The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

TCF1087: Stop Leading Without a Handbook

8 snips
Jan 3, 2026
Tim and Derek tackle the chaos in contracting businesses, revealing how poor organization drives away talent. They emphasize the power of an employee handbook as a leadership tool, setting clear standards and safety. The duo discusses building a positive company culture where kindness and happiness reign, alerting listeners to flag bad hires early. They highlight the importance of empathetic check-ins and protecting team members to foster trust. Ultimately, they encourage creating a workplace that feels like home for everyone.
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ANECDOTE

Humble Startup Turned $100k Year

  • Tim recounts Sean starting a hardscape business with no tools and a Hyundai Accent, borrowing Tim's tools to get going.
  • The first year Sean did around $100,000 in revenue while learning taxes, overhead, and reinvesting lessons the hard way.
ADVICE

Write A Practical Employee Handbook

  • Create a written employee handbook that explains pay, time off, call-in procedures, and responsibilities.
  • Keep it short, updateable, and include a signature page so every hire knows expectations up front.
ADVICE

Own Your Handbook Content

  • Build the handbook yourself or closely review drafts so it matches your company values and feels fair.
  • Only do it once well, then amend over time instead of avoiding the task.
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