Podcast
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Hosted by Caleb Auman · EN
A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. "The Kid" has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.
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Episodes
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Ep 709. How to Stop Limiting Your Company's Potential
May 2700:31:28Tap to summarizeCaleb and Brittany discuss the logistical challenges of managing a high-volume landscaping business during a busy spring season. They emphasize the importance of operational efficiency, highlighting how purpose-built facilities and software like Company Cam help prevent costly communication errors on job sites. Much of the conversation focuses on the growth mindset required to transition from a small-scale operation to a professional firm, including the need to optimize workspace layouts and streamline daily routines like fueling. Caleb reflects on the "cost of growth" as a process of abandoning old, inefficient mentalities to embrace specialized systems and better resource management. Key Takeaways: Maximize the efficiency of whatever space you currently have, whether it is a small garage, an old barn, or a large facility. Shift time-consuming tasks like fueling and loading equipment to the end of the workday to ensure a faster start the following morning. Use visual documentation and clear notes on every project to prevent costly miscommunications and delays. Identify and eliminate small, repetitive time-wasters that compound into significant operational costs over the long term. Challenge the mental barriers and old habits that limit your ability to scale and improve your professional life. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩❤️👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/
Transcribe →Ep 708. Escape the Owner's Trap: How Documentation Allows You to Replace Yourself in the Field w/ Tony Bass
May 2101:11:09Tap to summarizeCaleb interviews Tony Bass, a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant who specializes in building profitable, systems-driven landscape companies. Bass emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and shares strategies for finding and retaining high-quality employees by focusing on their specific needs and psychological drivers. He argues that business owners must move away from manual labor toward documented processes, allowing them to scale and eventually replace themselves in daily tasks. The discussion highlights how frequent feedback and incremental raises can improve staff loyalty and performance. Bass also advocates for fiscal conservatism, suggesting that contractors maintain a full year of overhead in cash to ensure long-term stability. Key Takeaways: Revamp your recruitment strategy by using "fresh start" headlines in job ads to attract a broader audience instead of only targeting candidates with specific technical titles. Create an automated filtering process for new hires by using audio or video recordings to answer frequently asked questions before you commit to an in-person interview. Boost employee retention by providing frequent, small incremental raises and immediate recognition for new technical skills or educational achievements. Systematize your business by documenting every repetitive task in detail so that you can eventually replace yourself in the field and focus on high-level management. Build a solid financial foundation by setting a goal to save one full year's worth of company overhead in cash to protect the business against future economic downturns. Super Lawn Tool Kit: https://superlawntoolkit.com/ Finding Great Employees: https://superlawntoolkit.com/finding-employees/ 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩❤️👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/
Transcribe →Ep 707. Hardscape Hustle and Household Friction: Managing Business and Marriage
May 1900:44:56Tap to summarizeThis a lively and contentious episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, hosted by Caleb Auman alongside his wife, Brittany. The conversation highlights the financial and operational tensions inherent in running a multi-million dollar landscaping business, specifically focusing on Caleb's recent unplanned equipment purchases and job costing errors. Brittany challenges Caleb on his lack of administrative discipline, criticizing his failure to follow change order protocols which resulted in a project yielding a minimal $290 profit. The episode serves as a raw look at the realities of spousal business partnerships, balancing technical industry talk with the logistical struggles of scaling a trade company. Key Takeaways: Closely monitor your business financials and net profit margins to ensure that your hard work is actually resulting in a profitable enterprise. Implement and strictly follow standardized protocols for change orders to capture all billable work and prevent revenue from slipping through the cracks. Adopt a proactive mentality regarding equipment maintenance by replacing unreliable tools that waste valuable time and energy. Become a technical expert in your specific industry to build trust with clients and effectively communicate the value of your services. Establish clear boundaries and communication channels when running a business with a spouse to manage the inevitable friction that comes with shared professional and personal responsibilities. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩❤️👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/
Transcribe →Ep 706. Stop Being Busy, Start Building: The Power of the "One Thing"
May 1400:40:19Tap to summarizeCaleb and Brittany, focus on the transition from being a busy business owner to becoming a strategic leader who builds scalable systems. They emphasize the "automate, delegate, and eliminate" framework to help contractors reclaim their time and focus on high-level growth. They argue that entrepreneurs are often the primary bottleneck in their own companies and must undergo a mindset shift to fix systemic issues. Additionally, the discussion highlights various industry tools and resources, such as LMN and Cycle CPA, which provide the data and structure necessary for long-term success. Through candid dialogue, the Aumans advocate for extreme accountability and the implementation of standard operating procedures to move beyond daily chaos. Key Takeaways: Perform a daily task audit to categorize activities into things you can automate, delegate to others, or eliminate entirely. Focus on your "one thing" each day by identifying and completing the most critical task that drives long-term progress before getting bogged down in minor details. Build scalable systems and clear processes to replace yourself in the day-to-day operations so the business can thrive without your constant presence. Adopt a growth mindset that accepts personal responsibility for business failures, recognizing that a company's success is limited by the founder's own capacity. Protect your most valuable resource—time—by cutting out low-value clients and administrative distractions that do not contribute to your ultimate goals. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩❤️👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/
Transcribe →Ep 705. Clearing the Fog: Lessons on Life, Legacy, and Loss
May 1200:22:36Tap to summarizeCaleb reflects on the anniversary of his father's passing and the lessons learned from that experience. He introduces the concept of a "fog" that often clouds judgment during times of intense grief, advising listeners to avoid making major life decisions until they can think clearly. Auman honors his father's legacy by discussing the foundational trade skills, spiritual values, and constitutional principles passed down to him. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family time over work, reminding his audience that personal connections are far more valuable than professional achievements. Key Takeaways: Avoid making major life or financial decisions while experiencing the "fog" of grief, as emotional distress can cloud your judgment and lead to mistakes. Prioritize spending meaningful time with family and loved ones over extra work, because you will likely never regret working less when looking back on your life. Practice the skill of active listening by using your ears more than your mouth to gain wisdom and information from others. Proactively seek out mentors and learn as much as possible from the people in your life, regardless of your age or professional experience. Ensure your family is protected for the future by managing your finances responsibly and setting up assets like life insurance and savings. 🎓 LeanScaper's People Intensive 📍 Chicago, IL 📅 June 15–16, 2026 Learn more and register here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=28288176-affiliate_referrals&utm_source=Caleb%20Auman&affiliate_id=54124943503 Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy https://www.thehardscapeacademy.com/ 👫 👩❤️👨 Together In The Trades https://www.togetherinthetrades.com/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip https://www.equipexposition.com/Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajakhttps://johnpajak.com 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coachinghttps://www.frwrdcoaching.com/
Transcribe →Ep 687. Successful but Broke? The Raw Truth Behind a 7-Figure Business
Mar 1000:42:51Tap to summarizeCaleb and Brittany discuss the realities of running a seven-figure landscaping business while navigating major personal milestones and family responsibilities. The couple reflects on a recent trip to Las Vegas for a major construction trade show, using the experience as a backdrop to talk about the challenges of professional growth, entrepreneurship, and maintaining a strong family life. A significant part of the conversation focuses on their decision to homeschool their children while still maintaining high standards inside their growing business. They also share how their current success didn't happen overnight. Caleb and Brittany explain how years of financial discipline and commitment to the Dave Ramsey plan helped them recover from a past bankruptcy and build a more stable financial future. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of community, shared goals between spouses, and having a clear purpose behind major life decisions. The conversation offers practical insight for entrepreneurs trying to balance business growth, family priorities, and financial responsibility. Key Topics in This Episode • Managing a seven-figure landscaping business • Balancing entrepreneurship and family life • Homeschooling while running a company • Building a strong support network with industry peers • Recovering from bankruptcy through financial discipline • Following the Dave Ramsey plan to eliminate debt • Using vision boards and goal-setting to guide the future • Identifying your "why" before making major life decisions Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AumanLandscape 🌐 All Links https://linktr.ee/AumanLandscape 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aumanlandscapellc/ Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com Use code: AUMAN
Transcribe →Ep 686. ConExpo Day One: Mastering the Chaos of a Rapidly Growing Business
Mar 800:40:16Tap to summarizeCaleb and Brittany are podcasting from Las Vegas during the ConExpo construction trade show. They discusses their business operations, including the launch of a new coaching group and Brittany's upcoming presentation on business growth. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on financial maturity, where they credit budgeting software and CFO services for transforming their company from a struggling venture into a profitable seven-figure business. They reflect on the necessity of professionalizing operations and moving away from "management by chaos" to achieve long-term stability. The episode serves as both a travel log of their time in Nevada and an educational resource for contractors seeking to improve their administrative systems. Key Takeaways: Avoid the temptation to fill your schedule with "junk work" during slow periods and instead remain selective to ensure you are available for high-quality projects that fit your ideal business profile. Utilize professional budgeting and management software to clearly see your numbers and ensure that every job you take is generating a real profit. Shift from reactive to proactive financial management by working with a CFO who can help you plan for future growth rather than just looking at past performance. Develop the confidence to charge higher prices by respecting the value of your work and understanding the actual overhead costs required to run a sustainable business. Practice long-term financial foresight by incrementally budgeting for future major expenses, such as new equipment or facilities, well before you actually need to make the purchase. Episode Sponsors CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com (Use code: AUMAN) LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com (Use code: AUMAN) Connect with Auman Landscape YouTube: @AumanLandscape Instagram: @aumanlandscapellc All Links: Linktree
Transcribe →Ep 685. Stop Leaving Money on the Table: The Truth About Pricing, Self-Respect, and Profit
Mar 700:39:39Tap to summarizeCaleb and Brittany record this episode live from CONEXPO 2026 in Las Vegas, discussing how their landscaping business evolved from small beginnings into a highly mechanized, technology-driven operation. Caleb explains how growing a company forced him to overcome his natural introversion and develop the confidence to price work correctly. The conversation dives into the importance of self-confidence, fast decision-making, and investing in modern equipment—like GPS grading and specialized attachments—to dramatically increase production. They also discuss the psychology of entrepreneurship, why hesitation can stall growth, and how successful contractors learn to execute once they have enough information. Throughout the episode, Caleb and Brittany credit mentors and industry experts who helped shape their business systems and thinking. Key Topics in This Episode Mechanization: Running a landscaping business in a highly mechanized era. The Founder's Journey: Overcoming introversion as a business owner. The Bottom Line: Building confidence in pricing and value. Cutting-Edge Tech: GPS grading and modern excavation technology. Execution: Making faster business decisions and avoiding "analysis paralysis." Community: Learning from mentors in the green industry. Systematization: Building systems instead of relying on brute-force labor. Episode Sponsors CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months https://companycam.com/auman Cycle CPA – Save $200 https://cyclecpa.com (Use code: AUMAN) LMN Software – Save on onboarding https://golmn.com (Use code: AUMAN) Connect with Auman Landscape YouTube: @AumanLandscape Instagram: @aumanlandscapellc All Links: Linktree
Transcribe →Ep. 684. Your Business Is a Reflection of Your Own Leadership
Feb 2600:21:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb breaks down how the health of your business directly reflects your leadership, discipline, and personal development. Key topics include: Personal development as the foundation for self-realization and self-awareness Clearly defining what a "win" looks like for yourself and your company The importance of carving out time for focused, deep work Dollar-bracketing systems to ensure efficiency and accountability Building a leadership pipeline — from apprentices to managers Giving true ownership and responsibility at every level Aligning training and SOPs so they reinforce each other Setting clear plans and executing them with precision A powerful episode on leadership, structure, and building a business that runs with clarity, accountability, and purpose. Auman Landscape on YouTube CompanyCam – 50% off for 2 months Linktree/AumanLandscape @aumanlandscapellc CycleCPA.com – Use code AUMAN to save $200 LMN Software – Save on onboarding with code AUMAN
Transcribe →Ep. 683 – Selling Smart: Growth, Sustainability, and Exit Strategy with Nick Bartolo (Founder, Essential Partners)
Feb 2401:09:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb sits down with Nick Bartolo, founder of Essential Partners, to discuss what business owners need to consider when thinking about selling their company. Nick breaks down: The decision to sell and conducting a "possible path analysis" — evaluating revenue, EBITDA, and overall business valuation. Thinking beyond the sale price — retirement planning, ensuring your investments can support your lifestyle, and avoiding poor tax advice. He also covers: Optimizing growth, margins, and return on capital Building a business that is sustainable and not dependent on the owner Understanding the broader industry landscape The importance of strong books, clean financial records, and a reliable CPA Strategic tax planning, including starting a Roth IRA This episode is packed with practical insights for any contractor or entrepreneur planning long-term growth, exit strategy, and financial freedom. Nick Bartolo – info@essentialp.com Instagram: @nickbartolo_ep Elite Networks Auman Landscape on YouTube Primed For Growth CompanyCam – 50% off for 2 months Linktree/AumanLandscape @aumanlandscapellc CycleCPA.com – Use code AUMAN to save $200 LMN Software – Save on onboarding with code AUMAN
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