Tom shares a crucial lesson on effective sales strategy: the importance of not selling past “yes.” If you’ve ever lost a sale by over-explaining or upselling at the wrong time, this episode is for you. Tom dives into how to recognize that sweet spot in a sale and emphasizes the value of leaving some “meat on the bone” for upsells after the initial agreement. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Opening story: Losing a sale by selling past “yes”[01:27] - The risk of over-explaining and how it creates...

Tim and Derek discuss a common pitfall in the contracting world: "Ostrich Management." If you’ve ever avoided addressing a tough conversation or postponed a crucial task, you might be guilty of this mindset. But don’t worry—Tim and Derek are here to help you break free from this cycle and take control of your business. In this episode, they discuss: The concept of "ostrich management" as a tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations in hopes they'll resolve on their own. They explain why this...

In this episode, Tom and Derek discuss highlights and key takeaways from the recent Mile High Profit Summit (MHPS) 2024. They delve into the community’s strength, gratitude, and the importance of actionable tactics learned at the summit. Together, they recount unforgettable sessions from prominent speakers like Tommy Mello, Marcus Sheridan, and special guest Linda Alvarado. For contractors aiming to take their businesses to the next level, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable...

If you’re ready to level up your communication skills and gain the confidence needed to handle challenging client interactions, this episode is for you! Tim and Derek break down the power of effective communication in sales and share real-life scenarios to show how clear, confident conversations can turn obstacles into opportunities. In this episode, they discuss: The Link Between Sales and Communication: How sales is more than just closing deals—it's about understanding clients and...

Meet BATTLEGROUND coach Micah Miller, a true fighter who turned his life around. A few years ago, Micah was facing over $400,000 in debt and feeling immense stress. But he took a chance on the contractor fight programs, worked hard, and transformed his life. Now, he’s close to building a $6 million business and has achieved financial freedom for his family. Tune in to listen to coach Micah’s journey and insights! Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:50] - The spirit of a fighter [01:35] -...

If you went to Mile High Profit Summit 2024, your mind must be buzzing with new ideas and strategies, and you're fired up to take action. But then reality sets in. The exhaustion kicks in, the motivation starts to fade, and suddenly, your big plans are collecting dust. Tim and Derek are here with a simple solution to break this cycle — Just Push Record. Record a short video about your business, share it, and watch as each video improves your skill, confidence, and business! In this episode,...

His project manager walked off the job, 22 open jobs waiting to be completed, negative net profit,  unhappy clients, and a team that’s been reduced after the PM quit on him — Matt, a third-generation contractor from Massachusetts, is facing some major business challenges. Tom sits down with Matt to find a way out of this tough situation. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [00:19] - Matt’s background and business overview [00:38] - The project manager walked off the job [03:40] - Strategy to...

You probably spend a ton of time and money trying to find new clients. But what about the ones you’ve had for years? When was the last time one of your old clients called you up and asked, “Hey, do you still do roofing?” or “I didn’t know you painted exteriors, too!” Tim and Derek discuss how contractors often focus on attracting new customers but forget to nurture their relationships with existing ones. They tell you to nurture your relationships with your long-time customers instead of just...

Tom is at it again. After being out of the game for over 12 years, he is building a brand new painting company, Simplify Painting, from scratch. In this episode, Tom shares why he’s returning to the industry, his strategies for building a contracting company from the ground up, and how he is approaching marketing, lead generation, and brand building. Tom also shares the impressive sales and profit numbers Simplify Painting has achieved in a short time. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Tom’s new...

When you want to buy something and find the right product, even if it’s expensive, you’re willing to spend the money because you see its value. Selling works the same way! If you understand how you feel when you buy something, it can help you sell better.  Tim and Derek explain that if you want to boost your sales, you should sell like you buy because this allows you to understand the mindset and needs of your client. It also allows you to sell more effectively by speaking about the value of...

Today’s guest, Mira, talks about how she built a successful business but felt unhappy and decided to change her path. Mira created a six-figure business but realized that something was missing—she felt unfulfilled and empty inside. She had climbed the ladder of success, but it was leaning against the wrong wall. Mira discusses how important it is to define success on your own terms, listen to your inner voice, and make tough decisions. She also shares how she is now building a career and life...

Which of these better represents your company: Crews without uniforms, company vehicles, or team members fully decked out in company uniforms and gear? Tim and Derek discuss the importance of uniforms and branding for your business. When people see your crew looking professional, they assume you’re the real deal. But, it’s not just about impressing the customers. Uniforms also have a way of bringing the team together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. In this episode, they discuss: The...

Neil Kristianson, the CEO of The Contractor Fight, sits down for a round-table discussion with BATTLEGROUND coaches Aaron Harshaw and Tim Cutroni to discuss what’s happening in the contracting industry right now. They discuss the tough challenges contractors are facing in 2024, from dry spells in sales to the shifting market dynamics and how to stay strong in a competitive market. They also share the current state of their businesses and give practical advice for contractors looking to...

Imagine you’re hiring someone for an important job or choosing a company to handle a project. What’s the first thing you think about? Credibility. It is super important when it comes to trusting and believing that the person is able to do the job properly. Tim and Derek discuss the importance of credibility in business, i.e., being trustworthy and having people believe in your skills. In this episode, they discuss: What is credibility and the importance of credibility for a businessStory of a...

Tom sits down with Mike Claudio to dive deep into the realities of being a CEO and a leader. They share their personal experiences and discuss the tough decisions that come with running a business, building a strong team, letting your team make mistakes, and how to adjust your business during tough times. They also share how to lead with confidence and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro and preview of the episode [01:18] - Staying fit and...

“That won’t work in my state,” “People won’t pay that where I’m from” – is this your excuse for not charging what you need to? Tim and Derek are here to tell you to stop selling short. If you want to survive and thrive in your business, you have to stop making excuses and start charging what you need. Whether it’s the size of the town, the competition, or your own fear of asking for more money—it’s all just noise. In this episode, they discuss: The solution to the common excuse: “That won’t...

Hiring is probably an issue that you’re having right now in your contracting business. And many contractors don’t have a hiring problem as much as they have a keeping them problem. In this episode, Tom sits down with Ryan — the founder and CEO of Core Matters, a company that helps businesses attract, hire, and retain qualified employees. The two talk about how to attract and hire the right talent and keep them in your business. Episode Highlights: [0:00] - Intro [00:30] - Ryan’s bio and what...

Do you feel uncomfortable when talking to clients? Do you doubt your pricing? Do you fear that the client is going to find out you have no idea what you’re doing? This is known as imposter syndrome — nagging self-doubt that makes you feel like a complete imposter.  In this episode, Tim and Derek talk about what it is like to have imposter syndrome and share tips on how to silence that nagging inner critic and start feeling more confident in your abilities. In this episode, they...

Having great skills alone isn’t enough to run a successful business. You also need a strong, high-performing team of subcontractors or employees. But building a strong team isn’t an easy task. Tom sits down with Jason Paris, founder of Paris Painting, to learn his secrets for building a strong team. Jason shares some valuable lessons he’s learned about building a high-performing team over the past decade of growing his company to $10 million in annual revenue. Episode Highlights: [00:00] -...

Do you know when a client reaches out, that’s the time when they are most motivated to hire a contractor? And if you’re taking too long to respond, you’re risking to lose that opportunity. Tim and Derek discuss how time kills deals and the importance of responding quickly to customers. They share their own experiences with letting too much time pass before getting back to clients and its impact. In this episode, they discuss: The problem with late responses from contractors and the reasons...

From the past episodes, you may remember that Tom recently launched a new painting company, Simplify Painting, as a side hustle. And it’s off to a great start! In just the first month, they’ve landed 12 projects and received 39 leads. In this episode, Tom shares what he is doing to build the company and his plans for growing the business over time. Tom also shares how he scored a $6,200 job with a 60% gross profit. He walks you through the entire process and shows how the Shin-Fu sales method...

As a salesman, being likable can make all the difference. It’s not just about your service. It’s about the connection you build with your clients. Tim and Derek are here to share with you some simple yet powerful ways to become more likable. They share tips and strategies for building genuine connections with clients, from giving a good first impression to maintaining that impression and positive energy throughout the process. In this episode, they discuss: The importance of being likable and...

Do you want to launch a home improvement business as a side hustle? Tom’s got you covered! Tom recently launched his side hustle, a painting company, Simplify Painting, in Colorado Springs. In this episode, he reveals his secret to running a thriving side hustle. He shares nine essential things to know about being successful if you are starting your home improvement business as a side hustle. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Starting a side hustle [00:43] - Tom’s side hustle: Simplify...

In today’s digital world, it is easy to communicate through text or email and avoid verbal, face-to-face communication. But are you really communicating? Tim and Derek are here to remind us there’s no substitute for the power of the human voice. They discuss the importance of effective communication and the value of verbal communication over text and email. In this episode, they discuss: The challenges of relying solely on text/email communicationThe role of tone and body language in...