Quit Getting Screwed Podcast

The Quit Getting Screwed Podcast, hosted by licensed attorney Karalynn Cromeens, explores managing contractors, how to build a smarter business and avoid litigation. In this legal driven show, find the tools, detailed insight and confidence to side step common challenges and thrive in the construction industry.

How Entrepreneurs Find Success in Niche Industries 09/22/2025

How Entrepreneurs Find Success in Niche Industries 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 course. Key Takeaways 1. Career paths are often non-linear, and pivoting from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship or media ownership requires both a willingness to adapt and continual self-assessment. Victoria’s journey from chemical engineer and corporate leader to podcast host and business owner reflects the importance of embracing change, finding your unique strengths, and leveraging accumulated experience in new ventures. 2. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network—whether in the form of mastermind groups, communities, or trusted advisors—is essential for personal and professional growth. Both Jenn and Victoria emphasize that entrepreneurship can be lonely, and intentionally creating or joining peer groups fuels learning, support, and accountability. 3. True leadership is about setting a vision, inspiring others, and serving your community or team, rather than just managing tasks or people. The transition from “doer” to leader is a mental shift that involves relinquishing some control, coaching others, and focusing on impact beyond yourself. 4. For entrepreneurs and leaders, clarity in personal voice and branding is critical. It’s important to articulate who you are, what you stand for, and what value you provide, as people are drawn to authenticity. The episode highlights how evolving your message and openly sharing your perspective helps differentiate you and attract the right clients or collaborators. 5. Thinking beyond the present—by creating a business that can stand on its own, outlast your direct involvement, and potentially be sold or handed off—demonstrates true entrepreneurial foresight. The discussion explores balancing personal vision with business longevity, and preparing for succession or sale as a natural business lifecycle step. Learn more about Victoria's company Progressio Global . Listen to her podcast The Chemical Show , and follow her on and . 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 your copy of Quit Getting Screwed , and her new book Trust Your Gut . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/38092935

Construction Bonds 101: What Contractors Must Know Before Signing 09/15/2025

Construction Bonds 101: What Contractors Must Know Before Signing 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 incomplete work, they also come with serious responsibilities—and sometimes, personal financial risk. You’ll hear: Why bonds replace liens on public projects and how they actually function. The difference between performance bonds and payment bonds—and why you might need both. Why bonds aren’t insurance and what happens when a claim is paid out. Practical tips to protect yourself before you step onto a bonded job. Key Takeaways 1. Bonds act as security on construction projects, particularly public works where filing a lien is not allowed. They ensure parties like subcontractors and suppliers have a means of getting paid if issues arise, by enabling them to file claims against the bond rather than the property itself. 2. On public projects, general contractors are typically required to obtain both performance and payment bonds. A performance bond guarantees completion of the contracted work, while a payment bond guarantees that all suppliers and laborers are paid, providing financial protection to all parties involved. 3. Bonds are not insurance; if a bond company pays out a claim, they will seek reimbursement from the contractor or subcontractor who secured the bond. This makes bonds a significant personal and financial liability, not a simple protective policy like insurance. 4. Subcontractors must understand the serious obligations that come with obtaining a bond. If a claim is filed and paid out, the bond company will come after them for reimbursement. It’s crucial to be aware of what’s being guaranteed and to only secure bonds for the remaining contract amount if required during the course of work. 5. Subcontractors should always obtain a copy of the general contractor’s bond before starting work, as it allows them to file a claim if unpaid. Additionally, building a relationship with the bond company/agent can prove beneficial if issues arise, providing an opportunity to defend against unjust claims before any payout. 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 your copy of Quit Getting Screwed . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/37784550

The One Contract Mistake That Cost a Contractor His Company 09/08/2025

The One Contract Mistake That Cost a Contractor His Company Karalynn draws on her decades of experience to explain how overlooking contracts can cost businesses everything. Her book, , was inspired by watching a client lose his business simply because he didn't understand the contract he signed. Today, she shares crucial tips for protecting yourself before you sign on the dotted line. Key Takeaways 1. Many subcontractors sign commercial contracts without fully understanding their terms, leading to serious risks, including losing their business. It’s crucial to know what you’re signing so you can protect yourself from unfair terms and unforeseen obligations. 2. Over time, the lack of negotiation and blind trust in the contracting process has led commercial subcontracts to heavily favor general contractors. Subcontractors must recognize this imbalance and actively engage in understanding and negotiating contract terms to avoid being at a disadvantage. 3. Submitting a turnkey bid (a lump sum for all work) can get you into trouble if you accidentally leave out tasks, as you can be legally obligated to complete missing items for no additional pay. An itemized bid protects you by clearly listing what’s included in your price, reducing unexpected obligations. 4. When you receive the subcontract, always check the scope of work against your original bid. Do not assume they match—general contractors may include more work than you quoted. If there are discrepancies, you must address them before signing, or you may be legally required to perform unpaid extra work. 5. If the contract’s scope of work is broader than your bid, immediately notify the general contractor in writing and request the appropriate adjustment in price and contract documents. Never rely on promises to fix things “later”; always get changes formalized before signing to protect your business interests. 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 . Order your copy of Quit Getting Screwed . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/37784520

How a Handshake Deal Left One Contractor Empty-Handed 09/01/2025

How a Handshake Deal Left One Contractor Empty-Handed On this episode of the Quit Getting Screwed Podcast, Karalynn cracks open her book and reads Chapter One. She shares the cautionary tale of Carl, a masonry contractor who lost a lawsuit—and payment—after relying on a handshake deal. The lesson? No signed contract, no protection. Cromeens explains how written agreements set clear expectations and shield contractors legally, urging pros to walk clients through each section in plain language and keep contracts updated. Skip the paperwork, and you risk losing both money and recourse. She closes with an invitation to connect and grab her book for more real-world contractor advice. Key Takeaways 1. A handshake agreement is not enough in construction projects—a well-written, signed contract is essential to protect all parties, properly manage expectations, and provide a legal safety net if disputes arise. 2. The number one reason contractors get into legal trouble is poor management of client expectations. A clear written contract not only sets out the scope of work and terms but also helps educate homeowners on the construction process, preventing misunderstandings and disputes. 3. Contracts do not need to be overly legalistic or complicated. They should be written in plain, straightforward language that is easy to understand, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and obligations. 4. While not a legal term, CYA is about including specific provisions in your contract to limit your liability and protect yourself if things go wrong. This can involve limiting damages, addressing issues encountered in past projects, and updating contracts based on new experiences. 5. Residential projects carry unique risks because homeowners are emotionally and financially invested in their homes. Issues tend to escalate quickly if not managed well since homeowners are present throughout the process and can become highly emotional about perceived problems. 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 . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/37784475

From Courtroom to Jobsite: 200 Episodes of Protecting Contractors 08/25/2025

From Courtroom to Jobsite: 200 Episodes of Protecting Contractors The 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. 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 . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/37784450

The Contractor Who Lost It All Over Missing Paperwork 08/18/2025

The Contractor Who Lost It All Over Missing Paperwork Sometimes, a handshake feels like enough. But in residential construction, failing to put the details in writing can mean litigation threats, withheld payments, and sleepless nights. Today, I’m kicking off our journey through , the essential guide for contractors who want to protect their business and peace of mind. We’ll dive into real stories, like Carl’s, about learning the hard way why clear contracts matter. You’ll hear: Why managing expectations is critical, and how most lawsuits begin when those expectations aren’t set. How contracts are more than legal documents; they’re your safety net for your reputation, your time, and your sanity. What practical steps you can take to limit risk, including crafting contracts that are thorough yet easy to understand. Key Takeaways: A handshake is not enough. In residential construction, a signed contract is your shield—protecting everyone involved if disagreements arise. The top cause of contractor legal headaches? Poor management of expectations. Clear, written agreements educate clients on what to expect and prevent costly misunderstandings. Contracts shouldn’t require a law degree to read. Simple, plain language is the key—so everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. CYA isn’t just jargon. It’s about building legal safety nets into your contracts. From limiting damages to updating terms as you learn, smart provisions help you avoid financial pain. Residential projects are risky because homeowners are emotionally and financially invested. Problems can escalate fast, so setting clear boundaries and expectations up front keeps projects on track. 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 your copy of Trust Your Gut . /episode/index/show/b3b9db25-16d7-4003-8965-8d5253a4e3df/id/37783865