The Reasonable Contractor

Reasonable Tech Dad
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Real talk with Twin Cities contractors about running a service business. No corporate BS, just honest conversations with the people who actually do the work. I'm Ryan, the Reasonable Tech Dad, and I talk with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC techs, and other skilled trades about what it really takes to build a successful contracting business in Minnesota. Every week, hear from contractors who've figured out how to find good customers, grow their business, and navigate the challenges of running a service company. Whether you're just starting out or you've been swinging a hammer for 20 years, you'll get practical advice from people who've been where you are. This is contractor-to-contractor conversation that helps everyone in the trades succeed. New episodes every week. Real contractors. Real advice. No fluff.

  1. 4h ago

    20 Years in Windows and Doors With Mike Bullock

    20 years installing doors and windows, and Mike Bullock has never had to bid a job or sell one. On this episode of The Reasonable Contractor, Mike tells the whole story: hauling garbage at his church, turning down a retail store in South Dakota, and learning windows from one of the best in the business at the Minneapolis Airport Commission. We get into the craft (flashing is the whole game), the grit (a table saw, a 17-foot fall, and going back to finish the floor the same day he got stitches), and why a guy who works with his hands isn't worried about AI. If you're wondering whether the trades are worth it, this one's for you. There's no ceiling. Mike runs Bullock's Home Remodeling, specializing in doors and windows across the Twin Cities. SOUND BITES: "You can talk yourself out of just about anything you don't want to do. But you can also talk yourself into just about anything you need to do." "I didn't have to bid jobs. I didn't have to sell jobs. I didn't have to lose out on jobs to other contractors." "My job's not going anywhere anytime soon. The future of trades is a really promising future." CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Mike Bullock, 20 years in doors and windows 00:31 From hauling garbage at church to falling in love with remodeling 01:05 Slinging jeans at the Buckle, and the South Dakota store he turned down 02:29 Getting hired as a helper: humble, quiet, show up 04:36 Why windows and doors are not as simple as they look 05:11 Learning from one of the best at the Minneapolis Airport Commission 06:38 Flashing, insulating, trimming: how a window really goes in 07:16 The specialization payoff: no bidding, no selling, steady work 08:44 The challenge: working through rain, ten below, and 100 degrees 09:49 The mental game: talk yourself into what you need to do 10:18 Andersen crews, big glass, and the danger of the job 12:04 The table saw story: stitches, then back to finish the floor 13:46 Never trust another man's ladder setup: a 17-foot fall 14:20 Shattered wrist, crew trainer, never missed a bill 16:00 Talking to the next generation about the trades 17:05 No ceiling, and why AI is not coming for the work 18:14 A pulse and a hammer versus applying yourself 19:11 Six-figure trades and killing the blue-collar stigma 21:11 Pick your level: freedom, flexibility, no annual review 23:33 Show up on time and you are in the top 10% 24:18 Wrap up KEYWORDS: trades, skilled trades, window installation, doors and windows, contractor, remodeling, trades career, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, apprenticeship, blue collar CONNECT WITH THE REASONABLE CONTRACTOR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reasonabletechdad/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584817796278 Website: http://reasonabletechdad.com/

  2. Jul 12

    Episode 12: AI Second Brains for Contractors, with Michael Fafinski

    Michael Fafinski, owner of Gutter Galaxy, is back on the Reasonable Contractor podcast. Six months after his last visit he's cut the homeowner division, gone B2B, and rebuilt how he runs the company around an AI second brain. He's maxing out Claude's $200 plan every week, and he's not writing code. He's running a gutter business. We get into the real mechanics. An AI executive team trained on actual business books, whole books digested into frameworks the AI loads on demand, and everything in plain folders Michael owns, so no software company can hold his business hostage. Ryan shares the engineer trap rule that stops him from building things nobody asked for, and the 500 pages of estimating tables he scanned into his vault. About 40 focused hours is all that separates you from the people doing this. Takeaways: * A second brain is plain text folders the AI reads. You own it and can move it to any AI, any time * Michael trained AI executives (a CEO, a CRO) on real business books so strategy answers come from real frameworks * With a vault plus voice dictation you talk to the AI like anoal work * 95% of people still use AI like a search engine. About 40 focused hours puts you ahead * Don't wait for the perfect structure. Having a second brain at all is 90% of the battle Chapters: * 00:00 - Gutter Galaxy update: going B2B * 02:52 - The AI executive team, trained on real books * 05:49 - Whole books into frameworks * 09:01 - Talking to it like another employee * 11:53 - Skills: making the AI do real work * 14:54 - Markdown before the second-brain wave * 17:52 - Model talk * 26:04 - Scraping and research * 28:47 - Startups vs the model companies * 30:11 - Portability: your brain moves with you * 32:13 - Open source keeps the big guys honest * 36:28 - Privacy and the vault * 38:34 - API keys, trust, and control * 42:01 - The AI that knows your tendencies * 44:00 - The engineer trap: validate before you build * 49:21 - You're not behind: start the second brain * 50:19 - 500 scanned pages: paper into the vault * 54:18 - When does the non-technical user get in? * 01:00:28 - A patient tutor for every kid * 01:05:38 - AI, education, and who gets hired * 01:10:55 - Just start: 40 hours puts you ahead Keywords: ai for contractors, second brain, obsidian, claude, contractor business systems, gutter company, contractor technology, minnesota contractor

  3. Jan 21

    Episode 11: From Hustler to Business Owner — Eulyyses Urzua's Asbestos Journey

    In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Eulyyses Urzua, owner of Amigos Quality Environmental in Burnsville, Minnesota. Eulyyses recounts his journey from a self-described "second chance guy" in Southern California to building a successful asbestos abatement business over the past 10 years. He shares insights on asbestos safety that most people have never heard, the brutal reality of confined space work, and what it takes to build a business when nobody wants to give you a shot. Key discussions include friable vs. non-friable asbestos, working in tunnels, learning from mistakes, staying humble, and why Minnesota gave him opportunities California never could. TAKEAWAYS: Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye—the dust you see isn't the danger, the fibers you can't see are.Friable asbestos crumbles easily and becomes airborne fast; non-friable materials like tile and plaster are harder to disturb but still dangerous.Water is your best friend in asbestos work—it keeps fibers from going airborne.Even new construction materials can contain asbestos; materials imported from certain countries still require testing regardless of age.For residential asbestos removal, smaller local companies often deliver better results than large commercial operations because they have more varied experience.Building a contracting business takes years of bridge-building; Eulyyses spent 10 years developing relationships with HVAC companies, remodelers, and general contractors.Early-stage hustle meant working 6 AM to 3 AM the next day—that intensity built the reputation and client base.Entrepreneurs often become slaves to their own business; "freedom" usually means working more hours than everyone else.When starting out, ask for the jobs nobody wants—mastering the hard work makes the regular work feel easy.Confined space work requires mental discipline; when panic sets in, Eulyyses learned to lay back and pray to keep himself and his crew calm.SOUND BITES: "I always wanted to be my own boss.""You just become a slave of your own business.""Give me the shittiest job. The job that nobody wants to do. I'll take that all day.""If you do the hard stuff, I'm telling you, the regular stuff is easy.""Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a job, I want to hire somebody to finish the job.""When I moved to Minnesota, I thought my dad had hit the lottery or something.""Stay humble, man."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ulysses Urzua 01:21 Ulysses' Journey into Asbestos Removal 04:03 Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers 10:35 The Business of Asbestos Removal 12:58 Challenges in the Asbestos Industry 20:37 Working in Confined Spaces 25:54 The Importance of Humility in Business 32:30 Encouraging the Next Generation in Trades Keywords/Tags: Amigos Quality Environmental, asbestos abatement, asbestos removal, friable asbestos, Burnsville Minnesota, Twin Cities contractors, confined space work, second chance employment, trades career, small business growth, Minnesota construction, environmental remediation, contractor podcast, entrepreneurship, business challenges

  4. Jan 10

    Episode 10: 50 Jobs at a Time - Scott Corbin on Scaling Corbin's LLC

    In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Scott Corbin, owner of Corbin's LLC, a multi-trade contracting company running 40-50 jobs simultaneously. Scott shares his raw journey from substance abuse and starting with nothing to building a family of companies including excavation, painting/drywall, and tree services. He discusses the brutal reality of his first year bringing in $280K but walking away with only $70K, why he views his role as "firefighter and babysitter," and the mindset shifts required to scale. Key discussions include building a family culture, learning through expensive mistakes, and why finding your purpose before chasing money is essential. TAKEAWAYSWorking 17-hour days and bringing in $280K meant nothing when profit after taxes was only $70K - revenue is vanity, profit is sanity"Find the reason before you make the money" - if money is your source of happiness, you'll never have enoughThe apostrophe in "Corbin's LLC" is intentional: everyone in the company is family and has a voiceFive big jobs per year make the real money; the team keeps the lights on the rest of the timeLosing money on a complex project (zip-up drainage system) was paid training - refusing to do it again would waste that investmentSurround yourself with people doing what you want to do; you become who you spend time withThe 18-22 age group is showing up hungry and ready to work; the 25-35 range is the hardest to find quality helpReaching out for help is the biggest lesson in business - making something on something beats zero on nothingLegacy matters more than cashing out - Minnesota Rusco's collapse shows what happens when you lose control of your visionCollege isn't wrong, trades aren't wrong - it depends on whether you want a 9-to-5 or to build something with no ceiling SOUND BITES"Find the reason before you make the money. Because if that's the reason why you're happy, there will be no end to the happiness. You will never be happy.""There's always better on making something on something than zero on nothing.""I started with nothing. Absolutely nothing. I woke up in Minnesota in a treatment center going, how did I get here? That's when I started.""Pick up that shovel. Sweep the shop. If I could go back to doing stuff like that, I would pick it every day of the week." CHAPTERS/TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction and Scale of Corbin's LLC 01:30 — Early Years: Custom Woodworking at 15 03:30 — College, Substances, and Hitting Bottom 05:30 — Treatment and Starting Over with Nothing 07:00 — The $10,000 Challenge from His Wife 09:00 — Working 17-Hour Days: $280K Revenue, $70K Profit 12:00 — Building the Corbin's Family Culture 15:00 — Expanding: Excavation, Painting, Tree Service 18:00 — "Firefighter and Babysitter" - The Owner's Role 21:00 — The Zip-Up System: Paying for Training Through Mistakes 25:00 — Relationships Over Revenue: How Big Jobs Get Won 28:00 — Montana Log Home Project 30:00 — Minnesota Rusco Collapse: Legacy and Cashing Out 35:00 — Find the Reason Before You Make the Money 38:00 — Advice for the Trades: Who Should Join 42:00 — The 18-22 Year Olds Are Showing Up Hungry 45:00 — Moral Shift in America and Encouragement 48:00 — AI Tools and CRM Integration (Otter AI) 50:00 — Wrap-UpKEYWORDS/TAGSCorbin's LLC, general contractor, residential remodeling, Minnesota contractor, scaling a contracting business, contractor mindset, substance abuse recovery, family business culture, trades career, contractor podcast, Twin Cities contractor, legacy business, contractor advice

  5. Jan 1

    Episode 09: Winning Jobs by Just Answering the Phone - Jake Iskierka of 10K Construction

    In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Jake Iskierka, President of 10K Construction in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Jake recounts his journey from HVAC trade school at Hennepin Tech to co-founding a full-service general contracting company during COVID. He shares insights on customer service philosophy, insurance industry changes, building company culture, and why the competition makes it easy to win by simply answering the phone. Key discussions include the Randy Shaver Foundation partnership, navigating Minnesota's insurance regulation changes, and advice for the next generation considering trades. TAKEAWAYS: Never telling customers "no" builds loyalty—even for problems outside your wheelhouse, tap your network to solve it.Answering the phone fast wins jobs; most competitors don't even call back when homeowners reach out to 6-7 companies.Minnesota insurance policies are changing significantly—deductibles shifting from flat rates to percentage of home value, and roofs over 10 years may only get actual cash value instead of full replacement cost.Profit matters more than revenue; you can sell $10M at 10% profit or $5M at higher margins and come out ahead.A real person answering phones beats AI automation—customers need the "warm and fuzzies" from that first contact.White glove service and turnkey processes keep quality consistent as the company grows.Building a business isn't easy—it takes long nights, family sacrifice, and learning from mistakes.Owner-operators in skilled trades (electricians, HVAC, plumbers, concrete, masonry) can make hundreds of thousands per year.10K Construction supports team members who want to eventually start their own companies—they see themselves as a stepping stone. SOUND BITES: "Our competition really makes it easy sometimes to win because they don't even show up.""No one else will care as much as you.""We're a customer first company.""Why not you? What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, why not you?""There's a shit ton of money to be made in construction." (Ryan) CHAPTERS/TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction and Jake's Background 01:17 – From HVAC Trade School to Construction 02:10 – What 10K Construction Does 02:42 – The "Never Say No" Philosophy 04:09 – Randy Shaver Foundation Partnership 06:13 – How the Partnership Came Together 09:04 – Winning Jobs by Answering the Phone 11:23 – Building the 10K Team and Culture 12:14 – Why Real People Beat AI for Customer Contact 13:47 – Minnesota Insurance Changes Explained 17:55 – Understanding Your Coverage vs. Premium 19:52 – Business Goals and Hiring Plans 21:43 – Growing at the Right Pace 23:27 – Profit vs. Revenue Mindset 25:20 – Work-Life Balance in Construction 28:11 – Challenges: Learning Your Way Isn't the Only Way 30:40 – Hiring for 2026: Two Project Managers 31:53 – Advice for the Next Generation 35:08 – Opportunities in the Trades 35:40 – Wrap-up Keywords/Tags: 10K Construction, general contractor, insurance restoration, Coon Rapids, Twin Cities contractor, Randy Shaver Foundation, customer service, hiring, trades careers, Minnesota insurance, exterior remodeling, hail damage, insurance claims, construction business, skilled trades

  6. 12/21/2025

    Episode 08: Aspiring Dentist to Master Plumber - 25 Years of American Plumbing

    In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Jason Schmidt, owner of American Plumbing in Burnsville, Minnesota. Jason shares his unexpected journey from aspiring dentist to master plumber, including failing his journeyman test three times and taking over the family business after his father's death in 1999. They discuss the transition from remodeling to service work, honest pricing that undercuts big companies by 50%, and the business systems that create efficiency. Jason explains why the plumber shortage drives premium pricing, and the personal transformations (becoming morning people, lifestyle changes) that support business success. The conversation concludes with direct advice for the next generation: skip expensive trade school, pursue apprenticeships, and build recession-proof careers without student debt. Takeaways: Jason never intended to become a plumber, initially planning to study dentistry at University of MinnesotaHe failed his journeyman test three times by margins as small as 0.08% before passingBig plumbing companies charge $3,000-$4,000 for water heaters Jason installs for $2,000The plumber shortage creates supply-demand economics that drive premium pricing across the industryJason transitioned from remodeling to service work primarily for job happiness and satisfactionField Pulse digital management costs $99/month per user and streamlines scheduling and invoicingQuickBooks automation eliminated year-end bookkeeping panic and auto-categorizes all business expensesPress tool technology reduced basement bathroom plumbing from 8 hours (copper) to 2 hours (PEX)Both Jason and Ryan became morning people after years of reprogramming late-night habitsAI cannot replace skilled trades - it won't unplug toilets or repair frozen pipesApprenticeships offer good pay from day one with no student debt Sound Bites: "I never thought I'd be a plumber." "Your plumbing license is a license to steal." "I just wasn't happy doing it." "What would take me eight hours in copper, I'm home at lunch." "AI is not gonna unplug a toilet." "You're gonna make good money right out of the gate." "This is the first year I'm ready. I'm just waiting for January 1st." "Slow learners who don't quit." Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to American Plumbing 01:08 - Jason's Journey: From Dentistry Dreams to Plumbing Reality 02:38 - Failing the Journeyman Test Three Times 06:59 - Taking Over After His Father's Death (1999) 11:24 - The "License to Steal" and Big Company Pricing 12:18 - Choosing Service Work Over Remodeling for Happiness 15:01 - Real Numbers: $2,000 vs $4,000 Water Heater Pricing 18:33 - The Plumber Shortage and Market Economics 20:06 - Field Pulse: $99/Month Digital Management System 21:30 - QuickBooks Automation: Eliminating Year-End Panic23:00 - Inventory Management and Shop Efficiency 26:36 - Copper vs PEX: From 8 Hours to 2 Hours 27:56 - Becoming Morning People: Breaking Late-Night Habits 30:05 - Slow Learners Who Don't Quit Build What They're Proud Of 34:25 - Advice for Next Generation: Apprenticeships Beat Trade School Keywords: plumbing business, journeyman plumber, master plumber, American Plumbing, apprenticeship, trade career, business systems, Minnesota contractor, Burnsville plumber, water heater pricing, morning routine

  7. 12/09/2025

    Episode 07: Michael Fafinski on Building Gutter Galaxy - Communication, Craftsmanship & Zero Hassle

    In this episode of The Reasonable Contractor podcast, host Ryan Templin interviews Michael Fafinski, founder of Gutter Galaxy. Michael recounts his entrepreneurial start from lawn mowing at 16 to building a gutter business in college. He shares insights on systems, SOPs, marketing challenges, Google Business Profiles, and why young people should consider trades. Key discussions include scaling through subcontracting, rebranding strategies, and implementing EOS Traction for business operations. Takeaways: Michael started his entrepreneurial journey at 16 with lawn mowing.Subcontracting allowed for scaling without direct field work.Communication, craftsmanship, and hassle-free service differentiate Gutter Galaxy.Rebranding to Gutter Galaxy targeted direct-to-homeowner expansion.Google My Business is essential for local SEO and lead generation.Consistency in reviews and posts boosts GMB rankings.Implementing EOS Traction helps organize vision and operations.Young people should consider trades over college for better ROI.Jump into business to learn; balance systems with action.Annual strategic reviews provide clarity for growth.Sound Bites:"I started lawn mowing at 16.""I want to be the go-to gutter guy.""Jump in and start doing it!""My favorite SOP is how to create an SOP.""We need more young people in trades."Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Entrepreneurial Family Background01:27 First Business Ventures: Lawn Mowing02:59 Learning Management and Subcontracting04:25 Launching Gutter Business in College05:23 Balancing College Life and Business07:56 Systems and Vetting Crews08:48 Rebranding to Gutter Galaxy09:01 Fox and Friends Appearance10:17 Iterating Through Challenges11:19 Favorite SOP: Creating SOPs11:49 What Differentiates Gutter Galaxy12:47 Annual Strategic Review14:56 Marketing Challenges and Shifts18:22 Google Ads vs. SEO19:09 Power of Google My Business21:37 Consistency in Reviews and Posts22:26 Geotagging and Keywords23:23 AI Tools and Building for Contractors25:04 Navigating GMB Suspensions26:10 Multiple GMB Strategies29:30 Current Business Challenges30:46 Implementing EOS Traction31:51 Advice for Next Generation in Trades35:58 Plugs and Contact Info Keywords/Tags: Gutter Galaxy, entrepreneurship, trades, marketing, business systems, Google My Business, construction industry, young entrepreneurs, performance metrics, rebranding, SOPs, KPIs, lead generation, subcontractors, EOS Traction

  8. 11/19/2025

    Episode 06: Growing a Values-Driven Electrical Business with Erik Ellefson

    Reasonable Tech Dad interviews Erik Ellefson, owner of Topline Electric in Minnesota. Erik shares his journey into electrical work: inspired by his dad's small HVAC/refrigeration business, he job-shadowed electricians as a teen, started the program at Dakota County Technical College early via PSEO, and chose the trade for its hands-on nature, visible results, and strong project presence. He discusses recent business improvements at Topline (currently 5 electricians running 3-4 crews plus office staff): shifting from single-price estimates to presenting six tailored options per project (two per buying tier: economy, mid, high-end), often with in-person follow-ups. This provides customers more choice, reduces decision pressure (them vs. someone else), and has earned positive feedback for thoroughness. Challenges include slower winters, hiring aligned with values (caring, thorough, truthful), and adapting to modern leads—younger customers Google or ask on social media rather than rely on long-term contacts. Erik emphasizes building online presence (updated website, Google ads, transparent Facebook posts about work, team, and values) to earn trust. The conversation turns to the next generation: Erik notes many electricians retiring without full replacement (roughly 5 out vs. 3 in, numbers approximate from memory) while demand grows 10-20% in the coming 5-10 years. He highlights multiple entry paths—tech schools, union apprenticeships, or the Electrical Association’s four-year online/night program alongside on-the-job hours—and encourages young people to consider trades for stability and fulfillment. Ryan adds that more people may be suited to hands-on work than they realize and suggests trying it before dismissing it. Key TakeawaysElectrical projects often require more time and budget than other subs, making it a reliable trade.Presenting six pricing/options (instead of one or three) better matches varied customer budgets and preferences.Core values are reinforced monthly with team examples to build culture.Modern marketing = consistent, authentic online presence over old-school referrals.Skilled trades face a replacement gap as boomers retire, with growing demand on top.Flexible apprenticeship options now exist for high-school grads and career changers alike.Notable QuotesOn replacement stats: “I wish I knew the percentages for electricians… for every five electricians retiring, there’s three entering the workforce… and the need for electrical work will increase like 10 to 20 percent.”On trying the trades: “Go try hauling some lumber or wiring boxes… At least you’ll know you hate it instead of just assuming.” (Ryan)On past referrals: “Alan’s retired, and now… that phone number on the magnet… doesn’t even pick up.”Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & Erik’s introduction and background 00:45 – Why Erik chose electrical after job shadowing 03:30 – Current business size and what’s working well 06:30 – The shift to six-option pricing and in-person presentations 12:00 – Company values and team culture 14:30 – Hiring challenges and slower seasons 15:30 – Shift from legacy referrals to digital leads 19:58 – Advice for the next generation + workforce stats 24:50 – Closing thoughts 25:33 – Wrap-up Keywords electrician, skilled trades, electrical business, customer pricing options, apprenticeship programs, workforce retirement, youth in trades, Minnesota electrician

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Real talk with Twin Cities contractors about running a service business. No corporate BS, just honest conversations with the people who actually do the work. I'm Ryan, the Reasonable Tech Dad, and I talk with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC techs, and other skilled trades about what it really takes to build a successful contracting business in Minnesota. Every week, hear from contractors who've figured out how to find good customers, grow their business, and navigate the challenges of running a service company. Whether you're just starting out or you've been swinging a hammer for 20 years, you'll get practical advice from people who've been where you are. This is contractor-to-contractor conversation that helps everyone in the trades succeed. New episodes every week. Real contractors. Real advice. No fluff.

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  • Creator
    Reasonable Tech Dad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Reasonable Tech Dad