The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber TCF1095: The Math That Funds Your Future
Jan 29, 2026
They strip away the fear of business math and show how to find real overhead and set bulletproof pricing. Simple formulas for daily cost-to-run and true job costing come up. Practical systems appear: receipt folders, laminated upsell menus, and an envelope cashflow method. The conversation covers market timing, cash vs accrual thinking, and making a business attractive to buyers.
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Charge To Cover Real Overhead
- Calculate your true overhead by listing recurring costs like phones, fuel, utilities, and salaries over 12 months.
- Use that number to set daily pricing so every job covers overhead plus cost of goods and desired profit.
Daily Cost Revelations Changed The Business
- Tim describes being challenged to calculate his daily business cost and realizing past jobs left him losing money.
- After doubling his day rate to cover overhead and profit he grew bank balances from $3,000 to six figures over several years.
Use A Laminated Upsell Menu
- Give your field team a laminated upsell menu with fixed prices so they can confidently offer add-ons on site.
- Standardize pricing by unit (sqft, linear ft) and enforce the menu so sales don't get undercut in the field.