Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from three long-term industry professionals, Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, Rob Williams, a profit strategist who owned and operated a large construction operation for many years, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. All have unique, but complementary views and advice from each of their 30 years in the contracting industry. Their goal is to promote healthy, thought-provoking discussions and tips for running a better, mor ...
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IRS Red Flags: Audit Triggers for Construction Contractors
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18:22
Are you putting yourself at risk for an IRS audit? What kind of things do the IRS target for contractors? We're breaking it down on the podcast this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: Accounting method rules based on the type of contractor you are Contract-related services and advanced payments Things on the expense side that can trigge…
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The Unwilling Banker: The Hidden Cost of Retainage
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Retainage. If you deal with it, is that job holding your company back? Are you being the bank for your job owner? Does it stunt your cashflow and growth? What can you do about it? Find out on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: What is retainage? Retainage can sunt your company's growth if you don't bid jobs properly A ret…
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Construction Safety & Workers Compensation Insurance Challenges and Solutions
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Safety and workers comp insurance have several challenges, but what are the best solutions? Stephen brings his insight to this week's episode. Here's what you need to know about what Workers Comp can do for you, the most common type of claims, when to file a claim, experience mods, and more. Topics we cover in this episode include: What Workers Com…
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The Challenges of Job Costing Labor
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16:43
If you've been here a while, you know we preach job costing and how it can help a contractor be more profitable. One of the challenges of implementing a job costing system is figuring out costing your labor. Where do you start? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Challenges with getting information for the payroll system T…
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A Visual Deep Dive into Cost Coding
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One of the biggest stumbling blocks with contractors getting their job costing system set up properly is the cost code structure. There are several moving parts and it can be overwhelming. Where do you start? We're showing you on this week's episode. Make sure to check it out on the Carpenter CPAs YouTube channel. Topics we cover in this episode in…
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Money mindset: The psychology of profit in construction
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Have you ever felt like the world is ending because your bank balance is low and you don't know how you're going to pay your people or your bills? Or you're on top of the world because your bank balance is high, but the next day the cash disappears? Let's talk about the psychology of money and how you can use your innate habits to control your cons…
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How to Build a Solid Foundation for Your New Construction Company
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19:01
Starting a construction business? Wanting to get off on the right foot? Getting the foundation right from the start can spell the difference between success and failure. Let's talk about how to successfully plan, launch, manage, and grow a new construction business. Topics we cover in this episode include: Starting a business with the right mindset…
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How to Create a Rock Solid Bonding and Banking Relationship
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In an industry where having solid financial backing and trust is crucial, getting these relationships right is not just a bonus, it's a necessity. This week, let's discuss how to build relationships that will last and support your business over the years. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to find the right partners for your business Buil…
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How to Create a Construction Chart of Accounts
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The foundation of any robust construction accounting system lies in a well structured chart of accounts. But building one can be tricky. Let's walk through it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Walking through the Chart of Accounts How to treat retainage properly in your Chart of Accounts Cost of revenue categories LINKS Visit the episode pa…
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Creating a Strategic Plan for Construction Contractors
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It's winter right now, and if you're in construction, this may be a slower time of year for you. It's a great time to create a strategic plan for your company for the coming year. How do you do it? We'll walk you through it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Why now is a good time to think about your strategic plan Ground rules for your stra…
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Maximizing Margin by Full Kitting Your Construction Projects
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Full-kitting is a term most often associated with manufacturing. What does it mean and how can we use that concept in construction to maximize our profits? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Full Kitting from a Subcontractor Standpoint Communicate potential problems beforehand Start with project planning and pinpointing c…
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7 Ways to Stop Bleeding Profit From Your Jobs
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Many contractors aren't making what they should on their jobs. Even if you've got your bidding down, you may still be bleeding profits. What are the things to look for and what can we do about it? Find out on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Don't get burned by change orders Make sure you're billing everything you have …
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Critical Considerations When Leasing or Buying Equipment
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Equipment is a major part of some contractors' job costs. Should you lease it, or should you buy it? Which is better for you? The answer is, it depends. We're helping you decipher the question and sharing some additional equipment considerations on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Operating Lease vs. Capital Lease Consi…
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Life Insurance for Succession Planning
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What happens to your company when you die? Making sure you have a continuity plan in place can ensure you have a smooth transition and ease the burden on your family. Life insurance can be a big part of that plan. Here's what you need to know when looking for a policy. Topics we cover in this episode include: Why you should start thinking about lif…
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Unconventional Tax Wisdom for Contractors
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We haven't met a contractor who likes to pay taxes, but many take avoiding taxes to the extreme. What are the true implications of making it your goal to pay no taxes every year? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: Four ways contractors can be taxed An example of an extreme outcome of tax avoidance The purchases and tax ch…
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Is QuickBooks Desktop for Construction Contractors Being Discontinued?
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21:45
There have been rumors about QuickBooks Desktop being retired for many years, yet QuickBooks Online still isn't the same capability level as Intuit's older software for contractors. Some recent announcements from them give us more of a direction, and these announcements weren't given to the general public. We're sharing what you need to know this w…
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More unconventional wisdom in construction you probably haven't considered
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Can increasing expenses also increase your net income? Can profitable jobs bankrupt a company? Today, we are exploring more unconventional wisdom in construction that you may not have ever considered. Topics we cover in this episode include: How adding expenses helps your bottom line How a profitable job could bankrupt your company Why an LLC is no…
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What you need to know about construction law with Special Guest Alex Barthet
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When do you need a construction attorney, and how can you find a good one? Should you be amending contracts, and how can you protect your lien rights? Construction attorney Alex Barthet joins us this week to answer these questions and more. He pinpoints the main things you need to focus on and what resources are available to help guide you. Listen …
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Unconventional Wisdom in Construction Industry Success
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20:43
In a traditional business, there is conventional wisdom that generally holds true no matter what. Construction is an industry with several of its own differences that defy a traditional solution. Today we are exploring some of those things and why you shouldn't always listen to the common answer, because it might not all be true. Topics we cover in…
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Job Cost Accounting The Right Way
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Most contractors want better cost information about their jobs. They need it timely, they need it accurate, and they need it relevant to managing their jobs properly. Unfortunately, many contractors struggle in this area. How do you get it set up right so that you get what you need? We're sharing our tips on this week's episode. Topics we cover in …
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How to Increase Your Surety Bond Credit
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You got that dream job, but it needs be bonded. Can you get it bonded? Are you over your bonding capacity? Is there anything you can do to increase your bonding credit? Find out this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: Draft and interim financial statements Cash, character, and capacity How to get bonding credit as a new contractor Bonds…
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Making Contractors Irresistible to Banks and Bonding Companies
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It can be challenging to get banks and bonding companies to want to work with contractors. What can you do about it? Can you stack the deck in your favor? Can you dress up your financial picture? Find out on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Why a good year-end financial statement is important to bonding companies and ba…
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Creating a Job Description for a Construction Company CFO
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On a recent episode, we talked about working with a construction CFO. This week, we dive deeper into how to find the right person. We help you define what the CFO's job role is and get the maximum benefit out of the person who fills it. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to know if you've hired a bad CFO Tracking cash flow problems Optimi…
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Defining Real Revenue in Construction
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19:58
You may have heard the term real revenue, but how do you define it? In construction, it's a powerful concept worth knowing, but what can you do with it and how can you use it to run your construction company? Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this episode include: What is real revenue and where does the term come from? Real revenue avoids con…
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Critical Things to Know About Insuring Construction Vehicles and Equipment
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Why is it that insurance for equipment and vehicles is so expensive? Is there anything you can do to lower those costs? How about things like vehicle ratings, how does that play in your premium? Stephen is answering those questions and more on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Should your vehicle be on your personal poli…
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Fixing Your Construction Accounts Payable - A Case Study
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26:16
Could your process for paying other people sabotage your cash flow? Can streamlining your payables process lead to better job costing and faster billing? What does paying people have to do with collecting your own money? You might be surprised what a difference it can make when you fix those problems. Let's talk about it. Topics we cover in this ep…
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Construction Banking Tips, Tricks, and Hacks with Special Guest Deanna Zubrickas
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29:26
When it comes to banking, the construction industry comes with some nuances. And if you're using Profit First, you'll have even more specific needs. This week, we're talking with Deanna Zubrickas of Relay Financial, the official banking partner of Profit First. She shares how contractors implementing Profit First can more easily set up bank account…
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When Do You Need a Construction CFO?
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22:02
Has your company outgrown your basic bookkeeping? If your financial operations are becoming more complex and you feel like you're losing control, or if you're getting into federal contracting, it may be time to consider hiring a CFO. This week we're discussing when to do it, why you should work one who has construction industry experience, and whet…
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Insurance Best Practices for New Buyers of a Construction Company
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If you're considering buying a construction company, we've got more tips for you this week on the podcast. This episode focuses on insurance. Stephen and Wade discuss what you and your insurance agent need to know to analyze the risks before making the purchase. Topics we cover in this episode include: What your insurance agent needs from the selle…
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Buying and Selling a Business: Stock Sales vs. Asset Sales
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26:45
This week on the podcast, we're continuing our series on buying and selling a construction company, with a focus on the difference between a stock sale and an asset sale. Tune in to find out about each type of sale and its implications for taxes, liabilities, and more. Topics we cover in this episode include: What's the difference between a stock s…
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What's Your Company Worth From the Buyer's Perspective
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22:57
If you're thinking about selling your company in the next three to five years, you need to start preparing now to get the most value for your business. Today on the podcast, Eric Wilkinson joins us to talk about what you need to consider from a buyer's perspective as you get your company in the best shape to be sold. Topics we cover in this episode…
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The Relationship Between Pricing, Overhead and Job Cost
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23:44
Are you pricing your jobs correctly? If you don't have a good understanding of your job costs and overhead percentage, the answer is probably no. This week on the podcast, we're discussing how to get a handle on these numbers and make better financial decisions for your construction company, Topics we cover in this episode include: What you should …
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The Pros and Cons of Overbilling
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15:34
Overbilling can be good for your cashflow, but it can also potentially cause problems if used in the wrong way. This week, we're breaking down the pros and cons of overbilling, and how to overbill without setting yourself up for future headaches and issues with your bond underwriter. Topics we cover in this episode include: What is overbilling? Wha…
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Retirement plan options for construction contractors
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25:24
Do you know your options for retirement planning? Not only is it crucial to think about your own retirement, but a retirement plan can also be a great incentive for attracting and retaining employees. This week, we talk about the available options and how to choose the right one for your company. Topics we cover in this episode include: What retire…
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What's your company worth from a seller's perspective?
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27:40
Evaluating the worth of your company can be complicated, so the earlier you start thinking about it, the better. We're doing a two-part series on this exact topic on the podcast. This week, we start the discussion from the angle of the seller. Topics we cover in this episode include: Reputation and client relationships Your skilled workforce Market…
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A case study in implementing Profit First with Eric Wilkinson
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25:28
We've met many contractors who were interested in Profit First but struggled to actually implement it. This week, we're talking to Eric Wilkinson, a construction contractor who uses Profit First to gain cash flow clarity, address seasonality, and keep his business healthy. He also address some of the challenges he met when first implementing the sy…
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How to (Legally) Defer Taxes Using Your Accounting Method
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22:26
We've never met a contractor who liked paying taxes, but there's a difference between tax avoidance and tax deferral. This week, let's talk about some strategies to legally defer your taxes without creating bigger problems down the road for your business. Topics we cover in this episode include: What tax deferral really means The four main tax meth…
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How to deal with seasonality in construction
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19:42
Most contractors deal with some ups and downs in their business throughout the year. This week, we're sharing tips that will help you not only identify and prepare for those seasonal shifts, but actually leverage the downturns into opportunities for growth. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to identify if and how seasonality is affecting…
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Why you should check your bank balance every day
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This week, Wade and guest Amanda Darr talk about the benefits of checking your bank account daily. Find out why staying on top of those transactions can provide awareness, encouragement, and important insights to the health of your company. Topics we cover in this episode include: Acting more quickly in cases of fraud How Wade's thoughts on checkin…
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Technology and AI Productivity Hacks
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We're back with Morrelle McCrary for another episode packed full of game-changing AI tips and hacks. Try implementing these strategies to increase your productivity, automate tasks, and create systems and processes to get your team on the same page. Topics we cover in this episode include: Webular for AI website generation Voice transcription softw…
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Expecting the Unexpected: Continuity Planning for Contractors
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19:09
Do you have a plan in place in case something happens to you or other leadership in your construction company? If so, when was the last time you updated that plan? This week, we discuss the importance of continuity planning and some key considerations to keep in mind as you plan for the unexpected. Topics we cover in this episode include: Practice …
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How fast are you making profit?
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19:09
This week, we're talking about the best way to turn over revenue and make profit more quickly. We address the question of taking one big job with profit in it or turning over several smaller jobs, and choosing the right jobs that you can turn around efficiently. Topics we cover in this episode include: Choosing between one large job or multiple sma…
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Contractor cash flow case studies
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25:08
If you've listened to the Contractor Success Forum before, you know how crucial cash flow is to the health and longevity of your construction company. This week, we're sharing some real life examples of cash flow nightmares, how they happened, and what you can do to avoid similar mistakes. Topics we cover in this episode include: Cash flow and bill…
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How to get paid the easy way with Alex Barthet
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This week, Alex Barthet returns to the podcast with some actionable tips to set yourself up to get paid on time, every time. Topics we cover in this episode include: It starts with managing expectations in your written contract The top things to look out for in a contract that you might want to change Increase the notice and opportunity to cure on …
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Key factors in assessing bondability
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If you're a contractor wanting to increase the amount of bonds you can get, don't miss this episode. Stephen shares his top strategies for increasing your bondability on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: The three things bonding companies care about most How to start putting together your bond application Completing the …
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How to build a powerful brand for your construction company
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26:54
This week, we talk about the importance of branding your construction company, and where to get started with building a powerful and authentic brand that willl attract the right clients, subcontractors, and employees. Topics we cover in this episode include: The benefits of targeting a niche market How to find and target potential clients in your n…
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The key components of a good construction financial statement
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Your financial statements not only communicate the health of your company to your bonding agent, but they also give you a clear understanding of where you stand. This week, find out the basics of what should be included in those financial statements. Topics we cover in this episode include: The key components of a good construction financial statem…
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How to reduce injured worker claims in your construction company
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This week, Mac Bell joins us to talk about safety and how a good relationship with your insurance agent can help you avoid safety claims and save money. Topics we cover in this episode include: Engagement with policy holders is proven to reduce claims Common mistakes that lead to safety claims Why it's important to get workers back to work quickly …
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10 Benchmarks to Drive Your Construction Dashboard
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20:44
If you think of your construction company as a car, what are the most important indicators on that dashboard that you should be watching in order to keep it running smoothly? We're breaking down ten key gauges that provide insights into the health and efficiency of your company. Topics we cover in this episode include: Speedometer - Sales Growth Ra…
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How contractors should be using ChatGPT and AI now
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Artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT are big topics of discussion across industries today. But how can you use these tools to increase efficiency and build a more successful construction company? Find out on this week's episode with guest Morrelle McCrary, owner of RAM-Tech PC Solutions LLC. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to…
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