Caleb and Brittany Auman sat down recently to analyze the key metrics and financials for their lawn care and landscaping business over the past year. In this episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, they dive into the numbers to compare 2023 to 2022. They discuss areas like sales, expenses, fuel costs, equipment repairs and more. Getting a look under the hood at the financial performance gives valuable insight.

One interesting finding was that while sales were up 13% year-over-year, fuel costs remained nearly flat. They also saw a significant drop in equipment repair bills. By evaluating trends in different expense categories, they hope to identify opportunities to streamline operations further. A yearly financial review is crucial for assessing what's working well and where improvements could be made.

Be sure to listen to this episode to gain perspective on how Caleb and Brittany evaluate their business results. Hearing their analysis and discussion of the metrics that drive their suc...

On a recent episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb and Brittany Auman sat down with Alicia Brentzel this week to discuss Primed for Growth, a new program designed by Brittany and Alicia. Primed for Growth is an 8-week course that helps contractors create strategic plans and goals to take their businesses to the next level in 2024.

Brittany and Alicia discussed what Primed for Growth includes, such as vision and goal planning, creating marketing plans, forecasting, budgeting, and more. They'll cover topics like hiring, leadership, and accountability. The program features weekly educational sessions and check-ins to ensure plans are implemented.

Contractors of all sizes can benefit from Primed for Growth. Brittany, Caleb, and Alicia stressed how taking the time to plan can transform companies and boost profits. Don't miss this opportunity to prime your business for growth in the new year.

Listen to the full episode with Caleb, Brittany, and Alicia here.

Learn more and sign up a...

Caleb recently hosted Kyle Robertson, Tyler Kaufman, and Matt Phillips in the Company Cam studios after they attended one of his Hardscape Academy events. In a new episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb catches up with the trio to get their thoughts on the Academy and how they have applied what they learned to their businesses. Kyle, Tyler, and Matt discuss the equipment they use, how they handle billing and invoicing, and things they have discovered about being self-employed contractors.

All three attendees found the Academy extremely helpful for expanding their knowledge of hardscaping techniques and designs. Tyler especially wanted to learn more about patios and retaining walls to add to his excavation and drainage work. Matt is looking to branch out from his lawn care company into more complex landscape installations. The Academy gave them both new skills and ideas to take their businesses in new directions.

Caleb also draws out valuable lessons from their experiences start...

In the latest episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb interviews Chase Gallagher, the 22-year-old founder and owner of CMG Landscaping. CMG Landscaping is based in Chester County, Pennsylvania and does over $1.8 million in annual revenue. Chase shares how he got his start in landscaping at just 12 years old, when he made flyers and distributed them around his neighborhood to find lawn mowing clients.

As a teenager, Chase worked part-time for another landscaper to gain experience in the industry. By 18, he had sold his lawn care business and transitioned fully into landscape construction projects like hardscaping, drainage work, and plantings. Chase credits his success to always putting in extra hours of work, whether that's following up with clients or spending evenings doing paperwork and planning. He also emphasizes the importance of marketing through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Now at 22, Chase runs an eight person crew with a fleet of trucks and equip...

In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, host Caleb Auman interviews Ken Deemer and Patrick Murray, owners of Local Roots landscaping in Pittsburgh, PA. Ken and Patrick discuss how they started Local Roots 9 years ago while still in college and have grown it to a $7-8 million business with 45 employees. They talk about some of the challenges they faced early on and how they have worked to create a positive company culture focused on employee well-being and support.

Ken and Patrick also discuss their new coaching business called Forward, which was inspired by the impact that coaches had on them in growing Local Roots. Through one-on-one coaching and peer groups, they aim to help other contractors overcome obstacles holding them back and scale their businesses in a sustainable way. They discuss how they structure their coaching offerings and how contractors of all sizes can benefit.

The episode provides valuable insights for contractors on building a successful business throu...

On today's episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast titled "Make the Best Decisions You Can," host Caleb Auman takes listeners on a stroll down memory lane by going through a long list of screenshots he's collected over the years. The screenshots contain everything from inspirational quotes to examples from Caleb's own business experiences to advice he's received from other professionals.

Caleb shares nuggets of wisdom on topics like setting goals, dealing with unexpected problems on jobs, hiring an assistant to free up your time, and more. He also includes some lighter screenshots like funny alien comics that correlate situations to the business world. Throughout the episode, Caleb emphasizes making the best decisions you can each day based on the knowledge and experience you've gained. It's a great reminder of the importance of continuous learning and reflection in business.

On the latest episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb Auman discusses implementing bonus structures and incentive programs at his landscape company. He goes through an article from Hardscape Magazine that analyzes the pros and cons of different bonus plan options. Caleb cautions that any system needs to be carefully planned out to avoid unintended consequences. He mentions potential pitfalls like employees adjusting their lifestyles to expect bonuses or feeling resentful if more experienced workers get tougher jobs. Caleb also stresses the importance of having accurate job costing data to properly implement and track any bonus program. This episode provides helpful insights for contractors considering changing their compensation models. Be sure to listen to the full episode here!

In a recent episode of Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb shares his enthusiasm for attending Lawntrepreneur Academy Live 2023 in Novi, Michigan. The annual conference hosted by Brian Fullerton brings together hundreds of professionals in the green industry for networking and knowledge sharing. Caleb discusses several impactful lessons he learned from various speakers at the event.

One that stood out was from Keith Kalfas, emphasizing the importance of focusing on "who" will complete tasks rather than "how." This reinforced the need for owners to delegate responsibilities to free up their time. Another key takeaway was from Mark Bradley, who advised hiring someone capable of replacing you as owner right from the start. This inspired Caleb to seriously consider bringing on a landscape designer. He was also moved by Sam Gembel urging companies to raise wages for employees.

As a result, Caleb committed to exploring hiring a salesperson to help grow his business by finding new clients. The ...

On a recent episode of Kid Contractor Podcast, Caleb was joined by special guests Phil and Tom from Greenlinc landscaping in New Zealand. Phil and Tom were in the middle of a three week tour of the United States visiting equipment shows and nurseries, and made a stop at Company Cam studios for an interview.

Caleb learned all about Greenlinc's operations in Canterbury, New Zealand - from their landscape installation and maintenance division with 8 employees, to their plant nursery with 6 additional staff. Phil and Tom discussed what the landscape industry is like in New Zealand, including the variety of equipment brands available and payment terms on commercial jobs.

The brothers also shared their impressions of America so far on their tour, from the vast amounts of corn to getting used to larger cities. But one thing they were taking back to implement in their own business was the tradition of flagging equipment like many American companies do.

It was a fascinating look at how lands...