The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Tom's guest today is Tony Ruffin. Tony talks about his transition from selling drugs to the construction industry, the time and lessons he learned in prison, and how he used his past mistakes as a strength to build a successful business.   This episode is different — it's raw, it's real, and it offers an exceptional experience. If you're struggling to overcome your past mistakes and move ahead in life, then this episode is for you! Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Welcome notes and Tony's intro [04:29] - Reason for Tony's imprisonment [05:58] - Tony's perspective on post-release life as a felon [11:22] - Starting anew after serving 17.7% of life in prison [14:31] - How Tony got into drug dealing [17:23] - The skill from drug dealing that's benefiting Tony's business now [20:21] - Tony's message for those struggling to move past mistakes [23:11] - Tony's most significant self-discovery [31:34] - Best way to connect with Tony Resources: = All Things Remodeling Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AllThingsRemodelingMD/    💸 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

Salespeople are often seen as slimy and manipulative. This negative stereotype is common, and it's not hard to see why. In this episode, Tom explores how to change this negative perception and increase your sales without resorting to manipulative tactics.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [01:01] - What is not your job as a salesperson [01:52] - Your actual job as a salesperson [02:45] - The fastest and easiest way to move the sale forward. [05:05] - Differentiating yourself from the competition [07:25] - The Fight member's story from loss to $3.4 million sales [08:46] - Learn to differentiate and meet more needs. Resources: Go to http://TheContractorFight.com/Sell to get your hands on the training that has changed thousands of lives of contractors just like you all over the world, Shin-Fu Sales Training. 💸 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

In this episode, Tom talks with Maggie and Hailey from the PCA (Painting Contractors Association), the oldest trade organization in the US for all trades. The three talked about various topics related to the PCA, including how the organization helps contractors achieve their personal and professional goals.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:29] - About Painting Contractors Association [01:40] - Maggie and Haley’s intro [03:07] - Advantages of being a member of the PCA [05:43] - The Craftsmanship Forum [07:44] - About the PaintED Podcast [09:47] - Benefits of joining the PCA [11:23] - The power of the community in fostering business development [13:36] - EXPO 2023 — The national convention for painting contractors [16:35] - Paint-It-Forward event [17:45] - Closing Resources: PCA EXPO - https://www.pcapainted.org/expo/  💸 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 

In this episode, Tom talks about how the best salespeople are not always the best at talking. Instead, they are the best at listening. He explains how keeping quiet and letting the customer speak can help you better understand their needs and desires.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro - How to increase your sales by keeping quiet [00:37] - Stop this traditional selling approach [01:40] - A more effective way to sell [03:40] - Reframing the conversation while selling [06:25] - The power of saying, "That's interesting." [07:13] - Dealing with financial budget objections [08:33] - Closing remarks - Keep control by listening more Resources:  💸 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 reveals the most critical aspect you need to master to build a thriving and profitable contracting business. And it's not about selling, marketing, or finances — although these are essential — but rather, one crucial element that takes precedence over all of these. Tune in now to know what it is!   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:39] - The key factor for scaling your business [01:35] - The fear of the outsider [02:18] - Becoming a people expert [04:16] - Reducing the fear of the outsider with your clients [06:40] - Fostering community within your organization [10:35] - Closing remarks — becoming a people expert   Resources:    💸 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 

What do you mean when you say value? How do you convey the value of your services to prospects in a way that justifies your price and expresses why you think they should hire you? When you learn how to communicate value in a way that means something to your prospects, you can command higher prices. In our Shin-Fu Sales process, we call this uncovering the motive. In this episode, Tom breaks down the principles of creating value and how to know if somebody sees value in you and your company. He gives a 30,000-foot view of The Motive step in our sales process. 💵 COMING SOON! Our Shin-Fu Sales Training course is a proven sales process successful contractors use to close high-profit deals while protecting their time from tire kickers. Grab our FREE Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects AND be the first to know when this powerful Shin-Fu training drops. Grab the guide here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro — Value creation [00:36] - What it really means to create value [01:41] - The keys to creating value [02:50] - Uncovering the motive  [06:14] - Effective questioning technique [07:37] - Closing remarks    Resources:    💸 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 

Millions of people in almost every corner of the world set New Year's Goals. But only a small percentage of those people succeed in achieving them. So, in this episode, Tom shares some tips on goal setting that will be extremely powerful when it comes to achieving the things you want. Tune in now!   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:40] - Things Tom has learned about setting goals [01:42] - Set extremely challenging goals [04:00] - Be very specific [06:42] - Ignore the timeframe [08:25] - Break your goals into daily activities [10:40] - Talk like you've achieved the goal   Resources:    💸 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 talks with April Hall, of the SRC Summit. April comes from a construction family and started her own construction company while in college. Through the SRC Summit, April brings together contractors from all over the United States for learning, networking, and fun, featuring some of the industry's top experts to share their strategies for success and bring integrity and education to the contracting market.   In this episode, we talk about…  About the SRC Summit — why she started it, its history, and what contractors can expect April's experience starting her own business at a young age Mistakes most contractors make when building their businesses April’s advice for contractors who understand the importance of training, but are struggling due to lack of money Some marketing tips and strategies for contractors   Resources:    == SRC Summit: https://www.srcsummit.com/    💸 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 

In this episode, Tom walks through how to bid for interior painting projects. He explains why your price may be higher or lower than your competition's and shares some important considerations for estimating projects in the painting business.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction [00:33] - Identifying leaks in your business [02:25] - Pricing strategies in the construction industry [03:09] - Scientific approach for pricing [04:30] - The importance of production rates [07:23] - “Take some time and track” [09:44] - Bidding for repainting a 12 x 12 room [13:08] - The art and science of estimating [16:16] - Optimizing productivity through task time management [18:00] - The Fight GPS call   Resources:  == Find out what's holding you back from making more money. Discover the leaks in your business and learn how to fix them with The Fight GPS Call. Visit contractorfight.com/gps   💸 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    == Let us help you take your business to the next level. Check out our Foundations Program: https://thecontractorfight.com/foundations/    == 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

How do you market your company to the right people? Tom talks to Jeani Ringkob from StoryBuilt Marketing about how to use marketing to recruit your ideal employee and how to target the right people for your business, so you continue to build your team and grow your business. Jeani is a speaker and marketing coach who comes from a third-generation construction family.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro — How to use marketing to recruit and build your team [01:46] - Jeani’s backstory [04:23] - The trades industry is all about relationships [08:22] - Things that women do better than men in the contracting industry [13:18] - Every business owner should be prepared for a crisis [14:06] - Examining the labor shortage issue through history [16:46] - How the Boomers impacted the labor workforce [18:15] - Signs of workforce shortage [23:22] - An example of a marketing headline to use for recruiting  [27:07] - Marketing tips and strategies for recruiting employees [30:19] - Designing, implementing, and investigating your marketing strategy [30:51] - The litmus test for job fairs  [34:48] - Word-of-mouth marketing [36:41] - Tactics to identify your ideal hire [39:45] - Nick Saban’s approach to recruiting [41:14] - The right time to recruit effectively [45:36] - About StoryBuilt Marketing [46:55] - Marketing-related books recommendations   Resources:  == StoryBuilt Marketing: https://www.storybuilt.marketing/    💸 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    == Let us help you take your business to the next level. Check out our Foundations Program: https://thecontractorfight.com/foundations/    == 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