Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP261

Grab your free Project Manager Hiring Resources here: https://trybta.com/DL261

Most contractors don’t struggle to find work. They struggle to find the right people to run it.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we’re releasing a talk Danny did at Build Show Live. In just 60 minutes, he breaks down the exact recruiting system he’s seen hundreds of contractors use to hire highly successful project managers across various industries.

This conversation is a deep dive into why most PM hires fail, why “posting a job and hoping” no longer works, and how to build a recruiting funnel that consistently attracts A-players — even in a tight labor market.

Danny walks through:

• How to define an Ideal Project Manager Profile (and why most contractors skip this step)
• Why most job ads repel top talent, and how to rewrite them to stand out
• The 20-minute interview setup call that eliminates no-shows and bad fits
• How to run behavioral interviews that reveal how someone performs under pressure
• Active recruiting tactics that give you control instead of waiting on resumes
• When it actually makes sense to use recruiters (and when it doesn’t)

If hiring a strong Project Manager would unlock growth, reduce stress, or finally get you out of the day-to-day, this episode will change how you think about recruiting.

00:00-Intro

01:01-Four Principles of Project Management and Danny's Background

04:04-Red Flags and The Four Systems to Discuss

07:36-Employment Agreements, KPIs and Goal Setting & Review (GSR)

20:33-Project Communication Plan and Status Updates

29:49-Proper Use of Software and Hiring Project Managers

37:58-Growth Seen in Breakthrough Academy Businesses and The Contractor Growth Method

42:19-Takeaways, Implementation and Audience Questions

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP260

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL260

Going into business with a partner is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but knowing how to resolve cofounder conflict is critical if you want that business to survive.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Dr. Matt Jones (founder of Cofounder Clarity) joins us to break down why business partnerships fail and, more importantly, how to fix them. We dive deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges that come with shared leadership.

If you’ve ever struggled to see eye-to-eye with your business partner, or you feel like you're speaking different languages, this episode is your roadmap to a healthier, more functional relationship.

In this episode, we cover:

• The critical questions you MUST ask before starting a business with someone
• The 3 "languages" cofounders speak (and why mismatches cause endless arguments)
• How to have conflict conversations that actually resolve issues
• Strategies to anticipate partnership hurdles before they destroy the business

Check out Cofounder Clarity to learn more about Dr. Matthew’s work: https://cofounderclarity.com/

00:00-Intro

01:20-How the Guest Got Into Co-founder Relationships and Conflict Management

04:51-Biggest Blind Spots When Selecting a Partner

11:08-Big Questions to Ask Before Going into Business Together

12:17-Managing Decision-Making and Management Structure Conflict

17:32-Deeper Dynamics Fuelling Conflicts in Businesses

22:58-Navigating Conflicts Properly

40:52-Handling Conflict in Unique Partnership Situations

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP259

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL259

Systems and documentation don't have to kill your creativity—they are actually the secret to getting your life back.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Ronzio, Co-Founder and CMO of Trainual, to dismantle the biggest myth in the contracting world: that SOPs are just "boring paperwork."

If you’re constantly procrastinating on your systems and processes because they feel overwhelming or restrictive, Jonathan reveals the massive mindset shift you need to make. Learn how to stop being the bottleneck in your business, empower your team to run without you, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why "boring" systems are the gateway to creative freedom
• The simple framework to stop procrastinating on SOPs
• How to build a business that runs on process, not just people
• The first steps to automating your operations today

00:00-Intro

01:33-The Genesis and “Magic” of Trainual and Customer Base

10:33-Overcoming Procrastination and the Owner's Mindset Shift for Documentation

17:41-Balancing Systems and Creativity in Business

19:44-Applying Lessons from Adventure to Business Leadership

22:46-Creativity in Marketing

30:32-Trainual's Perspective on AI

36:05-Wisdom for a Younger Entrepreneurial Self

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP258

Download the accountability resources Nick used to scale from $4M to $12.5M here: https://trybta.com/DL258

If you’re working 70+ hours a week, micromanaging every detail, and acting as the bottleneck in your own business, you are doing it wrong.

In this episode, Breakthrough Academy Member and owner of Willie C. & Sons Landscaping Nick Cloutier explains how to shift your mindset from "Boss" to "Coach" and implement the 3 essential tools—Job Descriptions, KPIs, and GSR Meetings—that allow you to delegate with confidence.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Warrior Mode" Trap: Why working 80 hours/week is a sign of a broken system, not a badge of honor.
• $4M to $12.5M Blueprint: The specific acquisition strategy and systems used to scale rapidly in 2025.
• The 3 Essential Accountability Tools: How to build Job Descriptions that "teach to win," Deliverables (KPIs), and clear Org Charts.
• The GSR Method: Why "Goal Setting & Review" meetings are the single best thing you can do for employee retention.
• Financial Mastery: How to reverse engineer a 20% Net Profit budget using LMN.

Check out Nick’s business, Willie C. & Sons Landscaping: https://williecandsonslandscaping.com/

00:00-Intro

01:22-Trajectory of Business Growth and the Shift in the Owner's Mindset

05:07-Implementing Job Descriptions and Deliverables (KPIs)

10:58-Defining Deliverables and Setting Measurable Goals

17:56-The Organizational Chart and Determining Capacity

20:09-Leveraging Numbers and Data for Predictable Growth

23:00-Goal Setting and Review (GSR) Meetings

34:09-Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Seasonal Employment

39:09-Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Understanding the Numbers

43:46-The Strategy and Confidence for Acquisition

50:23-Final Advice on Building a Successful Team

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP257

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL257

How much time do you waste each day on little inefficiencies?

- Searching for the latest version of that SOP

- Flipping through a hundred browser tabs to find your budget spreadsheet

- Typing out the same email to 30 different clients

Today’s guest, Nick Sonnenberg, literally wrote the book on business efficiency. It’s called Come Up For Air and it is a go-to for small business owners and teams looking to stop “drowning in work” and free up the time they spend on redundant or inefficient tasks.

In today’s episode, we get into all the little things you can do that may only save you seconds at the time…

…but actually add up to minutes and hours when you stack them day after day.

We talk email management, how to invest time up front to save yourself hours down the line, and how to set yourself up for success when it comes to AI and automations.

This is a quick one, but we cover a lot.

00:00-Intro

01:29-Increasing Capacity Without Adding More People

01:37-Why Start with Email Management?

04:16-The RAD Framework: Reply, Archive, Defer

06:59-Quick Wins for Email Inbox Management

08:46-AI and Automation in Contracting Businesses

11:18-Progress and Context of Nick's Executive Assistant AI Agent

14:14-Asset Building vs. One-Time Requests with AI

21:54-Identifying Areas for AI Use

24:32-The Shift to AI as a Search Engine

27:05 -Final Thoughts and How to Contact Nick

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP256

Take our five minute quiz and get a custom Contractor Growth Scorecard: https://trybta.com/DL256

Men’s mental health is in crisis. We are three times more likely to develop addictions and four times more likely to turn to suicide. And yet, 40% of men won’t seek help.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we are diving into the "silent struggle" with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks and author of Men’s Work. While we usually unpack business systems and profit margins, today we’re diving into the importance of men’s inner work.

After overcoming his own struggles with infidelity, drugs, and alcohol, Connor’s mission is to help men become better leaders, spouses, dads, and humans.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Crisis: Why men are struggling today more than ever and why it’s so hard for us to get in touch with our inner selves.
• Shadow Work: How to identify and confront hidden parts of ourselves (what Connor calls Shadow Work) to stop self-sabotage.
• Leadership & Legacy: How doing your own inner work pays off for your team and family, and how to foster healthy masculinity and self-leadership on your job sites.

We love to unpack business systems, but if this type of episode is useful for you, let us know in the comments.

Check out ManTalks: https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalks

🔥 Watch These Related Episodes Next:

1. Business Therapist Destroys My Limiting Beliefs in Real Time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7m0Bk0Z9s

2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow

3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:

https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ

00:00-Intro

02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life

05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men

10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity

15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious

24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty

32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior

41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns

57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father

Join us March 4 for a free web class with Matt Risinger on attracting reliable staff during a skilled labor shortage. Register now: https://trybta.com/HIMR26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255

Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255

What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?

Yes, there’s demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.

But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.

Today’s guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast.

He’s on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborers
• The employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do instead
• And what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisis

If you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one’s for you.

Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWitt

More episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:

How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JI

How to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMk

Leadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs

00:00-Intro

01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit

04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry

08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent

14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter

20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling

31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors

40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure

48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP254

Use code EVOLUTION (at check out) for 20% off both the Ideal Team Player and Working Genius Assessments:

Ideal Team Player: https://www.tablegroup.com/idealteamplayer/

Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment

Are you sick of hiring the wrong people? Whether you got swindled by a smooth talker in an interview or hired a B-player in desperation, you know that recruiting top talent as a contractor is an uphill battle these days.

So today, we invited one of the most well-known experts in the industry to teach us how to simplify our hiring standards by using two proven frameworks for assessing prospective and current employees.

Our guest today is the one and only Patrick Lencioni.

He is the bestselling author of 13 books selling over 9 million copies worldwide. He’s most well known for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

Today, we’re focusing on two of Pat’s books that are especially relevant for our industry: The Ideal Team Player and The 6 Types of Working Genius.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How to attract and hire Ideal Team Players at all levels of your business by looking for three key virtues.

The common archetypes that show up when someone is missing one of these virtues

AND how to identify the 6 types of working genius within your team so you can help everyone thrive in their roles

Pat was a dream to have on the show. If you have other guests you think we should interview, leave a comment and let us know.

More HEAVY HITTERS on Contractor Evolution:

Chris Voss - Negotiation Tactics for Contractors: https://youtu.be/a4RDJRtkOBY

Greg McKeown - Essentialism for Contractors: https://youtu.be/6J1qth84qwg

Garrett Gunderson - Why Most Contractors Stay Broke: https://youtu.be/-Xx2LKkKEI8

00:00-Intro

02:20-Why did you choose the construction industry to base your book, The Ideal Team Player, in?

05:30-Defining the three virtues of an ideal team player: hungry, humble, and smart

07:15-Defining "hungry"

09:35-Defining "humble"

11:33-Identifying "fake humble"

17:36-Defining "smart" as emotional intelligence (EQ)

23:05-How to spot these three virtues in the interview process

28:23-"Scaring" people in the recruiting process

30:55-How to look for "hunger"

33:14-“Non-ideal archetypes": the accidental mess-maker (humble and hungry, but not smart)

36:20-“Non-ideal archetypes": the lovable slacker (humble and smart, but not hungry)

40:29-“Non-ideal archetypes": the skillful politician (hungry and smart, but not humble)

44:35-About The 6 Types of Working Genius and getting people in the right seat on the bus