Contractor Evolution

Life-changing moments can reshape our perspectives. The host shares how embracing mantras like 'F*ck it' helped him overcome bullying and regain confidence. Transforming ‘I can’t’ into 'How can I?' sparked a solution-oriented mindset. Learning to relinquish control allowed his teams to thrive without his constant oversight. Finally, focusing on gratitude with 'It’ll be fine' helped him navigate stress during rapid growth. Each mantra reflects a powerful shift essential for resilience and success.

Phil Risher, a seasoned contractor marketing expert and SEO strategist, dives into the transformative world of AI and its impact on customer searches. He discusses the evolving landscape of SEO with a focus on Generative Search (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Phil emphasizes the importance of personalized content, suggesting easy ways to create engaging videos that boost conversion rates. Listeners also learn how to utilize transcripts from field conversations to create valuable blog content, along with leveraging organic posts for paid advertising.

Roofers! Don’t leave 2026 to chance! Use the shoulder season to plan for higher profit and steady cash flow. On November 4, join us for a web class to get the proven annual planning and cash flow framework top roofers use. Register now here: https://trybta.com/CE-GRO-NOV25Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free personalized Contractor Growth Scorecard today: https://trybta.com/DL240To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP240 What if you offered a potential customer a free vacation if they hired you by the end of the week? Would it increase your closing rate? Today’s guest John Dwyer (JD, for short) swear by this strategy and in this episode, he’s gonna tell you why.---What if you offered a potential customer a free vacation if they hired you by the end of the week?Gimmicky? Maybe.But according to today’s guest, it works.John Dwyer, or “JD” for short, has built an entire business around incentive-based marketing. In other words, rather than resorting to price discounting to get more work, what if you looked for a value add incentive instead?Sometimes that’s something small, like a Happy Meal toy. Sometimes it’s a free trip to Disneyland.In this episode, JD breaks down what he thinks are the 5 elements of a successful direct response campaign, including what he calls the WOW factor incentive.This guy’s got some seriously out of the box ideas, so buckle up.Episode Highlights:- Learn how John “JD” Dwyer has used incentive-based marketing to generate over $15 billion in extra sales for businesses across multiple industries.- Understand what the “WOW Factor” is and how it might fit into your marketing strategy.- Get inspired to find creative alternatives the next time you’re thinking of price discounting to get more sales.Get in touch with JD at john@theinstituteofwow.comLearn more about the Institute of Wow vacations Incentive - https://vacationsincentive.com/00:00-Intro01:32-About JD and the Institute of Wow07:52-What exactly is direct response marketing?11:01-5 components of direct response marketing22:41-About the Wow Factor vacation incentive39:26-How to be the "UN" authority41:52-Quick hits: best and worse of JD's career53:00-Wrap up

James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, dives deep into improving customer interactions through virtual quoting. He highlights the crucial need for speed in the sales process, suggesting that modern buyers expect instant communication. Hatfield shares insights on balancing technology with a human touch, warning about the pitfalls of over-automation. He reveals how live video can enhance operations and improve quoting experiences, emphasizing that not all jobs fit virtual estimates—small visual tasks are ideal. A must-listen for contractors looking to elevate their sales game!

Ben Degros, a carpenter and drywall expert, shares his journey from skateboarding to creating a successful YouTube channel focused on drywall, amassing over 700K subscribers. He discusses the surprising appeal of drywall content and the balance between filming and contracting work. Ben emphasizes the importance of starting simply, understanding audience needs through analytics, and the distinction between how-to videos and more viral content. His insights offer a refreshing perspective on building an online brand with practical, value-driven content.

Brendon Toyne, the Head of Sales at Breakthrough Academy, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience working with contractors. He discusses the booming popularity of business coaching and how to navigate the myriad of options available. Key topics include the differences between coaching and consulting, the importance of commitment and mindset for success, and tips on choosing the right coach. Brendon emphasizes the need for personal readiness and a good cultural fit to ensure a productive coaching relationship.

Matt Risinger, founder of Risinger Build and The Build Show, shares his mastery of priority management, which fueled his company's growth to over $10 million. He and co-host Danny Kerr discuss the art of strategic planning, emphasizing the value of time blocking and delegating effectively. They explore personal insights on overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship, stress the importance of clear communication in professional partnerships, and advocate for aligning business goals with personal values to enhance productivity. Discover how to navigate distractions and focus on what truly matters!

Mike Andes, a landscaper and author of Total Business Turnaround, shares his insights on how to tackle the right problems in business. He discusses the four critical areas of growth: Lead Gen, Labor, Leadership, and Liquidity. Mike emphasizes optimizing labor with incentive alignment and the role of open book management in building trust. He highlights the necessity of evolving leadership styles for effective team dynamics and offers practical strategies for improving cash flow and profitability, ensuring sustainable business growth.

In this enlightening discussion, Spencer Sheinin, bestselling author and CEO of Shift Financial, shares his journey from contractor to financial guru. He reveals how to make sense of complex financial data through storytelling and visual tools. Spencer highlights the importance of spotting red flags in Profit & Loss statements and the essential roles of financial teams in contracting businesses. Discover actionable strategies to enhance profitability and empower your financial decisions, turning numbers into a roadmap for success.

Mandy Gill, author of "Reset With Resilience", broadcaster, and ultra-endurance athlete, shares powerful strategies for bouncing back when business initiatives falter. She discusses the courage needed to overcome setbacks and offers techniques for managing anxiety in high-pressure environments. Mandy emphasizes the importance of setting resilient goals, creating healthy habits, and establishing strong support systems. Her insights on navigating chaos and maintaining focus will inspire anyone looking to thrive amidst challenges.