The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Struggling with cash flow is an all-too-common issue contractors deal with, but so many contractors make the same mistake over and over, which leads to their struggle with cash flow. Tom reveals the top mistakes some contractors make that mess up their cash flow and shares cash flow tips to keep your business flush with cash.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Pricing work based on your goals and numbers [00:50] - Cash flow problems [01:06] - Send those invoices! [02:34] - Hire a bookkeeper [03:03] - Finish what you start [05:16] - Pay bills on time, not early [06:12] - Negotiate payment terms with vendors [07:01] - Wrap-up Click here to listen to TCF868: Scaling to $300 million with Tommy Mello. Resources: 💰 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

Do you have a hard time managing your time? Do you feel like your time isn't your own? Do you want more freedom to do the things you actually enjoy? Getting your calendar in order is the solution to your problems. Your calendar isn't just a planner – it's your portal to personal freedom.   This week, the guys talk about how to be smart with your time and keep a good work-life balance. They also discuss their strategies for managing time effectively through their calendars. In this episode, they discuss: Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively using calendar Filling your calendar with things that matter the most to you because it's your calendar The freedom that comes from having a well-organized calendar The story about Tim learning the value of family time from Derek  The value of scheduling important personal activities like trips well in advance Using online calendars like Calendly to schedule your time  Resources: 💰 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

Tom sits down with mindset coach and The Fight team member Chris Dwyer, a.k.a Yoda, to discuss conquering your mindset and achieving your highest potential. They talk about overcoming self-limiting beliefs through a growth mindset, transforming challenges into fuel for success, conquering your thoughts to accomplish great things, and more. Tune in to learn how to develop a mindset that empowers you to succeed and unlock your true potential.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:45] - Chris’ lesson from a collarbone injury [03:00] - How Tom and Chris met [08:30] - Growth vs fixed mindsets [11:50] - Struggles with controlling thoughts [14:34] - Importance of curiosity in mindset shifts [16:36] - Making mindset changes from control paradigm [24:03] - Processing past experiences to move forward [31:12] - Overcoming guilt about success [33:41] - Raising financial thermostat through mindset [35:59] - Managing stress and short temper [40:58] - Recognizing self-talk patterns and interrogating limiting beliefs [44:58] - Climbing emotional scale for positive thoughts [46:53] - Law of Attraction and affirmations and vibrations [49:06] - Bringing positive energy and vibrations to business [54:12] - Forgiving yourself for past experiences [57:05] - Daily practices for reframing negative self-talk [58:59] - Embracing being and worthiness [1:05:34] - Role of worthiness and overcoming self-criticism [1:10:25] - Mastering your own state for inner peace [1:13:15] - Slingshot analogy: How struggles can propel us forward [1:17:37] - Overcoming depression and thriving after struggles [1:25:41] - The power of optimism without manifestation [1:33:49] - Best way to connect to Chris [1:35:02] - Major mindset shift Tom made [1:38:57] - Limiting factors to Tom’s limitless future [1:41:10] - Fully embracing joy and self-worth Resources: Chris Dwyer’s Website: https://christopher-dwyer.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

As a contractor, you’re bound to hit slow periods where work seems limited and the phone isn’t ringing. It’s easy to start doubting yourself and your sales process when all you hear is “No.” Steve has also gone through all this, but he didn’t let those No’s get him down. In this episode, he shares his experience dealing with slow periods and offers advice on how to stay positive and stick to your sales process when the No’s keep coming in.   In this episode, Steve discusses: Steve’s experience of dealing with slow periods in his business How to stay positive when the NO’s keep coming in How doubting the Shin-Fu sales process after a few rejections almost led Steve to abandon it, but sticking with it allowed him consistent bookings year after year Not doubting yourself and your sales process during slow periods Using history as a guide that slow times are temporary if you keep pushing Resources: 💰 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

Do you feel like you’re spending too much time just trying to get new customers? As a contractor, acquiring new clients can be one of the most time-consuming parts of your business. But what if there was a way to streamline that process and shorten your acquisition time? Listen in as Tim and Derek share strategies that will help you to dramatically shorten your client acquisition time.   In this episode, they discuss: How Derek closed a $10k deal over the phone in just 15 minutes  Strategies to shorten your acquisition time: Providing information upfront to speed up decisions and avoid wasting time Give clients assignments like picking favorite design options or identifying goals Discussing budget, timelines, and options clearly at the beginning to set clear expectations Resources: 💰 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

Today’s guest on the show, Nick Slavik of Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration, is an operations guru when it comes to production management. With over 40 full-time employees at 1600 production hours a week, Nick has refined systems for training, communication, and goal-setting to keep his business running smoothly. Nick shares his secrets for maximizing production through operational excellence and prioritizing his employees.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [02:24] - Nick’s background [04:13] - Managing 1600 production hours per week [07:18] - Hiring and retaining good employees [09:37] - The decent human being theory [11:07] - The best recruiting tool [15:03] - Nick’s advice for contractors [16:13] - How to make your team awake during meetings [20:14] - Details of Nick’s apprenticeship program [24:17] - Biggest challenge with the apprenticeship program [25:39] - Filling the hiring funnel [27:51] - Constantly improving your business [29:51] - Training process for crew leaders [33:55] - Vision and goals for Nick’s podcast and brand [38:55] - How Nick’s podcast helped his paint business [40:31] - Power of building your brand [43:21] - Nick’s marketing strategy [45:36] - Breakdown of Nick’s client sources [46:08] - Nurturing relationships with clients [52:58] - Best way to connect with Nick Resources: Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Website: https://nickslavik.com/  Nick’s email: nick@nickslavik.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

Want to be a ninja of sales? Join Tim and Derek as they take you to Sales DOJO – the ultimate training ground for sales ninjas. Sales DOJO is a monthly mock sales call session for battleground members, where The Fight coaches demonstrate sales techniques in front of the members. This allows the battleground members to develop and sharpen their sales skills while observing the sales processes and methods of the coaches in real-time.   In this episode, they discuss: What is sales DOJO Story of a sales call Derek had with a client during one of his Sales DOJO sessions The importance of sticking to your sales process Having clarity in communication to avoid misunderstandings Protecting your time by having clear processes and expectations in place Resources: 💰 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

Tommy Mello shares his incredible journey of scaling his garage door repair business to $300 million, focusing on health, surrounding yourself with honest feedback, and strategic planning. Discusses fast response time, strategies for scaling, and motivation for success. Offers advice on training teams, prioritizing top performers, and filtering new ideas.

Have you ever wanted to share your ideas but felt too nervous? Many people suffer from anxiety when it comes to public speaking, but staying silent won't help you. Steve wants you to UNMUTE yourself and find your voice!   Like many of you, Steve used to be terrified of speaking in front of others and felt shy about speaking up, but he soon realized how important communication is for success. He shares his journey from a shy speaker to a confident communicator and how you can unmute yourself and find your voice. In this episode, Steve talks about: How Steve overcame his fear of speaking in front of others Tips and strategies for improving your communication skills Speaking with passion and excitement to engage others Joining groups like Toastmasters where you can practice speaking in front of others Creating vlogs answering common questions about your work Roleplaying to refine your sales pitches Starting by getting comfortable talking alone, then speaking up in small groups of friends Resources: 💰 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

Learn the importance of knowing your numbers in order to sell effectively and run a successful business. Understand how to calculate and track overhead costs, negotiate bills, and maximize profitability. Discover how knowing your financial numbers impacts your sales process and allows you to build better relationships with suppliers and clients. Find out how to streamline your business, minimize costs, and confidently provide estimated prices to potential clients.