Good Contractor

Jarod Coffman, a successful entrepreneur and construction expert, began his journey at just 14, inspired by his father's work. He shares compelling stories of leading teams during the pandemic and his mission to elevate trade careers through social media. Listeners will be captivated by his charitable efforts building homes in Tijuana, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of community. Jarod passionately redefines trade professions, showcasing their value and the role of family in shaping aspirations within the industry.

David Peters, the Founder and CEO of Construction Clock, shares his journey in construction, starting from building his family home at 16. He discusses the transformative role of social media in securing jobs and the importance of hiring for culture. The conversation dives into the challenges of merging construction with tech, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. Additionally, Peters highlights the art of knowing when to say no, ensuring both personal health and valuable client relationships.

Matt Danskin, an innovator in the roofing industry, shares his journey of crafting the Roof Referral System to enhance business growth while prioritizing family time. He discusses the essential role of community and trust in building successful contractor-client relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experience, the evolving perception of trade careers, and maintaining integrity in contracting. Matt also emphasizes innovative thinking and building strong referral networks to thrive in a competitive market.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen sit down with Licio Tamburlini, founder of HT Roofing and Construction and a true example of perseverance in the trades. Originally moving to the U.S. on a baseball scholarship, Licio details his transition from a career-ending heartbreak in baseball to discovering a new passion in the construction industry. Packed with humor, insights, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trades, aspiring entrepreneurs, or those seeking inspiration in leadership and resilience. Key Takeaways: Pivoting to a New Passion: Licio's move from baseball to roofing shows the importance of adaptability in life and business. Building Trust with Customers: Reviews, transparency, and exceptional service are essential to customer confidence and organic growth. Starting Small for Big Results: Incorporating high-margin repair work early in his business allowed Licio to stabilize his finances and gain customer trust. Leadership through Example: Showing commitment to his team fosters loyalty and inspires better performance. Financial Discipline: Licio's commitment to reinvesting in his business over personal indulgence reflects his strategic mindset for long-term growth.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen welcome Chris Caudy, owner of Select Plumbing, for an insightful and entertaining conversation at CompanyCam HQ. From his early days learning the trade to building a thriving business in Lincoln, Nebraska, Chris shares his journey, leadership lessons, and the importance of personal growth in driving success. With humorous anecdotes about wild plumbing encounters and inspiring reflections on scaling a business, this episode offers valuable takeaways for contractors, business owners, and anyone in the trades. Key Takeaways: Personal Growth Drives Business Success: Chris emphasizes that improving yourself directly impacts your business. Transition to Leadership: Moving from fieldwork to managing a team requires redefining roles and embracing leadership. Customer-Centric Philosophy: Delivering value and exceeding expectations are critical to building trust. The Power of Goal Setting: Clear objectives align teams and drive measurable growth. Humor and Resilience: Chris's stories highlight the unpredictable nature of the trades and the importance of keeping a positive mindset.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen sit down with Gil Cavey, host of HVAC Uncensored and an industry leader passionate about the trades. Gil shares his inspiring journey from a tumultuous past—including struggles with addiction—to becoming a leader in the HVAC industry. He reflects on lessons learned from his father, a Marine Corps veteran and HVAC professional, and emphasizes the importance of integrity, hard work, and honesty in both business and personal life. Gil's candid discussion touches on mental health, building strong company culture, and how transparency and community are reshaping the trades industry. Whether you're a contractor, a business owner, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insights, authenticity, and humor. Key Takeaways: Commit to Growth: Becoming a skilled technician or a business owner requires continuous learning and dedication. Gil stresses the importance of setting clear goals and staying hungry for knowledge. Integrity is Non-Negotiable: Success comes from being honest with customers, maintaining transparency, and addressing mistakes directly. Mental Health Awareness in Trades: Gil highlights the prevalence of addiction and mental health struggles in the trades and advocates for open, judgment-free discussions to support peers. Play the Long Game: Building trust and quality relationships leads to sustainable success in contracting. The Power of Community: Leveraging industry events, podcasts, and online communities fosters collaboration, cross-promotion, and shared growth.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen chat with Paul Jamison, host of the Green Industry Podcast and an inspiring leader in the landscaping and contracting world. Paul shares his story of humble beginnings, from cutting grass to pay the bills to becoming an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and coach. His journey is filled with lessons on professionalism, punctuality, and the power of persistence, offering practical insights for contractors and business owners. Whether you're in the trades, running a small business, or simply chasing your dream, this episode is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and leveling up. Key Takeaways: Start Small, Think Big: Paul's journey began with a borrowed lawnmower and a need for $928. His drive turned this small start into a thriving business. Go Where the Money Is: Focusing on high-value clients in affluent neighborhoods helped Paul grow his business quickly and sustainably. Professionalism Pays: From attire to communication, presenting yourself professionally can open doors to success in any industry. Raise Your Prices: Incremental annual price increases not only cover rising costs but also ensure profitability over time. Shoot Your Shot: Paul's success stories highlight the importance of seizing opportunities, even in unexpected circumstances.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen welcome Caleb Auman, owner of Auman Landscaping and host of the Kid Contractor Podcast. Caleb dives into his journey from a young business owner facing financial pitfalls to becoming an advocate for transparency, growth, and leadership in the trades. From his hard-learned lessons about delegation and leadership to the dynamics of running a business with his spouse, Caleb provides an honest and relatable perspective for contractors and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking ways to grow personally and professionally, this episode delivers valuable insights, humor, and actionable advice. Key Takeaways Embrace Growth Mindsets: Personal and professional growth are intertwined. Your business can only grow as far as your self-awareness and leadership skills allow. Delegation Is Key: Recognizing your weaknesses and delegating tasks to capable individuals or services can elevate your business. Honesty Builds Trust: Trustworthiness is fundamental to relationships with clients, employees, and partners. Transparent communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster loyalty. Working With a Spouse Requires Balance: Operating a business with your partner demands clear boundaries, communication, and shared goals to avoid personal and professional conflicts. Failure Is a Teacher: Caleb's bankruptcy experience highlights the importance of addressing financial issues early, learning from mistakes, and sharing these lessons to help others avoid similar pitfalls.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen are joined by Ryan Redding, founder of Levergy, a marketing leader making waves in the trades. From his personal journey in the Midwest to helping contractors scale their businesses, Ryan shares actionable advice on building trust, mastering digital marketing, and the mindset shifts needed for long-term success. Whether you're looking to grow your contracting business or just want to be inspired by real-world stories of transformation, this episode offers a mix of humor, insight, and invaluable takeaways. Key Takeaways: Trust is Everything: A clean, professional online presence and genuine customer engagement are non-negotiable for building trust. Marketing ROI Myth: True ROI comes from operational excellence; marketing is just one piece of the puzzle. Behavioral Nuances Matter: Understand your customer personas deeply to design targeted, effective strategies. Consistency is Key: Regularly updating reviews and maintaining transparency builds lasting trust. Values-Driven Growth: Building your business around core values, not just profits, leads to lasting impact and stronger relationships.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen chat with Desmond Tse, famously known as "The Siding Guy" on Instagram. Desmond's journey from ministry to becoming a leading figure in the trades world is as unconventional as it is inspiring. In this episode, he shares how he built a thriving siding business, developed innovative methods to work solo, and mentored the next generation of contractors. Whether you're in the trades or just seeking motivation, this episode is packed with humor, insights, and actionable advice for life and work. Key Takeaways: Start with Curiosity: Desmond's entry into contracting started as a side gig with no tools or experience—just curiosity and determination. Empowering the Team: Desmond mentored young workers by providing training and tools, fostering a culture of growth and success. Integrity Matters: Delivering on promises and clear communication were critical to Desmond's reputation in the industry. Prioritize What Matters: Scaling back his business allowed Desmond to focus on family and personal fulfillment. Efficiency Is Key: Working solo, Desmond developed unique methods that made him faster and more effective than larger crews.