621: Transforming Your Construction Team Through Support And Collaboration
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
Release Date: 03/28/2025
636: The Three Pillars Of A Profitable Construction Business
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 636, And It's About The Three Pillars Of A Profitable Construction Business Running a small construction business is no small feat. You're on job sites one minute, sending invoices the next, and trying to line up your next project after that. It's a constant juggling act—and without the right systems, it's easy to fall behind or burn out. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we work with small contractors who are incredibly skilled in their trade but often feel overwhelmed when it comes to running their businesses. And over the years, we've noticed a pattern:...
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635: The #1 Reason Contractors Lose Clients: Poor Invoicing—And How to Fix It
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 635, And It's About The #1 Reason Contractors Lose Clients: Poor Invoicing—And How to Fix It As we celebrate Independence Day and the spirit of hard work and craftsmanship that built our country, it’s the perfect time to think about strengthening your construction business, so you have the freedom to grow and succeed. When most contractors consider why they lose clients, they often blame price competition, slow projects, or a client’s unrealistic expectations. But in my experience as a construction bookkeeper, one of the most common—and preventable—reasons...
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634: Financial Red Flags Your Construction Company Can't Afford To Ignore
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 634, And It's About Financial Red Flags Your Construction Company Can't Afford To Ignore As a construction bookkeeper, I've had a unique vantage point, watching countless projects unfold from the first bid to the final payment. While the hammers and blueprints are the visible signs of progress, it's the numbers behind the scenes that truly tell the story of a company's health. And let me tell you, those numbers often whisper warnings before they start screaming. Small business owners in the construction industry are incredibly busy. You're juggling bids, managing...
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633: Cash Is King But Do You Have A Crown? Why Cash Flow Trumps Profit
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 633, And It's About Cash Is King But Do You Have A Crown? Why Cash Flow Trumps Profit
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632: Navigating Job Site Challenges For Small Construction Businesses
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 632, And It's About Navigating Job Site Challenges For Small Construction Businesses As a small construction business owner, you're not just a builder; you're a problem-solver, a negotiator, a project manager, and often, the first one on-site and the last one to leave. While the vision for a completed project is always clear, the path to getting there is often paved with unforeseen challenges, daily inconveniences, and persistent problems. I've seen it time and again from my vantage point, both as a previous construction business owner and now a construction...
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631: Proven Strategies For Attracting Quality Construction Clients
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 631, And It's About Proven Strategies For Attracting Quality Construction Clients As a construction business owner, you already know that winning new work is the lifeblood of your company. But not just any work—what you need are quality clients: the kind who pay on time, respect your expertise and give you the types of jobs that grow your bottom line. As construction accounting and bookkeeping specialists, we've worked with dozens of contractors who struggle with the same thing: they're busy, but they're not profitable. Often, the root of the issue isn't in their...
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630: Small Business Administration - Essential Strategies for Contractors
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 630, And It's About Small Business Administration - Essential Strategies for Contractors Running a small business is exciting, but let’s be honest, managing the admin side of things can feel overwhelming. Between keeping financial records, looking after daily operations, and ensuring compliance with tax laws, it’s easy to feel buried under endless to-do lists. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, small business administration doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are some practical steps to streamline your business admin, save time, and boost...
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629: How To Optimally Allocate Resources For Construction Business Growth
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 629, And It's About How To Optimally Allocate Resources For Construction Business Growth In the competitive construction industry landscape, efficient resource allocation is a fundamental pillar of success. Construction business owners like you face the dual challenge of meeting deadlines while adhering to budget constraints, making effective resource management essential. As a business owner, you understand that growth doesn't just happen – it takes smart decisions, dedication, and a clear plan. One of your most critical decisions is allocating your...
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628: Efficient Payroll Implementation For Construction Business Owners
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 628, And It's About Efficient Payroll Implementation For Construction Business Owners mplementing an effective payroll system is crucial for construction business owners, as it directly impacts project management, employee satisfaction, and overall financial health. Given the complexities of the construction industry, including varying pay rates, overtime requirements, and the need for certified payroll reports, developing a streamlined payroll process is essential. Here are some steps to consider: 1. Determine Payroll Needs: Assess the size of your...
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627: The Essential Benefits Of A Purchase Order System For Contractors
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 627, And It's About The Essential Benefits Of A Purchase Order System For Contractors Running a small business is no small feat. Every purchase, every invoice, and every supplier relationship counts. But as your business grows, so does the complexity of managing procurement. This is where a Purchase Order (PO) System can help. The importance of a POS for contractors cannot be overstated. In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of construction, managing resources effectively is crucial for the success of any project. It is a fundamental tool that...
info_outlineThis Podcast Is Episode 621, And It's About Transforming Your Construction Team Through Support And Collaboration
Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Communication is Key
Open lines of communication are essential. Hold regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and expectations. Encourage your crew members to voice their concerns and suggestions, which can help foster a collaborative environment.
2. Understand Their Perspective
Take time to listen and understand the reasons behind your crew's difficulties. Whether it's workload stress, unclear instructions, or personal issues, knowing the root cause can help you address their concerns more effectively.
3. Set Clear Expectations
Ensure that all crew members understand their roles and the project's goals. Clearly defined tasks and responsibilities can reduce confusion and help everyone focus on their objectives.
4. Provide Support
Offer help through additional resources, training, or simply being available to answer questions. Showing that you care about their success can boost morale and productivity.
5. Stay Professional
Remaining calm and composed is essential, even when tensions rise. Responding to negativity professionally and respectfully can help de-escalate conflicts and maintain a positive work atmosphere.
6. Conflict Resolution
When conflicts arise, address them promptly. Use a calm approach to mediate disputes, focusing on finding a solution for everyone involved. Avoid taking sides to maintain fairness.
7. Recognize Achievements
Acknowledge your crew's good work, no matter how small the accomplishments may seem. Recognition can boost morale and motivate the team to overcome challenges together.
8. Lead by Example
Demonstrate the work ethic and attitude you want to see in your crew. Your leadership style can set the tone for the entire work environment, influencing how the crew interacts and handles difficulties.
9. Be Flexible
Construction projects often come with unexpected challenges. Flexibility and openness to adjustments can help you navigate these situations and maintain team morale.
10. Seek Feedback
After resolving issues, seek feedback from the crew on the process. This can lead to valuable insights and improvements for future projects.
We settled for a different approach. In all our construction companies, we use a process to encourage innovation and optimize production at three specific times during the day: morning, noon, and afternoon.
Morning —We provided light snacks, pastries, fruit, bottled water, juice, coffee, and tea. We begin the day by informing the team about the legal requirements and end with a sheet of paper listing the goals for the day for each crew, which the superintendent/foreman/lead person, whatever title you use, keeps in their portfolio.
Noon—Lunch is also provided. Each person gives a morning progress report and afternoon target, which are updated on a paper sheet listing the day's goals.
Afternoon—Work stops ten minutes before everyone is due to clock out, and everyone gives an afternoon progress report and next-day target, which is updated on a sheet of paper listing the goals for the day.
Why Provide Snacks And Meals? Three Reasons - PROFIT! PROFIT! PROFIT!
Your construction workers may or may not have a hearty breakfast before coming to work, depending on various factors outside your and their control.
Well-fed construction workers produce more work in less time with fewer mistakes, which saves you time and money on labor, materials, warranty work, and other costs.
After a few hours of intense construction work, they could be dehydrated. Having burned several calories, their stomachs could be sending essential messages regarding food. This usually results in them slowing down a little bit, costing your company some profit dollars.
You should notice steady increases in production because everyone's needs are met, and each member of your crew—Journeymen, Apprentices, and Laborers—has a voice. This fosters a positive atmosphere. Additionally, you can expect substantial increases in innovation as an ongoing process, all while maintaining uninterrupted production.
In addition, a successful construction manager and business owner must possess a multifaceted skill set. This includes technical knowledge of construction methods and materials, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of industry regulations. Additionally, proficiency in risk management, scheduling, and resource allocation is vital in navigating the complexities of each project.
Adaptability is essential, as construction projects often face unforeseen challenges. A construction manager must be able to think on their feet and adjust plans as necessary to keep projects on track, demanding technical skills and a strong sense of judgment and creativity.
Final thoughts
The role of a construction manager and business owner is rewarding and demanding. It involves a delicate balance of leadership, responsibility, and diverse skill sets, all of which converge to ensure that projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.
Leading your crew effectively involves not just managing tasks but inspiring and developing your team to meet project goals while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or [email protected]