The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

In this episode of The Contractor Fight, Tom breaks down real contractor truck wraps submitted by fighters just like you. He exposes the good, the bad, and the downright embarrassing mistakes contractors make when they slap their name on a vehicle.You’ll hear:Why your truck is a moving billboard (and how most of you waste it)Tom’s 5-point checklist for evaluating a wrap designReal-life examples of what works and what fails at 60mphHow your wrap, website, and branding must all connect👉 Want to stop looking like an amateur and start standing out as the premium contractor in your market? This episode will show you where you’re blowing it.📌 Chapters0:26 Why Truck Wraps Matter0:55 Two Trucks, Big Impact1:21 My Biggest Regret on Truck Wraps1:52 The 5-Point Truck Wrap Checklist2:20 Example #1: Cheyenne Home Services5:08 Example #2: Legacy Fence7:58 Example #3: Maine Outdoor Spaces10:15 Example #4: Hernandez Essence Renovations15:29 Example #5: Superior Ponds18:25 Why Branding Must Match Your Quality of Work19:16 Rebranding Success Stories19:43 The $4/Day Marketing Investment That Works============================================================☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going? If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan. Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call============================================================== Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review. Apple Podcasts Spotify

Tim and Derek dive into a real-world sales story that illustrates the power of connection, emotional intelligence, and proper communication. Tim shares how a routine consultation for pond maintenance turned into an unforgettable sales experience—one that highlights the importance of trust, empathy, and being fully prepared through training.In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:How a simple pond consultation evolved into a deep emotional connection with the clientThe critical moment when trust was lost with the previous contractor—and how Tim seized the opportunityHow understanding and labeling client emotions can open doors in sales conversationsWhy consultation fees and in-person visits matter when diagnosing problems and building relationshipsThe bizarre yet powerful moment the client realized Tim looked just like her late father—and how it sealed the dealThe importance of training, role-playing, and continuously sharpening your sales skillsHow preparation and consistency helped Tim confidently close the deal and land a long-term client=================================🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUNDEverything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify

Benji Carlson has spent his life building movements in the trades. From the franchise painting world to Breakthrough Academy to now helping lead Leanscaper, an AI-powered platform for landscapers. In this deep-dive with Tom, they tackle the real reasons the trades lost their shine, and what it’s going to take to make them cool again.They talk content, culture, recruiting, money, and what separates struggling contractors from thriving ones. This episode is pure 🔥 for anyone serious about growing a blue-collar business with pride and purpose.👇 CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Who is Benji Carlson? 03:00 - Why Startups Are His Sweet Spot 06:00 - Biggest Mistakes Contractors Make With Content 12:00 - The “It’s Not About You” Content Rule 14:30 - What Does It Mean to “Make the Trades Cool Again”? 17:00 - Why the College-First Narrative Failed 20:00 - The Death of Shop Class 23:00 - Being Blue-Collar and Broke Ain’t Cool 28:00 - Why the Trades Are Primed for a Renaissance 30:00 - AI’s Impact on the White-Collar Workforce 32:30 - How Contractors Must Shift Their Culture 35:00 - Using Social Media to Attract Top Talent 39:00 - Leadership vs. Managing: Be the Grandfather 41:00 - Get Young: Benji’s Mindset Shift for Building Culture 43:00 - Branding, Swag & the Piecework Future 46:00 - Rapid Fire: Benji’s Top Advice 53:00 - AI Tools That Are Changing the Game 57:00 - What Every Contractor Should Do This Week 59:00 - What Is LANA? The AI Tool Built for Landscapers 1:00:00 - Final Thoughts + Where to Find Benji Follow Benji Carlson & Leanscaper Website: leanscaper.com Instagram: @leanscaper============================================================🧰 CONTRACTOR BUSINESS SCHOOLIf you’re serious about building a profitable, structured contracting business without the chaos, this is your shot. Get the tools, insights, and mentorship you need to level up—on YOUR time, at YOUR pace.https://contractorbusinessschool.com/============================================================== Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review. Apple Podcasts Spotify

In this episode, Tim and Derek break away from the usual sales-focused content to explore deeper, more personal aspects of life as a contractor. They reflect on the evolving direction of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and addressing the challenges that affect both business and personal life. From parenting and emotional triggers to frustrating bank experiences, this episode dives into how life’s realities shape us as leaders and business owners.In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:Reframing the podcast to encompass more than just sales – diving into life, leadership, and personal growthHow self-perception and emotional baggage, like feelings of abandonment or laziness, impact business performanceThe importance of acknowledging personal struggles and their ripple effect on professional successA powerful story about Tim’s emotional response to his kids' first day of school and the realization of past woundsHow tribe and community, like Battleground, can help contractors feel less aloneTim’s frustrating banking ordeal and how his daughter’s advice changed his approachThe importance of grace – for others and ourselves – in handling mistakes and miscommunicationsRespecting different perspectives and the value of empathy in both business and relationshipsLinks from the episode:=================================🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUNDEverything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify

Learn how to master sales calls with six powerful phrases that shift the power dynamic in your favor. Discover how to disarm objections and position yourself as a trusted consultant. Uncover what truly matters to clients with insightful questions and future pace the value they'll gain. This fresh approach to sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about building partnerships and understanding motivations. Gain confidence and stop sounding desperate—it's time to take control of the conversation!

Consistency is key to building customer trust and loyalty. The hosts dive into how even minor changes can lead customers to question a business's reliability. They discuss the evolving communication styles of Generation Z and how businesses must adapt to meet their expectations. Real-world examples highlight the impact of maintaining high standards on client perceptions, from clean vehicles to timely follow-ups. Ultimately, they emphasize that sticking to proven processes is crucial for long-term success.

Most contractors are crushing it for 90% of the job, then they blow everything in the final 10%. You nail the work, cash the check, and think you're done. WRONG. You just fumbled at the goal line and killed your shot at referrals, reviews, and repeat clients. Tom breaks down the brutal truth: how you finish determines whether you're hunting for your next job or turning clients away because you're booked solid.⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] – Why finishing strong matters more than ever[00:28] – Chaos creates complacency (and costs you money)[00:47] – How the final 10% of the job shapes your reputation[01:00] – The death of trust: silence during the job[01:30] – What to say in daily client updates[02:10] – Pre-close walkthroughs and scheduling final reviews[02:41] – The 24–48 hour punch list rule[03:04] – The 3x walkthrough system: crew, PM, client[03:26] – The power of thank you cards and review asks[03:56] – Review script: asking without being awkward[04:28] – Strong finishes = strong reviews and easier sales[05:05] – Why your work alone isn’t enough—it’s about how they feel[05:46] – Want help? Check out the 5 Steps to 5 Stars program[06:03] – Final reminder: don’t coast—systemize your closeout=========================================⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tired of being the "cheap option" in your market? Learn the customer experience secrets that let you charge premium prices while competitors scramble for scraps. This is the same system that took one contractor from massive debt to $5.5M—and it works in any market: https://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/=========================================💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify

In this episode of the Contractor Fight Sales Podcast, hosts Tim and Derek dive deep into the shifting landscape of how customers buy and what contractors must do to adapt. Drawing from real-world conversations within the Battleground group, they explore how to respond when potential clients hesitate on big projects and how crucial it is to anticipate market changes before it's too late.Tim and Derek emphasize the importance of being proactive, investing in your sales skills, and surrounding yourself with people who push you forward. They challenge contractors to take responsibility, stop blaming external factors, and take decisive steps to build a resilient, profitable business.In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:How buyer behavior is changing and what contractors need to do to stay aheadThe power of empathy in sales conversations and helping clients work through hesitationWhy waiting for jobs to fall into your lap no longer works—and what to do insteadThe importance of building a maintenance department for long-term business sustainabilityHow joining a community like Battleground accelerates your growth through shared experiences and accountabilityThe truth about selling out of desperation and how to avoid itWhy investing in coaching is one of the smartest moves you can make for your businessThe reality check: the problem is not the economy or the competition—it’s youLinks from the episode:=================================🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUNDEverything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify

Contractors submitted their marketing for a no-holds-barred roast, and Tom brought in WAR ROOM Coach Micah Miller to join the fun. Together, they deliver straight-shooting critiques of websites, logos, calls to action, and more. If your marketing sucks, this episode will show you why and how to fix it. Learn what truly converts, the power of storytelling, and how to make your digital presence work harder for your business.In this episode Tom and Micah discuss:[00:25] Introduction of Micah Miller and his social media-driven marketing success[01:53] Micah's minimal ad spend strategy and massive content ROI[03:00] The $3-a-day Facebook ad that skyrocketed video views[03:30] Micah’s $6M sales projection with under 2% marketing spend[04:08] Beginning of the marketing roast: First Edition Remodeling website[04:49] Issues with wordy websites and poor call-to-action strategies[06:17] Importance of a responsive website and Google rankings[07:19] Website goals: Build trust and engagement to convert leads[09:10] Using dynamic headlines and emotionally engaging copy[10:41] The power of project recaps: Before, during, after photos and videos[12:11] Micah’s use of storytelling and transparency to weed out poor-fit leads[14:20] How project recaps prequalify leads and improve sales efficiency[15:29] Critique of blog strategy: One post isn’t enough[16:12] How to write helpful, FAQ-driven blog content vs salesy pitches[18:26] Feedback on the About page: Be human, tell your story[20:54] Use personal and origin stories to build connection and relatability[22:15] Making the quote calculator more interactive with video walkthroughs[23:07] The debate: Should you gate content behind contact info?[24:10] Website roast #2: Deck by Design and logo readability issues[25:52] Calls to action should be specific and action-oriented[26:19] The value of project recaps over basic galleries[27:25] Critiquing blog titles and content relevance to homeowners[29:24] Combine 3D modeling with process explanations for better clarity[30:37] Explain project decisions in terms of design, budget, and permits[31:04] Website roast #3: True Quality Homes and mobile responsiveness issues[32:36] Too much text, not enough visuals under services[33:24] Flip the copy to focus on the client’s experience, not the contractor[35:40] Lack of personal touch and identity on the About page[36:13] Missing team photos and social links reduce connection and credibility[37:12] Missed opportunities with social media content and before/after transformations[38:07] Preview of part two: Truck wraps, yard signs, and ego vs value-driven marketingLinks from the episode:Micah’s example project recaps: https://www.easton-outdoors.com/ourwork/=============================================================================================🧰 CONTRACTOR BUSINESS SCHOOLIf you’re serious about building a profitable, structured contracting business without the chaos, this is your shot. Get the tools, insights, and mentorship you need to level up—on YOUR time, at YOUR pace.https://contractorbusinessschool.com/============================================================== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify

Tim and Derek dissect the common traps contractors fall into while scaling their businesses too quickly. They share insights from their own journeys, stressing the importance of understanding overhead costs and knowing your numbers. The conversation highlights the trade-offs between operating solo and building a team. Listeners are encouraged to create solid business plans, implement smart scheduling, and hire judiciously to enhance efficiency. Real-life examples illustrate how strategic planning can transform a chaotic operation into a well-oiled machine.