The Modern Contractor Podcast

The Modern Contractor Podcast

por The Modern Contractor
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His Plan to Reach $20M in Roofing (With Only 5 Sales Guys)
In this episode of the Modern Contractor Podcast, Ryan Heath of Right Hand Roofing and Gutter shares the systems and decisions that helped him move beyond the owner-does-everything stage. We cover trust and delegation, building demand without relying on storms, centralized estimating, protecting job margins, customer communication, CRM workflows, and why a small group of the right people can beat a much larger team chasing weak leads. Ryan also explains why his salespeople do not build their own estimates, how his team uses follow-up systems, and why contractors should look inward before blaming every difficult customer.
What Actually Grows a Contractor Business in 2026?
A bigger marketing budget doesn’t automatically grow a home service contracting business. Brian and Jordan break down what actually helped drive 412% growth — and what contractors should be paying attention to in 2026. In this episode, they talk through the marketing moves that actually matter: local service ads, SEO, Google Business Profile, reviews, tracking, TV, AI, and why “more leads” won’t fix a business that can’t follow through. You’ll also hear why some contractors stay stuck on discount-driven advertising, why AI may not be the revenue driver people think it is yet, and how to build a marketing system that supports real business growth — not just more activity.
These 4 Books/Podcasts Changed How I Run My Contracting Business
In this episode, Brian shares the books, podcasts, newsletters, and ideas that have helped shape how he builds his home improvement company and coaching business. This is a different style of episode — part resource list, part business reflection. Brian walks through the ideas behind Purple Cow, Profit First, Founders Podcast, Finding Mastery, and Farnam Street, and explains how they apply to contractors trying to build a stronger, more profitable, more differentiated business. These are some of the resources Brian has used while growing his home improvement company by 400% over the last four years, as well as tools he uses with coaching clients.
What Happens When a Corporate Exec Buys a Construction Business?
What happens when a corporate executive with zero construction experience buys a trades business? That's exactly what Paul Van Bergen did, and in this episode, he breaks down everything he's learned in the first few months of owning BW Construction, a premium window installation company in Chicago. From earning the trust of a 29-year veteran foreman, to why he believes customer experience beats lead generation every time, Paul brings a refreshing outsider's perspective to an industry that's often stuck in its ways. If you're a contractor, a business owner, or thinking about buying a business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.
The #1 Reason Contractors Struggle To Hit $3M (According to Pella's Top Experts)
Most contractors never scale past $3M. Not because of bad leads. Not because of the economy. Not because labor is expensive. It's because of something much closer to home. Pella's Brandon, Mitchell, and Morgan have a combined 42+ years working alongside builders, remodelers, and contractors across the US. In this episode of the Modern Contractor Podcast, they reveal exactly what they've seen hold good contractors back — and what great ones do differently. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet the Pella Team 02:15 – What separates a good contractor from a great one? 04:28 – What struggling contractors blame (that isn't the real issue) 06:29 – Why customer experience beats leads every time 07:06 – The $3M revenue plateau (and why Brian sat there for a decade) 08:53 – How to create a "marquee" customer experience 11:07 – What top contractors are doing with AI right now 12:12 – The leadership bottleneck no one talks about 13:57 – Why hiring is an investment, not an expense Whether you're a solo operator or running a multi-million dollar remodeling business, this conversation is packed with actionable insight from people who've seen thousands of contractor businesses from the inside.
He Fired Half His Team to Save the Company… Here’s Why
In the latest episode of The Modern Contractor Podcast, we sit down with Josh Dembicki, founder of Bellwether Windows, Siding & Doors, to break down one of the most real and eye-opening business journeys we’ve had on the show. From rapid growth to internal conflict… from $12M in revenue with no profit to rebuilding the company from the ground up — Josh shares what it actually takes to build a healthy, scalable contracting business. If you’re a contractor trying to grow, struggling with margins, or feeling stuck in the day-to-day grind… this episode is for you.
Scaling a $6M Remodeling Business: Hiring & Retention Tips
Building a multi-generational contracting business takes more than just technical skill—it takes a radical approach to people, pricing, and process. In this episode of the Modern Contractor podcast, Brian LaPelusa shares how his family-owned company has thrived in the Chicago market for over 62 years. You will learn the specific strategies they use to retain elite talent and why a race to the bottom on price is a game you do not want to win. We dive deep into the importance of employee culture, exploring a benefits package that rivals major corporations and includes everything from 401k matches to monthly stipends. Brian explains why he avoids traditional job boards in favor of trade referrals and how to use organic social media groups to land high-quality leads. We also discuss the future of the industry, the impact of high interest rates on the renovation boom, and the history behind the Pella Platinum Program. Whether you are a solo contractor or managing a large crew, these insights on value propositions and systematic sales will help you strengthen your business foundation.
Why I STOPPED Emailing Quotes
Tired of customers ghosting after you email a quote? Find out why this common practice might be costing you valuable relationships and sales! In this episode of The Modern Contractor podcast, we dive into why personal interactions and a tailored customer experience make all the difference. Learn how seasoned contractors like Andy Saitz of ArchCity Windows have transformed their businesses by focusing on education, trust, and a non-aggressive sales approach. Discover practical tips on how to market a construction business, the role of technology and AI in contractor marketing, and why slowing down your sales process could skyrocket your close rates. If you're ready to ditch outdated tactics and create an unforgettable customer journey, this episode is for you. Join us for real-world insights and strategies that can elevate your contractor business marketing game, improve customer satisfaction, and drive long-term success. Don’t miss it—your business deserves it! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips and strategies from The Modern Contractor.
Why Most Contractors Fail to Scale
In this episode, we sit down with Chad Nyberg, owner of PCS Residential, to pull back the curtain on what it takes to dominate the high-end window and roofing market. Chad shares the exact moment he realized that storm chasing wasn't a sustainable business model and how he transitioned into $100,000 average transactions. What you’ll learn: The $400,000 window measurement mistake that changed everything. Why 'Extreme Ownership' is the secret to 100% growth. The 'People Puzzle': How to stop hiring 'C-players' out of desperation. Why Chad is betting AGAINST Private Equity rollups in the trades. If you’re a contractor looking to elevate your standards and stop nickel-and-diming your way through business, this is a must-watch.
Episode 6 with Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell runs the Pella Certified Contractor Program nationally, giving her a front‑row seat to what separates the struggling, price‑driven contractor from the premium, in‑demand market leader. In this interview, she pulls back the curtain on what she’s learned working with top performers all over the country. In this video, you’ll learn: The traits every top contractor shares (and the red flags that keep others stuck) How Pella’s best contractors escape the race to the bottom and stop competing on price The mindset shift that takes you from “busy and exhausted” to profitable and scalable Real‑world examples of contractors who niched down, leveled up their brand, and exploded growth How AI, new products, and changing homeowner expectations are creating massive opportunity for those who move first Whether you’re a: Owner‑operator trying to grow past yourself Established contractor stuck at a plateau Marketer or sales leader in the home improvement space …this conversation will give you battle‑tested insights from someone who sees what works (and what quietly kills companies) every single day.
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