
The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber
Stop stressing out about your contracting business and take back control. The Contractor Fight is bringing respect and dignity back to the trades one contractor at a time. Discover how to market, sell, and consistently produce your projects at a profit with industry expert and powerful motivator Tom Reber.
Stop stealing from your family.
Earn what you're worth.
Build a business that serves you.
Latest episodes

Mar 15, 2025 • 10min
TCF1001: Building a Business People Actually Love Working With
Explore the art of building genuine relationships with clients in the contracting business. Discover how getting personal can foster trust and loyalty, leading to long-term success. Learn the impact of remembering clients' details and the value of a Chief Experience Officer. Empowering employees to connect authentically is key to enhancing company culture. Plus, the significance of maintaining ties with past clients cannot be overlooked. Simple gestures like handwritten notes and follow-up calls can create lasting bonds that drive repeat business.

Mar 13, 2025 • 15min
TCF1000: 1,000 Episodes & Counting: A Decade of Growth & Grit
The milestone celebration marks the remarkable journey to 1,000 broadcasts! Insights into the evolution from a single recording to a thriving community reveal the impact on the contracting industry. Personal anecdotes illustrate resilience and the importance of consistency in business growth. The transformation from chaos to unity demonstrates how a focused mission has inspired over 19,000 members. Plus, a challenge is issued to keep the momentum going—there's still much more to achieve!

Mar 11, 2025 • 44min
TCF999: Essential Lessons in Contractor Business and Marketing
Hunter Ballew, a Marine Corps veteran and roofing industry leader, shares his incredible journey of building and selling a business for $48 million in just three years. He discusses the importance of authenticity in business and how personal stories enhance marketing. Hunter emphasizes nurturing existing leads, developing strong relationships, and recognizing challenges as growth opportunities. His insights on strategic hiring and maintaining a resilient mindset in tough times will inspire contractors looking to scale their businesses.

Mar 8, 2025 • 10min
TCF998: No Discounts
Discounts won’t save bad service! A firsthand tale reveals how poor communication can sour customer experiences. Building a business on honesty and clear communication is essential for loyalty, rather than relying on quick fixes like discounts. The conversation emphasizes that true customer satisfaction stems from fulfilling requests precisely. It’s not just about monetary gestures; effective communication and addressing issues proactively are vital for thriving in the contractor industry.

Mar 6, 2025 • 5min
TCF997: Why Your Phone Isn’t Ringing
Struggling with lead generation? Discover why relying solely on word of mouth can hurt your business. Marketing isn’t just a side gig; it’s essential for consistent growth. Break the feast-and-famine cycle by treating lead generation like an obsession. Learn actionable steps to boost your marketing efforts and ensure your phone rings. Craftsmanship alone won’t cut it; a solid marketing strategy is your ticket to success.

Mar 4, 2025 • 16min
TCF996: Get Out of Your Own Way
Are you tired of running in circles with your business? Discover how to develop repeatable processes that pave the way for long-term success. Learn to trust your team by letting go of micromanagement and shifting to a people-centric approach. Embrace the idea of a self-sustaining business where employees have ownership. Plus, hear how one entrepreneur transformed his operations by stepping back and letting things flourish naturally. It's time to stop winging it and start thriving!

Mar 1, 2025 • 12min
TCF995: Turd Polishing
Discover the concept of 'turd polishing'—innovative fixes that save time and money without starting from scratch. Hear how a simple ceiling repair example saved thousands and the importance of avoiding rigid thinking in contracting. Explore the balance between safety and cost-effective solutions while maximizing client trust. Learn how creativity can drive profitability and why small jobs can be just as lucrative as large projects. Unlock the potential for long-term business growth through efficient and strategic project management.

Feb 27, 2025 • 53min
TCF994: He’s Drowning in Debt – Can We Save This Contractor's Business? | Contractor Intervention
A Pennsylvania contractor grapples with four years of negative net profit and multiple failed ventures. He learns that focusing on construction, mastering job costing, and strategic pricing can transform his financial situation. Insights reveal the importance of narrowing his business focus and utilizing effective sales techniques. The conversation also stresses the role of personal development and adapting pricing strategies to maintain profitability. A transformative journey that highlights actionable paths to success in the contracting industry.

Feb 25, 2025 • 28min
TCF993: My Marketing Journey
Dive into a fascinating marketing journey that began with Yellow Pages ads and transformed into a digital powerhouse. Discover the critical difference between push and pull marketing, and why tracking ROI is essential. Learn how simple, authentic video content outperforms polished ads. Hear about the decision to hire family for in-house expertise and why long-term thinking is vital for success. Get ready to tackle the marketing maze with actionable insights tailored for contractors and small businesses!

Feb 22, 2025 • 24min
TCF992: When to Charge a Consult Fee
Dive into the nuances of charging consultation fees for contractors! Discover when it’s appropriate to charge or waive fees based on client history and urgency. Learn how building trust impacts pricing decisions in emergencies. Explore the importance of pre-qualifying leads and distinguishing between consultation and service fees. Gain insights into the balance of empathy and assertiveness in client interactions. Plus, tips for leveraging past relationships to enhance your business approach!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.