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Introduction
Starting a construction business isn’t easy — especially when you’re figuring things out as you go.
In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, Preston shares how he launched his construction company later in life after a career in the military and corporate world. What stands out isn’t just his story — it’s the practical lessons around estimating, job costing, systems, and leadership that every contractor can apply.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re busy but not making enough money… this is for you.
Job costing for contractors: the foundation of profitability
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple:
If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.
Preston openly shares that his biggest mistakes early on came from estimating jobs incorrectly. That’s where most contractors lose money.
Without proper job costing, you’re guessing:
- How long jobs actually take
- What labor really costs
- Where your profit is coming from
- Where it’s disappearing
Over time, tracking this data allows you to answer critical questions like:
- What does framing cost per linear foot?
- How long should drywall actually take?
- Where are we consistently underbidding?
This is where systems — and tools like Jobtable — make a massive difference.
👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com
Construction business profitability starts with estimating
Most contractors don’t fail because they can’t get work.
They fail because they price it wrong.
Preston highlights a key reality:
Underbidding doesn’t just hurt one job — it compounds across your entire business.
Common estimating mistakes:
- Missing scope details
- Underestimating labor time
- Not accounting for sequencing delays
- Ignoring real-world inefficiencies
The fix isn’t guessing better — it’s tracking better.
When you combine estimating with real job data, your accuracy improves fast.
Systems for construction companies that actually work
A major theme throughout the episode is simplicity.
Contractors don’t need complex systems — they need systems they’ll actually use.
Preston uses tools to:
- Track job costs in real time
- Plan upcoming expenses
- Schedule trades effectively
- Invoice based on progress
This allows him to:
- Control cash flow
- Stay organized
- Reduce admin work
- Focus on execution
The key isn’t having more tools — it’s having the right ones that fit your workflow.
Cash flow for contractors: why timing matters
Cash flow can make or break a construction business.
As Preston explains, you’re constantly balancing:
- Payments to subcontractors
- Material costs
- Client invoices
Without visibility, you’re reacting.
With proper tracking, you’re planning.
Using structured job costing and scheduling:
- You know when costs are coming
- You know when to invoice
- You avoid cash shortages
This level of control is what separates struggling contractors from profitable ones.
Change orders and scope creep in construction
Even though it wasn’t the main focus, this episode reinforces a key truth:
Construction is unpredictable.
Things change. Delays happen. Scope evolves.
That’s why systems matter even more.
When you:
- Track every cost
- Document every change
- Stay organized
You protect your margins and reduce surprises.
How contractors lose money (and how to fix it)
From this conversation, the biggest ways contractors lose money are:
- Poor estimating
- Lack of job costing
- Weak communication
- Disorganized scheduling
- Not tracking data
And the fix?
- Build simple systems
- Track everything
- Learn from every job
- Improve continuously
Construction leadership: lessons from the military
One of the most powerful parts of this episode is leadership.
Preston shares a core principle:
“Mission first, people always.”
For contractors, that means:
- Respect your subcontractors
- Communicate clearly with clients
- Empower your team
- Take responsibility for mistakes
Construction is a relationship business.
Your success depends on:
- Your team
- Your subs
- Your reputation
How to get construction clients when starting out
For newer contractors, Preston shares a practical strategy:
Leverage existing platforms like Home Depot’s Pro Referral Network.
Why it worked:
- High-quality leads
- Low cost to get started
- Consistent volume
He converted around 14% of leads into jobs, which is strong — especially early on.
From there, referrals took over.
Lesson:
Start with volume → deliver quality → build reputation → grow through referrals.
Construction business education: learning by doing
There’s no perfect path into construction business ownership.
Preston didn’t start with all the answers — he learned by:
- Taking on unfamiliar projects
- Making mistakes
- Tracking results
- Improving systems
This is how most successful contractors grow.
Where Jobtable fits into all of this
Throughout the episode, Jobtable plays a key role in helping contractors:
- Track job costs
- Manage invoices
- Stay organized
- Plan cash flow
- Run projects efficiently
It’s not about adding complexity — it’s about simplifying operations.
👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com
Conclusion
This episode is a reminder that success in construction isn’t just about skill — it’s about systems.
Key takeaways:
- Job costing is non-negotiable
- Estimating accuracy drives profitability
- Communication builds trust
- Systems create control
- Leadership sets the tone
If you want to grow a smarter, more profitable construction business, start with these fundamentals.
And most importantly — take action.