The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Most contractors tiptoe around money, and it’s killing their profits. In this episode, Derek Johnson and Tim Cutroni rip the curtain back on why talking openly about money is the #1 skill you need if you want to stop financing your client’s projects.

They share raw stories about deposits, draws, and payment schedules, plus how to stop being afraid of giving real numbers to customers. You’ll hear:

• Why deposits and progress draws protect your business
• How to talk about price without losing authority
• Breaking the generational mindset that “money talk” is taboo
• How transparency in pricing actually shortens your sales cycle

👉 If you’re still afraid to bring up money with clients, this episode will punch you in the gut (in a good way).

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☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

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== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

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Today on the show, Tom sits down with Ben and Amy Wright — Nashville-based contractors who went from touring musicians making $40K a year to running a thriving construction company doing over $655,000 YTD.

They talk about:

The shift from “broke band mindset” to building real wealth

How The Contractor Fight helped them kill bad money habits

What it takes to run a business and a marriage without burning out

Why keeping your “pack light” matters if you want to grow

The role of faith, mindset, and community in scaling a contracting business

This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it means to fight for your future as a contractor and a couple.

🔗 Listen, share, and leave a review to help more contractors find the show.

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☎️ Ben & Amy went from broke musicians making $40K a year… to contractors pulling over $655K and building a real future.

👉 Their turning point? Joining BATTLEGROUND. That’s where they got the plan, the accountability, and the kick in the ass they needed to stop living in survival mode and start running a business that actually works.

If you’re sick of grinding it out month after month with nothing to show for it, book a free 15-minute Growth Call. We’ll show you how BATTLEGROUND can help you kill the broke mindset and finally get ahead.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

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== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

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The Lull is Real. Don’t Panic.

In this episode, Derek and Tim dive into the seasonal slowdown that every contractor faces. When the phones stop ringing as much and it feels like all you’re hearing is “no,” it’s easy to think you’re doing something wrong.

But here’s the truth: this is a normal cycle. Kids go back to school, families finish summer vacations, and homeowners hit pause on big projects. That doesn’t mean your business is broken. It means you’re in the lull.

We’ll break down:

• Why “no” isn’t always a bad thing
• How to recognize normal cycles vs. real sales issues
• The importance of pre-qualifying leads so you don’t waste time
• How to use slow periods to regroup, sharpen your skills, and spend time with family

Remember, this isn’t failure. It’s part of the fight. Stay the course, stick to your process, and the yeses will come.

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Why “no” happens more this time of year

03:00 – Story of a DIY gone wrong pond project

06:30 – Viral videos and unqualified leads

07:30 – Taking more “nos” than “yeses”

09:30 – Why “the lull” is normal every year

10:40 – How to handle the cycle and push through

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☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

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Most contractors are wasting thousands on marketing that doesn’t make them a dime. Why? Because they don’t track their Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC).

In this episode, Tom breaks down:

- The formula to calculate your CAC

- Why “busy but broke” means your CAC is too high

- The fastest ways to lower CAC (speed-to-lead, better targeting, sales process fixes)

- How to know which lead sources to double down on

Chapters:

00:00 – If you don’t know your CAC, you’re not running a business

02:00 – Why tracking CAC shows if your marketing actually works

05:20 – Math breakdown: $5K ad spend → 10 jobs

09:30 – Signs your CAC is too high

15:40 – How discounts kill your profits

20:15 – Tips to lower CAC (speed-to-lead, tracking, targeting, reviews, sales process)

28:00 – Why you’re winging it if you don’t know your CAC

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☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

============================================================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

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In this episode, Tim and Derek dive deep into the uncomfortable moments that test contractors daily—both in business and life. From tech frustrations to difficult sales conversations, they highlight how discomfort is a necessary catalyst for growth and success. If you’re stuck in a rut, it’s likely because you’re avoiding the uncomfortable steps that push you forward.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• The real reason most contractors struggle: a lack of willingness to get uncomfortable
• Their own tech struggles as a metaphor for business challenges
• Why embracing discomfort in sales, communication, and leadership is essential
• The danger of getting too comfortable and stagnant in business practices
• How fear of looking foolish prevents growth and improvement
• The role your significant other plays in your journey and how to bring them along
• The impact of changing personal habits and how they affect your relationships
• Why consistent communication with your partner is crucial when you're growing your business
• Overcoming the fear of role-playing and uncomfortable conversations in sales
• Understanding that discomfort is often the gateway to breakthrough

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☎️ Sick of spinning your wheels and wondering where the money’s going?

If your business is already over $200K, you don’t need another “tip”, you need a plan.

Book a 15-minute Growth Call with our team and we’ll cut the bullsh*t, look at where you’re bleeding, and show you what’s possible when you take control.

→ Book your call here: https://go.thecontractorfight.com/15min-free-call

=============================

== Rate the Podcast ==

Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify