Top 10 Tips to Running a Successful Construction Business

[@thebaldchef14]

I own a construction company in Virginia for 45 years this is this guy one you should take note on.Great vidio

[@RRBuildings]

Thanks bald chef!!

[@najeemullahkhan2199]

Hi.can I ask a question from you?

[@Dougie_trades]

The bald chief where at in VA?

[@salscapital]

Wow, 45 years! You also must have great experiences to share in your line of business. Btw, if you ever need additional capital for your business don't hesitate to let me know. I operate a business financing firm that has a variety of funding options everything from Startup funding, working capital, lines of credit or even equipment finance. We can do consumer financing up to $50,000 as well.

[@rickquintero8577]

I agree wholeheartedly. I visit Williamsburg every year, love the area! Sold my Security and Fire alarm company 5 years ago, but started again because of the heavy demand. Never had a coach, but now I‘m definitely looking for a coach at 62.

[@Rspri10104]

Answering the phone is very important.

[@pdeon1930]

Hello

[@bigeasyarts8415]

Yea man. Communication is definitely key.

[@winstongoodman155]

&

[@KhurramQureshiVideos]

I want to hug you for saying truth. Answer the phone, simple. Thank for saying this. 😊

[@bishavNR]

Hi All, I'm planning to develop a customer relationship management (CRM) app targeted towards busy on the go professionals. This app would be designed to help people who are always on the go and have to manage their customer relationships effectively. I'd love to get some feedback on: Main pain points: What are the biggest challenges that busy professionals face when it comes to customer relationship management? Use cases: What are the most common situations where a CRM app would be helpful for this target audience? This feedback will be crucial in shaping the development of the app. Thanks, Bishav N R

[@ЖаннаКирпикова]

From the start, Ryan was very helpful and is continuing to be helpful about his kzbin.infoUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 Plans . Also, they have answered all the questions I have asked & I got outstanding support from his My Shed Plans full package.

[@abelk918]

I'm looking to take over my dad's business and grow it to the next level. I appreciate your words here.

[@yaboirodriguez7172]

Same here

[@Wisdomdigger101]

Same

[@salmalaurent5052]

Same check out our Instagram I just made. Laurentcarpentry

[@isaiahspinks8070]

Same

[@adrianlomeli9823]

Same

[@anaisabelmayor5769]

When I first started we messed up a bid and on top of that a worker broke a panel...to sum it up I ended up putting money out of pocket I told the costumer about it and it was entirely my fault so their invoice wouldn't change ...they gave us a tip and referred us to our biggest client ever we still keep business with both of those clients

[@wakeboared9000]

Same thing wIth me!

[@liebesterngelb]

I grew up in an orphanage and one of the most important thing I have learned is to share with your childhood friends and I do always count with them in every proyect I start. Keep them working and helping their family. Blessings from Honduras.

[@williamleonard2242]

Most times it amazes me greatly the way I move from an average lifestyle to earning over 63k per month, utter shock is the word. have understood a lot in the past few years to doubt that opportunities abound in the financial markets, The only thing is to know where to focus.

[@williamleonard2242]

@RONATO Johnson Anyways not actually, what I know about trading almost borders on zilch lol. I make huge profits on my investment since I started trading with Mrs Debbie Ramirez, her trading strategies are top notch coupled with the little commission she charges on her trade.

[@ebonicalbert5711]

@@williamleonard2242 Pardon please, are you giving her your money or your coin?

[@williamleonard2242]

@@ebonicalbert5711 My coin stays right in my trading account, my account just mirrors her trades in real-time that's the idea behind copy trading.

[@johnnycharles4163]

Technically crypto has already taken a high rate in the financial markets,

[@robertsonleo4155]

@@williamleonard2242 What a coincidence you invested with Mrs Debbie Ramirez also? My bi-weekly trading Return is $28,600.

[@erikjoven2388]

First?!! Spoken like a true man and a good person - this is sage advice for anyone doing anything. Love what your channel and business is all about.

[@brokenhill8590]

Great honest advice ... honesty go a long way. Great channel, love the content.

[@diogojuram4895]

Wow, English is not my native language, I've been in the United States for just over a year and I understood 100% of what he said...I'm proud of myself😊

[@rubenmar9596]

Great advise, been in the trades since I was a kid with my father, then went to work for various companies. About 10 years ago I went on my own and been going strong since 👍

[@blessingsngoma3394]

Big up

[@6988kid]

This doesn't just apply to the construction business but it applies to customer service in general. Well done Sir.

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

Farming too!

[@12ozbuds]

Damn young man, you made me what to come out of retirement and start a new business. Well done.

[@jedadiahsmith6003]

I completely agree with you!! On all parts. I am now overwhelmed with work. No social media. No website, all word of mouth. And actually having a tough time keeping up with it all. Careful what you wish for!!

[@lcmlcm2460]

I’ve been in the trades for 20 years now and now owning my own business for the past 7 years. I laughed when he said get quotes back in a timely fashion. I understand that one, getting home late working weekends. It’s tough sometimes. THANKS

[@whitelightning4952]

After being a contractor for 44 years I was curious to see what somebody else would say about being in business. I have to honestly say you nailed every aspect of what I’ve been doing and how I’ve stayed successful for so long. The definitely not the easiest business to be in but very rewarding if you do it the right way thank you.

[@SkepticalEye]

Thank you for your service Sir. You have built so many wonderful things for people I’m sure, and have made Earth a better place for everyone to live.

[@SkepticalEye]

I have been in the trade for 16years, and I learn so much everyday. It is a tough job to manage for sure. I would be grateful to learn how to best manage the crew and keep everyone on point so that I can get my years of experience on the wall 🔨

[@robertschram5391]

Under promise and over deliver. I agree a bid should never change unless customer adds or changes scope of work. Great advice and love your work.

[@karlsmith8872]

The best supervisor loves his employees. He teaches to competency then to excellence, and then lets his people make him look good so they can get the credit.

[@christopherbeddoe406]

Exactly, the best leaders lead by example. My best supervisor was a guy that would never ask you to do something he wouldn't do himself. He was the first guy on site and the last to leave. He worked harder than anyone else but made sure we were organized and had what we needed to get the job done at all times. Everything ran like a well oiled machine.

[@richardbowles7690]

The phone responsiveness and many other pointers help establish your brand. Volume extends your brand. Being responsive, fair, present and available in community is cornerstone of growing business. Great video, Kyle.

[@emersonfieldsweddingvenue5884]

Great advice! The one thing I always have kept in mind on a job is that my name is on the project. A few extra minutes can make all the difference.

[@hhanger1]

I started my own insurance business in 2003 and many of the same principles apply in my business as well... ie., showing up, return calls, add value, etc. All things being equal and all things not being equal, people will want to do business with someone they like, know and trust. Price is not the first consideration. The vast majority of my business is referrals at this point which certainly makes it easier to be successful. Great work and stay true to yourself.

[@victorramirez7343]

Yes agree with your comment 1000% couldn’t have said it better great work ethic , dedication can take anyone a long way plus it speaks volumes about how you conduct business and word of mouth travels , anyway best of wishes on your insurance company also happy New Years 🥳

[@daryldavirro4237]

Love it Kyle. Amazing how simple your rules are and how few follow them. 99% of my work is word of mouth. I live and breathe your rules. Always pays off. Thank you for what you do for your employees and our community of builders.

[@steveadkisson2921]

Amen to the phone call, I have awarded jobs based on that alone.

[@triarc3740]

By far, this is the foundation of success in this industry. I definitely can see your motivation, direction and drive, with great work ethics.

[@riverrat1149]

Be honest and straight up.Everybody makes mistakes, own it. Peace

[@TheDude2097]

20 y.o third year apprentice in Australia here. Some great tips I've never fully thought about, thanks man great vid! 👌

[@MsElijah16]

TheDude2097 what part of Aus?

[@TheDude2097]

Sydney!

[@gregfeldman6818]

What line of work are you apprenticing?

[@TheDude2097]

Carpentry, just finished my apprenticeship and starting up my sole trader

[@rawlsawh2804]

In my experience a simple walk through prior to bidding helps identify any small details that aren't listed in the scope that need to be accounted for. I know it's not always possible but whenever you can I'd highly recommend it. Great video tho Kyle. I appreciate your wisdom. Cheers.

[@franklyle2798]

AMEN...especially about the "don't change your quote" one. I am in architecture, and have been for 28 years. I've been a project manager for about 15 years...and the "we need a change order because we didn't price this, that or the other" is the one statement that will make me throw a contractor directly under the bus every single time. If I find the item in question on the drawings...then the contractor should eat it. Or at least the labor to install the item. Now...if the owner changes his mind, of course they have to be willing to pay for the change. Great job...love watching your videos...very informative.

[@victoralvarado8652]

I decide to start my own business two years ago making a carports iron fences and metal buildings, and this video help me a lot thanks for the info🙏🏼

[@Thurgoody1981]

I agree so much with this. Especially holding to your quote. With prices changing so rapidly in 2022 a lot of people were just charging what they wanted and I felt so much more obligated to hold to my bids even if it meant we made a little less. Looking back now I think we gained a lot of good referrals because of it. We’ve never been the cheapest but I believe we’ve earned our clients through trust and performance.

[@tedfry236]

Your tips are so resonant. I've been awarded jobs just on returning a phone call alone. I, with the exception of one job, have stuck to my estimates. I communicate, I try to use social media, but honestly, for personal reasons it's not something I really care to do. But I do try! I advertise with a certain large online home improvement project platform. I'm insured. I try my hardest to show credibility and honesty and belief. Let me explain that last one. In my previous career, people would frequently think that I didn't believe them when they came to me with a problem. I saw this as a stigma with regards to that industry. I would go the extra mile to ensure that I did believe them, and listened to them when they were explaining what had happened or needed done. When people come to me now, I try to bring that same level of attention to the conversation, to expand on their idea or concerns, and to make a connection with them. Above all, I try to be kind and attentive to my customers. All the while, I'm trying to make sure I have built in enough of a buffer on the estimate to ensure I can cover any unforeseen situations. Thanks Kyle for being concise and conveying these tips in a clear manner.

[@RRBuildings]

Thanks brother. Appreciate it

[@MsElijah16]

Yeah he's very articulate

[@victorramirez7343]

Hey Ted have you ever thought of expanding your construction company through funding ?

[@rainerl-h259]

my number one: There is no second chance for the first impression.

[@toninica]

When you make a mistake in front of the client, there is no way back.

[@LuisArmendariz-ry7sn]

Any first impression tips

[@heinrichwoelke8680]

Very well spoken, I've ran my own business for almost 10 year, and have learn advertising means nothing when your not loyal to customers, over the 10 years I've done very little advertising and stopped a long time ago but seem to stay very busy, i really enjoy your vidoes and tips, keep it up man,very well spoken in this video, I found my self a lot of motivation to move forward from watching your videos

[@jessewise2378]

Honesty is key!!! Do what you say you will do and charge only what you quote!!! Respect bro

[@Rubberneck83]

A lot of great advice here. Thanks brother

[@ManyFishGames]

I wish more contractors in my area had this approach to business. Keep up the good work Kyle - signed fellow hands on CS major.

[@harleyroberts8660]

I love what you had to say about your help, always said to myself if and when I ever start a business everything you just said is the way I would approach it, I can see why you are successful

[@RRBuildings]

🤜🏻💥🤛🏻

[@NickFortier]

My favorite Chip Foose quote, which apparently was his dad's, "it's what you learn after you know it all that counts"

[@keishaaa6317]

Thank you for posting this video. I'm a 3 yr reinforcing ironworker wanting to start a small rebar company. Your ideas and values match my own and I really appreciate laying out a clear premise of what to expect when starting up a company. I will definitely be coming back to your channel for future answers :D thank you!

[@andrewhood7332]

Thank you for this. I’m doing them all so I know I’m on the right path!!

[@vadimd734]

110% agreed! In practice all these tips are based and great!

[@offroaderdays]

I will have to agree with you 100% on the quote. I had a very long driveway built and almost at the end he said he messed up on the price and needed more money. I told him he is going to do the job for what he quoted and apparently he did cause even before he finished the job the driveway was falling apart. I really got burned there, but learned a valuable lesson.

[@mr.b9650]

These simple tips are huge! My issue has been taking on too much work, seems good on the calendar but never knowing the delays or issues involved is sometimes hard to determine.

[@amandakoolkatmartinez4418]

Great video. Nice and Simple for new small business starting and being successful at whatever they choose to do . 🙏

[@afghanj1381]

Recently had to readjust a quote that I had already given due to the surge in material prices over the past few months. I hated to have to do it but I did so before starting work and gave my client a chance to decide whether or not he wanted to move forward... he did and completely understood. Though I do agree with you 100% about honoring prices given

[@lloydbarten12]

You are awise business man with morals and a great work ethic. You are definatly right on not changing your bid. I have shortened myself on a bid and I use it as a learning tool so lol I have a lot of them tools in my bag. I'm still learning. All tho I have people give me more than my bid because they were very happy with the final outcome.

[@MsElijah16]

lloyd barten that's interesting, maybe if you are that good at doing the job people will give bonuses just so you make them the priority in the future

[@Ty1on3twelve]

In caps.... i LOVE THESE TIPS. YOU'RE AWESOME KYLE. I DON'T KNOW YOU BUT I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR YOU.

[@kirkdunn1379]

all good tips, answering and calling people back is a huge one!

[@michaeldigiulio6327]

Hey brother I’m very spiritual and the first thing that I notice is your eyes your energy your awesome man I would love to work under you -- I’m very smart medic for years just I love creativity - it’s so healthy for us to create -- one love brother honor

[@ericpacheco4823]

I loved all of these! Especially 4-5-6

[@dennisrisk6063]

Yes, return Phone calls. #1 I wasn't going to watch this video Kyle but glad I did. I have been retired 20 years now and if more people had your attitude and skill sets construction would be a great trade to be in and work would be plentiful. I am in need of another building addition, have been for some time. But I'm still angry with the quality of my last one I had done in the 90's. I really enjoy your videos, keep up the excellent work.

[@kmonk7853]

#11 Clean up! Seriously, I have repeat customers based on that alone.

[@freygirl4life]

Launching my husband to go on his own. His father is a very talented landscape architect and my husband knows the biz and there is a huge gap where we live as no one shows up and my husband does and he does his work well. This video was very helpful.

[@dillonkimberlin5626]

I don’t like the bid low to land the job, beyond that advice is gold! I appreciate the video, well put together, thank you.

[@TheCrownAndKeys]

Hello from South Florida 🌴 I'm starting out now, i needed this.

[@robr4596]

You run your business in the same way as the auto shop that I worked at. Honest, up front, and held ourselves at a high standard. I would hire you in a heartbeat.

[@otaku103]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm from Guayaquil. I'm an motorcycle mechanic and I like to watch your videos.

[@theshark2005]

i just paased my contracts exam, and im in the process of getting my licence, but i dont know what to do or how to start, and your video really helped a lot. my father is a general contractor and i learned everything from him, but i know that i can do better and grow bigger.

[@mcd5082]

I think every point you made is valid and should be followed in a variety of industries

[@dsconstructioninteriordesi2019]

Is this your garage? Man that’s a nice work area my brother. Great insight, got into construction year or so ago. Never knew I had the love for it, until I helped with some renovation work at a church. From that day forward, I’ve been working getting my business legalized, while working on small projects, watching KZbin videos (like yours), and getting better. I’m looking forward to this journey

[@jd000000001]

Spot on Kyle, your advice applies to every business!

[@jamesstanlake4064]

I have worked for myself as well as a employee and my creed I live by is I always work for myself no matter what. If I had all the money in the world I would not be working for anyone including myself. Now if I am a employee I may get a check from you with your name on it but I always am working for the customer. If I do not give a great job for the customer despite they may be your client if I am unable to make the customer pleased you will no longer have them as a client and without your client I will not have a job for very long. This has worked for me during my working career.

[@CMacUF]

This is life advice that applies to any business. Well done sir.

[@zitobin1]

Love your videos Kyle. Great to see someone who runs a successful business that they love while being humble and thoughtful in sharing such valuable information.

[@carlozposada3935]

Your the best!! I just started my small business of construction and I learned alot from this video👍

[@gokumiller1026]

I agree about the estimate when I do my estimates I tell customers a price but I also tell them if we open up these walls floor whatever it is and we find a surprise like structural damage or something like that then the price will be increased. But as long as there is no surprises no problem and my customer is always completely understand that because I work in a lot of very old houses and you run into surprises when you go to a job.

[@craigslaunwhite579]

Took me two tries to watch this. Costumer called so you know, I had to answer

[@nathanhauser1910]

Your content inspires the hell out of me, thank you.

[@MarshallMashonganyika]

Thank you brother ,you brighten my way with great tips in construction business . l really appreciate 🙏

[@jasonward759]

I appreciate your information my brother

[@lifeofaking996]

I agree and started our excavation business to take care of our employees and customers to the best of our ability and age with everything you say in this video. I love your attention to detail and and always striving to do better

[@victorramirez7343]

Where is your excavation company located at what city ?

[@lifeofaking996]

@@victorramirez7343 Salt Lake City

[@victorramirez7343]

@@lifeofaking996 nice and do you have a business Instagram you know some where I could check out your work ?

[@danj7290]

Good stuff! I like these short videos where you're sitting down and talking to us as if we were there asking you business questions

[@Ty1on3twelve]

I like these short videos too.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

I’m in a different field (auto repair shop owner) but businesses work the same. Answering the phone when ur busy is very important because even if ur busy now if you don’t answer the phone you might now have work next week you need to constantly getting work. Networking with other business owners is a HUGE help. Now as far as what to charge customers at first giving a little below average price is not a bad thing to do so you can get work coming in and over a year or so you slowly bring up ur prices. Now when ur established and have steady work and start getting to the point ur too busy you need to be charging what your really worth but it’s a fine line to walk. If you really do really good work you can’t compare ur prices to some other companies that do half asses work you need to be charging more than the crappy companies. For instance there is another repair shop right next to my shop his labor rate is $20 and hour cheaper, I mark up my parts more than he does, a brake job at his shop is 100 bucks cheaper but I have made a name for myself people trust me to do a good job if ur a customer that is looking for the best prices I am not the shop for u but if ur looking for quality work and quality parts then I’m the shop for you and I have told customers this. When your the cheapest guy in town you will attract the cheap customers and u don’t want that. Most of my customers just want a quality job fixed right the first time they trust that when they leave my shop they won’t have any problems. Some times I get customers trying to get me to do a 500 dollar job for 300 and I just have to tell them no here’s the price it is what it is.

[@natepolly6753]

Love this video it’s right on point. One little thing I don’t totally agree with is the pricing being different from original contract. Every contractor has been in a situation no one could have predicted. A “simple” door replacement can quickly turn into finding out the whole wall is rotten etc etc..

[@tedsheldon11]

MONEY!!!! Have been selling to contractors over 20 years and the guys that do this, are still in business and successful. Kyle. #11. Find a Mentor

[@duncanvlaar8017]

He asks for premium, he gets paid a PREMIUM... he makes enough to pay his company, Greg and his little brother and himself to sustain the life he has with his wife and kids... why need more money?? He even owns a house that he rents to Greg! That all amounts to me that he is a GOOD man, not blinded by the big "money"... take a lesson from that...

[@Solidbuilthomes]

.... "stay relevant".... stay busy... great advice

[@DTSupstateNY]

I’ve learned always add more $ to your bid and more time because no matter how much time you spend thinking over every detail of the project there will always be something that happens/changes do to problems etc etc and you can never account for everything. I add 10% and that usually does the trick

[@brianswelding]

Great video. Make every one of your customers feel like they are your ONLY customer. Develop long-term relationships.

[@sidneyb8056]

I’m 20 and plan on starting a small construction business this summer after I graduate from college and this video helped out a lot thanks man 👍

[@michaelbouchot4403]

I think it would be great if you could explain how you pay your employees and how you give incentives in order to get the most work done properly.

[@groundupcontracting7350]

This is a great video! Understanding how contracts work is a key one when trying to step up your game in construction (I would say this as it’s what I do but I genuinely believe it is important).

[@abdcontractingltd]

And another tip for anyone starting out, get a good accountant!

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

Listen to them with both ears and eyes fully engaged and mouth in park on level ground.

[@christopherbeddoe406]

First person I talked to when I started looking into building spec houses was my accountant. Great advice to minimize my tax liability which helped me optimize my business model. I would have wasted HUGE amounts of money on the tax man without his feedback/advice.

[@misvnderstood9068]

Good advice on not changing quotes. That’s something that would really bother me as a client

[@TheToolnut]

At times especially in old houses cost overruns are unavoidable. Say one opens up a wall or a floor during a renovation. God knows what one might find. None of us are blessed with x-ray vision. I find as long as I have kept the client up to date with progress reports that he/she are usually happy enough for me to proceed. With old houses I'm always at pains to point out that they can be a financial black hole.

[@20GLZ]

Thank you so much sir I kinda have to motion of it because common sense but this will help my brother and I as well as my family.

[@marcopolo6912]

Cheers for Best advice mate👏

[@prestonzagurski1715]

Dude your awesome been following you for a long time I just went out on my own and I came to this video for tips signed my first 300k contract with no employees but imma get it 💪

[@NicholasRachuna]

That is some great, common sense, advice. Its always good to hear the fundamentals like this. Well done.

[@southernsawdust3818]

Thanks for the great advice, Kyle! I’m a veteran DIYer wanting to make the jump to full time! Very informative and motivational!

[@ryanscott6600]

I'd like to disagree with the part about sticking with the exact number you quoted. With my contracts, I have an unforeseen clause and that doesn't just represent things that I can't see but that nothing is ever firm, especially now with within 24 hours. Being upfront and honest comes before everything, Communicating and letting them know the prices can change and maybe giving a history of how it's done it in the past. If you have a small job you can get it done pretty quick and no worriea but on bigger jobs, you might need material two weeks in, the prices could change drastically.

[@ladylaura8888]

Yes I agree with paying out of your own pocket for quoting mistakes but I deal with a lot of jobs where you can’t see subsurface issues so I say MAKE IT CLEAR to the client that it’s based on what you can see and if there’s a much more serious problem that there will be extra expenses or they have the option to withdraw from certain parts of the proposal in a certain amount of time. But always ask before you make a change and make it incredibly clear that there could be extra cost and ALWAYS put everything in writing!!! Edit: oh yea and answering the phone is so right. I’ve also won jobs because they were frustrated with everyone else and I just listened to them. They feel like I care and trust me because of that.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Kyle, I’ve been subscribed and following your channel since you built Jimmy Diresta’s shop. Always enjoy your work and thanks for the great tips!

[@leeshoncharles1137]

wonderful, all the way from grenada in the caribbean...

[@russellmay4227]

I agree with the keep with the quote. Good Tip.

[@henryfierst5360]

Well said I wish more contractors understood this

[@ulisesroldan2955]

Build your name. Guarantee a good and fast job. And your clients will take you even if your price is higher than the next guy.

[@jerrydumas2384]

Profound wisdom, for everyone to live by all the time. I appreciate your get out there and give it your best and don't be afraid to ask yourself, was that my best? Keep the great videos coming. I'll keep watching.

[@dsmacd46]

I'm a retired manufacturing business owner. This is wise advice, even something as simple as #s 1 & 2; just get back to people timely! I might disagree a little with the "experience is the best teacher" adage. Usually it's better if you can learn from someone else's experience. Your own experience can be a harsh teacher, because, as a wise man I once worked for used to say, "You get the test first and the lesson afterward!" Young guys starting out ... lots of wisdom here in under 9 minutes. Write 'em down and follow 'em!

[@OurRoundaboutLife]

We are impressed with each and every video you put out. You do such a fantastic job of being honest and humble and we appreciate you sharing the knowledge you have gained through your experiences. There's not many people int he world willing to mentor others anymore because they are afraid someone else will take their market share or business from them. We truly believe that by sharing your "flame" it brings more light into the world and makes it a better place. Just like lighting someone else's candle from yours. It doesn't diminish your light it only brings more light to the world. Can't wait to watch more of your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@tteariki330]

thnx bro for the contents, info and the many tools that can be applied, in building or expanding a successful business.

[@haiderconstructionservices2142]

Nice sharing Stay blessed and connected

[@smael1989]

This is very progressive views, man. And I'm strongly believe that there is nothing to argue about. I'm sure that these tips can be applied in almost any field ! Pure gold.