Today's guest is Trevor Tipton from @outdoorlivinginnovator in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

He has quite a story!

In this episode, among other things, you'll learn:

• To empathize with people rather than run over them.
• The importance of developing a team around you.
• There's no amount of money that will make up for a bad client.
• How to get through tough situations.
• How to position yourself in front of the right people in marketing.
• The little gift he gives every homeowner after the first visit to their home.
• The importance of networking.
• ...And So MUCH More!

This episode is jam-packed full of experience. Trevor's history is full, and he doesn't spare the goods in this interview.

If you love this show, please help spread the word and share it with others.

Thanks for joining us today!

We are behind you all the way. Go out there and work. Stay in your lane. And leave an impact on those around you.

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

How would you like to sit down with the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of NAHB? (National Association Of Homebuilders)

Well, that's exactly what we get to do today!

It is such an honor and privilege to have Lakisha Woods on the show. You get to hear some of her own story and experiences in this industry.

She also shares a very experience about one contractor in Montana who is making a difference in the lives of veterans.

Among other things she expounded on these important topics:

• Why every contractor should take advantage of social media
• How important a mentor is for contractor entrepreneurs
• The importance of reading books to help you grow
• Why the contracting industry is a key part of our economy
• Why you shouldn't listen to people who tell you can or can't do something
• ....and much more!

In addition to all of that, we talked about how NAHB is helping contractors on the local and national level. 

We also talked about the upcoming builder's show.

This year IBS2018 has:

• Over 1,400 exhibits
• Overflows 2 huge convention centers
• Is more than 1,000,000 s.f. of exhibit space (not including KBIS)
• Terry Bradshaw as opening keynote speaker
• You can win $10,000 per day

There's so much more we talked about in this single episode. It's great to hear insights from someone who sees this industry from a totally different perspective than most. 

In this episode, Lakisha also gives great advice to the new contractor just starting out. 

Thanks for joining us today!

If you love this podcast, please share with your friends, family, neighbors, cousins, aunts, uncles, upline, downline, competitors...everyone! :)

And you are welcome to contact us at anytime at: connect@protractorpodcast.com

Thank you for the difference you are making in your local community!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Sean Collinsgru from Premier Outdoor Living is our guest today! We had an awesome conversation. The main theme seemed to be centered around the importance of knowing why you are doing what you are doing.

If you know why you are working on a project, or even why you are in this business, then it will help carry you through the inevitable hard times that come with business. 

Here is just a sampling of some of things we talked about in this episode:

• Fake it till make it.
• Opportunity to be creative
• jumping right in to it
• Needing a portfolio
• Have to put your time in
• Be unique.
• Turn away people who don’t want the uniqueness.
• ...and so much more!

Listen to this episode all the way through to the end and be INSPIRED!!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

In this episode Lou Olerio from @oleriohomes talks about how he grew his home building business. He has definitely had his ups and downs, and he tells all about it in this episode.

Listen to this episode and learn:

• The key to selling more and having a successful business.
• The best way to learn this business.
• The ins and outs of builder's insurance and which one to use for each situation.
• The difference between Builder's Risk, Home Warranty, and General Liability
• The importance of protecting your personal and business assets from lawsuit
• ... and much more!

Listen to day and be inspired!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

This is a special episode where Kyle Stumpenhorst @rrbuildings goes LIVE and answers people's questions.

Contractors from all over had the chance to ask Kyle questions about his post-frame building business. He took the time to answer every one.

We have the entire session published here for your inspiration.

He revealed such things as:

• How did you get started?
• Why did you choose Post Frame construction?
• Do you pay for social media advertising?
• The 3 things you should do to get a lot of jobs as a contractor.
• ...and much more!

After you listen to the show be sure to go tell Kyle "Hi." @rrbuildings

Thanks so much for being with us this week. Have some feedback you'd like to share? Please leave a note in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this episode with Kyle Stumpenhorst, please share it with your friends by using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic episode updates for our "The Protractor Podcast!"

And be sure to check out the Contractor Resources section of our website at www.protractorpodcast.com/resources

Thanks for listening!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

[New Episode] "How This Contractor Deals With Difficult Situations In The Marketplace Without Losing His Mind"

In this episode, Blake Carter @californiadeckpros and I discuss dealing with difficult people and situations in the marketplace. Plus, much more!

So if you want to get through tough times victoriously, get more leads using social media, be more efficient with time management, and  successfully get through hard situations in the marketplace, tune in now!

In this episode, you'll discover:

- How getting screwed makes you smarter

- How to dig a hole 16’ deep by 24” wide - by hand.

- It’s important to get out there and work onsite with your employees when you can

- How responding right away with an accurate price is one secret to getting jobs

- Give someone a visual of what the finished project will look like, and you are more likely to sell that job.

- Why NOT to send design drawings until you've received the check for them.

- The importance of focusing on high quality work and knowing your value

Blake Carter is an expert deck contractor in southern CA whose accomplishments include:

- Building a multi-million dollar deck business.
- Digging a 24" hole that was 16' deep by hand.
- Getting 8-10 leads online in a day.
-...and much more!

Thanks for Tuning In!
Thanks so much for being with us this week. Have some feedback you'd like to share? Please leave a note in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this episode on dealing with difficult people in the marketplace, please share it with your friends by using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic episode updates for our "The Protractor Podcast!"

And be sure to check out the Contractor Resources section of our website at www.protractorpodcast.com/resources

Thanks for listening!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Today our guest, coming to you all the way from Prince Edward Island is Alan Muncey.

He is a carpenter, specializing in custom cabinetry and other fine finish work.

In this episode we discussed many interesting things, but one thing that stands out to me is what Alan had to say about taking on debt in business. It actually came up a few times throughout our conversation.

He also shared the story of how he got ripped off by another contractor, and what he learned from that hard lesson. Listen through to the end.

I’m confident you’ll be inspired and motivated in your own business. 

Today our guest is Austin King from @_Rafterhouse_. He has worked very hard to develop the unique feel of his brand. And His work has been featured in magazines, and on HGTV.

He shared openly with me about the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey. You’ll be inspired by the insights we discovered in his story. And as you listen through to the end, you’ll see exactly why his motto is: "Build and Learn."

Here are some things you'll find inside:

• How he uses his athletics discipline to his advantage in business.
• Why he believes that every opportunity is an opportunity to learn.
• The importance of making a clear, measurable commitment to each social media channel that you choose.
• Why you must surround yourself with good people.
• How knowing your contract and warranty is key.
• and so much more!

Austin is a very easy person to talk with about all of this stuff. I believe that you will be inspired by his story.

However, being inspired isn't enough. Allow the inspiration to turn into action. Be motivated and focused.

Don't settle for less than your best!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Our guest today is Tim Holton, from @JKHolton_inc. Tim came into the business that his father had started, which makes his story interesting… We talked about many areas of the contracting business.

A couple of things that stood out to me is what he shared about, how your reputation will haunt you or carry you for the rest of your life. If you do the right thing, you won’t have a problem getting work.

He shared many other excellent and inspiring tidbits such as:

• Why he bought the family business, instead of inheriting it.
• How he is currently marketing his business.
• His methods for estimating and change orders.
• A simple little way to get a customer for life.
• Why he got started on Instagram.
• Some thoughts on his favorite tool brands.
• A vision he has to help the hurricane victims in the south.
• ...and much, much more!

You can tell as you listen through this story, that Tim is very excited about his business. You'll be inspired, and motivated to grow your business with integrity.

Remember, your reputation can haunt you or carry you for the rest of your life. Do The Right Thing!

If you are looking for resources to help you grow and optimize your contracting business, including the books mentioned in this episode... be sure and check out the resources page on our website. protractorpodcast.com/resources

And if you would like to join us at IBS2018 in Orlando FL. Please click the banner on our website, and get registered today! 

We'd love to meet you in person there. 

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Our guest today is Freddy Roman, also known as “Period Craftsmen” on social media. His company makes top-of-the-line furniture and does intricate restoration work as well.

He has a well-rounded background in the contractor space, and so we had many things to talk about in this interview.

Such things as:

• How to price your work
• How to train a new apprentice without losing too much money in the process
• Building your brand on social media
• How to track your leads from different sources online
• Why it’s so important to educate your clients about the history and process that goes into the quality of work you produce.

… and a whole lot more!

So, listen to the end. You’re going to love this one!

Check out the Contractor Resources page on our brand new website. Link is in our bio.

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Many of you know him online as @toolaholic - His name is Kiefer Limeback - and from a little boy he’s always loved tools. He has his own remodeling company, and he gets to try out new tools almost everyday.

In this episode you will hear his thoughts on some of the latest technology, and some of his favorite tool recommendations.

Here's a taste of what you'll get inside:

• Some tools that are important for contractors getting started
• His thoughts on vans versus trucks for contractors
• All about tool storage options
• Some thoughts on providing certain tools for subs
• Types of technology we can be looking forward to
• Some personal tips for growing your Instagram audience
• Apps that connect to your tools remotely
• ...and SO MUCH MORE!

So, listen to the end, because this show is packed full of juicy tool nuggets.

.....

The International Builder's Show is just around the corner Jan 9-11 2018 in Orlando Florida. This will be the perfect place to meet up with contractors like @toolaholic, @rrbuildings, @aft_construction, yours truly, and most of the other Protractor Podcast featured guests. Just tap the banner on our resource page at protractorpodcast.com/resources for more info or to get registered. I hope to see you there!

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This is your hour. Be Inspired. Be motivated. Get Educated. Go make a difference!

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#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Today you will be inspired as you listen to this story of Andrew Mueller from @kustomcontractinginc Just like so many of you, He has not had an easy road, and has had to overcome many challenges. But he has developed some pretty impressive systems and procedures for his business, and I’m super excited to bring them to you today.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:

• How a good employee is almost like having a business partner.
• How to make sure the work gets done exactly the way you want it to get done when dealing with employees or subs.
• The importance of change orders, and documenting everything.
• Why it’s so important that you charge for your proposals, especially when it takes you a full day to write them up.
• The need to double check when you are quoting big stuff, or you could end up eating $1,000s of dollars!
• Be a giver rather than a taker and your business will prosper.
• Just eat the frog, and get it done… even if it’s something you don’t really want to do.
• …and so much more!

Andrew is excited about his business, and you can totally tell as he shares his story and experiences. His enthusiasm will fuel your own. Don’t miss out. Listen to it today!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Our guest is Mark Rason from Remarkable Woodworks. His story is very inspiring. He did not grow up using power tools, like so many of you. But rather, his background is in sales. And he had to overcame his fear of failure and launch out believing that contracting is the correct path for him and his family.

In this story he shares many insights about entrepreneurship and sales. If you are a new contractor, or haven’t even launched on your own yet, you’ll love this episode.

But even if you’ve been in the trenches for many years, i believe you’ll find some nuggets in here that you can apply to your life and business as well.

Inside this episode, Mark shares:

• 5 keys to good salesmanship
• Why it's so important to speak from the heart, and always be honest
• 3 tips to help you in your entrepreneurial journey
• The #1 thing you need before you launch out on your own
• How to use Pinterest to find leads for woodworking projects
• ...and much much more!

Mark is a very honest and transparent person. He isn't afraid to share about some of his struggles in this story, and how he overcame them. This episode will encourage you and strengthen you. 

Get in to this story today, and BE INSPIRED!

#PROTRACTORS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE! 

Our guest is Joel Grasmeyer. He is co-founder of the app Contractor Tools. His story is very interesting and inspiring, and I know you’ll find it fascinating.

In this conversation he shared with me

• 5 common issues that face contractors and how to solve them.
• How to put together a $40,000 bathroom remodeling estimate in less than 10 minutes and have it in the hands of the customer before you leave the job site!
• How Millennial homeowners are going to expect contractors to present estimates and change orders. Hint: It has to do with technology.
• An easy way to keep track of taxes when you work in multiple states.
• The missing ingredient that will allow you to charge more.

And...Towards the end of the show he gave a very generous offer which you do not want to miss out on.

This is a must listen to every contractor who wants to improve their business, especially the estimating and invoicing part of their business.

Download and listen to this conversation with Joel Grasmeyer today, and Be Inspired, Motivated & Educated!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Today our guest is Mike Rossi from @RossiConstruction near Chicago. He is very passionate about construction... as well as business and personal development, so I know you are going to love this conversation!

Inside you'll learn:

• How they process what went right and wrong after a job gets done.
• How to instruct employees without being overbearing.
• Why it's so important to start a business with the proper funding in place.
• How they are creating specific web pages to reach specific towns around Chicago, and get better leads.
• The power of Instagram geo-tags to reach your target market.
• ... and so much more!

This was a very fun conversation! Mike is so excited about his business, and you can feel it oozing out of him!

Listen today, and Be Inspired!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Our guest today is JD Dwyer @sticksandbricksdev He shared with us his story about how he grew up in construction, worked for some awesome companies, and then finally took the leap and helped start a brand new company.
.....
There are so many gold nuggets in this story. Here’s a small list of what you’ll learn inside:
▪ How JD’s life journey has led him to where he is today.
▪ Why they chose to brand their company they way did.
▪ How to deal with difficult clients without losing your reputation.
▪ The importance of sharing bonuses with your team even it’s small at first.
▪ How to make it through the difficult times in business and weather the ups and downs.
▪ Why we try to create raving fans.
▪ …and so much more!
.....
This is a story you don’t want to miss. You’ll be inspired, motivated and educated to go out there and be a little better each day.
.....
Don’t wait. Get access to this story today, and be INSPIRED!
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#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Some people are very good at showing the homeowner things they should be fixing or upgrading at some point, and other people aren't so good at it at all. That's what this episode is all about. Ben Horning @bhdb_ben shared with us how they approach their current clients with upsells.  

You'll learn in this episode:

• Why you should focus on the reason they called you and solving that issue first.
• To ask yourself, "If this were my house would I do it?"
• Why is so important to do an initial walk though of the entire house and document - even with drawings.
• How to be professional and win their trust.
• How to get them to call you back for future jobs.

This conversation is packed-full of goodies you can take with you and implement today or tomorrow.  

Dig in to this episode today and be inspired!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Someone once said... "In the construction business, you must be two things: slightly crazy and have a desire to serve people." And it is said of the Carlson family that they are a little bit of both… Whether they are crazy or not, I don't know... but one thing that came through loud and clear during this interview with Stefan Carlson, is how much they LOVE to SERVE people!

There are so many things that were said that stood out to me, but here are just a few...

• We strive to have legacy over money.
• All of our employees and clients are treated like family.
• How we track all of our selections and job costs throughout the project.
• Why branding is of utmost importance to us.
• How we learned the hard way to take our time and vet our clients.
• ... and SO MUCH MORE!

Get this episode today and be Inspired, Motivated, and Educated! There is no reason that you cannot go out and have legacy over currency in your own local community. Your legacy is up to you. May this message today, from Stefan Carlson, inspire you to be all you can be in your contracting business.

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

What is your estimating process? What have you found works really well and sets you for success when it comes to estimating? Do you have a system for estimating? These questions face every contractor in the marketplace today. 

In this episode Alex Rescha from @brothersrenovations shares exactly how he does it. You'll come away from this one with at least one useful tip you can use (and probably more than one!)

In this episode you'll learn:

• What software Alex uses (and loves)
• The agreement he gets up front from the customer (and it includes money)
• The 3 steps Alex uses every time to ensure the estimating process is a success for his company. 

... and more!

This is a short episode, but don't let that fool you. It's PACKED-FULL of very valuable experience that Alex has proven to help grow and scale his renovation company. 

Listen and learn today!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Brad Gosselink (@gosselinkfinecarpentry) grew up in the country club. His white collar parents got him a job in construction, thinking he would hate it and return to school. (but instead he fell in love with it.) He had a problem with alcohol (but has now been sober over 7 years) He and his wife separated… and on and on the story goes.

But…

These obstacles did not stop Brad from overcoming the odds, and pursuing his dream of owning and growing his own carpentry business.

Now, fast forward a few years and he’s hiring employees, purchasing another business, and collaborating with other successful contractors. In some ways the story feels like it’s just beginning.

In this Inspirational Contractor Story you’ll learn:

• Why it’s important that you show up on time
• To immediately admit it when you screw up
• How to buy an existing contracting business
• How to deal with employees
• …and much more!

Listen to this episode today, and you’ll be inspired and motivated to be a professional contractor, and leave a legacy.

#Protractors – Making A Difference!

This question is brought up often in this industry. In this episode... Ian Cheadle from @cheadleconstruction shares his answer to this question, and what that means for his business.

Listen to the show today, and be Inspired, Motivated, and Educated to be the very best contractor you can be, in your local community. 

Now is not the time to cut corners, and take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. It's time to raise the bar, and be PROFESSIONALS leaving a LEGACY that lasts. 

Don't wait. Get this episode today! And Be INSPIRED!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

In this show Cameron Gilliam shares his story of how he grew up knowing he would be a homebuilder. He talks very openly about some of the ins and outs of working in a family business.

Cameron is very passionate about doing it right. They focus on doing high quality work, and therefore they have learned to price their jobs accordingly.

We talked about the different ways that they are making a difference in their community.

It was very inspiring for me to talk to Cameron about their business and processes. And I’m sure it will be for you as well. Listen today and be INSPIRED!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

In this show Cameron Gilliam shares his story of how he grew up knowing he would be a homebuilder. He talks very openly about some of the ins and outs of working in a family business.

Cameron is very passionate about doing it right. They focus on doing high quality work, and therefore they have learned to price their jobs accordingly.

We talked about the different ways that they are making a difference in their community.

It was very inspiring for me to talk to Cameron about their business and processes. And I’m sure it will be for you as well. Listen today and be INSPIRED!

#Protractors - Making A Difference!

Finding good quality help is a challenge most contractors are facing around the world. Mike Corona @coronamarbleandtile comes on the show to answer this Ask A Protractor question. Do you look for skilled labor, or a hard working person that you can train?

We had an awesome chat together about this topic. And I know it'll be of help to you. 

So, whether you are currently looking for someone to hire, or you are thinking of doing it in the future... you'll love this episode.

#Protractors- Making A Difference! 

This story is about how Tiffany came in and saved her husband's contracting business by helping him get Quickbooks setup correctly. They burned their shoebox full of receipts and took control of their finances. 

Now Their business is thriving and turning a good profit year after year. 

I asked Tiffany how she did it, and she was more than willing to tell me. This episode answers five questions, and will leave you inspired at the potential quickbooks has to help you grow and scale your contracting business. 

So if you answer yes to even one of these following questions, then this episode is for you:

1. Do you struggle with the financial side of your business?
2. Do you put your receipts in a shoebox? (Or something similar)
3. Do you not really know if your jobs are truly profitable or not? 
4. Do you wonder what each job you do truly costs your business?
5. Do you struggle with using Quickbooks, or wonder if there are apps that could help Quickbooks run better for you?

Like I said, if you said, "Yes" to even one of those questions. Then you need to listen to this episode. 

Maybe you don't do the numbers side of your business, but your wife does, or some other person. Well, then have them listen to the episode. It will help you with the numbers side of your business. And as you already know... if you're not in control of your numbers, are you really in business?

#Protractors - Making A Difference!