In a recent of episode of Kid Contractor Podcast we got to speak with and hear the remarkable journeys of Kayti and Ry, two former educators who have transitioned from the world of teaching to making a profound impact in the construction sector. Their stories exemplify the transformative power of following one's passion and seizing unexpected opportunities for growth and reinvention.

Kayti begins by recounting her childhood immersed in the construction industry. With parents who owned a trucking company, aggregate pits, and a ready-mix plant, she was no stranger to the world of construction. However, societal expectations led her to pursue a college education rather than continuing the family business. Driven by her love for working with children and making a difference, Kayti became a teacher, dedicating several years to shaping young minds. Eventually, she transitioned to a role in curriculum and instruction, collaborating with fellow educators to develop impactful classroom materia...

In today's competitive industry, standing out from the crowd is essential. With the current economic climate, it's becoming increasingly difficult to secure leads and customers, and contractors need to ensure they're doing everything they can to close sales. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, guest Mike Andes of Augusta Lawn Care discussed with us how contractors can separate themselves from the rest of the industry, and outlined three key areas that can help you stand out and succeed.

The first area is having a good website. In today's digital age, a strong online presence is crucial. Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business, so it needs to be professional, informative, and easy to navigate. It should showcase your services and highlight your expertise in the industry. By investing in a well-designed website, you can establish your brand and attract more leads.

The second area is answering the phone. It may seem like a no-bra...

Inflation is a term that is thrown around a lot these days, and for good reason. It has had a significant impact on various aspects of our lives, including the economy and the way we conduct business. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, Caleb Auman discussed how inflation is affecting their business and the demographics they cater to.

Caleb first pointed out that business owners should not assume that they are too expensive for their target market right away. Instead, they should consider whether they are catering to the right demographic. For example, if a business owner is targeting the blue-collar, suburban purchasing class, they may be facing significant challenges due to the impact of inflation on their disposable income.

Auman notes that this demographic is getting "crushed" by inflation, with their disposable income being severely impacted. As a result, they may not be able to afford the same level of discretionary spending that they once did. This means that bu...

The advancements in technology have led to the introduction of many automated devices, and robotic mowers are the latest addition to the list. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, host Caleb Auman shared his experience with the Husqvarna robot mower that was sent to him.

While Caleb is excited about the potential of robotic mowers, he notes that there may be a learning curve for users who are new to the technology. However, he also points out that the naysayers who might consider these devices as junk or stupid are not considering the significant technological advancements that have been made in recent years.

In conclusion, the rise of robotic mowers is a testament to the evolution of technology in our daily lives. While there may be a learning curve for some users, these devices offer a practical and efficient solution to lawn care. As the technology continues to improve, it may not be long before robotic mowers become the norm in households across the country.

In the world of contracting, mistakes and misunderstandings can happen even to the most careful and diligent contractors. One way to prevent such occurrences is through pre-documentation. This process entails taking photos of the work area before starting the job and documenting any pre-existing conditions, such as cracks in the sidewalk or a broken downspout. Pre-documentation can help cover the contractor's tail and ensure a smoother project outcome.

On the Kid Contractor podcast, host Caleb and guest Ellie from CompanyCam both agreed that pre-documentation is essential. They pointed out that some clients might try to take advantage of contractors or landscapers, and in such situations, it's better to have photographic evidence of the pre-existing conditions to avoid disputes. The pre-documentation process can help to establish a clear understanding of what was already there before the work began.

Contractors who practice pre-documentation can have a smoother conversation with thei...

Debt is a complex topic that can elicit a wide range of opinions, emotions, and experiences. Some people view debt as a necessary tool for achieving financial goals, while others see it as a burden that can cause immense stress and anxiety. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, host Caleb interviewed guest Paul Jamison about his thoughts on debt and how it has impacted his life and business.

Paul's response was straightforward: he tries to avoid using any debt in his life, including in his business. He cited his experience with student loans as a prime example of how debt can weigh on a person's shoulders, causing stress and anxiety. Paul acknowledged that he has had other forms of debt in his life, including auto loans and business loans, but he has come to the realization that he prefers to work for what he wants and save up money to make purchases rather than take on debt.

This approach may not be for everyone, and Paul himself acknowledged that it may result in slowe...

Motivating employees to care about the financial health of the business can be a daunting task for any business owner. However, it is a critical step to ensuring the long-term success of the business. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, host Caleb discussed this topic with guest Carla from Cycle CPA. They discussed how to get employees motivated about the numbers and shared some practical tips that can be implemented in any business.

Carla recommended practicing some form of open book management where the business owner shows as much or as little of the financials as they want. However, she emphasized the importance of showing the gross profit percentage margin, which is a rule of thumb for the industry at around 50%. This helps employees understand the financial health of the business and how their work contributes to its success.

Carla also shared how she helped a particular business put incentive plans in place to motivate their employees. This involved creating a b...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept reserved for science fiction novels or Hollywood blockbusters. It is already part of our daily lives in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. From Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars, AI is revolutionizing the way we live and work. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, Caleb shared how AI has already began to change the game for marketing a businesses.

Caleb explained to the guests that the chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an iteration of AI developed by Microsoft to compete with Google. With this tool, one can ask the AI to write an essay, create a report, or even do homework. The AI scours the internet and cross-checks the information before producing a high-quality output within seconds.

The potential applications for this technology are limitless. For businesses, chat GPT could be used to create blog posts, build SEO, and automate tasks. For example, a landscaping company could ask the AI to write a report ...

The Con Expo 2023 has come and gone, but the memories and experiences it brought will stay with attendees for a long time. In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, host Caleb and guest Zach discussed the growth and popularity of the Con Expo, which has become a massive event for the construction industry.

Zach shared how he has loved seeing the Con Expo grow and how it has given him the opportunity to make connections with people from all across the country. He talked about how he has met a bunch of people that he has talked to for years, and the Con Expo gave him the chance to finally put a face to the name. It was a chance to shake hands, give hugs, and just have a cool experience.

ConExpo is more than just a trade show; it's an event that brings the construction industry together. Zach talked about how it felt like a big family reunion, with people from all over the industry coming together to share ideas and experiences. It was a time to hang out with a bunch of folks w...