Podcast
The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber
Hosted by Tom Reber · EN
Stop stressing out about your contracting business and take back control. The Contractor Fight is bringing respect and dignity back to the trades one contractor at a time. Discover how to market, sell, and consistently produce your projects at a profit with industry expert and powerful motivator Tom Reber.
Stop stealing from your family.
Earn what you're worth.
Build a business that serves you.
65episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
TCF1041: The Harsh Truth About Leadership and Hiring
Jul 17, 202500:07:33Tap to summarizeHiring more people doesn’t automatically fix the chaos in your contracting business—in fact, it can make things worse if you're not leading properly. In this no-BS solo episode, Tom breaks down why hiring alone won’t save your business and how poor leadership is often the real issue. Drawing from his own hard-earned experiences, Tom lays out a practical framework for transforming from a chaotic boss to a true leader that empowers a high-performing team.In this episode, Tom discusses:[00:20] Why hiring without leadership multiplies chaos, not solves it[01:00] The real mistake contractors make: hiring hostages, not help[01:40] How a lack of systems and accountability creates a hypocritical culture[02:12] Why your team's underperformance is a reflection of your leadership[03:01] The difference between successful teams and chaotic ones: leadership[03:11] Extreme ownership and its impact on team performance[03:35] Introduction to the Sales Accelerator and how it can help pack your pipeline[04:21] The real solution: Leading—not just hiring—frees you up[04:50] The importance of roleplaying and ongoing training beyond sales[05:03] Why weekly operations meetings are crucial for group accountability[05:41] Creating clear daily plans and expectations for your team[06:18] Stop expecting results without giving your team clarity and a target[06:27] Most times, you don’t need better people—just better leadership[06:48] The importance of tightening operations before scaling[07:10] Final thoughts on growing your business with intentional leadershipLinks from the episode:SALES ACCELERATOR isn't about fancy marketing tricks or expensive ad campaigns.It's about systems that work:- Lead generation without big ad spend- Sales processes that close deals- Accountability to actually implement- Live coaching from someone who's been there6 weeks. Real results. No BS.👉 https://thecontractorfight.com/morejobs== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify
Transcribe →TCF1040: Tomorrow's You Will Be Thankful
Jul 12, 202500:22:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Fight, Tim and Derek dive into a powerful mindset shift every contractor should adopt — taking action today for the benefit of your future self. They discuss how to evaluate daily decisions, avoid regret, and maintain focus on long-term success, both personally and professionally. From turning down high-maintenance projects to refining sales techniques, this episode is all about being intentional with your time, energy, and choices.In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:Why negative self-talk stems from poor past decisions and how to change the narrativeThe importance of being intentional with your goals and actions, even day by dayA real-life example of evaluating whether a $500,000 celebrity project is worth the troubleThe long-term value of smaller, profitable, and repeatable jobs over massive one-offsHow to carry confidence and professionalism into sales conversations and client interactionsWhy making more money isn’t as satisfying as keeping more profit and building safety for your teamThe mindset that lets you confidently choose your clients and say no to bad fitsHow training and asking better questions saved a potentially lost client relationshipSALES ACCELERATOR isn't about fancy marketing tricks or expensive ad campaigns.It's about systems that work:- Lead generation without big ad spend- Sales processes that close deals- Accountability to actually implement- Live coaching from someone who's been there6 weeks. Real results. No BS.👉 https://thecontractorfight.com/morejobs== Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify
Transcribe →TCF994: He’s Drowning in Debt – Can We Save This Contractor's Business? | Contractor Intervention
Feb 27, 2025Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Contractor Intervention, Tom sits down with Austin, a GC from Pennsylvania who has struggled with negative net profit for four years. Juggling multiple businesses, his construction company isn't making money. In this conversation, they break down the root cause of his financial struggles and uncover the number one thing that will immediately move the needle toward profitability. If you’re stuck on a financial hamster wheel, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:[00:00] Introduction to Austin and his contracting business[01:55] The various businesses Austin has been involved in over the years[03:22] Breaking down his construction revenue and financial struggles[04:51] The reality of bringing in revenue vs. actually making a profit[06:19] Job costing, inefficiencies, and how small improvements can boost margins[07:43] The importance of pre-job costing and estimating at a 50% gross profit[09:37] The key problem behind four years of unprofitable business[11:03] The dangers of chasing too many business ventures at once[12:32] Why Austin needs to go all-in on his highest-earning opportunity: Construction[13:59] The limiting belief around raising prices—and why contractors CAN charge more[15:56] How sales training can make the difference between profit and loss[17:54] Austin’s struggle with pricing and how small adjustments can add up[19:15] The right way to approach pricing and bracketing in sales conversations[22:33] The role of pre-selling and setting expectations with homeowners[24:52] Austin's current bottlenecks: too much fieldwork, not enough sales focus[26:44] The impact of hiring a project manager or admin assistant[28:39] Building a strong subcontractor network to scale up[30:33] The common mistake of trying to serve too many low-dollar clients[33:02] Two key lessons: commit to 50% gross profit and invest in sales training[36:43] Why being emotionally unattached to sales outcomes is a game-changer[40:59] How a contractor can completely transform their financials within a year[44:53] The long-term benefits of sales mastery and strategic pricing[50:09] Wrapping up: Key takeaways and next steps for Austin[51:37] Where to find Austin and connect with his businessResources:⚔️ WAR ROOMReady to scale your business to $5,000,000 or more? No theory. No fluff. Pure action. Join nine other battle-tested contracting companies from across the country to tackle your biggest challenges head-on.https://thecontractorfight.com/war-room🧰 CONTRACTOR BUSINESS SCHOOLIf you’re serious about building a profitable, structured contracting business without the chaos, this is your shot. Get the tools, insights, and mentorship you need to level up—on YOUR time, at YOUR pace.https://contractorbusinessschool.com/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grab our NEW course to grow your business5 Steps to 5 Stars: How to Charge Premium Prices and Never Run Out of Leadshttps://thecontractorfight.com/5-stars/🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUNDEverything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers.https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground💰 Calculate 50% Gross Profit on Every Job Download our worksheet and start pricing your jobs profitably. https://thecontractorfight.com/50/🎧 Get on the podcast! https://thecontractorfight.com/intervention📘 Get a Free Copy of Tom’s Book Winning the Contractor Fight (just pay shipping and handling) https://thecontractorfight.com/book/🎥 Watch 1,400+ free videos on Contractor Fight TV: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber🎙️ Listen to past episodes of The Contractor Fight Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-contractor-fight-with-tom-reber/id964304361 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f256nc65fEC6cCX8h2BTM💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebookRate the PodcastHelp your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.Apple PodcastsSpotify
Transcribe →TCF901: This is NOT a Drill
May 16, 2024Tap to summarizeThis is not a drill, and the results matter! Tom lays down some hard truths about the high stakes of running a business. Every choice you make either helps your business succeed or holds it back. He delivers a wake-up call to all the contractors to make efforts to improve their sales skills so it doesn’t hinder their success. The results of your efforts truly matter.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Everything you do matters[01:40] - The 2 types of salespeople[02:41] - True sales success[03:47] - Importance of role-playing and consistent practice[05:17] - Sales is a perishable skill[07:00] - Programs to get better at selling[08:10] - Closing remarksResources:💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/ 💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap == Join us in BATTLEGROUND ==Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook == Grab the Gear ==https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/ == Find Us on Social Media ==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig == Rate the Podcast ==Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review! Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →TCF150: Think Like an Owner
Apr 11, 2018Tap to summarize-->Get daily text tips from Tom by texting "Tips" to 719-299-3852 <-- Want to stop sucking the life out of your contracting business? Join the Contractor Sales Academy and take command of your entire sales process! CSA is a game changer for your business.
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