Shows
The LeanScaper PodcastThe 5 Stages of Scaling Your Landscaping Business w/ Mark Bradley Learn More About Our Accelerator Programs: https://leanscaper.com/programs In this episode of the LeanScaper Podcast, Benji Carlson sits down with Mark Bradley to break down the five stages of scaling a landscaping business—from startup hustle to legacy enterprise. Mark shares raw stories, painful lessons, and powerful frameworks that every entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you’re stuck at $500K, fighting to get past $3M, or steering a $20M company, this roadmap will help you scale with clarity, systems, and sanity. Timestamps: 00:45 – Why scaling is harder than people think02:00 – Entrepreneurship = personal d...
2025-10-281h 13
The LeanScaper PodcastHow To Harness Jobsite Intelligence w/ Isaac BarlowIn this episode, Benji sits down with Isaac Barlow, founder of BusyBusy, one of the first time-tracking tools purpose-built for the trades. Isaac is a visionary entrepreneur and technologist who transformed the way contractors capture and use jobsite data. Isaac shares his deep insights on the power of “jobsite intelligence,” the critical field data that helps contractors make smarter, more profitable decisions. This conversation explores:Why time tracking is the most crucial, yet elusive, data point in the trades and how to fix that.The cultural shift required to become a data-first company, starting with l...
2025-10-2145 min
The LeanScaper PodcastHow to Build a Leadership Team Before You Burn Out w/ Barry HartmanIf your business can’t run without you, it’s not a business - it’s a bottleneck. Barry Hartman built 505-Junk into a 7-figure operation because he built leaders - not just labor. In this episode, he shares the hard-won lessons behind building a leadership team that drives growth without bloated overhead.✅ When to begin designing and building a leadership team (hint: sooner than you think)✅ How to design roles that create ownership and eliminate confusion✅ Why culture beats credentials in blue-collar leadership✅ Where to find your next leader - inside your org or outside it
2025-10-141h 13
The LeanScaper PodcastHiring Your First Salesperson? Don’t Screw This Up. w/ Asad ZamanHiring your first salesperson can feel like pulling the cord on a chainsaw that won’t start; over and over again. In this episode, Benji sits down with Asad Zaman, CEO of Sales Talent Agency, to unpack why this hire is so hard and why most business owners get it dead wrong.Asad has helped 1,500 companies make over $1 billion in sales hires, and he’s here to deliver hard truths and practical steps. They dive into why only 1 in 10 salespeople are actually good at the job, why the real obstacle is usually your systems, not your salesperson, and...
2025-10-071h 08
Fullerton Unfiltered873. Why This Industry Will Never Be the Same: AI, People, and PurposeIn this episode, I sit down with Benji Carlson, EVP of Community at Leanscaper, to talk about how AI, people, and purpose are reshaping the green industry. We explore the massive transformation already underway, what it means for lawn and landscape businesses, and why now is the time to embrace change and be part of the movement. 🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: TICKETS ARE OFFICIALLY ON SALE! 🚨 Lawntrepreneur Academy LIVE 2025 is locked, loaded, and ready to change the game! 📍 Join us this November in Novi, MI for the premier live event in the green industry — packed with: 🎤 An...
2025-10-0139 min
The LeanScaper PodcastThe Blue-Collar Gold Rush: PE’s Big Move into Landscaping w/ Morgan TatePrivate equity is flooding into the landscaping industry, but why now? In this episode, Morgan from Breakwater M&A breaks down the massive shift in investor focus and what it means for blue-collar entrepreneurs. We talk about: • Why landscaping is suddenly a hot investment target • How AI is pushing investors out of tech and into real-world businesses • The “golden era” of exits—and how to avoid leaving money on the table • The real reason most contractors can’t sell their business (and how to fix it) • What makes your company irresistible to buyers—and how to get...
2025-09-3059 min
The LeanScaper PodcastThe Lean Operations Playbook For Landscapers w/ Mike LyseckiWhat happens when you hire a software programmer, not a landscaper, to help run one of the biggest jobs of your career? In this live talk turned podcast episode, Mike Lysecki reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how systems, transparency, and accountability became the backbone of TBG’s success and eventually the foundation for LMN and LeanScaper. From a $5M residential project that ballooned into $12M, to a job interview where Mark opened his QuickBooks and doubled Mike’s salary on the spot, this conversation lays out the real playbook landscapers need to scale smarter. ✅ Why you mig...
2025-09-2344 min
The LeanScaper Podcast8 Money Mistakes Killing Your Landscaping Business (And How to Avoid Them) w/ Bob GauvreauYou don’t run a profitable landscaping business by accident. In this episode, Benji sits down with Robert Gauvreau - CPA, author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur, and founder of Gauvreau Accounting, Tax, Law, Advisory - to expose the eight most common financial mistakes contractors make and how to avoid them. Robert’s firm has worked with over 4,000 businesses across North America, including 700+ contractors, giving him a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what drives sustainable profitability in landscaping. Expect to learn: • Why financial literacy is still taboo in the trades and how to get over it • T...
2025-09-181h 03
The LeanScaper PodcastHow To Lose Most Of Your Employees In One Year w/ Benji CarlsonIn this special episode of The LeanScaper Podcast, Benji Carlson takes the stage to deliver one of his most impactful talks yet: how to build a one-year people plan that actually works. Most contractors love strategy - it’s fun, exciting, and creative. But sooner or later, every great plan must run through people… and that’s where the real challenges begin. In this live session, Benji shares the painful lessons a particularly bad year in business taught him about leadership, and the simple but powerful framework any entrepreneur can use to align their team, prevent chaos, and dri...
2025-09-0942 min
The Home Service Expert PodcastUnlocking the Blue Collar Economy with Benji CarlsonIn this conversation, Tommy Mello and Benji Carlson discuss the current state of the blue collar economy, emphasizing the bullish outlook for trades and the impact of AI as a growth enabler. They explore the talent shortage in the industry, the need to attract younger workers, and the importance of personal development and performance-based pay. The discussion highlights strategies for making trades appealing again and the necessity of evolving business practices to meet the demands of a changing workforce. 00:00 The Bullish Blue Collar Economy 04:31 AI as an Enabler for Growth 10:50 The Talent Shortage...
2025-09-081h 13
The LeanScaper PodcastWhy Burnout Hits Hardest for Business Owners (And How to Recover) w/ Jon DeWaalIn this powerful episode, Benji sits down with Jon DeWaal, Executive Director of Liminal Space, to unpack burnout from the inside out - what it feels like, why it happens, and how entrepreneurs can break free from the grind that’s stealing their energy and purpose. Expect to learn: • What “functional burnout” feels like and how it traps leaders in a life they can’t escape • How burnout hijacks your presence, leadership, and decision-making • Easy-to-spot signs you’re burning out (and what to do about it) • 5 practical strategies to get back your energy and lead with purp...
2025-09-021h 04
The LeanScaper PodcastOne Plan. Massive Action. Total Turnaround w/ Justin WhiteWhat’s holding landscapers back from their true potential? In this episode, Justin White (CEO of K&D Landscaping) brings raw energy to his keynote in Charlotte. He shares how “sweat equity,” a championship mindset, and bold long-term vision can transform not just your business but your entire life. Justin doesn’t just talk about growth; he proves it by living it. From nearly losing his family business to scaling it into a market leader, his story is a wake-up call for every landscaper who’s playing small. ✅ Why most contractors set goals that are way...
2025-08-2645 min
The Contractor Fight with Tom ReberTCF1051: Smart Kids Should Skip College (And Learn a Trade Instead) with Benji CarlsonBenji Carlson has spent his life building movements in the trades. From the franchise painting world to Breakthrough Academy to now helping lead Leanscaper, an AI-powered platform for landscapers. In this deep-dive with Tom, they tackle the real reasons the trades lost their shine, and what it’s going to take to make them cool again.They talk content, culture, recruiting, money, and what separates struggling contractors from thriving ones. This episode is pure 🔥 for anyone serious about growing a blue-collar business with pride and purpose.👇 CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Who is Benji...
2025-08-2159 min
The LeanScaper PodcastThe Inner Fight: Why Mindset Beats Tactics Every Time w/ Tom ReberSometimes it’s not your systems holding you back, but your mindset. In this episode, Benji sits down with Tom Reber - Marine Corps veteran, business coach, speaker and founder of The Contractor Fight - to unpack the real work contractors need to do: winning the inner fight. You’ll learn: • Why fear is the #1 limiter of growth - and how to beat it • The daily habits top contractors use to stay sharp and focused • How to lead people instead of doing everything yourself • Why success is an inside-out game (and how to start at hom...
2025-08-1946 min
The LeanScaper PodcastIs Your Landscaping Business Ready For Agentic AI? w/ Mark BradleyOn Thursday July 24th, LeanScaper’s Founder Mark Bradley unveiled LeanScaper.ai, the first and only AI platform built for landscapers and their teams. Lana, the chat agent inside LeanScaper.AI, which you’ll see demonstrated in this video is available to you now for free. Just click here to create an account in less than one minute. In this groundbreaking keynote from the Lawn and Landscape Technology Conference, Mark shares the deeply personal story behind Lana’s creation, a mission sparked by his son’s decision to join the landscaping industry and a determination to help t...
2025-08-1245 minThe LeanScaper PodcastWhy Most Contractor Sales Teams Fail (And How to Fix Yours in 2025) w/ Ryan GrothThe era of order-taking is over and if your sales team is still sitting around waiting for the phone to ring, you’re in trouble. In this episode, Benji sits down with Ryan Groth, CEO of Sales Transformation Group, to unpack what today’s high-performance contractor sales orgs actually look like and how you can build one from scratch. You’ll learn: • Why “sales culture” is your biggest lever in today’s market • How to future-proof your sales org in an AI-driven world • What sales leaders must master (hint: CRM, coaching, and culture) • Why it’s time...
2025-08-0552 minThe LeanScaper PodcastSEO Has Changed: Here’s How to Stay Visible in the Age of AI w/ Devon HayesSEO isn’t what it used to be and if your marketing agency is still chasing backlinks and blog posts, you’re falling behind. In this episode, Benji talks with Devon Hayes, co-founder of Elevation Marketing, about how AI and large language models have transformed search and what landscaping business owners must do to stay visible and competitive. You’ll learn: • Why your brand is now the biggest factor in Google rankings • What “entity SEO” means and how it’s already impacting your business • How to audit your online presence with a Pre-SEO Checklist • Why reviews...
2025-07-2947 minThe LeanScaper PodcastElephant Hunting: How to Land and Keep Big Clients w/ Steve WheatcroftYou don’t scale a landscape company past $30M without learning how to hunt elephants and survive the feast. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Wheatcroft, founder of ULS and now a LeanScaper advisor, to unpack the high-stakes game of enterprise sales in landscaping. From university project to $100M powerhouse, Steve built ULS by mastering the art of landing massive municipal, institutional, and retail contracts and living to tell the tale. We dig deep into: • What it really takes to win big clients (and why most landscapers screw it up) • How elepha...
2025-07-2251 minThe LeanScaper PodcastYour Business Is a Waste Factory, Lean Fixes That w/ Tom HughesWhat does “Lean” really mean - and why should every landscaper care? In this episode, Benji sits down with Tom Hughes to unpack the origins of Lean thinking, straight from Toyota’s post-WWII survival mode to today’s jobsite inefficiencies. You’ll learn:-Why Lean was born from desperation, not inspiration-The 7+2 types of waste every business leader should be targeting-How landscapers lose time (and money) without realizing it-Why focusing on the 98% of waste - not the 2% of value - is the secret to scale
2025-07-161h 04The LeanScaper PodcastLandscaping Needs More Female Leaders. Here’s How. w/ Ellen RohrEllen Rohr is one of the most respected women in the trades. As President of Zoom Drain and author of multiple best-selling books, she’s coached thousands of business owners toward profitability, purpose, and personal growth. In this episode, Ellen opens up about: • How she overcame her fear of numbers, mastered financial literacy, and used bookkeeping to transform her life • The hard truth about trying to “change” your partner in business and the lesson that growth starts on the inside • Why tradeswomen are still underrepresented on the frontlines and what needs to happen at the small bu...
2025-07-111h 05The LeanScaper PodcastUnlock Endless Customers With These 4 Shifts w/ Marcus SheridanBest-selling author and marketing powerhouse Marcus Sheridan joins Benji to reveal why trust - not tactics - is the real secret to sales growth. From breaking down the “trust deficit” to why most landscapers lose the sale before the call, this episode is a roadmap to building a brand buyers believe in. Learn how to: • Win the 80% of the sales journey that happens before the first contact • Future proof your sales process for the age of AI • Be bold enough to say what other brands won’t and show what others won’t show (people buy trans...
2025-07-101h 00The LeanScaper PodcastWhat is LeanScaper? w/ Mark BradleyTo come to our Financial Intensive Workshop in Dallas ON US click hereAfter selling LMN for over $250 million, Mark Bradley could’ve walked away. But instead, he launched LeanScaper - with a mission to build a better future for every tradesperson in the green industry. In this powerful debut episode, Mark gets brutally honest about burnout, the mistakes that nearly cost him everything, and why the trades deserve more than low wages and broken systems. 🔍 Highlights: • Why most landscapers are sabotaging themselves without realizing it • The 4 pillars of the LeanScaperOS - and how t...
2025-07-091h 01
The Sagnik ShowWhy WOKE Capitalism Collapsed: DEI, ESG, and the Failure of Social Justice (w/ Benji Backer) | The Sagnik Show0:00 Intro0:53 Greenwashing 6:07 America is polarized, and it's getting worse9:04 Companies lied about progressive goals 17:23 Can you be a conservative environmentalist? 28:00 Al Gore, Nixon, and the EPA33:00 Why no one care about the environment33:50 Protests won't solve anything, then what will?41:20 Is Climate Change a generational issue?44:12 Elon Musk: From Environmentalist to MAGA? 49:50 The Green New Deal is a Trojan horse?52:41 Tariffs and Consumerism 56:44 America the beautiful Benji Backer is a friend and the founder of the American Conservation Coalition — the largest conservative youth environmental group in the U...
2025-05-201h 00
Contractor Evolution213. A New Era: Benji Reflects on Content Marketing and More - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP213Today’s the day.The last official day of Benji's time on Contractor Evolution.And the first official day of a new era.In today’s episode, we're pumped to introduce Danny Kerr as your new host.Danny is one of the co-founders of Breakthrough Academy. In fact, he’s the visionary behind the whole thing. He’s a lifel...
2025-04-2359 min
Contractor Evolution200. Celebrating 200 Episodes: Benji Reacts to His Favorite Moments - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP200 Today is a very special day for the team here at Contractor Evolution. Today, we’re releasing our 200th episode. We've spoken to some incredible guests, and that has helped us build a following of the coolest listeners in the world. So... if you've been on the show or just listen to it, we want to express profound gratitude to you. To say we are humbled and prou...
2025-02-191h 06
Miss Thing with Greg Trimmer & Tim ZientekParker "Rocket Fuel" PoseyParty Girls, hop on the A, C, or E and follow us to the West Village, because this week we’re geeking out over an absolute legend. Our Miss Thing this week is the queen of Downtown New York, the only person you want to sit next to at a dinner party, everyone’s favorite party guests’ favorite party guest, and star of the new season of The White Lotus, PARKER POSEY! In this ep, Greg recalls an overly comfortable email exchange with his favorite establishment (besides Costco) over a typo on their packaging while Tim looks back on the ti...
2025-02-1850 min
The Wealthy Contractor3 Game-Changing Trends Every Contractor Needs to Hear About | Benji CarlsonEPISODE 233: Being willing to learn and adapt to emerging trends isn’t just a great way to differentiate yourself from your competition today—it's necessary to avoid the slow death of being left behind as customers and the market change.It’s time to consider the new strategies that are shaping the future of the industry! But don’t take my word for it; hear it straight from my guest this week, Benji Carlson.Benji is the Director of Content Marketing at Breakthrough Academy and the host of the Contractor Evolution podcast. He has worked with hun...
2025-02-1757 min
Contractor Evolution193. 7 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself in 2025 - Benji CarlsonStop telling yourself the lies in this episode and start telling yourself the 7 TRUTHS in this free download instead: https://trybta.com/DL193 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP193 For the first episode of 2025, Benji is speaking from the heart. Today, he's calling out seven lies to stop telling yourself in 2025. And, really, seven lies we all need to stop telling ourselves. We hope this episode helps you break unhealthy thought patterns. About your business. About your family. And most importantly, about yourself. Ne...
2025-01-0118 min
Contractor Evolution189. Turn Your Ideas Into Fully Implemented Systems - Benji CarlsonGrab your copy of our IMPLEMENT framework here: https://trybta.com/DLEP189 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP189 The end of the year is approaching, and that means it’s “hope season” for a lot of contractors. Your implementation goals are big. You’ve got tech stack upgrades, brand refreshes, and shiny new internal processes on the brain. But, let’s be real: If you look back at past years—and all the projects you had pl...
2024-12-0419 min
PaintED PodcastGuest Benji Carlson from BTA: Ask A PainterFind More Episodes on PCA Overdrive: https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/ask-a-painter
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2024-11-1450 min
The Beer Garden12 Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs with Benji CarlsonIn this special episode of The Beer Garden, we’re joined by our very first guest, Benji Carlson—a powerhouse in the world of contracting. Benji built a successful College Pro Painters franchise, where he gained recognition for managing the network’s most productive team. He then went on to help over 1,500 contractors across North America as the Assessment Specialist & Content Lead at Breakthrough Academy. Currently, he’s the host of the Contractor Evolution Podcast, where he’s interviewed renowned high performers like Chris Voss, Luke Hansen, Tommy Mello, Mark Bradley, and Kory Ballard. In this conversation, Benji shares the 12 Hab...
2024-11-011h 24
Landscape DisruptorsLandscape Mastermind: Contractor Overwhelm – 3 Systems for Taming the Chaos in Your CompanyBenji Carlson (from Contractor Evolution) & Coach Matt Balfe (fromBreakthrough Academy) join Mark Bradley for a walkthrough of the most impactful Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for landscaping and snow removal.They’ll talk how to make your own SOPs, how to hand over more responsibility to staff, and how to grow fatter net profits.
2024-08-2239 min
The Building CodeThe top 3 profit killers for builders (And how to avoid them)Today on “The Building Code,” Zach and Charley are chatting with returning guest, Benji Carlson, director of content at Breakthrough Academy. Benji works with a team to create free, educational content that makes Breakthrough Academy an industry-leading advising and coaching company for contractors in North America.
Tune in to the full episode to hear about the top three profit killers that are setting builders back and keeping them from reaching their financial goals.
Learn more about Breakthrough Academy and their resources on their website: https://www.btacademy.com/
Download Breakt...
2024-06-2043 min
Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron HeroldEp. 387 - Unleash the Power of your COOToday's episode of the Second in Command podcast is a recast of a conversation between Cameron and Benji Carlson, host of the Contractors Evolution podcast. They explore the intricacies of business growth, emphasizing the critical transition phase for companies expanding from $10 million to $100 million in revenue. Cameron advocates for the necessity of hiring experienced outsiders who bring a wealth of expertise, autonomy, and a fresh perspective to the table, distinguishing them from internal promotions that might not always be equipped to handle the complexities of rapid scaling. With his rich background in guiding businesses to success and his role...
2024-05-3038 min
Contractor Evolution160. The 4 Phases Of Contractor Growth - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP160 Growing your construction, trades, or home services business is no easy task. You’ve got: Tricky customers Shrinking labor market Cash flow crunches Fly-by nighters who constantly underbid you …It's brutal. So it helps to know which stage of growth you are at, which comes next, and how to get there faster. This is why, after working with over 1,500 businesses, we’ve studied and developed the 4 Contractor Growth Phases. Curious about which phase you’re in? List...
2024-05-1524 min
Landscape DisruptorsLandscape Mastermind: Staff Accountability Tips for Landscapers w/ Benji Carlson of Breakthrough AcademyJoin Mark Bradley, CEO and Founder of LMN, Benji Carlson, Host of Breakthrough Academy, along with Jen and Matt Wells, owners of Wells Hollow Landscaping, for a special Roundtable discussion.Topics of note: ✓ How top landscapers are using new technology to quickly track the progress, time, and expenses of staff projects. (No more ugly surprises)✓ A $50MM contractor’s weekly management ritual that helps him beat targets WHILE strengthening relationships with customers, trade partners, and staff.✓ How highly effective leaders get their staff to understand what’s expected of them (and get it DONE on time).
2024-05-091h 42
Rhymes With DecorahRhymes With - Rotary International
Rhymes With Decorah is back after our fun mini-series of shows from Lansing, Iowa - and what better topic to talk about than the Service of Rotary International and the Decorah Rotary Club! Join Ward Budweg, Brecka Putnam, and Benji for a conversation about Rotary and all that this incredible organization does - Service above Self!
Decorah Rotary Road Cleanup Project
Rotary is 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who are creating positive, lasting change in communities around the world. Rotarians have diverse occupations, cultures, and experiences that give unique perspectives and h...
2024-05-0633 min
The Hard Lessons Podcast#015 - Benji Carlson - Over 1000 business assessments for contractorsBenji brings his wealth of experience to the Hard Lessons Podcast, where he'll be sharing his insights and knowledge. With four years under his belt as a franchisee with College Pro Painters, Benji was celebrated for leading the most productive staff within the franchise network. Following this success, he delved into conducting comprehensive business assessments with over 1000 contractors. Now, Benji utilizes this vast pool of information to advocate for contractors' interests on the show 'Contractor Evolution,' dedicated to equipping savvy contractors with the essential skills for growth.
2024-05-0643 min
Contractor Evolution146. 2024 Predictions Episode - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP146 I’m a month late getting my predictions for the year together. But better late than never. Am I right? I’ve got 11 spicy takes on what’s going down in our North American blue-collar business universe this year, including: Private equity will _________. Early adopters of_____ will destroy ______ . The Canadian economy will _____ while the American will ____. Don't miss out on these valuable insights, and prepare for the future with us! Watch Mike Van Capelle's case study here: https://youtu.be/mSh...
2024-02-0736 min
Contractor Growth Network#429 Preparing Your Business For 2024 (feat. Benji Carlson - Breakthrough Academy) REGISTER FOR THE NEW ERA OF CONTRACTING SUMMIT HERE: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/the-new-era-of-contracting-summit/ Today, we have the privilege of hosting a true expert in the field, Benji Carlson. Benji is a vital member of Breakthrough Academy (BTA), where his passion lies in coaching and training entrepreneurs within the trades and home service sectors. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, he assists business owners in implementing effective systems and processes to boost operations and profitability. Benji is also the charismatic host of the Contractor Evolution Podcast, where he shares valuable insights and strategies. In...
2023-12-2233 min
The Pursuit of Purpose109 Mastering Mass Persuasion: Unleashing the Power of Marketing w/ Benji CarlsonIn this enlightening discussion, we delve into the invaluable connection between sales and marketing. Discover how leveraging sales experience can supercharge your marketing efforts, resonate with your audience, and drive conversions like never before.
🚀 Gain Insights into Crafting Compelling Messages
🤝 Building Trust with Your Audience
💡 Strategies from Hand-to-Hand Sales on a Grand Scale
🔮 The Secret to Mass Persuasion
Join us for an eye-opening conversation that could transform the way you approach marketing. Don't miss out – watch now!
Book Recommendations:
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Sur...
2023-10-2648 min
The Conscious Builder Show with Casey Grey#243 - Breaking Through with Contractor Evolution Host Benji CarlsonBenji Carlson is the host of Contractor Evolution and head of content at Breakthrough Academy a business providing contractors with the management systems and processes to build sustainable profits while getting the spare time you deserve. Benji shares how blinders can be extremely important as a business owner, what the real problems are that contractors are dealing with and how there are way more opportunities in the blue collar world than people think. 3:00 Intro 9:18 Break Through Academy 13:25 Common Problems for Trades 17:54 The Real Problems 25:43 What to loo...
2023-08-2840 min
Comedy @ The Carlson CastAn Interview with Benji BrownBenji Brown is a stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality. He is best known for his appearances on BET's Comic View & College Hill, MTV's Wild 'n Out, and his work on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Most importantly he is your headliner here at comedy @ the Carlson this weekend! Tickets are currently available at Carlsoncomedy.com.
Benji can be found on X & Instagram @BenjiBrown1
2023-08-0427 min
Contractor Evolution116. Project MGMT Hacks For Faster Projects And Chunkier Profits - Benji Carlson, Andrew Spear, Chris Collins, Michael GoganTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP116 Red Stag Contracting: https://redstagcontracting.ca/ Royal Heating and Air Conditioning: https://royalheatingandair.com/ Project Management Resource Bundle: https://trybta.com/PCDLEP116 Do you have Project Managers Or Professional Firefighters? The answer to this question is so directly connected to your year-end profit it’s not even funny. They say: Money Loves Speed. But what does that really mean? It means that the faster and more predictably your projects closeout, the faster you can m...
2023-07-121h 37
But We’re Different | The Sales and Marketing PodcastSelling Through a Downturn | Marcus Sheridan on Contractor Evolution | Encore SeriesToday's show is an encore conversation between IMPACT co-owner Marcus Sheridan and Benji Carlson from the Contractor Evolution podcast.
In this episode, Marcus talks about the blurring line between sales and marketing, how educated the modern buyer truly is, and the practical steps to get started.
If content marketing hasn’t delivered how you’d hoped, check out our free course, They Ask, You Answer Fundamentals with Marcus Sheridan.
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2023-06-0659 min
Contractor Evolution110. 16 Signs You've Hired The Wrong Person - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, Click Here Download Breakthrough Academy’s Interview Guide, Click Here Let me know if this situation sounds familiar… You hired someone a month back. When you called to tell this person they got the job, you were excited, and so were they. But now the glimmer is gone. The excitement you felt is slowly turning into doubt. There are a couple of things about this new hire you didn’t see before: They don’t have the skills their resume led you to believe they did...
2023-05-3117 min
Contractor Evolution107. Skill Up New Crews Faster With DORAGI - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here, Click Here To download our printable DORAGI framework for your job sites, Click Here Download the BTA Training Checklist Contractor Quick Tool, Click Here Don’t know if you’ve noticed… but new employees often come with more skill gaps than advertised. How many times have you hired someone you thought had certain skills only to find out on-site that they, in fact, do not have said skills? The reality is when it comes to the talent pool, almost no one is truly “plug and pla...
2023-05-1015 min
The ServiceLegend PodcastThe ServiceLegend Podcast - Episode #39 - The Art of Assessment and Scaling W/ Benji CarlsonJoin us on the ServiceLegend Podcast for an insightful conversation with Benji Carlson, Assessment Specialist at Breakthrough Academy and co-host of the Contractor Evolution podcast. With his knack for entrepreneurship, Benji founded a profitable small business as a teenager and built a highly successful franchise with College Pro Painters. With his experience assessing more than 1,000 trades companies, Benji will share his expertise on business scaling and growth. Join us as we delve into his insights on assessing and scaling businesses, and learn more about his love for mountain biking and motorcycle riding in Kelowna, B.C.
If...
2023-05-0657 min
Contractor Evolution103. Listener Q&A: 5 Questions, 5 Answers - Igor Trninic & Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, Click Here If you’ve ever wondered: How do I set up performance based pay for my Production Managers? Is it possible to effectively interview for “coachability”? (cuz saying “I’m great with feedback” and actually taking it are two different things) Or, how do I make my field staff accountable for quality without my direct supervision? In Today’s episode of Contractor Evolution Igor and I tackle five tricky listener questions head on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-04-1242 min
Contractor Evolution98. Problem Solvers Are Better Than Problem Finders - Benji CarlsonTo learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP98 I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but employees tend to be much better at pointing out problems than fixing them. “Hey Boss, just wanted to let you know that [insert business issue you’re already abundantly aware of here]. We should really do something about that, hey?” Staff drop problems in your lap as consistently as a golden retriever drops a tennis ball at your feet. But what if you could instill a culture of problem-solving within your team? How much easie...
2023-03-0811 min
Painter Marketing Mastermind PodcastInterview with Benjie Carlson of Breakthrough Academy - "Industry Partner" Series Episode 3In this episode of the industry partner series, we host Guest Benji Carlson. Benji is the Head of Content at Breakthrough Academy and one of the company's earliest employees.
Listen to Benji describe the different tranches of painting companies, and what owners should do to advance from one to the next. He gives out some golden nuggets from working with hundreds of painting companies across the United States and Canada.
Topics discussed:
The most common mistakes painting company owners makeWhat makes the painting industry different from other home service industriesThe Pareto Principle - how...
2023-02-1757 minContractor Growth Network#373 The New Era of Hiring (feat. Benji Carlson - Breakthrough Academy)REGISTER FOR THE NEW ERA OF CONTRACTING SUMMIT: www.neweracontractingsummit.com/sign-up Are you having trouble finding and retaining top talent in the construction industry? Look no further than the latest episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast. Host Logan Shinholser is joined by Benji Carlson, of Breakthrough Academy, to discuss the current state of hiring in the construction space. During their conversation, Logan and Benji discuss common challenges that construction companies face when it comes to hiring and retaining employees. They offer practical tips and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. ...
2023-01-0621 minContractor Growth Network#345 Solve Your Hiring Problems (with Benji Carlson)Benji Carlson of Breakthrough Academy and host of the Contractor Evolution podcast joins Logan on today's episode to talk about hiring for your contracting business! Schedule a call with us! - https://share.hsforms.com/1v3gp-unnSNqQXzWVdJTgFgbr9id?__hstc=103926239.2ed580b339b26c0d003dca0dcadc8b39.1635876640137.1643036096909.1643293234858.125&__hssc=103926239.2.1643293234858&__hsfp=2234910243&hsCtaTracking=e497f09d-32d2-4ef5-a16d-a73af844f59c%7C52b043a3-e9e6-411f-a6a6-3cd643fefd86 Website - contractorgrowthnetwork.com Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/commonsensecontracting...
2022-09-2351 min
Growth Minded Contractor Show Starring Ryan GrothS1E07 - Breakthrough Academy with Benji CarlsonRyan talks with Benji Carlson from Breakthrough Academy, about helping growth minded contractors grow and maintain stability while doing so. They also dive into the DNA makeup of a heavy hitting growth minded contractor.
2022-09-0535 min
Contractor Evolution71. 19 Hilariously Accurate Client Red Flags - Benji CarlsonTo apply for a Breakthrough Academy Business Assessment click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP71 Nothing in the world of contracting sucks the life out of you or your team like a miserable client. A sorry SOB whose apparent mission in life is to ruin yours. It almost seems they take pleasure in the process. What I’m saying is I think we can all agree that avoiding the crazies is in your best interest. And the sooner the better. After running my own painting company and talking to over 1000 contractors, I’ve not...
2022-09-0119 min
Contractor Evolution66. What We're Reading In 2022: 9 Killer Books To Put On Your List - Benji CarlsonTo apply for a Business Assessment with Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP66 As you might have guessed by the title, we’re talking about books in this episode of Contractor Evolution? Why? Because someone way smarter than you has devoted DECADES of their life mastering a principle that will significantly impact you in a positive way. And you can choose to ignore that fact…or you can absorb a lifetime of learning in roughly a day. There’s a reason we say leaders are readers. Leaders have ac...
2022-07-2820 min
Contractor Evolution65. The Antidote For Imposter Syndrome And Self Doubt - Benji CarlsonTo apply for a Business Assessment with Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP65 Do you ever feel like a fraud? In certain situations do you ever feel like you are one minor mistake, one missed detail away from being found out by everyone as a phony? Do you sometimes feel totally under qualified to occupy the position that you do? Flawed, imperfect, error-prone, human? If you do, that CAN be healthy. Or, it can ruin you. Either way, you aren’t alone. Click the...
2022-07-2113 minThe Home Service Expert PodcastOvercoming The Three Major Business Gaps to Unlock Your Business Potential Benji Carlson is an Assessment Specialist at Breakthrough Academy. He has demonstrated a talent for distilling vast amounts of information to address the root of any problem that companies face. Consequently, he has assessed more than 1,000 trades companies and helped them get on the path to scaling. He is also the co-host of the Contractor Evolution podcast, a show that focuses on helping the everyday contractor evolve into a thriving business owner. In this episode, we talked about hiring, tough conversations, business assessments, clear vision, priority management...
2022-07-0159 min
Contractors PlaybookRetaining Good Contractors in a Labor Shortage | Benji Carlson from Breakthrough AcademyBenji Carlson from Breakthrough Academy joins Michael Gogan to talk about the harsh world of retaining your contractors. This is a must-listen and gives excellent insight into attracting contractors and keeping them happy! Enjoy!
2022-04-1551 min
Contractor Evolution51. Get Things To Go Your Way With Active Listening - Benji Carlson If you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP51 To download the Active Listening Framework, click here: https://trybta.com/PCDLEP51 There is one skill out there that very few people engage in, but when executed well leads to stronger social connections, increases your ability to problem solve, makes you a more interesting person, builds trust, and increases your effectiveness as a leader. That skill is active listening. I realize that listening seems like a no brainer, and you might feel the desire to skip over t...
2022-04-1418 min
Contractor Evolution47. Why the First 10 Minutes of Every Estimate Are The Most Important - Benji CarlsonIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP47 In a chess match, a player’s first sequence of moves is known as an “opening”. The opening is a memorized series of 8 to 12 moves that, ideally, sets up the chess game in an advantageous way for the player. Execute the right opening and you’ve created some leverage for yourself. Execute the wrong opening, or make a mistake during it, and you’re fighting an uphill battle. Now when I say “Master your Opening” what I’m talking about specifically h...
2022-03-1727 min
The Building CodeAnniversary Edition: Top 3 TakeawaysEpisode 141:
Happy Birthday to “The Building Code!”
Hosts Zach and Charley spend this episode celebrating memorable guests who’ve shared their construction insights the past year as the podcast turns 3.
Now 141 episodes in, “The Building Code” has featured a variety of hosts and guest hosts and spotlighted guests from the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Episode 1 launched in March 2019 with Buildertrend co-founders Dan Houghton, Jeff Dugger and Steve Dugger reflecting on how they turned an idea into the leading residential construction software platform.
Listen back to that epis...
2022-03-0335 min
Contractor Evolution32. 3 Brutally Honest Observations After 1000+ Contractor Business Assessments - Benji CarlsonIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP32 To get the Strategic Planning Quick Tool click here: https://trybta.com/PCDLEP32 This episode is going to be a little different from our typical format. While a lot of our other Contractor Evolution episodes are more instructional, this one is more of an in depth observation of the contracting and trades industry on a personal level. Over the last few years, I’ve conducted well over 1000 business assessments, each lasting roughly 2 hours, where I dive deep in...
2021-12-0224 minThe Building CodeHow to retain top construction employees with Benji CarlsonHigher turnover. An aging workforce. Surging demand. Construction businesses face a trio of challenges stressing their workloads and their workers. So how are construction owners attracting and keeping their best talent?
In today’s episode of “The Building Code,” Zach and Charley discuss how builders can empower their workforces with Benji Carlson of Breakthrough Academy. The Canada-based construction company consultant seeks to help transform honest, hardworking contractors across North America into thriving entrepreneurs.
Benji highlights strategies to engage, retain and develop your workers, including how to rethink the compensation question.
WHY DO CONSTRUCTION COMPAN...
2021-11-1845 min
Contractor Evolution26. 10 Books Every Contractor Should Read - Benji CarlsonIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP26 One of our mantras here at Contractor Evolution - LEADERS ARE READERS!!! Lemme unpack that…. As a great leader, you know you don’t know everything. More importantly, you’re totally okay with that, and you’re actively working to shrink those knowledge gaps and timeframes by tapping into the wisdom and experience of people smarter than you. Whatever challenge you're facing right now, someone’s already solved it and captured their learnings for you in a book you can rea...
2021-10-2117 min
The Black AgendaWR #18: Cop Drags Disabled Driver, Jon Gruden Not Fired for Black Insults, Teaching Opposing Holocaust Views, Bath Birth ControlAdrian and Devin bring you breaking news of the week along with funny Quick Hits. Sit back and listen well. 1st Segment (0:27)COVID leading cause of death in copsPolice drag paraplegic driver out of carBlack students suspended after planning protest for Confederate flagJon Gruden not fired for Black insultsTucker Carlson mocks Sec. Buttigieg for paternity leaveBreak: Twisted Bandits All Around Me2nd Segment (18:50)Bill to end animal testingFlint 2.0Teaching opposing Holocaust viewsStudent uprising at Howard UniversityUnvaccinated Kyrie Irving compared to HIV positive Magic JohnsonNew Sneaker Culture CommunityBreak: BenjiQuick Hits (36:42)New Zealand f...
2021-10-1656 min
Contractor Evolution15. Contractor Q&A 1 - Answering Top 10 Listener Questions with Igor Trninic and Benji CarlsonIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCPE15 Every business owner deals with a number of pain points on their journey to success. Whether that's recruitment challenges, stress and time management, or revenue and sales (to name just a few). Learning to navigate them alone can be tough (if not impossible). Being able to reach out to others in the industry and learn from their successes (and failures) enables you to navigate those humps. In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Benji and I have compiled 10 of the...
2021-08-0555 min
Contractor Evolution11. 6 Ways To Run A Team Huddle That Doesn't Suck - Igor TrninicIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP11 Team huddles: What are they and why are they absolutely essential to long-term business success? You probably know them as team meetings, or perhaps the “bitch and moan fest.” It’s that one hour in the week/month/quarter when you gather your team to talk strategy, goals, and updates....and it turns into a complete gong show. Exhausting. They suck. What's the point? In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Breakthrough Academy's very own Igor Trninic and Benji Carlson explai...
2021-07-0836 min
Contractor Evolution10. Team Or Talent; Where Should You Invest For Growth? - Toby WoodiwissIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP10 "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." Toby Woodiwiss, painting contractor extraordinaire, is a firm believer in this philosophy; and the results, well, they speak for themselves. His business runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to a carefully selected team and investment in the ‘right’ people. It wasn't always this way. He admits he spent a lot of time (and money), on recruiting, onboarding, and investing in (what turned out to be) complete duds. So what...
2021-07-0158 min
Contractor Evolution08. Unicorn Hunting: Secrets To Attracting And Building A Powerhouse Sales Team with Mason Marquis and Jesse KreismanIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP08 Does the perfect high-performing sales team really exist? C'mon?! According to Mason Marquis, owner of Spray-Tex and Jesse Kreisman, owner of Alco Products Inc., it does...and once you've found the secret elixir, your business will finally be free to level up. Marquis had a hard time stepping away from sales. He loved it. And, more importantly, he didn't trust someone enough to release those reins. Kreisman in contrast understood that his business had hit a ceiling...
2021-06-1758 min
Contractor Evolution07. Become A Master Implementer, Step Out Of The Day-To-Day -Jason HokeIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP07 How do you turn a one-man mowing business into a $1.5 million landscaping company? Just ask Jason Hoke, owner of A Cut Above Landscape in Colorado. When he took over the business, he bought himself a job. He was sleeping on a friend's sofa to make ends meet and spending 24/7 onsite or in the office. “I was more like an employee than a leader.” Fast forward five years and he has a team of 20 who service more than 10,000 jobs a year. La...
2021-06-101h 16
Contractor Evolution06. Nail Your Employee Onboarding And You'll Retain Your Rockstars - Curt JanzenIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP06 In our latest Contractor Evolution podcast, Janzen, takes us on his company's onboarding journey, and reveals what makes his process so ridonculously successful in the world of contracting. Janzen kicked the old school way of onboarding to the curb (you know, the “welcome to the chaos, now shadow this dude and learn something or you're fired” style) and instead perfected a fast-track onboarding strategy that puts him way ahead of the competition. He has it so dialled in these days...
2021-06-031h 01
Contractor Evolution05. How This Drywall Millionaire Took 26 Weeks Off While His Business Grew - Graeme BouvierIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP05 Can you run a multi-million dollar contracting business and take six months off a year? That's crazy talk! But in this Breakthrough Academy (BTA) podcast, 27-year-old contracting entrepreneur Graeme Bouvier gives it to us straight on how he actually made that possible. Graeme went from struggling to build a drywall business as a med student, while running around like a chicken with his head cut off, to becoming a leader of a $7-million drywall business with 80 employees...all while...
2021-05-271h 10
Contractor Evolution03. Little Known Red Flags To Look Out For In Your Partnership - Scott Foran & Barry HartmanIf you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP03 Is your contracting business partner pissing you off? With 50% of business partnerships failing in the first 2-3 years, how do you ensure you don't become another statistic (or punch their lights out)? Early on 505-Junk founders Scott Foran and Barry Hartman had a major blowout and realized that they did not think the same. They divided up the responsibilities of the business based on what they thought they’d be good at, only to realize they were unhappy in their roles. Ho...
2021-05-1357 min
Contractor Evolution02. A Proven Method To Build A High Performance Culture - Nestor Tarango-If you'd like to apply for Breakthrough Academy click here: https://trybta.com/PCEP02 With a diverse workforce ranging from field workers to office staff, is it possible to have a company culture in contracting where all your team is on the same page? Nestor Tarango runs a multi-million-dollar solar energy company. He has successfully onboarded more than 150 people over the past 12 months alone . . . and his company culture is exemplary. How? After working in a hostile environment, Tarango decided enough was enough. He stepped outside of the “traditional” contracting mould and built a comp...
2021-05-131h 15
Landscape DisruptorsRethinking Generations - How to Use Generational Theory to Build a Better WorkplaceBoomer, Gen x, Millennial, Gen Z - What generation do you fall in? Benji Carlson breaks down the stereotypes and discusses generational theory as it applies to business management in the skilled trades, and strategies to overcome hiring, engaging, and working with millennials in a productive way.
2020-09-1140 min