
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

Aug 10, 2024 • 9min
TCF938: Creating Effective Systems
Feeling stuck in a business rut? Discover how effective systems can break the cycle of repetition. Learn about the 'no-show review' method to empower your team and enhance productivity. Hear the benefits of documenting processes for smoother onboarding and personal organization. Overcome procrastination and focus on strategies that drive success. With clear systems in place, transform your business dynamics and delegate tasks efficiently!

Aug 8, 2024 • 30min
TCF937: Sell Your Business the Right Way
Today, Tom’s guest is Patrick Ungashick, the CEO of NAVIX. Patrick guides you through the essential steps to ensure that you sell your business the right way — from preparing your business for sale to securing the best deal. He also shares how to position your business for a successful sale and ensure you get the maximum value when it’s time to exit.Patrick also previews the highlights of his upcoming workshop at the Mile High Profit Summit on how to grow your business and create an exit plan.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro[01:50] - Patrick’s bio and backstory[03:08] - Happy Exit[04:16] - Key things that need to be checked before considering an exit[06:04] - Building great company vs. a great team[06:31] - The Growth Myth workshop[07:07] - Factors that can hijack the ability to sell business[08:20] - Investing in your team[10:16] - How the exit game has changed over the years[12:51] - Factors to consider when evaluating if a business is ready to sell[14:37] - What trades do better than others[16:43] - Acquiring underperforming businesses and turning them around[20:32] - Mistakes contractors make in business deals[21:56] - Ideal size of a business for sale[23:50] - Profit margins and business efficiency in attracting buyers[25:14] - Key topics Patrick will cover in his workshop[27:42] - How to reach out to Patrick[28:43] - Closing thoughtsResources:== NAVIX Consultants Website: https://www.navixconsultants.com/ == Get the Freedom Bundle (Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training) for $248 (Save $100) https://thecontractorfight.com/freedom/ 💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify Mentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

Aug 6, 2024 • 16min
TCF936: Carrot vs. Stick
How do you manage your team? There are two different approaches to managing employees: the carrot and the stick. One method is a tough, authoritarian style where you constantly berate your employees, making their lives miserable, while the other is a more nurturing, goal-oriented style in which the employees feel appreciated and motivated. Which management style do you think will bring out the best in your team? Steve has experienced both management styles and is here to share his insights on which method is more effective for building a successful, high-performing team.In this episode, Steve discusses:Steve’s experience with different management stylesShifting from an authoritarian management style to a more nurturing, goal-oriented approachHow empowering employees by letting them choose their own tasks and set daily goals can boost performanceThe importance of treating employees with kindness and respectBuilding a team with a shared vision and positive work environment to increase productivity and job satisfactionResources:💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Aug 3, 2024 • 19min
TCF935: Did you pay the Phone bill?
Today, Tim and Derek discuss a situation that many business owners face — slow business periods. The dreaded moment when the phone stops ringing, and you start questioning if you have paid the phone bill. It can be nerve-wracking, but it is not the first time this has happened, and it certainly won't be the last. They tell you how to handle this inevitable business period and turn it into an opportunity to grow and strengthen your business.In this episode, they discuss:Reaching out to past customers regularly using a CRM system and SOP instead of just during slow periodsInvolving the entire team in sales efforts to build a sense of ownership and responsibilityUsing Facebook ads and groups to advertise available work and fill the pipelineLooking for upsell opportunities when on a job site, like suggesting additional features or improvementsPreparing for slow periods in advance and not being afraid to reach out to customersBuilding relationships with customers and not being afraid to ask for help or favor when business is slowResources:💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify Mentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

Aug 1, 2024 • 53min
TCF934: Building Systems
Liz Chism, an expert in helping contractors and small business owners build effective processes, joins the conversation. They discuss the vital importance of clarity over mere system implementation. Liz shares strategies for reverse engineering goals and prioritizing essential systems without feeling overwhelmed. The challenges of getting team buy-in for new processes are explored, along with using personality profiles to form an effective team. Finally, Liz reflects on her transformative 75 Hard journey, linking discipline to both personal and business growth.

Jul 27, 2024 • 16min
TCF933: Creating a Conversation ‘Safe Place’
Tim and Derek discuss the transformative power of creating a safe place for conversations — a concept that goes beyond just sales techniques and is important for having open and honest conversations. By creating that safe space, you’re able to truly connect with others, whether they are family, friends, or clients, and learn about their thoughts and fears that you never would have known otherwise.In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:Stories of the conversations Tim and Derek had with their children and grandchildren that brought them closer than everThe power of asking open-ended questions and active listening in communicationEstablishing a safe space where people feel comfortable and empowered to share their thoughts and feelingsThe importance of communication skills in building stronger relationships, both professionally and personallyHow the learnings of Shin-Fu have unexpectedly improved Tim and Derek’s personal lives and relationshipsResources:== Get the Freedom Bundle (Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training) for $248 (Save $100) https://thecontractorfight.com/freedom/ 💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 10min
TCF932: Working with Realtors
Tom sits down with real estate agent Ryan Van Ornum from Wolfpack Property Group to discuss the relationship between contractors and realtors. They discuss the ins and outs of being a realtor, working with contractors, the common frustrations on both sides, how contractors and realtors can work together more effectively to grow their businesses, and more.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro[01:10] - Ryan’s real estate team and other businesses[04:01] - Ryan’s background[04:51] - Ryan’s journey into real estate and the challenges he faced[06:48] - Typical success rate of realtors[09:14] - Common issues realtors face with contractors[13:28] - Time and effort in real estate[17:38] - How promptness can make or break deals[20:06] - Importance of integrity and accountability in contractors[21:00] - How often clients ask for contractor recommendations[22:14] - Regulations and liability realtors face when recommending contractors[24:40] - Many realtors don’t ask the right questions to contractors[26:25] - Right questions a realtor should be asking a contractor[27:31] - How to approach and build relationships with top realtors[33:01] - Most common trades realtors are asked about[33:15] - Giving gift cards to realtors to include in their closing gifts[35:53] - Building trust and breaking stereotypes in the real estate industry[38:29] - Adding value to business relationships[44:20] - Ryan’s venture into commodities[45:41] - Scam Tom received and how he responded[47:46] - Importance of knowing your numbers[54:29] - Importance of relationships and support in business[56:19] - Surrounding yourself with the right people[58:13] - When Tom had a grenade mishap in the Marine Corps[59:00] - Decision-making in business[1:00:19] - Dividing focus between multiple business[1:04:17] - Importance of gratitude and optimism[1:08:13] - How to to connect with RyanResources:== Wolfpack Property Group Website: https://www.wolfpackpropertygroup.com/index.php == Ryan Van Ornum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanvanornum/ == Get the Freedom Bundle (Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training) for $248 (Save $100) https://thecontractorfight.com/freedom/ 💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jul 23, 2024 • 18min
TCF931: How to sell your Company
Are you a small contractor dreaming of the day you can finally sell your business and ride off into the sunset? Steve guides you on how to make that dream a reality. Having sold four companies himself, Steve shares his insights and experiences on how to sell your business successfully. He covers all the key steps, from evaluating your company to finding the right buyer to ensuring a smooth transition.In this episode, Steve discusses:Determining if your business has something of value that someone would want to buyCalculating the average profit over the last three years and multiplying this average by three to get a starting priceGrowing your own buyers by training employees to take over the businessHiring a business broker to find potential buyersFinding a large company that may want to acquire your companySticking around for a year after the sale to train employees and ensure a seamless handoverPrioritizing an ethical, win-win scenario for both the buyer and sellerResources:== Get the Freedom Bundle (Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training) for $248 (Save $100) https://thecontractorfight.com/freedom/ 💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jul 20, 2024 • 10min
TCF930: Why Shin-Fu?
As a business owner, your time is precious. Between juggling client meetings, managing projects, and keeping your business running, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. That is until you discover the power of Shin-Fu. Tim and Derek explain why the Shin-Fu sales process is a game-changer for contractors. They discuss how Shin-Fu can help you reclaim your time, focus on the right clients, and improve both your business and personal life.In this episode, they discuss:How Shin-Fu helped Derek's team save 39 days per year Shin-Fu allows you to work on your business, not just on it.Uncovering hidden red flags in clients before contractors invest their resourcesImplementing Shin-Fu teachings during the off-season so contractors are ready for success when the busy season arrivesHow Shin-Fu helps contractors prioritize qualified leads and avoid wasting time on clients who will never become customersGreen phone and the red phone concept in Shin-Fu sales trainingResources:💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jul 18, 2024 • 30min
TCF929: Mastering Your Mindset: Believing in Financial Freedom
Tom sits down with Anthony Abbott to discuss how contractors can master their mindset to overcome financial struggles and achieve financial freedom in their businesses. They introduce the Freedom Bundle, a combination of The Fight’s two programs — Nail Your Numbers course and Shin-Fu Sales training — designed to help contractors master their finances and sales skills.They tell you financial freedom in contracting is achievable. It requires a shift in mindset, a solid understanding of your numbers and business, and the willingness to learn and adapt.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro[03:47] - Some contractors are enslaved by their business[05:44] - Shifting from a victim mindset to taking accountability and ownership of business[08:08] - Feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities and tasks[10:56] - Overcoming overwhelm by focusing on one step at a time[12:24] - Every single business has problems[14:08] - Fixes for money problems[15:26] - Freedom Bundle = Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training[16:38] - Nail Your Numbers course[21:39] - Shin-Fu Sales training for contractors[23:27] - Key to building trust and successful sales relationships[26:40] - Special offer: Get Freedom Bundle for $248[27:42] - Mastering numbers and sales to transform your business [28:32] - Closing remarksClick here to get the Freedom Bundle (Nail Your Numbers course + Shin-Fu Sales training) for $248 (Save $100)Resources:== Greystone Remodeling Website: https://greystoneremodelinginc.com/ 💰 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/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify