Skip to content
POWER100
Content

Ep 707. Hardscape Hustle and Household Friction: Managing Business and Marriage

⏱️ 44:56 🎤 Caleb Auman, Brittany Auman
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 707. Hardscape Hustle and Household Friction: Managing Business and Marriage
0:00
0:00

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Kid Contractor Intro
    Caleb introduces the podcast, himself, and his co-host/wife, Brittany.
  • 0:27
    Company Cam & LMN
    Caleb praises Company Cam and LMN for their business benefits, leading into a discussion about profit margins and pricing.
  • 1:11
    Financial Mistakes
    Brittany calls out Caleb for unplanned large purchases, sparking a debate about inventory, equipment, and financial planning.
  • 1:50
    Hardscape Academy
    Caleb promotes Hardscape Academy, emphasizing the value of industry knowledge, and links it to securing high-value jobs.
  • 3:50
    Client Relationship Management
    Caleb defends ongoing work with a client despite project overruns, arguing for long-term client value and continuous work.
  • 4:20
    Change Order Protocol
    A heated discussion ensues regarding the existence and adherence to change order protocols within their company.
  • 4:49
    Business & Marriage Friction
    Caleb discusses the overwhelming challenges of running a growing business, managing multiple responsibilities, and the impact on their marital dynamic.
  • 5:52
    Together In The Trades
    Caleb promotes 'Together In The Trades' as an event to help couples navigate the pressures of running a business together.
  • 7:52
    Sales Success
    Brittany reveals a 31% year-to-date sales increase, leading to playful banter about Caleb's role as head of sales.
  • 8:30
    Fairfield County & Closing
    Caleb shifts to a serene description of Fairfield County before the episode concludes with continued bickering and a final plug for the podcast.

Speakers

C
Caleb Auman
Host — owner Auman Landscape
B
Brittany Auman
Host — owner Auman Landscape

Key Takeaways

Implement clear financial approval thresholds for large purchases to prevent unexpected expenses and maintain marital harmony.

Develop and actively utilize a documented change order protocol; ensure all team members, especially leadership, are aware of and follow it.

Regularly review job costing and profit margins using tools like LMN to understand actual profitability and adjust pricing strategy.

Delegate responsibilities and empower team members to handle specific areas of the business, such as change order management, to reduce leader overload.

Invest in industry education and networking opportunities, like Hardscape Academy or Together In The Trades, to gain knowledge and build a supportive community.

Prioritize client relationships that offer long-term work and referrals, but ensure that all additional work is properly quoted and billed, even if it's an add-on.

Recognize that balancing business growth with personal life, especially with a spouse, requires constant communication and conflict resolution strategies.

Want the full experience?

Join Power100 for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Power100 →