Contractor Evolution

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here:  https://trybta.com/EP263 Make training your next hire a breeze by grabbing a copy of our training checklist template: https://trybta.com/DL263 High employee turnover is killing profitability in the trades. And unfortunately, there is no quick fix.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Mike Matalone, author of Hire. Train. Retain., to break down exactly why you’re losing your best people and how to stop the bleeding.Managing employee retention isn't just about paying more; it requires building robust systems at every stage of the employee lifecycle. Mike reveals the secrets to unlocking 40-60% more productivity from your current team by tapping into their "discretionary effort."If construction hiring and retention are constantly giving you headaches, this episode gives you the blueprint to build a culture that keeps top talent engaged for the long haul. You'll learn the difference between hiring for roles versus people, the three onboarding steps that make new hires stick, and why career paths often matter more to your crew than their paycheck.Check out Mike’s book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Hire-Train-Retain-People-Things/dp/057855143800:00-Intro03:34-Why New Hires Leave in the First 90 Days06:42-The XP3 Talent System and People Systems11:17-Shifting from Management to Coaching and Creating Careers14:19-Role Clarity and Defining Success in Hiring21:17-The Importance of Personality, Skill, and Core Values in Hiring35:24-Training and Onboarding Objectives: Creating an Amazing Experience50:17-Retention Strategies and Interviewing for Fit

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP262 To download the exact accountability resources Blake used to turn a 30% Net Profit, click here: https://trybta.com/DL262 Most contractors believe you have to choose: be the "nice guy" and lose money, or be the "tough boss" and lose your team. Blake Butry, owner of Churchill USA, proves that is a myth.Since joining Breakthrough Academy in 2022, Blake has doubled his revenue while hitting an incredible 30.8% net profit. Even more impressive? He did it by building a culture centered on "emotional generosity."In this episode, we break down exactly how he balances strict financial accountability with genuine care for his team, and how you can apply this "fair but firm" approach to your own contracting business.In this episode, we cover:Insights into productive (and profitable) leadership strategies, emphasizing the balance between emotional generosity and structural fairness.The significance of articulating emotions, seeking counseling, and establishing healthy stress management practicesHow investing in team members' growth and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can lead to long-term success and a positive work environment.00:00-Intro01:57-Background on Blake Butry and Churchill USA04:23-The Evolution of Leadership and Team Building07:48-Operating with Structural Fairness and Emotional Generosity10:33-The Influence of Clear Roles and Boundaries on the Team14:48-The Duality of Structure and Trust in Leadership27:23-Balancing Fairness and Generosity in Compensation44:57-Self-Leadership, Stress, and Anxiety Management

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP261 Grab your free Project Management Resource Bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL261In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we’re releasing a talk Danny did at Build Show Live. In just 60 minutes, he breaks down the exact project management system he’s seen hundreds of contractors use to cut waste, increase profit and leave both their teams and customers happy.Danny walks through:- The four principles of good project management- How to properly structure a project manager role and hold them accountable through -effective goal setting and review rhythms- Foolproof templates for a project communication plan and status update00:00-Intro01:01-Four Principles of Project Management and Danny's Background04:04-Red Flags and The Four Systems to Discuss07:36-Employment Agreements, KPIs and Goal Setting & Review (GSR)20:33-Project Communication Plan and Status Updates29:49-Proper Use of Software and Hiring Project Managers37:58-Growth Seen in Breakthrough Academy Businesses and The Contractor Growth Method42:19-Takeaways, Implementation and Audience Questions

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP260 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL260 Going into business with a partner is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but knowing how to resolve cofounder conflict is critical if you want that business to survive. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Dr. Matt Jones (founder of Cofounder Clarity) joins us to break down why business partnerships fail and, more importantly, how to fix them. We dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges that come with shared leadership. If you’ve ever struggled to see eye-to-eye with your business partner, or you feel like you're speaking different languages, this episode is your roadmap to a healthier, more functional relationship.In this episode, we cover:The critical questions you MUST ask before starting a business with someoneThe 3 "languages" cofounders speak (and why mismatches cause endless arguments)How to have conflict conversations that actually resolve issuesStrategies to anticipate partnership hurdles before they destroy the businessCheck out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/ 00:00-Intro01:20-How the Guest Got Into Co-founder Relationships and Conflict Management04:51-Biggest Blind Spots When Selecting a Partner11:08-Big Questions to Ask Before Going into Business Together12:17-Managing Decision-Making and Management Structure Conflict17:32-Deeper Dynamics Fuelling Conflicts in Businesses22:58-Navigating Conflicts Properly40:52-Handling Conflict in Unique Partnership Situations

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP259 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL259 Systems and documentation don't have to kill your creativity—they are actually the secret to getting your life back.In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Ronzio, Co-Founder and CMO of Trainual, to dismantle the biggest myth in the contracting world: that SOPs are just "boring paperwork."If you’re constantly procrastinating on your systems and processes because they feel overwhelming or restrictive, Jonathan reveals the massive mindset shift you need to make. Learn how to stop being the bottleneck in your business, empower your team to run without you, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.In this episode, we cover:Why "boring" systems are the gateway to creative freedomThe simple framework to stop procrastinating on SOPsHow to build a business that runs on process, not just peopleThe first steps to automating your operations today00:00-Intro01:33-The Genesis and “Magic” of Trainual and Customer Base10:33-Overcoming Procrastination and the Owner's Mindset Shift for Documentation17:41-Balancing Systems and Creativity in Business19:44-Applying Lessons from Adventure to Business Leadership22:46-Creativity in Marketing30:32-Trainual's Perspective on AI36:05-Wisdom for a Younger Entrepreneurial Self

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP258Download the accountability resources Nick used to scale from $4M to $12.5M here: https://trybta.com/DL258 If you’re working 70+ hours a week, micromanaging every detail, and acting as the bottleneck in your own business, you are doing it wrong.In this episode, Breakthrough Academy Member and owner of Willie C. & Sons Landscaping Nick Cloutier explains how to shift your mindset from "Boss" to "Coach" and implement the 3 essential tools—Job Descriptions, KPIs, and GSR Meetings—that allow you to delegate with confidence. In this episode, we cover:The "Warrior Mode" Trap: Why working 80 hours/week is a sign of a broken system, not a badge of honor.$4M to $12.5M Blueprint: The specific acquisition strategy and systems used to scale rapidly in 2025.The 3 Essential Accountability Tools: How to build Job Descriptions that "teach to win," Deliverables (KPIs), and clear Org Charts.The GSR Method: Why "Goal Setting & Review" meetings are the single best thing you can do for employee retention.Financial Mastery: How to reverse engineer a 20% Net Profit budget using LMN.Check out Nick’s business, Willie C. & Sons Landscaping: https://williecandsonslandscaping.com/00:00-Intro01:22-Trajectory of Business Growth and the Shift in the Owner's Mindset05:07-Implementing Job Descriptions and Deliverables (KPIs)10:58-Defining Deliverables and Setting Measurable Goals17:56-The Organizational Chart and Determining Capacity20:09-Leveraging Numbers and Data for Predictable Growth23:00-Goal Setting and Review (GSR) Meetings34:09-Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Seasonal Employment39:09-Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Understanding the Numbers43:46-The Strategy and Confidence for Acquisition50:23-Final Advice on Building a Successful Team

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP257 Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL257How much time do you waste each day on little inefficiencies?- Searching for the latest version of that SOP- Flipping through a hundred browser tabs to find your budget spreadsheet- Typing out the same email to 30 different clientsToday’s guest, Nick Sonnenberg, literally wrote the book on business efficiency. It’s called Come Up For Air and it is a go-to for small business owners and teams looking to stop “drowning in work” and free up the time they spend on redundant or inefficient tasks.In today’s episode, we get into all the little things you can do that may only save you seconds at the time… …but actually add up to minutes and hours when you stack them day after day.We talk email management, how to invest time up front to save yourself hours down the line, and how to set yourself up for success when it comes to AI and automations.This is a quick one, but we cover a lot.00:00-Intro01:29-Increasing Capacity Without Adding More People01:37-Why Start with Email Management?04:16-The RAD Framework: Reply, Archive, Defer06:59-Quick Wins for Email Inbox Management08:46-AI and Automation in Contracting Businesses11:18-Progress and Context of Nick's Executive Assistant AI Agent14:14-Asset Building vs. One-Time Requests with AI21:54-Identifying Areas for AI Use24:32-The Shift to AI as a Search Engine27:05 -Final Thoughts and How to Contact Nick

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP256Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL256Men’s mental health is in crisis. We are three times more likely to develop addictions and four times more likely to turn to suicide. And yet, 40% of men won’t seek help.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we are diving into the "silent struggle" with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks and author of Men’s Work. While we usually unpack business systems and profit margins, today we’re diving into the importance of men’s inner work.After overcoming his own struggles with infidelity, drugs, and alcohol, Connor’s mission is to help men become better leaders, spouses, dads, and humans.In this conversation, we cover:The Crisis: Why men are struggling today more than ever and why it’s so hard for us to get in touch with our inner selves.Shadow Work: How to identify and confront hidden parts of ourselves (what Connor calls Shadow Work) to stop self-sabotage.Leadership & Legacy: How doing your own inner work pays off for your team and family, and how to foster healthy masculinity and self-leadership on your job sites.We love to unpack business systems, but if this type of episode is useful for you, let us know in the comments.Check out ManTalks: https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalks🔥 Watch These Related Episodes Next:1. Business Therapist Destroys My Limiting Beliefs in Real Time:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7m0Bk0Z9s2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ00:00-Intro02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?Yes, there’s demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.Today’s guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast. He’s on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.In this episode you’ll learn:Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborersThe employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do insteadAnd what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisisIf you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one’s for you. Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWittMore episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JIHow to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMkLeadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs 00:00-Intro01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP254Use code EVOLUTION (at check out) for 20% off both the Ideal Team Player and Working Genius Assessments:Ideal Team Player: https://www.tablegroup.com/idealteamplayer/ Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessmentAre you sick of hiring the wrong people? Whether you got swindled by a smooth talker in an interview or hired a B-player in desperation, you know that recruiting top talent as a contractor is an uphill battle these days.So today, we invited one of the most well-known experts in the industry to teach us how to simplify our hiring standards by using two proven frameworks for assessing prospective and current employees.Our guest today is the one and only Patrick Lencioni.He is the bestselling author of 13 books selling over 9 million copies worldwide. He’s most well known for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.Today, we’re focusing on two of Pat’s books that are especially relevant for our industry: The Ideal Team Player and The 6 Types of Working Genius.In this episode you’ll learn:How to attract and hire Ideal Team Players at all levels of your business by looking for three key virtues.The common archetypes that show up when someone is missing one of these virtuesAND how to identify the 6 types of working genius within your team so you can help everyone thrive in their rolesPat was a dream to have on the show. If you have other guests you think we should interview, leave a comment and let us know.More HEAVY HITTERS on Contractor Evolution:Chris Voss - Negotiation Tactics for Contractors: https://youtu.be/a4RDJRtkOBYGreg McKeown - Essentialism for Contractors: https://youtu.be/6J1qth84qwgGarrett Gunderson - Why Most Contractors Stay Broke: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 00:00-Intro02:20-Why did you choose the construction industry to base your book, The Ideal Team Player, in?05:30-Defining the three virtues of an ideal team player: hungry, humble, and smart07:15-Defining "hungry"09:35-Defining "humble"11:33-Identifying "fake humble"17:36-Defining "smart" as emotional intelligence (EQ)23:05-How to spot these three virtues in the interview process28:23-"Scaring" people in the recruiting process30:55-How to look for "hunger"33:14-“Non-ideal archetypes": the accidental mess-maker (humble and hungry, but not smart)36:20-“Non-ideal archetypes": the lovable slacker (humble and smart, but not hungry)40:29-“Non-ideal archetypes": the skillful politician (hungry and smart, but not humble)44:35-About The 6 Types of Working Genius and getting people in the right seat on the bus

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP253Grab a free copy of our annual budgeting template here: https://trybta.com/DL253Check out our industry benchmarks and find out what your profit margins should be: https://www.btacademy.com/blog/profit-margin-benchmarks-for-contractors Are you constantly stressed about cash flow heading into 2026? You’re not alone. Our research shows:👉45% of contractors don’t have any financial plan beyond paying bills and sending invoices.👉50% of contractors hit cash crunches due to unforeseen circumstances👉30% of contractors describe their cash flow as “unpredictable.”In this Contractor Evolution episode, we’re answering common questions from contractors about cash flow, just in time for 2026 – so you can stay cash positive, pay yourself consistently, and actually crush your goals instead of feeling like you’re drowning under 2 inches of water.We cover:⬆️How to improve your cash flow (so you can have fewer painful conversations with your accountant)📋How to build an annual budget for your construction or home services business📊What job costing is and how it has the potential to completely change your business’ financial wellbeing🤔How to figure out if you can afford to hire someone new (or if you’ll just have to awkwardly lay them off down the road)💲AND what your profit margins should look like in 2026More videos to help you fix your finances and take control of your profit:💰3 Ways to Control Profit and STOP Confusing Your Finances: https://youtu.be/Qbm9yRBYgRk🛑STOP Losing Money on Jobs (Job Costing 101): https://youtu.be/nCzP0B2u4BM🔻Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Broke - Garrett Gunderson: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8 👇 Your turn:What’s the #1 cash flow or budgeting question you want answered before 2026 kicks off? Drop it in the comments – I read every single one.00:00-Intro01:13-How do I improve my cash flow for 2026?04:47-How do you go about making an annual budget?07:26-What is job costing? Do I need to do it?09:17-How do I get customers to pay me on time?10:28-How do I know if I can afford a new hire?12:10-What should my profit margins be

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free roadmap to contractor growth: https://trybta.com/DL252To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP252 If you’ve ever felt like your crew works hard but your margins still suffer… you’re not alone.And, according to today’s guest, traditional hourly pay might be the root of the problem.Michael Fortinberry is the co-founder of Protiv, a performance pay platform built specifically for contractors.In this episode, Michael lays out a simple but powerful framework to amplify the productivity of your team using incentive based pay.He walks us through how performance pay actually shifts crew behavior, and the step-by-step system you can use to drive productivity, boost morale, and protect your bottom line.00:00-Intro07:16-Catalyst for Protiv12:53-Measuring the Productivity Lift from Performance-Based Pay16:06-The Legal Compliance of Performance-Based Pay (Piece Rate, Overtime)18:37-Setting up Performance-Based Pay: Numbers, Logistics, and Culture24:23-The Three Keys to Effective Performance-Based Pay: Simple, Frequent, and Transparent29:55-Shifting to a Performance-Based Culture37:34-Team Buy-in and Implementation43:43-Roles Best Suited for Performance-Based Pay46:06-Handling Quality Issues and Rework49:47-Addressing Budgets That Are Significantly Off54:13-Final Takeaways

Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL251To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP251 Will AI replace construction workers? 🤔Not yet. But if it ever does, the most successful contracting businesses will be the ones who adapt the quickest.So how do you make sure your business is ready for automation and AI in construction to improve and gain popularity?Today’s guest, Kasim (think “awesome” with a K) Aslam has built and exited multiple multimillion-dollar companies and now dedicates his time to helping business owners and their teams take control of AI……Before it takes control of them.And in his opinion, that doesn’t mean automating EVERYTHING.It actually means doubling down on humanity at every possible opportunity.If you want to future-proof your business and stay on the right side of the AI revolution, this one’s for you. Episode highlights:Get perspective on the AI revolution from Kasim Aslam, renowned entrepreneur, business strategist and co-founder of Pareto Talent: a Virtual - Assistant agency that focuses exclusively on connecting owners with AI-empowered admin support.Learn why scalable things may not be relevant in the age of AI (and the shifts you need to make to future-proof your company).Understand why doubling down on your people is the counterintuitive way for contractors to win in the modern world.00:00-Intro01:15-What will trades businesses look like as AI progresses?09:35-Are small businesses screwed in the age of Private Equity?15:21-Biggest AI opportunities and biggest AI red flags26:59-What happens in 10 years?36:03-What should contractors be focused on right now?38:54-Kasim's thoughts on the emotional side of selling a business49:49-Wrap up

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL250To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP250 Do you ever feel like there is WAY too much to learn or feel guilty for not learning enough? Financial literacy, AI, automation software, job site best practices, leadership theory…The list of things you COULD go and figure out is endless.But what if I told you the answer is actually to learn LESS?Our guest today is Pat Flynn: entrepreneur, podcast host and author of several books including Superfans and Will it Fly?In his newest book Lean Learning, Pat lays out a tangible framework for spending LESS time learning the RIGHT things.And today, we’re talking about how to understand what you NEED to learn, what you WANT to learn, and what you DON’T need to learn at all.Episode Highlights:- Understand the dangers of “over-learning” as a contractor and entrepreneur and why we feel so much pressure to “know it all.”- Learn Pat’s framework for determining what is worth learning and what is a waste of your time and energy.- Get tips on avoiding “analysis paralysis” by focusing on ONLY the important data points to make a decision for your business.Get Pat's book here: https://leanlearningbook.com/ Want to learn more about prioritization and decision making? Check out these videos 👇📝Steal These Prioritization Methods to Get More Done: https://youtu.be/-9zk4mQfL7k⏰Matt Risingers’ $10MM Time Blocking System REVEALED: https://youtu.be/Pdf4Vpq1KZ4✋No More Excuses: Stay Consistent When Goals Go Sideways: https://youtu.be/YBa20g7kQRc00:00-Intro01:39-The dangers of "over-learning" for contractors07:58-The Inspiration Matrix17:50-"Just in time" learning vs "Just in case" learning24:45-The importance of community to a contractor's learning journey33:57-Thinking through the risks vs. "just going for it"42:54-Micro-mastery vs. Quantum Leaps51:00-Wrap up

Get your free communication resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL249To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP249 How much money have you lost to unclear instructions, buried emails, and missed change orders? Poor communication is a hidden cash flow destroyer EVERY contractor falls victim to, but no one really talks about.In today’s episode of Contractor Evolution, Danny is joined by CompanyCam founder Luke Hansen and two high performing contractors for a roundtable discussion on how to invest in clear (and profitable) communication across your organization.You’ll learn:⚙️ Real world systems for keeping your crews, project managers and clients all on the same page🗣️ The single most impactful communication ritual to aligning your team with your company goals 💪 The secret to maintaining healthy projects, keeping things on time and on budgetWant more webinar replays? Check out these episodes 👇Episode 244: Secrets of $10MM Contractors: 6 Steps to FreedomEpisode 231: STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No-Frills Project Management TipsEpisode 212: How to Manage Budgets, Forecasting and Cash Flow Like Matt Risinger00:00-Intro05:32-Meet the panel08:28-Transfer in: Where is your communication costing you sanity/time/money?14:32-Signs your communication is whack21:58-Question 1: How do you ensure communication doesn't all flow through YOU?32:28-Question 2: How do you keep your team on the same page?42:21-Question 3: What does a strong sales-to-production handoff look like?54:46-Biggest takeaways59:39-How to implement change (next steps)01:11:45-Bonus question: What communication tools do you use?

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP248 Take our 5 minute quiz and get your custom roadmap to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL248When you don’t have anyone keeping you in check, it’s all too easy to get caught up in your own limiting beliefs. Today, business therapist Kedma Ough is on the show to coach Danny and show how tough love can be exactly what you need to break out of a negative thought pattern.—Do you struggle with limiting beliefs or negative self talk? Owning a contracting business makes it pretty hard not to.Complex operations, difficult team members, unhappy clients… the list of negative experiences you have in a week (or a day) is endless.In this episode, business therapist, TedX Speaker and bestselling author Kedma Ough coaches Danny on air to help him break out of old thought patterns and adopt a more positive mindset. We hope this shows you how you can do the same.Episode Highlights:Watch a real life coaching call take place between Danny and business therapist, TedX speaker and bestselling author Kedma Ough.Learn how to unpack your own limiting beliefs by watching Kedma help Danny to do just that.Get strategies for breaking the cycle of negative self-talk on your own or with a coach, therapist or counsellor. More episodes to help get rid of your head trash:👉 How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice)💲 Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Broke - Garrett Gunderson🧠 4 Mindset Shifts For When You Want To Give Up00:00-Intro01:46-Kedma's origin story16:02-Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs39:09-Kedma's playbook for destroying limiting beliefs58:09-Common limiting beliefs for entrepreneurs08:26-Wrap up

Take our five minute quiz and get a free custom road map to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL247To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP247 Building systems is the key to scaling your contractor business—but let's be honest, it's time-consuming and tedious work that most visionaries hate doing.What if there was ONE role that could build all your systems for you?In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Systemology author David Jenyns returns to introduce his groundbreaking new concept: The Systems Champion.This isn't an ops manager. It's not a COO. And it's not necessarily an integrator.It's something different—and potentially more powerful—especially as AI transforms how we work.David breaks down exactly what a Systems Champion is, who's the right fit for this role (the answer might surprise you), and how to create and fill this position in your business starting today.If you've been stuck in the weeds building systems yourself, this conversation will change everything.🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:• What a Systems Champion actually is (and why it's different from other roles)• The exact profile of who makes the best Systems Champion in your business• How to create this role without adding massive overhead• Why AI is making this role MORE important, not less• Step-by-step process to implement a Systems Champion in the next 90 days• Real examples of how this role transforms contractor businesses👤 ABOUT DAVID JENYNS:David Jenyns is the author of Systemology and the newly released Systems Champion. He's helped thousands of businesses create scalable systems without the business owner doing all the heavy lifting. His frameworks have transformed how contractors and service businesses approach systemization.📚 Get David's new book: https://www.systemology.com/scbook/🌐 Learn more about David's work: https://www.systemology.com/🎥 Check out the last episode we did with David: https://youtu.be/eKNW3GQRM8MMore videos on systems building:🚨4 Essential Business Systems Every Contractor Should Master (with Tony Fraser-Jones): https://youtu.be/4ljBnnHgHJE🦾From Reactive to Streamlined: Cory’s Business Automation Journey: https://youtu.be/NykhB5J8cE0💰This $10MM Accountability Systems Has Crews CRUSHING Their Goals (free web class): https://youtu.be/NvBjWbxXjcI 00:00-Intro01:40-About Dave's new book: Systems Champion05:38-How to know if you need a Systems Champion17:16-Traits of a great Systems Champion29:58-What does a Systems Champion actually do?38:33-How to make your Systems Champion act as your AI Champion46:02-How long do we have before AI takes over the trades?53:37-Wrap up and final thoughts

Take our five minute quiz and get a free custom roadmap to growing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL246To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP246 Entrepreneurship doesn't have to be lonely. But for most contractors, it is.After years of grinding alone, Ryan Lermitte from Umbrella Property Services discovered something that changed everything: the power of real community.In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Ryan shares his 8-year journey with Breakthrough Academy and reveals why he stayed long after learning the systems. The deep connections, unexpected collaborations with competitors, and the emotional ROI that no spreadsheet can capture.If you've ever felt isolated in your business journey, this conversation will remind you that you're not meant to do this alone.🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why entrepreneurship feels so isolating (and what to do about it)How investing in community and connections can improve your wellbeing AND your profitability.Why emotional ROI matters as much as financial returnsPractical ways to build meaningful connections in your industry☂️Learn more about Ryan and his business: https://umbrellaservices.ca/📈Learn more about how Breakthrough Academy helped Ryan double his revenue and make his goals a reality: https://youtu.be/Pa39XAcLRMYOther stories from REAL contractors like Ryan:🦾From Reactive to Streamlined: Cory’d Business Automation Journey: https://youtu.be/NykhB5J8cE0✋STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No Frills Project Management Tips (Contractor Roundtable): https://youtu.be/xIMb9X4A2Zo⭐️More coaching success stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGzGbmYmvpYonpJ_EAAUldCob7iimjgmc 00:00-Intro01:46-About Ryan's journey in Breakthrough Academy06:46-How do you build relationships beyond transactions?15:19-How to "Be Real" with the people around you17:55-The true ROI of community as a contractor22:14-How to overcome imposter syndrome26:24-Why give back?31:05-Should you collaborate with your competitors?34:03-Ryan's unforgettable moment from Winter Summit 202539:26-How to know if you're in the right community45:38-Wrap up and how to connect with Ryan

Take our 5 minute quiz and get a custom roadmap to systemizing your contracting business: https://trybta.com/DL245To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP245 Over the next 5 years the ability to leverage AI tools is going to make or break contracting businesses.But 99% of contracting business owners are barely scratching the surface.Today we’re joined by Greg Shove, founder of Section AI, who’s gonna teach us how to go from AI-anxious to AI-fluent. In this episode, we cover:A roadmap to learning AI for beginners, intermediates and even well-versed contractorsWhat it takes to build a shared company brain that knows your systems, data, and workflowsAnd specific ways to use AI for construction businesses, home service companies and other trades.If you’re ready to stop treating AI like a toy and start using it as your competitive edge, this conversation is for you.00:00-Intro01:38-About Greg and Section AI01:38-About Greg and Section AI03:34-The AI Revolution: What's Happening and What's Next07:21-How small business should be benefitting from AI13:16-Are the trades AI proof?19:39-Creating a "company brain" with AI tools29:31-Practical use cases of AI tools for contractors37:53-How to take the first step to make AI part of your company culture44:37-Wrap up and next steps

Grab your FREE Contractor Growth Method resource bundle: https://trybta.com/DL244To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP244Whether it's being on the tools, selling jobs, or bookkeeping, we all have something in our business that we HATE doing—and for most 7 figure contractors, it's the relentless struggle with contractor cash flow and time management.The good news? There’s a predictable way out of small business owner burnout.After working with over 1,900 contractors, we’ve learned there are six key systems that, once implemented, give owners the freedom to do whatever they want while truly mastering contractor scaling.🔨 Swing a hammer.💼 Lead a sales team.⚾️ Coach baseball.🇬🇷 Move to Greece.These proven contractor time management systems transform how 7 figure contractors operate—no more 14-hour days, no more cash flow stress, no more feeling trapped in your business.In a web class we hosted a while back, I unpacked those six contractor scaling systems step-by-step—the same ones that help contractors break free from small business owner burnout and finally build businesses that serve them.Today, that web class is hitting the podcast.You’ll learn:- How to build a business budget to help with contractor cash flow and financial management- The foolproof hiring systems 7-figure contractors use to secure top talent- How to level up your time management skills to implement more systems faster00:00-Intro00:54-Welcome to the web class09:06-About the 6 Systems (Contractor Growth Method™)10:27-System 1: Financial Controls14:39-System 2: Defined Roles21:20-System 3: Hiring Systems26:20-System 4: Training & onboarding33:02-System 5: Sales & marketing39:31-System 6: Goal Setting & Review49:34-Getting started57:59-Q&A