The Contractor Grow Show

From 15 to 25 Lawn Clients: How Richard Built Nature’s Lawn Care in Denver

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark sits down with Richard Safo, founder of Nature’s Lawn Care in Lakewood, Colorado, to unpack how he turned a small COVID side hustle into a growing local lawn care business serving Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, and Aurora. You’ll hear how Richard quit his full-time job with just 15 clients, pushed through losing nearly half of them, and still managed to grow to about 25 recurring customers by focusing on relationships, word of mouth, and relentless hustle. We dig into his simple but effective sales process, why he insists on visiting every property in person, and how listening first (instead of talking over customers) has become his secret weapon. Richard also shares how he cobbles together marketing—Nextdoor ads, EDDM postcards, door hangers, and even putting cards on cars at the park—to keep his phone ringing. For lawn and landscape pros, his first winter going full time is a must-listen segment, from slow snow seasons to budgeting and saving enough in the busy months to make it through. If you’re a lawn care or landscaping contractor wondering when to go all in, how far to travel for jobs, or how to keep revenue coming in a seasonal business, this conversation will give you real-world insight from someone in the trenches right now. Bullet points: * How Richard turned a COVID side hustle into Nature’s Lawn Care in Lakewood, CO * Quitting his full-time job with 15 clients, losing nearly half, and rebuilding to 25 * Simple, relationship-first sales process from first text or call to on-site estimate * Why in-person property visits and truly listening to customers set him apart * Grassroots marketing mix: word of mouth, Nextdoor ads, EDDM, door hangers, and more * Navigating Colorado’s slow winter season with minimal snow work and smart saving * Dialing in service area to cut travel costs while still serving Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, and Aurora * How to contact Nature’s Lawn Care via phone, Instagram, and LinkedIn to book services

Military Vet to Custom Home Builder: Sell Cost-Plus in Mountain Markets

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark chats with Jacob Maupin, owner of Maupin Homes in McCall, Idaho—a second-generation custom builder blending military discipline, finance expertise, and real estate savvy to thrive in a high-end resort market near Brundage Mountain. Jacob shares his journey from Air National Guard crew chief to banker, back to family business, and how he and his wife now deliver energy-efficient luxury homes that outperform dated resales. Discover proven strategies for contractors: * How military "service before self" and attention to detail build client trust in custom, high-stakes projects * Finance degree hacks for accurate cost-plus estimates, ROI on spec homes, and explaining premium pricing * Overcoming "cost per square foot" objections by showcasing value like standing seam roofs and superior insulation * Vertically integrating real estate to help clients buy land, sell old homes, and build new for under resale prices * Low-cost marketing mix: radio ads, Facebook/Instagram, chamber sponsorships, and ski race support driving referrals * Prioritizing local subs in tight geographic areas like Valley County to stay efficient and community-rooted * Growth mindset: from post-crash pivot to eyeing spec builds, developments, and commercial amid family life with 4 kids

How a 100-Year-Old Builder Kills Change Orders with Pre-Construction Mastery

Description In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark talks with Marc Heiman, President/CEO of New York–based builder Richter+Ratner, a 100+ year construction firm known for complex museums, schools, and civic projects—and for their bold promise of no fee on change orders. Marc unpacks how their T.E.A.R.™ (Technical Evaluation, Analysis, Recommendation) process transforms pre-construction from an afterthought into a profit-protecting advantage for owners, architects, and builders. You’ll learn how shifting from lump-sum bidding to cost-plus/GMP, leaning into fast-track and complex work, and obsessing over constructability and logistics has allowed Marc’s team to deliver high-profile projects with fewer surprises and stronger relationships. In this episode, we cover: * Why Marc pivoted a legacy retail-focused firm into museums, schools, and civic work * How the T.E.A.R.™ method reduces change orders through deep pre-construction collaboration * The real difference between lump sum vs. cost-plus/GMP—and why some owners are misled * Why Richter+Ratner charges no fee on change orders and still protects margins * How referrals from long-term relationships (including a rabbi client) drive $5B+ in work * Why chasing revenue without the right resources can destroy a referral-based business * How Marc uses teaching, lecturing, and board work to influence the industry * The personal boundaries and mental-health habits that keep a CEO effective long term

How Bob Ray 5X’d Reviews & Grew a Fence Brand in Just a Few Years

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark talks with Bob Ray, owner of North Indy Fence Deck & Rail in Noblesville, Indiana. After selling his family office-supply business, Bob jumped into a completely new industry—buying a small fence company with no trade background, just years of experience running and growing businesses. Bob unpacks how he evaluated the business, turned it into a highly reviewed local brand, and built steady lead flow through reviews, relationships, and smart job selection—not by trying to be everything to everyone. If you’re thinking about buying a contracting business or leveling up the one you’ve got, this conversation is packed with practical, repeatable tactics. Key takeaways: * Why Bob bought an existing fence company (and its building) instead of starting from scratch * How he went from knowing nothing about tools to confidently running a fence/deck operation * The simple “spiff for 5-stars” system that took them from ~50 reviews to nearly 250 * How crews are trained to ask for reviews without it feeling awkward or fake * Building upstream referral engines via HOAs, landscapers, concrete contractors, and GCs * Why he focuses on aluminum fencing and deck resurfacing instead of saying yes to everything * The pros and cons of commercial work vs. residential (cash flow, payment delays, pricing) * How North Indy uses online tools and instant quotes to pre-qualify and educate homeowners

How Neptune Builds Trust, Retrofits & Dream Homes in Los Angeles

In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Boaz Hillel of Neptune Construction & Remodeling in North Hollywood, CA. Celebrating 18 years in business, Boaz shares how Neptune evolved from full-service remodeling into one of Los Angeles’ go-to FEMA-certified soft-story retrofit specialists—while still helping clients design and build their dream homes. Boaz dives into how he leads with values, trust, and transparency: from detailed 3D pre-design that reduces change orders, to a printed “trust packet” of licenses, insurance, certifications, and live client references. If you’re a remodeler or GC who wants better projects, better clients, and a better reputation, this is a masterclass in how to do it. Key takeaways: * How Neptune grew over 18 years into a 5-star rated remodel + retrofit company * Why ~60% of their work is now Los Angeles soft-story seismic retrofits * How 3D design tools help clients decide everything before work starts * The “trust packet” Boaz brings to every estimate (licenses, insurance, real client phone numbers) * Ways to protect and respect tenants during major building work (parking, access, trenches) * Why Neptune limits active projects so Boaz can visit sites daily and maintain quality * How long-term relationships with subs and inspectors support consistent results * A values-first mindset: building a reputation that outlasts any single project