Ep 700. Why SOPs Matter When Your New Hire Knows Nothing
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
On this episode Caleb discusses the logistical challenges of scaling a seven-figure landscaping business while integrating a completely inexperienced apprentice. He emphasizes that hiring for positive attitude over existing skill sets allows a leader to mold workers without having to break poor habits. To manage this "green" labor force effectively, Auman highlights the necessity of robust organizational systems, including color-coded tools, detailed digital documentation through Company Cam, and structured software like LMN for budgeting. He also explores broader economic trends affecting the...
info_outline
Ep 699. How to Step Out of the Field Without Losing Control
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Stepping out of the day-to-day work is not just an operations change. It is a leadership change. Caleb talks with Ryan Markewich of in Canada about what it really takes to move from being the person doing the work to becoming the person leading the business. Drawing from his experience building a successful landscaping company, Ryan explains how open-book management, shared financial visibility, and a clear long-term vision helped create a stronger team and a more scalable company. The conversation centers on a challenge many owners face: staying trapped in the field while trying to grow....
info_outline
Ep 698. No More Apologies: Taking Control of the Budget Conversation
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb speaks with green industry veteran . The discussion focuses on professionalism and sales strategies within the landscaping business, emphasizing that customer service starts with internal team culture. Grunder highlights the necessity of screening potential clients and understanding company numbers to ensure profitability and successful project closing. He further explains that physical presentation, such as clean equipment and professional attire, is vital for landing high-value contracts. Additionally, Grunder details his educational ventures, including the and various training...
info_outline
Ep 697. Why a New Hire’s Failure is 100% Your Fault with Sam Gembel
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb talks with regarding the essential principles of leadership and team management within the trades. Gembel emphasizes that business owners must define a clear vision and establish accountability to foster a "settled" company culture where employees feel secure. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the idea that leaders should never project their personal motivations onto their staff, summarized by the mantra "never compare your why to someone else's why." Sam also address the 100% responsibility an organization holds for the success or failure of new hires, advocating for...
info_outline
Ep 696. Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture of Leadership with Sam Gembel
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb speaks with , an entrepreneur who scaled his Michigan-based landscaping company from a side hustle to a multi-million dollar business. The conversation focuses on the critical shift from being a technician to a leader, emphasizing that business owners must prioritize people and culture over simple task management. Sam argues that the inability to find quality employees is often a reflection of poor leadership rather than a lack of talent in the market. He suggests that owners must build a destination company by providing clear career paths, benefits, and a mission that inspires workers...
info_outline
Ep 695. Control or Growth? Why You Can’t Have Both
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb explains how transitioning from a heavy workload to a structured business model saved his landscape company from stagnation. He highlights the launch of "Built for Contractors," a coaching program and subscription service designed to help peers implement scalable systems and professional accountability. The discussion emphasizes that business growth requires clear standards and logistical planning rather than just working harder. Auman also stresses the importance of nurturing professional relationships over expensive advertising to secure high-quality referrals. Throughout the show, he...
info_outline
Ep 694. Tandem Marriage: Navigating the Cost of Success and Business Stress
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb talks with Brad and Tammy Miller, the founders of Tandem Marriage. Drawing from their experience running a seven-figure counseling practice and their own 41-year marriage, the Millers discuss how professional success can lead to a "slow drift" that distances spouses. They emphasize that high-achieving business owners often fall into a "provider trap," mistakenly believing financial stability is the only way to show love while neglecting emotional connection. To counter this, they advocate for extreme intentionality, urging couples to...
info_outline
Ep 693. Pricing Like a Pro: Lessons from Contractor Expert Andy Mulder
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb talks with Andy Mulder of about how great communication, showing up, cleanliness, and finishing strong helped build a premium landscaping brand. Andy explains that better clients come when you deliver a better experience, choose professionalism over excuses, and keep improving the details. He also warns that many contractors underprice their work and stresses the importance of knowing costs, using systems, and building a strong brand over time. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The Hardsacpe...
info_outline
Ep 692. Hold Your Ground on Your Rates: Let the Data Do the Talking
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb and Brittany are discussing the importance of maintaining an abundance mindset during the busy spring season. They encourages business owners to "hold the line" by refusing low-profit projects and trusting that better opportunities will arise through consistent marketing and historical data. The episode includes an AI-assisted segment that defines the difference between acting out of fear-based scarcity and strategic confidence. While Caleb emphasizes the need for disciplined pricing and personal growth, Brittany shares the emotional challenge of overcoming the worry associated with...
info_outline
Ep 691. Stop Selling Landscapes: How to Become the Trusted Brand in Your Market
Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman
Caleb interviews from , a brand strategist who helps landscapers differentiate themselves in a saturated market. Diego argues that contractors often struggle because they sell services based on price and utility rather than uncovering their deeper purpose. He encourages business owners to move past a victim mentality and embrace a heroic identity by recognizing the profound human connection their work facilitates. By defining a clear "why" and aligning it with consistent branding, owners can transition from being mere operators to becoming visionary leaders. The discussion emphasizes that...
info_outlineTalking sales with Eric Triplett The Pond Digger!
LeanScaper Revenue Intensive (January 20 & 21, 2026 in January 20 & 21)
www.companycam/kcpodcast Company Cam- 50% for 2 months!
www.CycleCPA.com Use code: Auman and save $200 when signing up.
LMN Software Save on onboarding! Code: AUMAN