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Contractor Evolution

Contractor Evolution

By: Breakthrough Academy
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Breakthrough Academy presents Contractor Evolution.

In this show we unpack the systems, tactics, and skills you need to take your fast-growing contracting business to the next level.

If you’re here to learn what it takes to scale up, work less, and increase profitability, you’ve come to the right place.

Stay tuned to learn what separates the new breed of contractor from the old school, and welcome to your ultimate guide to the business of contracting.

Copyright 2025
Art Economics Leadership Literary History & Criticism Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 224. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego - Keith Mercurio
    Jul 2 2025

    On July 8, join me for a special Web Class where I’ll show you how to eliminate ALL staff excuses using ONE structured 30-minute meeting. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-GSR-JL25


    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP224


    As entrepreneurs, we’re constantly learning how to lead others. How to manage people, set direction for our business, and implement systems with our team.


    But how often do we take the time to learn how to lead ourselves?


    Today, we're talking to special guest Keith Mercurio.


    Keith is a plumber turned speaker and executive coach. He is the CEO and Founder of Ethical Influence Global and does significant coaching work with our friends at Service Titan.


    As a leader of leaders, Keith knows that our ability to serve others is rooted in our ability to understand ourselves. Our egos, our vulnerabilities, and our needs.


    In this episode, we unpack strategies for self-leadership—self awareness, spirituality, and showing up without ego in our daily lives.


    We really loved our conversation and learned a lot myself, and we hope you do too.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Understand the importance of self-leadership to being an effective person in business and in life.
    • Learn how to show up without ego by bringing awareness to what your mind, body and spirit need in everyday life.
    • Listen in as Danny and Keith reflect on how childhood experiences continue to impact how they respond to situations as adults.


    00:00 - Intro

    02:24 - About Keith

    10:09 - What it's like working with the ServiceTitan exec team

    14:20 - The importance of staying open

    34:00 - How our past experience influences our present behaviour

    56:19 - About Ethical Influence

    01:22:47 - What does it mean to "learn how to breathe?"



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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 223. How to Pick the Right Software For Your Contracting Business - James Benham
    Jun 25 2025

    On July 8, join me for a special Web Class where I’ll show you how to eliminate ALL staff excuses using ONE structured 30-minute meeting. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-GSR-JL25


    Grab a copy of our free tech stack audit tool here: https://trybta.com/DL223


    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP223


    Ever had to shop for a software solution?


    It sucks.


    There’s so much out there and they all say they’re the best.


    That’s why today we're talking to James Benham.


    James is the CEO and co-founder of JBK, which offers technology solutions for Insurance & Construction companies. He’s also the author of Be Your Own VC and founder of the ConTechCrew podcast.


    Today’s conversation is all about how to solve problems by using the RIGHT technology.


    Including how to pick the problem to solve, how to research solutions using AI, and tips to get your team to actually adopt the solution you select.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Get a walkthrough of construction technology expert and author James Benham’s process for identifying, choosing and implementing the right software solutions for your business (e.g. CRMs, automation and AI tools etc.)
    • Learn the most common mistakes contractors make when purchasing new software.
    • Hear James’ tips on keeping your company innovative as technology continues to change at an unprecedented pace.


    00:00-Intro

    01:21-About James

    07:12-How has the construction technology space evolved in the last 10 years?

    11:32-How to prioritize and select the right tech solutions

    29:00-Is it realistic to get all systems working well together as one streamlined process?

    37:00-Bootstrapping: Make innovation a habit and a process

    39:40-What’s the biggest tech mistake you could make in the next 5 years?

    41:58-Connect with James

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    44 mins
  • 222. Is ADHD a Superpower? - Peter Shankman
    Jun 18 2025

    On July 8, join me for a special Web Class where I’ll show you how to eliminate ALL staff excuses using ONE structured 30-minute meeting. Register here: https://trybta.com/CE-GSR-JL25


    To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP222


    In ten years of working with contractors, we've noticed that a LOT of entrepreneurs have ADHD or other forms of neurodiversity. It’s both our biggest strength, and our biggest weakness.


    And the data backs this up.


    Studies show as much as 10% of adults have an ADHD diagnosis, and there’s some data suggesting that people with ADHD are statistically more likely to pursue entrepreneurship.


    Chances are, you have or know someone who has ADHD. In your family, in your network or on your team.


    That’s why we wanted to talk to Peter Shankman, entrepreneur, author, and advocate for neurodiversity. He’s best known for his book Faster Than Normal, where he reframes ADHD as a superpower.


    Today, that’s exactly what we’re talking about. What ADHD actually is, how to manage it, and how to work with people who move a little faster than normal.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Understand what ADHD actually is, and what it is not when it comes to its symptoms and impacts on a person’s ability to function.
    • Learn why Peter Shankman, author of Faster Than Normal believes ADHD is a superpower for business owners and entrepreneurs.
    • Get tips on how to set yourself up for success as a business owner if you have ADHD, and how to set others on your team up for success if they have ADHD.


    00:00 - Intro

    01:26 - About Peter

    07:56 - Why ADHD is a superpower

    11:04 - ADHD and dopamine

    14:47 - Positioning yourself to succeed in business with ADHD

    18:05 - Recognizing tasks you are great at, and the ones you need help with

    20:21 - How to avoid burnout

    24:32 - Tackling imposter syndrome

    28:17 - Use of medication

    31:04 - How do you work with a team member who has ADHD?

    33:38 - What are a few best practices a listener with ADHD should adopt?

    36:29 - One thing to understand about people with ADHD

    38:38 - Where can people connect with you?

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    40 mins
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I enjoyed listening to these first episodes and learned a number of solid points to implement in my business.

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