Systems Champion - The Secret Role Every Contractor Needs

If you’ve ever tried to build systems in your contracting business, you know it’s one of the most valuable things you can do, and also one of the hardest. Visionary owners often want their company to run smoothly without them, but getting there feels impossible.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Danny Kerr sits down with Systemology author David Jenyns to talk about his new book on a game-changing role: Systems Champion. It’s not an ops manager or a COO. It’s a team member dedicated to building systems culture, documenting best practices, and making process part of your company’s DNA.

Whether you’re a $1 million or $10 million contractor, this role can be the missing link between chaos and consistency.

Key takeaways

A Systems Champion builds systems culture

Their job is to capture what’s already working, make it repeatable, and keep systems front-and-center in your business. They work on three pillars: documentation, tools, and culture.

You don’t need a senior exec to fill the role

David suggests starting with a junior, curious, tech-savvy team member. Someone hungry to learn who has time to focus. “With AI and the right direction, they can become one of the most valuable people in your organization,” he explains.

Visionaries don’t need to “do” systems…but they MUST lead them. 

As Michael Gerber once told David, the owner can’t abdicate responsibility. You don’t have to write every SOP, but you do need to support, fund, and champion the process.

AI has changed the game

Tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini let your team document and improve processes ten times faster. The contractors who act now will have a huge first-mover advantage.

Start before it’s urgent

As David warns, “There’s a lag time between listening to this right now and getting your business to the level you want it to be—so you just have to start.”

If your goal is to step back from day-to-day firefighting and finally make your business run without you, identifying (and empowering) your Systems Champion might be the smartest move you make this year.

💡 Ready to systemize smarter?

Book a free implementation call with Breakthrough Academy to learn how to find and train the right person to own your systems—and free up your time to focus on growth.