246. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business - Ryan Lermitte

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Entrepreneurship doesn't have to be lonely. But for most contractors, it is.

After years of grinding alone, Ryan Lermitte from Umbrella Property Services discovered something that changed everything: the power of real community.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Ryan shares his 8-year journey with Breakthrough Academy and reveals why he stayed long after learning the systems.

The deep connections, unexpected collaborations with competitors, and the emotional ROI that no spreadsheet can capture.

If you've ever felt isolated in your business journey, this conversation will remind you that you're not meant to do this alone.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Why entrepreneurship feels so isolating (and what to do about it)

How investing in community and connections can improve your wellbeing AND your profitability.

Why emotional ROI matters as much as financial returns

Practical ways to build meaningful connections in your industry

☂️Learn more about Ryan and his business: https://umbrellaservices.ca/

📈Learn more about how Breakthrough Academy helped Ryan double his revenue and make his goals a reality: https://youtu.be/Pa39XAcLRMY

Other stories from REAL contractors like Ryan:

🦾From Reactive to Streamlined: Cory’d Business Automation Journey: https://youtu.be/NykhB5J8cE0

✋STOP Losing Money to Poor PM: No Frills Project Management Tips (Contractor Roundtable): https://youtu.be/xIMb9X4A2Zo

⭐️More coaching success stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGzGbmYmvpYonpJ_EAAUldCob7iimjgmc

00:00-Intro

01:46-About Ryan's journey in Breakthrough Academy

06:46-How do you build relationships beyond transactions?

15:19-How to "Be Real" with the people around you

17:55-The true ROI of community as a contractor

22:14-How to overcome imposter syndrome

26:24-Why give back?

31:05-Should you collaborate with your competitors?

34:03-Ryan's unforgettable moment from Winter Summit 2025

39:26-How to know if you're in the right community

45:38-Wrap up and how to connect with Ryan