
The Cash Flow Contractor
If you’re like most contractors we know, then you started your business because you’re passionate about and great at your craft. You also wanted to be your own boss. Owning a business has a lot of advantages, but also a lot of challenges.
We started this podcast to talk about things that matter to you as an owner, like business fundamentals, sales processes, marketing, leadership, and much more. Armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to reach your goals, whether that’s growth, getting your shop to run without you, or anything in between.
Latest episodes

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
191 - Getting Results with Your Website as a Contractor with Monica Pitts
Are you differentiating your construction business online or just blending with the crowd? Web expert Monica Pitts talks about how to make your construction website uniquely yours. Don't just be a number online, be memorable!Time Stamps02:13 - Intro to Monica Pitts 03:52 - Measuring Productivity06:15 - What Makes a Good Construction Website08:19 - The Role of the Client in Website Development09:15 - Technical Aspects of a Website 15:01 - The Importance of Owning Your Website & Domain19:12 - Helpful Accounts to Consider20:10 - Google Search Console21:45 - Website Appearance and User Experience25:43 - The Role of the Client in Website Development and Maintenance28:59 - Branding and Logos30:58 - The Importance of a Professional Identity Mark & Brand Guidelines33:10 - The Power of Authentic Content39:31 - How to Communicate Pricing on a Construction Website43:50 - The Role of Website Performance48:16 - Understanding Website Metrics54:21 - Episode Takeaways55:38 - The Cost of Website Development01:00:43 - Connect with Monica PittsQuotable Moments from Monica Pitts"People are going to look at you and multiple other companies online before they decide to buy from you. And if yours looks and feels like everyone else's website, they will never remember you." "I feel like when you're forced to find ways to do things more efficiently, you find it, you know?" "A good construction website, like any other website is gonna start with the company's goals." "Consider your website your first employee, because it's the first face that everybody sees and it needs to work for you. It needs to be a productive member of your team. And if that's not what your website is doing for you, then your website isn't doing its job." "People ask me all the time, what system should I be building my website on? And I tell them that they need to think first about what they wanna do with their website. How is it gonna function? How is it gonna be a member of your team? What do you want it to do physically? And then how does it need to incorporate with the other systems that you use in your business?"Ready to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Take advantage of essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesWeb Design Company Interview Guide by Monica PittsNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Monica PittsMayaCreate Design WebsiteMarketing With Purpose PodcastMonica Pitts on LinkedInMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Jan 11, 2024 • 56min
190 - 2024 Marketing Strategies for Contractors
Want to ace your marketing game this 2024? Khalil & Martin explore different scenarios within the construction industry, offering a deep dive into transforming connections into customers. Don't miss out!Time Stamps00:34 - Post-holiday Business Challenges01:51 - The Challenges of Business Ownership04:47 - Exploring Different Marketing Strategies for Contractors05:48 - Case Study 1: Subcontractor Looking to Pivot to General Contractor11:12 - Understanding the Buyer's Journey17:37 - Building Your Credibility22:37 - Case Study 2: Contractor Specializing in Bathrooms Needs More Qualified Leads28:45 - Utilizing Social Media to Generate Leads 30:15 - Hiring Social Media Experts vs. Doing it Yourself31:41 - The Importance of Quality Content and Quick Response32:31 - Balancing In-house and Outsourced Marketing Efforts33:04 - Deciding When to Quit a Marketing Strategy33:53 - Evaluating Marketing Channels and Measuring ROI37:09 - The Importance of Customer Stories in Marketing40:00 - Case Study 3: Expanding Business Reach While Maintaining Main Customers43:52 - Considering the Buyer's Journey and Target Market48:41 - The Importance of Personal Connections in Marketing50:29 - Conclusion: The Importance of Being Out ThereQuotable Moments from the Show"If you want to build that credibility, if you've done a lot of jobs, go and get photos of the before, the during, the after, have videos of that stuff, get it on your website. Showcase what your capabilities are." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"You can do many different things, but at a foundational level, you've gotta put in some footwork. You gotta get in person, you gotta get in front of people. It's gonna make a difference." -Khalil Benalioulhaj"You have to understand who your target market is, who you're after, what they care about, their buyer's journey. How do they become aware? How do they make the decision, you know, educate themselves on what to do and make the decision? And you want to be the one filling in that gap. You gotta talk to people. I mean in there are industries where that's not true. But in the industry's construction, you've gotta talk to people. You have to build a relationship, you have to reach out." - Martin HollandReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Take advantage of essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Jan 5, 2024 • 46min
189 - Margin Mindset: Are You Charging Enough as a Contractor?
Are you under constant stress to make ends meet in your business? Caught up in desperation bidding? Time to ask: 'Am I charging enough?' Martin and Khalil break down the margin mindset, highlighting signs of undercharging and its impact on your business. Get insights on nailing pricing, standing out from the competition, and balancing quality service with financial health. Hit play!Time Stamps00:42 - Exploring Closers.io03:45 - Topic Introduction04:18 - A Margin Mindset08:37 - Understanding Your Margin19:51 - Indicators of Underestimating Costs and Lack of Margin22:03 - Addressing the Fear of Increasing Prices25:20 - Understanding the Value of Your Service26:41 - The Importance of Customer Experience27:34 - Overcoming the Fear of Raising Prices29:19 - Delivering Value Beyond the Product39:36 - Implementing New Pricing Strategies42:46 - Perseverance in the Face of Rejection44:40 - Closing Thoughts and Next StepsQuotable Moments from the Show"If you don't have cash, if you are under stress all the time if you're doing the desperation bidding, if you need to get the next job to finish this job, those are all indicators that you're not charging enough." - Martin Holland"Understanding if you have a gross profit margin is a function of having really good books and understanding how to use them." - Martin Holland"If you cannot make a profit, you probably already know it." - Martin Holland"Your competitors should not set your prices for you. They don't have your best interest at heart." - Martin Holland"If you want to charge more, you have to give people more." - Martin Holland"Get people to buy into your method and they'll buy your service." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"People will pay more for the product with a relationship than just the product." - Martin Holland"Probably your biggest channel of new business is referrals. What is a referral? It's, "I trust this company. You should use them too." - Khalil BenalioulhajReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Take advantage of essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesIntentional Bidding Part 1 of 4Intentional Bidding Part 2 of 4Intentional Bidding Part 3 of 4Intentional Bidding Part 4 of 4Price Increase CalculatorNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Dec 28, 2023 • 19min
188 - How To Start Your Construction Business In 2024
Ready to kick off your construction biz in 2024? Join Martin & Khalil in this episode for some practical tips on starting your own construction business. They spill the beans on what works, what doesn't, and how to dodge the common pitfalls. Whether you're a construction pro or just dipping your toes, this episode’s got the lowdown to get your construction venture off the ground. Don't miss out – hit play!Time Stamps00:47 - Martin's Holiday Party02:29 - Starting a New Construction Business in 202403:37 - Go Do a Job05:11 - Build In Margin05:52 - Pay Attention to What You're Doing06:46 - Understanding Customer Needs and Asking for Feedback07:50 - Define the Scope of the Project & Stick to It08:31 - Pay Attention to What You Enjoy Doing09:15 - Avoid Buying Things You Do Not Need11:09 - Don't Take a Loan Out11:52 - Secure a Deposit Before Getting Started12:30 - Don't Take a Draw in the Job13:57 - Don't Overpromise14:22 - Track the Customer's Funds15:22 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs17:25 - Episode OutroQuotable Moments from the Show"Go get a job. Go pour a patio. Go build a pergola. Go get it done. And then you start to understand where all the things that you hadn't really thought about rear their ugly head." - Martin Holland"Some things happen gradually. Don't try to speed through time and fast forward. Do it step by step." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"If you're gonna go do that job, charge more than you probably think initially." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"Don't wind up coming out the other end and not have learned anything." - Martin Holland"You don't add any value. You add cost. Your customer either determines there's value there or not." - Martin HollandReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Take advantage of essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Dec 22, 2023 • 54min
187 - Mastering Profitability in Business with Ruth King
In the heat of day-to-day operations, it's common for contractors to put financial management on the back burner. However, neglecting the books can have far-reaching consequences beyond dollars and cents. In this episode, Ruth King, well known as the “Profit and Wealth Guru”, joins Khalil and Martin to discuss profitability and the role of accurate and timely bookkeeping in making informed business decisions.Time Stamps01:38 - Luca Pacioli & Bookkeeping04:26 - The Role of Bookkeeping to Contractors07:44 - Ruth's Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Ventures10:21 - The Role of Bookkeeping in Detecting Fraud15:12 - Revenue Generation15:38 - The Importance of Billable Hours in Construction18:08 - Calculating Billable Hours25:14 - Warning Signs of a Cash Flow Crunch27:45 - Challenges in Managing Inventory & Deposits31:21 - Understanding Deposits and Inventory Management35:23 - The Importance of Hiring Qualified Bookkeepers37:12 - How to Get Out of a Cash Flow Crunch39:37 - The Financially Fit Business40:40 - Signs of Financial Statement Inaccuracies42:03 - Using Software in Financial Management46:41 - The Foundational Role of Books50:28 - More from Ruth King52:17 - OutroQuotable Moments from the Show"In our industry, in construction, we generate revenue through billable hours. If you do not have a billable hour, you don't have revenue." - Ruth King"Decreasing current ratio should be the greatest warning sign to you that there is a problem with productivity. There's a problem with profitability. Figure it out or get help. One of the two." - Ruth King"It's [Bookkeeping] actually easier to do than all the technical stuff you learned. Period. It's just we weren't trained in it. We weren't taught it. We didn't take it in school." - Ruth King"I've been in business for 50 years now and I have never seen a business thrive without books. Ever." - Martin HollandReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesAIPB Bookkeeping Hiring TestNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Ruth KingRuth King’s WebsiteFinancially Fit Business Program Email Ruth KingContractor Cents PodcastMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Dec 14, 2023 • 52min
186 - How to Handle Disappointed Customers
A single disappointed customer can create a big impact on your business's reputation. Learn how to handle negative reviews, harness the power of negotiation strategies, and showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.Time Stamps00:45 - Episode Intro04:24 - Importance of Reputation and Referrals06:27 - Impact of Reviews and Personal Experiences09:01 - Handling Disappointed Customers and Negative Reviews09:49 - Identifying Ideal and Anti-Customer Profiles18:03 - Addressing Negative Reviews25:51 - Addressing Disappointed Customers in General29:21 - Understanding and Mirroring the Customer's Perspective30:11 - Chris Voss's Negotiation Strategies33:27 - How's Your Customer Service?38:07 - The Impact of Disappointed Customers on Employees41:09 - Understanding Customer Concessions47:05 - The Importance of Clarity and Expectations in BusinessReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliWatch On YoutubeFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Have Questions? Email usMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorAsk Us A QuestionSign Up For A Free Consultationthecashflowcontractor.com Email The Cashflow ContractorLinkedInFacebookInstagram

Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 10min
185 - Unlocking Sales Success: Iceberg Selling and Building Lasting Relationships with Karl Becker
Have you ever wondered what makes the best salespeople successful? Why some people can get deals done and create opportunities over and over again? Karl Becker joins us to share his sales strategies and principles from his book 'Iceberg Selling’. It’s a refreshing conversation that will make you rethink your sales approach and your approach to business and life.Time Stamps01:34 - The Impact of Holidays on Business03:37 - Introducing Sales Expert Carl03:43 - Karl's Approach to Sales05:26 - Karl's Background and Journey into Sales08:03 - Applying Iceberg Selling in Different Sales Scenarios09:42 - The Concept of Iceberg Selling12:58 - Doing the Research14:32 - Setting Yourself Up For Success16:29 - Getting Clear On The Person's Iceberg18:05 - Repeat Back What You Said20:13 - Sales Misconceptions23:15 - Head Trash31:26 - The Lifetime-Value & Being-of-Service Mindsets41:06 - The Ownership and Drivership Mindsets44:18 - Challenges in Instilling Mindsets into Your Team48:20 - The Abundance Mindset50:57 - Uncovering The Needs of Your Sales Team52:42 - Challenges in Construction Sales57:35 - Setting Your Sales Team for Success01:03:14 - The Hat Trick01:05:38 - Karl Becker's Books & Contact Info01:08:16 - Episode TakeawaysQuotable Moments from Karl Becker"We only see about 10% of what's going on. You only see about 10% above the waterline. The other 90% is under the iceberg." "Selling is being of service." "Oftentimes I find that selling is really about communicating and helping people understand a new reality or move towards something that they want." "Selling isn't this manipulation thing. Selling is caring and helping people understand and giving them a path forward." "You are your own leader. It's up to you to make it happen."Ready to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliWatch On YoutubeFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Have Questions? Email usMore from Karl BeckerImproving Sales Performance WebsiteIceberg Selling Website“Iceberg Selling” Book “Set Up to Win” Book“Sales & Marketing Alignment” BookEmail Karl BeckerConnect with Karl on LinkedIn More from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorAsk Us A QuestionSign Up For A Free Consultationthecashflowcontractor.com Email The Cashflow ContractorLinkedInFacebookInstagram

Nov 30, 2023 • 46min
184 - Mind Mastery: Changing Your Internal Narrative
Do you know how powerful your thoughts can be? Martin and Khalil address the five Cs of negative thinking, getting rid of these negative habits, and switching your internal narrative to one that shapes success. Stay tuned!Time Stamps00:37 - Setting Yourself for Success01:48 - Delegation and Task Management05:59 - Open-ended Tasks09:03 - The Impact of Our Thoughts13:39 - The Five Cs of Negative Thinking15:09 - Stop Complaining17:22 - Stop Criticizing20:33 - Reduce Your Concern21:20 - Stop Commiserating27:00 - Stop Catastrophizing31:19 - Flipping the Switch37:20 - The Role of Narrative in Shaping Mindset44:04 - Setting Positive Goals for Personal GrowthReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesThe Tim Ferriss Show, Ditch Your To-Do List and Do This Instead with Sam Corcos Need Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliWatch On YoutubeFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, InstagramHave Questions? Email usMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorAsk Us A QuestionSign Up For A Free Consultationthecashflowcontractor.com Email The Cashflow ContractorLinkedInFacebookInstagram

Nov 23, 2023 • 9min
183 - The Thankful Contractor
In this Thanksgiving special, Martin and Khalil share their thoughts on gratitude, the importance of personal touch, and how a business owner can show appreciation to employees and clients. Listen in and celebrate thankfulness and the art of fostering genuine connections in both personal and professional spheres!Time Stamps00:19 - The Great Thing About Thanksgiving02:06 - Sharing Personal Gratitude02:25 - Appreciation for Work and Career03:32 - Gratitude for Community and Family04:43 - A Thanksgiving Advice for Business Owners07:02 - The Importance of Personal Touch in Business08:27 - Conclusion and Thanksgiving WishesReady to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliWatch On YoutubeFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, InstagramHave Questions? Email usMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorAsk Us A QuestionSign Up For A Free Consultationthecashflowcontractor.com Email The Cashflow ContractorLinkedInFacebookInstagram

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 18min
182 - The Fight For Profit with Tom Reber
Are you ready to get rid of your head trash and win the contractor fight? Tom Reber, performance coach, author, and speaker, throws actionable strategies to enhance your business and amplify contractor profitability. He also shares his insight on the importance of mindset, authenticity, nurturing existing customer relationships, and the benefit of putting oneself first to attain success. It's an episode packed with practical advice, sprinkled with Tom's noteworthy quips and analogies. Don't miss this insightful conversation!Time Stamps00:42 - Guest Introduction02:32 - Journey and Challenges in Content Creation04:50 - Behind the Scenes of a Successful Media Operation10:18 - Authenticity and Clarity in Business13:08 - Mindset and the Contractor Fight18:58 - Changing Your Mindset23:16 - Getting Honest with What You Want29:04 - Why Profit is Crucial for Contractors36:07 - The Importance of Building Connections with Customers40:00 - The Art of Winning Commercial Contracts43:07 - How Podcasting Can Help You Get Commercial Contracts46:55 - The Power of Honesty and Vulnerability in Business49:51 - The Key to Building Your Dream Team55:35 - The Role of an Executive Assistant in Business Growth01:00:01 - Strategies to Make More Money as a Contractor01:10:33 - There's Opportunity in Warranties01:13:13 - Connect with Tom Reber01:15:13 - Owning Your GreatnessQuotable Moments from Tom Reber"People buy for their reasons, not for your reasons." "The juice ain't worth the squeeze if you're not winning. ""I don't care what your profit goals are, I just think it needs to be a lot of money.""Stop giving a crap what the going rate is.""It's unethical to charge more and not deliver high value.""Until you start making money, and understand what it takes to make money, and who you have to become to make money, it's hard to respect people that have the money.""It's 70% easier to sell to an existing customer than it is to sell to a new customer."Ready to take your contracting business to the next level? Subscribe to The Cashflow Contractor today and get instant access to the FREE Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Contractors!Don't miss out on essential insights, tips, and strategies to boost your profits and streamline your operations. Subscribe now and download your exclusive guide to securing more clients and maximizing your earnings.ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliWatch On YoutubeFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, InstagramHave Questions? Email usMore from Tom ReberThe Contractor Fight WebsiteContractor Fight TVThe Contractor Fight PodcastWinning The Contractor Fight BookConnect with Tom on InstagramMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorAsk Us A QuestionSign Up For A Free Consultationthecashflowcontractor.com Email The Cashflow ContractorLinkedInFacebookInstagram
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