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by Beers with Contractors
Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.
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- 3 days ago47 min
S2 E75 - ICF Explained: Energy Efficiency, Strength, and Speed
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry recap their fifth Construction Camp for Kids event and welcome longtime friend Alfonso Nieves of Fox Blocks (Airelite Plastics), an insulated concrete form (ICF) expert who trains contractors nationwide and with the National Home Builders Association. Alfonso explains how he entered the ICF industry, the technology’s origins in Canada in the 1960s, and why above-grade ICF excels for energy efficiency. They discuss ICF benefits including continuous insulation, fire rating, sound attenuation, storm resilience, fewer foundation issues, and faster construction (about 15% faster than finished CMU), plus typical cost premiums (about 7–10%) with a 5–10 year payback. Alfonso addresses myths (termites, “double the cost,” lack of installers, “houses don’t breathe”), covers rebar options and additives, outlines training availability via foxblocks.com, and shares contact info. 00:00 Introduction01:23 Meet Alfonso Nieves03:11 How Alfonso Nieves Found ICF05:18 ICF Across Climates07:16 ICF History Evolution09:06 Beyond Homes Use Cases10:37 Cost ROI Payback12:36 Storm Safety Foundation14:25 Speed Scheduling Cashflow16:42 Myths Termites Cost18:33 Affordable Housing Example19:29 Tight Envelope HVAC Downsizing20:42 Rebar Alternatives Logistics25:33 FRP Rebar Availability26:01 Thin Brick With ICF27:54 Finding Fox Blocks Training29:16 Construction Camp Stories31:44 Lintels And Big Openings34:04 Floor Systems On ICF35:27 Fastening Strips Deep Dive39:52 DIY Vs Pro Install Reality42:36 Materials And Recycling Ties45:07 How To Reach Alfonso46:21 Final Wrap And DisclaimersContact Alfonso Nieves at: Website: https://www.foxblocks.com/ Email: alfonso@foxblocks.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonso-nieves-27113a49/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxblocks_icf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxblocks/ Twitter: https://x.com/FoxBlocksICF Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- 1 weeks ago59 min
S2 E74 - Most Contractors Are Breaking Labor Laws Without Knowing It
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will introduces employment attorney Tracy Melvin of Melvin Law to discuss common employment-compliance pitfalls for construction and home services companies, especially around payroll and overtime. Tracy explains her HR-to-law background, employer-side focus, and ties to construction, then highlights frequent mistakes like misclassifying workers as independent contractors and miscalculating the “regular rate” by failing to include certain bonuses and other pay when computing overtime. They cover how audits and claims are triggered (disgruntled employees, random agency audits, state focus areas like Illinois), why early legal help can reduce fines, and examples where employers still face penalties even when practices benefited workers. Tracy outlines red flags for 1099/sub use, the complexity of multi-state rules, piece-rate risks, and clarifies discretionary vs non-discretionary bonuses and related tax issues.00:00 Welcome and Setup01:40 Meet Tracy Melvin03:00 Why Employment Law05:40 Payroll Mistakes Explained07:36 Resources and Audits11:09 When DOL Comes Knocking13:52 Fines Penalties Reality19:44 Seasonal Overtime Trap21:42 1099 vs Employee Basics26:06 Subcontractor Red Flags28:48 Multi State Classification29:48 Contractor Audit Pitfalls31:13 Piece Rate Red Flags34:03 Agreements Dont Override Law35:32 AI Boilerplate Warnings37:17 Bonus Types Explained44:19 Taxable Perks And Rewards48:15 Overtime Calculation Minefield51:56 Regular Rate Defined54:37 Commissions Mixed With Hourly57:21 Closing And Contact Info58:27 Final Disclaimer And SignoffContact Tracy Melvin at: Email: tmelvin@melvinlawoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjmelvin/ Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- 2 weeks ago55 min
S2 E73 - How Construction Schools Build Job-Ready Workers
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry discuss how contractors can build effective systems and processes by borrowing from academic training models Terry uses in construction education. Terry explains the importance of designing training around different learning styles (auditory, visual, hands-on), using a repeatable sequence of explain/demonstrate/do/feedback, and running an assessment “cycle” each time training is delivered to measure what worked and make corrections. They note many new workers lack basic tool knowledge and that AI may push more inexperienced people into the trades, increasing the need for intentional onboarding. Terry describes collecting feedback via surveys (using five-option Likert scales) and informal check-ins, stresses mobile-friendly, short-form training, and emphasizes soft-skills coaching. He closes with three tips: assume zero baseline knowledge, be patient with repeated reps, and place people where their strengths fit.00:00 Introduction01:16 Why Systems Matter06:15 Assessment and Cycles09:34 Starting Training From Scratch10:20 Learning Styles and Teaching17:08 Hands On Theory to Practice22:29 Work Ethic and Intentionality26:41 Feedback Surveys and Baselines28:15 Likert Scale Surveys30:35 Survey UX Pitfalls32:46 Feedback Loops Onboarding34:05 Mobile First Training37:41 Baseline Skills Mastery42:05 Enrollment Shifts COVID AI45:08 Soft Skills In Practice50:43 Three Training Principles52:52 Wrap Up And DisclaimersCheck Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- 3 weeks ago52 min
S2 E72 - Q&A Episode: Financing Options, Value Engineering, CSR Metrics and More
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry catch up on summer plans and progress on a bar build, then run a Q&A from their audience. They discuss why offering customer financing matters in home services, question the value of 0% options, and mention using GreenSky while noting alternatives like Hearth and Interbank, plus why they don’t discount for cash payments. They compare change orders and slim commercial margins, then dive into documenting and training safety using OSHA guidelines, periodic OSHA/Department of Labor visits, and storing SOPs/MSDS in Slack, emphasizing a fun safety committee to encourage reporting. They explore value engineering as life-cycle cost thinking with examples of efficient design and construction, note risks when execution fails, and debate 3D-printed homes. They argue core values shouldn’t take truck-wrap real estate versus clear branding and calls-to-action, share CSR benchmarks (80 outbound calls/day and an 85% booking goal), advise joining associations or acquiring rather than starting a new trade, and recommend hiring a professional to convert from cash to accrual accounting, citing Martin Holland’s The Profit Problem.00:00 Introduction00:45 Summer Plans and Bar Build01:50 Naming the Bar and Boats03:16 Q&A Kickoff and TikTok04:10 Customer Financing Options08:11 Cash Payments and Discounts10:18 Commercial Change Orders12:59 Safety Training Systems15:55 Safety Culture and Reporting20:22 Value Engineering Basics24:53 Value Engineering Life Cycle27:26 Value Engineered House Hacks28:47 Tech Meets Jobsite Reality32:17 3D Printed Homes Debate33:58 Core Values vs Branding39:32 CSR Metrics That Matter44:13 Diversify or Stay Focused48:51 Cash to Accrual Accounting51:13 Q&A Wrap and DisclaimerCheck Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- May 14, 202659 min
S2 E71 - The Future of Foundation Repair Starts Here
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, host Will and Terry welcome Jae Wells, founder of American Standard Foundation Repair and president of the National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA), to discuss his path from medical school to building a foundation repair company approaching 20 years and his long involvement in the association. Jae explains why the $26B foundation repair industry lacks unified education and standards, and how NFRA is updating its National Certified Foundation Repair Specialist program with a class-based curriculum and testing model that can rapidly incorporate new technology. They preview the 34th annual NFRA conference in Oklahoma City (June 22–26 at the Omni), including a contractor reception with major giveaways, vendor certification courses, a golf tournament benefiting Construct My Future, and social events. Jae also outlines efforts to unify industry factions, improve ethics, and address insurance misclassification through data collection and the Foundation Repair Research Institute.00:00 Introduction00:45 Meet Jae Wells03:11 American Standard Origin04:55 Finding NFRA Early07:35 Texas Conference Lessons11:25 Industry Needs A Trade16:35 Certification Revamp21:16 Tech Standards And Data24:35 NFRA Conference Overview27:47 Events Classes And Golf30:45 Golf Tournament Benefit31:04 Charity Spotlight33:08 Trades vs College Debt34:25 NFRA Growth Plans36:34 Unifying Industry Voice40:40 Insurance Reform Push48:18 Data and Misclassification51:19 Recruiting Leaders55:17 Conference Value Pitch57:22 Events and Parties57:59 Farewell and DisclaimersContact Jae Wells at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jae-wells-54123b278/ Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- May 7, 202646 min
S2 E70 - This Contractor Pay System Added 14% More Productivity
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will discusses how contractors should navigate employee raise requests by benchmarking wages to local market data and using performance pay to tie higher earnings to measurable results. He clarifies performance pay versus historical piece-rate pay, referencing the Fair Wages Act (1938) and compliance risks around minimum wage, overtime, and worker classification (W-2 vs 1099). He outlines three incentive types—spiffs, KPI-driven bonuses, and labor-driven performance pay tied to budgeted labor hours or labor percentage—and stresses understanding job costing, cost of goods sold, and gross profit margin before launching any plan. He notes reported outcomes of properly implemented performance pay, including higher productivity and lower labor percentage, and warns about Department of Labor “non-discretionary” bonus rules requiring adjusted/weighted overtime and proper accrual on multi-week projects.00:00 Introduction01:09 Handling Raise Requests02:51 Market Pay Research05:57 Performance Pay Basics06:46 Piece Rate History09:16 Compliance and 1099 Risks13:47 Build a Pay Plan15:32 Productivity Gains Numbers17:17 Three Incentive Types19:11 Labor Driven Pay Models22:06 P&L and Transparency27:55 Sales Pay Compliance30:30 Call Center Incentives31:53 Manager Bonus Structures33:29 Keep Bonuses Simple34:55 When Not to Launch36:33 Non Discretionary Overtime38:55 Weighted Overtime Accrual42:47 Recap and Next Steps45:25 Outro and DisclaimersMy calendar link: https://per4mance.io/meetings/will723/qa-with-will-blakeLink to the non-discretionary rule based on the Department of Labor article:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/56c-bonuses Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.comFoundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- Apr 30, 202652 min
S2 E69 - Judging Oklahoma Homes & Building Real Estate Wealth
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Will and Terry discuss Terry being “voluntold” to judge the Oklahoma Parade of Homes, touring about 60 homes from Edmond to Blanchard around a $1.2M price point and evaluating categories like staging, layout, craftsmanship, finishes, technology, and lot desirability, while noting energy efficiency wasn’t a focus and that judges largely agreed on top picks. They then shift to Terry and Carrie’s real estate investing, including acquiring mostly off-market properties through networking and direct outreach, and renovating a 1908 building purchased for about $150,000 with estimated renovation costs around $225,000, emphasizing doing much of the work themselves and considering mixed-use tenancy. The conversation highlights how tradespeople can leverage skills, networks, and patience to build long-term wealth via property, plus reflections on communicating with younger generations and basic business-versus-salary tax concepts.00:00 Introduction01:48 Parade of Homes Invite04:16 Judging the Builds06:45 Energy Code Talk11:24 Historic Building Purchase15:41 Rental Portfolio Lessons20:24 Finding Deals Off Market24:11 Guthrie Building Details24:39 Off Market Deal Making26:09 Neighborhood Prospecting Tips26:55 Shared Vision And Risk28:16 Business Trusts And Wealth29:49 OU Talk And Money Lessons34:00 Gen Z And Social Media38:21 Taxes Salary Vs Business41:51 Mixed Use Tenant Strategy42:41 Airbnb Reality Check46:36 Renovation Budget Breakdown48:50 Refinance And Risk Mindset51:41 Closing Toast And DisclaimersCheck Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
- Apr 23, 202639 min
S2 E68 - Best Marketing and Lead Gen Lessons from Top Guests
Will introduces a “mix-up” compilation episode of Beers with Contractors after a multi-city speaking sprint, focusing on lead generation and marketing takeaways from past guests. The clips cover how home-service contractors should approach a first $5K–$10K marketing spend by setting up Google listings, using Google/Facebook ads, building listings across sites, and layering PPC/SEO/SEM, home and garden shows, and even direct mail while tracking cost per lead. Guests emphasize scaling through marketing and sales, prioritizing fewer but higher-quality leads over cheap unqualified sources, raising average ticket to grow without more leads, and using AI to launch campaigns faster and reduce acquisition costs. They discuss remarketing old leads via email/text, rapid call-backs to improve lead-to-appointment conversion, avoiding blindly auto-applying Google ad recommendations, and measuring the right KPIs. Additional strategies include TV news/weather frequency for brand building, the hidden costs of weak branding, and low-cost local tactics like door hangers, yard signs as “silent referrals,” and neighborhood canvassing to become “five-mile famous.”00:00 Introduction00:41 Clip 1 - The Best First Move For Your Small Marketing Budget03:29 Clip 2 - Why More Leads Can Hurt Your Sales Team06:09 Clip 3 - The Mindset Behind Tripling Your Sales in Just Three Years08:15 Clip 4 - The #1 Sign Your Marketing Agency Is Falling Behind10:03 Clip 5 - How Contractors Turn Old Leads Into New Revenue10:56 Clip 6 - Here’s How to Boost Lead Conversion by 23%!13:38 Clip 7 - The #1 Way to Ruin Your Contractor Marketing in 202515:59 Clip 8 - TV Marketing Doesn’t Work Like You Think20:22 Clip 9 - Bad Branding Is Costing You Thousands23:11 Clip 10 - When Customers Don’t Know You Exist Until They Need You27:13 Clip 11 - How Keeping It Simple Skyrocketed Our Leads32:49 Clip 12 - Why Your Marketing Agency Isn’t Getting You Leads35:30 Clip 13 - Are You Letting Hot Leads Go Cold?Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/Foundation Rescue Supply Link:https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/Contractors Kick Ass!Podcast Store Link:https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours
About Beers With Contractors
Welcome to Beers with Contractors. We're cracking a cold one and taking a deep dive into the foundations of your construction business, pun intended, to unearth the strategies, techniques, and insider knowledge that can take your contracting business to the next level. So, grab your favorite beer, pull up a seat, and let's have a chat about the nuts and bolts of the construction industry.
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