A few years ago, I started noticing some concerning changes on the left side of my face - tender spots that would become irritated, especially in the hot summer sun. After ignoring it for a while, I finally listened to my wife Brittany's urging and went to see a dermatologist. That's when I learned I had developed pre-cancerous skin lesions, likely due to decades of working outdoors without proper sun protection. Brittany has also had to get skin cancer removed, which she discusses in episode #517 of the Kid Contractor Podcast. The doctor's diagnosis was a real wake-up call. I realized that the tough, "macho" approach I had taken to my skin health over the years could have serious consequences down the line. That's when I made a commitment to be more proactive about protecting myself, whether it was wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, or diligently applying sunscreen. In sharing this experience on the podcast, my goal is to encourage others in our industry to prioritize...

Hey folks, Caleb here. Today's episode was a blast to record, and I wanted to share some key takeaways with you. We've all had those facepalm moments in our landscaping careers, and today we dived into some doozies. From leaving phones on truck bumpers to accidentally dumping expensive equipment in rivers, we covered it all. But it's not just about the laughs. These stories highlight important safety lessons for all of us in the industry. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when operating heavy machinery. Double-check your loads before dumping. And for Pete's sake, don't put valuable tools on your vehicle's roof! We also touched on some serious topics, like the importance of proper portable restrooms on job sites. It's not just about convenience – it's about professionalism and efficiency. Remember, mistakes happen to everyone. The key is to learn from them and create systems to prevent future slip-ups. That's how we grow as professionals and business owners....

Hey there, Kid Contractor listeners! Caleb here. Just wrapped up another episode with Brittany, and boy, did we cover some ground. We dove deep into the nitty-gritty of running a landscaping business - talking about revenue per hour, budgeting, and why having a pro handle your books is a game-changer. We've been laser-focused on our financials this year, and it's paying off big time. If you're still doing your own accounting, trust me, it's time to reconsider. We've seen a huge difference since bringing in the experts. We also chatted about equipment buying strategies for you new business owners out there. Pro tip: specialize as much as you can early on. As always, we kept it real - sharing our wins and our "learning experiences" (aka mistakes). Remember, knowing your numbers inside and out is key to success in this industry. Catch you on the next episode, and keep crushing it out there!

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming in-person training sessions here at The Hardscape Academy. These hands-on workshops are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their skills in the hardscape industry. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional, our expert-led classes offer valuable insights and practical experience to help you succeed.

Training Dates:

• November 15-16
• December 13-14
• January 10-11
• January 31-February 1
• February 28-March 1

Our sessions are designed to provide comprehensive training on various aspects of hardscaping. You'll learn directly from Caleb Auman and our experienced Hardscape Academy team. Here's what you can expect:

What You'll Learn:

• Paver Installation: Master the art of installing pavers with precision and efficiency.
• Retaining Walls: Gain in-depth knowledge on constructing durable and aesthetically pleasing retaining walls.
• Paver Patio Estimation: Learn how to accurately estimate materials and costs for paver patio projects.
• ...

What a weekend, folks! As we wind down from the long Independence Day celebrations, I can't help but reflect on the deeper meaning behind the holiday. This year, I dove into the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights on the podcast. It's been eye-opening to revisit these foundational documents and remember what our Founders fought for. Between the barbecues and fireworks, I hope you all took a moment to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. It's easy to take them for granted, but our liberties are precious and worth protecting. Next year, let's make it a point to say "Happy Independence Day" instead of just "Happy Fourth." It's a small way to keep the spirit of 1776 alive. As we head back to work tomorrow, let's carry that patriotic spirit with us. Remember, we're all created equal, with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Here's to freedom, America. Let's make the most of it!

As a seasoned contractor, I've seen firsthand the pitfalls of choosing the cheapest option. Recently, a client's experience with a low-cost concrete pad reminded me why quality should never be sacrificed for price. When we cut corners to save money, we often end up paying more in the long run. Whether it's unreliable equipment that wastes time on job sites or subpar materials that deteriorate quickly, the initial savings rarely justify the headaches and additional expenses down the road. I've learned this lesson the hard way, like when I installed cheap lighting fixtures for a budget-conscious client. The constant repairs and service calls ate into any profit and damaged my reputation. Now, I only use high-quality products like WAC Lighting, even if it means a higher upfront cost. To my fellow contractors: invest in quality tools, materials, and labor. It's not just about the immediate job - it's about building a sustainable, reputable business. And to homeowners: remember that the...

Boy oh boy, what a project that last pond cleaning job turned out to be! When I first bid the job, I thought it would be a straightforward dredging job to clear out some sediment. But little did I know the challenges we would face - from unstable mud conditions, to equipment issues, to nearly running out of fuel at the end. This was by far the largest pond cleaning job we've taken on, clearing over 300 cubic yards of debris from a commercial stormwater basin. Going in, I knew the scale was bigger than our usual jobs, but I underestimated some of the complexities involved. Working in and around water brings its own set of safety concerns that you don't face on a typical hardscape project. And moving that volume of material presented logistical problems I hadn't fully planned for. Through the ups and downs of the job, I learned some valuable lessons. Proper planning is critical for these types of jobs - from assessing site conditions, to mapping out material removal. The right...

I'm excited to share that Brittany and I just made our first investment property purchase outside of our commercial shop. We've had our eye on acquiring an industrial zoned parcel for a couple years now, waiting for the right opportunity. Well, that opportunity finally came up when a neighboring landowner approached us about buying the one acre lot next to our shop. It's been overgrown for a while, but I can already envision the potential once we get it cleaned up. The property is perfectly situated for a laydown yard rental, giving local contractors a place to store equipment and materials. While it's a relatively small investment for now at just one acre, this represents an important step for our business. We're always looking for ways to diversify our revenue streams beyond just construction projects. Renting out this space will provide another source of passive income as our customer base continues to grow. It also feels good to check another goal off our vision board. Brittany...

I can't believe we've reached 500 episodes of the Kid Contractor podcast! It feels like just yesterday that I was recording that very first episode in my dining room with Brian and Emily from Stump Plants. So much has changed since then but one thing has remained - my commitment to bringing you insightful conversations with top professionals in our industry. For this milestone 500th episode, I decided to call up some of our most memorable guests from over the years to get a glimpse into where they are now. It was so fun to catch up with Josh Sutton, Alicia & AJ Brentzel, Jon Pajak, and many others. I also got a chance to thank those who were instrumental in launching the podcast like Mr. Producer and Brian Fullerton. In addition to reminiscing, I asked each guest about any business "fallacies" they once held that turned out not to be true. Many mentioned assumptions about how growth works or that bigger equals more successful. It was fascinating to hear different perspectives on...

I was excited to have Zach Taylor back on the podcast again today. Zach is always such a pleasure to talk to - he's got a great sense of humor and an incredible work ethic. I love hearing about all the adventures he gets himself into! This time, Zach shared about an amazing trip he took to visit our friend Jimmy Starbuck in Australia. I couldn't believe the details of Zach's 24 hour travel day just to get there - over 23 hours on planes from Boston to Melbourne. But he said it was all worth it to spend time with Jimmy and see the operations at Starbuck Excavation firsthand. Zach gave us a glimpse into Australian culture and the differences he experienced. From driving on the opposite side of the road to enjoying new foods, Zach took it all in stride. I was surprised to learn that Australia isn't nearly as dangerous as the memes make it out to be! Zach didn't encounter any deadly animals on his trip. It was fascinating to hear about Jimmy's multi-million dollar plant hire business. I...