- The Path Less Traveled
- Topics
- Family Business
#21 Your company's budget is lying to itself
This issue covers the discipline of honest budgeting, why overhead commitments deserve more scrutiny than most operators give them, and how smart technology configuration is turning lost calls into booked jobs. We also look at what PE-backed competitors figured out about financing long before most independents did, and why Pantheon 2026 belongs on your calendar. The through-line across all of it: the gap between good operators and great ones is usually found in the details they choose not to ignore.
#19 The Most Important System in Your Business That Nobody Sees.
This week’s TPLT dives into a simple idea: the best operators win by mastering the fundamentals. From using “old-school” marketing like equipment stickering and cross-trade awareness, to building a reliable financial foundation, to leveraging tools like Netic and GreenSky to drive efficiency and close more deals—we explore practical ways to grow smarter, not just bigger. The common thread? Systems that remove friction, increase visibility, and help great teams execute at a higher level.
#17 Our $500K Mistake. A 10% Conversion Lift. One Big Lesson.
This week’s issue is all about turning operational discipline into competitive advantage — from uncovering a hidden $500,000 filter expense to leveraging AI call scoring, smarter financing with GreenSky, and more rigorous ServiceTitan reviews. If you’re serious about scaling profitably, mastering your data, tightening execution, and pulling the right growth levers, this one’s for you. Plus: a teaser on mastering YOUR data and a few favorite tweets from the week.
#9 Profit vs Purpose. You Don't Have to Compromise.
Profitability and purpose aren’t opposing forces—they’re mutually reinforcing. In this edition, I share why strong financial results are what enable us to invest in our people, pursue growth, and stay independent. Purpose without profit is fragile—but when the two work together, that’s when a company becomes unstoppable.
#8 What Smart Operators Are Tracking in 2025 (That Most Aren't)
From AI risks to financing blind spots, here’s what you need to know to protect your margins and grow smarter. Tactical insights for contractors, operators, and acquirers who want to win in 2025—without taking their eye off the ball.
