Advertise on podcast: Conquer Contractor Chaos

Phil Blumberg, founder of Perris Woodworks in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, shares how 15 months of bootcamp and monthly one-on-one coaching helped him move from chaotic, low-profit busyness to a more scalable business. He grew from a 1,000 sq ft shop to 4,000 sq ft, raised average gross profit margin from about 40% to 54%, landed a largest booked job of $130K, and began turning down small, low-margin work to protect owner bandwidth. Key changes included job costing and back-costing despite poor invoice systems, tracking labor with Gusto, raising prices twice, shifting from markup to margin-based quoting, and focusing on client experience over price. He promoted a newer hire, Mark, into running most production through simplified, systemized offerings. Phil recounts starting in a 500 sq ft basement in 2020, COVID demand, a later slowdown that nearly pushed his family toward food stamps, and his goals to reach $1M revenue, sustain 50%+ margins, reduce stress, and eventually take six summer weeks off by addressing pre-production and sales bottlenecks.

Host Lee interviews Nick Hall, founder of Hall’s Cabinetry Co., a Marine Corps veteran and former NC State wrestler who built a cabinetry business nights and weekends while still on active duty, then resigned after being assigned overseas orders to Japan. Nick describes serving eight years, teaching organizational behavior and leadership at the Naval Academy, and using coaching, disciplined outreach, and relationship-building with GCs and designers to create a runway before going full-time. He explains why he hired a coach early for accountability, how he set up a fully equipped shop (including CNC and edgebander), lined up about four months of work by the day he received his DD214, and began hiring employees, with his wife joining administration. They discuss momentum, saying no to misaligned work, systems and leadership, motivation, balancing family with business demands, and defining success beyond revenue.

Matt is the VP of product at The predictive index as well as the Author of “Expand The Circle”. In this episode - Lee and Matt break down what true leadership is and what tools are available to aspiring leaders in the construction industry.

This week Lee uses a construction foundation analogy to explain why contractors nearing seven figures can feel like everything is on fire: it’s not failure, but “settlement” from outgrowing systems built for a $250k owner-operator business. Instead of patching symptoms by working more or hiring reactively, contractors should “underpin” by reinforcing five core footings—written core values, updated vision/mission, leadership that delegates (not “I’ll do it myself”), stronger financial understanding (job costing, margins, forecasting), and a scaling mindset focused on reinforcement over grinding. He extends the analogy to framing (systems/KPIs/workflows), the roof (contracts, hiring standards, cash-flow protection), and warns finishes (trucks, office, gear) add weight without strength, sharing failure stories and Carillion’s collapse. He recommends annual outside “inspections” (coach/advisors) and a yearly planning rhythm, citing Starbucks’ 2008 slowdown to rebuild its foundation, and invites listeners to contact Brave Academy. About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, North Americas favorite contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped contractors across the US and Canada create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

In this episode of Conquer Contractor Chaos, Kevin McCarthy shares the journey behind building a 7-figure closet empire from the ground up. From the pressure of entrepreneurship to the mindset it takes to keep going through setbacks, Kevin opens up about the real sacrifices, lessons, and purpose behind building something bigger than yourself. This conversation goes beyond business — it’s about legacy, resilience, leadership, and what success really costs. If you’re building a business, chasing a vision, or trying to level up in life, this episode will hit home. About us: Just Go Here CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

For contractors, investing time means learning proper job pricing, understanding numbers, building systems, reading, planning, and surrounding yourself with people playing a bigger game—activities that grow the business and the owner. Spending time covers necessary day-to-day tasks like answering calls, running job sites, and putting out fires, which maintain operations but don’t drive growth. Donating time is portrayed as most dangerous, including time wasted on tire-kicker clients, draining conversations, and people who discourage growth. The difference between average owners and high-level operators is how they leverage time through systems and teams, leading into an invitation to join the Conquer Contractor Chaos School community. About us: Just Go Here CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

In this Live in-person sit down with returning guest Victor Kong (Founder of Treantly Outsourcing) Lee digs deep on why its lonely at the top, what truly is an entrepreneur and how VA’s can unlock hours of time for busy contractors. Find victor at Treantlyoutsourcing.com About us: Just Go Here CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

In this episode, Lee discusses how contractors can avoid common pitfalls by focusing on core profitable products, systemizing their operations, and scaling effectively. Learn practical strategies to refine your product line, target ideal clients, and build systems that free you from day-to-day production. About us: Just Go Here CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

Laurent is an accomplished champion in both the Crossfit and Construction Arenas. In the episode Lee and Laurent discuss his start in the industry, the importance of staying mentally and physically sharp and how he brings an athletes mindset into his business. Laurent shares some great tips and his journey working with a coach to scale. Podcast Guest Bio: Laurent Pichette is the owner of Cutting Edge Construction, a crossfit athlete and a family man known for his perseverance, dedication to high-quality craftsmanship and precision execution in major infrastructure and residential building projects. With a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and infallible systems, Laurent has built Cutting Edge Construction into a trusted name in the industry. Contact Guest: Laurent Pichette About us: Just Go Here CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

In this episode of the Conquer Contractor Chaos podcast, Lee delves into the pitfalls of project-based recruitment and emphasizes the importance of proactive recruitment strategies. He compares reactionary hiring to using duct tape for temporary fixes, highlighting the need for sustainable, scalable systems. Through various anecdotes and client examples, he outlines actionable steps for recruiting top talent continuously, stressing the always-be-recruiting rule. The episode covers leveraging existing networks, suppliers, past clients, trade schools, and even unique out-of-the-box methods for finding A-player employees. The host also underscores the significance of a structured onboarding, training, and orientation system to retain high-quality staff. About us: www.skool.com/conquercontractorchaos About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

Learn how this contractor embraced systems to conquer the chaos in his cabinetry business while strategically hiring A players to scale. Podcast Guest Bio: Matt Pierce is the founder and operating owner of Matthew James co - A custom cabinetry business operating out of Illinois, USA. Matt spent 25 years building his business into a large operation that consumed Matts entire life and his sanity. Dive in to this weeks episode to learn about how to take your business from chaos to control….even if you’ve been around for decades! About us: www.skool.com/conquercontractorchaos About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, the #1 contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped hundreds of contractors in North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

In this episode, Lee breaks down his research into AI SEO and how the AI summary will replace traditional SEO systems. He provides some early insight into what AI SEO will become and how you can adopt sone simple practices early to continue dominating your local market. About us: Just Go Here - CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO About the Show: Ready to conquer the chaos of owning a construction business?" Lee Miller, North Americas favorite contractor Business consultant and coach, has helped contractors across North America create real and lasting change in their companies. In this podcast, he shares proven strategies and tactics so you, too, can achieve massive results in your business. In addition to exclusive training and advice, Lee deeply interviews the most prominent contractors and industry experts to bring you real world insights and systems that you can use today to scale your contracting business. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO #contractor #businesscoach #Construction #businesstips #Conquercontractorchaos #braveacademycoaching #bluecollar #tradescoaching #businesscoaching #cabinetmakerbusinesscoach #Contractorbusinesscoach #renovatorbusinesscoach #offthetools

Lee and Jeremy dig into why contractors can never seem to get a handle on their business finances and profit systems. We hear stories of Jeremys own contractor experience of going broke and deciding to educate himself on how we look at money. Jeremy Lott is the President and CEO of Foundation Accounting & Consulting, specializing in helping contractors and trade-based businesses gain financial clarity and control. After running his own landscape-design company and rebuilding his career post-2008, Jeremy became an accounting expert dedicated to simplifying cash flow, job costing, and financial systems for builders and tradespeople. Find Jeremy's Business Here: Foundation Accounting & Financial Training CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO Website: Conquer Contractor Chaos  Skool: Conquer Contractor Chaos Follow us on Instagram: Brave Academy Coaching

In this episode Lee provides a comprehensive guide on how contractors can develop a dependable network of upstream referral partners such as interior designers, general contractors, and realtors. Lee outlines a step-by-step process to create a steady influx of ideal projects and customers through referrals. The episode covers essential topics including: identifying the right referral partners, understanding your ideal projects and profit margins, setting up consistent outreach routines, and maintaining strong relationships with partners. With real-life success stories and actionable insights, this podcast is a must-listen for any contractor looking to grow their business effectively through referrals. CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO Website: Conquer Contractor Chaos  Skool: Conquer Contractor Chaos Follow us on Instagram: Brave Academy Coaching

In this episode, Lee welcomes Glenn Chua, an innovative cabinet and closet maker, who has been leading the adoption of AI in the industry. Glenn shares his journey from traditional woodworking to embracing technology, including a humorous anecdote about making penis-shaped charcuterie boards. They dive into Glenn's entrepreneurial background, his transition from an IT engineer to a business owner, and the importance of systemizing and automating tasks to save time and increase efficiency. The discussion also touches on the potential of AI in automating routine business tasks, the importance of being in the right mindset, and Glen's future plans for his closet business. Glenn's insights emphasize the significance of adopting new technologies to stay ahead in the industry. Glenn Chua is the owner of Obsessed Closets in North Carolina and one of the industry’s go-to experts for AI automation. With a strong background in the tech sector, Glenn blends craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to help cabinet and closet makers streamline their operations. He also runs Tech Guild, an online community where he teaches shop owners how to leverage AI and build self-implemented automation systems to improve efficiency and scale their businesses. Find Glenn's Business Here: Obsessed Closets CONQUER CONTRACTOR CHAOS PRO Website: Conquer Contractor Chaos  Skool: Conquer Contractor Chaos Follow us on Instagram: Brave Academy Coaching