Contractor Evolution

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP220 Those of you who know us know that we're huge advocates for putting as much effort into your hiring funnel as you do to your sales funnel. And that’s exactly why I’m excited for this week’s episode.Brandon Vaughn is a long-time entrepreneur, business coach and CEO of HireBus, a recruitment automation software built specifically for contractors.Using what’s called the RightSeat™ Assessment, HireBus helps contractors get the right people in the right roles so both the business and employees win.In this episode, I ask Brandon to walk us through an ideal hiring funnel for contractors, drawing on everything he learned from building and optimizing the RightSeat™ Assessment.How do you find qualified people? How do you get them to actually show up to an interview? And how do you know that they are ACTUALLY right for the role they applied for?Brandon covers all this and more.Episode Highlights:Get actionable recruitment tips from Brandon Vaughn, CEO of HireBus, a recruitment platform built for contractors.Learn what an ideal hiring funnel for contractors should look like, and what you can do right away to start attracting better people while weeding out the duds.Hear real examples of what good recruitment assets look like for contractors (if you want to steal some ideas, we won’t tell).00:00-Intro01:30-About Brandon and HireBus07:51-Brandon's experience with Wise Coatings19:40-Why focus on recruitment?23:56-Learnings from HireBus for contractors27:42-What makes the best job ads?31:18-Importance of speed-to-lead in recruitment34:40-How to qualify and prioritize candidates37:31-How to get the right people in the right seats44:26-How do you get people to actually show up for an interview?50:45-Lightning round53:46-Connect with Brandon

Join Trent Cotney, a board-certified construction lawyer and author, as he dives into the complexities of tariffs affecting the construction industry. He breaks down what tariffs are and their implications for contractors, offering clever strategies to protect themselves with better contract clauses. Hear about the importance of reevaluating supply chains and his predictions on market trends. Trent also shares insights on pricing strategies amidst fluctuating material costs, ensuring contractors can navigate these challenging times effectively.

Scaling a contracting business can be daunting, but there’s a proven roadmap. Discover the four growth phases every contractor encounters and how to identify your current stage. Uncover common challenges at each phase, along with effective systems to resolve them. Learn about the shift from managing to coaching, fostering team autonomy, and strategic planning for long-term success. Plus, get practical tools to enhance emotional resilience and make informed decisions as you grow.

Ryan Lee, founder of Landscape Lighting Secrets, shares his journey from running a successful $200K/month landscape lighting business to coaching home service entrepreneurs. He dives into the benefits of niching down, discussing how specialization can enhance customer experiences and profitability. Ryan addresses the potential risks of adding new services and emphasizes the importance of solid operational foundations. With insights on effective pricing and high-quality lead generation, he guides listeners on whether to focus or expand their business offerings.

Joe Crisara, a renowned expert in contractor sales training and creator of the Pure Motive Service System, shares insights on elevating the sales experience. He discusses five key principles that promote client-centric solutions and integrity-driven sales. Joe emphasizes offering customers three tailored options to enhance engagement and satisfaction. He highlights the importance of genuine connections, effective communication, and overcoming fears in decision-making, transforming the sales process into a meaningful interaction focused on mutual success.

Brian Gottlieb, author of 'Beyond the Hammer' and former owner of a $150MM remodeling business, shares his journey from a one-man operation to leading a team of over 600. He outlines the five foundational pillars of effective leadership, focusing on transferable beliefs and shaping culture with purpose. The conversation dives into the importance of fostering authentic relationships, maintaining a leader's emotional presence, and viewing businesses as training organizations to boost team performance. Get ready to rethink leadership in contracting!

On June 11, join Danny Kerr and Charley Burtwistle (from Buildertrend) for a Project Management Roundtable, where 3 high-performing contractors will hand over the secrets to faster projects, happier customers and fatter net profits. Register now here: https://trybta.com/CE-PM-J25Download Dr. J.J.'s one-liner template here: https://trybta.com/DL214To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP214 Today we're interviewing the one and only Dr. J.J. Peterson, Head of Storybrand and co-author of Marketing Made Simple, which sold over a million copies worldwide.Dr. J.J. has helped thousands of businesses clarify their message by using a storytelling framework as old as time. Plus, we found out before we started recording that he actually has a contracting background. His family ran a concrete business when he was growing up, so he REALLY gets the challenges you’re all facing.Today’s conversation is all about how to apply the seven-part Storybrand framework to a contracting business. How to position your customer as the hero of your story so you can become their trusted guide.Episode Highlights:Get an overview of the Storybrand framework from someone who has implemented it into thousands of businesses.Learn how to apply each of the seven parts of a Storybrand to a roofing, painting, landscaping, construction, electrical, plumbing or home services business, with examples.Understand why it is so critical that you keep your message simple, and why so many businesses get this wrong.00:00-Intro01:43-About Dr. J.J.'s background in contracting and storytelling06:46-Why is story so important to marketing?17:17-The messaging sweet spot: too vague vs. too complex19:03-The 7-Part StoryBrand Framework: Contracting Edition24:20-Step 1: What does your customer want?25:16-Step 2: What problem does your customer face?32:57-Step 3: How do you position yourself as their guide?35:47-Step 4: What’s the plan?38:21-Step 5: The call to action38:50-Step 6/7: What does success/failure look like for your customer?41:12-Danny's example, Dr. J.J.'s feedback49:12-How to get the info you need from your customer53:39-Most common Storybrand mistakes57:54-Signs your messaging is working01:00:47-About Dr. J.J.'s one-liner template

A significant turnover marks the beginning of a new era as the longtime host passes the torch. The discussion dives into the evolution of content marketing, emphasizing its impact on the contracting industry. Listeners can learn about building authentic connections with audiences and leveraging unique job site experiences for brand visibility. The importance of addressing buyer pain points is highlighted, alongside the ideal balance of valuable versus promotional content in marketing strategies. Reflecting on over 200 podcasts, the hosts express gratitude for their audience's support.

In this discussion, Matt Risinger, a prominent Austin contractor and founder of the Build Show Network, reveals effective strategies for financial management in construction. He shares how to master budgets and cash flow to avoid the pitfalls of speculative building. Risinger emphasizes the importance of industry benchmarks to remove guesswork in financial decisions. Listeners will gain insights on why his company never bids on work and how pre-construction processes can enhance profitability while fostering community and transparency in the industry.

Thomas Erikson, author of the bestselling book Surrounded By Idiots, shares insights on understanding personality through the DISC profiles. He argues that self-awareness is key to improving workplace interactions and leadership effectiveness. Erikson critiques the limitations of personality tests but emphasizes their value when applied thoughtfully. He discusses adapting leadership styles, overcoming unconscious biases, and the importance of honest communication for fostering team engagement. This conversation is packed with practical advice for leaders seeking to enhance their dynamics with others.