The Contractor Commute

In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn’t), how to use it effectively in your day-to-day work, and why it’s less of a “magic button” and more like a power tool—helpful, fast, but dangerous in the wrong hands. If you’ve ever been confused or frustrated with AI responses, this one’s for you.

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
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Your phone isn't evil—but it is engineered to steal your time, clarity, and focus. Everyday tech habits seem harmless but quietly rob you of rest, purpose, and human connection—especially as a business owner with no external guardrails.

 This episode unpacks how subtle digital distractions create compounded losses over time and how small, deliberate changes can help you reclaim your time, rebuild mental clarity, and re-anchor y...

 A dream without a plan is just a fantasy—but in this episode, we’ll help you turn that dream into a practical path forward. From assessing where you stand today to evaluating your support system and building a routine that fuels progress, we’ll walk through simple steps to help you move from vision to reality. 

Vision Statement Examples:

• We are a precision-focused carpentry company serving general contractors and homeo...

Why did you start your business? What keeps you pushing forward—passion, purpose, or maybe just survival?

In this episode, Ben and Kinsey dive into the real reasons entrepreneurs stay motivated, breaking down the good, the bad, and everything in between. Whether you're fueled by a mission or just trying to make ends meet, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what drives your business.

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How much communication is too much? Should you respond to customers immediately, or set clear office hours?

In this episode, we dive into the balance between being responsive and setting boundaries. We’ll explore what quality communication looks like, how to manage customer expectations, and strategies to stay available without burning out. Tune in for practical tips on building trust with clients while maintaining your sanity!

Stay ...

What happens when you promise more than you can deliver? Or make promises without realizing it?

In this episode of The Contractor Commute, we’re breaking down how overpromising can hurt your reputation, strain your team, and even cost you money. We’ll talk about setting realistic expectations with clients, communicating effectively, and building a business that delivers on its promises—every time. Tune in to learn how honesty and cl...

Ben and Kinsey are trying something new in this episode!

We're answering construction and business questions from Reddit. Why work in construction if Walmart pays better? Does it pay better? What projects make more money? 

We'll be breaking down these questions and more!

If you are looking for more, here is our conversation with Brent Hull over the state of construction and what it means to sell quality. 

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What truly sets the best builders apart? It’s not just skill, experience, or pricing—it’s humility. 

The greatest contractors know they don’t have all the answers, and that willingness to learn, adapt, and listen is what pushes them ahead of the rest. 

In this episode, we dive into why humility is the secret weapon of top builders, how it impacts your business, and practical ways to cultivate it. If you want to build stronger relatio...

Allyson Anderson shares her journey in construction, the challenges she's faced, and how she's making an impact in the industry. Tune in for insights, advice, and inspiration for contractors looking to grow and succeed! 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius
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Many contractors make the mistake of racing to the bottom on price—but if you’re not covering your costs and making a profit, you’re not running a business—you’re just keeping busy.

So, if you want to win more bids without leaving money on the table, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construct...

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business—so how do you ensure you get paid on time? 

In this episode, we break down the key steps to prompt payment, from setting clear expectations in the presale process to invoicing with consistency and urgency. Plus, we dive into handling late payments, effective communication strategies, and why you should never be a bank for your customers. Tune in for practical tips to keep the mon...

Pricing your work can make or break your business. In this episode, we dive into the real cost of setting your rates too high—or too low. How do you price your services as a growing contractor? What’s the balance between being competitive and making good money? 

If you’re in it for the long haul, building a business with integrity and lasting reputation, this one's for you. And if you know a new contractor who needs to hear thi...

The owner’s character defines the ceiling for a company’s growth, culture, and success.

Trust, reputation, and respect start at the top, setting the tone for everything that follows. If you’ve ever worked for someone else, you’ve seen firsthand how leadership shapes the entire organization.

So, how can you make your character shine?

This episode breaks down how!

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Wyatt has been in the construction industry for years, but it wasn't until he was laid off that he started his own company to keep moving forward. 

A year later, we got the chance to sit down with Wyatt to talk about his leadership, the highs, the lows, and how he kept moving forward despite it all.

See some of Wyatt's work at Blacktail Builders LLC: Fine Woodworking & Custom Builds in Douglas & ...

We’re busting the myth that “more jobs mean more money.” Accidental success may feel good, but it can’t support long-term growth. Scaling may lead to more business and revenue, but it could bring even bigger headaches. Discover why mastering a proven, replicable formula is the key to sustainable success, using data-driven systems, streamlined processes, and reliable checklists to deliver consistent results.

We’ll also expl...

We're taking a look back at one of our first episodes and giving it some new life!

If you are looking to start your own construction business and strike out on your own, this episode is for you.

We'll cover when to consider making the leap, what you need to get started, costs of business, and what your role might look like.

Looking to get started? Here is a quick guide on how to start marketing ...

Travis’s journey from photography to co-founding Catalyst Construction is a testament to hard work and passion for craftsmanship. As a master electrician and HVAC professional, he shares insights on balancing technical excellence with client needs, mentoring teams, and advancing building science. 

Learn how his nonprofit, Building Science Symposium, has raised nearly $160,000 for skilled trades education and why he believe...

Want to seem like a genius? Start by asking great questions. 

In this episode, we explore how the smartest people embrace what they don’t know, use curiosity as their superpower, and break communication barriers to truly understand their customers. 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Softwa...

In this episode, we explore managing stress and how to handle being overwhelmed by assessing emotions and separating feelings from facts. 

Learn to identify root causes, reset your perspective, and prioritize action steps to regain control and stay grounded—even in challenging times. 

Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew:
Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction S...