The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Hiring more people doesn’t automatically fix the chaos in your contracting business—in fact, it can make things worse if you're not leading properly. In this no-BS solo episode, Tom breaks down why hiring alone won’t save your business and how poor leadership is often the real issue. Drawing from his own hard-earned experiences, Tom lays out a practical framework for transforming from a chaotic boss to a true leader that empowers a high-performing team.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:20] Why hiring without leadership multiplies chaos, not solves it
• [01:00] The real mistake contractors make: hiring hostages, not help
• [01:40] How a lack of systems and accountability creates a hypocritical culture
• [02:12] Why your team's underperformance is a reflection of your leadership
• [03:01] The difference between successful teams and chaotic ones: leadership
• [03:11] Extreme ownership and its impact on team performance
• [03:35] Introduction to the Sales Accelerator and how it can help pack your pipeline
• [04:21] The real solution: Leading—not just hiring—frees you up
• [04:50] The importance of roleplaying and ongoing training beyond sales
• [05:03] Why weekly operations meetings are crucial for group accountability
• [05:41] Creating clear daily plans and expectations for your team
• [06:18] Stop expecting results without giving your team clarity and a target
• [06:27] Most times, you don’t need better people—just better leadership
• [06:48] The importance of tightening operations before scaling
• [07:10] Final thoughts on growing your business with intentional leadership

Links from the episode:

SALES ACCELERATOR isn't about fancy marketing tricks or expensive ad campaigns.

It's about systems that work:

- Lead generation without big ad spend

- Sales processes that close deals

- Accountability to actually implement

- Live coaching from someone who's been there

6 weeks. Real results. No BS.

👉 https://thecontractorfight.com/morejobs

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In this episode of The Contractor Fight, Tim and Derek dive into a powerful mindset shift every contractor should adopt — taking action today for the benefit of your future self. They discuss how to evaluate daily decisions, avoid regret, and maintain focus on long-term success, both personally and professionally. From turning down high-maintenance projects to refining sales techniques, this episode is all about being intentional with your time, energy, and choices.

In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:

• Why negative self-talk stems from poor past decisions and how to change the narrative
• The importance of being intentional with your goals and actions, even day by day
• A real-life example of evaluating whether a $500,000 celebrity project is worth the trouble
• The long-term value of smaller, profitable, and repeatable jobs over massive one-offs
• How to carry confidence and professionalism into sales conversations and client interactions
• Why making more money isn’t as satisfying as keeping more profit and building safety for your team
• The mindset that lets you confidently choose your clients and say no to bad fits
• How training and asking better questions saved a potentially lost client relationship

SALES ACCELERATOR isn't about fancy marketing tricks or expensive ad campaigns.

It's about systems that work:

- Lead generation without big ad spend

- Sales processes that close deals

- Accountability to actually implement

- Live coaching from someone who's been there

6 weeks. Real results. No BS.

👉 https://thecontractorfight.com/morejobs

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

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We’re halfway through the year, and Tom isn’t holding back. In this fire-filled solo episode, he delivers the tough love contractors need to hear to stop coasting and start dominating. If you want to avoid a disappointing year-end with no cash, no momentum, and plenty of regret, now is the time to step on the gas. Tom breaks down why most contractors are stuck—and what they can do to break free and finish the year strong.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:00] Harsh reality check for the second half of the year
• [01:14] The #1 reason your business is stuck: lack of discipline
• [01:48] How comfort is the enemy of progress
• [02:51] Why Q3—not Q4—is the time to go all in
• [03:21] Debunking the "too busy" excuse and reclaiming your time
• [04:02] Building a team to scale your business beyond yourself
• [04:53] Calling out hypocritical leadership and poor culture
• [05:18] How to build a network from scratch
• [06:17] Turning wasted time into ROI-driving activities
• [06:37] Discipline and commitment over motivation
• [07:25] Why this is “separation season” for contractors
• [08:08] Building a strong accountability network
• [09:24] Choosing discomfort and effort over the easy path
• [09:42] Action Step #1: Role-play sales consistently
• [10:42] Action Step #2: Surround yourself with local winners
• [11:00] Action Step #3: Get a real accountability partner
• [11:30] Action Step #4: Build a magnetic and effective sales system
• [12:22] Stop settling for “good enough”—despise mediocrity
• [13:21] How to get more leads and sales with Sales Accelerator

Links from the episode:

SALES ACCELERATOR isn't about fancy marketing tricks or expensive ad campaigns.

It's about systems that work:

- Lead generation without big ad spend

- Sales processes that close deals

- Accountability to actually implement

- Live coaching from someone who's been there

6 weeks. Real results. No BS.

👉 https://thecontractorfight.com/morejobs

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

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In this episode, Tim and Derek share personal stories and insights about the profound impact that attending training events has had on their careers and lives. From beachside memories in Cabo to being called out at Shindemonium, they reflect on the power of showing up, building relationships, and surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals. They also spotlight an upcoming can’t-miss event for pond contractors happening in 2025.

In this episode, Tim and Derek discuss:

• How networking events like Pondemonium and Shindemonium shaped their paths and business success
• The importance of getting out of your comfort zone and showing up even when it’s hard
• A detailed overview of the 2025 GSK Pond Camp hosted by Garden State Koi in Lyman, NH
• What attendees can expect: hands-on builds, educational classes, outdoor activities, fireside chats, and premium meals
• The powerful lineup of speakers and leaders, including Tom Reber, Tom Smith, Brian Helfrich, Clayton Grabber, and more
• Why this event is ideal not just for business owners but for their team members too
• The limited availability of only 125 spots and the urgency to secure a ticket before they sell out

Links from the episode:

👉 2025 GSK Pond Camp Tickets

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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

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https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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Too many contractors are pulling in a million or more in revenue and still struggling financially. Why? Because they're undercharging—driven by a broken money mindset. In this episode, Tom breaks down the core reasons why contractors are afraid to charge what they're worth and offers a clear path to fix it. If your business is running full speed but your bank account doesn’t show it, this episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:16] The problem of high revenue but low profits and constant financial stress
• [01:06] Applauding the milestone of hitting $1M, but highlighting why that’s not enough if there’s no net profit
• [01:29] The root cause of undercharging—fear and a broken money mindset
• [01:58] How childhood money beliefs shape your pricing behavior
• [02:44] The danger of negotiating against yourself and the need to stop underbidding
• [03:07] The cost of staying stuck—hurting yourself, your health, and your family
• [03:24] Real growth comes from more profit, not more jobs
• [04:02] A Battleground coaching example of losing money by giving discounts
• [04:40] The importance of slowing down and getting control of your business
• [05:04] Action steps: audit last 10 projects and add 20% to your next 3 bids
• [05:44] The trifecta of profitability—right pricing, marketing message, and sales process
• [06:07] Protecting your margin like your life depends on it
• [06:33] Trust the math—stop speculating and start pricing based on facts
• [06:43] A free tool to calculate what you should really be charging

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💰 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/

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== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify