The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber TCF1113: High Profits, or Busy Work?
Apr 2, 2026
They tackle the habit of taking every spring lead and why fear-driven bookings keep contractors broke. They contrast desperate selling with selling calmly and valuing high-margin work. A pricey pond project illustrates charging for design and standing firm on price. They explain scheduling by revenue and reading client personalities to win better, more profitable jobs.
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From Panic Booking To Selling Unafraid
- Tim used to frantically book every spring lead because he feared not having enough work for his crew.
- He tracked historical demand, realized work always fills, and shifted from panic-booking to selling unafraid.
Design First Fixed A Messy Pond Project
- Tim described an 80-something client with a massive failed pond who agreed to pay $1,000 for a design before committing to construction.
- Sean produced a detailed materials list and a $79,700 design estimate that surprised the client.
Refuse To Slash Price Out Of Fear
- Don't drop your price or accept marginal jobs from panic; prefer buyers remorse before underpricing and protect your margins.
- Tim refused to slash the $79.7k design to chase immediate work because his schedule fills reliably.