Building Margin

Discover how to shatter the myth that working harder is the only path to profitability in construction. The discussion reveals four crucial levers contractors can use to enhance their bottom line, emphasizing that it's not just about increasing sales. Learn how a mere 1% change can significantly impact your margins and find out about a free tool that helps identify areas needing improvement. If you've been grinding away and questioning your profits, this insight might just change your financial game for the better.

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Construction industry benchmarks: www.coltivar.com/benchmarks Check out our free calculators: www.coltivar.com/tools In this episode, Steve breaks down the not-so-obvious reasons why most construction businesses are working hard… but barely breaking even. He shares the top three mistakes that kill margins, the truth about economic vs. accounting profit, and why thinking you have a competitive advantage doesn’t mean you actually do. If you've ever looked at your numbers and thought, “We’re busy—so why aren’t we making more money?” — this is your episode. Steve walks you through a simple step to see how you stack up against industry benchmarks and what to do if you’re falling behind. No fluff. No jargon. Just real talk about what’s draining your profits and how to start fixing it. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow In this episode, Steve unpacks one of the biggest traps business owners fall into: growing revenue while losing margin. Through real-world stories and hard-won insights, he explains why more work doesn't always mean more profit—and how pursuing the wrong clients, underpricing jobs, and scaling without systems can erode the very thing that makes a business sustainable. Steve introduces the concept of the “margin gap,” why it happens, and what to do about it. Whether you're under a million in revenue or pushing past ten, this episode will challenge your assumptions about growth and guide you to a smarter, more profitable path. If you're ready to stop chasing volume and start building value, this one’s for you. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

Discover the essential three metrics that can elevate profitability in construction and service businesses. Learn how to measure sales efficiency and the return on labor, crucial for optimizing operations. Understand the importance of financial metrics, including the return on invested capital and net operating profit after tax. Steve simplifies the calculations and benchmarks needed to assess true performance, helping you make informed decisions that could lead to substantial growth.

Discover how a former CFO turned chaos into clarity by developing a strategic financial modeling tool for a billion-dollar construction company. Learn the key performance indicators that enhance cash flow predictability and drive better decision-making. Delve into the power of effective pricing strategies, proving that financial tactics trump website tweaks for business success. This discussion redefines leadership and offers fresh insights on scaling profits without the grind.

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow If someone showed up today, ready to buy your business, would you be proud of what they’d find? Today, Steve shares what really separates a company that commands top dollar from one that quietly gets passed over. Whether you plan to sell or not, this one will shift how you think about building lasting value.  Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Most businesses don’t fail because they lack hustle, they fail because they lack margin. In this heartfelt episode, Steve shares a powerful realization sparked by a family trip to Paris. Through personal stories and sharp insights, he unpacks why financial margin alone isn’t enough, and how operational and leadership margin are just as critical to your success. If you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in the grind, or constantly running but never catching up, this episode is your wake-up call. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow More growth doesn’t always mean more profit. Steve uncovers the silent value killers hiding inside your business model and how to fix them. If your revenue is rising but your margins aren't, it's time to take a closer look under the hood. Get ready to rethink profitability and discover the simple shifts that lead to smarter, more scalable success. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

What makes a business truly sellable and why should it matter even if you never plan to sell? In this epsiode, Steve challenges founders to think differently about value, risk, and how to future-proof their companies. Whether you're years from exiting or never intend to, this conversation will reshape how you build and lead. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com

Most founders track revenue but what about the metrics that really matter? Steve reveals the five financial indicators every founder must know cold to grow profitably, lead with clarity, and build a sellable business.These aren't numbers for your accountant—these are the signals that guide smart strategy, cash flow, and value creation. Whether you're scaling now or planning your exit, this episode gives you the financial blueprint to stop guessing and start building with confidence.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.www.coltivar.com