
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

Jun 6, 2024 • 57min
TCF908: $500k to $2.5 Million in ONE YEAR
Tom is joined by Battleground member Derek Prince to discuss his incredible business transformation. Derek shares how he grew his contracting business from $500k in revenue with a 26% gross profit to $2.5 million with a 44% gross profit in just 12 months. They talk about Derek’s approach to managing multiple ventures—his construction business, gym, and property management company—and the strategies he applied to his business.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro[01:11] - Derek’s background[03:32] - Derek’s journey into contracting[05:21] - Fitness routine of Derek and why staying healthy matters[07:48] - Tom’s 75 Hard experience and finding what works for you[10:45] - Tracking KPIs and macros[12:26] - Derek’s construction company[13:07] - Implementing the subcontractor model[16:22] - How Derek found The Fight and why he joined[18:55] - Transformation in business after applying The Fight’s teachings[21:08] - What got him from $500k to $2.5 million[23:19] - Importance of niching in business[25:12] - Leveraging his project manager’s sales skills[26:14] - Taking action instead of just consuming info[28:14] - Derek’s pricing strategy[32:22] - Business is all about adjustments and improvements[34:13] - Handling issues the right way[38:22] - Key takeaways from joining Battleground[40:31] - How fitness and discipline impact business [44:11] - Expansion and contraction phases of business[48:29] - Best way to connect with Derek[49:20] - What Derek’s average day looks like?[52:55] - Closing thoughtsResources:= Pro Property Services Website: https://www.propropertyserviceswnc.com/ = Pro Property Services on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propropertyserviceswnc/ 💰 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

Jun 1, 2024 • 13min
TCF907: Don't Screw your Future Self
Have you ever put off an important task and then regretted it later? Or made a decision you wish you could take back? Tim and Derek discuss how the actions we take today directly impact our future success. They tell you not to screw over your future self by procrastinating or neglecting important tasks. Take action on your goals, so you have no regrets down the road. Your future success depends on it!In this episode, they discuss:The impact of today's actions on your tomorrow's outcomeMaking decisions and taking action today – if you delay, things may not be not favorable for youImportant things contractors need to be doing in their sales process so that they don't screw their future selvesFollowing up with clients — small actions like reminder calls or emails can make a big difference long termNot delaying important tasks or your future self will be mad you missed out on opportunitiesResources:💰 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

May 30, 2024 • 15min
TCF906: The 3 Phases of Business
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to do it all in your contracting business, but still, your profits aren’t where you want them to be? Tom explains that every business goes through different phases, each phase requiring different efforts from you as the owner. He discusses the 3 key phases of business and how to focus your time and energy in each stage.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro[00:16] - The 3 phases of business[01:49] - Hustle and grind phase (Up to $50k/month)[03:04] - Farming phase ($50k to $100k/month)[05:14] - Protect phase (Over $100k/month)[08:32] - How much time should be spent on each phase[12:27] - Shifting priorities as business grows[12:58] - Biggest takeawayResources:💰 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

May 25, 2024 • 15min
TCF905: How Did You Show Up?
Don’t judge a book by its cover! Do you think clients judge contractors based on what vehicle they show up in? Do you believe those who show up with nice trucks get treated by clients differently and get more jobs? Tim and Derek tell you that your vehicle has no effect on your skills or ability to get jobs. As long as you show up with confidence, clients won’t care if it’s a sports car or an old beater. What really matters is the work, not the ride.In this episode, they discuss:Tim and Derek’s first vehicles they used for their businessesDoes driving a nice truck affect client perceptions and salesStory of a person’s dad who used to hide his nice car so clients wouldn’t assume he charged too muchThe vehicle you drive does not affect your ability to get and do your jobFocus on your happiness and not limit yourself or judge others based on vehicles or appearances — What matters most is the work you provide to clientsResources:💰 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 SpotifyMentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

May 23, 2024 • 20min
TCF904: I Can't Get Ahead Financially
Discover how contractors can overcome financial struggles and achieve success in their businesses. Learn about the importance of clarity, commitment, and reverse engineering to reach your financial goals. Get inspired by success stories and join a community for business elevation.

May 18, 2024 • 22min
TCF902: Head Trash
Are you hesitating on bids or avoiding big projects? Is your lack of self-confidence holding you back? Do you sometimes doubt if you’re good enough for a task or job? Tim and Derek address head trash – those negative thoughts and beliefs that can hold you back. They explain where these thoughts come from and how they negatively impact your life and business and share the tools to tackle them.In this episode, they discuss:How childhood experiences can impact feelings of insecurity later in lifeThe importance of identifying where negative thought patterns come from and working to change themTools to move on from past bad experiences or negative self-talkBeing aware of how you react vs. respond to triggersEmbracing who you are instead of worrying about what others thinkSurrounding yourself with positive people who help you overcome limiting beliefsResources:💰 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

May 16, 2024 • 11min
TCF901: This is NOT a Drill
This is not a drill, and the results matter! Tom lays down some hard truths about the high stakes of running a business. Every choice you make either helps your business succeed or holds it back. He delivers a wake-up call to all the contractors to make efforts to improve their sales skills so it doesn’t hinder their success. The results of your efforts truly matter.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Everything you do matters[01:40] - The 2 types of salespeople[02:41] - True sales success[03:47] - Importance of role-playing and consistent practice[05:17] - Sales is a perishable skill[07:00] - Programs to get better at selling[08:10] - Closing remarksResources:💰 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

May 11, 2024 • 17min
TCF900: Swagger
What is swagger, and why should contractors care about developing it? Tim and Derek discuss the importance of swagger for contractors and how to develop it. They say swagger isn’t just about being loud or boastful. It’s a way of carrying yourself with confidence through your posture and communication style. Swagger gives contractors confidence when speaking to clients and making sales.In this episode, they discuss:Swagger, it’s importance for contractors, and how to develop itHaving an abundant mindset when selling, i.e., believing in yourself and your abilities even if you don’t have money or success yetStories about how Tim and Derek have grown their swagger The value of being honest and taking responsibility when mistakes happenSurrounding yourself with people who want to winResources:💰 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

May 9, 2024 • 11min
TCF899: You Will Pay Tuition No Matter What
Do you feel like you’re learning business the hard way? Taking punches you didn’t see coming? Well, as a business owner, you’re all students of business whether you like it or not. You are gonna pay tuition no matter what — either by taking punches through trial and error or by investing in coaching upfront. Tom is here to tell you that the smartest thing you can do is commit to coaching like any other important business expense, learn faster, and avoid costly mistakes.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Story of a contractor who underbid a job[00:39] - Tom’s early days in business[01:21] - Being prepared in business[02:09] - When Tom got into a fight unprepared [04:38] - Going into battle unprepared leads to losses[05:08] - You will pay tuition one way or another[06:32] - Financial loss due to lack of preparation[09:11] - Commit to coaching to dodge costly mistakesResources:💰 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

May 7, 2024 • 17min
TCF898: Permission, Rescue, Takeaway
Steve is back with another three branches from the Tree of Life. Today, he discusses Permission, Rescue, and Takeaway techniques that you can use during your sales conversations. He wants you to learn and practice these techniques to improve your sales, close deals with happy clients, and make more money.Steve has previously covered STFU, Falling on the Sword, and Bracketing techniques of the Tree of Life of Shin-Fu sales methodology. In this episode, Steve talks about:The 3 branches in the Tree of Life (sales techniques):Permission – Asking for permission before asking questions or personal information. This helps build trust with the prospects.Takeaway – Taking away parts or options of a job if it seems like they are not interested. When something is taken away from people, it makes them want it more.Rescue – Coming to the rescue when a client seems unsure or strugglingResources:💰 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