Kid Contractor Podcast with Caleb Auman

A show focusing on a wide range of contractors from the Green Industry to General Contractors and beyond. Your host Caleb, runs a successful 7 figure business with his wife Brittany, and has over 20 years in the industry. “The Kid” has learned some valuable lessons he wants to share with you. The principles discussed will energize and empower you to crush your goals.

Ep 705. Clearing the Fog: Lessons on Life, Legacy, and Loss 05/12/2026

Ep 704. Slamfire: Are You Your Business, or Is Your Business You? 05/07/2026

Ep 703. Spring Grind Stoicism: Managing Chaos, Exhaustion, and Equipment Failures 05/07/2026

Ep 703. Spring Grind Stoicism: Managing Chaos, Exhaustion, and Equipment Failures Caleb and Brittany discuss the operational challenges and triumphs of the spring season. They highlight the importance of their integrated tech stack, specifically using Company Cam for visual documentation and LMN for precise job costing and scheduling. The couple candidly reflects on managing employee accountability, overcoming logistical hurdles, and the mental strain of balancing a high-growth company with family life. Additionally, they promote industry events and educational resources like The Hardscape Academy and Cycle CPA to help other contractors professionalize their bookkeeping. The discussion emphasizes that consistent communication and structured inventory systems are essential for maintaining efficiency during their busiest months. Key Takeaways: Use visual communication tools and site photos to ensure every crew member understands the specific details and expectations of a project before starting. Automate your material tracking with a QR-code-based inventory system to save time and prevent project delays caused by missing supplies. Establish a routine of weekly or bi-weekly financial meetings with an accountant to stay informed about your actual profit margins and cash flow. Align your annual budget with a revenue goal you realistically believe you can achieve to avoid skewing your overhead and pricing models. Practice intentional perspective-shifting during stressful periods by focusing on team health and project abundance rather than minor daily setbacks. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/41202505

Ep 702. Why Your Team Should Solve Your Problems (Instead of You) 05/02/2026

Ep 701. Building a Business That Runs Without You 04/28/2026

Ep 701. Building a Business That Runs Without You Growth can stall when every job depends on more labor, more stress, and more guesswork. Caleb and Brittany discuss how their hardscaping business has evolved through better systems, sharper financial tools, and a more intentional approach to people. Instead of relying on manual labor as the default answer, they explore how strategic equipment investments can increase productivity, reduce overhead, and limit the personnel challenges that come with an inefficient workforce. The conversation also digs into the impact of fractional CFO services and specialized software for budgeting, cash flow, and long-term planning. Caleb and Brittany share how clearer numbers have helped them make stronger decisions, while improved hiring practices have raised the bar for team morale, customer satisfaction, and company culture. Covered in this episode: • Invest in specialized equipment to replace inefficient manual labor and reduce long-term overhead costs. • Hire a fractional CFO or utilize professional budgeting software to gain clarity on financial health and plan for future cash flow needs. • Refine your hiring process to focus on attitude and cultural fit rather than simply filling vacancies with "warm bodies." • Practice transparent communication with your team when facing high-stress periods to manage expectations and maintain professional morale. • Reward team excellence by offering financial incentives to employees who are specifically named in positive client reviews. This episode offers a practical look at what it takes to move a contracting business beyond reactive decisions and toward a more stable, scalable future. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/41044995

Ep 700. Why SOPs Matter When Your New Hire Knows Nothing 04/23/2026

Ep 699. How to Step Out of the Field Without Losing Control 04/21/2026

Ep 699. How to Step Out of the Field Without Losing Control 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. Ryan breaks down how business owners can begin shifting their focus toward strategy, management, and culture by helping employees understand how the company works and what success looks like. Covered in this episode: • Why leadership and personal growth set the ceiling for business growth • How sharing financial goals and performance metrics helps employees understand the bigger picture • What open-book management can do for accountability and team buy-in • Why a detailed long-term vision makes decision-making easier • How realistic expectations and a two- to three-year timeline support lasting culture change • Why training and empowering team members is essential for stepping out of field operations • How clearer standards can help owners regain control of their time and personal lives This episode offers a practical look at how to build a business that does not depend on the owner being everywhere at once. Listen for a grounded perspective on leadership, growth, and creating a company your team can help carry forward. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40915005

Ep 698. No More Apologies: Taking Control of the Budget Conversation 04/16/2026

Ep 698. No More Apologies: Taking Control of the Budget Conversation 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 seminars designed to mentor other entrepreneurs. The conversation concludes by stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication in a shifting economic landscape. Key Takeaways: Prioritize your internal team culture because the level of service your employees provide to clients will never exceed the level of service they receive from you. Implement a rigorous lead screening process to ensure you are only meeting with potential clients who are a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable fit for your business. Use a "Good, Better, Best" pricing model early in the sales conversation to help qualify the client's budget and demonstrate the value of different service levels. Enhance your professional image by consistently showing up on time, maintaining clean equipment, and dressing in a way that aligns with the high-end projects you want to land. Commit to continuous improvement through regular role-playing and ongoing education to sharpen your communication skills and maintain your status as an expert in your field. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy April 10-11th In person training () 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40818335

Ep 697. Why a New Hire’s Failure is 100% Your Fault with Sam Gembel 04/14/2026

Ep 696. Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture of Leadership with Sam Gembel 04/09/2026

Ep 696. Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture of Leadership with Sam Gembel 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 to stay. Throughout the discussion, Gembel highlights the dangers of keyman risk and the importance of professionalizing internal training programs to move beyond the monotonous "treadmill cycle" of business. (Part 1 of 2). Key Takeaways: Focus on building a destination company that naturally attracts high-quality talent through a strong culture and clear benefits. Transition your mindset to realize that once you hire your first employee, your primary role is now the people business. Commit to personal growth and self-leadership first because you cannot effectively lead a team if you are not leading yourself. Shift from managing daily tasks to leading the mission to avoid getting stuck in a repetitive cycle with no real progress. Clearly communicate to every team member what a successful day looks like so they understand their purpose beyond just manual labor. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy April 10-11th In person training () 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40778835

Ep 695. Control or Growth? Why You Can’t Have Both 04/07/2026

Ep 695. Control or Growth? Why You Can’t Have Both 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 encourages listeners to adopt positive self-talk and a leadership mindset to overcome common operational hurdles. Key Takeaways: Practice intentional self-talk by speaking positively about your situation to influence better outcomes in your life and business. Prioritize building scalable systems and structured processes over relying on raw motivation to overcome professional chaos. Build a strong professional network by nurturing genuine relationships with peers and past clients without always leading with a sales pitch. Establish and uphold high performance standards for your daily operations rather than just setting goals to ensure consistent quality. Choose growth over total control by delegating responsibilities to your team and allowing them to solve specific problems independently. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy April 10-11th In person training () 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40755925

Ep 694. Tandem Marriage: Navigating the Cost of Success and Business Stress 04/02/2026

Ep 694. Tandem Marriage: Navigating the Cost of Success and Business Stress 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 remain curious about one another and prioritize their relationship as a unified team. The episode highlights various resources available at , including a and mentorship advice, to help couples move from a mediocre marriage to a thriving one. Key Takeaways: Commit to being intentional in your relationship every day to prevent the natural "slow drift" that occurs when life and business become overwhelming. Prioritize a loving relationship with your spouse as the greatest gift you can give your children, providing them with a foundation of security and a healthy model for their own lives. Develop self-awareness during conflicts by pausing to ask yourself if there is any truth in what your spouse is saying before you react defensively. Ensure that your role as a financial provider never usurps your responsibility to be an emotionally present and supportive partner at home. Regularly seek outside guidance through mentors, coaching, or educational resources to keep your marriage thriving as you navigate different seasons of life and business. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy April 10-11th In person training () 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40701060

Ep 693. Pricing Like a Pro: Lessons from Contractor Expert Andy Mulder 03/31/2026

Ep 692. Hold Your Ground on Your Rates: Let the Data Do the Talking 03/26/2026

Ep 691. Stop Selling Landscapes: How to Become the Trusted Brand in Your Market 03/24/2026

Ep 691. Stop Selling Landscapes: How to Become the Trusted Brand in Your Market 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 high-level success requires mental clarity, robust systems, and the belief that one is building a lasting legacy rather than just performing manual labor. Key Takeaways: Define your deep purpose by looking beyond your daily tasks to understand the ultimate impact your work has on the lives of others. Adopt a hero mindset by choosing to believe that challenges happen for you and your growth rather than seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance. Create clarity and reduce chaos in your life and business by implementing structured systems and frameworks to manage your goals. Focus on selling outcomes rather than just services by painting a clear picture for others of what life looks like after their problem is solved. Establish clear expectations for yourself and those you lead to ensure everyone is aligned and held accountable to the same standards. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40558670

Ep 690. Stop Managing Time and Start Managing Your Choices: A New Blueprint for Hardscape Pros 03/19/2026

Ep 690. Stop Managing Time and Start Managing Your Choices: A New Blueprint for Hardscape Pros 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 encourages entrepreneurs to define their "cathedral," or long-term vision, to filter daily tasks. Dalton highlights that true productivity is not about doing more work, but about performing the most important work to ensure personal happiness and presence. Key Takeaways: Shift your focus from trying to manage time to intentionally managing your choices, activities, and intentions. Perform a weekly "purge" by writing down every idea and task in your head to create mental clarity and reduce stress. Establish a long-term vision, or "cathedral," and work backward to determine the practical steps you need to take in the coming months. Schedule non-negotiable blocks of time on your calendar for deep work and strategic thinking to prevent your day from being consumed by minor distractions. Implement habit stacking by attaching a new, small desired behavior to a routine you already perform consistently every day. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40512000

Ep 689. Preparing for the Economic Winter: How to Turn a Recession into Your Greatest Opportunity 03/17/2026

Ep 689. Preparing for the Economic Winter: How to Turn a Recession into Your Greatest Opportunity 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 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. Connect with Auman Landscape 📺 YouTube 🌐 All Links 📸 Instagram 👷 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ The Hardsacpe Academy 👫 👩‍❤️‍👨 Together In The Trades Episode Sponsors 📸 CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months 💰 Cycle CPA – Save $200 Use code: AUMAN 🛠 LMN Software – Save on onboarding Use code: AUMAN 🚜⚙️🛠️ Steelwrist 🛠 Leanscaperhttps://leanscaper.com/ 🚜 Equip Use code: AUMAN 💰 John Pajak 🧠 🎯 💡 FRWRD Coaching /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40490065

Ep 688. From Employee to Owner: The 5-Year Blueprint for a Successful Strategic Buyout 03/12/2026

Ep 687. Successful but Broke? The Raw Truth Behind a 7-Figure Business 03/10/2026

Ep 686. ConExpo Day One: Mastering the Chaos of a Rapidly Growing Business 03/08/2026

Ep 686. ConExpo Day One: Mastering the Chaos of a Rapidly Growing Business 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. The episode serves as both a travel log of their time in Nevada and an educational resource for contractors seeking to improve their administrative systems. Key Takeaways: Avoid the temptation to fill your schedule with "junk work" during slow periods and instead remain selective to ensure you are available for high-quality projects that fit your ideal business profile. Utilize professional budgeting and management software to clearly see your numbers and ensure that every job you take is generating a real profit. Shift from reactive to proactive financial management by working with a CFO who can help you plan for future growth rather than just looking at past performance. Develop the confidence to charge higher prices by respecting the value of your work and understanding the actual overhead costs required to run a sustainable business. Practice long-term financial foresight by incrementally budgeting for future major expenses, such as new equipment or facilities, well before you actually need to make the purchase. Episode Sponsors CompanyCam – Get 50% off for 2 months Cycle CPA – Save $200 (Use code: AUMAN) LMN Software – Save on onboarding (Use code: AUMAN) Connect with Auman Landscape YouTube: Instagram: All Links: /episode/index/show/kidcontractor/id/40356940