Hosted by PaintEd Podcast · EN

Most contractors post a job ad, get zero qualified applicants, and wonder why they can't find good people. The problem isn't the labor market — it's your hiring system. In this roundtable, Matt Risinger (founder of The Build Show Network), Jacob Toler ($2.8M contractor running a 35% gross profit), and BTA coach Matt Balfe break down exactly how top contractors recruit, hire, and retain A-players — even when no one's applying.

Most entrepreneurs know they should prioritize their health — but knowing and doing are two very different things. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore pulls back the curtain on the health and fitness journey he's been on this year and shares the three things that have actually produced real, consistent results. Chris breaks down why tracking macros — not just calories — changed everything, how he's using tools like ChatGPT and MacrosFirst to take the guesswork out of nutrition, and why pre-logging meals is one of the most powerful habits you're probably not doing. He also gets into the mental benefits of working out 3–4 times per week, why not blowing the diet matters more than not missing a workout, and the role that accountability has played in keeping the momentum going through 6:30 AM morning check-ins and shared wins. If you've been putting your health on the back burner while building your business, this episode is your permission slip to make it a priority — and a practical roadmap for doing it in a way that's actually sustainable.

Today’s guest is a trusted voice in the painting industry and a true educator at heart. Mike Kremsreiter, founder of Home Painting Advice, has spent over 25 years helping homeowners and contractors elevate their craft through practical knowledge, honest insights, and real-world experience. From running a successful residential painting business to building one of the fastest-growing online resources for DIYers and professionals alike, Mike has mastered the art of bridging hands-on expertise with digital education. His approachable style and deep technical know-how have helped thousands of homeowners avoid costly mistakes and empowered new contractors to grow with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance craftsmanship with content creation—or how to turn years of trade experience into lasting impact—this episode is for you. In this conversation, we dive into Mike’s journey from the job site to the digital stage. He shares: - The story behind Home Painting Advice and how it grew into a trusted online brand - The most common mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them) - Why communication and transparency are game changers for contractors - The truth behind “one-coat coverage” paints and other industry myths - How to educate, connect, and grow your audience through authentic content Whether you’re a painting contractor, DIY enthusiast, or business owner looking to modernize your approach, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable advice straight from one of the industry’s most genuine voices. Contact Mike Kremsreiter: Email: mike@homepaintingadvice.com Phone: (720) 295-4950 Website: homepaintingadvice.com YouTube: @HomePaintingAdvice Instagram: @homepaintingadvice X : @homepaintadvice Watch, listen, or read the full podcast here: 🎧 Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1016944/episodes/18096691 📖 Transcript: https://www.estimaterocket.com/whats_new/bridging-hands-on-experience-and-digital-education-with-mike-kremsreiter Enjoying the video? Subscribe, hit the bell 🔔, and drop a like 👍 — it helps more contractors discover this content. 🚀 Connect with us: Official Website: https://www.estimaterocket.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estimaterocket/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estimate.rocket X: https://x.com/estimaterocket About Rocket Your Business for Trade Contractors: The Rocket Your Business for Trade Contractors podcast brings you off-the-cuff conversations from business growth and tech experts to help you grow your trade business. Whether you just started your own business or are a veteran with an expanding team, this show will keep bringing you useful ideas, interviews, tools, and tips to help you grow. About Estimate Rocket: Estimate Rocket is an all-in-one software platform built for contractors and service businesses to streamline their workflow from estimate to payment. With tools for estimating, scheduling, invoicing, reporting, and client communication, Estimate Rocket helps teams stay organized, profitable, and professional. Whether you’re managing field crews, tracking sales, or monitoring profitability, Estimate Rocket gives you the clarity and control you need to grow your business with confidence. #EstimateRocket #RocketYourBusinessPodcast

Is your bank account actually growing this busy season — or are you just staying busy? In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore breaks down the financial framework every painting contractor needs to maximize busy season profits. Because working harder doesn't automatically mean keeping more money — and too many contractors reach the end of busy season only to realize they never actually got ahead. Chris walks through three core areas: How to Measure — Get your baseline number: if you closed up shop today, what would you actually have free and clear? Chris explains why tracking this weekly is essential, how receivables distort your cash picture, and why real-time job costing against overhead is the habit that separates true business owners from the ones who stay stuck. How to Plan — Know your cash targets at every stage. Chris shares specific cushion goals and winter targets broken down by company size — from solo operators to $1.5M+ operations — so you know exactly what number you're chasing and how many months of busy season you have left to close the gap. How to Reap Without Guilt — Once your cushion and winter reserves are covered, Chris introduces Profit Account Theory and money management strategies — including high-yield savings, investments, and building additional income streams — so you can finally benefit as an owner without second-guessing every dollar you take home. If you're putting in the hours this busy season, this episode makes sure you see the fruits of your labor. 🎙️ Elite Business Advice Podcast | Hosted by Chris Moore, Founder of Elite Business Advisors Interested in scheduling a free business analysis meeting with us to see how we help Painting Contractors all over North America professionalize and/or grow their businesses? Visit www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

Can you actually run a contracting business with your spouse… …and still like each other at the end of the day? Caleb Auman (host of the Kid Contractor Podcast) and his wife Brittany have been through bankruptcy, business failure, and the kind of fights that almost ended everything. In this episode, they share the hard-won rules for how they rebuilt — together — and turned their marriage into their biggest competitive advantage. If you and your partner are building a business side by side (or thinking about it), this one's for you.

What happens when a business coach gets put in the hot seat? In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore flips the format and answers the questions painting contractors are actually asking. Inspired by his good friend Nick Slavik of Ask a Painter Live, Chris tackles a few real-world business challenges head-on, all while painting the new EBA office: how to diagnose a Gross Profit stuck at 30% and what's likely causing the leak, which business model Chris would choose if he were starting apainting company from scratch today, how to structure an employee referral bonus program that actually motivates your team, and how to evaluate whether a neighborhood is worth targeting before you spend a dollar on marketing. Got questions or problems you need help solving in your business? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us to see how we structure our coaching to help painting contractors across North America!

Stop obsessing over lead generation and start building a real marketing machine. In this episode, Matt Jones (Founder of Tradie Web Guys & Host of The Site Shed) lays out the future of contractor marketing—from strategy and systems to for contractors and smarter, higher-quality leads. If you’re a contractor who feels like you’re spending more on ads but not seeing profit, this conversation will change how you think about marketing forever.

Your biggest expense is labor. If you aren’t tracking it accurately, your job costing is a lie. In this episode, Derrik Shakespear (CRO of AlignOps) reveals why most contractors bleed profit through inaccurate time tracking—and how to fix it without micromanaging your crew. If you’re still using paper timesheets or trusting the "honor system," you’re likely losing thousands in unbilled hours and slip-ups every single year.

If you don't know your numbers, you don't know your business! Knowing which numbers to watch is also only half the equation. In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, Chris Moore breaks down the 5 KPIs every painting contractor needs to track: Gross Profit Margin, Net Profit Margin, Net Cash Flow, Closing Rate, and Marketing ROI. We go beyond just defining each metric, we share what to actually do with the data so your business keeps improving. Whether you're just starting to track your numbers or ready to level up your management game, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework built specifically for painting company owners. Tune in and find out where your business really stands. Schedule a Free Business Analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com to learn more about how we help our clients use these KPI’s in their day to day business!

Chris Moore is coming off of vacation with a hard truth for painting contractors: if your business can’t run without you for a week, that’s not an excuse to skip the vacation, that’s the whole problem. In this episode, Chris breaks down 3 reasons why disconnecting from your business makes you sharper, more productive, and a better leader. Everything in this episode is backed by real research and his own experience finally unplugging. You didn’t build your business to be a slave to it. This episode will remind you why, and give you a simple action step to start scheduling real time away. If you’re looking for someone to help think through your decision point marketing plan for your business, schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com