The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

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

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

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

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

💰 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/

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

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

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In this episode of the Contractor Fight Sales Podcast, Tim and Derek dive into the nuances of shifting sales behaviors, buyer habits, and the importance of qualifying leads in today’s market. They share personal stories and tactical approaches to avoid wasting time on unqualified prospects, and emphasize the importance of staying proactive through seasonal slowdowns. This episode is a candid look at the sales hustle, complete with humor, tough lessons, and actionable insights for contractors looking to close more deals without falling into the "Hope Island" trap.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• The shift from order-taking to hunting mode in sales post-COVID
• Why pre-qualification is essential before writing proposal
• The danger of counting “maybes” as sales and how it leads to Hope Island
• How to avoid wasting time with uncommitted prospects
• Tactical follow-up methods to stay top of mind with potential clients
• Using empathy to understand a buyer’s timeline and financial behavior
• The value of staying visible and nurturing leads through seasonal lulls
• Insights into how saving habits affect buying readiness
• Leveraging social media and video content to educate and attract the right clients
• Dealing with online haters and staying committed to your sales process

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

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

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Tired of burning money on ads with little return? In this episode, Tom shares the most powerful, cost-effective marketing strategy he's used to generate millions in revenue — without cold leads or ad spend. Discover the Influencer Profit Strategy, a relationship-based approach to building a referral network that consistently delivers high-quality leads and drives serious growth.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• [00:24] Why most contractors waste money chasing cold leads through ads and clicks
• [01:10] The strategy that has generated millions: building trust-based referrals
• [02:17] How better relationships, not more leads, are the key to scaling
• [02:36] Step 1: Identify 10 categories of professionals who serve your ideal client
• [03:15] Examples of referral partners by trade: designers, realtors, inspectors, and more
• [03:40] Step 2: Go deep with three quality contacts per category
• [04:22] Why reciprocal relationships drive success and referrals
• [05:06] The math: 30 partners × 1 referral per quarter = 120 leads/year
• [05:50] Why this strategy outperforms ad spend with an 80% close rate
• [06:03] The importance of being highly referable — make your partners look like heroes
• [07:16] How to implement the strategy: start listing categories and reaching out today
• [08:21] Stay visible and valuable even when there's no active project
• [08:42] Track referral sources with a CRM or spreadsheet
• [09:58] Real-world example: one interior designer partner generated $75K+ in revenue
• [10:16] Final advice: play the long game, earn referrals, and stop chasing strangers

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

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

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

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TCF1034: Are You a Lighthouse?

In this episode, Tim and Derek dive into what it truly means to be a leader that people want to follow. Using the metaphor of being a lighthouse instead of a tugboat, they explore how consistent, dependable leadership can transform your team, your culture, and ultimately, your success in business.

In this episode Tim and Derek discuss:

• The importance of being a positive influence and reliable presence in your business
• A powerful story of transformation from a toxic teammate to a World Series-winning player through intentional change
• The lighthouse vs. tugboat analogy and how it applies to leadership in your contracting business
• Why creating a culture of safety and trust is essential for your team's growth and retention
• How showing up with encouragement and positive reinforcement drives better performance
• Practical tips like the “Rule of 5” to build rapport and boost team morale
• Why great leadership is foundational to sales and customer trust
• The role of consistent values, SOPs, and behavior modeling in building a resilient company culture

Resources: 

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

🛡️ Join us in BATTLEGROUND

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/battleground

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/50/

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

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

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

https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook

== Rate the Podcast ==

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify