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ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Ready to stop being the bottleneck in your own business? In this final episode of our scaling series, Wade and Stephen reveal the 6-step blueprint to transform from owner-operator to CEO.

Learn how to build your second layer of leadership, stabilize cash flow with Profit First, and delegate decisions without losing control. Stop working IN your business and start working ON it.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction to Financial Blind Spots
• 13:03 Common Misconceptions in Financial Management
• 13:08 Challenges in Tracking Work in Progress (WIP)
• 13:11 Distinguishing Job Expenses from Overhead Expenses
• 13:16 The Profit First Approach
• 13:18 Fear of Growth Due to Cash Risks
• 13:23 The Pitfalls of Cash Flow Management

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Feeling like your construction company is stuck in second gear? You might be the problem.

Wade and Stephen reveal the top 10 ways construction founders accidentally strangle their own businesses. From decision hoarding to hero syndrome, discover which founder habits are killing your growth and profitability.

This isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter and finally scaling your business beyond your personal capacity.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction to Financial Blind Spots
• 13:03 Common Misconceptions in Financial Management
• 13:08 Challenges in Tracking Work in Progress (WIP)
• 13:11 Distinguishing Job Expenses from Overhead Expenses
• 13:16 The Profit First Approach
• 13:18 Fear of Growth Due to Cash Risks
• 13:23 The Pitfalls of Cash Flow Management

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Every construction contractor hits the same wall—they become the bottleneck. You can build a $2M business on grit, but you can't scale to $10M on caffeine and chaos.

Wade and Stephen kick off a three-part series exploring how to scale your construction company by getting out of your own way.

Discover the growth stages that trip up contractors and why your business isn't outgrowing the market—it's outgrowing you.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction: The Bottleneck in Construction Businesses
• 00:30 The Chaos of Winning Big Jobs
• 01:46 Setting Goals and Realizing Bottlenecks
• 03:16 The Founder’s Dilemma: Control vs. Growth
• 04:43 The Importance of Delegation
• 08:35 Recognizing and Overcoming Scaling Problems
• 12:39 Conclusion: Identifying the Real Problem

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Most contractors still rely on dropping off donuts and hoping for callbacks, but today's buyers research you online before they ever return your call.

Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown break down why digital business development isn't optional anymore—it's your competitive advantage.

Learn how to build trust before the first meeting, speed up your proposal process, and stand out from competitors who are still stuck in the past. Your digital footprint is your first handshake.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Business Development
• 00:20 The Digital Shift: Embracing Online Presence
• 00:37 Understanding the Modern Buyer
• 01:14 Building a Strong Digital Footprint
• 03:25 The Importance of Reputation and Authenticity
• 06:01 Leveraging AI and Technology
• 10:46 The Role of CRM Systems
• 12:33 Combining Digital and Personal Touch
• 13:32 The Future of Business Development
• 20:05 Conclusion: Evolving with the Times

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Feeling like your construction business is growing but your bank account isn't? You've hit the growth gap - that predictable wall between $2-10 million where contractors get stuck.

Wade and Stephen break down why your company might be running on an outdated foundation, causing cash flow problems, pricing breakdowns, and management chaos.

Learn the four key dynamics holding you back and actionable strategies to break through to profitable growth.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction: The Growth Gap in Construction
• 00:38 Understanding the Growth Paradox
• 02:16 Business Books on Growth Challenges
• 05:42 Identifying the Root Causes
• 11:12 Strategies for Overcoming Growth Barriers
• 17:27 Conclusion: Planning for Sustainable Growth

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Every winter, broke contractors blame the weather while disciplined ones use the slow season to rebuild and prepare for spring.

Wade and Stephen share practical cash flow strategies to help you survive seasonal slowdowns, including the 'drip account' method, reverse calendar planning, and how to keep your crew paid when work slows down.

Learn to build financial reserves during good times so you can buy competitors' equipment at half price instead of taking predatory loans.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:26 Seasonal Challenges and Opportunities
• 01:11 Practical Tips for Winter Preparation
• 02:44 Financial Strategies for Contractors
• 04:52 Cash Flow Management Insights
• 07:24 Planning Ahead for Success
• 12:04 Creative Solutions and Final Thoughts

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Are you constantly chasing the next AI tool hoping it will magically fix your construction business? Wade and Stephen reveal why the real shortcut isn't smarter software - it's getting your systems and people to speak the same language.

Learn how to eliminate translation friction between estimators, project managers, CPAs, and bonding agents before you invest in more technology. Discover practical strategies to streamline your business operations and set the foundation for AI success.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:15 The Real Shortcut: Unified Communication
• 00:56 AI in Practice: Real-World Examples
• 01:16 The Evolution of AI: From ChatGPT to Today
• 01:38 Challenges in AI Adoption
• 03:39 The Language Barrier in Construction
• 05:25 Streamlining Systems with AI
• 09:05 Standardizing Work In Progress (WIP)
• 12:18 The Future of AI in Business

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com

Send us a text

🔗 LINKS

Visit the episode page at for more details and a transcript of the show.

Get Profit First for Commercial Construction--OUT NOW!

Subscribe to get notified as soon as new episodes go live.

ℹ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Discover why private equity firms and consolidators are aggressively buying construction companies and what they're really looking for.

Wade and Stephen break down the secret playbook: how buyers evaluate EBITDA multiples, consolidate overhead for higher margins, and what happens during due diligence.

Learn the critical factors that drive valuations, from bonding relationships to recurring revenue streams, plus real stories of deals gone right and wrong. Essential listening for any contractor considering an exit strategy.

⌚️ Key moments in this episode:

• 00:29 The Surge of Private Equity in Construction
• 00:55 Valuation and Deal Considerations
• 03:18 Why Buy a Construction Company?
• 05:23 Challenges and Strategies in Mergers and Acquisitions
• 07:10 The Role of Due Diligence
• 09:50 Post-Acquisition Integration and Management

Join the Profit First for Construction community!

Find all episodes and related links at ContractorSuccessForum.com.

Join the conversation on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CarpenterCPAs

FIND US ONLINE
Wade Carpenter, CPA, CGMA | CarpenterCPAs.com
Stephen Brown, Bonding Expert | SuretyAnswers.com