Hammer & Grind : Built For Contractors

Hosted by Brad Huebner | Contractor Business Advise

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293

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Oct 2026

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About the show

If you are a General Contractor, Remodeling Contractor, or Landscaper, this podcast is built for you. Gain insight into business, mindset, sales, marketing, systems, culture, and leadership. Through a combination of solo cast and interviews, Brad covers every area of the business side of Construction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

October 26, 202634 min

EP294: Contractor Sales Techniques: Stop Selling Estimates and Start Selling Value

Homeowners aren't just buying a finished project, they're buying the experience of working with you. So why are so many contractors losing jobs to cheaper competitors, even when they can deliver better work? In this episode, you'll learn: Why homeowners choose contractors who charge more How to stop competing on price and start selling value Why your estimate alone won't convince customers to hire you How marketing, reviews, communication, and consultations build trust Why pre-qualifying leads can save time and reduce wasted estimates How charging for consultations can help you provide a better experience How to create memorable customer experiences without spending a fortune How to standardize a unique experience that sets your business apart Ready to build a more profitable contracting business? Links to resources Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 19, 202626 min

EP293: Contractor Profit: How to Calculate Equipment ROI Before Buying

Is buying new equipment really a smart investment for your contracting business? Before you spend thousands of dollars, you need to understand the true cost of equipment ownership and how it will impact your contractor profit. In this episode, you'll learn: How to calculate equipment ROI before buying Why the purchase price doesn't tell the whole story How equipment costs can affect your contracting business's profitability How to evaluate the expected return on an equipment investment Why calculating your break-even point matters before making a purchase How to think through buying versus renting equipment How to make smarter equipment purchasing decisions that protect your profit The goal isn't simply to own better equipment. It's to make sure every major investment supports your business's financial goals. Before you buy your next piece of equipment, run the numbers. Make sure the investment makes sense for your contracting business. Ready to build a more profitable contracting business? Links to resources Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 12, 202635 min

EP292: Why Contractors Keep Facing the Same Problems and How to Fix it Once

Why do contractors keep facing the same problems, even after they've tried to fix them? Brad breaks down why so many contractors become trapped in a cycle of constant firefighting, trying to run their businesses out of their heads, and struggling to get their teams to work independently. Without documented processes, clear standards, and repeatable systems, business growth can create even more chaos. In this episode, Brad talks about: Why contractors keep solving the same business problems The difference between fixing symptoms and solving root causes How job costing reveals problems that hurt profitability When to create SOPs, checklists, rules, and automated processes How poor communication and handoffs create recurring mistakes Why contractors need to stop being the solution to everything How to empower employees to think critically and solve problems Why you should prioritize major problems before smaller ones How to build a process-driven construction business How solving one recurring problem each week can transform your business If you're tired of constantly putting out fires, working long hours, and answering every question your team brings to you, this episode will help you start building a business that runs on systems instead of depending on you for every solution. Links to resources Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 5, 202626 min

EP291: Contractor Management | How the Curse of Knowledge Keeps Contractors Stuck

Have you ever looked at one of your employees and thought, "How do they not know this?" If so, you're not alone. After years of experience, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be a beginner. In this episode, I unpack the frustrations that come from this phenomenon and how it can impact your business. Here’s what you can expect to learn: The Curse of Knowledge : Understanding how experience can lead to frustration in communication with team members. Common Sense vs. Common Experience : Why what seems obvious to you may not be clear to others. The Tapping Experiment : A demonstration of how knowledge gaps affect understanding. Beginner's Mindset : Adopting a fresh perspective to improve training and communication. Defining Standards : The importance of clear expectations and visual aids in training. Accountability vs. Experience Problems : Differentiating between accountability issues and genuine knowledge gaps. Links to resources: Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 28, 202630 min

EP290: The real cost of inexperience | Contractor Growth Secrets

Are you stuck trying to do everything on your own as a contractor? Brad breaks down the hidden price of inexperience and why hiring experts for tasks outside your core skills is crucial. Valuable advice on delegating without abdicating, managing time wisely, and boosting contractor profits. Learn to stop bottlenecking your growth and focus on what matters most. In this episode, Brad talks about: The true cost of DIY projects in your business Why your time is not free and how to assign a dollar value to it The dangers of trying to figure everything out on your own Real-life examples of costly mistakes made by business owners Strategies for effective delegation and management Links to resources: Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 21, 202635 min

EP289: Mastering Decision Velocity: How Contractors Can Win with Fast Execution

Empower your contracting business with vital tips on managing change orders, improving contractor profit, and addressing scope creep issues. From contractor marketing to business transition and cash flow management, this podcast delivers expert contractor advice and practical solutions for contractor business challenges. Elevate your contractor confidence and profit through effective decision-making and execution. In this episode, Brad talks about: The significance of executing decisions swiftly to gain a competitive edge. Understanding opportunity costs and the impact of indecision on your business. Practical strategies for setting decision deadlines and overcoming fear of failure. Real-life examples of how quick decision-making has led to success in Brad's own business. Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 14, 202647 min

EP288: Kitchen Remodeling Success | Cameron Matteucci's Business Transition Journey

Discover the inspiring business transition journey of Cameron Matteucci as he masters kitchen remodeling and builds contractor profit through focused contractor advice and project management strategies. Learn how narrowing your niche and effective business transition can lead to remodeling success and contractor profit boost. In this episode, Brad talks about: Transitioning from handyman to kitchen remodeling The importance of niching down in business Building strong relationships with subcontractors The impact of client demographics on pricing The benefits of streamlined systems in a focused business model Overcoming the fear of change and saying no to certain jobs Links to resources Connect with Cameron at Redtail Renovations Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 7, 202635 min

EP287: Scope Creep Solutions: How Contractors Can Reduce Free Work & Boost Profit

Contractors face significant profit leaks due to scope creep. This episode breaks down practical solutions including clear change order processes, tracking free work, and managing client expectations to boost your bottom line. In this episode, Brad talks about: What scope creep is and how it happens The hidden costs associated with extra work Strategies to prevent scope creep without alienating your customers The importance of having a clear change order process Tips for training your team to handle customer requests effectively Links to resources Join our new community on Skool: https://www.contractorprofitblueprint.skool.com Get your free ebook and labor burden worksheet for the first 100 sign-ups! Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 31, 202624 min

EP286: How Contractors Can Calculate True Labor Costs and Boost Profits

If you’re paying an employee $30 an hour, they don’t actually cost your construction business $30 an hour. In this episode of the Hammer & Grind Podcast, Brad Huebner breaks down how contractors can calculate their true labor costs and use the right labor burden rate to protect their profit margins. Your employee’s hourly wage is only one part of the total cost. Payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, paid time off, training, meetings, and other non-productive paid hours can significantly increase what that employee actually costs your business. You’ll learn how to: Calculate your true labor burden rate Separate employee wages from total labor costs Account for payroll taxes and workers’ compensation Factor in employee benefits and other direct labor costs Calculate the cost of non-productive paid time Determine your true cost per productive hour Understand the difference between markup and gross profit margin Avoid underpricing labor on construction estimates Identify hidden labor-related profit leaks Price your labor correctly across multiple employees and crews If you’re a contractor who wants better construction estimating, stronger profit margins, and a clearer understanding of what your employees actually cost your business, this episode is a must-listen. Get the Labor Burden Worksheet: Use the worksheet to calculate your labor burden rate and understand your true labor cost per hour, day, week, month, and year. The worksheet can also help you calculate costs for different employee teams and crews. Links to resources Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 24, 202642 min

EP285: How to Stop Costly Estimating Mistakes for Contractors

What if your contracting business is losing money before your crew ever steps onto the job site? A job doesn’t always become unprofitable during production. Sometimes, the profit was already gone the moment you sold it. In this episode, Brad talks about: The importance of accurate job costing Common estimating mistakes: guessing labor and material costs Understanding true labor burden rates The impact of non-productive time on project timelines The dangers of pricing based on competition The necessity of a clear scope of work Strategies to avoid discounting correct estimates Links to resources Grab my free job costing worksheet and start job costing every job right away. https://go.hammercrm.com/widget/form/4Bws6E9GGX0RZPoED1bn Want to go deeper? Check out the Contractor Profit Blueprint: https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com/ Book a strategy call with Brad: https://hammerandgrind.com/qualification-website Enjoying the podcast? Visit our website at https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com for the latest episodes, resources, and more. Have a question, story, or topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a message here: https://www.hammerandgrindpodcast.com/voicemail . We'd love to hear from you, and your message could be featured on a future episode! Help us get the word out to other contractors by leaving us a review or sharing our podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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