Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast

How do you charge for change orders without hurting the client relationship? In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Colleen Stanley to unpack one of the most common profit leaks in construction and contracting: poor change order communication. This conversation is especially helpful for construction and contracting business owners who deal with scope creep, client pushback, repeated jobsite issues, and uncomfortable pricing conversations. Colleen breaks down how better communication, better expectation-setting, and better leadership can make those conversations easier and more professional. In this episode, you'll hear about: ✅ Why change orders should be discussed before they happen ✅ How to set expectations without sounding negative ✅ Why clients react badly to surprises ✅ How better communication protects trust and profit ✅ The power of giving clients choices ✅ Why recurring problems usually point to a broken system ✅ How mentorship and delegation connect to stronger leadership If you work in cabinetry, millwork, remodeling, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting, this episode will give you practical ideas you can use right away. 👉 Subscribe for more contractor-focused business strategies 👉 Like this video to support the channel 👇 Drop a comment: What's the hardest part of handling change orders in your business? More about Colleen Stanley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenstanleysli/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesleadership-inc./ Personal / Company Website: https://www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleen.stanley.716/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalesLeadership/ Books Page: https://www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com/resources Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩

If you feel busy but the bank account doesn't match… this episode is for you. In this interview, Dominic Rubino sits down with Adam Sylvester (owner of Charlottesville Gutter Pros + host of Jobber's Masters of Home Service) to break down the "magic numbers" contractors should track to protect profit and make better decisions. You'll learn how to stop tracking random metrics and focus on the few numbers that actually drive results. Topics covered: ✅ Why most owners track nothing (or track the wrong stuff) ✅ The "magic numbers" that expose your biggest bottleneck ✅ Revenue per employee (daily + hourly) and why it matters ✅ The One Hour Calculator and how it sets pricing correctly ✅ Why a high close rate can mean you're underpriced ✅ How to raise prices without panicking ✅ Holding team standards (and why culture affects profit) ✅ Using EOJ/job-costing to stop guessing 👉 Subscribe for more contractor-focused business strategies 👉 Like this video to support the channel 👇 Drop a comment: What's the ONE number you need to start tracking weekly? More about Adam Sylvester: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sylvester-72b64350/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottesville-gutter-pros/ Podcast Name: Masters of Home Service Podcast Page (Jobber): https://www.getjobber.com/podcast/ Direct Podcast Feed: https://mastersofhomeservice.podbean.com/ Personal Website: https://www.adamsylvester.com/ Company Website (Charlottesville Gutter Pros): https://cvillegutterpros.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.sylvester.71/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamsylvester/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Helen Vitoria, a key member of the team supporting contractor onboarding, administration, and HR systems inside Contractor Wealth System Helen brings deep experience from real estate development, project management, and HR giving her a unique perspective on the staffing and leadership challenges contractors face every day. If your business feels chaotic, interruptions are constant, or hiring feels harder than it should, this episode will help you see where structure and leadership can make everything smoother. Topics covered: • Why HR problems are usually leadership system problems • How better onboarding reduces stress and turnover • The impact interruptions have on foremen and production leaders • Resetting your strategic plan mid-quarter • The Christmas Water Project and how contractors are creating real impact 👉 Subscribe for more contractor-focused business strategies 👉 Like this video to support the channel 👉 Comment below: What's your biggest hiring or leadership challenge? More about Helen Vitoria LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-vitoria-032565186 About.me: http://about.me/HelenVitoria Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩

Are you running your shop on numbers… or on feelings? In this episode, Dominic Rubino interviews Lauren Bourland of Custom Source Woodworking and board member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). They break down why logic and data must replace emotion when it comes to pricing, labor, and profitability. If you're a cabinet shop owner, remodeler, or trade contractor who feels busy but not as profitable as you should be, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: • Why the AWI Cost of Doing Business Survey matters • The difference between average and high-performing firms • What 17% vs 20%+ net profit really means • How to remove emotion from estimating • Why trade associations help contractors grow faster • The power of benchmarking your numbers This conversation is practical, direct, and focused on what actually works. 👉 Subscribe for more contractor-focused business strategies 👉 Like this video to support the channel 👉 Comment below: What's your current net profit target? More about Lauren Bourland Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bourland-8b785b183/ Company's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-source-woodworking-inc-/ Company's Website: https://www.csw.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customsourcewoodworking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customsourcewoodworking Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Jake Latvala, about the most common epoxy production problems foremen face and how to fix them before they turn into rework, delays, or callbacks. Topics covered in this episode: - Deep-pour epoxy vs low-grade epoxy (and why yellowing/cracking happens) - Wood prep: sanding, debarking, flake prevention, edge sealing for fewer bubbles - Flood coat vs oil finish (pros/cons + client expectations) -Summer vs winter curing differences (and what it does to scheduling) -Managing thermal reaction: fans, AC, and pouring in stages -Dust + bug control for flood coats (booth/tent strategies) -Why epoxy must be priced as custom work (materials can cost significantly more than wood) -Training options for shops and foremen getting into epoxy work 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More About Jake Latvala: Website | Facebook | Instagram Also check out:Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom | @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with RJ and Adrienne Folse of Brand Constructors to talk about how contractors can attract better clients, improve profitability, and build long-term stability. They share simple, proven strategies that help trades business owners move from "busy" to "successful." 📌 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to attract higher-quality projects • Why Google reviews drive more leads • How photos and videos build trust • Why answering the phone fast matters • How to build systems that scale This episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Adrienne Folse: LinkedIn | Instagram More about Rob Folse: LinkedIn | Books More about their Company: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Steven Moran (CEO of FlexiJet Digital Measuring) about how digital measuring can solve "people problems" by improving data accuracy, making delegation easier, and reducing rework. In this episode, we cover: Why measurement errors create costly go-backs How digital measuring reduces manual entry mistakes Training newer team members faster (without 20 years experience) Capturing jobsite info like "forensics" (photo + documentation) How better systems support succession planning and scaling What's coming next (LiDAR + future workflows) 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Steven Moraan: LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn | Website | Flexijet Instagram | Flexijet Facebook | Flexijet YouTube Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

Succession planning is one of the toughest challenges construction and contracting business owners face — especially when family is involved. In this episode, Dominic Rubino is joined by Josh Baron, Harvard Business School professor and family business expert, to break down why succession is so hard and what successful transitions actually require. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why founders struggle to let go of the business • The ARC of Succession: Assets, Roles, and Capabilities • How unclear ownership and leadership cause conflict • Why family governance matters in contracting businesses • How to prepare the next generation for long-term success This episode is essential listening for contractors thinking about retirement, selling their company, or passing the business to family. 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Josh Baron: LinkedIn | Book | Company Website | Instagram | YouTube Channel Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Justin Dews (Founder & CEO of PathOpt) about how AI is being used right now inside cabinet shops and trade businesses to reduce interruptions, protect institutional knowledge, and save time. This episode is for construction and contracting business owners who: • Feel stuck answering the same questions • Struggle with onboarding and training • Worry about losing key knowledge when people leave • Want estimating and pricing support without more chaos Topics Covered: • AI for onboarding and employee training • Capturing knowledge from owners and foremen • Using AI to support estimating and pricing • Reducing interruptions and wasted time • Security and confidentiality concerns explained 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Justin Dews: LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn | Site Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

Family businesses don't fail because of bad numbers, they fail because tough conversations never happen. In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down how to talk to your family about the business without a fight, using real-world experience from construction, contracting, and trades-based family companies. If you're a contractor, shop owner, or trades business owner dealing with: • Succession planning • Family involvement in the business • Ownership transitions • Protecting both legacy and value This episode gives you a clear, calm, and practical starting point. Topics covered: • Why avoidance destroys family businesses • How to open the conversation the right way • When timing can make or break everything • Protecting family relationships and business value • Real-world case studies from the trades 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System | Profit Toolbelt | Contractor Wealth System DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

What if 2026 wasn't just "busy"… but actually healthy, profitable, and calm? In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with coach and business owner Ryan Hindmarsh to talk about how real contractors are building better lives and better businesses at the same time. You'll hear real stories from cabinet shops, millwork shops, and trades businesses who: • Delegated low-value work and finally had time to look after their health • Planned vacations first so the year doesn't disappear on them • Grew revenue by ~30% with a simple builder-outreach plan • Booked the biggest jobs in company history because systems and SOPs were ready • Used weekly rhythms (money, sales, planning) to keep every part of the business moving • Chose a "word of the year" like THRIVING to guide decisions • Joined in a water project that turns likes/comments into clean drinking water in Nicaragua 🔧 Topics Covered • Healthy: – Why owners need to protect their own health and energy – Delegation, "revenue responsibility per hour," and booking time to recharge – Planning vacations first and building the schedule around them • Wealthy: – 30% growth from a simple targeted marketing plan – Focusing on the right builders and repeat work – SOPs, foreman training, and predictable installs • Wise: – Reading, learning, and using coaching models to solve problems – Networking with other trades and shops instead of hiding from "competition" – Turning business success into impact (clean water project in Nicaragua) 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice More about Ryan Hindmarsh: Site: https://www.rhinocoaching.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhindmarsh/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @profittoolbelt4527 @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom

In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down what Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki would tell every shop owner, contractor, and builder about going from cashflow headaches to true profit power. Whether you run a cabinet shop, millwork shop, HVAC company, electrical crew, or remodeling business, this is a simple roadmap for taking control of your money — instead of letting money control you. ⭐ What You'll Learn in This Episode • How cashflow is the "breathing" of your company • Why most shops lose money in small daily leaks • Dave Ramsey's approach to discipline and financial control • Robert Kiyosaki's mindset shift from operator → investor • How to make money work for you (not the other way around) • The difference between bookkeepers, accountants, controllers & CFOs • Why mindset affects your balance sheet • How to build long-term wealth as a contract 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩

In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down a powerful question: What would your business look like if your foreman used the same simple, repeatable systems taught in Atomic Habits? Whether you run a cabinet shop, HVAC team, millwork shop, plumbing crew, or any construction trades business, this conversation will help you build a more organized, less chaotic operation. ⭐ Episode Highlights • Why time gets stolen unless you plan your day • How foremen can use 5-minute systems to prevent rework • The power of "1% better every day" in a trades business • Why habits beat motivation • How simple systems increase productivity and reduce stress • How owners and foremen can develop a shared language • Real-world examples from shops across North America 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩

Passing your construction or trades business to your kids sounds simple — until the emotions, money, and expectations get involved. In this episode, Dominic Rubino shares real stories from HVAC, cabinet, and millwork companies about what really happens when the next generation takes over. These stories are taken directly from and show exactly what goes wrong and how smart trades owners avoid these trap What You'll Learn: • Why "my kids are ready" is often wrong • The hidden danger of mixing business cash with family money • How messy things get when roles and expectations aren't clear • Real case studies from HVAC, cabinet shops, and millwork businesses • Simple steps to avoid drama, stress, and broken relationships • How to build a clean, low-stress handoff to the next generation 👉 Enjoy the episode? Hit LIKE 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly cabinet-making and millwork business advice Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩

If you've ever said, "I know something has to change in my business… but I don't even know where to begin," this episode is for you. In this episode, Dominic Rubino breaks down the real first steps shop owners should take when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or pushed to the limit. You'll learn: 1. Why more effort isn't the answer 2. How to find the real bottleneck in your shop 3. Why foremen struggle and how to fix it 4. Where profitable shops always start their improvements 5. The hidden waste that sucks up your time 6. How small wins create big change If you run a cabinet, millwork, or construction business, these tools will help you get control and build the shop you always wanted. Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩ #cabinetry #foreman #leadershipskills #timemanagement #woodworkingbusiness #tradesbusiness #cabinetmaker #contractortips

If OSHA walked into your shop today… would you be ready? In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies, about what really triggers an OSHA audit — and how to protect your shop. You'll learn: 1. What OSHA looks for the moment they walk in 2. How a single angry worker can start an inspection 3. The "3-Headed Dragon" that kills small shops 4. Why your foreman isn't ready for an OSHA interview 5. The IIPP binder you MUST have 6. The real reason paperwork matters Eric has seen every kind of safety failure — and he explains how to fix yours without stress, fear, or big costs. If you run a cabinet or millwork shop, this episode could save you thousands. 📌 Like 📌 Comment your biggest takeaway 📌 Subscribe for more real-world shop systems Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #OSHA #safetytraining #millwork #cabinetmaker #profitable #businesscoach #woodworkingbusiness #skilledtrades #tradesbusiness

You can't scale chaos — and most shop owners try to anyway! In this episode, Dominic Rubino from Cabinet Maker Profit System shares why growing your construction or contracting business without fixing your systems is like stepping on the gas with a broken engine. Learn how to slow down, find the root cause of your biggest problems, and build a business that runs smoothly — not one that just runs you ragged. Here's what you'll learn: • Why "busy" doesn't always mean "profitable" • The "I Love Lucy" chocolate-factory lesson every shop owner should know • How to use simple question marks to find and fix root problems • The difference between building on rock vs. sand in your operations • How slowing down can actually help you grow faster If you're tired of putting out fires and ready to take control, this episode will change how you look at growth. Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 ​

Most shop owners look at revenue… Great shop owners look at Labor Efficiency Rate (LER). In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Greg Crabtree, author of Simple Numbers and Scaling Up contributor, about the most important number big shops track. You'll learn: 1. What the Labor Efficiency Rate is 2. Why the magic number is 2:1 3. How to know if your team is working efficiently 4. Why backlog can hurt you, not help you 5. How to think like a profitable manufacturer Greg also shares lessons from real companies he's worked with — including shop owners who hit strong profits by focusing on this one number. 👉 If you run a cabinet or millwork shop and want stronger profits, start here. More about Greg Crabtree: Site: https://gregcrabtree.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-crabtree-simple-numbers/ Books: https://gregcrabtree.net/books/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 ​

Think Lean is just for big factories? Think again. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Lukas Holland from FastCap — the shop built on culture, systems, and fun. You'll learn how FastCap built a team where everyone takes ownership — and how that same approach can turn your cabinet or millwork shop into a smooth, calm, profitable operation. What you'll learn in this episode: How to build a Lean culture (not just Lean tools) Why even cleaning the bathroom is a leadership lesson The real goal of Lean: make work easier, not harder How small changes lead to big efficiency wins Why "Fix what bugs you" is the best motto for your shop 💡 Bonus: Lukas explains how FastCap uses color coding, magnets, scooters, and even humor to keep productivity high and morale higher. More about Lukas Holland: FastCap: https://www.fastcap.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastcap-llc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fastcaptv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastcapllc/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FastCap/58650402543 Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/

Running a family business isn't for the faint of heart — especially when your kids are part of the team. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Brad Klingman, and his daughters Hannah Klingman and Kalli Klingman from RiseUp Labels to talk about what it really takes to pass the torch without losing your sanity (or your kids). What you'll learn in this episode: 1. How to invite your kids into the business the right way 2. The difference between "Dad" and "Boss" 3. Setting work/life boundaries in a family company 4. Creating meetings that build the future, not just solve today's problems 5. Why values matter more than titles when running a multi-generation business If you've ever thought about bringing family into your shop — or passing it down — this episode is for you. More about The Klingmans: RiseUp Label: https://www.riseuplabel.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiseupenterpriseLLC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riseup-enterprises/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseupenterprise/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ #familybusinesstips #successionplanning #nextgenerationleaders #businessplanning #shopowner #millwork #woodworkingbusiness #cabinetmaker