This guy is ridiculously knowledgeable and presents everything clearly. And then he hits us with the Trailer Park Boys clip. This man is gold, solid gold. Thanks for the video!

@klot4544

2 жыл бұрын

...and then he puts his Hand next to a running Chainsawblade. Kind of spoils it for me.

@deanhooper3152

2 жыл бұрын

im sitting here taking notes: "stop thinking about the value of what you provide in terms of what you would pay to receive it.its an irrelevant perspective. The value of what you provide is what other people are willing to pay. And its a hard thing to discover because your competition is not going to be anxious to share that with you but in general terms, if your not missing at least half your bids because of price. You’re Too low. "

@johnmccall9605

2 жыл бұрын

@@klot4544 He's been doing it a long time and still has all his fingers...I'd say he knows where his blade is

You forgot to mention that when you find good help, take care of them. They're the key to running a successful construction business.

@arvivirash5561

3 жыл бұрын

Amen to that!

@antoniocortez1326

3 жыл бұрын

Dude. Thank you! About time someone recognize and knows what's going on

@skydive1424

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!!👍

@michaelmcclamroch7486

3 жыл бұрын

I've been working in construction full time since I was 17 and was always willing to take a little less for steady work and a good environment

@vidard9863

3 жыл бұрын

I don't know this man personally, but I think that he is the type to simply assume that.

All 5 of your advises are right on. I was retiring and I sold my practice to my project manager. I spent 2 years with him while he paid me part of our agreed upon price. I told him everything you have mentioned in this video over and over. That all went out the window when he was on his own. He eventually lost his contractors license and his corporation license because he didn't pay return client phone calls or pay his subcontractors in a timely manner. He managed to destroy a $750,000 a year, one man company in less than one year by not paying attention to the tenants you just spoke about. Keep up your informative videos, I enjoy listening to them. Pete Daly San Diego, Ca,

Great video .I have a couple small points to add after being a custom home builder for 30 years .ALWAYS ALWAYS have a change order form in your possession or make sure you always document anything that varies from your original bid from your approved set of plans. It truly makes everybody process much more enjoyable,Contractor /Customer . And my second bit of advice is take good care of your body .Construction will flat wear a soul out .Good luck and enjoy the craftsmanship of this trade .

I built up a reputation over three years of doing good work at low prices, woke up one day at how I was short changing myself and doubled my prices. I lost half my customers and was therefore making the same money for half the work. Result!

@thomastrumigneault8918

3 жыл бұрын

My dads been charging the same prices since 1999 literally. He is retiring n i am taking over. I pretty much just double what he says now. Esp right now i can triple it No advertising we been living decent for years

@teepee6314

3 жыл бұрын

Man, God is good to you guys!

@lanceharmon501

3 жыл бұрын

Happy for you, that's a great change.

@hollisstyron4144

3 жыл бұрын

man you may just be in a stagnant market.. I use to do a lot of contracting around Dallas.. booming market but man ull run urself ragged.. ive since went back to welding.. residential work is just annoying dealing a majority of the customer. Everyones wanting something free and everything is over priced... I rather just deal with a company lol

@erics3886

2 жыл бұрын

An old boss and friend told me one day, "I'd rather do a hundred jobs a year and make good money than do five hundred jobs a year and make decent money."

Contractor for 38 years here. My word of advice for anybody starting out. Buy 1,000 pencils, and 100 utility knifes and HIDE them under the seat of your truck. Tell nobody you've done this. You'll thank me later.

@ronbowles1387

3 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely right! I do the same!

@Baybjo

3 жыл бұрын

? i never been more confused in my life

@douglascampbell4993

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahahahahahaha!! I second this notion..

@Roninbuilt

2 жыл бұрын

And 10 tapes!

@Jumpmaster337

2 жыл бұрын

I’d forget they were there and buy more 😂

I am 52. My father was a GC and I have been building all my life. You remind me of the mentors of my early days that shaped me to be who I am today. Every one of your videos is a walk down memory lane when someone cared to teach the skills to be amazing! Thank you for sharing all that you do. I pray many young men and women find your chanel and apply your teaching!

2:28 Money 5:33 Communication 8:34 Regulations 10:12 Bookkeeping 13:48 Growth

"Do this for cheap and I'll have a lot of work for you in the future!" How many times have I heard that one?! Countless.

@Nphen

3 жыл бұрын

Then those people go out and still get more bids trying to find a mythical lower bid. They eventually find rookies or charlatans who will quote them even lower. Then mess it up. Then they want you to fix it. But still don't want to pay enough to get it done right!

@bamabackroads1203

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nphen so it's not just me? I priced a job once, set a start date and two days before the client called and said they were going to have to put it off due to some health issues. That night I got a call from a guy asking me all these questions about how I would do this,and how I would do that. Long story short I out two and two together and figured out it was the job I was supposed to start that got put off. This guy had priced it lower, and then called me wanting me to tell him how to do it, then had the balls to ask if he could borrow my tools to do it. I started to call the client and warn him, but I figured they were meant for each other.

@wisconsinfarmer4742

3 жыл бұрын

Good decision.

@user-hv1ik9li7f

3 жыл бұрын

One of my first customers told me this line of bull crap. Fortunately, he was setting off all kinds of other alarm bells and I never did a thing for him. Blocked him and told him to never contact me again. I was lucky, because my previous career had already taught me the lesson. I take a harder line with these people than Scott does. These people are thieves in my opinion. Taking advantage of your trust in their words.

@neilestenson6595

3 жыл бұрын

Run away from those con men.

The best advice I ever got about quoting came from a salty old cabinet maker... He said "If you are not embarrassed to say the number, it's not the correct number." He said you have to plan for the bad job, or the unplanned expenses.. otherwise the first hiccup you encounter, you are losing money...

@9mmkahr

3 жыл бұрын

This is great, and I can relate!

@austinpatrick2682

3 жыл бұрын

That's a GREAT quote about quotes! Seriously, pun and all!

@td811

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly! And you have to have that job pay for itself. Or have the capital to be able to float a job until payments are made. So many guys rely on deposits from the next job. That’s a problem, Especially when the economy slows and there isn’t a next job for a bit.

@vidard9863

3 жыл бұрын

That is definitely where I bombed out. I do everything for myself, so I cannot see why other people would be willing to pay what I would need to charge at minimum. If you cannot ask for what you need to pay you cannot stay in business.

@robvery

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, you’re correct

I quit my desk job in January of this year- I was so worn down from working in a corporate environment. I own a rental house so I know how to fix things and remodel, so I jumped right in. I had no idea how much my own self-respect had begun to suffer until I began working for myself and began to gain real confidence. Best career move I have EVER made and I won't be looking back.

@jameshilverda1814

Жыл бұрын

Update on this? I hope it’s going well!

@Chris-fu5mb

Жыл бұрын

Update please

I'm sitting here tearing up because my Dad tried and tried and tried to be a general contractor but messed up almost all of the points you made. He ended up dying from a heart attack while working concrete alone on a job site. He was penniless and alone.

@DominickCascianoIII

3 жыл бұрын

So sorry. I love you man! Keep going

@harrisonfletcher1254

3 жыл бұрын

Bro you just read my mind

@TxDuallyNation

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that brother

@bradnobl

3 жыл бұрын

My only comment ever on this channel and it's to say sorry for what happened to your father

@harrisonfletcher1254

3 жыл бұрын

My dad just has severe ADD.. he’s so good at what he does and people love him. He makes every customer happy. But he just had so much trouble pricing things appropriately. He would forget something that doubled the labor spent, or he would miscalculate material costs, or something like that. Honestly it’s been the grace of God that he was able to support a family of 9 and a stay at home mom for so many years. I know for a fact there is good money in contract work like we do, but you just have to be meticulous and like he said be willing to lose the bid because you charged too much. I guess when you’re trying to feed seven kids you just don’t feel like you can afford to be underbid by another contractor.

'Get out of bed early, work hard, treat people how you would like to be treated and odds are you'll have a good life'..... Amen to that. I could not agree more. God bless from England

@Adrian2140

3 жыл бұрын

God doesn't exist

@MrJimtimslim

3 жыл бұрын

@@Adrian2140 what a strange person that sits at home and feels compelled to write stuff like that to a person you'll never meet. I hope life treats you better in future and you learn to grow up a bit. God bless you child.

@Adrian2140

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrJimtimslim God doesn't exist, get on with the times. Religion is holding us back from developing compassion and naturally evolving.

@MrJimtimslim

3 жыл бұрын

@@Adrian2140 God bless you

@Adrian2140

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks but I'd rather have a nice day instead. Cthulhu bless you.

All excellent points. As a GC for 20+ years, I realized that I was really someone with a gambling problem but didn’t know it. 🙋‍♂️

Been in the trades. (mechanical contractor) for over 35 years and learned all the lessons in this video the hard way myself on a similar timeline. You hit all the nails right on the head brother! I was fortunate to be exposed to lesson #1 early from a wily old Air Conditioning man that I got my first job from. He would say, "I'm the most expensive guy in town and proud of it." Unfortunately, it took me quite a few years on my own to actually apply that lesson but it is so true. Strive to be the best in your field and don't be shy about charging a premium for it. It's hard at first but once you've EARNED the reputation, life gets much better.

@codygooch510

Жыл бұрын

Yup. Let me tell you ya do one job for cheap and you get 5 others that call and expect it cheap as well. That one was tough to fix. I still get anxious when it’s time to bill customers.

Your humility is admirable

I've been a General Contractor for 30 years and All of these things are ABSOLUTELY 100 PERCENT TRUE. I had to figure out every single one of these things the hard way. 25 years to learn the information you just saw in this short video. I did every single one of the things described in this video especially on what not to do and the results are exactly as described! Once you figure all this out it can be a rewarding career. Most people including myself are just abt worn out by the time you figure all this out the hard way. If you disagree and think anything in this video will be different and not happen to you, you are sadly mistaken. 😁 Love all your videos guys. Keep up the good work.

@klmbuilders5385

3 жыл бұрын

I'm right behind you Mr. Smith. I'm going on 27 years as a GC. A solid 40 years in construction! Throughout these 27 years friends and family have been telling me I don't charge enough for the caliber of work I deliver. I finally started listening a while back and gave myself and my business a raise. I'm busier now than I've ever been!

@jonathanfurtado3696

3 жыл бұрын

Been in the construction trades for 10 years, thinking about getting my general contractor's license most likely. If the one thing I've learned in the business management and delivery of a project aspect. The biggest cheat, con artists is the one who delivers a cheap bid and cheap work and gets no satisfaction delivering an end product that will last the test of time. being cheap always costs more because sometimes it is cheaper to tear everything out start from scratch then just try to slap on a coat of paint.

@yepper1165

3 жыл бұрын

@@klmbuilders5385 same here

This guy should be everybody's dad.

@mitchellkasdin1899

3 жыл бұрын

Except mine, I’m older?

@ZipKickGo

3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't have said it better myself Uncle Tyler.

@medor6635

3 жыл бұрын

He’s like my father in law. Smart as hell!

@garysavala665

3 жыл бұрын

Not a lot like him left . Unfortunately

@Wadiculous33

3 жыл бұрын

Can confirm. btw, he's actually my father.

I work in manufacturing, not even close to construction, and yet I can’t stop watching this guy and genuinely taking his advice to heart.

All homeowners that want to do a project any size should watch this.

I can tell that this is the kind of guy that when having him as a boss, you clearly get 100% of the instructions he's giving you and how to execute them and what the expectation is, he expresses himself in such well structured sentences, and seems pretty calm, the kind of boss you hope to get on the jobsite.

@teepee6314

3 жыл бұрын

Man! Most definitely, my pops used to work side by side with me. What great memories. May God grant me that same grace some day.

@ryanb1874

3 жыл бұрын

I wish all bosses where like him, patient, kind, ( giving the apprentices therapy 90 percent t of the time) doing everything well as it can be, measurements and what not, not at all your typical slobobian contractor, breaking shit, doing g shitty work. It's really about what CLASS you want to serve. If you want to learn good work, you must not market to the survivors...

@curtallen7755

2 жыл бұрын

You hit the nail right on the head. I’m sad to say that there are guys in this line of work that would take advantage of his somber ways.

@doalex2085

2 жыл бұрын

Oh ya you should watch his video on how to be a better hand! He builds a handy cap ramp for his mom on a house 🏡 ! Fricon bad ass!

@ceterfo

2 жыл бұрын

Fax

Best thing I every heard was a customer quoted a competing bid price to my boss at the time he looked the gentleman dead in the eye and told him point blank you can take that price but I'll be at your place next year fixing his screw up and you'll have paid twice as much anyway. We started the job the next day.

I moved from a major city to a small town of 3000 18 months ago. I went from working for contractors to being a contractor last year. I work alone and only do finish work. I have pissed off the handful of carpenters who live in the area by undercutting all of them and taking their customers. I charge less because I take my time to ensure the job is done correctly. The community is so small that words spread quickly. My first customer is very well known. She was so impressed with my work that she shared my work with everyone. I gained so much business from her sharing my work that I am going to be busy for the next 2 years! Most of them were planning to have their houses remodeled within a couple months or by the end of the year. Now, they do not mind waiting over a year because they know that the job will be done right and look amazing.

This guy is a real treassure. I live in Greece, i am in a different profession and yet all the things he said, apply to each and every work that you do. Thank you for your wisdom!

This guy makes videos on how to live life-background just happens to be construction.

@scotta.weaver7299

3 жыл бұрын

Concur.

@bryanwarm2471

3 жыл бұрын

Good observation.

@shanecraver683

3 жыл бұрын

exactly what i was thinking

@forestMog

3 жыл бұрын

At 82, he gives me hope for the next generations. I tried general contracting 50 years ago with A & B licenses gained from service as a Navy officer. Easy to pass the test but by starting at the top got in way over my head. Moved to technology and was able to move up with computers because so few people wanted to learn. It is gratifying to see technology enable the best to teach large numbers who are willing to learn. Some are cut out for construction work. I wasn’t.

@blakestrike3905

3 жыл бұрын

Life leader with cool b roll lol

LMAO, did not expect to see Ricky's bathroom reno in this video.

@xcalibertrekker6693

3 жыл бұрын

More like demo. ;-)

@keithreay

3 жыл бұрын

Just when I thought I couldn’t love this channel any more, they go in and throw a TPB reference in there!

@Rockhound1943

3 жыл бұрын

TPB is the best!

@bradcavanagh3092

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I could give an extra like for including Trailer Park Boys

@brockm4047

3 жыл бұрын

Oh. My. God. The best way to show how to be professional is to show the inverse, and that's definitely Ricky in that scene. Can't express enough how much the TPB reference is appreciated!

I’m a software contractor, and nearly every word of this video was relevant. Top notch content - for any walk of life!

I love listening to the gray haired guys. Everything in this video is right on. I can’t emphasize enough how accurate he is here. It is as accurate as any self-help help book I’ve ever read.

The underbidding is so true. My boss under bids everything any constantly looses money. He also commits himself to a short finish time. This causes the employees to work in a rushed stressful environment because we have to go go go and get it done bc they didn’t charge enough.

@dpeagles

3 жыл бұрын

Under promise and over deliver.

@jonathant1635

3 жыл бұрын

Go on you own man, get licensed and insured and find your own work. Learn from your bosses mistakes and you'll make probably 50% more money.

@byronk1987

3 жыл бұрын

Vicious cycle

@ETatArea51

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like every machine shop I've been in. Lol

@GARRY3754

3 жыл бұрын

If u underbid but are honest hopefully client will work with you, but that’s a gamble. Go high can always come down.

This guy makes me feel wholesome and well prepared to take on anything on life.

@andersenzheng

2 жыл бұрын

i love his tolerance to shaky behaviours, sorta like "dont do this or you will hurt yourself really bad. Here is how I do it tho if you want to watch.". This guy understands life and knows its not all rainbows. reminds me of my dad. i should call my dad

You are a well seasoned contractor, took me 22 years to understand , I now run my business the same way as this man. I thank you for validating

The advice you're giving in this video is invaluable as a contractor and changing your mentality in order to provide a profit and be fair to yourself. Thankyou. I am going to share this on my channel

@joemsmith

2 жыл бұрын

I follow your videos too. I’m not a professional framer, but a journeyman carpenter/ contractor in Newfoundland. I dabble in a bit of everything. Every time you call for a helper on your channel, I wish I could answer, if only I was living in Ontario..

It's comforting as a 55-year-old contractor to know that I'm not the only one who started figuring this stuff out late in my career

@henrymorgner1562

2 жыл бұрын

Me too.I am 55 and still learning.

@stevegiboney4493

2 жыл бұрын

60 here, I have gotten 90 percent of what I’ve bid on. Fear of losing help because I didn’t have steady work is hard to overcome. The saying, a construction bid is a wild assed guess carried out to two decimal places is true at least in my case. Doing work for a stipulated sum is the scariest thing about being a general contractor. I have no nest egg, no retirement, and it doesn’t look good for the future, despite the fact we accomplished so much and had so many happy customers and referrals due to that. Good luck to everyone that does that.

@rogrambo

2 жыл бұрын

Me too brother. 48 years. I finally started doing some work for a big company I knew pretty well, and when I saw what they were charging for the same work I do I realized why I went bankrupt before.

@rogrambo

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevegiboney4493 I've been there. And something I have learned is that the guy who is getting about 40 or 50% of what he bids will make a great living and have plenty of expendable income, and can help take care of those key workers. Raise the prices. My Dad who was a successful contractor for years told me when I was a kid "Just when you start to think your gouging"

@MrPedrofoto

2 жыл бұрын

Too true, bro, same here. Never too late, though, as the rest of your life starts today.

Scott, I have to be honest. This video nearly brought me to tears of joy and gratefulness. I have been doing handyman work for about 2 years now full time. I have learned tremendously from your past videos, and have taken great pride in my work over the past 2 years. Now, my business is exploding. And I'm facing many of the issues that you mentioned here. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and experience with me. I know that you have over a million fans. But I don't know them. I can only speak for myself. You are a mentor and a hero to me. My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you again, sir.

@landrec2

Жыл бұрын

Fuck yeah bud! Have a nice thanksgiving this year and next! Mentors are important, even if you only know them on youtube. I take EC, TOT, AvE, etc very seriously because I know they've made it. Self-actualization is compelling and positive, especially with a cool attitude to boot. Cheers!

I feel like i'm listening to my late father giving advice to me after having spent his entire life as a GC. Thank you for doing this channel its really amazing.

I just left a comment asking about value and here I am absorbing the information that I was looking for.

And just like that I've watched the best class on economics I've ever known.

@efrenrios4665

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder what AOC learned in economics at Boston U 😂

I come for every video, only minimally for the "work" or "how to" content. Mostly I come for that voice and demeanor, and the simple integrity. and very often, as in this video.....I can't watch without tearing up. Scott.....Nate......keep up the GOOD work (that true underlying purpose of your efforts to share, always) Darrell

@ridermak4111

3 жыл бұрын

BAM!!! ^^^ What he said ^^^ I’m a retired machinist so why am I compelled to soak up the wisdom pouring out of these videos? Because it’s nice to see some still exists and is being shared.

Man, there is so much wisdom here. Thanks much for making it a permanent fixture on the internet.

I love #5. So many potential customers dangle the "I have future work." or "I have a friend who needs work". They seldom ask you to lower your price based on that but, it's pretty obvious what they are asking for. Rather than make the assumption, I typically just acknowledge what they say, move the conversation forward and price the job exactly how I would any other job. Some of those customers did lead to other work (which I typically do discount on the proposal as "existing customer") but most did not. In fact, most didn't even lead to the first job.

@stevem815

Жыл бұрын

I'm always suspect of people who dangle some future benefit in front of you. I've got to the point where i start looking for a way to disconnect as soon as they do it. They always seem to end up being trouble.

@ctdieselnut

Жыл бұрын

"They seldom ask you to lower your price based on that...." I beg to differ. Im a landscape contractor but its the exact same principle. A small fraction of people wont explicitly ask for a discounted price after bringing up the prospect of more work, but if they do go down this road, its usually followed by telling me how I should give them a break on price. I seldom hear one without the other. How does the (usually naive) prospect of future work have any effect on what i charge on a given job? It doesn't even make sense. They're looking for a finders fee for something that hasn't even happened yet, and isn't a sure thing. Property managers are particularly bad with this in my experience. I've found that the majority of the time this comes up #1, the person is more than wealthy enough to afford anything i could ever do, but is cheap/loves the feeling of getting a discount because theyre a special big shot. #2 whether its future work for them or someone else they know, the vast majority of the time its never realized. Next your going to tell me "I'll buy all the materials", and "You'll be done in no time at all". "What's the price if I pay you in cash?" ..."But the last guy only charged x!" Lol If you want to pay for/give kickbacks for referrals that end in work for you as part of a marketing campaign, that's great. Thats not what I'm talking about.

@BradlyFackrell

Жыл бұрын

@@ctdieselnut When somebody asks me to give them a “better price” I always say; “If I lower the price that means that I overpriced the job in the first place! I don’t do that. I price it right the first time. We can talk about removing items or changing materials if you want to change the price.” Honestly, when I’m talking to someone, and they ask for a “deal” it just makes me want to mark their job UP by 10%. The reason I think that is because they are making assumptions that I overprice my jobs and don’t need to earn what I charge. I wonder how they would feel if their boss came to them and asked them to give him a “deal” and work for less on any given project? I don’t actually mark those jobs up because, it never hurts to ask, I guess. If they insist then I give them the “I don’t want to work for you price.” I make sure that the price is high enough that I can deal with them if they go for it anyway. I’m fortunate to be working in a niche in the masonry world so I don’t have a lot of competition. I imagine that it’s different for you in landscaping. But never sell yourself short! I watched my dad run this business for 40 years and he always gave people the “good price”. Good for them… When I took over I more than doubled his prices. Not because I’m greedy but because that is what I need to make a decent living. Ten years later, I’m still surviving. I’m known as the most expensive mason in my area but I’m also known as the mason that’s worth the cost. And you’re right, it does seem to be the people living in the most extravagant homes that want a “deal”. Who knows, maybe that approach is how they earned their wealth. I’d rather be poor and treat people good! I don’t need a 10-million-dollar house and I certainly don’t need it at the expense of other people. We small contractors absolutely earn our money! I have two full time jobs!. 1) Doing masonry work for people 2) Running my business. I can only charge people for #1 and when a customer calculates how much “you just made per hour” they never include all of the hours and expenses needed to run the business.

Scott, this is one of your best videos. As a father of young carpenter, I find it's easy enough to learn the trade, but it's a lot harder to learn how to run a business. The advice in this video is great. Thank you. I will get my son to watch it.

@51-FS

3 жыл бұрын

I thought his name was sam

@jx14aby

3 жыл бұрын

Different skills. I saw it working as a public defender. Some people are great lawyers, but horrible managers.

@dejavu666wampas9

3 жыл бұрын

Learning a skill, any skill, is different than learning a business. A whole different skill set.

@thomaspayne130

2 жыл бұрын

Hi I learned ALMOST EVERY THING FROM MY FATHER , VINCENT PAYNE , THAT MAN COULD DO ANYTHING USING A SLIDE RULE, A PENCIL,& A SHOPPING BAG , THE REST I LEARNED FROM MY MISTAKES..ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST , ALWAYS SURROUND YOUR SELF WITH T H E BEST SUBCONTRACTORS, & ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WORD EVEN WITH THOSE THAT DON'T IF YOU ARE THE BEST NO THE BIGGEST YOU WILL SUCCEED, THOMAS PAYNE, MASTERBUILDERS.

The trailer park boys clip was perfect

@Jackofalltrdes

3 жыл бұрын

I love this channel, it was brilliant!

@bigtedd69

3 жыл бұрын

It made my day to see that

@ChunkyMonkaayyy

3 жыл бұрын

“Let the liquor do the thinkin’, bud.” -Lahey

@garethsnaim8174

3 жыл бұрын

I bloody love the Trailer Park Boys!

@dustindegrand5735

3 жыл бұрын

That is one of the funniest skits ever when you come from a construction background. Hilarious!!!

This is great. As a young man starting in this busines. This is priceless

I need to watch this once per month... this is incredibly motivating.

My favorite one to practice (because it's actually fun) is under-promise, over-deliver. I practice it every day when installing water treatment equipment. I tell them I'll be such and such hours to get the job done and will make a lot of noise and their water will be very unpleasant for a day or two after I'm done (this is the case with certain equipment in certain scenarios depending on what I'm doing) and in reality all of that is only true in the worst case. So then they are expecting the worst I can give them and I can go to work with no pressure on me. I work very hard to give my best and if everything goes wrong I end up giving just what I promised and the customer is still satisfied. But when everything goes better than promised (most of the time it does) the customer is impressed and VERY satisfied, far more likely to recommend you as well. USE CAUTION THOUGH! When you way under-promise and way over-deliver a less than wholesome customer may demand a discount or at least joke at wanting one to see if you take the bait. So don't let your customers expectations VS the reality you provide EVER be miles apart, this does you no favors. Ease them with the method and take a little pressure off yourself but then work hard and give them what they paid for and charge the money you knew you needed to charge. If someone demands a discount because you finished too quickly and easily use your best judgement how to proceed but do so carefully and with thought before you open your mouth. If someone jokes at a discount then joke back with them in return, like for like, but without demeaning them for saying such a thing. This is what I've learned practicing this principal.

@vanderumd11

3 жыл бұрын

A discount.. laughing out loud Do you get a discount at the doctors, or what about at the mechanic shop

@austinpatrick2682

3 жыл бұрын

@@vanderumd11 and yet people have the guts to ask...

This information is gold. The trick is getting young, prospective contractors to listen to it and take it to heart. Most contractors DON’T fail bcz they don’t know their craft. Most fail bcz they had no idea what really goes into running a business. Your craft and your business are two completely different things. When the owners or ‘license holders’ of the company I used to work for, would come by the site for a visit, I used to be anxious to take them around to see all the interesting things we were working on. I realized later that as we would do these site walks, it was really just them humoring me. They were most interested in sitting down and discussing schedule and budget and material costs and usage and all the boring stuff that tend to ultimately decide whether a job is a winner or a loser. The difference is, I was essentially a craftsman that loved producing good work. They were businessmen that loved to produce profitable good work. Both essential for success.

@cpmiller1965

3 жыл бұрын

So true here. It really takes someone special who can 1, be a craftsman and learn your trade. 2, be a good businessman and run a business/ company. 3, be a good salesman and instill trust. 4, bidding projects , become proficient at quoting jobs. 5, establishing or having credit. 6, ability to collect and understand you have to get tough (lawyer up), if needed. 6, an understanding wife and family, sometimes it’s long committed days and nights, not everyone is understanding of the commitment needed. 7, good employees, these days it’s so hard to find anyone that wants to work a full day 5 days a week. 8, lastly a little luck goes a long way as well. One costly mistake or injury and it’s all gone. It’s not for everyone.

@psidvicious

3 жыл бұрын

@@cpmiller1965 Very comprehensive list. Well said. I’m afraid, from that list, my biggest shortcoming would have to be salesmanship. What that will cost you is time. It’s going to take longer for people to get to know you and your abilities. And who has an over-abundance of time? It may also prevent you from branching out, beyond your familiar surroundings. Salesmanship can’t be overlooked.

I painted houses for 15 years. You 100% correct in EVERYTHING you said. I like how up front you are too. Thanks

My whole channel is smaller jobs that are billed properly to customers who are willing to pay for someone is properly insured and bonded while paying his people more than fairly. Great points on everything. It's always good to value your own time. Because no one else will.

I was in construction for over 40 years, now retired, just listening to this brought up so many memories that I started to have flashbacks of the pressure that comes with the responsibility of being in the business as a contractor. So happy I am retired lol. Great job sir!

"Everything that attributes to the accomplishment of the work is part of the cost of the job" is one of your quotes. That is very important to remember.

This is gospel to me. I’ve watched/listened to this several times. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insight to this work, and as it applies to many other trades as well. Thank you!!

Thank God for KZread. It’s like getting a pep talk from the experienced Grandpa I never had!

Every word a true word spoken with experience, especially No5. The last time I was told there was more work coming I boosted my price for the first job and told him I’d discount future work. Never got the first job... lucky escape I guess!

@scottmac8575

3 жыл бұрын

genius 👌

I run a small IT company, and I would be happy if someone have told me this 15 years ago. I had to learn literally all these rules by myself. All of these applies. And trust me, such a learning proces will cost you a ton of money.

@larrybud

3 жыл бұрын

I'm in IT. Had a boss (director) who was looking for a new job. We were pretty tight so he would confide in me. He went to an interview and these C level exec kept asking him how long a certain project would take. They kept hammering him with this, and he knew that that's all they cared about. Finally, when he knew he wasn't going to take the job he said "That depends, how shitty do you want it?"

One of the most switched on men in construction!! Thanks for the videos 👍🏽

I’ve been under pricing myself for years and years and you are so so correct and thank you for your help. I’ve been to good to people and stupid Szilard. Alberta Canada

After watching this video "5 mistakes most contractors make" brought me to a "hindsight is 20/20 moment. When I was in high school, I attended the carpenter class at the vocational school. Only lasted for one school year there due to my immaturity and failure to engage in learning. Graduated from high school and went to the local community college to learn business. Again, I was not motivated to learn. Within a year I joined the Air Force and had a successful career with the Air National Guard. As a matter of fact, I spent 33 years in the military. Towards the end of my career, I resumed my college education and ended up with a four year degree and a Masters degree. I was always interested in building and carpentry. Looking back in retrospect, I should have been more dedicated to learn carpentry in the vocational school and then attended a business administration curriculum from a university. I could have worked in the construction industry to get experience then slowly get into business. But I'm a schoolteacher and I pass that lesson to my students.

@BRado

2 жыл бұрын

Your doing gods work. I totally get what you’re saying but honestly being able to teach that lesson is much better for the future of America because I’m in the same boat. Kids who went to vocational school were considered losers and college was made to seem like the only way. I wish I woulda went because I’m hindsight now all the dudes that went to college are the losers and the kids who went to vocational school are laughing to the bank

So much earned wisdom in this video, thank you, Scott. I've been a GC here in downtown Tokyo for about 10 years now, before that I helped run my wife's family business for 20 years. I have to say I have learned all of those lessons, many the hard way but now I'm committed to do the best work I can, and if a client does not want to pay for the best work then I'm no interested in doing it. I always say to people: Good Fast Cheap... Pick two, you can usually see them thinking about it for a second or two. LOL Thanks for the work you and Nate do, this channel is a true blessing. Cheers from Tokyo. Stu

@essentialcraftsman

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stu!!!

@vidard9863

3 жыл бұрын

When I was in Japan I was impressed to see the attention to detail... Thanks for reminding me that customers are the same the world around!

You know the old saying- "A penny for your thoughts?" Well I feel like we should each send this man a dollar for the wisdom he just sacrifised his own *valuable* time to provide us! It still wouldn't come close to what his words are worth (to me, at least) A simple "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough! Wish I'd heard this 25yrs ago, or worked under a guy like this. What an example of how to live and be a good human... Oh, and a good contractor! This man is a national treasure and should be supported and protected at all cost! ♥️ Keep it up. Tell us more, sensei!

Wow. Am watching this video but I need to repeat it few times and make sure I take notes. Very informative.

Great content! Thank you!! I've been a contractor for 30 years and everything you said was so true. It's not for the faint of heart.

I've made a living in construction most of my life. This is some of the best advice I've ever heard. Thank you.

Thank you Scott, not only for the sage advice about every aspect of what you have shared in this video, , but for the clip from Trailer Park Boys. Ricky got sooo screwed.

Wow, well said. Being a contractor is the best and worst thing I have ever done. Patience is the key. It won't happen overnight. If you say you're going to do something...DO IT. The rest will fall into place.

Thank you. I'm in that smaller category. I'm a handyman. I don't do bathroom or kitchen remodeling and I'm not a GC. I know what I like to do. Small, simple projects for homeowners. Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, glass, locks, masonry, repairs, etc. I have a ton of great tools and a ton of knowledge about tools and materials. I love keeping my work small. I don't hire anyone. If the job is too big for me - I give them a referral. Lots of great advice here. Thanks again.

@jaredwaters4633

3 жыл бұрын

How do you market your handyman business?

@zapadeeboom

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaredwaters4633 I've been a handyman for about 15 years, more full time in the last 10. A lot of my referrals come from Nextdoor, existing customers and I'm lucky that 2 local hardware stores refer me quite a bit. The only thing I could call marketing is making sure the hardware stores have my cards. I like the business small, but I stay busy.

@ltraina3353

3 жыл бұрын

Wish I could find someone like you in my town!

I’ll be able to quote this video word for word in a couple weeks

Your advice is golden. Contractors would be wise to LISTEN.

This guy is the absolute best ever. Like the contractor dad we all wish we had

This advice is golden it’s 100% accurate. I would add, it’s fine to have someone else do your books. However, make sure you understand what they’re doing, pay attention to the numbers and understand the story they’re telling. I started my own business 10 years ago. It’s hard and it’s scary. I made almost all the mistakes Scott talked about. By the way I opened an accounting practice not a construction business.

This is golden advice! You've shared a lot of this in your podcasts. So guys go check out the podcasts!! But this is the first time you've had it organized in an entire video. THANK YOU for sharing this priceless advice! It took you many years to figure this out and you've literally saved many years of frustration for every single person who listens and applies this advice. What a generous man!

As others have commented, the advice in this video is first class. It does not apply to just tradesmen. It is advice to live by in all business. If you are a trusted provider of products and service the customers will come through referrals. No question 👍

This is one of the biggest reason why I love your channel! I have actually had to stop take a brake and re work my plan for workimg my own business! I had been with 5 jobs as one person and work all five jobs to think i was doing things right. I stopped that race and found my stress and headaches I loved doing what I was doing but like you side dont bite off more then i could chew.

Loved the bit in #1 about missing the 1/2 the bids due to price! Yes! Low price, high volume is the WalMart game. Want to play there? Alright, cool - do that. As you also said, your quality has to be worthy of the price. I heard a chef say something years ago, that has stuck with me for a long time: “Where there is no pride, there is no quality.” Such an apt phrasing.

@wikster6630

3 жыл бұрын

The quote nails it!

As for 2, i.e. communication - when asked if it's gonna be dusty and dirty, always say YES (but I'll do my best to mitigate it). After you've given your time estimate, be careful not to do it too fast, because a client may suspect you of cutting the corners. As for 5, when offered long term "extremely profitable" contract provided you'd make that first part very cheap, I always respond: "Why don't we make that first part on my terms, and later on I'll give a discount". Whatever the outcome, you'll won't loose, at least nothing that you'd regret loosing. In Poland we say - better feed yourself frequently with a small spoon than once in a while with a ladle.

Something my boss says regularly and its absolutely true "What's the best way to deal with a complaint? Immediately."

As a 71 year young carpenter that recently retired my remodeling business that I started at age 23, I wish I would of heard this when I first started. As a 71 year young carpenter I learn something every day watching You Tube. All 5 things you stated are right on point. One thing I'd like to add is don't let your ego take a job that your not set up for or make a reasonable profit. Your #3 point about playing by the rules. I too late in my career accepted the fact to follow all the regulations no matter how ridiculous they seem. I too worked in Oregon but in Portland metro and primarily in Lake Oswego. It is beyond frustrating dealing with the building regulations and bureaucracy in this area. Common sense doesn't exist in this area. Thanks for making a fine informative video . I'm going to pass it on to a young remodeler just starting out.

@timdixon8752

2 жыл бұрын

the politicians in Portland missed it by a long shot also.Best to you.

Great video One thing I must say is that after 37 years, I dont put time on jobs anymore unless they are the commercial jobs, I had one customer and you can see the bathroom on my Aggadan electric facebook page. He wanted it done in 2 weeks, When the job was demoed it was a nightmare for him as the previous contractor did a horrific job, electrical splices made with tape and no wire nuts on wires, boxes hanging without support, There was no vent piping So all the sewer smells were coming back into the house, As we progressed beyond that point the customer kept changing his mind on what he wanted. He had a cheap design then went to a more expensive design, the 2 week job turned into 8 weeks. Partially due to the customer playing johnny contractor on some of the installations we had to go behind him and replace what he had done, It was all good because no time constraints were in place, and all material cost were on him. in the end he got what his wife wanted, Found enough evidence to sue his previous contractors insurance, and he is happy We made money.

This is such a wholesome video. We just opened up our GC business two months ago and experiencing rapid growth so this was great to watch! Thank you

Wow that was a lot of good advice...From another 65 yro (electrical) contractor for 40yrs, I had to chuckle at all the similarities....mainly that most of these lessons were learned later on as a contractor. If I could add one more bit of advice to a great lesson....as a trusted contractor, I have noticed that good customers will be glad to pay you fairly because they want and need you around when they have a problem to be solved!

That last point is a great one. I own a company that specializes not in roof replacements, but in repairs. Roofing companies hate repairs, they just gum up their work flow. I take those jobs, I charge a lot of money and make damn sure the problem is fixed, and I make good money for my services.

@gino32080

3 жыл бұрын

I have a roofing company in NE FL. I love repair work! Fast profit. Easy $!

the voice of reason I have needed to hear for years....Ive got to stop selling myself short

I tend to watch this video every so often, just to keep my head in this game. Every time, I want to give it a like! So, thank you!

@alexp818

Жыл бұрын

Same here watch it at least once a month from LA Ca So true

not just construction, anyone running a business or functioning as a contractor needs this advice.

Absolutely Excellent advice. I've seen it in my own business, (Architecture). I laughed, when you mentioned the "low bid, and promise of future work", .......... which NEVER comes ! So much rang a "bell" with me. I hope ALL the new Contractors, take heed of your advice. Take care !

@alexleo8289

3 жыл бұрын

you can answer also, i make an high bid but i promise low bid for great future work

Mistake #6: working for family or friends... Don't do it. (Or churches, they always hold you up, with hands out wanting more --Jesus)

@eigencap

3 жыл бұрын

If you do work for family and friends. It better be the best or they will never forget it and make sure you don't either.

@vidard9863

3 жыл бұрын

My recommendation is always work for free for friends and family. That way they cannot stiff you, and if they are worth working for they will make it worth your while.

@oldman6085

3 жыл бұрын

@@vidard9863 Got that right. My policy is it’s either full price or it’s free Nothing in between. And to fix a job after the cheap guy screwed it up, double!

@anne_frank_

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldman6085 Always found that material cost is the way to go for me, if they're unhappy with the work the response is that the work was free, it cost the same as if they were to do it themselves and they would certainly have done a lesser job else they would've done it themselves. Means that it doesn't cost you anything but your time as well.

@stevenmiller7731

3 жыл бұрын

@@anne_frank_ Your time and your overhead!

I'm a contractor in Nova Scotia, I love how you used Ricky!

@keithupton86ku

3 жыл бұрын

Straight outta Halifax.

@colinbrown9044

3 жыл бұрын

@@keithupton86ku Bedford haha

I listened to this 4 times in a row...I'm trying to start out as a contractor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

@youvegottoseethis5615

2 жыл бұрын

@Paul... In the mean time, come back to this site, it's ok to become a pro.

"Ricky, tearing the plumbing out of your house to scrap it for liquor money is totally f****d" 🤣 awesome addition to a great video

The first time I watched this guy, I was like, what could he possibly teach me about using sting on a job site. I learned my lesson then and I've enjoyed the lessons since!

Im 59 and still learning from you. Thanks man.

Very much appreciate the sound advice and perspective! I’ve been in the Carpentry trade since I started trade school at 17 (about 25 years…). Since 2016 I’ve been a carpentry instructor, 1st with my local union (361) & now with the same trade college I graduated from… I continually use your videos for my own encouragement (I’m a contractor as well) and for the benefit of my Apprentices and students. THANK YOU!!

I'm surprised how many of these principles are transferrable to my industry - I've been an IT contractor for many years and I can tell you that this is great advice.

@andersenzheng

2 жыл бұрын

been running an IT company for 9 years now. started as a contractor and for the first year or two, all I learned was I knew nothing about running a business and if you think it will take 20 hours, it will take 40 hours + lots of coffee

I'm an independent trucker, and I'll say everything you just said goes across the board for anyone who is wanting to go into business for themselves. Great advice!

@Nphen

3 жыл бұрын

As a Cybertruck reservation holder and (tiny) Tesla shareholder, I have to ask - have you tried to do the math on what a Tesla Semi would look like for an independent rig? Is max weight a big issue? Or is a lower cost per mile, fewer repairs, and faster speed exchanged for 2-3 tons less max load (due to battery weight) an acceptable tradeoff? This was a question posed by Cybertruck Truck Guy channel.

Great advice for every contractor in every profession! As a corollary to item 4, and the golden rule of business: DON'T RUN OUT OF MONEY.

I love that you put that clip of Ricky messing up that bathroom.

To borrow the phrase, doggone it, if there were someone to aspire to apprentice under, it would be you. Always full of incredible knowledge and knows the value of delivering words with humility. If only I could move down from Canada, enjoy some milder weather and work among craftsmen like you guys.

I absolutely LOVE this channel. I have gone from being a carpenter of 10 years, botching my own construction business attempts of 2 years to making the best decision I've made in 10 years and now I am a full time residential designer and I specialize in passive house design, something I've always wanted to do, have been studying for years and eventually pulled the trigger. I've really found my passion now and I've been watching your videos going through it all for so many years now. Cheers to you, you are like a fatherly figure for me haha at 30 years old. I'm from Vancouver Island B.C.

@recyclespinning9839

2 жыл бұрын

Great . I think homes have just not evolved. We just build like sheep 🐑, just follow the same procedure. Passive home design must be very enjoyable to actually build where the home actually saves you money and is comfortable place to live ..

This Video was a picture of me and my business, not a builder but an automobile mechanic. I was good at my trade, people came from miles around to have me fix what they couldn’t get done anywhere else. I worked my but off for 14 years but all I made was wages. I looked at mechanics I knew and they were taking home as much or more than me with less stress and fewer hrs working for some one else. I learned this from a father who worked the same way. If you wanted to make more you worked harder or longer hrs. I came to the conclusion after finding there were just so many hrs in the day and I could only work so hard. I sold my business and went to work for someone else telling people when they asked why that I was successful, just didn’t like the business part of the trade. I retired at 60 but looking back if I had control and knowledge of the 5 things you mentioned could have retired much earlier plus , who knows I might not have wanted to retire. ( lessons learned from an 81 year old man. ). Mikey

I’m in software, but the parallels are numerous. I’ve been watching your content for the last few hours. I’m so excited that you have an online course offering. So many of these skills will be helpful in my work and my personal life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I grew up without an active father figure. I’ve learned everything on my own. I’ve also found it incredibly difficult to find people that are willing to help. I’ve allowed it to make me bitter the last few years. Recently, however, I’ve begun to remember what it was like to be that kid that just needed help, and to be turned away or ignored. Ironically, ignored by the kind of men I’ve become. I’d like to be the kind of man you are. I remember what it felt like to have no one to turn to and no skills to help myself. Instead of turning that into a reason to be the worst I can be, I’ll use it to be the best. Thank you

I’ve watched this specific video at least 6 times now. Incredible knowledge in this video. I have been in business for myself before and I didn’t know this stuff (young and dumb scenario ). I’m giving it another go to be in business for myself. This knowledge will help me out a lot. Thanks for your sharing of your knowledge