Libsyn Directory

Ep 689. Preparing for the Economic Winter: How to Turn a Recession into Your Greatest Opportunity

Release Date: 03/17/2026

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...

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...

Ep 690. Stop Managing Time and Start Managing Your Choices: A New Blueprint for Hardscape Pros

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

This episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast features Caleb Auman interviewing , an expert on purposeful productivity and best-selling author. Dalton challenges the traditional concept of time management, arguing that time itself cannot be managed; instead, individuals must manage their choices, intentions, and energy. She introduces her "five Ps" framework—purge, process, prioritize, protect, and propel—to help listeners transition from a state of constant busyness to one of meaningful achievement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of habit stacking over raw discipline and...

Ep 689. Preparing for the Economic Winter: How to Turn a Recession into Your Greatest Opportunity

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb speaks with serial entrepreneur , who shares insights from his 40-year career across 31 different businesses. The conversation focuses on the psychological shift from forced discipline to authentic commitment, emphasizing how personal purpose pulls an individual toward success more effectively than constant internal pressure. Kerrigan explains the importance of changing one’s "primary question" to foster joy and appreciation rather than judgment or a rigid need to be right. He also provides strategic business advice on navigating economic cycles, suggesting that maintaining high cash...

Ep 688. From Employee to Owner: The 5-Year Blueprint for a Successful Strategic Buyout

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb interviews Brian Brown, owner of in the Lake Tahoe region. Brown details his professional journey, explaining how he transitioned from an employee to the owner of a high-end firm through a strategic buyout. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing business management systems like LMN and the Leandcaper operating system to maintain profitability within a strictly regulated 24-week construction season. The discussion highlights the value of peer groups, mentorship, and leadership development for entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom and a better family lifestyle. Brown also recounts a...

Ep 687. Successful but Broke? The Raw Truth Behind a 7-Figure Business

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb and Brittany discuss the realities of running a seven-figure landscaping business while navigating major personal milestones and family responsibilities. The couple reflects on a recent trip to Las Vegas for a major construction trade show, using the experience as a backdrop to talk about the challenges of professional growth, entrepreneurship, and maintaining a strong family life. A significant part of the conversation focuses on their decision to homeschool their children while still maintaining high standards inside their growing business. They also share how their current success...

Ep 686. ConExpo Day One: Mastering the Chaos of a Rapidly Growing Business

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb and Brittany are podcasting from Las Vegas during the ConExpo construction trade show. They discusses their business operations, including the launch of a new coaching group and Brittany’s upcoming presentation on business growth. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on financial maturity, where they credit budgeting software and CFO services for transforming their company from a struggling venture into a profitable seven-figure business. They reflect on the necessity of professionalizing operations and moving away from "management by chaos" to achieve long-term stability....

Ep 685. Stop Leaving Money on the Table: The Truth About Pricing, Self-Respect, and Profit

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

Caleb and Brittany record this episode live from CONEXPO 2026 in Las Vegas, discussing how their landscaping business evolved from small beginnings into a highly mechanized, technology-driven operation. Caleb explains how growing a company forced him to overcome his natural introversion and develop the confidence to price work correctly. The conversation dives into the importance of self-confidence, fast decision-making, and investing in modern equipment—like GPS grading and specialized attachments—to dramatically increase production. They also discuss the psychology of entrepreneurship,...

Ep. 684. Your Business Is a Reflection of Your Own Leadership *Repaired Audio

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

In this episode, Caleb breaks down how the health of your business directly reflects your leadership, discipline, and personal development. Key topics include: Personal development as the foundation for self-realization and self-awareness Clearly defining what a “win” looks like for yourself and your company The importance of carving out time for focused, deep work Dollar-bracketing systems to ensure efficiency and accountability Building a leadership pipeline — from apprentices to managers Giving true ownership and responsibility at every level Aligning training and SOPs so they...

Ep. 683 – Selling Smart: Growth, Sustainability, and Exit Strategy with Nick Bartolo (Founder, Essential Partners) *Repaired Audio

Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

In this episode, Caleb sits down with Nick Bartolo, founder of Essential Partners, to discuss what business owners need to consider when thinking about selling their company. Nick breaks down: The decision to sell and conducting a “possible path analysis” — evaluating revenue, EBITDA, and overall business valuation. Thinking beyond the sale price — retirement planning, ensuring your investments can support your lifestyle, and avoiding poor tax advice. He also covers: Optimizing growth, margins, and return on capital Building a business that is sustainable and not dependent on the...

More Episodes

Caleb speaks with serial entrepreneur Dwayne Kerrigan, who shares insights from his 40-year career across 31 different businesses. The conversation focuses on the psychological shift from forced discipline to authentic commitment, emphasizing how personal purpose pulls an individual toward success more effectively than constant internal pressure. Kerrigan explains the importance of changing one’s "primary question" to foster joy and appreciation rather than judgment or a rigid need to be right. He also provides strategic business advice on navigating economic cycles, suggesting that maintaining high cash reserves during "summer" periods allows for massive growth during "winter" recessions. Throughout the podcast, Kerrigan stresses that radical self-awareness and humility are the most critical tools for any leader seeking long-term fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on finding a purpose that pulls you forward with momentum rather than relying solely on discipline to push yourself through tasks.
Pay attention to physiological triggers like defensiveness to recognize when you are resisting a truth about yourself that someone else is reflecting.
Improve your daily experience by intentionally shifting your primary internal question to one that focuses on appreciation and joy.
Actively seek out mentors and strive to be the least knowledgeable person in a room to accelerate your personal and professional growth.
Establish strong organizational structures and financial reserves during prosperous times to ensure your stability when the economic season inevitably shifts to a downturn.