Contractor Evolution

Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWit and host of the Dirt Talk podcast, dives into the pressing skilled labor shortage in construction. He boldly claims the industry plays a significant role in the outreach failure, highlighting poor jobsite culture and appearance as major barriers. Witt stresses the importance of authentic storytelling in employer branding and shares how best-in-class contractors bridge generational gaps. He encourages older workers to mentor the youth, fostering resilience and pride in craftsmanship to attract the next generation.

Patrick Lencioni, a leading management consultant and bestselling author, shares invaluable insights on building effective teams in the contracting industry. He introduces the virtues of being humble, hungry, and smart, explaining how to identify these traits in candidates during interviews. Lencioni emphasizes the importance of culture and honesty in hiring while discussing the six types of working genius, advocating for role alignment to enhance productivity. With practical tips and engaging stories, he equips contractors to attract top talent and foster strong teams.

Struggling with cash flow? You’re not alone—many contractors face unpredictability! Discover strategies for matching deposits with costs to prevent profit funding. Learn how to create an effective annual budget and the importance of job costing to enhance financial health. Get tips on stabilizing owner pay and managing expenses, plus how to ensure timely customer payments. Danny also discusses how to evaluate hiring needs while keeping growth manageable. Dive into essential financial insights to prepare for 2026!

Michael Fortinberry, co-founder of Protiv and former construction owner, shares insights on transforming contractor profitability through performance-based pay. He discusses how traditional hourly wages can hinder productivity and offers a framework for implementing incentives that boost team morale and efficiency. Michael emphasizes transparency in labor budgets and the importance of a performance-first culture. With real-world examples and data, he highlights significant productivity gains, demonstrating how the right pay structure can revolutionize contracting businesses.

Kasim Aslam, a serial entrepreneur and business strategist, dives deep into the impending AI revolution in trades. He discusses how thriving businesses must focus on non-scalable work to avoid commoditization. Kasim emphasizes the importance of doubling down on humanity, advocating for personal interactions and community presence. He also explores bottom-up AI adoption and the transformative potential of AI-enabled assistants. Additionally, he shares insights on finding purpose beyond business after successful exits.

Pat Flynn, an entrepreneur and author, shares insights on optimizing learning for business success. He argues against the dangers of over-learning and emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters. Flynn offers a framework to distinguish between necessary and unnecessary knowledge while advocating for just-in-time learning. He introduces the Inspiration Matrix for prioritizing tasks and highlights the importance of micro-experiments to explore passions. Through smart bets and periodic introspection, he encourages entrepreneurs to embrace action and innovation.

Join Luke Hansen, CEO of CompanyCam, Blake Buttry from Churchill USA, and Adam Sylvester of Charlottesville Gutter Pros, as they explore the hidden costs of poor communication in contracting. Discover how to streamline operations with clear roles and structured meeting rhythms. They share actionable insights on effective communication rituals, managing sales-to-production handoffs, and using photo documentation to enhance clarity in operations. Tune in for tips on coaching teams and fostering critical thinking to boost project success.

Kedma Ough, a business therapist and TEDx speaker, shares her journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a bestselling author and coach. In this insightful discussion, Kedma coaches Danny on breaking free from limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. She highlights the importance of recognizing and reframing harmful narratives, reveals her four-part LEAP method for mindset shifts, and emphasizes how personal growth can positively impact those around us. Tune in for powerful strategies to revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey!

David Jenyns, a systems expert and author known for Systemology, discusses the innovative role of the Systems Champion. He highlights how this position differs from traditional roles, emphasizing its importance in streamlining processes. David reveals that junior staff can excel in this role with the right traits like curiosity and tech-savviness. He also shares insights on how AI is reshaping business functions and the need for champions to adapt quickly. Learn actionable steps for creating effective systems in your contracting business!

Ryan Lermitte, founder of Umbrella Property Services and a veteran member of Breakthrough Academy, shares his transformative eight-year journey in entrepreneurial community. He discusses the emotional ROI of genuine connections and how collaborating with competitors can elevate industry standards. Ryan emphasizes the importance of authenticity, addressing fears to build deeper relationships. He also highlights how community engagement fuels personal growth alongside business success, proving that entrepreneurship thrives in connection rather than isolation.