Podcast
The Contractor Grow Show
Hosted by Mark Lamberth · EN
Are you a successful contractor, remodeler, or home service provider looking to elevate your business through smarter digital marketing? The Contractor Grow Show is your go-to resource for proven, actionable strategies to grow your business online.
Hosted every two weeks, this podcast dives deep into the digital marketing techniques that can help home service providers like you reach new customers, optimize lead generation, and boost revenue. Each episode features exclusive interviews with industry-leading experts, digital marketing pros, and high-performing contractors who are sharing their real-world success stories and game-changing strategies.
Whether you're already doing $1M in annual revenue or on your way, you'll learn how to leverage SEO, paid advertising, social media, and more to stand out in a competitive market. Get insights from entrepreneurs and contractors you’ve never heard from before—who are using digital marketing to push their business to the next level.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level with the latest digital marketing techniques tailored specifically for remodelers and home service pros, the Contractor Grow Show is the podcast for you!
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Software VP to 7 Kitchen Franchises: How Jeff Toren Scales Remodels, Sales Teams, and Cashflow Chaos
Apr 300:32:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Jeff Toren, franchise owner of multiple Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up locations serving the Main Line and greater Philadelphia area, and co-owner of Happy Life Kickboxing & Fitness. Jeff shares how he walked away from a successful enterprise software sales career and VP role to build a portfolio of seven Kitchen Tune-Up territories, five Bath Tune-Up territories, and a growing fitness brand—all while navigating the realities of cashflow, hiring, and scaling in the remodeling world. You’ll hear Jeff break down: Why he left corporate tech after becoming a VP of sales, and how a severance package plus a business coach led him into franchising instead of another job search.How his first year with Kitchen Tune-Up hit roughly 600K in revenue and why launching a gym franchise at the same time was “insane” in hindsight.Growing to seven Kitchen Tune-Up and five Bath Tune-Up territories around Philly, winning Bath Tune-Up Franchise of the Year (“Franny of the Year”), and building a business designed to be a long-term family legacy instead of just a sales job.The hidden difficulty of remodeling: economic cycles, seasonality, and the brutal importance of cashflow planning, savings, and lines of credit so a few slow weeks don’t wipe you out.Why owner-operators who do all their own selling typically cap around 1M, and how Jeff structures his commission, draws, bonuses, and incentives so top sales designers can earn more than he does while driving consistent growth.His “broken dreams boat” experience hiring salespeople, how a coach helped him overhaul his hiring process into a three-step filter (culture screen, tough skills interview, then Jeff), and why A‑players usually aren’t on job boards.The power of proactive recruiting through vendor partners, industry events, and networks—plus how one conversation with a tile rep led to a future 2M‑per‑year designer.How he builds a growth-minded culture with ongoing training, franchise programs, and external sales coaching so his team can handle losing 60–70% of bids without burning out.The vision behind Happy Life Kickboxing & Fitness, why he and his wife Penny only choose businesses that genuinely improve people’s lives, and how kitchens, baths, and fitness all fit into that mission. If you’re a contractor or home-service entrepreneur who wants to grow beyond the “one-man sales show,” hire true top talent, and survive the cashflow rollercoaster of remodeling, this conversation with Jeff is packed with honest lessons, cautionary tales, and practical strategies you can apply right away.
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How Conservation Construction Built an 8-Figure, 100+ Person Team With Subcontractors Who Never Leave
Mar 2700:20:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Jay McDade of Conservation Construction, a Denver-area window and siding company serving Colorado homeowners from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins and beyond. Jay shares how he went from working at one of the largest window and siding companies in America in the 1980s to launching a family-owned, highly reviewed replacement window business that’s held steady around eight figures in annual revenue with just over 100 people across Colorado and Texas. You’ll hear Jay break down: How he and his wife Lynn started by walking Hutchinson neighborhoods, handing out flyers, selling, and installing every job themselves.Why he rejected “cover the whole country” growth in favor of focusing on the Denver metro and Front Range—and how that created durable, referral-driven demand.The evolution of their window lines from Amerimax to today’s Inland windows, and why a double lifetime warranty (including labor for the original owner) has been a game-changer for trust and long-term customers.How Conservation Construction built a deep bench of subcontract installers who stay for decades, including Jay’s “trust but verify” approach, random install check-ins, and only keeping the true grownups who do it right even when nobody’s watching.The pros and cons of staying “stuck” around the 10M mark, why weather and cold snaps still move the phones, and how they manage stable, controlled growth instead of chasing every market.Jay’s life outside the business, from skiing and snowboarding to volunteering with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at Winter Park, helping adaptive skiers get onto the mountain. If you’re a contractor or home service business owner who wants to build a specialized, reputation-driven company with long-term subs, great reviews, and strong systems—without losing the personal touch—this conversation with Jay is packed with practical, real-world insight you can apply right away. Need new windows, siding, or exterior upgrades in the Denver metro or along the Front Range? Or looking for a long-term home with a stable, established team? Reach Conservation Construction at 303-237-1687, email Jay at jmcdadecc@gmail.com, or visit ConservationConstruction.com.
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Speed-to-Lead Wins Jobs: Chad Strutzel on Building Profitable Lake Homes + Scaling a Roofing Company
Mar 2100:18:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Chad Strutzel (Lakeland Builders & Performance Exteriors & Contracting) in the Madison, Wisconsin area to break down what’s actually driving growth in his businesses — and why “calling people back fast” is one of the biggest competitive advantages in contracting. Chad shares his unique path from the Marines to construction, how he started Lakeland Builders nearly 30 years ago, and why he shifted away from subdivision builds to focus on higher-margin lake homes. He also explains the behind-the-scenes realities of lakefront building: zoning, engineering, erosion control, water mitigation, and the months of holding costs before work even begins. You’ll also hear how Chad runs his companies with military-level discipline, including a strict return-call standard (within two hours), and how that simple principle helps them win jobs consistently. He also shares why he prefers keeping Lakeland Builders stable (9–12 homes per year) while continuing to grow the roofing side year over year with a stronger team — including his son joining the business. To learn more: LakelandBuilders.net Performance Exteriors & Contracting
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Built on Trust: How Charlie Schmaltz of CS Home Remodeling Scaled Through Honesty & Community
Mar 1500:16:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Charlie Schmaltz, owner of CS Home Remodeling in Marion, Lowa, to talk about building a profitable remodeling company the old-school way — through trust, transparency, and deep local relationships. Charlie shares how he saw a major disconnect in the remodeling industry — too many layers between the homeowner and the work being done — and decided to eliminate it. By becoming the single point of contact, communicating change orders upfront, and keeping overhead low, he’s built a highly rated company fueled almost entirely by word-of-mouth. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why removing the “salesman layer” builds stronger client relationshipsHow to handle change orders without damaging trustWhy keeping overhead low increases long-term profitabilityThe profit difference between roofing and interior remodelingHow specializing (steel shingles, durable exteriors) protects marginsWhy AI won’t replace skilled trades anytime soonHow focusing on one tight local community can outperform paid adsCreative ways to recruit labor (including tapping into art majors 👀) Charlie also shares why he believes: 👉 “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” Whether you're a contractor looking to scale, improve margins, or strengthen your local presence — this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 📍 Based in Marion & Cedar Rapids, Iowa 🌐 Learn more: https://cshomeremodeling.com #ContractorGrow #HomeRemodeling #RoofingBusiness #SkilledTrades #ConstructionEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessGrowth #RemodelingContractor
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Niche Electrical Services, 24/7 Premium Pricing & Doubling Growth in 2026 | Nathaniel Maes
Mar 900:16:46Tap to summarizeHow do you grow an electrical company without becoming “everything for everybody”? In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Nathaniel Maes, owner of Mountain Area Electrical Services in Colorado’s Front Range, to break down how niching down, offering 24/7 emergency service, and serving underserved mountain towns has fueled his growth. Nathaniel shares: • How he started the company with 300 books and a gang box of tools • Why specializing in breweries, restaurants, warehouses, and grow facilities gives them a competitive edge • How 24/7 emergency service allows them to charge premium rates • The power of contract-based work (like walk-in bathtub installs) for predictable profit • Why servicing remote mountain towns can be more profitable than city jobs • Lessons learned from losing a major contract • His goal to double the company this year If you're a contractor looking to increase profit margins, charge premium rates, and carve out a defensible niche, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. Mountain Area Electrical Services serves Denver and the greater Colorado Front Range.
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From Teen Sales Rep to Owner: Ulises Sandoval on Building Golden State Paving (25 Years, Schools, & Old-School Service)
Mar 300:17:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark sits down with Ulises Sandoval, owner of Golden State Paving in Buena Park, California (serving much of Southern California). Ulises shares the multi-generation story behind the company—how his dad launched Golden State Paving in 2000, how Ulises spent 17 years learning the business “from every seat” (crew, sales, estimating, project work), and how he and his wife eventually took over to keep the legacy growing. You’ll also hear what Golden State actually does day-to-day (asphalt paving + full parking-lot services), why school projects are a major part of their “bread and butter,” and how contractors can break into public bids and win work in a competitive, cutthroat environment—by truly understanding labor, equipment, and material costs. Ulises breaks down what “old school customer service” means in construction: keeping your word, fixing issues instead of running from them, and showing up for your crew. He also shares how they use marketing to stand out—including their customer-focused YouTube channel, “Let’s Pave Cali.” Episode highlights: How Golden State Paving grew from a “one-man show” into a full teamThe real mix of their work: paving, repairs, seal coating, concrete, stripingWhy schools are a core niche—and how public bidding worksTips for bidding competitively (and not guessing your numbers)Leadership + retention: staying visible, building culture, treating people like adultsMarketing that educates customers (not just other contractors) If you’re a contractor who wants to grow through reputation, smarter bidding, stronger leadership, and real customer service—this one’s packed with practical takeaways.
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From Carrying Shingles at 5 Years Old to 30+ Years in Business — Joe Gumbert Roofing Journey
Feb 2600:18:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, we sit down with Joe Gumbert, owner of All Weather Roofing & Remodeling in Kerrville, Texas — a third-generation roofer who’s been in the industry since childhood. Joe shares what it was like growing up on job sites, learning the trade from his father, and officially launching his business in 1992. From carrying shingles at five years old to running multiple crews across the Texas Hill Country, Joe’s story is one of grit, discipline, and long-term commitment to craftsmanship. Over three decades in business, Joe has built a reputation-driven company rooted in: Word-of-mouth growthStrong ethical standardsDetailed insurance documentationTurning down the wrong clientsMaintaining quality over volumeBacking his work with a 10-year transferable warranty In a world where many contractors chase rapid expansion, Joe shares why he focuses on stability, smart client selection, and protecting both his business and his customers. He also dives into: Why he personally handles inbound callsHow he “interviews” potential clients before taking the jobThe realities of navigating insurance claimsHiring standards and maintaining crew qualityWhy sometimes growth means discipline — not scale If you're a contractor looking to build a business that lasts decades — not just seasons — this episode offers real-world insight from someone who’s lived it.
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Owner-Led Sales, 200 Five-Star Reviews, and Nailing a Garage Door Niche with Aaron’s Garage Doors
Feb 1900:23:17Tap to summarizeAaron Moore of Aaron’s Garage Doors joins Mark on The Contractor Grow Show to break down what it really takes to dominate a local market without “going big” and losing your soul as a contractor. From starting in garage doors back in 1995 and subcontracting for other companies to building one of Mount Juliet’s most trusted names, Aaron shares how staying tightly niched in garage door repair and installation has been the key to his long-term success. In this episode, Aaron explains why he walked away from new-construction work to focus almost exclusively on retail customers, and how that shift transformed his business, margins, and stress levels. He and Mark dig into Aaron’s owner-led sales model—why he still answers most calls himself, how he pre-qualifies issues over the phone, gives ballpark pricing, and keeps the process completely low-pressure instead of running the aggressive upsell playbook so common in the industry. You’ll hear the simple, repeatable system Aaron uses to generate nearly 200 five-star reviews—finishing the job right, tightening the last bolt, and then sending a direct text with a review link once the customer is genuinely happy. He also talks about experimenting with marketing channels like Google, SEO, talk radio, social media, and review tools, including why he gives new ideas at least three months, what’s flopped, and what’s actually moved the needle for his online presence and lead flow. Mark and Aaron wrap up by talking team size, training techs for six to twelve months before sending them out solo, and how Aaron thinks about growth: staying flexible, adding or trimming crew as needed, and evolving without abandoning the owner-accessible, relationship-first culture that built the business in the first place. If you’re a contractor who wants more high-quality leads, better reviews, and a tighter sales process—without turning into a call-center-driven, high-pressure operation—this conversation is a masterclass in how to do it the right way.
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Revolutionizing Construction Labor: How ConX USA Became the “Airbnb” for the Trades
Jan 600:25:26Tap to summarizeIn this game-changing episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Brad Langerak, Ben Byerly, and Dr. Alan Blaher — the powerhouse team behind ConX USA, a groundbreaking labor-sharing platform built by contractors, for contractors. From Castle Rock, Colorado, these three founders discuss how ConX USA is solving one of construction’s toughest challenges: managing fluctuating labor demand. Inspired by the sharing economy, ConX lets contractors lend, borrow, and manage workers seamlessly — turning labor into a dynamic, revenue-generating resource instead of a cost burden. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How ConX turns downtime into profit through labor sharing.Why it’s being called “the Airbnb for construction labor.”How simplicity, transparency, and trust drive adoption across the trades.The founders’ diverse backgrounds — from electrical contracting to chiropractic practice — and how relationship building, faith, and community power this vision. If you’ve ever struggled to balance crews, meet deadlines, or keep good people employed through the ups and downs of the market — ConX USA might just change the game. 👉 Learn more and join free at ConX-USA.com 👉 Listen now on The Contractor Grow Show
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From Lacrosse to Luxury Homes: How Adam Nauerth Built Syracuse’s Most Trusted Custom Home Brand
Jan 600:17:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, host Mark Lamberth sits down with Adam Nauerth, founder of Nauerth Homes in Syracuse, New York — a rising name in science-backed, high-performance homebuilding. Adam shares his unexpected journey from communications major and semi-pro lacrosse player to becoming one of the most detail-driven builders in upstate New York. He reveals how lessons from sports, family balance, and mentorship shaped his approach to craftsmanship, client relationships, and business growth. Listen in as they discuss: Why Adam believes every great home starts with science and teamwork.How he built a referral-only business with zero advertising.The key to collaborating seamlessly with architects and clients.Balancing entrepreneurship, fitness, and fatherhood of two young girls. Authentic, humble, and full of takeaways for builders and dream-home enthusiasts alike — this episode is proof that discipline, design, and heart can build something truly lasting. 👉 Listen now on The Contractor Grow Show | Visit BuildNauerth.com
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