The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

This is Part 1 of our Million-Dollar Mistakes series—all week, we're breaking down why most contractors never crack $1M, and how to avoid the traps. Check back daily for the next episode.

Want to build your plan? Join the Million Dollar Contractor Workshop – Live, May 20–22:

https://thecontractorfight.com/Million

Most contractors never break the million-dollar revenue mark—and in this powerful first installment of a 5-part series, Tom Reber breaks down exactly why. This episode zeroes in on the #1 obstacle holding you back from building a real, profitable business: not knowing your numbers. If you're serious about taking your contracting business to the next level, this is where the path begins.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:00] Introduction to the special 5-part bonus series
• [00:14] Overview of the Million Dollar Contractor Workshop (May 20–22)
• [01:51] The harsh truth: most contractors never hit $1M in revenue
• [02:25] Why staying under $1M means you're stuck in a glorified job
• [03:11] The critical first step: know your enemy
• [03:44] Obstacle #1: Not knowing your numbers
• [04:26] Examples of how clueless contractors are about their finances
• [04:51] Key metrics you must track daily to succeed
• [05:10] Why the tool doesn’t matter—just track your numbers!
• [05:26] The danger of vague goals and the need for clarity
• [06:20] You must evolve at every revenue level
• [06:44] Aim small, miss small: specific goals lead to better results
• [07:16] Pricing, marketing, leadership—adjusting the right business knobs
• [07:40] What to expect in next week’s workshop
• [08:11] Final push to register for the Million Dollar Contractor Workshop
• 
  

Resources:

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 🎯 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACTOR WORKSHOP

 📅 May 20–22 | 6–7pm ET

 🛠️ Only $15 (every penny goes to Wounded Warrior Project)

 👉 Register here: https://thecontractorfight.com/Million

 📌 NO replays. Just 3 days of hard-hitting truth to help you build a business that actually works.

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In this episode, hosts Tim and Derek dive into a topic that continues to trip up many contractors - pricing transparency. They break down why giving ballpark figures or bracketing prices over the phone isn't just possible, but necessary in today's fast-paced, customer-centric world. With real-world examples and practical advice, they challenge outdated norms and equip contractors with the tools and mindset to stop wasting time on unqualified leads and start running more profitable businesses.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• The outdated mindset that contractors must see a job in person to give a price.
• Why bracketing and ballpark pricing over the phone saves time and qualifies better leads.
• Real examples from their own businesses and roleplays on how to use pricing transparency effectively.
• The cost in time and money of chasing every estimate without qualification.
• How to use video, photos, and strategic questioning to assess jobs remotely.
• The dangers of the “race to the bottom” pricing strategy and how to avoid it.
• Understanding the buyer's journey and aligning your sales process to meet them where they are.
• The importance of knowing your numbers and confidently communicating value.
• 
  

Resources:

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🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.

Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

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Many contractors struggle to pay themselves consistently, let alone invest in their future. In this episode, Tom lays out a no-fluff roadmap to help you earn at least $100,000 in personal income from your contracting business. From reverse engineering your financial targets to becoming relentless with marketing and sales, Tom breaks down the exact steps needed to take control of your income, stop living paycheck to paycheck, and start building lasting wealth.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:00] The reality of contractor income and why most struggle to pay themselves properly
• [01:43] The first step: reverse engineer your financial goals to determine revenue and pricing targets
• [03:49] How to calculate the number of jobs and leads you need to hit your income target
• [05:15] Step two: avoid complacency and stay consistent with momentum-building activities
• [06:49] The critical role of always marketing to keep your pipeline full
• [08:06] Why you must sell daily and take control of your sales process
• [09:24] Building relationships and prospecting consistently to keep the cash flowing
• [10:16] Raising your standards to attract better clients and demand higher prices
• [11:11] Step three: be fanatical about branding and sell unafraid
• [12:39] How to build trust by sharing your values and operations through content
• [13:27] Owning your local market by getting involved in your community
• [14:08] Creating value through education instead of relying on traditional ads
• [16:00] Being confident in your pricing and eliminating “head trash” around money
• [17:25] The power of sales training and controlling the conversation
• [18:41] Becoming an uncommon salesperson by identifying pain points and guiding clients
• [19:06] The importance of consistent follow-up and building long-term customer relationships
• [20:04] Why sales is a skill you must continually work on to increase your income

Resources:

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.

Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of The Contractor Fight, Tim and Derek explore the power of simplifying the sales process—for both the contractor and the customer. Tim shares a real-life example of how a low-friction, transparent sales approach helped him close a $5,000 deal in under 10 minutes. They discuss how readily available pricing, setting expectations early, and reducing buyer friction can lead to faster, more confident customer decisions.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why simplifying your sales process helps eliminate confusion and speeds up the buying decision.
• How Tim closed a $5,000 aeration system sale in less than 10 minutes using transparent pricing.
• The benefits of listing pricing on your website to reduce friction and increase trust.
• The difference between low-pressure, informed buying versus high-pressure, charisma-driven sales that often lead to buyer's remorse.
• A relatable story of a past customer who immediately regretted a purchase—and how to avoid that scenario in your business.
• A commitment between Tim and Derek to improve their own websites with more service-specific content to serve their clients better.
• The value of having up-to-date, accessible pricing systems so you’re always prepared for a sales call.

Resources:

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.

Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Hiring your first employee is a major milestone in your contracting business—and one that often comes with a lot of questions and hesitation. In this episode, Tom sits down with Battleground coach and remodelling business owner Anthony Abbott to talk through the ins and outs of bringing on your first team member. From knowing when it’s the right time to hire, to setting expectations, training, and finding the right fit, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical advice.

In this episode, they discuss:

• [00:00] – Why contractors struggle with knowing when and how to hire
• [00:32] – Introduction to Anthony Abbott, his role in The Fight, and his business growth story
• [02:20] – The real secret behind Anthony’s rapid success: hiring the right people
• [03:45] – How to know it’s time to hire your first employee
• [04:49] – The importance of finding someone who is adaptable and a culture fit
• [06:44] – Interviewing for character over competency and spotting growth potential
• [08:55] – Setting clear expectations to avoid misalignment as your business grows
• [10:50] – Hiring subcontractors vs. full-time employees—key differences and tips
• [12:36] – Training your team to handle responsibilities effectively
• [13:33] – Why hiring slowly can save you major headaches
• [14:54] – Choosing the right first hire: admin or project manager?
• [16:02] – The power of delegation: how Tom’s team structure freed up his time
• [16:54] – Breaking through the head trash of “people are the problem”
• [17:59] – How better leadership could have changed Anthony’s early hiring experiences
• [18:48] – The financial side: viewing employees as investments, not expenses
• [20:20] – Real numbers: Anthony’s explosive revenue growth tied to strategic hiring
• [21:32] – “I need more money before I can hire”—busting this common myth
• [22:45] – Battleground: how it helps overwhelmed contractors regain time and control
• [23:09] – Where to connect with Anthony online and get more hiring insights

Resources:

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program. Three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info visit:

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially.

Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together!

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

🎥 Explore over 1,400 free videos on Contractor Fight TV:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber

💬 Join over 18,000 contractors in the free Facebook group:

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify