From Courtroom to Jobsite: 200 Episodes of Protecting Contractors
Release Date: 08/25/2025
How AI Is Transforming Contract Management in Construction
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
A forward-thinking CPA becomes a champion for AI-driven innovation in construction through vision, expertise, and execution. Victor Sturgis applied his extensive background in public accounting and tax to create technology that streamlines contract management. Motivated by complex industry challenges, he co-founded First Rule, where he drives strategic partnerships and oversees change management. Through a balance of technical insight and human-centered design, he helps contractors move beyond resistance and adopt transformative tools that redefine operational efficiency. Learn more about ....
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Understanding Termination for Convenience Clauses in Construction Contracts
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
In this episode, Karalynn discusses termination for convenience clauses in commercial and residential contracts. She explains how these clauses can expose contractors to risk and shares practical strategies for negotiating fairer terms. Her goal is to help businesses protect themselves and succeed. Love the show? Please rate, review and share! Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Watch the show on . Learn more about The Cromeens Law Firm . Grab Karalynn's new book Trust Your Gut . Key Takeaways...
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How to Avoid Getting Screwed by Change Orders in Commercial & Residential Projects
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Change orders are critical in the construction industry. Karalynn draws from decades of experience to explain that only written, signed documents can legally alter a contract’s terms. Verbal agreements or side conversations simply don’t hold up. Understanding and properly handling change orders is essential to avoid getting screwed on extra work. Love the show? Please rate, review and share! Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Watch the show on . Learn more about The Cromeens Law Firm . Grab Karalynn's...
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Protect Your Construction Business: Crafting Simple and Effective Contracts
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Karalynn Cromeens, a construction litigator, stresses that contractors shouldn’t fear writing their own contracts. Clear, straightforward language is the best way to manage client expectations and protect your business. Complex legalese and borrowed contracts often lead to expensive errors. With simple guidance and attention to state laws, anyone can create an effective contract that truly works. Join her as she reads chapter three of her new book . Love the show? Please rate, review and share! Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow...
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Trust Your Gut: Top Red Flags in Residential Construction Contracts
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Rely on your instincts before signing any contract. When clients reveal early warning signs or try to change agreements, it’s best to walk away. Use clear, simple contracts and set firm boundaries to keep trouble at bay. Never let financial pressure outweigh your judgment—this helps you avoid unnecessary stress, expensive errors, and lawsuits. This episode features a reading from chapter two of Karalynn's newest book, . Love the show? Please rate, review and share! Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on . Watch the...
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The Subcontract - A Breakdown with Caroline Beavers
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
This episode originally aired on May 02, 2022. In this week’s episode, Karalynn is joined by construction attorney, Caroline Beavers, to discuss how the modern subcontract is broken and the best practices to break it down and negotiate it! If you are a subcontractor and tired of getting screwed over by your contracts, tune in and get informed on how YOU can best navigate the modern-day subcontract! The best way to level the playing field is to equip subs with the knowledge and know-how, and this episode does a great job of doing exactly that in a plain-English, easy-to-grasp format. ...
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Hard Hats and Business Hats: Protect Your Contracting Future with Franchising
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Karalynn welcomes Adam Goldman to the show to explore the fundamentals of franchising and what it really takes to turn a franchise into lasting wealth. Adam begins by clarifying what sets buying a franchise apart from building one yourself, highlighting how established brands come equipped with tested systems and reliable processes. In this episode, Adam walks through the typical investments and startup costs involved in franchising. He breaks down the importance of operational support and marketing resources, emphasizing how these tools can make or break a new business owner’s success....
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Key Construction Contract Provisions Every Subcontractor Should Know
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
A lot can go wrong when a contractor signs a subcontract without reading the fine print, and too many people don’t realize the risk until it’s too late. founder and co-CEO Eliot Wagonheim has seen firsthand the impact of dangerous contract provisions. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What flow down provisions can mean for your bottom line Why notice and indemnity matter more than you think How to handle pay when paid clauses and termination for convenience This is a conversation for anyone working in commercial construction who wants real solutions. When you subscribe...
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How Entrepreneurs Find Success in Niche Industries
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
Break the mold, build your brand. Victoria King Meyer did just that. Karalynn welcomes Victoria, founder of Progressio Global and The Chemical Show, as they dive into reinventing success beyond corporate walls. Victoria’s leap from chemical engineer and industry executive to entrepreneur shines with strategy, storytelling, and bold community building. Discover why podcasting, events, and mastermind groups power her impact, learn the real challenges of scaling, hiring, and letting go for growth, and explore the transformative role of personal branding for leaders ready to chart their own...
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Construction Bonds 101: What Contractors Must Know Before Signing
Quit Getting Screwed Podcast
In construction, especially on public works projects, you can’t rely on mechanics liens to protect your right to payment. Government immunity takes that tool off the table. That’s why, in , I break down another critical layer of protection: payment and performance bonds. These bonds can be the difference between finishing a job and walking away empty-handed. Today, I’ll walk you through exactly how bonds work, why they’re required on public projects, and what every subcontractor needs to know before signing on the dotted line. Because while bonds protect against non-payment and...
info_outlineThe Quit Getting Screwed Podcast has reached a huge milestone: 200 episodes.
I started this show because too many people in construction sign contracts they don't understand, risking everything they’ve built—sometimes their entire business.
Today I’ll share lessons learned from decades of construction law, talk through ways to avoid litigation, and look back at what 200 episodes have taught us about navigating this industry.
- Learn what happens when the law isn’t always fair
- Hear why most disputes never make it to court
- Find out the key contract terms that could save your business
Key Takeaways
1. Persistence and creative legal strategies can help recover owed money even when standard lien timelines are missed. While a mechanic's lien wasn't available for a client, vigorous follow-up and notices resulted in successful debt collection at minimal cost. The central lesson: don't give up easily—explore all available avenues before assuming money is lost.
2. Litigation should be seen as a last resort due to high costs and unpredictability. Settlement, mediation, and reason-based negotiation are strongly encouraged to protect business interests without draining resources. The focus is on resolution, not winning at all costs.
3. A lack of contract comprehension can be disastrous—sometimes even resulting in business loss or bankruptcy. Contracts often contain unfair provisions, but if you sign them, they're generally enforceable. The key lesson is to educate yourself and thoroughly understand what you’re agreeing to before signing contracts.
4. Legal concepts don't need to be intimidating or inaccessible. By breaking down complex terms and processes into plain English, more people can protect themselves and succeed in business. This podcast and Karalynn’s books aim to empower listeners with practical, understandable knowledge.
5. Core business principles, like leadership, profit, and loss, apply across industries. While the podcast focuses on construction, its lessons in business management and personal experience are broadly relevant. Growth comes from learning, adapting, and connecting with a range of people.
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Watch the show on YouTube here.
Learn more about The Cromeens Law Firm here.
Grab Karalynn's new book Trust Your Gut here.