The Top Contractor Podcast

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Gerri Detweiler, a nationally recognized business credit and financing expert with nearly 30 years of experience helping small business owners understand credit, cash flow, and smarter financing decisions. Gerri breaks down the often-overlooked world of business credit, explains why so many contractors get trapped in expensive financing, and shares practical strategies to improve cash flow without crushing margins. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ The difference between personal credit vs. business credit (and why it matters) ✅ Why many contractors don't realize they even have business credit ✅ How supplier credit can become one of your best financing tools ✅ The hidden dangers of "fast money" and expensive short-term financing ✅ Why factor rates can be misleading—and how they quietly kill margins ✅ How business credit impacts insurance rates, contracts, and growth opportunities ✅ The importance of industry risk and NAICS codes in lending decisions ✅ How to start building business credit—even with poor personal credit ✅ Why better financials unlock better financing options ✅ Common credit myths that hold contractors back ✅ How to avoid financing mistakes before your back is against the wall ✅ Why proactive planning beats reactive borrowing every time This episode is a must-listen for contractors in the $1–$10M range who want to fund growth the right way—without giving away profit or control. If you're tired of guessing when it comes to money, credit, and financing, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. 👇 Get connected to the community built to help contractors lead and win: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Ari Bleemer, founder of OneCrew, to break down one of the biggest challenges contractors face as they grow: scaling crews without losing execution, accountability, or culture. Ari shares how inconsistent communication, unclear expectations, and lack of systems quietly destroy profit—and how contractors can fix it by building simple, repeatable processes that empower crews instead of micromanaging them. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Why most scaling problems are actually communication problems ✅ The hidden cost of miscommunication on job sites ✅ Why consistency beats excellence when it comes to execution ✅ The mindset shift owners must make when going from 1–2 crews to 5+ crews ✅ Accountability vs. autonomy—and why accountability comes first ✅ How systems reduce stress instead of creating more work ✅ The warning signs of disengaged or underperforming crews ✅ Why owners struggle to "let go" as they grow—and how to do it correctly ✅ One system every contractor should implement in the next 30 days ✅ How pride in the work directly impacts performance and retention ✅ Why uncertainty—not workload—is what really burns owners out This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for contractors who want to step out of daily firefighting and start leading at scale. If you're struggling with inconsistent execution, crew accountability, or growing pains, this conversation will give you clarity—and a path forward. 👇 Get connected to the community built to help contractors lead and win: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this special year-end episode, Eric Guy sits down with Brian Hess, CEO of The Pavement Group and founder of Top Contractor School, to reflect on the lessons of 2025 and lay the foundation for a dominant 2026. This is a raw, honest conversation about leadership, discipline, growth, and what it really takes to build companies—and people—that last. Brian pulls back the curtain on a challenging but transformational year, sharing the mindset shifts, systems, and leadership principles that helped the organization persevere, invest, and come out stronger on the other side. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Why 2025 was a "year of investment" — and why tough years build better leaders ✅ The systems and structure changes that reshaped The Pavement Group ✅ Why discipline is the great separator between average and elite contractors ✅ The 3 numbers that determine whether you win or lose the year ✅ How lack of discipline fractionalizes your potential ✅ Why leadership presence matters — and the hidden cost of being "missed" ✅ The danger of delaying hard conversations (and why they multiply) ✅ Why saying no more often is critical for growth and sanity ✅ The importance of delegating roles you've outgrown ✅ How faith, belief, and long-term vision stabilize leaders in hard seasons ✅ Why relationships and people—not numbers—are the true highlights ✅ Brian's 2026 declarations: Growth. No Mercy. No Drama. ✅ Rapid-fire leadership truths every contractor needs heading into the new year This episode is a must-listen for contractors preparing to enter 2026 with clarity, discipline, and momentum. If you want to win in the trenches—day in and day out—this conversation will challenge you to raise your standard. 👇 Get connected to the community built to help contractors lead and win: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

In this episode of the Top Contractor School Podcast, we sit down with Mustafa Morsi, Founder of Push Analytics, to break down how contractors can use data, process, and simple systems to scale profitably—without getting overwhelmed. Mustafa Morsi is the Founder of Push Analytics, where he helps contractors and construction businesses use data, analytics, and process improvement to grow smarter and more profitably. With deep experience in both construction and analytics, Mustafa brings a rare hybrid perspective to the industry. Mustafa shares practical, contractor-specific insights on how to zoom out, build better processes, and use analytics as a tool for clarity—not confusion. 🔑 Key topics we cover: ✅ Why every contractor already has processes—whether they realize it or not ✅ How data and process work together to drive real improvement ✅ The biggest reason contractors avoid their numbers ✅ The 5 metrics every contractor should track ✅ Where contractors misread profit and cash flow ✅ Simple first steps to start using analytics (even if you use none today) ✅ How weekly meetings and cadence can eliminate costly mistakes ✅ The most common data excuses that hold owners back ✅ One number every contractor must fix to build a healthier business This conversation is packed with real-world examples, practical advice, and mindset shifts that can immediately impact how you run your company.

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Doug Brown — CEO of CEO Sales Strategies, revenue expert, and the mind behind the Double Your Sales methodology. Doug has built, scaled, burned down, rebuilt, and advised 37 companies, including several in the contracting space. His sales systems have powered some of the world's top organizations, and today he brings that elite-level knowledge straight to the TCS community. From navigating family dynamics to building real leverage to mastering sales follow-up, Doug lays out a blueprint that every contractor needs to hear. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Growing up in a family business and learning leverage at six years old ✅ The real challenges of working with family — and how to make it work ✅ When you shouldn't pass the company to your kids (and why selling is sometimes smarter) ✅ How to safely transition your business to the next generation without destroying its value ✅ Why most contractors destroy profit by taking the wrong clients ✅ The Double Your Sales methodology explained step-by-step ✅ Why follow-up is the #1 blind spot costing contractors millions ✅ How to convert more proposals using simple math & consistent action ✅ The difference between the business of the business and the business in the business ✅ How to build a company that doesn't collapse when the owner takes 90 days off ✅ Why the ideal right-fit buyer changes everything ✅ How your mindset can sabotage growth — and how to fix it ✅ The exact response-time rule that increases close rates by 5X ✅ Real stories of lost deals, lost money, and lessons every contractor should hear Doug brings decades of battle-tested experience, brutal honesty, and practical strategies that contractors can implement immediately to increase revenue and decrease stress. If you're serious about growing your contracting business — and want to stop leaving money on the table — this episode is a masterclass in sales, leadership, and transition planning. 👇 Get plugged into the communities helping contractors lead, grow, and win: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Josh Kosnick — founder of Kyros Coaching & Consulting, certified EOS implementer, and best-selling author of The Kyros Code. Josh shares his powerful story of adversity, identity, faith, and rebuilding purpose after losing the career he spent nearly two decades building. What emerged from that season is a framework that's helping leaders all over the country create alignment, elevate performance, and build lives that actually work. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How losing a thriving financial firm overnight forced Josh to redefine identity ✅ The painful leadership lesson of keeping the wrong person in the wrong seat ✅ Why your identity can't be tied to what you do — and what happens when it is ✅ The Five Bridges Framework: spiritual, internal, relational, professional & legacy ✅ Why most leaders skip straight to business… and suffer for it ✅ How entrepreneurs can rebuild their lives and companies from the inside out ✅ The mindset shift every contractor must make to exit the field and actually lead ✅ A practical rule for delegation: letting go once someone hits 60% of your ability ✅ How to schedule your "want-to's" before your "have-to's" ✅ Why legacy isn't what you leave behind — but what you leave in people ✅ The LQ (Life Quotient) Assessment — and how it reveals your gaps in minutes Josh's message is direct, honest, and deeply needed in the contracting world: You are not what you do — and you are enough. Leadership starts at home, within yourself, and with the people you love most. If you're a contractor striving for growth while wanting a healthier, more aligned life, this episode will challenge you, encourage you, and give you the framework to lead with clarity and purpose. 👇 Tap into the communities built to help you grow in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Gabe Bustos, founder of Hector Home Services Marketing, to break down the REAL truth about marketing in the contracting world. From failed businesses to finally figuring out the formula, Gabe shares the lessons he learned the hard way—and the insights every contractor needs to build a predictable, profitable marketing system. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Why "marketing isn't magic—it's math" ✅ The biggest mistakes contractors make when hiring agencies ✅ The difference between good and bad marketing partners ✅ Why most agencies fail: churn-and-burn models, outdated strategies & lack of focus ✅ The two most important metrics contractors should track: reviews and speed to lead ✅ Authenticity over polished — why iPhone videos outperform expensive production ✅ Why local visibility matters more than followers ✅ How to communicate what makes your company truly different ✅ The four essentials every contractor needs: Google Business Profile, reviews, website, LSAs ✅ Why digital presence isn't just for customers—it's your #1 recruiting tool ✅ How focusing on one niche transformed Gabe's business If you're tired of guessing, wasting money, or feeling burned by marketing in the past, this episode will give you clarity—and a simple roadmap to start winning online. 👇 Join the network that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and lead businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Tim Klimchock, CPA, CCIFP, and founder of Collaborative Advisory Group, to break down what financial capacity really means—and how contractors can use data, discipline, and better systems to fuel sustainable growth. With over two decades serving the construction industry, Tim brings a wealth of real-world experience helping companies scale from small family operations to industry leaders. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ What "financial capacity" really means beyond labor and equipment ✅ How to shorten your operating cycle and improve cash flow ✅ The key metrics every contractor should track monthly and quarterly ✅ The most important financial signals that show you're ready to scale ✅ What to expect from your CPA, CFO, or fractional financial advisor ✅ How to build a strong advisory team—including accountants, attorneys & bond agents ✅ Why communication between estimating, project management, and operations is critical ✅ How to use gain/fade analysis to find lessons, not blame ✅ The most underleveraged opportunity in construction finance: timely change orders ✅ Rapid-fire insights: cash vs. backlog, debt vs. equity, and how to celebrate wins without losing discipline If you're serious about leading your company with clarity and control—and want to make smarter financial decisions that set you up for long-term success—this episode will give you the roadmap to get there. 👇 Join the community that helps you grow in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and lead businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Tim Klimchock, CPA, CCIFP, and founder of Collaborative Advisory Group, to break down what financial capacity really means—and how contractors can use data, discipline, and better systems to fuel sustainable growth. With over two decades serving the construction industry, Tim brings a wealth of real-world experience helping companies scale from small family operations to industry leaders. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ What "financial capacity" really means beyond labor and equipment ✅ How to shorten your operating cycle and improve cash flow ✅ The key metrics every contractor should track monthly and quarterly ✅ The most important financial signals that show you're ready to scale ✅ What to expect from your CPA, CFO, or fractional financial advisor ✅ How to build a strong advisory team—including accountants, attorneys & bond agents ✅ Why communication between estimating, project management, and operations is critical ✅ How to use gain/fade analysis to find lessons, not blame ✅ The most underleveraged opportunity in construction finance: timely change orders ✅ Rapid-fire insights: cash vs. backlog, debt vs. equity, and how to celebrate wins without losing discipline If you're serious about leading your company with clarity and control—and want to make smarter financial decisions that set you up for long-term success—this episode will give you the roadmap to get there. 👇 Join the community that helps you grow in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Jordan Lambeth, owner of Lambeth Paving, to talk about faith, perseverance, and the lessons learned while building one of North Carolina's most respected paving companies. From mowing lawns to running multimillion-dollar projects, Jordan's story is a powerful reminder that faith, hard work, and doing the right thing still matter in business—and in life. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How one Facebook post launched Lambeth Paving from side hustle to success ✅ The defining "God moment" that gave Jordan the courage to go all in ✅ Early challenges: borrowed equipment, small crews, and big dreams ✅ Why honesty and communication are Jordan's secret to customer loyalty ✅ How family legacy and reputation drive his leadership every day ✅ The hidden costs contractors often underestimate (and how to fix it) ✅ How technology like Walker has streamlined their operations ✅ Lessons learned from fast growth—and how to avoid burnout ✅ Why faith and gratitude are the foundation of Jordan's success ✅ The role TCS plays in helping him scale, connect, and lead with confidence If you're building a business from the ground up or just looking for motivation to push through the next season, this episode will remind you that faith and grit can take you further than fear ever will. 👇 Join the community that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Ron Beckner — retired military veteran, third-generation pipefitter/welder, and now a financial educator helping working-class Americans take control of their money. Ron breaks down the biggest financial mistakes contractors make and shows how to build real financial freedom through budgeting, tax strategy, and smart planning — without overcomplicating the process. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Why contractors struggle with finances (and how to fix it) ✅ Confusing cash with profit — and how to protect your margins ✅ How to budget for growth without feeling restricted ✅ The real cost of poor job costing and lack of financial tracking ✅ How overhead sneaks up — and how to stay ahead of it ✅ The importance of cash reserves and how to build them consistently ✅ Understanding the 4 tax quadrants and 3 "money buckets" ✅ Why money is a tool — and how to make it work as hard as you do ✅ Financial systems contractors can apply immediately ✅ Ron's #1 advice for contractors who feel broke today Whether you're scaling fast or just getting started, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to lead your business with confidence — not fear. 👇 Join the community that helps you grow your business and your financial leadership: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with John Somers, Vice President of Construction & Utility Sector at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), to unpack where the construction industry is heading—and what contractors need to do to stay ahead. From technology and workforce challenges to leadership, collaboration, and innovation, John shares insight from nearly two decades helping bridge the gap between manufacturers, contractors, and policymakers. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How John went from small-town Wisconsin to leading one of construction’s biggest associations ✅ The mission of AEM—and how it connects manufacturers, contractors, and regulators ✅ Key challenges contractors face today: workforce, rising costs, and efficiency ✅ Why data and technology are shaping the next era of construction ✅ Lessons from ConExpo and The Utility Expo—beyond just the machines ✅ How collaboration and education are driving industry innovation ✅ Why relationships and people remain the real foundation of construction ✅ Leadership insights: leading through relationships, not authority ✅ The #1 mistake contractors make when adopting new tech ✅ Why small and mid-size contractors still have massive influence in this industry If you’re serious about leading your business into the future, this conversation will help you see the bigger picture—and give you practical steps to adapt, innovate, and win. 👇 Join the community that helps you lead with clarity and confidence: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Brian Hall, Territory Sales Manager and Asphalt Training Specialist for Leeboy, to unpack 25 years of insight into paving innovation, industry challenges, and the family-driven culture that’s made Leeboy a trusted name for decades. From the evolution of paving equipment to the importance of continuous training and craftsmanship, Brian shares how contractors can stay ahead by focusing on quality, fundamentals, and people. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Brian’s 25-year journey at Leeboy and the family culture that drives the company ✅ How paving equipment has evolved—and what that means for today’s contractors ✅ The importance of quality, reliability, and precision in asphalt equipment ✅ Why “downtime is not an option” and how Leeboy builds for real-world performance ✅ The biggest field challenges contractors face (and how training solves them) ✅ Why forgetting the basics is one of the industry’s biggest mistakes ✅ How continuous training and community make contractors more successful ✅ The future of paving: ergonomics, autonomy & making asphalt great again ✅ Leeboy’s partnership with TCS and the value it brings to members ✅ Brian’s best advice for new contractors: stay humble, stay curious, and keep learning If you’re a contractor committed to mastering your craft, leading better crews, and building smarter with innovation and integrity—this episode is a must-listen. 👇 Join the network that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale faster, and lead businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Nate Swink, owner of Swink Inc. out of Southern California, for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about leadership, discipline, and building a company that stands for something. From dropping out of high school to running a rapidly growing structural steel business, Nate’s story is a masterclass in resilience, humility, and raising the standard for the trades. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How Nate went from a 10th-grade dropout to leading a multimillion-dollar steel company ✅ What it’s like to lead older, more experienced employees—and earn their respect ✅ How his faith, mentors, and family keep him grounded as a business owner ✅ The lessons learned from losing half a million dollars early in business ✅ Why communication, humility, and collaboration drive strong leadership ✅ The importance of teaching the right way and restoring pride in the trades ✅ How delegation, accountability, and standards can make or break your growth ✅ Why every contractor must learn their finances—and own their numbers ✅ How TCS and community help leaders stay sharp, focused, and supported ✅ Nate’s advice for young contractors: enforce your standard and never stop learning If you’re a leader ready to raise the bar, build a stronger team, and take full ownership of your growth—this episode delivers the truth and tools to help you do it. 👇 Join the community that helps you grow in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to lead stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Brian Hess, founder of Top Contractor School and The Pavement Group, to talk about what it takes to thrive in uncertain times. From starting The Pavement Group in 2018 to building a 3,300+ member 1 Team Network, Brian shares the vision behind TCS, the challenges contractors face right now, and the systems, mindset, and community that help leaders win no matter the market. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How Brian built The Pavement Group and launched TCS at the same time ✅ Why TCS was founded: helping contractors with sales, marketing, leadership & finance ✅ The vision: building better local contractors who can serve at a national level ✅ How to lead through uncertainty without letting emotions take over ✅ The importance of sales metrics: proposals, job size, close rates & margins ✅ Why growth requires discipline, consistency, and the right mindset ✅ The danger of “stability” and why leaders must always cast a vision for growth ✅ Leadership in Q4: communication, focus, and managing team emotions ✅ The role of mentorship, advisory boards, and community in spotting blind spots ✅ What’s next for TCS: Dream Manager, EOS certification, PI hiring tools & more If you’re a contractor looking for a roadmap to lead through storms, scale your company, and stay ahead of the competition, this conversation with Brian will give you both clarity and confidence. 👇 Plug into the network that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Robert Wolfe, a veteran contractor with over five decades of experience, to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable business and legacy in construction. From growing up working alongside family to navigating market cycles, leading through faith, and staying coachable after decades in the industry, Robert shares timeless lessons every contractor can use. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How Robert got his start in construction at 12 years old in Louisiana ✅ Why faith and tithing became the biggest turning point in his career ✅ Lessons from surviving multiple market downturns and pivots ✅ Why diversification protected his company from industry cycles ✅ The biggest challenges contractors face today: workforce shortages & education gaps ✅ Leadership insights: knowing your people, building trust, and balancing accountability with freedom ✅ Why asking for help and creating collaborative teams is a strength, not a weakness ✅ The role of continuous learning and technology—especially AI—in the future of construction ✅ Why trades remain a massive opportunity for young leaders ✅ Practical advice for new TCS members: stay engaged, keep showing up, and leverage the community If you’re a contractor looking for perspective from someone who’s been through it all—booms, busts, and everything in between—this conversation will encourage you to keep building with faith, persistence, and vision. 👇 Join the community that will help you grow in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where elite contractors learn how to lead stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Jeff Hancher—leadership coach, speaker, author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World—to talk about what it really takes to lead people well in today’s challenging environment. From growing up in poverty to earning 12 promotions in 24 years at a Fortune 500 company, Jeff shares how leadership, mentorship, and culture transformed his life—and how contractors can use those same principles to build unstoppable teams. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Jeff’s journey from truck driver to executive leader to entrepreneur ✅ How tough love and mentorship shaped his leadership legacy ✅ Why giving firm feedback is essential in today’s fragile workplace culture ✅ The biggest fears leaders face—and how to overcome them (FER: Fallout, Emotion, Amateur, Retaliation) ✅ Why culture is built one employee at a time—not through slogans ✅ How to coach people up or coach them out without destroying morale ✅ The importance of vulnerability and accountability in leadership ✅ Why contractors can’t afford to compromise on culture, even during busy season ✅ Leadership at home: balancing work, family, and legacy ✅ Why service is the ultimate differentiator in contracting—and how to deliver it at a 10/10 level If you’ve ever struggled with holding people accountable, building culture, or leading through tough conversations, this episode will give you the framework and confidence to step up as the leader your team deserves. 👇 Join a network that helps you lead with confidence and clarity: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors learn how to scale smarter, lead stronger, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Ali Williams of Elite Paving and founder of Vintage Blacktop Co. to talk about her unexpected journey into the trades, stepping into leadership in a male-dominated industry, and her mission to bring pride, visibility, and representation to the paving world. From leaving behind a career as a nanny to building a company with purpose, Ali’s story is proof that courage and vision can change everything. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How Ali made the leap from nannying to construction—and never looked back ✅ The birth of Vintage Blacktop Co. and its mission to shift perceptions of the trades ✅ What it’s like working with family—and why her role complements Elite’s growth ✅ The leadership lessons she’s learning: empathy, consistency, and leading by example ✅ How to create culture intentionally, even while leading remotely ✅ Why showing up vulnerable, empathetic, and steady builds trust in teams ✅ The challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the paving industry ✅ How mentorship and the TCS community gave her the confidence to lead boldly ✅ Ali’s advice for entrepreneurs: take the first step—you don’t need it all figured out If you’ve ever doubted your place in this industry—or wondered if you’re “ready” to build something meaningful—this episode will challenge and inspire you to step up and lead with purpose. 👇 Join a network that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors learn to lead stronger, scale faster, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with John Rugg, owner of Laurel Asphalt, to unpack 30 years of wisdom in business, leadership, and legacy. From starting with nothing but two barrels of sealer and a 2x4, to running one of Johnstown’s most respected paving companies, John’s story is one of persistence, family, and focus. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ How John and his wife grew Laurel Asphalt from scratch into a 30-year success story ✅ The challenge of giving up control—and how his son Tyler is leading the next generation ✅ Why persistence and consistency matter more than talent or shortcuts ✅ The shift from operator to CEO: learning to coach, not control ✅ Building a strong reputation in a small town through integrity and honesty ✅ The biggest lessons from working with family (and how to stay aligned) ✅ Why communication is the most underrated skill in construction ✅ How Laurel Asphalt keeps crews motivated during the busy season ✅ The role of personal development in leadership—even after decades in business ✅ How TCS helped John embrace being uncomfortable as a path to growth If you’re building a family business, leading a team, or preparing to hand off responsibility to the next generation, this episode is full of timeless wisdom and practical lessons you can apply right now. 👇 Get plugged into a network that helps you grow—personally and professionally: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ \📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/

Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors learn how to scale smarter, lead stronger, and build businesses that last. In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with Josh Trolinger, National Account Manager at Leeboy, to talk about what sets great contractors apart when it comes to equipment decisions, leadership, and long-term strategy. From his years in heavy road construction to helping contractors grow with the right machines, Josh brings a perspective rooted in both hands-on experience and industry innovation. 🔥 Inside this episode: ✅ Josh’s journey from road building to leading national accounts at Leeboy ✅ What makes Leeboy unique—and why contractors trust the brand for 60+ years ✅ The biggest mistakes contractors make when buying equipment (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why thinking bigger with equipment can accelerate growth and profitability ✅ How Leeboy trains its people to support contractors in the field, day or night ✅ The role of trust, service, and relationships in contractor-manufacturer partnerships ✅ How TCS has bridged the gap between equipment makers and end users ✅ What’s next in paving equipment: automation, telematics & smarter machines ✅ Why the most successful contractors focus on working on the business instead of just in it ✅ Josh’s advice for smaller contractors ready to take the next leap If you’re serious about scaling your business the right way—by making smarter investments, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying ahead of the industry curve—this episode is packed with wisdom you can use right now. 👇 Get plugged into the network that helps you level up in business and life: 🚀 Join the 1TEAM Network → https://www.1teamnetwork.com/ 📈 Join Top Contractor School → https://topcontractorschool.com/