Contractor Growth Network

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Aaron Horner breaks down why most contractors get “About Us” pages and testimonials totally wrong. Aaron explains the difference between real storytelling and a random list of facts, how to make your client the hero of the narrative, and how strategic storytelling can attract high-end clients, justify premium pricing, and set you apart from every “average contractor” in your market.

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Peter Rainey, co-founder and managing partner of Ranney Blair Weidman, to unpack their unique and refined pre-construction process. Peter walks through how his team shifted from traditional estimates and disjointed design experiences to a highly structured, 100-page client journey that establishes trust, transparency, and efficiency. By controlling the design narrative, focusing on true client advocacy, and emphasizing clear expectations, Ranney Blair Weidman now delivers high-end remodels with alignment and clarity from start to finish. Key Takeaways: The Shift from Outsourced Design to Full Ownership Early in their journey, Peter’s team relied on external designers, often leading to miscommunication, delays, and poor client outcomes. The transition to a fully integrated design-build approach allowed them to control timelines, eliminate misalignment, and focus on client experience. Start the Sales Process in the Living Room, Not the Kitchen Instead of jumping straight into measurements, Peter initiates consultations in the living room to foster creativity and uncover the client's real problems. This sets the tone for trust, collaboration, and bigger-picture thinking beyond surface-level design requests. The Power of the Project Summary Letter After the in-home consultation, Peter presents a formal, typed letter on letterhead recapping client frustrations and goals. This old-school touch confirms the client feels heard, sets expectations, and serves as the north star for all design decisions moving forward. 100-Page Process Document Builds Trust Through Transparency At the showroom, clients are walked through a highly visual and interactive document showing past projects, pricing structure, punchlists, and processes. This immersive experience shifts the conversation from price anxiety to partnership and problem-solving. Design to Solve, Not to Budget Ranney Blair Weidman focuses first on solving problems through creative design, not fitting within arbitrary budgets. Pricing is presented by area with modular options, giving clients control over scope while preserving the integrity of the design. Memorable Quotes: “We’re not designing to a budget. We’re designing to solve your problem.” “If they don’t want to follow our approach, we are not the right fit for them.” “Quit trying to save the client money. That’s not our job. Our job is to present options.” Actionable Advice: Control the Narrative Avoid being just another bidder. Guide clients through a structured process that builds trust and reinforces your authority as the expert. Start with a Conversation, Not a Tape Measure Begin in a neutral space like the living room to hear their story before inspecting the space. This approach unlocks deeper insights and establishes rapport early. Document What You Hear Use a project summary letter to confirm and reflect back what clients said during your visit. This builds confidence and becomes the foundation of your design strategy. Provide Options, Not Ultimatums Break pricing into modular packages or room-by-room breakdowns. Allow clients to see the value and make decisions collaboratively without feeling boxed in.

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Sean Holleran and SEO expert Patrick dive into how AI is reshaping search—and what that means for contractors relying on SEO. They break down the shift from traditional keyword ranking to AI-powered answer engines like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overview, and explain how to structure your content to still get found. Whether you’re wondering if Google is dead (it’s not) or how to optimize for tools like Perplexity and Bing, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways AI Search Is Changing the Game Google and ChatGPT are rewriting how people search: AI now scans for concise answers, not full-page rankings. Questions and paragraph snippets matter more than ever. It’s no longer just about clicks—being the answer is the goal. Concise Answers Beat Long-Form Hooks Content must lead with the answer: Gone are the days of slow storytelling intros. Start with the clear, factual response—then build context. This helps tools like Google AI and ChatGPT surface your content. Google Isn’t Dead, It’s Adapting Despite the hype, traditional SEO still matters: Google still dominates local and service-based searches. Schema, page speed, links, and on-page SEO are still relevant. Now it’s about blending classic SEO with AI-readiness. Search Everywhere Optimization It’s no longer about ranking on one platform: Get reviews on Bing, Angi, Houzz, and Facebook—not just Google. Claim and optimize your Bing Places listing. YouTube videos (with transcripts) are also being surfaced in AI answers. AI Loves Structure and Fresh Data Make your content AI-scannable: Use schema markup to define FAQs, videos, and pages. Replace large paragraphs with bullet points or tables. Update outdated blog posts for relevance and accuracy. Memorable Quotes “If you’re not found everywhere, you’re not really found at all.” “The best answer wins now—not the biggest website.” “Google isn’t dead. It’s just changing the rules—and fast.” Actionable Advice Rewrite for Answers: Lead with a concise answer before diving into storytelling. Use Schema Markup: Help AI interpret your FAQs, videos, and images. Diversify Reviews: Get client reviews across Google, Bing, Angi, and Houzz. Update Your Old Content: Refresh data, fix broken links, and add question-style headings. Test It Yourself: Search on ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity as if you're a client. Meta Description: SEO is changing fast. Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google SGE are shifting search—and how to adapt your content to keep showing up and driving leads.

Are you paying for SEO but not seeing results? Patrick, CGN’s in-house SEO specialist, joins us to expose the truth behind SEO strategies that don’t work—and how to tell if your current SEO investment is really paying off. We break down how to measure SEO performance the right way, what bad SEO looks like, and the key tools every contractor should have access to. Key Takeaways: - The 3 (actually 4) pillars of SEO: Technical, Content, Off-Page, and Local SEO - What SEO ROI really means and how to calculate it - How to set SEO goals that align with business growth - Red flags that your SEO company is doing nothing - Why page 2 on Google might as well be invisible - The tools you must own: Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Business Profile - Why thin content and doorway pages waste your money - How to track keyword rankings and spot real improvement - The danger of relying on impressions and clicks alone Own your data. Know your rankings. And stop paying for SEO that doesn’t work.  Visit ContractorGrowthNetwork.com to get an audit or speak with an expert. 💻 Ready to grow your contracting business?  Visit https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com for expert resources and support! Connect With Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork/ ✨ View Recent Projects: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/featured-projects/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/

Logan Shinholser chats with Dr. Anna Hunter, Director of Learning & Development at JobTread. She reveals that successful technology adoption hinges on understanding human behavior in construction firms. Anna stresses the importance of defining core problems before jumping into tech. Building 'software champions' within teams can pave the way for smoother rollouts. Additionally, she discusses the need for proper incentives tied to accountability, ensuring that new tools are embraced rather than ignored. Practical strategies combine psychology with tech to drive meaningful change!

Overview Want to know why some contractors dominate local search while others don't even show up? In this episode of the CGN Podcast, we sit down with CGN's SEO Manager, Stephanie, to walk you through how to optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and turn it into a lead-generating machine. From avoiding common mistakes that lead to suspension, to learning how to rank in Google Maps, this episode is packed with actionable steps for contractors serious about growing their local presence online. Episode Highlights What is a Google Business Profile (GBP) and why it matters for contractors The difference between local SEO and traditional SEO The exact checklist CGN uses to audit client profiles How to properly set up NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency Photo and video best practices to boost conversions How to use posts, reviews, and core service offerings to improve ranking Troubleshooting common issues like duplicate listings and account suspensions Advanced tips for expanding visibility using business hours and insights Key Takeaways GBP is your digital storefront—often the potential clients' first impression of your business. You should aim to have 2–5 well-defined core offerings on your profile, not an overwhelming list of everything you do. Posting weekly, uploading high-quality photos, and responding to all reviews (good and bad) significantly helps local SEO. Extend your business hours if available—it can help you rank during off-hours searches. Use Google Business Insights to monitor clicks, calls, and profile views—it's free and powerful. Book your GBP Audit with Stephanie! https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/contact/

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Kyle Hunt, remodeling business coach and founder of Remodelers on the Rise. Kyle breaks down his signature "Remodelers Roadmap"—a six-system framework designed to simplify and strengthen every core aspect of a remodeling business. From financials and marketing to people and operations, Kyle shares actionable advice and mindset shifts that help remodelers move from chaos to clarity in their business strategy. Key Takeaways: Start with Strong Financials Kyle emphasizes that a healthy remodeling business begins with financial clarity: Understand job costing, gross vs. net profit, and pricing strategy. Establish a solid financial foundation to support sustainable growth. Avoid burnout by making your business serve your life—not the other way around. Marketing Isn’t Optional—It’s the Engine Kyle shares how too many remodelers treat marketing like a side task instead of a strategic priority: Every business owner must be a student of marketing—even if they’re not executing it directly. Build a clear marketing plan and pair it with a defined budget. Track lead sources consistently to make data-backed decisions. Sales Requires a Repeatable Process A wishy-washy sales approach leaves clients confused and kills conversion: Define your “This is how we work” process in 3–5 clear steps. Display your sales process on your website and reinforce it in person. Charging for design becomes easier when clients understand the value and flow. Production Is About More Than the Build Kyle urges remodelers to elevate the client experience from day one on the job site: Pre-construction meetings are essential to set expectations and avoid surprises. A systematic “final 5%” process ensures projects end as strong as they start. Communication, cleanliness, and consistency are critical soft skills on the job. Your People System Drives Your Success The quality of your remodeling business is directly tied to the quality of your team: Empower team members with 1-on-1s, leadership development, and capacity checks. Great leaders create space for others to lead—inside and outside their roles. “Your people are more important than your profit margin.” Operations Aren’t Just Software—They’re Structure Behind-the-scenes systems create forward momentum: Use software to track jobs, log daily updates, and align estimating with accounting. Establish a meeting cadence with clear agendas, action steps, and timekeeping. Effective meetings are a business unlock—and a leadership responsibility. Memorable Quotes: “If you’re wondering why your remodeling business feels so hard—it’s because it is hard.” “Don’t try to implement five things halfway. Pick one thing and really implement it.” “The quality of your remodeling business will never outpace the quality of your people.” Actionable Advice: Identify Your Starting Line: Before tackling all six systems, get clear on time management, pricing, and financial health. Document Your Sales Process: Put it in writing, share it online, and walk clients through it every time. Run Better Meetings: Prepare agendas, assign timekeepers, and prioritize action over updates. Track Marketing Sources: Don’t just “feel” like something works—measure it. Choose the Next Right Thing: Focus on one area, implement fully, and move forward with momentum.

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser talks with Todd Dawalt, founder of Construction Leading Edge and host of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast. Together, they dive into the dangerous trap many contractors fall into, doing “just enough to start” (JETS)—and why that mentality holds businesses back from sustainable growth. Todd shares how building robust pre-construction systems, documenting processes, and creating real clarity in communication can make the difference between chaos and control on a jobsite. Drawing from his years of coaching and consulting with construction companies, Todd walks through tactical strategies for increasing profitability and how simple documentation can solve major business problems. Whether you’re a one-man band or running a team of 100, this episode is packed with insights that will help you stop winging it and start winning.   How to Buy Out a Construction Project Playbook Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass Key Takeaways The JETS Mentality is Holding You Back Doing “just enough to start” creates costly mistakes and jobsite chaos. Companies need to operate with a mindset of clarity, not improvisation. Documented Systems Drive Profitability Contractors often mistake “it’s in my head” for a system. Writing things down can solve 80% of common construction business problems. Pre-Construction is Where the Money Is Made Profits are built (or lost) before the job even begins. Pre-construction systems reduce change orders, stress, and delays. Turn Chaos into Predictability Without structure, your team will make up their own rules. Checklists, job books, and templates create consistent results. Leadership Isn’t About Hustle—It’s About Systems Business owners need to graduate from “doer” to “leader.” Building systems empowers your team and removes dependency on you. Memorable Quotes “Chaos is expensive—clarity is profitable.” “You don't rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” “Documenting your process is the cheapest, fastest way to fix most of your problems.” Actionable Advice Start with one system. Pick one process you repeat often and document it. Replace tribal knowledge. Get everything out of your head and onto paper. Build a job book. Give your team a standard package of information for every job. Focus on pre-construction. Nail the planning phase before picking up a hammer. Lead with clarity. Create systems that enable your team to win without you.

AI is changing the way customers search—and smart contractors are adapting. In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Marcus Sheridan (They Ask, You Answer) to discuss the future of customer acquisition in the AI era. Discover how Marcus’s new book, Endless Customers, builds on his previous work to help businesses master modern search habits, use video effectively, and diversify beyond just Google. Key Takeaways: What "Search Everywhere Optimization" means for your business How contractors should adapt to AI tools like ChatGPT Why long-form video is making a comeback The 5 pillars of Endless Customers How to sell and communicate like 0.1% of your market Building trust with AI-powered experiences Want to learn more about Endless Customers?  Visit https://www.endlesscustomers.com/    Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork/ View Recent Projects: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/featured-projects/  Listen to Our Podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/

Client testimonials can be the most powerful marketing tool for contractors—but are you using them effectively? In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, Sean sits down with Ian Miclean to break down why testimonials are critical for building trust, attracting leads, and standing out from the competition. Key Takeaways: Why testimonials outperform traditional marketing for contractors The difference between testimonials and online reviews (Angi, Google, etc.) Where to use testimonials—ads, websites, email marketing & more The best time to ask for a testimonial (hint: it’s not after the project ends) Overcoming common obstacles: client hesitation, camera shyness & more Should you pay for testimonials? The truth about using actors vs. real clients How testimonials impact SEO and lead generation Listen now and learn how to make client testimonials work for your business! Ready to grow your contracting business? Visit www.ContractorGrowthNetwork.com for expert resources and support!  Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork/  View Recent Projects: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/featured-projects/   Listen to Our Podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/