Construction business training is available in this audio version of our Markup and Profit class. Available on CD, cassette (while they last) or as MP3 podcasts. This class teaches business principles for contractors. It was the first of many training courses by Michael Stone, author of the book Markup & Profit Revisited. This class was taped in 2000 but is still applicable because business principles don’t change.

A similar class is available as streaming video online, taped in 2012. You can view sample clips and order that class here.

Do I need the book?
The CD’s are a companion to the first version of the book, Markup & Profit; A Contractor’s Guide. Michael frequently directs the listener to specific pages in the book. The revised book has the same information but on different pages; you can download a cross-reference here. We strongly recommend purchasing the book Markup & Profit Revisited to accompany the audio.

Who is the target audience?
We recommend this class for all construction-related business owners. The information pertains to all specialties as well as general contractors, whether doing remodeling or building new homes, residential or commercial. The information is also been valuable for CPA’s and accountants working with construction-related businesses. The focus is on the business, not on production or building jobs.

TOPICS

Know Your Numbers

Determining your overhead expenses. Symptoms of financial trouble in your construction-related company, and what to do about it. Know the difference between job costs, overhead and profit.
Podcast length: 27:24 minutes long

Calculating Markup

Calculating your markup (for general contractors, remodeling or renovation contractors, and sub or specialty contractors). What if you are doing both new homes and remodeling?
Podcast length: 29:27 minutes long

Sales Overview

Advertising, Taking leads, Qualifying clients, Paying salespeople, Introducing the contract to your clients
Podcast length: 59 minutes long

Contracts

Contracts, Payment Schedules, Additional Work Orders, Getting Paid, Cost Plus and Time and Material Contracts, Design Agreements
Podcast length: 58:49 minutes long

Mathematics Of Your Business

Budgeting, Overhead, Operating Capital Reserve Account, Unbudgeted Expenses, Working with Lenders
Podcast length: 29:32 minutes long

Justifying Your Markup

Understanding the relationship between your professionalism and your price
Podcast length: 29:39 minutes long

Employees And Subs

Volume per employee, Using subs or hiring employees, The best size for your firm, Paying employees, Salespeople
Podcast length: 29:27 minutes long

Cautions

Document Your Work, Supervising jobs, Government jobs (being the low bidder), Insurance work, What to do when a job goes bad
Podcast length: 29:44 minutes long

Education

Education and Goal Setting
Podcast length: 29:41 minutes long

You’ll receive a link to download the podcasts. They will be in 3 separate zipped files, between 80 and 131 MB’s per file.