Contractors Toolbox Podcast

In this episode, Gary talks with Jonathan Weinberg, the Founder and CEO of Builder Prime. Jonathan talks about how he was introduced to the home improvement contracting industry and how he initially set out to use his Computer Science degrees to create tech software that supported contractors with solutions for estimation and production, however, he […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Jim Mallers, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships the EverCommerce Marketing Technology Solutions Group. Jim talks about the differences between lead generation firms and how contractors should evaluate lead generation partners as they grow their businesses. He also explains how contractors should go about expanding and contracting their various […]

In this episode, Gary talks with CCN’s Melissa Nicholson, who is responsible for our learning and development programs at CCN. The conversation covers the return of in-person bootcamp, the addition of several self-paced courses on CCN’s new Learning Management System (LMS), and the addition of several mini-courses on specific topics that will also be self-paced […]

In this episode, Gary talks with James Henriques, owner of Pinnacle Exteriors, based in Allentown, PA. James talks about his humble beginnings, his willingness to take risks and to never fear failure. He talks about the importance of working hard and learning from others. James also discussed the impact that CCN had on his business, […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Nick Brouillette, head of business development for CompanyCam. Nick talks about the importance of excellent documentation for contractors. He explains how internally it helps keep teams organized and on the same page day to day. Nick also explains why this documentation is so important when communicating with homeowners during […]

Heidi Ellsworth is the CEO of Roofers Coffee Shop. She discusses the launch of Metal Coffee Shop last summer and everything it now has to offer to the overall industry. Metal Coffee Shop is breaking new ground in digital marketing for all things metal in the construction industry. Metal Coffee Shop offers a one-of-a-kind educational, […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Carlos Rodriguez, owner of Mr. Roofing, based in San Francisco, CA. Carlos talks about how he and his parents immigrated to the U.S. and his father started his own roofing company. Carlos took over the business in the late 1990s and has grown Mr. Roofing into an extraordinarily successful […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Brett Cohen, owner of Kitchen Saver, based in Owings Mills, MD.  Brett talks about the steps he took to transform a small and unprofitable business that he acquired from his father-in-law, into a thriving business with rapidly growing revenues and profits. Two key areas Brett focused on were his […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Lynette Rogers, owner of Homescapes of New England. Lynette talks about 3 advantages she had in starting her business back in 2010: 1. She grew up around family members in the contracting business;  2. She had an undergraduate business degree that helped her understand business principles; and  3. She […]

In this episode, Gary talks with Drew Barto, Director of Home Improvement at Pro Remodeler. Drew shares his story about entering our industry 14 years ago as the Director of Marketing for long-time CCN member, Energy Swing Windows, owned by Steve Rennekamp. After 13 years at Energy Swing, Drew talks about why he joined Pro […]