
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 24, 2022 • 9min
TCF609: Friday Fails - Leadership Pitfalls and Tips
Some people are born with the gift of leadership, while others learn it through experiences. As a leader, have you made any mistakes so far? If so, what have you learned from them? Dan shares the mistakes he made as a leader and the lessons he's learned from them. Let's learn from his mistakes! In this episode, we talk about… Mistakes that Dan made as a leader and what he learned from them Some advice to improve your leadership skills: Not setting unrealistic expectations from your employees Seeing the things from the perspective of your people; not your own Resources: == Check out Contractor Sales Pros on Facebook. The place to ask questions and share strategies and best practices to help each other get better as salespeople in the construction industry: https://thecontractorfight.com/salespro == 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

Jun 23, 2022 • 31min
TCF608: Contractor Q&A: “How to Handle Big Job Offers That Aren't in Line with Your Rates?”
Tom and Dan provide advice to David, who is in talks with a commercial client regarding a project involving work at 59 different stores; however, the client offers a significantly lower amount than David expects. In this episode, we talk about… Roleplay of what the prequalifying process would be like in this scenario How working at different locations at the same time looks like Not being locked into a deal that you're losing — getting the job at 59 stores not at your numbers is not good for you Some tips when you're dealing with a commercial client Resources: Submit your questions to help@thecontractorfight.com with the subject “Podcast” and Tom and Dan will try to answer them on an upcoming show. Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob Are you stealing money from your family because you aren’t charging enough for your services? Discover what you SHOULD be charging. Download our 50% Gross Profit cheat sheet: https://thecontractorfight.com/50 == 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 == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 22, 2022 • 28min
TCF607: Workstyle of Young Contractors with Troy Galletly
Today's guest on the show is 28 years old Troy Galletly, the owner of Excavation Contractors, who established his business two years back during COVID-19. He discussed with Tom his thoughts on recruiting younger people and the poor reputation young people have among the older generation regarding easy success, no effort to work, untrustworthiness, etc. In this episode, we talk about… The benefits Troy gained from studying construction management in college About the reputation of young people that they just want the easy route and are unwilling to work Advise someone who thinks young people don't want to work and are untrustworthy Giving your team members the freedom to make mistakes and learn Tips for someone who isn't having any success with their ads How his perception of business coaching changed after joining The Fight A few things he is looking forward to at the Denver Event Advice to contractors about recession Resources: = Excavation Contractors: https://www.excavationcon.com/ = 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 = The profit you earn starts with the stories you tell. Most contractors will never build their empire because they're telling the WRONG stories. Join us this September in Denver, and learn how to control your story and your profit. https://thecontractorfight.com/mhps = Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book = Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook = Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ = Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 21, 2022 • 24min
TCF606: The Sales Show - Three Ways You're Pushing Your Buyers Away
Tom, Steve, and Derek talk about three ways you may be pushing clients away instead of attracting them. Listen in and check with yourself if you're making any. These mistakes are not only about how you're pushing your buyers away; it's about how you're pushing them toward your competitors. In this episode, we talk about… Ways you're pushing your buyers away: Lack of communication skills — learn to hear what isn't said. The way you represent yourself — your physical appearance, how you show up, your confidence, etc There is no website, no display material — you are unprepared and unstructured Things that will pull people towards you in the sales process instead of pushing them away Resources: This episode is sponsored by Andersen, manufacturer of the iconic 400 Series Windows: https://andersenwindows.com/ Need to level-up your sales game? Check out Contractor Sales Pros on Facebook: https://thecontractorfight.com/salespro == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 20, 2022 • 6min
TCF605: Monday Mojo - Walk into the Punch
The idea of avoiding discomfort is like trying to stop yourself from aging; it will happen anyway, so why not embrace it? You can't really make progress in life or business if you don't experience discomfort. Tom wants you to be the type of person who walks into the punch, i.e., embraces the discomfort. In this episode, we talk about… Jumping outside your comfort zone and embracing the discomfort Not being afraid of taking risks and experiencing some pain Viewing discomfort as an opportunity for growth Resources: == Whether you are struggling or succeeding in your business, there is always something you can learn and apply to take it to the next level. Attend the Mile High-Profit Summit and gain some valuable insights on how to grow your business: https://thecontractorfight.com/mhps If you enjoy the podcast please consider leaving us a rating and share the show with a fellow contractor: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-contractor-fight-with-tom-reber/id964304361 Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomreber == 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 free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 18, 2022 • 6min
TCF604: The Long & Short of It - Be Yourself
If you are not fully being yourself, you're robbing the world of your best qualities, your greatest talents! Tim and Greg want you to be authentic and not hide behind a mask that is not really you. In this episode, we talk about… The importance of being true to yourself Having confidence in yourself and doing things your way, not the way others do them Being yourself when communicating with clients Resources: Tim Cutroni, Pond Builder with New England Aquatic Landscapes - https://iloveponds.com/ Download The Contractor’s Guide to Spotting a Cheap Prospect BEFORE They Waste Your Time and never hear “we need to think about it” again!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 == Order your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == 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

Jun 17, 2022 • 8min
TCF603: Friday Fails - Leadership Lessons
Listen to Dan as he tells a story about an experience that taught him his biggest leadership lessons. He shares what he learned from that experience and how it can help you. In this episode, we talk about… The incident happened to Dan while he was on a trip The lesson Dan learned from that incident that he applies to his business Complacency — Don't be blinded by your complacency when it comes to the obvious pitfalls in your decisions Haste — Be realistic about timing; impatience leads to poor decisions Ego — Your choices shouldn’t be driven by ego Resources: == Check out Contractor Sales Pros on Facebook. The place to ask questions and share strategies and best practices to help each other get better as salespeople in the construction industry: https://thecontractorfight.com/salespro == 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

Jun 16, 2022 • 23min
TCF602: Contractor Q&A: “What is the Easiest Way to Get Work?”
Tom answers your questions about the 50% GP rule, charging labor costs, the breakeven point of new locations, applying Shin Fu principles to commercial business, hiring, advice on getting contractor licenses, and more. In this episode, we talk about… Question1: What's the easiest and fastest way to pass the builders test and get work? The easiest way to pass the test is to study to put in the work If you're looking for an easy button, you're not cut out on your business. Question2: According to commercial sense, you cannot apply Shin Fu teachings. You submit the bid to 50 to 70% GP and hope they choose you. What is your take on this? They can be used once relationships have been established. You should not just submit bids as there is nothing unique about it — there is no positioning and branding etc Question3: How do I deal with trolls who just want to knock your work or tell them you're doing it all wrong on social media? Don't care about people ripping on your work. Build your brand, create content, be the publisher, be the editor, be the educator Question4: What is the key difference between LLC and DBA. And what should we choose when starting our business depending on trade? Hire a CPA and an attorney Do not be a sole proprietorship because you are not protected. Resources: Submit your questions to help@thecontractorfight.com with the subject “Podcast” and Tom and Dan will try to answer them on an upcoming show. Visit our sponsors of this episode, NiceJob. NiceJob is Reputation Marketing software that will help your business collect 2-3 times more reviews on Google, Facebook, and the platforms that matter. Don’t forget to use code “Fight” for $50 off the first month on new accounts! https://www.TheContractorFight.com/nicejob Are you stealing money from your family because you aren’t charging enough for your services? Discover what you SHOULD be charging. Download our 50% Gross Profit cheat sheet: https://thecontractorfight.com/50 == 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 == Order your free copy of Tom’s book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 15, 2022 • 44min
TCF601: Learning from Challenges and Moving Forward with Matt Adamiec
Tom talks with Matt Adamiec — the founder of Valdek Construction, an interior remodeling company in Winnipeg city of Manitoba, Canada. They discussed Matt's experience at the Mile High-Profit Summit, as well as challenges he experienced along the way and the secrets behind running a successful business. In this episode, we talk about… Matt's backstory and his business Challenges he faced and encouragement for enjoying the process of the change His experience at the Mile High-Profit Summit His advice to people who are hesitating to attend the Mile High-Profit Summit How changing his mindset helped him with his business and relationships How your biggest priority in life impacts your business A secret sauce to success that a lot of business owners are missing Understanding the purpose of running your business Winning the moments Resources: = Valdek Construction: https://valdekconstruction.com/ = If you're ready to take your business to the next level, you don't want to miss this opportunity. Mile High Profit Summit brings together the best experts in the industry, so you can up your game in everything from communicating with your clients to strengthening your contracts and mastering social media. You don't want to miss this opportunity. Tickets are selling fast! https://thecontractorfight.com/mhps = 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 = The profit you earn starts with the stories you tell. Most contractors will never build their empire because they're telling the WRONG stories. Join us this September in Denver, and learn how to control your story and your profit. https://thecontractorfight.com/mhps = Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship): https://thecontractorfight.com/book = Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook = Grab the Gear: https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ = Find Us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig

Jun 14, 2022 • 31min
TCF600: The Sales Show - Building Rapport
Building rapport is a crucial component of the sales process. The more rapport you build with a customer, the more likely they are to buy your service. Tom and Derek talk about various ways to build rapport and make more sales. In this episode, we talk about… One of the unique ways Tom ever built rapport What rapport building is all about Finding common ground or having a conversation is not the same as building true rapport Some tips for building rapport with another individual The power of listening Resources: This episode is sponsored by Andersen, manufacturer of the iconic 400 Series Windows: https://andersenwindows.com/ Need to level-up your sales game? Check out Contractor Sales Pros on Facebook: https://thecontractorfight.com/salespro == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Up your sales game! Find everything your contracting business needs to price, sell and produce for profit in one comprehensive program - BATTLEGROUND. For more info check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your free copy of Tom's book Winning the Contractor Fight (Just pay to ship) == https://thecontractorfight.com/book == Connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: http://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: http://thecontractorfight.com/ig