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...

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...

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...

We all have dreams and goals that we want to achieve, but sometimes it can feel like the journey to get there is never-ending. It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of our big, audacious goals that we forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. In this episode of the kid Contractor podcast, guests Brian Fullerton (Brian's Lawn Maintenance) and John Pajak discuss the importance of celebrating micro victories.

John starts off the conversation by emphasizing the need to celebrate small wins. He says, "I mean, you do have to have those like, micro celebrations 100% Otherwise, if you're waiting for the Big Bang to happen, it you're gonna miss out on a lot of things." He's absolutely right. Waiting for the big bang moment can be demotivating and can make the journey seem longer and harder than it actually is.

Brian Fullerton, who is a successful entrepreneur, shares how he and his wife celebrate their micro victories. He says, "Liz and I celebrate micro those little celebrate...

In today's business world, customer satisfaction is paramount. Business owners across industries have come to understand the importance of creating a strong customer base by focusing on providing exceptional customer service, high-quality work, and effective sales and marketing strategies. In a recent Kid Contractor podcast episode, we were joined by guest Savier Caballero, of Caballero's landscaping where he discussed the "customer's three-legged stool," a concept that emphasizes the critical role that these three components play in running a successful business.

Savier explained the three legs of the customer's stool are customer service, quality work, and sales and marketing. Each of these components is essential and must work together to create a stable and long-lasting business.

The first leg of the stool, customer service, involves providing the best possible service to your customers. This includes being attentive to their needs, responding promptly to inquiries, and...

In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, Craig Sheller of Sheller Outdoor Living talked with Caleb Auman about the red flags he looks for in potential clients.  Craig and Caleb both agree that if a client refuses to pay for a consultation, it's a red flag and they aren't a good fit. They believe that if a client is not willing to value what they offer as a company, it's not worth anyone's time, even if it's a $50,000 job.

Another red flag for them is when clients say they've received multiple bids. They prefer to work with clients who come to them directly and trust them enough to not have to shop around. They believe that building good referral partnerships and taking care of clients is the key to getting clients through referrals.

The podcast also discusses how to get to the stage of business where one can confidently turn away work and focus on the type of work and clients they want. For the full episode, listen here!

The CONEXPO 2023, the largest construction tradeshow in North America, was held recently, and it was an amazing event. Caleb and Brittany Auman shared their experience of the event in a recent episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast.

With 139,000 attendees, the event showcased 2.7 million net square feet of exhibits, taking up space equivalent to that of five or six state fairs. The Aumans attended the event and covered almost every bit of it, walking about 30 miles in three days. They met with several people representing different brands, including those they had never met before, and enjoyed networking with the community.

CONEXPO offered an abundance of fascinating exhibits and engaging activities that kept visitors busy and entertained. Attendees had the chance to explore impressive machinery and equipment, as well as attend thought-provoking panels hosted by prominent figures in the industry. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that CONEXPO proved to be a truly exceptional...

Are you looking for ways to expand your business? Perhaps you can take a cue from Russell's Lawn and Landscape, a company that found a new and profitable niche in holiday decor.

In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, we talked with Andy and Russell Pugh, of Russell's Lawn and Landscape, about their transition from doing only lawn maintenance to now doing Christmas light installations. It all started when one of their clients asked if they could put up Christmas lights, and the Pughs decided to give it a try.

They quickly realized that there was a high demand for holiday decor in their area and decided to make it a core part of their business. They invested in high-quality materials and trained their team on installation techniques, and soon they were booking dozens of installations every holiday season.

Not only did they find a lucrative opportunity, but they also found that it helped even out their cash flow throughout the year. The summer months, which used to be...

As a landscaping company owner, staying up-to-date with the latest tools and equipment can significantly improve efficiency and output. One tool that has recently gained popularity is the tiltrotator, a hydraulic attachment that offers greater flexibility and precision in excavating and grading work.

In a recent episode of the Kid Contractor podcast, Caleb Auman discussed his plans to purchase a tiltrotator with three other owners who already have one, including Andy Mulder (Mulder Maintenance & Services), Jeremy Swihart (J Squared Outdoor Living), and Zach Tournoux (Tournoux Landcare). Although they shared varying experiences, they all agreed that a tiltrotator is a worthwhile investment for any landscaping business.

Caleb confirmed his plan to purchase a tiltrotator, which would likely be installed on a machine weighing under five tons. However, he's currently undecided on the brand and will need to research and determine which is best for his company, whether it be...