
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 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!

Feb 20, 2025 • 10min
TCF991: Mindset of a 5 Million Dollar Contractor
Discover the mindsets that elevate contractors to $5 million in revenue. Emphasizing long-term vision and the power of delegation, this discussion highlights the necessity of financial literacy and customer experience. Learn why profitability trumps revenue alone, and how a culture of accountability fosters growth. Uncover strategies for effective hiring and the importance of retaining customers to ensure success. It’s all about creating a thriving business by making smart choices and embracing challenges!

Feb 18, 2025 • 16min
TCF990: We All Live in Chaos
Chaos is a universal experience, but self-awareness can help break negative cycles. Childhood influences often shape our subconscious habits, leading to self-sabotage. Embracing confidence, even by 'faking it,' is crucial in the business world. Achieving financial milestones can trigger psychological shifts that pave the way for sustainable success. Dealing with past emotional baggage is essential for long-term happiness and stability. Sometimes, hitting rock bottom can spark immense personal growth and reinvention.

Feb 15, 2025 • 17min
TCF989: Emotional Anchoring
In this engaging conversation, Derek Johnson, a Nashville contractor known for his skills in sales and client relationships, shares insights on emotional anchoring. He recounts a personal crisis involving a ceiling collapse, illustrating how emotional connections can influence client trust and decision-making. They discuss key emotional triggers that affect purchasing decisions and the importance of empathy in customer interactions. Derek emphasizes that mastering storytelling can make contractors more likable, ultimately enhancing their business relationships.

Feb 13, 2025 • 5min
TCF988: Your Business Will Never Outgrow Your Leadership
Discover how your leadership directly impacts business growth. Personal development is a must for success, and a lack of leadership can lead to stagnation. Blaming external factors? That’s a failure in leadership. Consistent improvement in leadership skills is crucial. Find out what sets thriving businesses apart from stagnant ones, and realize that your business will never outgrow your own abilities as a leader. Get ready to elevate both yourself and your enterprise!