The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

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.

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.

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.

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.

After a 12-year break, Tom dives back into the painting industry with Simplify Painting. He shares his motivations for starting fresh and discusses innovative strategies for lead generation, including social media and door-to-door outreach. Listeners gain insights into his impressive early sales numbers and the importance of quality control. Tom emphasizes embracing challenges and building a strong brand, all while maintaining clear communication and high standards for lasting success.

Explore the vital role of speed in communication and how it builds trust with clients. Discover tools like Calendly that streamline scheduling, putting clients in control. Hear strategies to personalize client interactions and improve satisfaction. Learn how organized systems enhance efficiency and foster loyalty. Real-world examples reveal how meeting client needs strengthens relationships. Gain insights into using customer information effectively to boost your sales approach.

Tom shares a heartfelt message to contractors who may have found themselves financially strapped this Christmas. Reflecting on his own experiences, he provides actionable insights to help you break the cycle of holiday financial stress and start building a profitable, sustainable business that supports your family and future goals.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Tom reflects on stressful Christmases and how financial struggles impact family life.[01:25] - The sting of falling short and how reacting out of fear hinders long-term success.[02:52] - The vicious cycle of debt: working half the year just to break even.[04:18] - Changing your financial mindset and habits to create a “new normal.”[05:16] - Daily habits that compound into financial stress or success.[06:14] - The critical role of discipline in business and personal finances.[07:08] - "Don’t mess with the money" — Why money discipline is essential to stability.[07:53] - Free resources available: Tom’s book, YouTube channel, podcast, and Facebook group.[08:50] - The importance of being an implementer rather than just a consumer of information.[09:16] - Commit to never being in the same financial position again by making real changes.Resources:📘 Grab a free copy of Tom’s book, Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling): https://thecontractorfight.com/book/=========================================================⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADShttps://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/=========================================================💰 Get the cheat sheet to ensure you’re bidding projects properly and maximizing profit: https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber🎙️ Listen to the podcast archives: The Contractor Fight podcast now features nearly 1,000 episodes.💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!Apple PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

In this special holiday edition, Tim and Derek reflect on the value of relationships, intentional communication, and the role of consulting fees in the contracting business. With humor and insight, they share strategies to help contractors navigate challenging conversations and set clear expectations with clients, all while maintaining a sense of gratitude and purpose during the holiday season.In this episode, they discuss:When charging a consultation fee makes sense and when it doesn’t, based on your pipeline and client needs.The true purpose of consulting: providing actionable insights that empower clients to make informed decisions.Examples of real-life client interactions, including how to handle requests for discounts from nonprofits while staying confident in your value.The importance of training and preparation for handling unexpected situations with professionalism and grace.How setting clear boundaries and understanding your worth helps build a sustainable and profitable business.Tim and Derek’s heartfelt holiday wishes to contractors, encouraging them to approach the new year with clarity and determination.Resources:=========================================================⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADShttps://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/=========================================================🛡️Join us in BATTLEGROUND - Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit: https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground💰 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💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/interventio== 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/TomReberInstagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!Apple PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention

Tom shares his candid thoughts on why he would never choose to run a handyman business and offers insights for contractors who are building their businesses. From the challenges of being a generalist to the benefits of niching down, Tom breaks down how to create a business that commands respect, earns more money, and delivers value to the right clients.In this episode, Tom discusses:The downsides of being a “jack of all trades” and why specialization leads to better profitability and credibility.How the handyman label often attracts low-budget clients who undervalue your work and question your rates.The operational chaos of managing multiple small jobs and how it hinders business growth.Real-world examples of how niching down into areas like bathroom remodeling, high-end kitchens, or custom decks has transformed businesses.Why scaling a handyman business is harder due to the challenge of finding skilled and reliable team members who can handle a variety of tasks.The importance of building a brand around a niche to charge premium rates and attract clients who value your expertise.Resources:=========================================================⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADShttps://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/=========================================================💰 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💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention== 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/TomReberInstagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!Apple PodcastsSpotify

In this episode, Tim and Derek share a critical message about mindfulness and safety on the job. They discuss the importance of staying present, learning from past mistakes, and implementing safety measures that protect the crew and the business. Using real-life experiences, they highlight why mindfulness in safety should be a non-negotiable in every contractor’s workflow.In this episode, they discuss:A personal story of a trailer hitch incident and how it reinforced the importance of thorough safety checks.The role of mindfulness in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone’s well-being on the job.How training and sharing real-life scenarios with your team can prepare them to handle unexpected challenges effectively.Essential safety measures, such as carrying safety cones, blocks of wood, and checking equipment, to avoid accidents.The long-term value of proactive safety measures in reducing insurance claims and fostering a safety-first culture.Turning mistakes into teachable moments to help the entire team grow and improve.Resources:============================================================⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business5 STEPS TO 5 STARS: HOW TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES AND NEVER RUN OUT OF LEADShttps://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/============================================================💰 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💪 Get on the podcast! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention== 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/TomReberInstagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!Apple PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Be on the Contractor Intervention! - https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention