The Modern Contractor Podcast

What Happens When a Corporate Exec Buys a Construction Business?

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:38:23 GMT

What happens when a corporate executive with zero construction experience buys a trades business? That's exactly what Paul Van Bergen did, and in this episode, he breaks down everything he's learned in the first few months of owning BW Construction, a premium window installation company in Chicago. From earning the trust of a 29-year veteran foreman, to why he believes customer experience beats lead generation every time, Paul brings a refreshing outsider's perspective to an industry that's often stuck in its ways. If you're a contractor, a business owner, or thinking about buying a business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

The #1 Reason Contractors Struggle To Hit $3M (According to Pella's Top Experts)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:51:58 GMT

Most contractors never scale past $3M. Not because of bad leads. Not because of the economy. Not because labor is expensive. It's because of something much closer to home. Pella's Brandon, Mitchell, and Morgan have a combined 42+ years working alongside builders, remodelers, and contractors across the US. In this episode of the Modern Contractor Podcast, they reveal exactly what they've seen hold good contractors back — and what great ones do differently.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet the Pella Team

02:15 – What separates a good contractor from a great one?

04:28 – What struggling contractors blame (that isn't the real issue)

06:29 – Why customer experience beats leads every time

07:06 – The $3M revenue plateau (and why Brian sat there for a decade)

08:53 – How to create a "marquee" customer experience

11:07 – What top contractors are doing with AI right now

12:12 – The leadership bottleneck no one talks about

13:57 – Why hiring is an investment, not an expense Whether you're a solo operator or running a multi-million dollar remodeling business, this conversation is packed with actionable insight from people who've seen thousands of contractor businesses from the inside.

He Fired Half His Team to Save the Company… Here’s Why

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:45:02 GMT

In the latest episode of The Modern Contractor Podcast, we sit down with Josh Dembicki, founder of Bellwether Windows, Siding & Doors, to break down one of the most real and eye-opening business journeys we’ve had on the show. From rapid growth to internal conflict… from $12M in revenue with no profit to rebuilding the company from the ground up — Josh shares what it actually takes to build a healthy, scalable contracting business. If you’re a contractor trying to grow, struggling with margins, or feeling stuck in the day-to-day grind… this episode is for you.

Scaling a $6M Remodeling Business: Hiring & Retention Tips

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:47:12 GMT

Building a multi-generational contracting business takes more than just technical skill—it takes a radical approach to people, pricing, and process. In this episode of the Modern Contractor podcast, Brian LaPelusa shares how his family-owned company has thrived in the Chicago market for over 62 years. You will learn the specific strategies they use to retain elite talent and why a race to the bottom on price is a game you do not want to win. We dive deep into the importance of employee culture, exploring a benefits package that rivals major corporations and includes everything from 401k matches to monthly stipends. Brian explains why he avoids traditional job boards in favor of trade referrals and how to use organic social media groups to land high-quality leads. We also discuss the future of the industry, the impact of high interest rates on the renovation boom, and the history behind the Pella Platinum Program. Whether you are a solo contractor or managing a large crew, these insights on value propositions and systematic sales will help you strengthen your business foundation.

Why I STOPPED Emailing Quotes

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:47:41 GMT

Tired of customers ghosting after you email a quote? Find out why this common practice might be costing you valuable relationships and sales! In this episode of The Modern Contractor podcast, we dive into why personal interactions and a tailored customer experience make all the difference.

Learn how seasoned contractors like Andy Saitz of ArchCity Windows have transformed their businesses by focusing on education, trust, and a non-aggressive sales approach. Discover practical tips on how to market a construction business, the role of technology and AI in contractor marketing, and why slowing down your sales process could skyrocket your close rates.

If you're ready to ditch outdated tactics and create an unforgettable customer journey, this episode is for you. Join us for real-world insights and strategies that can elevate your contractor business marketing game, improve customer satisfaction, and drive long-term success. Don’t miss it—your business deserves it! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips and strategies from The Modern Contractor.

Why Most Contractors Fail to Scale

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:47:40 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Nyberg, owner of PCS Residential, to pull back the curtain on what it takes to dominate the high-end window and roofing market. Chad shares the exact moment he realized that storm chasing wasn't a sustainable business model and how he transitioned into $100,000 average transactions. What you’ll learn:

The $400,000 window measurement mistake that changed everything.
Why 'Extreme Ownership' is the secret to 100% growth.
The 'People Puzzle': How to stop hiring 'C-players' out of desperation.
Why Chad is betting AGAINST Private Equity rollups in the trades.

If you’re a contractor looking to elevate your standards and stop nickel-and-diming your way through business, this is a must-watch.

Episode 6 with Elizabeth Howell

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:47:37 GMT

Elizabeth Howell runs the Pella Certified Contractor Program nationally, giving her a front‑row seat to what separates the struggling, price‑driven contractor from the premium, in‑demand market leader. In this interview, she pulls back the curtain on what she’s learned working with top performers all over the country. In this video, you’ll learn:

The traits every top contractor shares (and the red flags that keep others stuck)
How Pella’s best contractors escape the race to the bottom and stop competing on price
The mindset shift that takes you from “busy and exhausted” to profitable and scalable
Real‑world examples of contractors who niched down, leveled up their brand, and exploded growth
How AI, new products, and changing homeowner expectations are creating massive opportunity for those who move first

Whether you’re a:

Owner‑operator trying to grow past yourself
Established contractor stuck at a plateau
Marketer or sales leader in the home improvement space

…this conversation will give you battle‑tested insights from someone who sees what works (and what quietly kills companies) every single day.

The Modern Contractor Podcast: Episode 5 Oconee Elite

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:21:57 GMT

In this episode of The Modern Contractor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Miller of Oconee Elite to talk about how he got started in the industry, the challenges of scaling a growing business, and what it takes to build strong partnerships— including working with Pella. Luke shares real-world insights on growth, mindset, and doing things the right way as a modern contractor. Visit their website here: https://oconeeelite.com/

The Modern Contractor Podcast: Episode 4 - Nicks Painting Plus

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:13:51 GMT

Learn how to tackle common challenges like work-life balance, effective systems, and customer-centric strategies that make all the difference. Featuring a real coaching session with Nick and Myra from Nick’s Painting Plus, you’ll see firsthand how actionable advice can transform your contractor business. From leveraging CRM tools to organizing your operations, find out why focusing on customer experience and creating efficient workflows is key to growth. Whether you're looking for tips on construction marketing, contractor business marketing, or how to market a construction business, this episode has practical strategies to help you take the next step. Watch now and start building the life you want!

The Modern Contractor Podcast: Episode 3

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:48:42 GMT

My business journey is your insider look at the key transformations that can make all the difference for contractors. In this video, you'll find out why shifting your mindset and refining your approach to business can lead to exponential growth. Learn how a contractor grew his business from $65K per month to millions, overcoming setbacks, managing challenges, and implementing game-changing strategies for success. Whether you're struggling with construction marketing, finding quality team members, or learning how to market a construction business effectively, this video offers actionable tips and real-world insights to help you create a business that works for you. Discover how focusing on customer experience, hiring the right people, and working on your business instead of in it can transform your life. Watch now to learn how to build a thriving contractor business with a sustainable, growth-driven model!

00:00 - Introduction

00:46 - Background Before Burish Home Solutions

02:54 - Original Vision for the Business 03:44 - Business Performance at $65k Monthly

04:28 - Recognizing Need for Significant Change

06:25 - Growth Journey and Setbacks Encountered

07:31 - Differentiating from Competitors

09:06 - Owner's Evolving Role in Business Growth

09:51 - Finding and Retaining Quality Team Members

11:00 - Essential Mindset Shift for Growth

11:37 - Final Thoughts Before Conclusion

The Modern Contractor Podcast: Episode 2

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:12:22 GMT

Discover the secrets to contractor success in episode 2 of The Modern Contractor Podcast: Differentiate and Dominate! Learn how to stand out in a crowded construction industry, improve your contractor business marketing, and focus on customer experience to grow your business. Host Brian shares actionable strategies straight from his book, "Differentiate and Dominate," including unique ways to market a construction business, build better client relationships, and avoid common contractor mistakes. Find out why doing things differently can make all the difference, and hear real-world examples like handwritten thank-you notes, personalized follow-ups, and creating a standout company culture. Whether you're struggling to compete in a saturated market or looking for practical tips to scale your home services business, this episode is packed with game-changing advice. Don't miss the chance to learn how to take your business from surviving to thriving. Watch now and start creating the business – and life – you’ve always wanted!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome to the Modern Contractor Podcast

00:57 - Inspiration Behind Differentiate and Dominate

03:17 - Crowdedness in the Contracting Industry

04:19 - Meaning of Differentiate for Contractors

06:18 - Common Mistakes Contractors Make in Growth

07:41 - Understanding Dominate for Contractors

08:32 - Future Plans After the Book

The Modern Contractor Podcast: Episode 1

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:07:38 GMT

Discover how to differentiate and dominate in contracting with insights tailored for today’s modern contractor. If you’re a contractor struggling with challenges like standing out in a crowded market, improving systems, or scaling your business, this video is for you. Learn how to market a construction business effectively, overcome common obstacles, and gain actionable tips to create the life and business you truly want. In this first episode of The Modern Contractor podcast, we explore strategies for construction marketing, contractor business marketing, and building a sustainable, successful service business. Hear from a seasoned industry expert who’s been running a fast-growing home improvement company for over 20 years, sharing real-world solutions and experiences you can implement right away. Whether you’re managing financial hurdles, hiring challenges, or simply need a fresh perspective, this episode will make all the difference. Find out why understanding differentiation is key to dominating your market—and how this approach can transform your contracting business. Tune in now and take the first step toward growth and success!