The Contractor Commute
Welcome to the Contractor Commute, a podcast by ConGenius that you can enjoy during your drive to the job. Join us as we discuss the construction industry, small business owning, and how to be a better leader in the industry, no matter what your position is.
Episodes
95 episodes
Ep 95. - See You Soon!
We’re hitting pause for a little while, but we’re not going anywhere.Here’s why:The holidays are upon us.Kinsey and family are welcoming a new baby in just a couple of weeks.We’re doubling down on our work a...
•
Episode 95
•
8:06
Ep 94. - How to Handle Chaos?
Running a small construction company can feel like living in constant firefighting mode—customers calling, equipment breaking down, permits piling up, and financial pressures mounting. It’s no wonder things can feel overwhelming.In this ...
•
Episode 94
•
43:39
Ep. 93 - Never Break Down a Bid
How much detail should you give a customer in a bid? In this episode, we tackle one of the most debated topics in construction: whether to break down your numbers or keep the focus on scope and expectations.We explore the risks of itemiz...
•
Episode 93
•
44:46
Ep. 92 - Interview with Travis Brungardt
Ben Walsh, Kinsey Batten, and Travis Brungardt explore the realities of business partnerships, trade work, and leadership in construction. Travis shares candid insights on legal considerations, accountability, and how respect and communication ...
•
Episode 92
•
1:00:45
Ep. 91 - Making Mistakes and How to Move On
Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Mistakes aren’t just unavoidable—they’re essential. In this episode, we dig into why errors happen, how to handle them without blame or denial, and h...
•
48:00
Ep. 90 - Balancing Perfection and Profit
Perfection feels noble—until it nukes your margins. In this episode, we unpack the real tension contractors face between delivering “flawless” work and building a healthy business. From online reviews and tool choices to HVAC upgrades, diamonds...
•
Episode 90
•
37:08
Ep. 89 - Details Really Matter
Details aren’t optional—they’re life or death. In this episode, we unpack how noticing (and acting on) the small stuff drives safety, efficiency, and client trust. From bracing failures and near-misses to checklists, job walks, and training you...
•
Episode 89
•
33:21
Ep. 88 - Finding Focus in a Noisy World
Most of us say we’re “busy,” but often we’re just overwhelmed and mentally crowded. In this episode, we unpack the constant noise—external and internal—that hijacks our focus and drains our energy. Learn how to shift from reactive living to int...
•
Episode 88
•
39:54
Ep. 87 - Whose Job Is It? The Profit Cost of Shared Ownership
What’s the real difference between a profitable project and a failing one? In this episode, we unpack how efficiency, clear deliverables, and ownership shape the outcome of a construction job. From rework that kills margins to the d...
•
Episode 87
•
33:33
Ep. 86 - You Can't Afford Not to Do These Things
If you’re not creating space to organize your thoughts, systems, and projects—you’re setting yourself up for burnout. In this episode, we dig into why operational efficiency matters, how to get your team on board, and practical ways to put it i...
•
Episode 86
•
27:03
Ep. 85 - Construction Business Fundamentals
In this episode, we break down what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From creating real value for your customers to delivering it consistently, we cover the foundations of sustainable growth. We also explore the role of strategy,...
•
Episode 85
•
32:38
Ep. 84 Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle
In this episode, we tackle one of the most common struggles contractors face: the feast and famine cycle. One month you're slammed with work, the next you're scrambling to find your next project. We break down why this happens, what...
•
Episode 84
•
48:19
Ep. 83 - Why You’re Burnt Out | You’re In the Wrong Role
Are you a contractor feeling burnt out, stuck, or frustrated despite your hard work? This podcast explores why many contractors hit a wall as they grow, revealing the common pitfalls of trying to do it all. Learn how to identify yo...
•
Episode 83
•
49:02
Ep. 82 - Should I Hire Employees or Use Subcontractors?
You’ve got work to get done—so should you hire an employee or bring in a subcontractor? In this episode of The Contractor Commute, we break down the real-world factors that help you make the right call. Whether you’re facin...
•
Episode 82
•
48:50
Ep. 81 - AI as a Supertool for Your Construction Business
In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn’t), how to use it effectively in your day-to-day work, and why it’s less of a “magic button” and more like a power tool—helpful, fast, but dangerous in the wrong hands. If you’ve ever been c...
•
Episode 81
•
44:04
Ep. 80- Tech Addiction is Stealing Your Potential
Your phone isn't evil—but it is engineered to steal your time, clarity, and focus. Everyday tech habits seem harmless but quietly rob you of rest, purpose, and human connection—especially as a business owner with no external guardrails.&...
•
Episode 80
•
41:33
Ep. 79 - Dreamer to Builder: Turning Vision into Results
A dream without a plan is just a fantasy—but in this episode, we’ll help you turn that dream into a practical path forward. From assessing where you stand today to evaluating your support system and building a routine that fuels progress,...
•
Episode 79
•
40:34
Ep. 78 - Vision or Pipe Dream? Do you have the right motivations for your business?
Why did you start your business? What keeps you pushing forward—passion, purpose, or maybe just survival?In this episode, Ben and Kinsey dive into the real reasons entrepreneurs stay motivated, breaking down the good, the bad, and everyt...
•
Episode 78
•
40:40
Ep. 77 - Fundamentals of Communication - The Right Level of Responsiveness
How much communication is too much? Should you respond to customers immediately, or set clear office hours?In this episode, we dive into the balance between being responsive and setting boundaries. We’ll explore what quality communicatio...
•
Episode 77
•
37:31
Ep. 76 - Overpromising May Be Killing Your Business
What happens when you promise more than you can deliver? Or make promises without realizing it?In this episode of The Contractor Commute, we’re breaking down how overpromising can hurt your reputation, strain your team, and even cost you...
•
Episode 76
•
24:38
Ep. 75 - We Answer Questions from Reddit
Ben and Kinsey are trying something new in this episode!We're answering construction and business questions from Reddit. Why work in construction if Walmart pays better? Does it pay better? What projects make more money? We'...
•
Episode 75
•
28:31
Ep. 74 - The #1 Trait That Separates Great Builders from the Rest
What truly sets the best builders apart? It’s not just skill, experience, or pricing—it’s humility. The greatest contractors know they don’t have all the answers, and that willingness to learn, adapt, and listen is what pushes them ...
•
Episode 74
•
33:54
Ep. 73 - Contracts, Communication, and Client Relationships with Ally Anderson
Allyson Anderson shares her journey in construction, the challenges she's faced, and how she's making an impact in the industry. Tune in for insights, advice, and inspiration for contractors looking to grow and succeed!
•
Episode 73
•
52:33
Ep. 72 - The #1 Mistake in Pricing (And How to Fix It)
Many contractors make the mistake of racing to the bottom on price—but if you’re not covering your costs and making a profit, you’re not running a business—you’re just keeping busy.So, if you want to win more bids without leaving money ...
•
Episode 72
•
34:53