In this episode of Sawdust to Success, host Chad Murray breaks down a proven, step-by-step process that helped his own remodeling and service business win consistent high-ticket jobs — without relying on luck, low prices, or word-of-mouth alone.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out from every “me-too” contractor who claims to “do good work,” this is the playbook. Chad reveals his 8-step Opportunity Checklist — a simple but powerful sequence of actions that separate pros from amateurs and turn everyday leads into $50K-$100K projects.

You’ll learn how to:

1. Respond fast — why speed to lead wins more jobs than any ad ever could.
2. Confirm appointments professionally to build instant trust and credibility.
3. Make a pre-call that positions you as the expert before you even arrive.
4. Bring samples and color tags to visually engage and impress clients.
5. Use a branded estimate folder that keeps your name on the kitchen counter long after you leave.
6. Send social proof before you show up so the homeowner is already sold on your credibility.
7. Deliver the estimate fast — within 24-48 hours — to show you’re organized and serious.
8. Follow up with intention using a 14-day cadence that closes deals instead of leaving them cold.

Chad also shares bonus insights on how to make your presentation unforgettable, how to position yourself as a premium remodeler, and why professionalism and follow-through close more sales than discounts ever will.

If you want to start winning bigger jobs, faster, this episode gives you the exact process you can implement tomorrow.

📄 Get the free Opportunity Checklist:
Email Chad at Chad@OutsideTheBusinessBox.com
to request your copy.

💼 Need help marketing your remodeling business?
Visit OutsideTheBusinessBox.com
for a free digital assessment.

🧠 Connect with Chad:
Follow the Sawdust to Success Facebook page for more tools, tips, and coaching resources: Sawdust to Success on Facebook

Welcome to the very first episode of The Sawdust to Success Podcast, where craftsmanship meets business mastery.

If you’re a home remodeling contractor tired of guessing at your marketing, depending on word-of-mouth, or constantly worrying about cash flow — this is your new playbook for building a business that works for you.

Host Chad Murray — a lifelong contractor turned 7-figure business owner, coach, and marketing agency founder — kicks off the podcast with his raw backstory:
from sweeping chimneys and remodeling fireplaces to scaling and exiting a $4.5M home service company.

In this episode, Chad lays the foundation for what The Sawdust Sessions will bring you each week:
✅ Marketing education that actually converts — how to know if your SEO, Google profile, and ads are really working.
✅ Coaching insights from someone who’s helped hundreds of service and remodeling companies double their revenue.
✅ Smart funding strategies — how to use good business loans (not hard money traps) to grow without breaking your back or bank.

Chad also shares how his daughter Madelyn helped him launch Outside The Business Box Marketing, an agency built specifically for remodelers — and how they’re helping businesses dominate their local market with high-value, low-volume leads.

Along the way, he opens up about scaling, failing forward, and building partnerships that now help remodelers access 0% business funding programs designed for real growth, not quick fixes.

This is a no-fluff, real-talk introduction to the mission behind Sawdust to Success is helping remodelers and home service pros create freedom, stability, and success — one smart decision at a time.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Chad went from field work to financial freedom
• The truth about marketing agencies (and what to look for)
• Why remodelers don’t need hundreds of leads — just the right ones
• How to fund your business with 0% programs and avoid bad debt
• What to expect in future episodes: marketing breakdowns, mindset shifts, and growth strategies

🔨 Join the Movement:

Join our free Facebook group: Sawdust to Success — where remodelers learn, grow, and scale together.
Apply to work with Chad's marketing agency (you can schedule for coaching. I will update this with the links in the near future) Click Here

To apply for a business loan click...Apply