How to Get Off the Tools: Moving from Doer to Business Owner
Most contractors got into this business because they love the work—not because they wanted to be glued to QuickBooks or stuck in meetings. But if your goal is to actually own a business (not just a job), you’ve got to get off the tools and into the owner’s seat.
Here’s how to start making the shift:
Step Back (Just a Little): Start by handing off one small thing—maybe estimates, or a routine job you trust someone else to handle.
Train for Trust: Take time to train your team, not just on how to swing a hammer, but how to solve problems and keep customers happy.
Block Your Time: Set a few hours a week for “owner work”—planning, reviewing numbers, following up on leads. Don’t let jobsites eat your whole week.
Document Your Way: Write down how you want things done. SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) sound fancy, but it’s just your best practices in writing.
Remember: The more your business depends on YOU, the less valuable it is. The more it can run without you, the more freedom (and profit) you’ll actually get. The tools made you a pro—the systems will make you an owner.
