working to build predictable, profitable businesses. Step 2:Get a free marketing audit from On Purpose Media to identify opportunities to improve your website, Google Business Profile, SEO, and lead generation. Step 3:Create your 30-day marketing plan and share it inside the Building Better Contractor Businesses Facebook Group. Let us know what you're committing to and how it's going so the community can support you.

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Do you ever feel slammed with work but still not making the money you should? Like you’re always busy, putting out fires, and keeping everything in your head just to get through the week? Do clients get sticker shock when you send pricing, even though you know the work is good and you’re not overcharging? Are you struggling to get consistent work, not just any work? Does running the business feel harder than actually doing the work? If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Building Better Contractor Businesses is for contractors who want less chaos and more clarity. For contractors who want to run better businesses, not just finish the next job. Here, we talk about - Building predictable, steady work (not feast or famine) - Getting confident in your pricing and explaining your value - Creating systems so everything isn’t stuck in your head - Working with better clients and more reliable subcontractors - Getting out of survival mode and into control When a topic falls beyond my area of expertise, I collaborate with professionals who are deeply familiar with that aspect of the business, ensuring you receive insights from knowledgeable individuals. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real conversations about what actually works. Hey, I’m Shaytoya. I’ve been with K&B Communications for over 10 years, working behind the scenes in invoicing, sales, marketing, administration, and supporting operations, pretty much everything except being out in the field. I’ve watched contractors work nonstop and still feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure if they’re building the business the right way. Like many contractors, we tried getting advice from everyone. Different opinions. Different directions. Different “quick fixes.” Instead of helping, it kept us spinning. We struggled with our numbers. We didn’t have consistent work. We were busy but still stressed. What changed was realizing we weren’t the only ones dealing with this. The same issues kept coming up again and again: pricing confidence, lack of systems, inconsistent lead flow, and constant mental overload. So we stopped guessing and started building the business intentionally, one decision at a time. Today, we’ve built a stronger team, clearer systems, and a business that runs with more control and less chaos. If this podcast resonates with you, I want to invite you to continue the conversation inside our free Facebook community: Building Better Contractor Businesses Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MZbgzNKdo/ Become a Contractor Business CEO Insider https://buildingbettercontractorbusinesses.grwebsite.com/ Learn about our commercial low-voltage company https://www.kandbcom.com/ It’s a practical space for contractors who want real conversations, real support, and real progress, beyond just listening to an episode. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

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