Most contractors don’t lose money because they’re bad at the trade — they lose money because money leaks quietly: missed invoices, forgotten extras, slow receivables, and no real job costing. In this episode, we break down the real reason “busy” doesn’t always mean “profitable.”\

John McDonald (Integrity Coaching) returns to talk job costing, receivables, and the hidden $20-bill moments that drain margins: unbilled service calls, change orders that never get invoiced, crews bleeding time on “quick stops,” and the dangerous mindset of “I’ll get paid eventually.”

We also dive into why most business owners never learned the numbers, what to do if you’re behind on financial education, and how ongoing learning (mentors, coaching, practical modules) can directly translate into more cash, more control, and less stress.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro + Toronto contractor review
01:00 – Why job costing is the difference in tight margins
08:30 – The “money you never invoiced” problem (missed jobs + extras)
12:55 – If you don’t know numbers, where do you start? (mentor vs coach)
18:40 – Hidden leaks: drive-thrus, wasted time, small inefficiencies
20:35 – Receivables, cashflow, and why 30+ days gets risky fast
38:20 – Holdbacks, payment terms, and tightening contracts
46:20 – Ongoing education + Integrity Coaching’s “Six Pack” modules
01:08:05 – Serious incidents, risk, and protecting the business

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