The Contractor's Handbook: The Essential Guide to Starting and Growing a Successful Contracting Business

by Mike Knoche

Overview

Ready to turn your contracting skills into a thriving business?

The Contractor’s Handbook is your ultimate guide to launching, running, and scaling a profitable contracting company. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your existing business, this book covers everything you need to know to succeed in the competitive world of contracting. Inside, you’ll discover:

• Proven Business Strategies: Learn how to establish a solid foundation, from business planning to securing your first clients.
• Essential Financial Management: Master budgeting, pricing, and financial forecasting to ensure your business remains profitable and sustainable.
• Winning Sales Techniques: Develop effective marketing strategies to attract clients, close deals, and build a strong reputation in your market.
• Operational Excellence:Streamline your processes, manage projects efficiently, work effectively with vendors, and deliver high-quality work that keeps clients coming back.
• Leadership and Team Building: Learn how to hire, train, and lead a skilled team that will help your business grow.

Packed with real-world examples, expert advice, and actionable tips, The Contractor’s Handbook is your comprehensive roadmap to building a successful and sustainable contracting business. Whether you're aiming to stay small or expand into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, this book will give you the tools and confidence to achieve your goals. Start your journey to contracting success today!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781963549034
Publisher:	Broad Book Press
Publication date:	04/28/2026
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook

About the Author

Drawn to Alaska for the adventure and to pursue a degree in biological science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Mike Knoche now owns and operates Straight Ahead Construction and is the host of The Contracting Handbook Podcast. Through a divergent path of careers, he has settled into a comfortable and manageable niche building high-performing homes in the Fairbanks area. He finds nothing more satisfying than creating durable, healthy homes for people in his community.

Drawn to Alaska for the adventure and to pursue a degree in biological science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Mike Knoche now owns and operates Straight Ahead Construction and is the host of The Contracting Handbook Podcast. Through a divergent path of careers, he has settled into a comfortable and manageable niche building high-performing homes in the Fairbanks area. He finds nothing more satisfying than creating durable, healthy homes for people in his community.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Definition of A Contractor

Chapter 2: Employees

Chapter 3: Working with Subcontractors, Architects, and Engineers

Chapter 4: Meeting and Interacting with New Clients

Chapter 5: Bid and Proposal

Chapter 6: Contract Language

Chapter 7: Working with Clients Under Contract

Chapter 8: Billing

Chapter 9: Get Organized, Stay Organized

Chapter 10: Marketing and Branding Contracting Company

Chapter 11: Start Your Contracting Company Now