MESLO Series

Most small business owners do not lose money because of bad work. They lose money because they do not know their true costs, lack operational structure, and fail to build systems that scale beyond themselves. The Principles of MESLO: The Art & Science of an Estimate introduces a practical framework for estimating, pricing, operationalizing the back office, and building systems that support long-term profitability. Drawing from firsthand experience in construction, operations, government contracting, and military systems planning as a former U.S. Army Captain, David Molina introduces the MESLO methodology: Materials, Equipment, Subcontractors, Labor, and Other Costs. Readers will learn how to build structured and defensible estimates, understand direct and indirect costs, account for overhead, and improve pricing confidence and profit visibility. Beyond estimating, the book explores how to reduce operational noise, eliminate duplicate efforts, leverage technology, and establish repeatable back-office systems and workflows. These principles help business owners reduce dependency on themselves, strengthen operational discipline, and build more scalable and transferable organizations.Part estimating framework, part operational playbook, and part systems manual, The Principles of MESLO provides a practical blueprint for contractors, estimators, entrepreneurs, and business operators seeking greater clarity, profitability, operational control, and long-term growth.