Explore every episode of the podcast Success Beyond The Brush
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBTB Ep. 18 | Hiring Painters in a Seasonal Business ā What Actually Works | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:34:57 | |
Hiring is one of the most consistent challenges facing contractors, regardless of company size. In this episode, Mark Black speaks with Rick Holtz about how successful painting companies approach hiring, onboarding, and training new team members ā especially as the busy season approaches. Rick shares insights from managing a large team of 60+ field employees, including how his company maintains steady staffing throughout the year, how they evaluate potential hires, and why company culture plays such a significant role in retention. The discussion highlights the three traits Rick believes every successful hire must have: skill (or willingness to learn), dependability, and a positive attitude. Without all three, long-term success becomes difficult for both the employee and the company. They also explore practical topics such as: Whether you're hiring your first employee or your fiftieth, this conversation reinforces that the fundamentals of leadership, culture, and accountability remain the same at every stage of business growth. Itās about who you are. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 17 | From $200K in Debt to a $3M Target: The Power of Strategic Focus | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:32:48 | |
What happens when your biggest customers are actually your biggest problem? In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, we revisit a conversation that Scott originally had on the Beyond A Million DollarPodcast, sitting down with Phil VanderLaan of PMV Painting to unpack a journey that many contractors quietly experience: growing revenue while losing profit. Phil shares how a major commercial project left his company over $200,000 in debt, why his new construction work was draining his margins, and how a strategic shift toward profitable services transformed his business. Through disciplined focus, better financial visibility, and the courage to say no to the wrong customers, Phil repositioned his company for sustainable growth and long-term scalability. PMV Painting operates with a strong leadership structure, a highly efficient spray division, and, at the time of the original recording, saw a clear roadmap toward a $3M revenue target ā all without sacrificing culture or quality of life.Ā Today, PMV is well beyond that mark, and maintaining all of those identifiers of a healthy and growing contracting business.Ā If you've ever felt stuck between growth and profitability, this episode provides a practical roadmap for making smarter decisions about customers, services, and leadership. š Links from This Episode
āØ Free Discovery Call with Scott Lollar š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 8 | Executing The Gameplan - Why Great Contractors Run Better Meetings (And Bad Ones Avoid Them) | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:36:20 | |
Many business owners come up through the trades as high performers and lone wolves. Meetings can feel ātoo corporate,ā expensive, inconvenient, or uncomfortable ā especially when owners donāt know what to say or fear saying the wrong thing.
Scott explains why monthly all-company meetings are essential regardless of size:
People donāt just work for paychecks ā they work for purpose, security, and belief in the plan.
You donāt need a long agenda ā just consistent structure. Effective meetings may include:
Most importantly, the meeting should not be a one-person monologue ā sharing leadership builds buy-in.
Scott outlines why some transparency is critical, but excessive detail can backfire. Using rolled-up categories (COGS, expenses, net) educates teams without exposing sensitive owner compensation ā and prevents false assumptions about profitability.
Weekly or bi-weekly crew leader meetings allow owners to:
If leaders arenāt supported, neither are the people they lead. Sales & Operations Meetings For growing companies, Scott recommends:
Clean handoffs eliminate confusion, wasted time, and poor client experiences.
Short daily check-ins help teams confirm whether tomorrowās plan will actually work ā early enough to avoid last-minute chaos, late-night texts, and unnecessary stress. Why Meetings Must Be Non-Negotiable Meetings only work when they are:
Canceling meetings sends a message ā and your team hears it loud and clear.
Meetings arenāt about control ā theyāre about community, clarity, and confidence. Todayās workforce wants to feel connected, valued, and part of something bigger. Well-run meetings deliver exactly that. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts:
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| SBTB Ep. 7 | Executing The Gameplan - Stay in Your Lane: How Contractors Lose Money by Doing āA Little Bit of Everything' | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:31:36 | |
In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark and Scott dive into one of the biggest profit-killers for contractors: diversifying too much, too quickly, for the wrong reasons. From wanting to please customersā¦
Whether you're a painting contractor doing small carpentry on the side, or a growing company tempted by commercial opportunities, this episode delivers clarity, structure, and the tough-love reminders that contractors desperately need. š Key Topics Covered
š„ Episode Highlights
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts:
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| SBTB Ep. 6 | Behind The Bid - Where to Spend Your Marketing Dollars: Buyers, Brand, and Better ROI | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:45:44 | |
Where to Spend Your Marketing Dollars: Buyers, Brand, and Better ROI When youāve got a limited marketing budget and a dozen people shouting āWeāre the answer!ā, where do you actually put your dollars? In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, host Mark Black sits down with Scott Lollar from Consulting4Contractors to unpack how painting contractors can make smarter, data-driven decisions about marketing spendāwithout getting hypnotized by shiny objects or agency hype.
In this episode, youāll learn:
If youāre tired of just āthrowing money at marketingā and hoping your calendar fills up, this episode will help you start acting like a true manager of systemsāespecially your marketing system. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts:
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| SBTB Ep. 5 | People Before Paint - Building Loyalty That Lasts: How to Create a Magnetic Culture That Retains Great Employees | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:35:23 | |
In this powerful episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lollar sit down with special guest Rick Holtz of H.J. Holtz & Son to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing contractors today ā employee retention. With over 55 field employees and decades-long tenures on his team, Rick shares the intentional systems and leadership mindset that have helped him build a loyal, high-performing workforce. This conversation dives deep into how vision, onboarding, personal connection, leadership training, accountability systems, and emotional intelligence all work together to create an employee experience that keeps people engaged and committed long-term. š Key Topics Covered:
š¬ Memorable Quotes:
š§ Episode Takeaway Retention is not a hiring problem ā itās a leadership and culture problem. When owners become intentional about vision, connection, training, and accountability, loyalty follows. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts: šµ Production:
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| SBTB Ep. 4 | Cents & Sense - KPIs That Matter: Using Data to Run a Smarter Contracting Business | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:36:09 | |
In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark and Scott dive deep into one of the most critical ā and often misunderstood ā subjects in contracting: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While many business owners rely heavily on instinct and gut feelings, this conversation unpacks why real growth, sustainability, and profitability come from data-driven decisions. Scott explains how KPIs allow business owners to remove emotion from decision-making, giving clarity on everything from job profitability and labor efficiency to headcount planning and break-even analysis. The discussion walks through how properly configured financial systems ā especially QuickBooks ā become the backbone of clean, actionable reporting. Youāll learn why simply tracking revenue isnāt enough, how job costing reveals your most (and least) profitable services, and why tracking billable vs. unbillable labor hours can make or break your margins. Scott also breaks down the importance of running your company on an accrual basis, understanding your gross profit vs. net profit, and maintaining clear visibility into cash, receivables, and liabilities. Mark shares real-world experiences from running Men In White, including how tracking data exposed unprofitable services like popcorn ceiling removal ā even though those jobs felt āeasyā and stayed busy. Once the data was visible, strategic changes drastically improved profitability. The episode also introduces Consulting for Contractorsā Scorecard System, a centralized dashboard that gives owners real-time visibility into:
If youāve ever wondered:
This episode gives you the framework to finally answer those questions with confidence. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts:
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| SBTB Ep. 3 | Cents & Sense - You Didnāt āMakeā $500K: Knowing Your Real Numbers as a Painting Contractor | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:30:35 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Scott and Mark tackle one of the biggest misconceptions plaguing small painting businesses: confusing revenue with profit. Just because your business ādidā $500,000 doesnāt mean you, the owner, made $500,000. The guys break down what revenue actually means, how to calculate real take-home pay, and why ignoring your financials is one of the fastest ways to get stuckāor go out of business. They unpack the four key financial metrics every contractor should track, why gross profit under 40% is a red flag, how labor burden gets overlooked, and why accurate job costing and bookkeeping are non-negotiable. If youāve ever wondered why your revenue keeps going up but your bank account isnāt, this episode is your wake-up call. Key Topics Covered ā¢ Revenue vs. Real Profit ā Why āI made half a million dollarsā is almost always inaccurate ā¢ The Four Numbers That Actually Matter Scottās essential KPIs for managing a healthy painting business:
ā¢ Understanding Labor Burden ā Why a painter making $25/hr actually costs $30+ ā¢ The Danger of Not Knowing Your Numbers ā Contractors bragging online while unknowingly operating at a loss
ā The common revenue ceiling around $750K for owner-operators
ā Why āsaving on paperclipsā isnāt the path to better income
ā Why a well-structured chart of accounts matters Key Takeaways
Episode Quote Highlights āHow in the world can you run a business when you're not actively looking at this information?ā ā MarkāRevenue is important, but what you actually put in your pocket matters more.ā ā Scott āUnder 40% gross profit, you will struggle to pay your bills.ā ā Scott āYou canāt double your business because you heard someone online say it. You need a real plan.ā ā Scott
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits šļø Hosts: šµ Production:
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| SBTB Ep. 2 | Behind The Bid - Selling Experiences, Not Just Paint: A Customer-Centric Approach | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:36:06 | |
Episode Summary Most painting contractors are estimating, not sellingāand itās costing them jobs, margins, and quality clients. In this episode, Mark Black and Scott Lollar unpack one of the biggest pillars in a successful painting business: building a professional, customer-centric sales process that wins the middle third of your opportunities and elevates your customer experience. Youāll hear the difference between being an estimator versus a true salesperson, how to uncover client pain points, why prospects donāt care about features and benefits, and how to qualify leads before you ever show up. Scott and Mark also dive into warming up your prospects before the estimate, setting upfront agreements to eliminate ghosting, delivering proposals on the spot, and confidently asking for the sale.
Key Topics Covered ā¢ Sales vs. Estimating: Why Most Contractors Get It Wrong Scott explains why the industry incorrectly uses āsalesā and āestimatingā as interchangeableāand how that mindset keeps you from closing higher-value work. ā¢ Why Clients Donāt Buy Paint JobsāThey Buy Experiences Clients assume youāre insured, professional, and use quality products. What they really want is clean, reliable, on-time, predictable service. ā¢ The Power of Asking About Pain Points How simple questions (āWhat frustrated you about the last contractor you hired?ā) reveal what matters most to the customer. ā¢ Pre-Qualification That Saves You Time Using tools like online schedulers, intake question sets, and pre-calls to make sure your time is spent on high-value leads. ā¢ Warming Up the Appointment How automated emails, texts, and expectation-setting videos increase trust before you even knock on the door. ā¢ Delivering Proposals on the Spot Why the highest close rates happen when you present your proposal immediatelyāwhile rapport and interest are at their peak. ā¢ Up-Front Agreements to Eliminate Ghosting How to confidently ask for follow-ups, commitments, next steps, and clarity around decision-making. ā¢ Talking About Budget Without Awkwardness Scripts, approaches, and mindset shifts to reduce sticker shock and align investment with value. ā¢ Closing the Middle Third The top third is automatically yours. The bottom third will never buy. The middle third is where professional salesmanship lives. ā¢ The Follow-Up Process That Actually Works Why phone follow-up beats automated texts and emails, and how persistence wins jobs without being pushy. Episode Highlights
š Links from this Episode āØ Free Discovery Call with Scott Lollar šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website āļø Watch Consulting 4 Contractorsā Operations Module Demo š² Connect with C4C on Instagram š„ Join the C4C Community on Facebook š¼ Connect with C4C on LinkedIn š§ Want to be a Guest? š§ Credits šļø Host: Scott Lollar ā Founder, Consulting 4 Contractors
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| SBTB Episode 1 | Lifeline Of The Jobsite - From Access To Success: Elevating Painting Contractor-Client Interactions (featuring Mark Black & Scott Lollar) | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:26:13 | |
Episode Overview In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, hosts Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down one of the most overlookedābut most powerfulādrivers of profitability in a painting company: client access and communication. From online scheduling to pre-qualification filters, to expectation-setting and reducing friction at every stage of the sales process, this episode teaches you how to make your business easier to hire and easier to trustāwithout sacrificing standards or wasting time on unqualified leads.
Key Topics Covered ā¢ Why āAccessā Is the New Competitive Advantage Scott explains how buyer behavior has changedāclients want convenience, clarity, and autonomy. And the companies that provide frictionless access win the job first. ā¢ The Power of Online Scheduling Why letting prospects book appointments on their own time leads to better-qualified leads, less phone tag, and higher conversion ratesāeven if you're hesitant to give up control. ā¢ How to Pre-Qualify Without Losing the Relationship Practical ways to filter out low-quality jobs using questions, dropdown menus, budget minimums, and expectationsāwhile still showing professionalism and respect. ā¢ Disqualifying Gracefully Scripts and strategies for saying ānoā politely and confidently, without making prospects feel dismissed or undervalued. ā¢ Reviewing Appointments in Advance Why every salesperson should scan their upcoming schedule days aheadācatching red flags, unrealistic requests, or no-fit appointments before wasting time on the road. ā¢ Communication Trends in 2025 From text-based purchasing to AI bots (and their limitations), Scott shares what real customers expect todayāand what younger generations increasingly prefer. ā¢ Automating Without Becoming āImpersonalā How to use automation to remove bottlenecks, free up time, and scale your business without losing authenticity. ā¢ Pre-Estimate Videos That Warm Up the Client The simple PCA Expo-inspired video strategy that reduces no-shows, increases trust, and sets expectations before you ever arrive. Key Takeaways
Favorite Quotes āWeāre not paintersāweāre providing experiences. Painting just happens to be the medium.ā āScott LollarāEvery time you say the word ācall,ā youāre limiting your growth.ā āScott āMake it easy for people to connect with you and schedule that first appointment, if nothing else.ā āScott āAccess is part of the experienceābefore the brush ever hits the wall.ā āMark Black š Links from this Episode
šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website āļø Watch Consulting 4 Contractorsā Operations Module Demo š² Connect with C4C on Instagram š„ Join the C4C Community on Facebook š¼ Connect with C4C on LinkedIn š§ Want to be a Guest? š§ Credits šļø Host: Scott Lollar ā Founder, Consulting 4 Contractors
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| The Vibrant Vision of Kunst Painting: A Conversation with John Busick | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:43:18 | |
Episode 19 is all about the enduring legacy of a family business that has withstood the test of time as John Busick, the fifth-generation owner of Kunst Painting, opens up about steering a historic painting company into the future. From learning how to clean deuces in the back yard for 25 cents a bucket, to a narrative rich in lessons about navigating the future of his family's business, John's journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. Our insightful chat uncovers the complexities of managing a workforce in high-cost living areas, the craft of structured career development, and the delicate dance with California's subcontracting laws that keep this painting enterprise thriving. Step inside the highly cohesive culture of Kunst Painting, where the switch from donuts to Mexican bread on Fridays is more than a menu changeāit's a reflection of a company that values its people above all. John Busick shares how nurturing a supportive environment, complete with personal growth opportunities and a clear career path, has cemented a strong team ethos. This episode is a stirring testament to the role of employee recognition, the significance of in-house training, and the magnetic company culture that fosters long-term loyalty. Join me as we explore the secret ingredients to maintaining a dedicated workforce that feels more like a family than a collection of colleagues. Wrap up your day with a dose of genuine appreciation for the wisdom that only a seasoned business owner like John Busick can offer. Our engaging conversation spans the gamut from the joys of annual team-building adventures to the strategic steps necessary for scaling a business. As we dig in, you'll find the true wealth of Kunst Painting lies not in its paint buckets, but in the richness of experiences and unwavering commitment to excellence that defines the company. We know this conversation with John will resonate with so many paint contractors out there.Ā Listen in now! About John: Today, John oversees all facets of the company and is thrilled to be able to offer real, growing, career oriented-opportunities to his Kunst Painting Inc. team. John also loves being involved in the community where he donates his time and resources as a Down Syndrome Association North Bay Board Member, a Miracle League North Bay Founder, and gives back to the painting industry through the PDCA National organization.Ā When he is away from the office, John spends time with his family, coaches his kidās sports teams, enjoys many outdoor activities and competes in ultra marathon races. Like his father (Mike) and grandfather (Bob), John has a passion for people, and intends to continue the legacy of service, integrity, and value for decades to come. John also developed a cloud-based operations solution for the painting industry, which also serves adjacent sectors, called Workglue.Ā Obsessed with systems, workflow, and customer service John is Workglueās visionary leader. John originally saw Workglue as a simple solution to run his staff of 30+ painters. It was such a game-changer, he wanted to help other business owners reap the benefits of more time out of the office. Hence, Workglue was born. Today, John continues to be Workglueās biggest advocate for simplicity, key features, and developing new partners.Ā
Credits:Ā
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| Planning Your Goals for a New Year // Insights with Mike Katounas and Rick Holtz | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:19:16 | |
This episode of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast sees industry veterans (and C4C coaches) Mike Katounas (Home Works Painting) and Rick Holtz (H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc.) return to unpack the essential steps for laying the groundwork for a prosperous new year. We tackle the art of reflection on past performances, setting ambitious yet attainable team goals, and the significance of ironing out standardized processes to enhance service delivery. With our combined years of experience, we also delve into the nitty-gritty of setting financial targets, executing a strategic plan, and the pivotal role of marketing in your company's growth trajectory. Listen as we share our seasoned insights on navigating the unique challenges of the first quarter, particularly in colder climates, and the importance of maintaining profitability through savvy scheduling and promotions. We also discuss strategic hiring to support your business's expansion, and the perils of delaying this crucial step. With gratitude to Mike and Rick for their invaluable contributions, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the painting industry gearing up for success in the year ahead. EPISODE CHAPTERS (0:00:57) - Planning for a Successful New Year (0:13:22) - Planning For Success In Different Quarters of the Year (0:17:22) - Strategic Hiring and Planning for Growth Links from this Episode
Credits:Ā
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| SBTB Ep. 16 | How Much Should Contractors Really Spend on Marketing? | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:35:37 | |
Spring brings more than warmer weather for painting contractors ā it also brings a flood of marketing pitches, lead generation promises, and pressure to spend money fast. In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lawler break down how contractors should think about marketing spend, where most owners go wrong, and how to actually measure whether marketing is producing results. Scott explains why mature companies often spend far less on marketing than newer businesses, how past customers and referral databases can become your most profitable lead source, and why many contractors are making emotional marketing decisions instead of data-driven ones. They also unpack the difference between cost per lead and cost per acquisition, why that distinction matters, and how contractors can build a marketing plan that supports growth without burning cash. If youāve ever thrown money at Google, Facebook, magazines, billboards, or a marketing company and hoped it would solve your pipeline problems, this episode will help you approach marketing with much more clarity and control. In this episode, Mark and Scott discuss:
Key takeaway Marketing should never be treated like a vending machine. Contractors need to know how many leads they actually need, what those leads are costing, how many are converting into jobs, and whether the return justifies the spend. If you found this discussion helpful, you may also want to listen to Episode 12 where we explore how data-driven thinking helps contractors create predictable growth and make smarter financial decisions. š Links from This Episode
āØ Free Discovery Call with Scott Lollar š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| Mastering Onboarding, Training, and Team Communication // A Q&A Bonus Episode With C4C | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:42:47 | |
Join us on the Beyond a Million Dollar Podcast as we engage in a compelling conversation with industry experts Mike Katounas and Rick Holtz about the transformative power of training and development in the paint contracting world. As we navigate the challenges posed by a shrinking workforce, Rick introduces us to the on-the-job training strategy at H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc., where a veteran employee mentors others with the support of an operations manager. We dissect the importance of bespoke systems and consistency in business growth, and Mike weighs in on the complexities of managing subcontractors at Home Works Painting, emphasizing the necessity for clear expectations and protocols to uphold standards. Listen in as we tackle the critical issue of onboarding and employee retention, confronting the startling statistic that sees some companies losing as many as one in four new hires. Discover how effective communication and avoiding menial tasks for new recruits can transform their experience. We delve into successful integration strategies, such as creating training rooms and standardized operating procedures, alongside the merits of exposing new hires to different crew leaders for diverse experiences and feedback. Our discussion underscores the investment in systematic training and onboarding as a cornerstone for nurturing a skilled and dedicated workforce. We also share insights into the inner workings of a healthy organizational strategy, revealing how structured crew leader and operations meetings bolster team cohesion and communication. You'll get a glimpse into the use of scorecards for tracking performance, the utilization of technology to keep teams aligned, and the pivot towards collaborative meeting structures that empower team members and enhance accountability. Through real-world experiences, Rick and Mike affirm the impact of frequent, but, more importantly, focused meetings in creating a united company culture and driving business success. Tune in for a treasure trove of practical advice on refining your company's training, onboarding, and communication practices for lasting growth.Ā It's a great episode with Scott, Rick, and Mike!
(0:01:20) - Training and Development for Contractors
(0:01:20) - Training and Development for Contractors (0:10:05) - Improving Onboarding and Employee Retention (0:20:05) - Operations and Crew Leader Meetings (0:36:37) - Company Meetings and Communication Structure
Credits:Ā
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| From Rockstar Aspirations to Painting Success // The Entrepreneurial Journey of Ron Rice | 28 Dec 2023 | 00:47:05 | |
Listen in as we explore the intriguing journey of Ron Rice, owner of Ron Rice Painting. Discover how Ron transitioned from being an aspiring rockstar/DJ and part-time painter in college to becoming a successful painting contractor in San Diego. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons learned while building his business. Ron's humility and constant hunger for growth make his story a compelling and inspirational one, providing valuable insights for anyone considering becoming a paint contractor, or any entrepreneur. Our conversation takes you through the early years of Ron's painting business in California, highlighting the hurdles he had to overcome in a tough market. You'll hear about how Ron keeps his focus fluid between commercial projects to residential repaints and the decision to step away from being a painter himself to manage the growth of his company. Also, we explore the changes and evolution of his business model, from starting with just himself and an operations assistant to a fully functional crew. The episode wraps up with an honest discussion about business growth, where Ron shares his weaknesses and how he relies on his team to stay organized. He emphasizes the importance of revenue and how he plans to grow his business by hiring more staff. We also touch on his experience with business coaching and how it has positively impacted his business. Overall, this episode provides a realistic and insightful view of entrepreneurship in the world of painting contracting.Ā Thanks for listening, and thank you Ron for joining us! About Ron: After his success in Nashville, Ron traded the cold winters of the Southeast for the endless sun of San Diego, and in late 2000, he founded Ron Rice Painting & Consulting. Since then, Ron and his team have completed thousands of jobs. From new construction to remodels to everything in between, Ron and his team would love to be your choice of professional painters in San Diego County. Contact us today to learn how we can deliver the best value in residential or commercial painting. Family & the Community: Outside of the office, Ron dedicates time to familyāhis two amazing daughters, Machalla and Sadie; a beautiful granddaughter, Mila; his talented wife, Tori; and his rescued fur-kidsātwo dogs (Tigre and Blanco) and two cats (OC Freddie and Bowie). An active Rotarian, Ron sits on the board of his Rotary Club, La Mesa Sunrise Rotary, and can often be spotted around town doing service work. Sometimes you can find him onstageāeither singing and playing guitar with his rock band, A Month of Sundays, or doing improv comedy at local clubs --- EPISODE CHAPTERS --- (00:00) Ron Rice Painting Ron Rice shares his journey from aspiring rockstar to successful painting contractor, discussing challenges and lessons learned. (06:33) Starting a Painting Business in California Ron shares his experience starting a painting business in California, focusing on commercial projects and learning about running a successful business. (10:54) The Evolution of a Painting Business Ron shares his journey, employee model, revenue projections, and adaptability in the changing market. (23:41) Growing a Business and Overcoming Weaknesses Ron Rice shares his painting business goals, reliance on team, use of technology, and plans for growth through hiring and revenue. Ron shares his journey of starting a successful painting business with guidance from Scott and C4C, emphasizing systems, client communication, and sales. ----Links from this Episode----
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| From Garage Floors to Spray Guns // Chris Soule's Entrepreneurial Journey in Cabinet Painting | 23 Dec 2023 | 00:55:12 | |
Listen in as I chat with Chris Soule, the ambitious entrepreneur behind Clean Cut Painting, about his remarkable transition from an auto body shop apprentice to a successful business owner in East Hampton, Connecticut. Chris's candid storytelling takes us through his initial struggles and the formative experiences that led him to venture into entrepreneurship, including the challenges of a flyer campaign that didn't pan out and how a harsh winter incidentally kickstarted his career through an insurance restoration job. Our discussion shines a light on the key decisions and moments that have shaped his journey, from leaving a difficult boss, dealing with a toxic culture, and learning his business's true statistics. Throughout our conversation, we uncover the strategic evolution of Clean Cut as Chris shifted his business to specialize in cabinet paintingāa move that not only doubled his revenue but also streamlined operations and amplified efficiency. We delve into the importance of creating a company culture rooted in core values, the art of marketing through exceptional customer experiences, and the critical role of communication and setting clear goals. Chris's story is a testament to the power of focusing on your strengths and leveraging a personalized and profound customer experience to position your company as a regional leader. Wrapping up our time together, we focus on the intertwining of business growth and personal development, with Chris opening up about his leadership philosophy and the steps he took to ensure his company's profitability and sustainability. From the impact of financial literacy on business success to the importance of fostering a high-achieving workplace culture, our exchange offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in any service industry, not just painting! Don't miss out on this inspirational episode as Chris generously shares his experiences, with a view to the future that includes inspiring his team, educating others in his business philosophy, and moving toward the million dollar mark! EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS (0:13:58) - The Journey to Becoming Cabinet Experts (0:20:01) - Building Culture of Values and Growth (0:34:25) - Enhancing Marketing Through Customer Experience (0:41:47) - Effective Communication and Setting Goals (0:50:49) - Business Growth and Personal Development Links from this Episode
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| Navigating the Sales Landscape // Carl Utter's Journey to Training the Best in Paint Contractor Sales | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:41:29 | |
Join us for an insightful conversation with Carl Utter, founder of Contractor Growth Strategy. Carl's story is both fascinating and inspiring; from a thriving musician to a starving salesman, and eventually becoming a successful sales trainer with a specialty in the painting industry. He shares his invaluable lessons from his early days of selling insurance door-to-door and his unique approach to reframing objections. Carl also provides valuable advice for commercial painters looking to develop new accounts. We don't just stop at Carl's journey. Together, we explore the philosophy of sales and emphasize the importance of sales training in the residential and commercial trades. You'll learn why a structured sales system is vital in today's competitive market, how to build rapport and trust with customers, and why focusing on doing more things right rather than dwelling on mistakes is the way forward. You'll also get a peek into the traditional sales system used by many contractors - referred to as "show up, throw up, screw up, and follow up" - and understand why it's not as effective anymore. Listen in as we go deeper into the sales strategies and techniques specifically designed for painting contractors. Carl reveals the best-selling system for painting contractors and the key elements that make it work, such as setting am agenda, taking control of the sale, and presenting the offer persuasively. We also discuss the concept of pre-engineered agreements and getting something in return for providing a free estimate. This episode is packed with insights and actionable advice, whether you're a painting contractor who sells, employs estimators or sales employees, or simply looking to improve your sales strategy. Don't miss out! --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS --------- (0:00:00) - Sales Trainer's Journey and Successes (0:09:22) - The Importance of Sales Training (0:21:00) - Painting Contractors' Selling Strategies and Techniques (0:35:33) - Sales Training and Business Growth (0:40:48) - Don't Go It Alone: Get A Coach On Your Side ----Links from this Episode----
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| Mastering the Sales Process & KPIs: Tips from Mike Katounas, C4C Coach and Owner of Home Works Painting | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:46:33 | |
Unlock the secrets of successful sales processes for contractors with our guest, Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting. Expect to be enlightened on the nuances of pre- and post-appointment communication, the role of setting clear expectations, and how to handle customer relationships. Mike introduces us to his go-to tool, YouCanBookMe, which helps him maintain a steady line of contact with his clients and prepares them for the arrival of an estimator. In a post-appointment scenario, Mike lets us in on his follow-up strategy which robustly incorporates sending estimates, follow-up texts and emails, and making phone calls. He successfully uses Monday.com for automating his follow-ups, but he also emphasizes the irreplaceable value of personal contact in sales. Moreover, if you've wondered about what to do when you don't hear back from customers, Mike provides some insightful answers. He also brings to light key performance indicators he relies on to track his business performance. Mike doesn't just focus on the customers, he also shares valuable insights into his methods for tracking leads, managing schedules, and optimizing resources to meet job demands. Learn how he keeps a two-person crew unscheduled throughout the year to accommodate unforeseen events and urgent requests. Explore his techniques for monitoring estimates, closing ratios, and the KPIs that help him run his business efficiently and effectively. By the end of this episode, youāll have gained a comprehensive understanding of the sales process in the paint contracting business through the lens of an expert whoās been there and done that.Ā ----- EPISODE CHAPTERS ------ ----Links from this Episode----
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| Differentiating Your Company, Team Communication, and Hiring // Listener Q&A with Mike Katounas and Rick Holtz | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:43:31 | |
Our first bonus episode! Join us as we explore what truly sets a painting company apart from the rest with C4C coaches Mike Katounas, Rick Holtz, and yours truly, Scott Lollar. We share the unique features that set Home Works Painting and H.J. Holtz and Son, Inc. apart - whether it's rigorous background checks on staff, a six-year warranty, or color consultation services for those struggling with color selection. Mike and Rick discuss how they weave these points into our marketing and sales process, ultimately securing us more jobs. We move on to the crucial topics of professionalism, tenure, and communication in our service. We tackle the differences between painting a commercial building and a residential home, emphasizing the value of a stable and invested customer base. Mike, Rick, and I underscore the importance of consistent communication with customers, from daily reports to reaching out multiple times before stepping foot in a customer's home. In our final discussion, we dive into the complexities of business growth and the challenges that come with strategic role transitions. We highlight the importance of understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and the value of hiring others that possess differing skillsets from you. We also delve into the nuances of building relationships with designers and contractors, revealing how it can add more value to your business. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical advice for every painting company striving to reach new heights. ----- EPISODE CHAPTERS ----- (0:01:11) - Differentiating Your Company in Painting
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| Transforming the World of Paint Contracting: An Insightful Journey with Tom Droste, the Visionary Behind Estimate Rocket | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:51:31 | |
We're excited to have Tom Droste, co-founder of Estimate Rocket along with his wife Kathy, who took an unexpected leap from accounting into the world of software development. Prepare to be captivated by his fascinating journey, from his early interest in the burgeoning computer industry to developing his first estimating program for a humble plumber. Hear about the genesis of personal computers for use in estimating, the thrill of the early tech world, and how Tom honed his skills to create a software that caters to the unique needs of different trades. Estimate Rocket was born from an understanding of the commonalities across trades and was designed to be flexible and adaptable. Tom shares how the power of word-of-mouth helped the growth of his company and how he identified the underserved trades sector. He takes us through the features of Estimate Rocket, from estimating to the allocation of projects, and how it exponentially improves ROI in marketing for contractors. A deep dive into the use of "tags," the importance of a reliable information repository, and the science behind determining project success makes this a must-listen for anyone in the trade and contracting field. Wrapping up our chat, Tom talks about the company's supportive team, his innovative Collaborative Tuesdays program, and the dynamic changes in the contracting world. He discusses how virtual communication is revolutionizing the industry, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how Estimate Rocket can be a game-changer in the sales process. With his eye on the future of painting, Tom's insights are enlightening and inspire a sense of curiosity about the future of the trades industry. Join us on this exciting voyage with Tom Droste, a visionary who's transforming the world of contracting with his innovative software.
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(0:08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors (0:14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry (0:20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features (0:27:14) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing (0:37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes (0:43:34) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting
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| Creating a Million-Dollar Business with Kevin Wooten of Carolina Painting & Pressure Washing | 30 Aug 2023 | 01:11:56 | |
Imagine building a successful painting business from scratch, starting at your father's company and turning it into a million dollar machine. That's exactly what Kevin Wooten, owner of Carolina Painting and Pressure Cleaning, has accomplished. In our conversation, Kevin gives us a peek behind the curtain, revealing the unique business model that has set his company apart. He explains his innovative employee structure - a five-person team with a unique pay system that balances fair compensation and profitability. What does it take to keep a small business afloat? What strategies work best when the goal is growth? Kevin helps us unravel these threads. He shares his significant shifts in marketing approach, swinging back to the traditional direct mail strategy and experimenting with Google AdWords. He discusses the challenges of running a self-sufficient business model, the potential pitfalls of outsourcing, and how he monitors his business through data. It's a deep dive into the mechanics of running a successful small business in the contracting space. As we conclude our fascinating chat, Kevin turns mentor, sharing his wisdom on how to build a business that not only survives but thrives. He talks about the importance of a solid foundation, cultivating a family-like culture within his team, and planning for the future. He discusses his unique payment system, his approach to retirement planning, and gives tips for those aspiring to reach the million-dollar mark. For anyone nurturing a dream of building a successful business from the ground up, this conversation with Kevin is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice. Don't miss it!
Credits:Ā
----- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ----- (0:00:01) - Lessons From a Successful Painting Business (0:10:24) - Business Model and Employee Structure (0:20:54) - Marketing and Office Management in Contracting (0:30:51) - Google AdWords (0:37:41) - Business Management and Estimating Strategies (0:47:28) - Successful Business Building and Future Planning (0:58:27) - Growth in Business
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| Unlocking Human Behavior for Better Hiring and Stronger Relationships with Art Snarzyk | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:47:19 | |
Ever wondered how understanding peopleās behavior can change the dynamics of your business? Today we are privileged to have Art Snarzyk, a certified behavioral analyst, and founder of InnerView Advisors, who explains the nuances of behavioral analysis and its impact on the hiring process. Art has an incredible journey from corporate management and running a painting company, to developing a passion for understanding people's behaviors and helping others with the "people" side of their organizational transformations. Art introduces us to his special combination of behavioral sciences, including what he sometimes refers to as a "DISC assessment on steroids".Ā However, his methodology is much more than that, serving as a profound tool for measuring behavior, motivators, skills, and acumen. He emphasizes how these assessments are instrumental in providing a comprehensive picture of potential employees, identifying their hidden potential, and assisting businesses to find the perfect fit. He also shares how these evaluations can help validate our intuitive decisions and underscores the importance of acknowledging the individual's value to the organization and communicating effectively with them. Finally, Art elaborates on the significance of assessments in hiring and the insights they can offer. He underlines how these tools can boost both business and personal relationships by fostering a better understanding of ourselves and others. From entrepreneurs and managers to those intrigued by human behavior, this discussion is brimming with insights and tools that can aid in making smarter decisions in business and life. Join us to glean more insights from Artās expertise in behavioral analysis! About Art Snarzyk: In management and and hiring since 1996, Art spent years in corporate America and another 9 as the owner of a successful painting company. He knows first-hand the hassle, expense, and headache of trying to hire quality employees. Let him introduce you to a scientifically tested and proven way to attract, hire and retain the best people for your company.Ā Youāll no longer need to rely on intuition, skewed references, and subjective work history to make your hiring decisions.Ā The best are out there and you deserve them! https://innerviewadvisors.com/ ----Links from this Episode----
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----- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ----- (0:07:11) - Assessing and Choosing Employees Effectively (0:14:14) - Assessments for the Right Candidates (0:25:54) - Engaging and Managing People Effectively (0:31:14) - Intuition and Assessments in Hiring (0:37:39) - Importance of Assessments for Hiring (0:44:37) - Improve Business and Personal Relationships ----- EPISODE HIGHLIGHT----- Clear and Balanced Decision Making Importance | 0:13:16 - 0:14:14 (58 Seconds) Scott: Art: Don't you wish knowing an employee is coming in that they're going to make clear and balanced decisions? That's important.Ā So it's really not an intelligence marker, but it's really, do you factor in the important things when you make decisions?Ā And people factor in different things as they think through a problem and the way they think through a problem is important and different roles require different sets of ways of thinking about things, you know?Ā I want, my accountant to think about things differently than I do, you know, my hazardous response [person] to. You know, it's just so it's really important to get in their head and see, are they going to make great decisions? Or do they lean too heavily on delegating things to other people? Do they rely too much on a system rather than their own abilities?Ā So it's a good thing to understand about a person on the way in the door or as we develop more.
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| From Painter to Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner: John Neubert's Journey to Success in the Painting Industry | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:54:18 | |
Can you imagine building a multi-million dollar painting business without the help of YouTube, social media, or influencers? John Neubert, owner of Neubert Painting in Brook Park, Ohio, did just that and he's here to share his incredible journey. From starting out as a painter to earning his MBA and transitioning into a business owner and sales manager, John has valuable insights to offer contractors looking to grow their businesses and succeed in the world of painting. In this episode, we explore John's unique approach to summer direct mail marketing campaigns and his strategy for scaling up his workforce during peak months. He also shares insights on managing and training a large workforce, implementing safety measures, and the challenges of finding and retaining employees in a competitive market. Plus, get an inside look at John's compensation and management style, his company's meeting rhythm, and how he maintains a strong company culture with bonus programs and employee engagement activities. As John shares his keys to contractor success, you'll learn the importance of staying focused on growth and giving employees autonomy. He also offers advice on the investment required to hire people and the need to manage cash flow. Whether you're a growing contractor or an experienced business owner, you won't want to miss the wisdom and insights from this seasoned painting business owner. Join us as we uncover John Neubert's incredible journey and his invaluable lessons along the way. About John Neubert: John founded Neubert Painting in 1975. He has both grad and post-grad degrees from Cleveland State University. John has spent over 40 years in the residential painting industry, and hopes to continue on this path, in the direction of growth and success. ----Links from this Episode----
Credits:Ā
----- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ----- (0:12:47) - Summer Direct Mail Marketing Strategy (0:18:23) - Managing and Training a Large Workforce (0:28:02) - Compensation and Management Style (0:34:06) - Company Meeting Rhythm and Hiring Strategy (0:41:56) - Painting Company Culture and Bonuses (0:48:28) - Keys to Contractor Success (0:50:16) - Spending Wisely as a Contractor ----- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ----- 0:08:27 Scott 0:08:42 John 0:09:34 Scott 0:09:50 John 0:17:36 Scott 0:17:54 John
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| SBTB Ep 15 | Salary vs Incentives: The Comp Plan Most Contractors Get Wrong | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:37:44 | |
Incentives Drive Behavior ā So What Are You Really Paying For? Most contractors think a salary is a compensation plan. But according to Consulting for Contractorsā Scott Lollar, that mindset might be quietly costing your company money. In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down how contractors should think about compensation plans for overhead positions ā especially sales and production leaders.
Why? Because incentives drive behavior. When compensation is structured correctly, it creates motivated āhuntersā who are focused on hitting revenue targets, protecting gross profit, and driving company growth. When it's structured poorly, it often creates comfortable employees who earn the same paycheck whether the company wins or loses. Scott and Mark unpack: ā¢ Why 100% commission sales roles often outperform salary models If youāve ever struggled with questions like: āWhat should I pay a salesperson?ā This episode gives you a framework for designing compensation plans that reward performance while protecting your companyās profitability. In This Episode, We Cover
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| Transforming a Struggling Business into a Profitable Venture // Phil VanderLaan of PMV Custom Finishes | 29 May 2023 | 00:33:38 | |
Discover the secrets to transforming your business and skyrocketing your profits in our fascinating conversation with Phil VanderLaan, owner of PMV Custom Finishes in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We discuss Phil's inspiring journey, from his time at college in Grand Rapids to founding and growing his own successful painting company. You'll learn about navigating the "Dutch mafia" in Southwest Michigan, the importance of asking for advice early, and the hard work that went into building a multi-million dollar business. Join host Scott Lollar, host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast and owner/coach at Consulting4Contractors as Phil opens up about the strategic changes he made to maximize profitability and his "aha moment" when he realized he had the wrong people in the wrong seats. Through others' advice, including his own father-in-law's, Phil looked at the sectors of his business that were losing money and overcame his fear of "firing customers" and raising prices. By narrowing down his customer base, he saw positive results and used various funding options to expand his spray division's capacity and capabilities. Finally, we delve into the operations, staffing, and company culture of PMV Custom Finishes. Phil shares his insights on streamlining his spray operation for increased efficiency, implementing the EOS entrepreneurial operating system, and the significance of reaching out for help. We explore PMV's org chart, revenue targets, and their unique "secret sauce," which includes a family-first benefits package, hiring based on skill and personality, and empowering those with no painting experience whatsoever. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation with Phil VanderLaan as we take you on his journey to success. About Phil VanderLaan: Phil VanderLaan founded PMV Custom Finishes in 2001 and has maintained an active role in company operations and management ever since. He also provides oversight of the company and its growth.
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Credits:Ā
(0:13:53) - Maximizing Profitability Through Strategic Changes (0:19:11) - PMV's Operations, Staffing, and Culture (0:27:06) - Growing Business With Tech & Planning
I didn't have the money to hire somebody to do that. And so I, I found work where I could put, you know, two to four painters on site and kind of put 'em there and forget about 'em for six to eight weeks while I did other things. Ā(0:11:52) - How To Crawl Out Of A Bad Job The general contractor that was running that project got fired at the end and we had outstanding change orders totaling about $80,000. And like I said in debt over $200k and the heat was on, the stress was on.And I just remember sitting at my office late one night, at my work office, just scratching my head, trying to figure out, do I want to keep doing this? How do I get to a better spot?Ā I see other business owners that are making money and I, I figured there's gotta be something here that I'm missing. And so I just did a Google search and searched painting. I think I searched "coaches", "painting coaches", and that next day you and I started talking and that was really the start of the transition. (0:14:27) - Drains Vs. Gains Working with you, Scott, the first step that we took was to evaluate our spray booth division and try to determine, " Is this a drain on theĀ business or is this actually pumping money into the business?" And we soon realized that we started to find wrong people in the wrong seats.And so we made some changes internally and in the spray booth to try to get that more profitable. And then we did the same thing in our field, and we started looking at all the jobs and realizing that there were sectors of our business that were basically losing money. And then the areas in our business or the customer base there was a small section of that was actually making money. And so we determined that our new construction was a drain. All of the work that we were doing on new construction to keep our guys busy throughout the year was actually stealing all the profits from the work that of our repaint work. That was actually the only thing making money.Ā (0:15:31) - You Might Need To Fire Your Customers We kept talking about firing customers and that was a concept that I just wasn't comfortable with. Be... | |||
| Embracing The Holtz Way: A Multi-Million Dollar Story // Rick Holtz of H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc. | 15 May 2023 | 00:46:06 | |
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rick Holtz, the third-generation owner of H.J. Holtz & Son, and newest coach with the Consulting4Contractors team.Ā We uncover the secrets of transforming a family business from a $300,000 company to a multi-million-dollar organization employing over 60 people. You won't want to miss this insightful journey as Rick shares his experiences of taking the reins of his family's business and scaling it in just 12 years through embracing challenges and opportunities. Throughout our discussion, we dive into what it takes to be a successful owner and leader, including the essential aspects of delegation, trusting others, and fostering a strong company culture. Rick provides valuable insights into "The Holtz Way," the core values that have driven H.J. Holtz & Son's success, emphasizing teamwork, customer care, and the importance of trust in building a thriving business. By understanding and embracing these principles, Rick has been able to elevate his family business to new heights. Get ready to absorb invaluable advice for growing contractors as we explore the importance of mentorship, reflection, and self-confidence. Learn how to find the right people to collaborate with, invest in their capabilities, and trust in their potential. Hear about Rick's experience with delegation, embracing challenges, and his vision for the future of his company. This episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration you won't want to miss! About Rick Holtz: ----Links from this Episode----
Credits:Ā
---------------------------------------------- Rick: * Learning to Be an Owner | 0:20:29 - 0:21:44 (76 Seconds) Rick: ---------------------------------------------- Episode Chapters/Summaries: (0:09:11) - Building a Multi-Generational Business (11 Minutes) (0:20:29) - Becoming a Successful Owner/Leader (6 Minutes) (0:26:15) - The Holtz Way (3 Minutes) | |||
| Keeping Busy When You're Slow, Marketing, And Our Thoughts on Backlogs // Q&A with Mike Katounas | 02 May 2023 | 00:25:25 | |
In this episode, Scott and Mike dig into a couple more questions they receive from their own coaching clients, and other contractors. In this episode, you'll hear their thoughts on:Ā
Also In This Episode:Ā
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| Hiring Subs and Project Managers // Q&A with Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:19:37 | |
If you've ever wondered whether hiring our subcontractors is the right thing to do, or whether having a project manager within your business makes sense or not, then our first Q&A episode with Scott & Mike is a must-listen! Scott & Mike will cover:Ā
Also In This Episode:Ā
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| Invest In Your Team and Quit Trying To Be Superman // Mark Black of Men In White Painting | 21 Jan 2023 | 00:44:54 | |
Consulting 4 Contractors is so glad to welcome Mark Black, owner of Men In White Painting, to the podcast.Ā Mark started Men In White, located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, after a few "false starts" in the painting industry.Ā We admire Mark, not only for his vision of what's possible, but his determination, humility, and not trying to do everything on his own. Here's a great quote from show host Scott Lollar that sums up who this episode is for: "Mark is classic entrepreneur and entrepreneurs chase shiny objects every day...if that's youĀ Mark's a kindred spirit...I would say over the last four months... I've seen a lot of growth...[and] if you're going to grow in a significant way and [Mark's] talking towards the $2,000,000 this year, you are going to have to stay in your lane and ascend to more of a CEO level and mentorĀ and be more leadership and monitor your data and let your people do their thing or else you're gonna get stuck." Mark's story isn't just hustling and picking yourself up by the bootstraps.Ā It's taking a good, honest look at what you're good at, what you're not good at, leveraging the strengths, delegating the weaknesses, then creating a company culture where loyal employees feel like family. Mark has long blown past "Death Valley" (between $500k and $750k annual revenue), and we hope his story inspires you to do the same. Listen In For:
Also In This Episode:
Credits: -Hosted by Scott Lollar -Guest speaker: Mark Black, Men In White Painting -Music, artwork, transcripts, mixed by Justin Hange | |||
| It's Not About Me // Nick Lauro of Lauro Painting | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:39:21 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Lauro, owner of Lauro Painting in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.Ā Nick isnāt afraid to confront his own shortcomings and come out a better owner for it. Are you frustrated with the lack of growth and success in your painting business? Ā If Nickās story has anything to offer itās this: Maybe itās not your leads. Maybe itās not your employees. Maybe itās not your location. Maybe itās you. Listen In For:
Also In This Episode:
Credits: -Hosted by Scott Lollar -Guest speaker: Nick Lauro, Lauro Painting -Music, artwork, transcripts, mixed by Justin Hange | |||
| Welcome to the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast // Mike Katounas of Home Works Painting | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:37:15 | |
In our very first episode, Scott sits down with Mike Katounas, fellow Consulting4Contractors coach, to find out about how Mike got his start, scaled his business to the multi-million dollar company it is today, and shed some insight on how they specialize helping business like yours scale to $1,000,000 annual revenue and beyond. Main Topics
Additional Resources | |||
| SBTB Ep. 14 | Leadership Is a Mirror: Why Your Company Reflects Who You Are | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:33:34 | |
Leadership isnāt a destination. Itās a mirror.
Rick also shares how he built a multi-million-dollar residential painting company not by hiring perfect people ā but by developing them.
Itās about who you are. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
šµ Production:
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| SBTB Ep. 13 | Details Make the Difference: Why Job Documentation Drives Profit & Freedom | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:38:51 | |
In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lollar tackle one of the most overlooked ā and most expensive ā weaknesses in a contracting business: job documentation. From unclear scopes to missed closets, from time overruns to frustrated customers, this conversation exposes the hidden costs of vague work orders and poor internal communication. Youāll hear real-world stories ā including a garage door contract written by the customer ā and practical strategies to create documentation systems that:
If you want freedom in your business, better documentation isnāt optional ā itās foundational.
š” Key Takeaway If your phone rings all day with clarifying questions, your customers try to take advantage of your miscommunications with your crew leaders, or your constantly giving guidance that should've been communicated beforehand, you donāt have a people problem ā you have a documentation system problem.
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 12 | From $500K to $6M: What It Really Takes to Lead a Scaling Painting Company | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:37:16 | |
In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black sits down with Rick Holtz, owner of a $6 million painting company with 50+ field employees, to unpack what it actually looks like to transition from operator to CEO.
Rick shares candid insights about letting go of ego, building systems, stopping exceptions, and evolving from āhero problem-solverā to coach and culture builder.
Key Takeaways 1ļøā£ Scaling Changes Your Role ā Not Just Your Revenue At $2M, youāre in the weeds. But that transition doesnāt happen accidentally ā it takes intention.
One of the biggest growth breakthroughs Rick shared: āOne of our goals one year was for me to stop making exceptions.āWhat works at $1M creates chaos at $4M.
If you're a $1M company wondering who to hire first: ā Hire production/operations
Rick didnāt grow because he wanted bigger numbers. He grew because: āThe pressure of our success created demand.āThatās a completely different mindset than chasing volume.
Technical skill matters. But customer experience is what creates legacy clients. āI want our clients to feel like Chick-fil-A, not the DMV.āThatās a culture decision. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 11 | Ask Scott Anything: Coaching, Time Management, Hiring & Building a Team | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:40:41 | |
In this listener Q&A episode, Scott Lollar shares his origin storyāhow an entrepreneurial streak as a kid (yard work, snow shoveling, even cleaning an elderly coupleās home) eventually led to painting, then scaling companies, and finally launching Consulting4Contractors (C4C).
Notable frameworks & references mentioned
Key takeaways
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 10 | The Scheduling Mistakes That Quietly Cost Contractors $150K+ | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:40:53 | |
In this episode, Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down why scheduling is one of the biggest hidden profit leaks in a contracting business. They unpack how going over budget doesnāt just cost you on the job ā it steals capacity from the next job (the ādouble whammyā), why āmy board is fullā is meaningless if it isnāt tied to revenue targets and headcount, and how crew sizing, overtime, job rounding, and even supply runs can quietly wreck production. If you want more predictable revenue, smoother operations, and fewer end-of-job surprises, this one is a must-listen. What youāll learn in Episode 10
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 9 | Risk Management Without Killing Momentum | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:22:45 | |
š Episode Summary Risk management isnāt about playing scared ā itās about playing smart.
If youāve ever felt like youāre constantly reacting instead of leading, this episode will help you rethink how defense, systems, and preparation actually fuel long-term success.
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 27 | Contractor Time Management: Stop Solving Every Problem Yourself | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:39:53 | |
Download the C4C Job Profitability Spreadsheet Here Contractors frequently blame their time-management problems on being busy. In reality, many of those problems begin with unclear scopes, incomplete job preparation, poorly defined roles, and owners who remain involved in every decision.
Key Takeaway Your company cannot become less dependent on you until you stop rewarding dependency.
Free Resource Download the C4C Job Profitability Workbook to calculate job costs and analyze profitability by:
Consulting4Contractors helps contractors create accurate charts of accounts, receipt-management systems, timekeeping processes, payroll workflows, and QuickBooks reporting structures.
Visit: consulting4contractors.com
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| SBTB Ep. 26 | Stop Guessing Your Profit: How to Job Cost Every Project Accurately | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:14:50 | |
Download the C4C Job Profitability Spreadsheet Here Most contractors know how much revenue a project generated. Far fewer can say exactly how many dollarsāand what percentageāthey actually made on that project. Without accurate job costing, business owners are forced to make decisions based on feelings, incomplete reports, or money in the bank. A company may look busy and profitable while missed labor, employee burden, equipment rentals, dumpsters, lodging, subcontractor changes, and other direct costs quietly eat away at its margins. In this episode of Success Beyond the Brush, Scott Lollar explains how to calculate a projectās true gross profit by subtracting its cost of goods sold from its revenue. He breaks down what should be included in job costs, how employee labor burden differs from subcontractor labor, and why seemingly small missing expenses can produce dangerously inaccurate results. Scott also discusses gross-profit benchmarks for residential repaint contractors, why commercial contractors operate under a different model, and how job-cost data can reveal more than whether an individual project won or lost money. When projects are categorized by service, salesperson, project manager, crew leader, subcontractor, and lead source, contractors can identify which parts of the business are actually producing profitāand which ones only feel successful. Key Topics Covered
Key Takeaways Revenue does not tell you whether a job was profitable. Employee labor costs more than the employeeās hourly wage. Missing small costs creates inaccurate large decisions. Scottās target for residential repaint work is approximately 50% gross profit. Job costing is a diagnostic tool, not merely an accounting exercise. Data must replace emotion. Free Resource Download the C4C Job Profitability Spreadsheet to calculate job costs and analyze profitability by:
Consulting4Contractors helps contractors create accurate charts of accounts, receipt-management systems, timekeeping processes, payroll workflows, and QuickBooks reporting structures.
Visit: consulting4contractors.com
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| SBTB Ep. 25 | Can You Afford That Next Hire? How to Build a Contractor Budget That Protects Profit | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:14:14 | |
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE 30 MINUTE CALL WITH SCOTT HERE A contractor hires four new overhead employees and then asks a critical question: āCan I afford all these positions?ā Without a real budget, the only honest answer may be, āI donāt know.ā
Key Takeaways:
A stretch goal can be useful, but it must still be connected to the companyās historical performance and production capacity. A business that has never produced $400,000 in a month needs a clear operational plan before placing that number in the budget.
Revenue should not automatically be divided evenly across 12 months. Contractors need to consider weather, exterior-production cycles, holidays, residential buying behavior, and other recurring fluctuations.
Cost of goods sold includes the costs required to produce a specific job. General company expenses that support the business throughout the year belong in the operating-expense section.
A new project manager, salesperson, administrator, or facility affects more than one line item. Budgeting allows the owner to see the complete financial impact before making a commitment.
Your budget should be reviewed monthlyāand sometimes biweeklyāagainst actual results. This gives the company time to adjust revenue, spending, staffing, or expectations before the year is over.
A budget is not simply an accounting requirement. It is a decision-making tool.
Is your QuickBooks file accurate enough to guide important business decisions? Consulting4Contractors helps contractors organize their financial data, understand what the numbers are actually saying, and turn that information into a practical plan for building a successful and profitable company.
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/free-strategy-call/ šļø Consulting4Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 24 | The Profit Killers: Navigating Scope Creep and Change Orders | 26 May 2026 | 00:32:31 | |
SIGN UP FOR A TASTE OF COACHING HERE ššš Get coaching with SCOTT LOLLAR here Get coaching with RICK HOLTZ here ****************************** In This Episode Mark and Scott discuss:
Key Takeaways 1. Scope creep usually starts small One extra patch, one added coat, one unplanned repair, or one customer request may seem harmless. But when those little extras pile up, they can turn a profitable job into a losing job. 2. The work order needs to be clear enough for the crew to execute Scott explains that a properly written estimate should include enough scope detail, photos, notes, inclusions, and exclusions that a crew leader or project manager can understand the job without needing a second sales conversation. 3. Exclusions protect both the contractor and the customer A vague proposal like āpaint living roomā or āpaint houseā creates room for misunderstanding. Clear exclusions help the customer understand what is not included in the price. 4. Change orders do not have to feel confrontational Instead of saying, āThatās not in the contract,ā crews can be trained to say something like, āWeād be glad to take care of that for you. Let me get you a price so you can decide how youād like to move forward.ā 5. T&M work still needs expectations Time-and-material work can be useful, but customers often misunderstand what they are approving. Giving a range of expected hours and material costs helps prevent surprise invoices and sour endings to otherwise successful projects. 6. Great customer service does not mean giving away profit Small value-adds can be part of a great customer experience, but contractors need to know the difference between going the extra mile and giving away hours, materials, repairs, or coats that were never included in the price. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting4Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 23 | Can Painting Contractors Actually Make Money Working With General Contractors? | 20 May 2026 | 00:43:51 | |
SIGN UP FOR A TASTE OF COACHING HERE ššš Get coaching with SCOTT LOLLAR here Get coaching with RICK HOLTZ here ****************************** But does that mean GC work should be avoided altogether? In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Scott Lollar is joined by C4C coach and Holtz & Son owner Rick Holtz for a practical conversation about how painting contractors can build profitable relationships with general contractors. Rick shares how his company began working with remodelers and builders as part of a broader strategy to protect territory, create year-round work, and serve high-value neighborhoods more consistently. He also explains the hard lessons learned along the way, including a costly $11,000 mistake that reinforced the importance of reading plans carefully and clearly defining exclusions. Scott and Rick discuss what makes GC work different from residential repaint work, why communication and trust are essential, and how contractors can avoid getting trapped by unclear scope, rushed timelines, and delayed payments. In This Episode Scott and Rick discuss:
Key Takeaway Working with general contractors can be profitable, but only if painting contractors approach it intentionally. The right GC relationships can create steady work, open doors in valuable markets, and support year-round employment. But contractors need strong estimating, clear scope language, trained field leaders, active project management, and disciplined cash flow practices to make it work. GC work is not something to jump into blindly. Start small, vet carefully, set expectations early, and protect your company before the first crew ever arrives on site. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ āØ Free Discovery Call with Rick Holtz š https://calendly.com/rick-fjo/60min šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 22 | Stop Managing on Feelings: How to Actually Measure Your Team | 05 May 2026 | 00:39:13 | |
SIGN UP FOR A TASTE OF COACHING HERE ššš Get coaching with SCOTT LOLLAR here Get coaching with RICK HOLTZ here ****************************** Most contractors rely on gut feelings when evaluating their teamābut thatās where things start to break down. Scott and Rick unpack how to move from emotional leadership to measurable leadership by focusing on clear expectations, consistent follow-up, and honest communication. They also dive into the uncomfortableābut necessaryāside of leadership: having hard conversations, addressing performance issues, and knowing when itās time to move on from someone. If youāve ever felt unsure about how your team is actually performingāor struggled to hold people accountableāthis episode gives you a practical framework to lead with clarity and confidence. š Key Takeaways
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ āØ Free Discovery Call with Rick Holtz š https://calendly.com/rick-fjo/60min šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 21 | Warranties, Callbacks & Profit Leaks (What Most Contractors Get Wrong) | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:23:38 | |
Springtime brings more than just busy schedulesāit brings callbacks, warranty claims, and profit leaks. In this episode, Mark Black and Scott Lollar break down the real truth about warranties in the painting industryāwhat they should cover, what they shouldnāt, and how poor systems can quietly drain your bottom line. They discuss:
If youāve ever felt frustrated by warranty calls or callbacks that shouldnāt exist, this episode gives you a practical framework to fix itāwithout hurting your customer experience. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting4Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 20 | The Forgotten Phase of Customer Experience: Pre-Production Mistakes Contractors Make | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:37:07 | |
Many contractors excel at sales or productionā¦ but fail in the space in between. In this episode of Success Beyond The Brush, Mark Black and Scott Lollar discuss one of the most overlooked opportunities to create a premium customer experience: the pre-production phase. After the contract is signed but before the project begins, many companies unintentionally create frustration, uncertainty, and doubt due to lack of communication and unclear expectations. Mark and Scott break down how contractors can:
The reality is simple: customers donāt just evaluate your craftsmanship ā they evaluate your communication. If your company wants to stand out as a premium service provider, your pre-production systems must be just as strong as your sales and production systems. Key Topics Covered
š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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| SBTB Ep. 19 | Why Goals, Budgets, and Projections Separate Growing Contractors from Struggling Ones | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:45:19 | |
š Book your FREE discovery call with Rick today š Most contractors have revenue goalsā¦ but very few have a clear plan to reach them. In this episode, Scott Lollar interviews Rick Holtz, owner of HJ Holtz & Sons Painting and a Consulting4Contractors coach, about the practical process of turning business vision into measurable results. Rick shares how his company shifted from operating without structured planning to building a culture centered around clear targets, financial visibility, and team accountability. They discuss how successful companies:
Rick also explains how transparency with employees around company performance creates stronger engagement, motivation, and trust ā especially when profit sharing or performance incentives are involved. Key Topics Covered
Whether youāre trying to scale past your current revenue plateau or simply want more control over your business results, this episode provides a practical framework for creating intentional growth. š Links from This Episode
š https://consulting4contractors.com/discovery-call/ āØ Free Discovery Call with Rick Holtz š https://calendly.com/rick-fjo/60min šļø Consulting 4 Contractors Website š https://consulting4contractors.com/ āļø Operations Module Demo Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/0IUmPWk4GRI āļø Operations Module 2.0 Update Video (YouTube) š https://youtu.be/JTHtbLXyMBI š² C4C on Instagram š https://www.instagram.com/consulting4contractors/ š„ C4C Facebook Community š https://www.facebook.com/consulting4contractors/ š¼ C4C on LinkedIn š https://www.linkedin.com/company/70241567 š§ Want to Be a Guest? Send us an email ā info@c4c.team š§ Credits
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