
Contractor Evolution
Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution.
In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level.
If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place.
Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 13min
210. Understanding the Skill/Will Matrix - Danny Kerr
Explore the influential Skill/Will Matrix, a framework that helps leaders identify whether productivity issues stem from a lack of skill or motivation. Discover strategies to enhance team dynamics, fostering development and engagement. Learn how to effectively navigate conflicts to elevate team performance. Understand how categorizing team members empowers you to create a workplace where everyone thrives.

69 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 18min
209. A Six Part System For Systemizing Your Contracting Business - Ian Ouwerkerk
Ian Ouwerkerk, a leading coach at Breakthrough Academy, shares his insights on the Contractor Growth Method—a six-part system designed to elevate contracting businesses. He emphasizes strategic goal-setting and the necessity of robust financial controls for stability. Ian discusses the importance of effective hiring and training, alongside innovative marketing strategies to attract top talent. With an adaptable mindset, he highlights how continuous improvement and gamification can enhance performance and foster sustainable growth in the construction industry.

17 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 21min
208. How to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage - Danny Kerr
On May 6, attend our free web class to learn the proven hiring framework top contractors use to attract and retain A players during a labor shortage. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-HIRING-M25Grab your FREE hiring resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL208 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP208In 2025, there is one issue contractors talk to me about more than any other:Hiring.Getting good people to agree to—and show up to—an interview suddenly seems impossible.You book five interviews and three no-show, one thinks they’re applying to be CEO and the other shows up drunk.After conducting over 2,400 interviews for trades positions myself, I know the struggle.That’s why I hosted a web class last month where I taught hundreds of contractors my system for attracting A-players and replacing time-wasters during the recruitment process.We decided to release it on the podcast as a BONUS episode so more contractors can benefit.Enjoy.Episode Highlights:Learn why creating a hiring funnel is just as important as creating a sales funnel.Understand how to write job ads that actually attract the people you WANT.Get the winning interview strategy Danny refined while interviewing over 2,400 people for trades positions.00:00-Intro08:15-What part of hiring frustrates you the most?09:28-Unpacking the hiring crisis15:00-The lost opportunity cost of not having a solid hiring system17:06-What a good hiring funnel looks like19:26-Hiring tool 1: Ideal Candidate Profile25:26-Hiring tool 2: Job Postings and Applicant Generation34:08-Hiring tool 3: Interview Setup Call42:52-Hiring tool 4: Behavioral Interviewing47:44-Recap50:57-Get more help systemizing your business59:37-Q&A

52 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 59min
207. How to Systemize Your Contracting Business - David Jenyns
David Jenyns, author of SYSTEMology and an expert in streamlining business processes, shares invaluable insights on systemizing contracting businesses. He breaks down the stages of systemization and discusses prioritizing which systems to implement first. David emphasizes the importance of involving your team in this process and introduces the concept of a 'systems champion' to foster a culture of efficiency. The conversation also touches on the critical role of accurate estimating and how strong systems can significantly enhance operational performance.

34 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 60min
206. Evolution Rewind: Strategic Planning To Pull You Out Of The Daily Grind - Danny Kerr, Igor Trninic & James Dale
Dive into the essentials of strategic planning and discover why the right environment is crucial for creativity and focus. The hosts emphasize balancing personal well-being with business growth, warning against hasty decisions. Learn how to set clear goals and metrics while fostering team collaboration. Highlights include the importance of proactive hiring and adapting plans amidst challenges. Enjoy insights on simplifying planning processes and achieving a shared vision for long-term success, all while navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

23 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 53min
205. The Alter Ego Effect: Perform Better Any Time, Anywhere - Todd Herman
In this engaging discussion, Todd Herman, a peak performance coach for billionaires and elite athletes, dives into the transformative power of alter egos. He reveals how different versions of ourselves can enhance performance in various aspects of life. Todd shares insights on using alter egos to confront self-image challenges and boost confidence. The conversation also critiques the limitations of personality labels, encouraging a growth mindset. Tune in for practical tips that can revolutionize how you approach challenges and personal development!

36 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 48min
204. Open Book Management: The Employee Perspective - Ryan Markewich, Jacob Markewich, Rik Van Espen & Zac Neufield
Ryan Markewich, founder of Creative Roots Landscaping, leads a discussion with team members Jacob Markewich, Rik Van Espen, and Zac Neufield on the innovative practice of open book management. They share how transparency in financials boosts company culture and employee satisfaction. The team dives into the benefits of financial literacy, collaborative communication, and profit sharing, revealing how openness fosters accountability and enhances performance. They also challenge myths about employee engagement, highlighting how a supportive culture inspires a desire for personal growth.

10 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 53min
203. Can Contractors Work With Offshore Talent? - Rob Levin
Rob Levin, co-founder of Work Better Now and author of The New Talent Playbook, dives into the world of offshore talent. He discusses the types of roles that can be effectively filled by remote workers, challenging common misconceptions against them. Rob provides insights on leveraging virtual assistants to enhance efficiency in contracting businesses. He also emphasizes the importance of English proficiency, the adaptation of recruitment practices post-pandemic, and the role of technology in optimizing operations, offering a fresh perspective on talent management.

20 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
202. How Much Should Contractors Charge? - Ellen Rohr
Ellen Rohr, an industry legend and founder of Zoom Drain, shares her wealth of knowledge about contractor pricing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding costs and effectively communicating value. Ellen discusses how to determine what to charge based on financial goals and market positioning. She also delves into the significance of billable hours and training sales teams to confidently convey pricing. In a world of inflation, she offers insights on adapting pricing while maintaining customer relationships and industry standards.

Feb 26, 2025 • 36min
201 - Be Coachable: Advice For New Breakthrough Academy Members
Get your free guide to being COACHABLE here: https://trybta.com/DL201 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP201 Today’s episode has a very specific purpose. We’ve gathered four of our world-class business coaches to give advice to contractors who are just beginning to systemize their business with Breakthrough Academy. If you chose this episode, you are either: Through conversations with Coach Harold, Coach Ashley, Coach Brayden and Coach Shane, you’ll learn: Episode Highlights: 00:00-Intro02:16-Why do most people start BTA?04:16-Successful Members vs. those who struggle07:53-New Member red flags09:59-The first six months: what to expect11:36-Mindset tips for faster results12:36-How to implement faster and be more coachable14:45-Importance of the BTA community19:50-How coaches help struggling Members21:23-How to become data-driven23:50-Coaching pet peeves26:01-The first year: what to expect29:22-Best part of being a BTA coachSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.