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Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from two long-term industry professionals: Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. Each host has unique, but complementary views and advice from each of their 30+ years in the contracting industry. Their goal is to promote healthy, thought-provoking discussions and tips for running a better, more profitable, and successful company. Subscribe for new insights and discussion every week. Visit Co ...
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Send us a text Do you wish your people could do more for you? Discover how to get the most out of your workforce on the Contractor Success Forum with hosts Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown. This episode dives into leveraging individual strengths in your team, the importance of aligning roles with personal skills and passions, and the challenges of …
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Send us a text We've reached 200 episodes of the Contractor Success Forum! Join Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown as they reflect on their journey, discuss the value of contractor education, and unveil a special 85-question quiz designed to help construction contractors assess and improve their business practices. Discover insights on financial heal…
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Send us a text This week, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss the critical role of client collaboration in construction projects. The episode explores strategies for effective collaboration, from pre-project planning to managing supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and inflation. Drawing insights from a recent report from Liberty Mutual a…
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Send us a text Do you feel overwhelmed by the daily grind of managing your construction business? In our first podcast of 2025, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown share essential productivity hacks tailored for contractors. Learn how to leverage tools like the Elgato Stream Deck, Superhuman for email management, AI, and low code automation systems to…
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Send us a text Join Wade and Stephen as they share the 5 most popular episodes from 2024 that helped contractors boost profits and improve cash flow. From smart job costing to unconventional tax strategies that work, these proven tips helped hundreds of contractors succeed. Listen now to learn what worked best for your fellow builders! Subscribe fo…
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Send us a text Getting bonded as a contractor can feel like navigating a maze. Join Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown of McDaniel Whitley Bonding and Insurance in part three of our series on contractor bonding. This episode dives into real-life case studies to uncover valuable lessons for getting bonded successfully. Learn about the challenges of si…
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Send us a text FEMA uses Waffle House as their disaster gauge - here's why construction companies should copy their playbook. Learn how this 24/7 restaurant chain's disaster planning and logistics can help your construction business stay running when crisis hits. Listen to discover their proven systems for supply chain management, workforce readine…
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How to STOP Struggling with Cash Flow and Keep More of What You Earn [Profit First for Commercial Construction]
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Send us a text Struggling with cash flow in your construction biz? Learn how Profit First for Commercial Construction can help you keep more of what you earn! Get a sneak peek of the teachings in Wade Carpenter’s new book. 📘 Tune in now to discover a system that works for contractors. #ProfitFirst #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTips 🚨 Apply to beta …
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Send us a text Struggling to get bonded? 🤔 In this episode, we tackle real-life case studies to help you navigate the construction bonding process. Wade and Stephen share expert insights on overcoming common pitfalls. Listen now and level up your bonding game! 💪 🚨 Apply to beta test Wade's Profit First for Commercial Construction system (for FREE!)…
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Send us a text Want to scale your construction company without burning out? Learn proven systems to grow beyond the one-person operation, from managing cash flow to building repeatable processes that let your business run smoothly without you. Watch for practical tips from construction industry experts. Subscribe for weekly construction finance tip…
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Send us a text Let's talk real life construction bonding scenarios. From startups to high-growth companies, learn what bond underwriters actually look for and how to improve your chances of getting approved. Expert bond agent Stephen Brown breaks down practical strategies for construction bonds. Subscribe for weekly construction finance tips: https…
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Send us a text Stuck making urgent decisions that don't move your business forward? Learn how to escape the survival trap using Mike Michalowicz's Fix This Next framework. Watch now to discover the Business Hierarchy of Needs and build your roadmap from survival to success. Click subscribe for weekly contractor tips → https://bit.ly/ContractorSucce…
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Send us a text Want to make your construction company marketing actually work? We share 10 proven ways to stand out from other contractors and win better projects - from smart automation to creative partnerships. Watch now to learn how successful contractors are using these strategies to attract their ideal clients and boost profits. 🔨 Subscribe fo…
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Send us a text Learn how to make sense of insurance requirements in construction projects! This episode of Contractor Success Forum walks you through reading job specs to ensure you’re covered correctly without paying extra. Discover practical steps to streamline insurance for your bids, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance. This episode is…
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Send us a text Are you a construction business owner struggling to pay yourself? Learn practical steps to take control of your paycheck and break the cycle of being the last one paid. Discover common mistakes and how to fix them. Watch now for expert tips on managing your finances and growing your business! 👷♂️💰 #ContractorSuccess #ConstructionFin…
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Send us a text Unlock the secrets of strategic planning for contractors! Learn how to create a compelling vision, set SMART goals, and implement game-changing strategies. Discover why Panda Express's approach works and how you can apply it to your construction business. Ready to transform your company? Listen now and subscribe for more contractor s…
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Send us a text Curious how Trump and Harris's tax plans could impact your construction business? We break down the key proposals and what they mean for contractors. Learn how to prepare your finances for potential changes. Watch now to stay ahead of the game! Topics we cover in this episode include: 03:23 - Corporate Tax Rates 06:42 - Individual Ta…
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Send us a text In this episode, we explore how your construction background can significantly shape the success of your company. Whether you come from a large corporation or a small hands-on business, your experience plays a key role in managing operations, handling finances, and growing your business. We share real-world examples and discuss how d…
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Send us a text Ready to supercharge your construction business? We're breaking down 25 proven strategies to grow your construction company. From networking to financial management, we've got the insider tips you need to take your business to new heights. Watch now to learn how successful contractors are crushing it in today's market. Don't forget t…
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Send us a text Unlock the power of strategic thinking in construction with the Six Thinking Hats approach. Learn how to make better decisions, spot risks, and find innovative solutions for your projects. Dive into each hat's unique perspective and transform your business mindset. #ConstructionSuccess #StrategicThinking #BusinessLeadership What we c…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Contractor Success Forum, we dive into the world of lean construction-a game-changing approach that helps contractors complete projects faster, safer, and with higher quality. Hosts Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss the key principles of lean construction, including the 5S methodology, waste reduction st…
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Send us a text This week, we explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Discover how AI tools can automate tasks, streamline project management, and improve efficiency, ultimately making your business more profitable. Whether you're already using AI or just curious, this episode offers practical insights to help you leverage this pow…
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Send us a text Discover how to automate your construction business with Make.com! 🚧💡 Wade and Stephen share real-world examples of streamlining operations, from capturing receipts to generating reports. Learn to save time, reduce errors, and focus on growth. 📈 Watch now to boost efficiency and profitability! What we cover on this episode: 00:44 - E…
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Send us a text Struggling with cash flow as your construction business grows? Learn essential strategies to maximize profit and maintain cash flow during critical growth stages. Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown share expert insights on navigating financial challenges. Watch now for practical tips on pricing, billing, and cash management. Don't let …
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Send us a text What does it take to be an Olympic-level contractor, consistently setting the gold standard in construction? Join Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown as they explore the key traits and practices that separate the good from the truly great. Discover how you can push your team to win every time. #ContractorSuccessForum #OlympicCaliberCont…
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Send us a text Are you bidding your construction jobs correctly? Learn the crucial difference between margin and markup to boost your profits. We'll show you how to reverse engineer your bids for success and maximize your cash flow. Watch now and transform your bidding strategy! What we cover on this episode: 01:21 - Reverse engineering profit marg…
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Send us a text Discover the 5 stages of construction company growth and what they mean for your success. From startup to maturity, learn how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities at each stage. Watch now to understand where your business stands and plan for the future! Topics we cover on this episode include: 01:47 - The Startup stage 03:0…
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Send us a text Struggling to get bonds for bigger construction jobs? We've got you covered! Learn how to push through job size issues with your surety company and take your contracting business to the next level. Watch now for practical tips and insider advice! Topics we cover on this episode include: 02:23 - Underwriter concerns and considerations…
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Send us a text Do you know if you're bidding your job properly to manage it for your cash flow? Struggling to keep your finances in order despite your best efforts? You're not alone. And today we're going to tackle some of these issues head on. Topics we cover on this episode include: 03:23 - Profit First implementation challenges 07:17 - Instant a…
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Send us a text Discover how modern technology is transforming the construction industry! In this episode of Contractor Success Forum, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss real-world case studies that showcase the benefits of implementing technology on job sites. From cost savings to increased efficiency, learn how you can leverage these tools t…
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Send us a text Protect your construction site from theft! In this episode, we discuss the rising issue of job site theft and how it impacts your business. Learn practical tips to safeguard your equipment and materials, especially during holidays. Don't let theft eat into your profits - listen now and secure your assets! Topics we cover on this epis…
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Send us a text Struggling to finish that last 2% of a construction job? 🚧 In this episode, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss real-world case studies of projects that went off the rails in the final stages. Discover best practices to avoid costly delays, rework, and legal battles as you close out your next project. 💪 Watch now for expert tips…
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Send us a text Have you ever had trouble finding good help? Can't find good qualified people? It's been tough in the construction market, but there are ways to find good help at a reasonable cost. Let’s break them down this week on the podcast. On this episode, we discuss: The current state of the labor shortage in construction and accounting Why c…
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Send us a text You've got a new construction project. Everyone's excited to get started, but are you doing the right things or are you setting yourself up for failure? Let’s talk about the essential items that should be on your checklist for a successful project. Topics we cover in this episode include: Start off with good communication Get the mob…
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Send us a text They say history repeats itself, and this is definitely true in construction. What can we learn from what happened in the past so it doesn't repeat itself? Let’s talk about it this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: What we've learned from periods like recession and Covid 19 Be aware of economic cycles and how to get thro…
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Send us a text Have you ever noticed that some people do really well in construction while others really struggle? What do they know that you don't? Today we're talking about seven secrets to building a successful construction company. Topics we cover in this episode include: Engage in effective financial management Build a strong team around you, …
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Send us a text What happens when things go wrong on a job? When they do, what can we learn from it so that we don't make the same mistakes again? Stephen has a case study this week that contains multiple important lessons that all contractors should hear. Topics we cover in this episode include: A case study in construction failure Breaking down th…
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Send us a text Are you finding all the work you want to do? Trouble finding leads? Does social media help? Today, marketing expert Amanda Darr is here to help us figure that out. Topics we cover in this episode include: Start by defining your ideal client Get a domain and business email set up Set up a website - it doesn't have to be complicated Do…
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Send us a text Not getting the information you need from your construction accounting software? Have you outgrown your software? How would you know if you did? And how do you start the search for the right software to replace it? Let's talk about it all on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Are you having trouble integrat…
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Send us a text Are you putting yourself at risk for an IRS audit? What kind of things do the IRS target for contractors? We're breaking it down on the podcast this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: Accounting method rules based on the type of contractor you are Contract-related services and advanced payments Things on the expense side …
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Send us a text Retainage. If you deal with it, is that job holding your company back? Are you being the bank for your job owner? Does it stunt your cashflow and growth? What can you do about it? Find out on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: What is retainage? Retainage can sunt your company's growth if you don't bid jobs…
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Send us a text Safety and workers comp insurance have several challenges, but what are the best solutions? Stephen brings his insight to this week's episode. Here's what you need to know about what Workers Comp can do for you, the most common type of claims, when to file a claim, experience mods, and more. Topics we cover in this episode include: W…
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Send us a text If you've been here a while, you know we preach job costing and how it can help a contractor be more profitable. One of the challenges of implementing a job costing system is figuring out costing your labor. Where do you start? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Challenges with getting information for the p…
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Send us a text One of the biggest stumbling blocks with contractors getting their job costing system set up properly is the cost code structure. There are several moving parts and it can be overwhelming. Where do you start? We're showing you on this week's episode. Make sure to check it out on the Carpenter CPAs YouTube channel. Topics we cover in …
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Send us a text Have you ever felt like the world is ending because your bank balance is low and you don't know how you're going to pay your people or your bills? Or you're on top of the world because your bank balance is high, but the next day the cash disappears? Let's talk about the psychology of money and how you can use your innate habits to co…
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Send us a text Starting a construction business? Wanting to get off on the right foot? Getting the foundation right from the start can spell the difference between success and failure. Let's talk about how to successfully plan, launch, manage, and grow a new construction business. Topics we cover in this episode include: Starting a business with th…
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Send us a text In an industry where having solid financial backing and trust is crucial, getting these relationships right is not just a bonus, it's a necessity. This week, let's discuss how to build relationships that will last and support your business over the years. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to find the right partners for you…
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Send us a text The foundation of any robust construction accounting system lies in a well structured chart of accounts. But building one can be tricky. Let's walk through it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Walking through the Chart of Accounts How to treat retainage properly in your Chart of Accounts Cost of revenue categories LINKS Visit…
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Send us a text It's winter right now, and if you're in construction, this may be a slower time of year for you. It's a great time to create a strategic plan for your company for the coming year. How do you do it? We'll walk you through it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Why now is a good time to think about your strategic plan Ground rule…
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Send us a text Full-kitting is a term most often associated with manufacturing. What does it mean and how can we use that concept in construction to maximize our profits? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Full Kitting from a Subcontractor Standpoint Communicate potential problems beforehand Start with project planning an…
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