For more than three decades I’ve been wiring homes, building solar arrays and helping contractors find their footing. I love this work, and I’ve seen how belief can carry you through tough days. I also know that belief alone won’t get us to the next level. “While God is here, won’t get us to the next level” is a phrase I return to when people tell me they’re waiting on a miracle instead of a plan. After thirty years in the trades, here’s what I know: if you want to build a business that lasts, you can’t rely on hope or hustle alone. You need systems, numbers and leadership.
Know your numbers
I used to treat my bank balance like a scoreboard. Money came in, bills went out, and I assumed that if there was cash left over I was doing fine. That approach almost cost me everything. Today I track every hour and every dollar. I build quotes that cover materials, labor, overhead and profit. When I speak to contractors, I often hear, “I’ve been doing this for thirty years; I know what it costs.” I smile and ask them to show me the math. Nine times out of ten they can’t. In an industry where policy shifts can pull the rug out from under you, recent federal cuts have led to more than $24 billion in renewable project cancellations and an estimated 21,000 lost jobsmanufacturingdive.com. Guessing isn’t good enough. You need to know your break even point and your margin if you want to survive the next downturn.
Build systems, not excuses
Running a job site by memory might have worked when you were wiring a house or installing panels yourself. It doesn’t scale. When you’ve got multiple crews and projects, you need a system. That’s why we use tools like Jobber to schedule jobs, send estimates and collect payments. These platforms expose inefficiencies you can’t see from the driver’s seat. They also free you to lead instead of chasing paperwork. I tell my team: if it isn’t in the system, it didn’t happen. Digital tools aren’t about replacing our craft; they’re about making sure we get paid for it.
Invest in people
One of the biggest challenges in 2025 is the shortage of skilled workers. The construction industry needs to attract roughly 439,000 new workers this year just to meet demandopenasset.com. A report found that 62% of firms can’t find candidates with the right skills or certificationsopenasset.com. More than one in five construction workers is over 55openasset.com, which means a lot of knowledge is about to retire. Those numbers keep me up at night. That’s why I mentor apprentices, teach classes through Energize Us EDU and push for stronger training programs. It’s not enough to complain about the “lazy generation.” We have to give the next generation a reason to join us and tools to succeed.
Stay informed and adaptable
Our industry is changing fast. New technologies like AI scheduling, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D printing are transforming how we design and manage projects. A recent survey found that 44% of contractors plan to increase spending on AI tools to optimize scheduling and resource allocationopenasset.com. At the same time, policy changes can make or break our plans. The federal government’s decision to rescind tax credits has frozen billions in renewable energy fundingmanufacturingdive.com. That’s not a headline; it’s a warning. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll wake up one morning to find your project canceled and your crew out of work.
Lead with integrity
After thirty years, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about barking orders. It’s about setting an example. Show up early, stay late, and follow the code even when no one is watching. Teach your apprentices why we ground and bond a system. Explain the reasons behind the price on a quote. Take responsibility when things go wrong. Saying “I’ve been doing this for thirty years” should mean you’re willing to share your hard earned lessons, not that you’re stuck in your ways. Faith gives me strength, but action builds the future. If you’re waiting for someone else to fix the trades, you’ll be waiting a long time. It’s up to us to build the systems, train the people, adopt the tools and lead by example.
Join the movement
Running your trade like a business isn’t a trend; it’s the only way forward. At Energize Us EDU, we’re committed to helping contractors build sustainable companies. We offer training, coaching and a community of tradespeople who share your values. You don’t have to do this alone, but you do have to start. Pick one thing: track your time, review your pricing or mentor an apprentice. Do it today. Thirty years in, I’m still learning. That’s how I know we’re on the right path.
