The Contractor Commute

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 at ConGenius—refining what we do and why we do it. This isn’t goodbye. We truly love making this podcast and connecting with you every other week. We believe these conversations matter, and we can’t wait to bring you even more value when we return. We’ll be back in Q2 2026, refreshed and ready to continue helping small construction business owners thrive. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community. See you soon! Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius [https://www.congenius.com/] Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com) [https://www.facebook.com/contractorcommute] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contractorcommute [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWK4A43PzJNUmhvxTeiVwNw] Email hello@thecontractorcommute for questions and feedback

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, we explore the chaos that comes with juggling customer demands, family responsibilities, government regulations, and the emotional toll of feeling like you’re never caught up. You’ll learn practical strategies to: * Capture and organize your to-dos so nothing slips through the cracks. * Break down big problems into manageable projects and tasks. * Prioritize what really matters using the Eisenhower Matrix. * Focus on one task at a time to regain momentum. * Diagnose your key stress points and develop a plan to address them. We’ll also talk about separating emotions from problems, recognizing coping mechanisms that don’t actually relieve pressure, and tools like The Peace Index by Jeremie Kubicek to help you restore calm. If you’re ready to move from chaos to clarity and show up as the best version of yourself—for your customers, your team, and your family—this episode is for you. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius [https://www.congenius.com/] Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com) [https://www.facebook.com/contractorcommute] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contractorcommute [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWK4A43PzJNUmhvxTeiVwNw] Email hello@thecontractorcommute for questions and feedback

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 itemized bids—customers tearing apart line items, shopping numbers, or holding you hostage during the project—while stressing the importance of breaking costs down internally so you know exactly where your money goes. From there, we walk through what truly matters to both sides: scope of work, quality standards, materials, schedule, and who’s doing the job. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius [https://www.congenius.com/] Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com) [https://www.facebook.com/contractorcommute] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contractorcommute [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWK4A43PzJNUmhvxTeiVwNw] Email hello@thecontractorcommute for questions and feedback

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 make partnerships thrive. Highlights include: * Walkthroughs and proactive communication to prevent costly mistakes. * Combating arrogance on job sites and fostering humility. * Holding subcontractors accountable with clear expectations. * Using silence as a powerful tool in conflict resolution. * Setting boundaries with clients to ensure work is done right. With humor and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers practical takeaways for builders, business owners, and anyone navigating the challenges of partnership. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius [https://www.congenius.com/] Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com) [https://www.facebook.com/contractorcommute] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contractorcommute [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWK4A43PzJNUmhvxTeiVwNw] Email hello@thecontractorcommute for questions and feedback

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 how to turn them into opportunities for growth. You’ll learn the difference between recoverable slip-ups and critical failures, why humility is key, and how to build processes that prevent repeat mistakes. Perfection isn’t possible, but progress is—and mistakes are the path that gets us there. Stay connected with Kinsey, Ben, and the rest of The Contractor Commute crew: Website for Estimating and Takeoff Software: Construction Sales, Takeoff, and Estimating Software | ConGenius [https://www.congenius.com/] Facebook: ConGenius | Springfield MO (facebook.com) [https://www.facebook.com/contractorcommute] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contractorcommute [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWK4A43PzJNUmhvxTeiVwNw] Email hello@thecontractorcommute for questions and feedback