The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber TCF1085: Gift Yourself a Business, Not a Hobby
Dec 27, 2025
Derek and Tim explore the pitfalls of confusing a business for a hobby, stressing the importance of numbers. They emphasize using slow seasons for strategic planning and refining processes. Learning daily operating expenses can build confidence and aid in scaling. Tracking accurate data helps improve close rates and sales processes. The discussion also highlights the impact of technology, like AI, on decision-making and cash flow forecasting. Ultimately, they encourage contractors to embrace financial discipline and aim for targeted revenue goals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Daily Overhead Becomes Your Decision Framework
- Tracking daily operating expense changes decision-making and confidence.
- Derek says knowing daily overhead turned his business from guesswork into predictable planning.
How Number-Tracking Nearly Hit $2M
- Derek nearly hit $2M because he knew exactly how much more he needed and pushed to get it.
- He credits the group (Steve, Tom, Micah, Anthony) for teaching him number-tracking that led to growth.
Charge For Predictable Third-Party Costs
- Put contract line-items for expected extra costs and enforce them with customers.
- Derek now charges for utility delays instead of absorbing small third-party fees.