The Contracting Handbook: Builder & Trades Construction Podcast

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Management #186

Facilitating new construction company startups, supporting the building community with new ideas and affirmation, and ushering in the next generation of builders is the mission of The Contracting Handbook podcast. Through sharing information about how we operate our businesses and live our construction lives around the world, we elevate the construction life. Please leave a review on iTunes, your Apple podcast app, or if you’re in the android world, rate it on Spotify and leave a review on Podchaser or directly on the website.

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Recent Reviews
  • IsaacBowersDFC
    This should not be free!
    Big fan of this podcast. Mike does a great job of bringing in a variety of industry related guests. He branches out in areas that I would not usually seek out on my own. Always learning and growing from the information I get here. Thank you, Mike, for bringing this podcast to the construction industry!
  • AtrainVT
    Very Helpful!
    I started listening to The Contracting Handbook two weeks ago and love the show. Finding good information is next to impossible in this industry. What Mike Knoche does for this industry is so valuable and I greatly appreciate it. Hoping that some future episodes will talk about numbers as that’s where I struggle a lot being a new contractor. I don’t honestly know what labor rates for certain installs go for and it’s been a very hard learning process. Great podcasts!
  • nextlevel77
    Desmond
    Love listening to Desmond, so down to earth and a wealth of knowledge! It’s awesome to follow him on ig for the tips and tricks he has learned over the years!
  • cornfed81
    Modern Craftsman 2.0
    This is the builders builder podcast. You have removed the time wasting fluff of the the other construction podcasts. Your unique line of questioning sets you apart. You are the new thought leader in the construction industry, sir. Thank you for you for all of your hard work. I'm going back and starting at the begining.
  • Tayrorey
    A Rare Look Into the Trades
    I love this podcast because it gets into the details of being in the trades. You walk away from each episode with a clearer idea of what the day to day struggles and triumphs are for a successful tradesperson who is passionate about their craft.
  • uncletonytone
    Must listen if you are in the trades
    My buddy sent me this in the beginning of my company’s journey and I overlooked it thinking I didn’t need help. I was wrong we all need help and we all need to keep learning. This podcast has completely changed the way I will be operating going forward. These first ten episodes have skyrocketed my realization that I’m a work in progress and this is exactly the mastermind type setting to exponentially expand my horizon as I navigate this Fairbanks, Alaska gold trove of fun exciting jobs and also weed out the tire kickers I been letting get deep into my daily time.. Tony Peterson here with Hestia Contractors Thanks Dan LaBarre and Chris Brandenburg of UB Wiring Let’s get these good productive builds flowing 🤙
  • Keith owl
    Great show
    I have a small excavation and septic biz on the oregon coast and enjoy this shows themes on running a small trades based business and balancing work and life. He has a great progressive flavor on the industry which isn’t something you always find in the trades. Keith Owl properties LLC
  • ready132
    Automatic Upgrade
    Every time the podcast is automatically downloaded, play next is my next choice. Keep up the awesome work!
  • Gus from the Grind
    Too squeaky
    How many times have I had to turn a tool off or stop pushing a squeaky wheelbarrow so I wouldn’t miss an interesting moment in this podcast! A huge diversity of guests and interesting perspectives- definitely on my rotation of podcasts while I work.
  • The Mike Knoche Experience
    The Joe Rogan of contracting podcasts!
    Where do I start Mike the host of the Contracting Handbook is the most down to earth and fun loving dude you could ever want to sit and chat with. Just like Rogan Mike makes every guest feel welcome and puts them in some sort of a psychic trance. The effortless conversations he has with the contractors he has on seems effortless and fun. Seriously my favorite listen next to The Joe Rogan Experience and I look forward every week to a new guest. Give it a listen and I promise you’ll be hooked! Mike deserves for this thing to explode so let’s spread the word and get him to the top! Tom- Straight Up Stairs
  • Jeff Kelley Woodworking
    Great podcast for every tradesperson. Listen and you’ll see👍
    One of my favorite podcasts to listen too. Mike is one cool cat and a great host. It doesn’t matter what trade you’re in (or looking to get into), I’m sure you will gain some pertinent information from listening…and be entertained as well. It’s great hearing real stories from real people. Influencing people to get into the trades, one story at a time. Great job Mike K from the AK 🙌
  • Igoreok_88
    You’re changing lives, THANK YOU Mike.
    Seriously, it’s a must listen podcast, implementing the things Mike talks through his podcast is a game changer, now business is much easier and enjoyable, and making more money is never a bad thing. The info and the tips are top notch and the guests are always wicket cool. Keep up the good work Mike.
  • huah huah 64
    Thanks Mike
    Keep it up! Good man.
  • orafib-e
    Grrreat!
    Glad I found this podcast. Very well done by a very well rounded individual. Keep up the great work Mike! And keep the great episodes coming! — EJB
  • goldenarm9
    "Welded art is the gateway drug into the trades" -Barbie The Welder
    NO CAP!!! The questions you asked Barbie were unexpected to me, but you're a carpenter. I'm an apprentice welder but you remind me off my dad. He's a "carpenter and tinkerer", as he puts it. He's always messing around with the house I grew up in. You remind me of him becasue you're tinkering but with other trades. I've been looking for a new contruction podcast with a real, experienced host. I've listened to a couple other episodes and have more downloaded. Niya is awesome! Next time I'm driving with Dad, I'll be sure to play one of your episodes. He's a proud GenXer, will see if he will listen, lol. Arc Junkies is my go to but I still highly recommend this podcast for any tradesperson! Start with Barbie! So fun!
  • hairytoolbox
    Honest and useful
    By far the best construction podcast out there. Mike leads the conversation I’m a way that let’s the guest comfortably express their story. It’s refreshing to hear a construction pod that isn’t just dude energy. Plus, as a business owner, I love hearing how everyone runs their companies. I think Mike has shown us that we construction business owners have something in common, we all invent ourselves and we can always learn and improve. Thanks, dude.
  • Trey.Sides
    He has clearly put in the time and effort for a great podcast!
    I’m a bit nervous starting a new construction business, but Mike has really, really made a difference in my attitude towards it. Yes it’ll be challenging, but with guidance like this- I just know I’ll make it through whatever comes my way! Thank you man, for an inspiring business podcast. You’re really making a difference out there!
  • Sweet buzz woodworks
    The podcast of the trades for the trades
    if you looking for open and genuine podcast about the buildings trade then look no further. I have discovered over many great conversations many great tid pids of great knowledge and wisdom that goes beyond the trades. I am a carpenter and someday looking to run my own business and through this podcast I have gain great insights to how to run a business. Beyond on the business I have discovered great wisdom on many aspects of the trades and how to work more professional. And finally it has shown that we in trades we are not alone
  • Kali Sudbrook
    The ONLY contracting pod you need to listen to
    Mike Knoche is the consummate podcast host. He thoughtfully chooses guests who are genuinely interesting, who add value to the industry, and who are excited to share their story. It’s obvious that he takes the time to research and understand his guests so that he can shine a light on what makes them unique in the industry. Instead of just running through cookie cutter questions, his questions are tailored specifically to each guest which gives listeners a fresh take with every episode. He draws attention to different frames of mind, perspectives and ideas. By doing so, the pod doesn’t get repetitive or stale. On top of that, his intros are always expertly crafted to encapsulate the essence of each and every guest’s personality. I’ve learned so much already as a new remodeling contractor and business owner to give me the leg up, and to prepare me for a long lasting and successful career as a remodeler. The thing that makes the show so relatable to me personally, is hearing other successful folks in the trades talking openly about their struggles, it unifies us and helps to diminish stigma surrounding the industry. Whether it’s experiences with financial stability, emotional and mental well-being, physical health, or family and relationships, Mike jumps right in and asks the hard questions. He also asks the business and trade specific questions that we may be embarrassed to admit that we don’t know, whether we’ve been in the industry for one year, or 20. Through this podcast, Mike gets at the heart of what it means to be in this type of work- we are all builders, creators and artists. By collecting these stories, lessons learned, and knowledge, we can all help to elevate the field by staying on the cutting edge of building science, being transparent and ethical in our day to day, and we don’t have to choose between caring about the client’s project OR our mental and physical health, we can do BOTH. It is clear that goal of this podcast is to make the industry better. He wants the those in the trades to be more welcoming to newcomers and women, he urges us all to be curious about new methods, and to think critically about the way things have always been done. In this way, he is a catalyst for positive change within the industry and that ripple effect can be seen far and wide with his international guest list. I love this podcast!!
  • oakley building co.
    Authentic and informative
    Every time I listen to an episode, no matter the guest, I always take away a valuable nugget to use within my own business. I love hearing how each individual guest operates. You never know what new perspective could illuminate a solution to a problem you’ve been dealing with as a contractor. The content is informative rather than promotional and feels genuine and authentic - which seems rare nowadays. I look forward to listening every week.
  • dissapointe d
    Quality genuine content
    As a tradesman and business owner I strive to always remain teachable and willing to learn. Resources like your podcast give me that opportunity. Thank me for supporting the industry and supplying us that opportunity to better ourselves and our trades.
  • DLPBrand
    !speed round!
    I’m a finish carpenter. I’ve listened to Spencer Lewis and Tom Lawson interviews. They were both excellent! Your show is easy to listen to because you’re super real. Please keep them coming!!! Thanks for helping all of us trades.
  • thetigr
    Real Folks Talking About Real Topics
    👏You always have the best conversations and articles. Thanks for sharing.
  • 907Transplanted
    Definition of professional
    I actually had an opportunity to converse with Mike. Off the bat, I can say he is a stand up professional. I wrote this down on my yellow legal pad (thanks Mike) just to make sure I can convey what I feel I NEED to. The advice and tips he provides in The Contractors Handbook are invaluable. Mike is generous enough to provide the best information some won’t share. The Contractors Handbook gives a great outline to stay on track and be successful. There are so many factors in this complicated industry. Mike Knoche brings forward all of the aspects that professionals can easily overlook. Interviews are well spoken, thought out, and to the point. Everybody IN this industry or contemplating joining this industry has to get real, get serious, and be professional. The contractors Handbook will help everyone who listens do just that. Mike and I touched on how stressful contracting can be. Accidents, deadlines, and a pile of office work WILL happen. In episodes 25 & 26, Mike interviews health coach Vinnie Vecchio. These episodes give you the basic ingredients to be fruitful. One has to be healthy and manage stress to be able to focus on your work. Doing so will minimize unforeseen circumstances. The fight or flight response is real, very real. Dealing with people in general, this response can escalate situations rapidly. Learn to deal with that response, and you will minimize exponentially compounding and undesired situations. Me listening to Mike’s solid information and my own hard lesson, I was able to comprehend this absolute fact. Mike, I wish you a happy and healthy life. I sincerely mean that. Thank you. - Craig SFC
  • Brian the Trim dude
    Must listen for all contractors
    Wish this was here when I started out. Mike and his guests inform and entertain. Always look forward to the next
  • Krasota123
    So awesome!
    Mike, I downloaded iTunes just so I can write you this review. 🙂🙂 I listen to your podcast on Spotify. It gets me trough LA traffic on the daily. I’ve tried listening to other podcasts about the trades and it’s not the same. Most of the time the hosts have no idea what’s the difference between a screw and a nail. It’s so nice that you actually are a GC and have done practically any job there is. It shows how much you’re able to relate to the guest and ask the right questions to keep the conversation going. Thank you for what you’re doing! Keep it up! It’s always great to listen!
  • Hinge and Trim
    The Next Generation of Tradesmen
    As a carpenter in their late 20s, it’s very refreshing and encouraging to listen to people talk positively about the trades as a profession. Mike does a fantastic job of sparking conversations that aren’t being heard enough. Believe it or not, there are plenty of us young guys out there ready to take the torch and we want to be seen as professionals with skills that matter. I encourage people of all ages to listen and participate in this podcast. Cheers.
  • Sarabean1313
    So helpful for those new and those who are experienced!
    Cannot say enough good things about what this podcast is covering. Over the past few years I’ve been searching for discussions like this. Highly recommend for anyone new and wanting to improve and hear stories from your peers or for anyone experienced and just driven to always explore and do better.
  • drewboo85
    Best Construction Related Podcast
    I like Mike’s honest and clean approach to the interviews. The variety of guest keeps things interesting. I always find myself with those driveway moments when I just have to finish the episode before I can move on to my next task. Mostly love all the take always from the podcast. I always find myself quoting the info I learn.
  • joPeavy
    Great informative listen
    I haven’t made it through season 1 yet bc I have been living under a rock and am just now listening to this podcast. With that being said there could be more of this content coming that I haven’t made it to yet but season one episode eleven is something that I can directly relate to. Not necessarily the framing aspect but being the “head guy” or foreman or whatever you wanna call this. In a way I see lots of commentary from the standpoint as the owner and not necessarily the number one guys at these places which is of great value. It is important to hear from the people who have the business but I personally would like to hear more from the people who are actually doing the work and their standpoint on some of these topics. Now of course I don’t wanna hear from John Doe the laborer who just started a month ago but the guys who have real experience.
  • Mustbeme@itagain
    Joe with a truck
    - no matter where you are in the world , no matter what building trade experience you have . Mike and his wide range of guest will tell you something you can relate to and learn from . I always say , construction is about problem solving . And learning from other people will give you a shortcut to do better at solving the problems you’ll encounter. I love listening to the show in my way to work , it motivates en encourage me to do better at my job but also as a person.
  • NevadaHvacGirl
    Refreshing!
    Mike really has a great way of finding people to share and talk about the trades. The struggles, the triumph, and the growth in the trades. It’s very refreshing and inspiring to hear great topics and speakers! Thanks Mike!!!
  • )/?rrr
    Highly recommend
    Mike is a great host. Thanks for bringing topics to light that helps us contractors better our businesses. Look forward to season 2!
  • Mariann!!
    Love it!
    It’s definitely worth your time if you are trying to stay informed.
  • DFord405
    Great podcast
    I binged the first season and giving it a second listen. I really like the fundamental approach and the focus on smaller companies. There are a lot of great take aways in each episode.
  • AllieMay8
    Mike is awesome!
    There is so much good stuff in these episodes. I can't count how many "I wish I heard this years ago" moments I've had so far. Mike sharing what he's learned over the years is definitely helping me to be better at what I do. Thanks a lot for putting this out there and keep it up!
  • Carpenter Consulting Company
    King of Contracting
    Mike Knoche plays NO games! Every episode is value-packed and every listener is going to walk away learning something new to implement in their business right away
  • nick maimone GC
    Awesome podcast for contractors
    Mike Knoche from The Contracting Handbook clearly understands the plights and successes of being a tradesperson/general contractor. His understanding of the nuance of the business as well as his experiences in a wide variety of new construction to remodel scenarios yields an excellent podcast not only featuring his own contributions and experiences but the contributions of key guests in the construction industry. Anyone can pick up a thing or two from this podcast and to boot Mike is a great guy. Keep an eye out for his book coming soon!
  • Dans Prop Maint
    Mike knows his stuff!
    As a small business owner this podcast has been great! Mike has shared many ideas and tips on the podcast that I have used in my business. He talks from actual experience, keeps it real and speaks on actual topics small business owners need and go through!
  • elena pajaro
    Great tips!
    As a small business owner - entrepreneur, I think the show is on point! I look forward to the next show.
  • Rabbit 906
    On Point Good Advice
    I’ve been in electrical contractor for years and figured out my own system and that seems to work but since I’ve stumbled across Mike’s podcast I’ve had a lot of eye-opening that makes sense moments. Totally started incorporating some of the advice on handling clients and their expectations. Interviews are also awesome it’s cool to get opinions from contractors all around the world and see how they do it and the challenges that they face.
  • Arctic Primate
    For more than just contractors
    I started listening to this one on a whim. Mike has a down to earth, straight shooting approach. The anecdotes and lessons apply to any small business owner, not just contractors!
  • Bosch907
    It’s beef jerky!
    Mike’s podcast is great - each episode packs a lot of information into a little bit of time, and the advice is solid. It’s beef jerky: there’s always plenty to chew on, it’s high-value, tasty, and goes down easy. Good show & great information.
  • small time gerneral contractor
    Best podcast out there!
    I’m a small time contractor in Northern California. I started my business a year and a half ago but due to COVID just got my license this year.. I just want to say thank you so much for this podcast and what your doing. I don’t have that mentor on the business side and this has been amazing. The what and what not to do on cold calls, first meetings. Thank you thank you
  • BeauW888
    Quality Content
    I’ve got to give you a shoutout, your podcast could not have come at a better time for me. I’m struggling hard with whether I should go out in my own or not. Almost too much side work for me to handle while working a W-2. Anyhow, I was a follower of Sean Francis on Instagram, and found you through him being on the show. Looking forward to the future podcasts, keep up the great content man!
  • kylerhunt
    Practical and helpful advice
    Mike does a great job of providing clear, practical advice! I especially liked his tips for recognizing and turning down non-ideal clients. It's so important for contractors to understand this!
  • K-Burgen
    Can’t get enough (I am new trade Contractor)
    I started my business July 2020. I am an electrical contractor. Did my time in the trade and made a head first leap into the world of running your own business. This podcast speaks to me directly I feel. I love the conversational tone. We learn so much through conversation and Mike has provided just that brilliantly. As trades men and women we appreciate straight talk and getting to the point. Keep bumping into that mic filter Mike! We are all still listening!
  • LI_Pete
    Some great stuff here!
    I love the content Mike is putting out there. The stuff about defining your business, client cold calls, and site visits are all things we never talk to each other about as contractors. So far the show really resonates with me and I keep finding myself writing down tips so I don’t forget them. The interviews are great. Clearly unedited, raw, real conversations between contractors on relevant topics. Thanks, please keep it up!
  • Fortunate$on
    TCH is a treasure trove for new and old contractors!
    I’ve been listening to the podcast and love hearing the different perspectives and pointers from other tradesmen. Mike has a massive career in home building to draw on his experience from and bringing in other contractors from all over the world makes this podcast my go to when driving during my busy day.
  • FbxFrank
    Informative
    I really liked the cold call two podcast. Everything you talked about is so true. So many tire kickers. So many people that want a $number right away. I never say anything until I have measured and gone home and sat on it for a few days. Thanks mike. Keep up the good work.
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