Beers With Contractors

Beers with Contractors

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.

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S2 · E6
Monday · 4 min
Stop Using Banks the Wrong Way | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ Your banker should be more than just the person you call when you need a loan. In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Will and Terry break down why building a real relationship with your banker can become a serious advantage for your business. From credit lines and business loans to your next investment property or simply managing cash flow, the right banking relationship can help you move faster when opportunities come up. And here’s the part most tradies overlook: 👉 Find a banker who understands your industry. 👉 Build the relationship before you need the money. 👉 Don’t be afraid to show them your track record and past successes. 👉 And if you can’t pick up the phone and talk to your banker when you need to… you might be at the wrong bank. So here’s your challenge this week: Do you actually have a banker who knows your business? If not, it might be time to find one. Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors. 🍻✈️ Drop your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll see you Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #ConstructionBusiness #HomeServices #BusinessGrowth #ContractorBusiness #Banking #BusinessFinance #Tradies
S2 · E89
Thursday · 44 min
S2 E89 - $3 Billion Projects, AI Data Centers & The Future of Construction
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will welcomes Terry back to Beers with Contractors, joking about his absence, then they discuss construction headlines and trends. They note US construction spending fell 0.5% in July 2026 (down 3.8% year over year) with residential especially soft, while commercial remains active, increasingly driven by AI data center work that may be overly concentrated for some contractors. They cover data-center MEP demands, cost-driven efficiency efforts, rising steel prices and lead times, and growing interest in mass timber. The hosts argue specialty subcontractors (especially electrical/mechanical) offer strong opportunities, and that AI is reducing sales friction for small residential contractors, though customer-facing tasks may be automated too quickly. They touch on repossession/delinquency trends, major megaprojects and subsidies, OU career fair salaries, and a NAHB finding that residential firms under 20 employees account for over half of fatalities while employing under one-third of workers, emphasizing safety systems. 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Is Construction Slowing 03:00 Data Center Boom 04:55 Cooling And Power Tech 07:45 Steel Prices And Timber 10:04 Who Profits Most 13:46 Residential In The Tank 15:27 AI Makes Buying Easy 16:57 Repossessions And Housing 18:52 Customer Service And Bots 20:23 Automation Vs People 21:27 32 Hour Workweek Debate 22:37 Contractor Marketing Partner 23:56 Third Person Speaker Story 24:22 Why We Never Work Less 26:31 Residential Demand Trends 28:58 Mega Projects And Subsidies 34:59 Construction Career Fair Pay 37:42 Small Contractor Safety Crisis 43:13 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
S2 · E5
September 21 · 2 min
How Much Should Your Property Make? | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ What if you could quickly tell whether an investment property is worth the risk? In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Terry breaks down the 1% and 2% rules—a simple way to look at rental income potential before putting your money into a property. For example, a $300,000 property using the 1% rule means targeting $3,000/month in rent. But the numbers are only part of the equation. Your risk tolerance matters, too. Whether you’re investing on your own or with a business partner or spouse, understanding how much risk you’re willing to take can make all the difference. And sometimes, finding a distressed property, putting in the sweat equity, and increasing its value can completely change the numbers. 🍻 The takeaway: Know your numbers. Know your risk. Then make the investment decision that works for you. Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll see you Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentProperty #ConstructionBusiness #Contractors #BusinessGrowth
S2 · E88
September 17 · 35 min
SE E88 - The 5 Biggest Profit Leaks in Your Contracting Business
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will interviews Scott Pierce, founder of Third Edge Consulting and a certified Pinnacle business guide, about why growth often creates chaos for contractors and why “better” matters more than simply getting bigger. Scott emphasizes differentiating through a great customer experience, watching for warning signs like shrinking profitability and outdated systems, and creating organizational clarity by defining where the company is going and what success looks like. He explains Pinnacle’s “Basecamp” process for aligning purpose, values, long-term goals, and 90-day priorities, and contrasts Pinnacle’s flexible, guide-based approach with EOS, including how individualized “rocks” can be pushed through the organization. Scott highlights common margin leaks—direct labor, materials, commissions, marketing, and indirect labor—and advises contractors to know break-even, track key KPIs (leads through reviews), and avoid abdicating responsibilities. 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Better Not Bigger 04:50 Scaling Warning Signs 07:59 Clarity Before Growth 10:37 Basecamp Framework 14:02 Pinnacle vs EOS 17:25 Rocks for Everyone 20:27 Margin Leaks Checklist 27:12 Know Numbers and KPIs 29:25 Wrap Up and Contact 34:53 Outro and Disclaimers Contact Scott Pierce at: Website: https://t3econsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pierce-43872a78/ 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
S2 · E4
September 14 · 4 min
Why Your Business Isn’t Scaling | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ Why do some contractors go from $1M to $5M… while others stay stuck at $3M? You’ve probably seen it yourself. Two companies in the same market, doing similar work yet one keeps growing while the other seems to stay in the same place. So what’s the difference? In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Will challenges contractors to look beyond systems, processes, and market conditions and ask a much harder question: Are you willing to become the leader your business needs you to be? Because building a bigger business starts with understanding what you actually want that business to become. So here’s your challenge this week: 👉 Get clear on what you really want from your business. 👉 Write down your vision. 👉 Ask yourself what needs to change to get there. Your business can only grow as far as your vision takes it. Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors 🍻 Drop your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll see you Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #HomeServices #ConstructionBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Mindset #Contractors
S2 · E87
September 10 · 39 min
S2 E87 - How One App Is Changing Foundation Repair
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will interviews Daniel Stark, founder of Stark Foundations (2009), about improving foundation repair engineering through better field diagnostics, communication, and faster processes. Stark describes common contractor mistakes such as misidentifying pier-and-curtain-wall foundations and placing piers on curtain walls, and he shares examples where repair recommendations changed, including replacing a pre–Civil War dry-stacked rock foundation and using poly lift instead of numerous piers on a light slab garage. He outlines three essentials for contractors: understanding load path, properly documenting framing and structure (with photos and software), and probing/documenting footings to avoid conservative assumptions and installation problems. Stark explains why he built the Specter app and portal to streamline final inspection documentation and reporting, improving field utilization, office efficiency, and scope-change handling, and hints that front-end capabilities are coming. He shares thoughts on watering foundations, Web Soil Survey, and when geotech input is needed, and provides contact info. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Engineering Roots and Banter 02:05 Common Foundation Misdiagnoses 04:01 Sales Calls and Right Sizing Repairs 07:57 Three Must Know Field Skills 12:24 Why Specter Was Built 18:54 Specter Results and ROI 22:25 Whats Next for Specter 27:04 Foundation Myths and Watering Debate 30:38 Soils Data and Web Soil Survey 33:49 Contact Info and Ned Stories 38:06 Wrap Up and Safety Disclaimer Contact Daniel Stark at: Website: https://starkfoundations.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-stark-93791833a/ Email: starkd@starkfdn.com 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
S2 · E3
September 7 · 2 min
The Secret To Great Hires | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ Your next great hire might be closer than you think. Every contractor is looking for good people. But what if the best way to find your next hire isn’t through a headhunter or another job posting? In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Terry talks about a different way contractors can start building their talent pipeline — and why getting involved in your local community could be one of the smartest investments you make. Because just like you’re constantly looking for your next customer, you should be looking for your next great hire. So here’s your challenge this week: 👉 Look around your local area. 👉 Find one place where you can connect with future talent. 👉 Start building relationships before you actually need to hire. Your next employee could already be out there. You just need to find them. 👀 Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors 🍻 Drop your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll see you Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #HomeServices #ConstructionBusiness #Hiring #SkilledTrades #ConstructionHiring #Contractors
S2 · E86
September 3 · 39 min
S2 E86 - Constructing Success with Women in Home Services
On Beers with Contractors, Will welcomes Kristen Bulza to discuss why having women in leadership is a “cheat code” in construction and home services. Kristen shares her path from running a small construction crew in Los Angeles and working as a police and fire dispatcher—where she learned to avoid micromanaging, embrace learning from mistakes, and lead with empathy—to managing an install office and subcontractors in Arkansas, then leading sales and production at Vesta with seven crews and six salespeople. They discuss earning respect by getting in the trenches, using direct but thoughtful honesty, and building trust through open-door communication and foreman meetings. Now based in St. Pete, Kristen coaches home-service leadership teams nationwide, emphasizing hiring fit, clear expectations, training, accountability (including bonuses tied to performance), explaining the “why,” and not keeping poor fits too long. 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Kristen Joins The Show 01:59 Dispatch Lessons In Leadership 03:42 From Roofs To Arkansas 04:54 The Crawl Space Snake Story 06:24 Women Winning Dirty Work Sales 08:49 Active Listening And Empathy 11:22 Managing Crews With Directness 17:59 Building Trust In Production 20:06 Open Door Culture And Chaos 20:56 Morale Hits Rock Bottom 21:15 Listening Without Ego 22:48 Calm Under Pressure 24:37 What Great Teams Do 27:05 Respect And Buy In 30:42 Hold The Line On Bonuses 34:01 Train Delegate And Let Go 36:47 How To Reach Kristen 38:26 Final Thanks And Sign Off Contact Kristen Bulza at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-bulza/ Email: kristen@per4mance.io Booking link: https://per4mance.io/demo 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
S2 · E2
August 31 · 3 min
Do Your Managers Know These KPIs? | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ Do you know the numbers your managers should know in your home services business? Most contractors know they need to track their KPIs. But are you tracking the right ones? In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Will breaks down the key numbers that can tell you what’s really happening inside your business — from your financial health to the levers that directly impact your profit. And here’s the challenge: 👉 Do you know your numbers? 👉 Do your managers know them? 👉 And do you know which ones actually drive profitability? Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors 🍻 Watch the full Flight Sampler, then join us Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #HomeServices #ConstructionBusiness #KPIs #BusinessGrowth #Profitability #Contractors
S2 · E85
August 30 · 34 min
S2 E85 - REITs Explained: Turn Real Estate Into Wealth
On Beers with Contractors, Will interviews multifamily real estate specialist Aubrey Noblitt about how contractors can build long-term wealth by owning and rehabilitating real estate and tapping local incentives many don’t know exist. They discuss financing options like DSCR loans, FHA two-to-fourplex opportunities, house hacking, and why multifamily vacancy can be lower than other commercial sectors. Aubrey explains that many city grants (often reimbursement or match-based) are housed in planning departments and Main Street boards, citing Ponca City’s HIP 2.0 and stacking programs like Main Street, CDBG, historic tax credits, and local housing incentives. They cover using real estate to reduce taxable profits via expenses, cost segregation, and depreciation, plus misconceptions about cap rates, commercial loan balloons, and property management licensing limits. Aubrey also outlines forming REITs starting around $10M in assets and shares her contact information. 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Why Multifamily Matters 02:29 Loans and Entry Paths 03:16 Hidden Grants and Incentives 06:23 Finding Programs by Networking 10:18 Contractor Business Model 11:25 Property Management Rules 14:39 Contact and Tax Strategy 18:41 Cost Seg and Depreciation 19:50 Flip vs Hold Decisions 22:26 REITs Explained 26:32 Cap Rates and Financing 31:08 Multifamily Complexity 33:04 Wrap Up and Disclaimers Contact Aubrey Noblitt at: Website: https://anoblitt.ccoklahoma.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AubreySellsOklahoma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-noblitt-13b88b109/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805326894&ref=PROFILE_EDIT_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Thread: https://www.threads.com/@aubreysellsoklahoma Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreysellsoklahoma/ 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
S2 · E84
August 25 · 39 min
S2 E84 - The CFO Secrets Behind a More Profitable Contracting Business
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry welcome Shannon Weinstein, a CPA and fractional CFO behind Keep What You Earn, to address contractor financial pitfalls that spark debate online. Shannon explains why many $5–$10M home service businesses feel broke: owners confuse profit with cash flow and rely on bank balances instead of cash-flow projections. She outlines key metrics she’d want before investing, including margin by service line, labor efficiency, accounts receivable collection velocity, marketing spend by lead source, and net cash flow. Shannon describes her coaching approach—telling owners hard truths to cut through ego and fix high-priority leaks—plus guidance on when higher-paid labor can be worth it based on productivity. She recommends maintaining roughly 3–6 months of burn rate (or 8–10 payrolls) in cash reserves, planning distributions and tax savings proactively, and explains stock vs. asset sales and depreciation recapture when exiting. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Meet Shannon Weinstein 02:56 Shannon’s Contractor Origin Story 04:32 Profit Versus Cash Flow 06:31 Bank Balance Trap 08:10 Investor Metrics That Matter 11:59 Ego Versus Numbers 13:50 Scorekeeper Coach Analogy 16:05 Big League Business Systems 18:20 Labor Pay ROI Setup 19:03 Contractor Marketing Partner 20:27 Hiring Productivity Math 22:56 Cash Reserves Benchmarks 26:20 Cash Flow And Taxes Plan 30:51 Exit Deal Structures 33:12 Asset Versus Stock Sale 36:59 Wrap Up And Disclaimers Contact Shannon Weinstein at: Website: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepwhatyouearn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ Keep What You Earn Podcast: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/podcast 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
S2 · E1
August 24 · 3 min
Know Your Real Break-Even | Beers with Contractors: Flight Edition
✈️ How much does your business actually need to make before you’re profitable? If you don’t know your break-even number, you’re flying your business blind. In this week’s Beers with Contractors Flight Sampler, Will breaks down the simple formula every contractor should know: Fixed Expenses ÷ Gross Profit Margin = Break-Even Sounds simple, right? But knowing your number can completely change how you look at your business, your sales targets, and your profitability. So here’s your challenge this week: 👉 Pull out your numbers. 👉 Calculate your break-even. 👉 Find out exactly what you need to hit before your business makes a dollar of profit. Consider this your weekly dose of Beers with Contractors 🍻 Drop your questions in the comments, and we’ll see you Thursday for the full episode. #BeersWithContractors #FlightSampler #ContractorTips #HomeServices #ConstructionBusiness #BreakEven #BusinessGrowth #Contractors
S2 · E83
August 14 · 29 min
S2 E83 - The Sales Strategy Every Contractor Needs to Know
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will reframes in-home sales for contractors by using movie roles to shift mindset: the customer is the protagonist (hero) of their own story, and salespeople should avoid trying to be the hero or the customer’s best friend (deuteragonist). Instead, contractors should act as the guide/mentor—helping customers understand the problem, solution, and price while letting them reach conclusions themselves. He explains that mentors think three steps ahead by anticipating “villains” like low bids, financing constraints, multiple decision-makers, and other estimates, and preparing tools like references, value education, and financing options. He references his CRISS closing system and five common objections, and argues professionals can challenge customers respectfully to prevent bad decisions, ultimately helping both customer outcomes and the seller’s 12-month goals. 00:00 Solo Intro Sales Focus 00:47 Set Your 12 Month Goal 01:34 Customer Is The Hero 04:32 Story Roles Explained 07:06 Be The Guide Not Friend 10:28 Anticipate Villains Objections 15:27 Five Objections CRISS 17:08 Challenge Customers Like Mentor 23:19 Respect Craft Not Always Right 25:33 Recap And Closing 28:06 Outro 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
S2 · E82
August 7 · 48 min
S2 E82 - How to Recruit Top-Tier Tradesmen in 2026
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry talk with Meghan Ritchie of Trustal Recruiting about hiring for locally owned home services companies. Meghan shares her background from marketing agency work to becoming a GM in Atlanta, managing 26 trucks, and explains how recruiting should be treated like marketing: budget a consistent percentage of projected revenue, stay focused year-round, and proactively pursue passive candidates. She stresses pre-hire preparation—clear job descriptions, defining success, and having a training/onboarding plan—to ensure recruiting ROI and reduce turnover. The conversation covers moving fast to hire, competing in a tight labor market, generational expectations around work-life balance and schedule transparency, and benefits like PTO and affordable health options, while noting pay must match market rates. Meghan outlines onboarding best practices, the importance of culture and “why,” and how to reach her at trustalrecruiting.com. 00:00 Welcome And Cheers 00:41 Trades To Business Skills 01:57 Meet Meghan Ritchie 05:33 Recruiting Mindset Shift 07:07 Prehire Strategy And ROI 11:48 Talent Shortage Reality 14:43 Always Be Recruiting 16:53 Fractional Recruiters And Speed 21:38 Generational Worklife Balance 23:58 Benefits Pay And Packages 29:37 Bad Job Descriptions 32:46 Onboarding That Retains 40:35 Culture And The Why 44:09 How To Reach Trustal 47:27 Wrap Up And Disclaimers Contact Meghan Ritchie at: Website: https://trustalrecruiting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustalrecruiting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582990086280 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Trustal_Recruiting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustal_recruiting/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trustal_recruiting 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
S2 · E81
July 28 · 50 min
S2 E81 - Contractors Are Saving Hours with This Estimating Tool
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry banter about Terry’s Florida trip and a new studio they joke is a “death trap,” then welcome Ryan Weiss, Director of Business Development at ArcSite. Ryan explains ArcSite as a mobile-first drawing, estimation, takeoff, and proposal platform used in the field on an iPad to create project drawings, drag-and-drop products from a robust library spanning 50+ industries, auto-calculate quantities and pricing, and generate polished proposals with payment and digital signature options. The discussion covers how proposal presentation and visuals build trust, how onboarding customizes products, calculations, margins, labor, and taxes, and how the tool reduces errors and keeps reps consistent. Ryan shares common proposal mistakes (too little info, too much technical detail, limited payment options, lack of easy signing), ROI via reduced time on site, and upcoming features like topographic mapping, deeper supplier/manufacturer integrations (e.g., NCFI, SRS), and AI-assisted guidance and proposal creation. 00:00 Show Kickoff Banter 00:08 Florida Trip Recap 00:37 Studio Safety Jokes 01:40 Meet ArcSite Ryan 03:16 ArcSite One Minute Overview 04:51 Product Library And Industries 05:47 Selling Beyond Price 08:19 Onboarding And Pricing Setup 11:38 Proposal Mistakes To Avoid 17:07 What Homeowners Want 21:18 Deliver Proposals On Site 25:18 Customization Not Cookie Cutter 25:51 Custom Onboarding Setup 26:46 Short Form Clip Banter 27:13 ROI Through Time Savings 31:01 Proposal Tools And Trust 32:20 Small Business Edge 37:45 Future Features Partnerships 43:37 AI Inside ArcSite 46:15 How To Get Started 48:28 Final Thanks And Sign Off Contact Ryan Weiss at: Website: https://www.arcsite.com/ LinkedIn (Ryan Weiss): https://www.linkedin.com/in/weissryan/ LinkedIn (ArcSite): https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcsite/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ArcSite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcsiteapp Instagram: http://instagram.com/arcsite/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arcsite 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
S2 · E80
July 18 · 57 min
S2 E80 - From Spray Foam to Seven Figures: What It Takes to Scale
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry welcome Cory Boehs of Kool Foam and discuss his path from framing and starting Kool Foam in 2007 to building a higher-integrity spray foam business with his wife Suzanne (now 51% owner). Cory explains how the industry shifted from customer education to commoditization, with poor installs driven by low training and lack of understanding that foam is “manufactured” on site and must be on-ratio and to depth. They cover verification tools and tech like Accurate Dynamics equipment, reporting, density tests, and blower door testing, plus barndominium pitfalls like thermal bridging and sweating purlins, and debunk the myth that metal can’t be replaced later. Cory shares Kool Foam’s cost/payback, comfort benefits, and his creation of Brave Build to help contractor-owners overcome bottlenecks, define success beyond money, and build an authentic peer community. 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Meet Cory Boehs 01:47 Kool Foam Origin Story 04:29 Spray Foam Industry Shifts 06:03 Quality Installs Matter 10:44 Commoditization Debate 13:39 Verification Tech Tools 17:39 Barndominium Foam Pitfalls 22:13 Cost Payoff Comfort 28:27 Toward Brave Built 30:07 Satchel Banter and Turning Point 31:00 Backstory and Business Bottleneck 35:17 Brave Build Vision of Success 39:57 What Brave Build Is 44:02 First Mastermind and Momentum 47:31 Events and Expanding Beyond Foam 50:52 Handing Over Control to Suzanne 53:58 Authenticity and Community Impact 55:35 Wrap Up and Safety Disclaimer Contact Cory Boehs at: Website: https://koolfoamllc.com/ Email: cory@koolfoamllc.com Facebook (Cory Boehs): https://www.facebook.com/cory.boehs/ Facebook (Kool Foam): https://www.facebook.com/koolfoaminc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolfoam 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
S2 · E79
July 13 · 1 hr 2 min
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
S2 · E78
July 8 · 54 min
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
S2 · E77
June 28 · 24 min
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
June 22 · 33 min
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

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