Features

Coming back from a mountain of debt
Contractor Steve Bousquet was growing his company and losing money. His answer was to work harder and sell more jobs. But, the losses continued. Even with Steve’s economics degree and business minor, he wasn’t prepared to run a contracting business. Instead of giving up, he found help. Today, Steve spends a lot of time helping other contractors find their way in the business world – the same way they helped him... MORE
Features

At Prime Lawn nearly everyone knows how to do everything
Contractor Matt Griffin says cross-training is the only way they are able to offer all the services they do, consistently do them well and serve clients as a 1-stop design/build shop. Nearly all of Matt’s 16 field employees are proficient in all of those things. “I have 6 crews and all but the 2 technicians are cross trained, meaning that everyone can put in a water feature. Everyone can put in porcelain, mosquito systems and fire pits.”... MORE
Features

Fake it till you make it
“Fake it until you make it” is a phrase I heard from industry consultant Jeffrey Scott about 10 years ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since. First, let me define what it does not mean to me: I cannot lie about my capabilities, or claim other’s work as my own. The essence of the phrase is this: Adopting the appearances and processes of the company you want to be, even if you aren’t there yet... MORE
Features

Don’t do stupid things
A lot of research (Google it) supports that intelligent people can do stupid things. Critical thinking requires time, effort and problem-solving skills; being smart is not enough. Frequently we just fail to think things through, and the easy short-term decision can turn into a long-term nightmare. Here are some of the more frequent poor business decisions I have encountered... MORE
Features

Relying on tools in tough times
During this epic period in history, we are witnessing unforeseen spikes in sales while also struggling with finding loyal, hardworking employees at reasonable wages. Contractors tell me time and time again that they have a huge backlog of work, which can cause overwhelming anxiety. The big question is: How do I combat this “pallet to pavement” struggle with a limited work force?... MORE
  • Growth makes you busy; efficiency makes you profitable
  • Growth makes you busy; efficiency makes you profitable
  • Growth makes you busy; efficiency makes you profitable
  • Growth makes you busy; efficiency makes you profitable
  • Growth makes you busy; efficiency makes you profitable

Contractor Profiles

If only this happened every project
February/March 2022

If only this happened every project

With limited input and generous budget, client tells contractor to run with it and create an award winning project. MORE


Building an engineered wall on clay soil
April/May 2022

Get smart building walls

An article for contractors starting to venture into walls requiring an engineer’s stamped drawings. MORE


Meeting the demand for hardscape restoration
December/January 2022

Meeting the demand for hardscape restoration

2 brothers start up a hardscape maintenance company to serve the largely untapped market for restoring old paver projects. MORE


Contractors start up a supply yard
August/September 2021

Contractors start up a supply yard

Opening a supply yard wasn’t in the plans, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. MORE


See More Contractor Profiles
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