Contracting Simplified

Latest Episodes:

[Ian Cheadle] Take Time And Enjoy The Journey May 09, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Ian Cheadle from @DaytonHardwoodCo

He is actually in the process of launching his new brand name and logo this week! He has desired for a long time to narrow down and focus on a niche, and that's exactly what he is doing. He has went from "doing it all" in construction, to specializing in hardwood floors. At the time we recorded this interview he hadn't fully decided what he was going to do with his brand name and everything, so you will hear as we discuss how he is working through all those decisions. It's a very important journey that many of us as business owners can relate to. I know you'll have a takeaway from today's story. So, listen all the way to the end. And be inspired!

Plus, We just published a brand new article on the Protractor Blog by Jonathan Walters. It's all about Construction Intuition. He talks about how to use your intuition in your contracting business. One example he works through is the estimating process. You may use science and math to create an accurate estimate, but with time you will develop intuition as well. Your intuition coupled with science and math will help you create a much more realistic estimate and safeguard you from potential problems down the road. It's a great read. Check it out today in the articles section at ProtractorPodcast.com

Also, if you have not yet got your copy of my book Contractor Marketing Simplified .. Then you can get a free copy here in the USA. This book will show you step by step how to establish your online presence in such a way that you are found by your ideal customers. If you would like to get a free copy of this book, just go to contractormarketingsimplified.com Just help with the shipping and handling and we will send you your free copy right away!

Our #ProtractorTip from Brad Leavitt with @AFT_Construction is all about "Knowing Your Demo." He stresses the importance of knowing your demographic on social media and thinking through how you post for them. It's a great tip! Listen to it today and be inspired!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[Luke Mann] Keeping The Job Site Clean and Our Customers Happy May 02, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Luke Mann from @rangelinehomes in the foothills of Denver Co. One thing you are going to notice as you listen to this story, is Luke's passion for cleanliness and attention to detail. It's one thing to have a contracting company, but it's another thing to run it well. And that is what Luke's story inspires us to do.

I know you'll have a takeaway from today's story. So, listen all the way to the end. And be inspired!

We have a new author on our team who just came out with a brand blog post on protractorpodcast.com. His name is Lawrence Winterburn @gardenstructure , and he's started a blog series called Sales 101. This first blog post in this series is all about How to find the right leads for your contracting company. It is a great read for both new contractors as well as those who've been in the trenches for a while now. Check it out today in the articles section at ProtractorPodcast.com

Today's #protractortip is from Brad Leavitt @aft_construction is all about [Good Photography] This tip is a "must listen" if you are serious about marketing your business effectively!

Also mentioned in today's show:

Matt Risinger @risingerbuild Lou Olerio @oleriohomes Shawn Van Dyke @shawnvandyke

Today's the Day! Seize the moment! Stay Focused! And go make a difference!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[Derek Nichelson] The Very Inspiring Story Behind Redeemed Construction Apr 25, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Derek Nichelson from @redeemedconstruction ... Derek is a boutique home builder in Florida. He had kind of a rough time period in his life, and hence the name Redeemed Construction. He goes on to tell some of the insights he's learned through the years. HIs is a very inspiring story. I know you're going to have at least one takeaway from it today. So, listen all the way to the end. And be inspired!

Announcements:

First of all, We had a great response to the Protractor Website Spring Promotion, and all 10 spots are now full. If you would like to get in on that the next time we launch, then go ahead and join the waiting list at protractormedia.com … it's free to join, and we'll give you a special offer before we launch publicly. Again, you can get signed up at protractormedia.com

Secondly, we have a new article on our blog by Jonathan Walters called "Fail Forward." This is a very important concept for all business people, but especially applies to contractors. If you find yourself paralyzed by fear of failure, then you should take 5 minutes out of your day and read this article. It could totally change your perspective, and thus your life. Check it out in the articles section at ProtractorPodcast.com

The Protractor Tip by Brad Leavitt @aft_construction is all about showing love to your designers and architects. A very important tip!

Also mentioned in today's show is Morgan Molitor @construction2style and some tips she gave about social media marketing.

There is so much packed in today's show. You're going to be INSPIRED!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[Nate Seaborn] Put A Strong Emphasis On Customer Service And Make Your Clients Happy. Apr 18, 2018

Show notes

[New Episode!] Today's featured guest is Nate Seaborn from @NateSeabornConstruction ... He is a general contractor who is passionate about putting a strong emphasis on customer service, and making their clients happy. Today we get to listen to his story, hear some of his ups and downs, and how his business has evolved to where it is today. For some of you this story will give you the inspiration to keep going, or the motivation to get up and try. So, listen all the way to the end. And you'll be inspired!

Today's Protractor tip is from Brad Leavitt @aft_construction ... He shares about the importance of good communication. And he gives some insights on how to make it a part of your contracting company. Very good Tips!

Also... Here at Protractor Media we have just launched our Spring website promotion. This spring we are taking on 10 new contractors to help with your website and online directory listings. At the time of this recording we have 6 already signed up. So, if you would like website help from someone who specifically knows the contracting industry and helps contractors with websites and online presence, then this is for you. Go to www.protractormedia.com to get in. Oh! And Please be aware that this spring promotion ends on April 22 or after 10 contractors sign up. So, if you want in, drop what you are doing and go get in right now! That's at www.protractormedia.com

Secondly, we have a new author with a new blog post on our Protractor Blog. It's Janice Stitzer from @cigconstruction, and her article is all about "Why Contractors Need to Deliver on the Customer Experience – Not Just a Quality Product" It's a super important article for contractors, especially in this day and age. It would make a great read on your lunchbreak today, or this evening after you tuck your kids in bed. Check it out at www.ProtractorPodcast.com

Thanks so much for joining us today!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[Jobson Chrisostomo] Even If You Don't Make A Profit - Keep Your Word Apr 11, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Jobson Crisostomo from Affordable Handyman of Greenwhich. @ahofgreenwich

He came to the USA when he was 10 years old. He learned immediately that he could make a little money recycling cans. He saved up enough money to buy his first bicycle, and kept growing and learning. He learned carpentry from a high-end builder, and eventually started his own handyman company. Now, he is quite successful at it, and is making plans to open a second branch, and perhaps start a franchise. He stresses a few things throughout the show like the importance of keeping your word, coaching your team, and keeping yourself and your job clean. Listen to the end. You'll be inspired!

Our Protractor Tip is from Brad Leavitt from @aft_construction. In this tip he tells how they are able to keep their jobsites sparkling clean.

Be sure to check out the new article on our blog by Jonathan Walters jwalters_build In this article he shares all about the Contract-ing part of Contracting. He starts off the article by giving a list of General Contract Requirements. Then, he goes into detail describing the different contract types. He even shows different numbers examples, to help you understand how this might work in your business. This is an awesome article that will be very helpful to you. To read this article, simply go to www.protractorpodcast.com and tap the Articles link in the menu bar.

Thanks for your encouragement and support of this contractor podcast!

Let us know if you have any comments, or questions at connect@protractorpodcast.com

Thanks!

See you in the next episode of the Protractor Podcast!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[Brad Leavitt LIVE] Inside Secrets To Running A Highly Successful Contracting Company Apr 04, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Brad Leavitt from @aft_construction He runs a high end boutique building firm in Phoenix AZ. Awhile back we asked him to go LIVE on our Instagram account. He did such a great job answering questions and giving insights.

***** In fact, I've received messages, and he's received messages saying that was THE BEST IG LIVE SESSION they've ever heard!!! ***** Thankfully, we were able to record it. And here it is today. ***** There's so much insight here. Brad has so much experience running an efficient and professional contracting company. You would do very well to listen through to the end, and take notes. And then, Implement what he tells you today, and put these insights to work in your own business. ***** Alright, are you ready? It's time to dive in to this recorded LIVE session with Brad Leavitt! ***** Some bullets of what's inside: ▪ Chase Experience And Not Money ▪ It's a fact of life. Nothing is going to come quick, and it's not going to come easy. Especially in construction. You're going to have to work hard. ▪ Communication is a lost art. It is vital. ▪ If one of the trades leaves trash on our job site, we will fine them. ▪ How to be open with your client about your pricing in a way that builds trust. ▪ "I'm a nice guy, but don't confuse my kindness with weakness." ▪ We post pictures of our work on Google Local Page every day, and it's amazing how many times those pictures get viewed. It helps get our name out there." ▪ LinkedIn has been a huge resource that has allowed us to expand our trade base and pool of sub contractors. And Much, Much MORE!! Get this episode today! ***** #contractorpodcast #contractormarketing #protractorpodcast #contractorinsight #contractortips #contractor #contractors #protractors #protractormedia #contractorcompany #inspiration #motivation #boutiquebuilder #customhomebuilder #customhomes

[Bryant Isaacs] Don't Give Up Even If It Doesn't Come Easily Mar 28, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Bryant Isaacs with Target Combined Services. @targetcontracting I met Bryant down in Florida at the Builder's Show, and I was immediately impressed with his infectious smile, and his drive & determination. But what I didn't know was the crazy story behind all this drive and determination, which has its roots all the way back when he was 16. His success certainly hasn't came easily as you will hear throughout this interview. But even though he's been through some hard times, one thing is for certain… he never gave up. Which is part of his advice, as well as the title of today's show. So, listen all the way through! You'll be INSPIRED!

This week's Protractor Tip is from Brad Leavitt with AFT Construction. He talks about sticking with what you're good at, and not trying to be everything to everybody. He gives some great examples, and lots of insight. Be sure to check it out!

Announcements:

Check out the brand new article that just went live on our Protractor Blog. It's written by Jonathan Walters, who is a project manager on one of the HGTV shows, and his blog post this week is all about the Top 5 Phone Numbers You Should Have on Speed Dial. This is a fun and informative read. Check it out… some of his suggestions may surprise you. To read this article, simply go to www.protractorpodcast.com and tap the Articles link in the menu bar.

Secondly, I want to let you know about my book: Contractor Marketing Simplified. If it's your desire to build your online presence as a contractor, but don't know how to do it, then this book is for you. Right now, I'm offering it for free in the USA. All I ask you to do is help with the shipping & handling. To get your free copy, just go to www.contractormarketingsimplified.com fill out the forms on that page, and we'll get a copy sent out to you.

Some great quotes from today's show:

Don't give up!
It doesn't come easy.
Keep everything organized. Organization will sell yourself on a job site.
Make sure you go through the right learning steps before starting out.
Use social media to the best of your abilities.
Keep up with the times.

That's all for this week! Share, Comment, Like, Review! Thanks for your support! and see you next week!

[Darrin Marcure] The Importance Of Being Professional And Keeping Your Standards High Mar 21, 2018

Show notes

Today's featured guest is Darrin Marcure from @ezwindowanddoor. He specializes in high quality window and door installation, and On social media he calls himself an "Exterior Remodeling Lover." Darrin is passionate about being a professional and Holding the profession to the highest standards. He is Trying his hardest to improve the image of this profession, and make a difference in the next generation. listen all the way through and You'll be inspired.

***** The Protractor Tip today from Brad Leavitt @aft_construction is all about "Setting Expectations." This tip goes right along with everything Darrin says about professionalism and high standards. You don't want to miss it! ***** Announcements: 1) We are still looking for Protractors who enjoy writing to join our Protractor Blogging Team. If you're interested, let us know at connect@protractorpodcast.com 2) If you're wanting help building and maintaining a professional website, join our waiting list at www.protractormedia.com ***** Some takeways from Darrin Marcure: -Networking is a very important part. -Who you know today is going to be where you are 5 years from now. -Network at your local supply house. -Always answer your phone. -Return all the phone calls. -Submit your bids.

[Jamie Verdura] The Importance Of Building An All Star Team Mar 14, 2018

Show notes

Jamie Verdura from @verduraconstruction is our featured guest this week. He is passionate about building an all star team. You'll see what I mean as you listen through this episode.

Also, be sure and listen to the #ProtractorTip at the beginning of this show by Brad Leavitt @aft_construction. He talks about the most important assets in your business. (hint: it goes right along with this show's theme)

We'll be running our website promotion for 10 contractors very soon. So, if you don't want to miss out, then sign up for our waiting list at: www.protractormedia.com

Also, if you are interested in writing helpful "contractor content" for our blog, please send me an email at: connect@protractorpodcast.com

Thank you so much for listening! Martin, your host

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

New Season Updates & Announcements Feb 23, 2018

Show notes

This is a very short episode simply to let you know that we are working on the new season and it will be coming to you before long. Thank you!

Martin