The business podcast for contractors

When we started Breakthrough Academy 10 years ago, business coaching for contractors wasn’t particularly common.

Most of the contractors we talked to had never considered coaching and really didn’t know what it was.

Today, business coaching has skyrocketed in popularity, and as a result there are a TON of choices out there for contractors.

So…if you’re considering coaching… HOW do you make a decision?

Today, we’re joined by Brendon Toyne, our Head of Sales at BTA who’s personally talked to thousands of contractors during their decision-making process.

In this episode, we explore what to consider before signing on with a coach, but we also talk more broadly about how to make smart business decisions when it comes to working with key vendors that will propel your business forward.

Episode Highlights:
- Hear about the rise of business coaching for contractors and why there is now so much choice out there for those seeking coaching or consulting solutions.
- Understand the difference between coaching, consulting, online communities and other solutions.
- Get Brendon’s tips on making the right choice about coaching solutions, based on his experience guiding thousands of contractors through the decision making process.

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Grab your productivity resource bundle here: https://trybta.com/DL236

There’s 168 hours in every week. That’s true for everyone.

So why do some people stall out while others build empires?

Some might say it’s about time management. But that’s only half the story.

Managing your time means deciding WHEN to get your work done. But just because you’re crushing tasks, doesn’t mean you’re crushing the RIGHT tasks.

That’s why you need to shift your focus to priority management.

This is a skill Matt Risinger had to master as he scaled Risinger Build and The Build Show into the goliaths they are today. Which is why Danny co-hosted a webinar with him a while back to teach contractors how to conquer their calendar, block interruptions and get the RIGHT sh*t done.

Today, we're releasing it as a bonus episode so you can benefit from the insights.

Episode Highlights:
- Learn how $10MM+ contractors accomplish more by doing less (using the 4 keys of priority management).
- Get simple tactics for placing guard rails on your time. PLUS tips for getting your clients, staff, and subs to understand how these new boundaries will benefit them.
- Understand how to recognize the 4 horsemen of overwhelm (and why common time management hacks don’t work). If you feel like you are always reacting to everyone else’s requests — this is for you.

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Let’s be honest:

It’s kinda hard to prioritize when everything is on fire.

With so many problems to solve and systems to build, how do you figure out what to focus on?

Today, landscaper, content creator and author of Total Business Turnaround Mike Andes is here to answer that question.

Mike built his business, Augusta Lawn Care into a national brand with 180 franchises. He also created CoPilot CRM, a software platform designed to help home service businesses streamline their operations.

In this episode, Mike lays out the four areas of business you need to get dialed based on which phase of growth you’re in:

- Lead Gen
- Labor
- Leadership and
- Liquidity

His roadmap will help you focus on the most important systems for YOUR business. And give you a plan to put your fires out one at a time.

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To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP234

Confused by your financials? You’re not alone. Most contractors struggle to make sense of their numbers, and it costs them big.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we sit down with Spencer Sheinin, bestselling author of Entreprenumbers and CEO of Shift Financial, who’s on a mission to empower contractors by turning complex financial data into simple, actionable insights.

Spencer used to be a contractor himself, so he gets the challenges you face. That’s why this conversation hits different. It’s not just about spreadsheets and profit margins, it’s about taking control of your business through real financial empowerment.

🔍 In this episode, we break down:

- How to make your numbers tell a story using visual tools
- How to spot red flags in your P&L before it’s too late
- What your bookkeeper should really be doing for you
- The three financial levers that drive profitability in contracting businesses

📘 Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting serious about your growth, this episode will help you stop fearing your financials and start using them to win.

🔗 Check out Spencer’s book Entreprenumbers here: https://entreprenumbers.com/

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Ever had a project go sideways, a client bail, or cash flow dry up?

This episode of Contractor Evolution is your playbook for bouncing back when business gets messy. Reset With Resilience author Mandy Gill, broadcaster, ultra-endurance athlete, and creator of the Hooked on Healthy Habits app, shares field-tested strategies for staying consistent, even when your goals go off the rails.

👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to hit reset when a client bails or a project stalls
- A resilience framework for handling cash flow crises and staffing headaches
- Why courage (not comfort) is your best tool when motivation fades
- The daily habits top contractors use to stay on track—even in chaos
- How to design goals that work in the messiness of construction, not just on paper

Whether you’re growing a trades business or just trying to get your footing back, Mandy’s insights will give you the tools to navigate the “messy middle” and come out stronger.

📘 Get her book: https://www.mandygill.com/book
📱 Explore her app: https://www.mandygill.com/app

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Register for our August 19 web class where Matt and Danny break down the framework hundreds of contractors use to get more owner-level work done in less time: https://trybta.com/EP232-PriMan

Today we are bringing back the best moments with our friend Matt Risinger

This man is a true industry goliath: host of The BUILD Show, founder of Risinger Build, and one of the most trusted names in the industry.

He’s been on our show four times and has shared some truly life-changing advice about everything from recruiting to finances.

In this episode, we’ll be summarizing our favorite Matt Risinger moments from his various collaborations with Breakthrough Academy over the years.

Important teachings, practical tips, and thought provoking stories from his experience building both of his massive brands.

This video covers Matt Risinger’s top Contractor Evolution moments.

Episode Highlights:
- Refresh your memory on the top 4 moments from Matt Risinger on Contractor Evolution.
- Hear about Matt’s $200K SOP mistake and what he learned from it.
- Get Matt’s insight on when to let a high-performer go, rather than try and keep them on.

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