
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

Feb 11, 2025 • 10min
TCF987: Make Your Own Luck
Luck is not a random chance; it's something you create through action. The speaker emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, urging listeners to seize opportunities rather than wait for the perfect moment. Rich anecdotes reveal how others missed pivotal chances in their lives. The discussion highlights the imperative of intentional decision-making and time management, treating time like a precious resource. Ultimately, it's about hard work meeting opportunity and shaping your own path to success.

Feb 6, 2025 • 48min
TCF986: Boost Sales with KPIs & Leadership
In this discussion, Brian Gottlieb, a powerhouse in the home improvement industry, shares invaluable insights from his journey of building and selling multi-million dollar businesses. He emphasizes the importance of KPIs and effective forecasting for scaling a business. Brian warns against premature scaling and underlines the necessity of team alignment and culture. With stories from his own experience, he highlights the significance of hiring strategically and nurturing employee purpose, paving the way for long-term success.

Jan 30, 2025 • 42min
TCF985: He's About to Deploy—Can His Business Survive Without Him?
A Marine Corps veteran and landscaper faces the challenge of running his business during a year-long deployment. The discussion covers strategic hiring, subcontracting options, and effective financial planning to keep operations afloat. They delve into the importance of maintaining customer relationships and building a robust support system while he's away. Insights on future-proofing the business and aligning family goals with entrepreneurial ambitions provide a comprehensive roadmap for any entrepreneur confronting similar hurdles.

9 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 21min
TCF984: Who to Hire
Dive into the secrets of effective hiring as the hosts explore why personality and attitude often trump skills. Discover how to set clear standards that foster accountability and boost team dynamics. Learn to identify red flags during interviews and appreciate the impact of maintaining high service standards. The conversation also highlights innovative approaches to establishing a positive company culture through recognition and support, all wrapped in engaging anecdotes from the construction world.

Jan 23, 2025 • 5min
TCF983: The Most Profitable Pricing Strategy for Contractors
Discover the key to transforming your contracting business with an effective pricing strategy that targets a 50% gross profit margin. Tom shares his own experiences with the consequences of poor pricing decisions, emphasizing the importance of a positive money mindset. Learn how limiting beliefs can hinder your financial success and explore the T-BAR framework to reshape your approach. Practical tips are provided to help build confidence in your pricing and ensure you charge what you’re worth. Unlock your potential for greater profitability!

Jan 18, 2025 • 17min
TCF982: Business Growth
Tim and Derek dive into the exciting world of growing a contracting business. They discuss when to scale and the importance of laying a strong foundation with effective tools like job management systems. Delegation is key, as it frees up owners to focus on growth. The duo highlights successful contractors who thrive on communication and efficiency. They also explore how timely customer engagement can set a business apart, emphasizing that clear communication fosters trust and loyalty, making it a game changer.

Jan 16, 2025 • 6min
TCF981: Creative Ways to Keep Income Flowing in the Slow Season
Discover clever ways to maintain your income during slow seasons. Learn how reaching out to past clients can be a goldmine for repeat business and referrals. Explore the power of networking groups—think of it like farming, where patience pays off. Find out how to add adjacent services like snow removal or holiday lighting to your offerings. Plus, dive into strategies that help boost cash flow and ensure your business thrives all year round.

Jan 11, 2025 • 17min
TCF980: 15 Minutes to Motivate
This dynamic conversation explores the art of preparation and mindset in sales. Role-playing exercises are highlighted as vital tools for building confidence and sharpening communication skills. The hosts discuss understanding client motives for faster deal closures. They emphasize the uniqueness of crafting a personal sales style while adapting proven techniques. Group coaching and learning from diverse perspectives are also key themes, along with strategies to tackle sales challenges like objections and decision-making.

Jan 9, 2025 • 8min
TCF979: Why You’re Still Broke: 3 Harsh Truths Contractors Need to Hear
The discussion dives into why contractors often find themselves financially strained, pinpointing the pitfalls of treating their business as merely transactional. Emphasizing personal discipline, the host reveals how consistency in decision-making is vital for success. A crucial shift in mindset from craftsman to business owner is explored, highlighting the necessity of embracing marketing and client relationships. Practical advice is shared to cultivate lasting connections and drive consistent leads, setting the stage for a more profitable contracting future.

Jan 4, 2025 • 16min
TCF978: Job Costing for Profit and Success
Dive into the transformative world of job costing and discover how it can boost your contracting business. Learn about common pitfalls like labor overages and the importance of real-time monitoring to stay on track. Explore strategies for managing unexpected expenses while aiming for a robust gross profit margin. Uncover the significance of accurate estimates and effective communication with vendors to enhance profitability. Lastly, hear valuable lessons from both successes and failures that will equip you for long-term growth.