Episode 156 of Behind the ToolBelt features our Guest Brandon Allen of Brookens Construction. The episode starts with our hosts Ty Backer and Chris Baker preparing to introduce our special guest, when Chris out of nowhere drops the bomb that this is actually the 3 Year Anniversary of Behind The Toolbelt!. He also mentions he has a surprise that will appear about halfway through the episode.
The duo then ask Brandon how everything is going out in Wisconsin, where Brookens Construction is located. Brandon mentions it’s cold, and a snowstorm is coming their way, but he is looking towards some holiday trips he has planned with his family and then with his company as well, both of which will take him out of the cold.
Ty then poses the question to Brandon “What are you guys doing for the end of the year stuff, and what are you doing to prepare for 2023”. Brandon replies that during this slow time, he and his team will take a look at what worked and what didn’t work. During this time he also makes sure to close up any service or repair jobs that need to be completed weather permitting. For the future Brandon mentions that the company seems to go through these cycles of growth – plateau – growth, giving his team time to catch up from the growth during each period of plateau. However, the work doesn’t stop when hitting a plateau. It’s at this time that Brandon looks into the processes and systems developed, and refines the process each time to improve for the following session of growth. Brandon expresses how having the right systems and processes in place is vital for the company to continue experiencing those episodes of growth. Ty and Chris both love this response and add their own experience to the conversation.
The conversation continues with Ty asking his next question “What has been your biggest lesson learned that you won’t repeat next year, and what do you think is working that you would like to improve for next year?”. Brandon jokes “We’re about to figure that stuff out!”. The company grew 4x over the last year, and says he definitely does not want to repeat that because of what it takes to grow that much that quickly. He mentions as fast as they’ve scaled he was concerned with the cashflow to make his dream come true. Fate happened to fall into place and allowed for Brookens Construction to get to where they are. To answer Ty’s question, he would not scale 4x growth again the following year. Chris replies that a certain level of belief is needed in order for the company and team to grow to the vision of its leader.
Ty mentions that the cash flow issue is great to mention as the biggest issue no one is talking about, and what it takes for the company to get running. He mentions that it’s possible to start from the bottom and let things naturally happen that allow for the company to grow. Ty touches on something Brandon said which is how he has the right people in the right places needed in order to grow. Ty discusses the threshold needed to maintain the current level of growth and what it takes in order to bring a company to the next level. Brandon mentions that growing further creates more issues with taxes and finances which needs to be looked at in the industry. Ty mentions that not enough information is given to new business owners regarding taxes and how to handle accounting.
Brandon then goes on to discuss how meanwhile he must dedicate time to each part of the business that requires his attention. Sometimes this means finding cash flow, to making sure jobs are being scheduled and completed. With all this he still feels privileged to be in the position he is in, regardless of how tough the situation might be. He’s at a point where giving up is not an option, and he gets the point of why we do what we do.
Ty then speaks on how much he enjoys being part of Revolt with Brandon because everyone who is a member of Revolt has been where they have been, allowing them to offer guidance. He continues how making sure to take care of his team first has always been his goal, and this seemingly comes to fruition somehow some way. Ty mentions he feels the “magic” that occurs within TC Backer and how blessed we all are. Chris agrees he sees the magic, and mentions Brand must have the magic at his place as well due to all the feats they’ve accomplished.
Chris discusses how building the right systems that are easily duplicatable are essential for a company’s growth. Not only having the right people within your circle of trust, but also having a process that can easily be duplicated and improved on as the company grows. Brandon mentions he agrees, and especially felt the magic mentioned earlier after the Revolt retreat. Once the team was behind Brandon and his dream, it was time to put action to his words and do what needed to be done. Brandon admits prior to the Revolt retreat it was all about the money, but now the impact they see in people’s lives has become the reason why they continue doing what they do. Brandon mentions how ironically that it’s not about the money, the universe rewards your good karma by bringing the business and money back to you.
Ty then brings the discussion to how he wants to be remembered and the legacy he leaves behind. He mentions how he wants to be remembered for putting others before himself and doing everything he can to help those in need. Taking care of his employees, whom he considers his family, is one of his main priorities. “The enemy of great is good” Ty mentions, then goes on to talk about how he tries to lead by example and let that trickle down to his team and help them become the best versions of themselves.
Chris then introduces the special surprise and reveals the world premier of the commercial of one of our sponsors Hook Agency! Hook Agency is a google specialized marketing team that only works with contractors to build SEO and many other marketing initiatives. Chris mentions Hook Agency even came out with a Cologne that smells quite good and guarantees more leads.
Chris then expresses his appreciation for all of the fans of the show and our sponsors, plus all of our guests that continue to join us and make this show as special as it is!
Ty continues asking Brandon questions, the next one being “What is something you are going to do that sets you apart from your worthy rivals up there?”. Brandon replies that again he is going to focus on doing the right thing with taxes and making sure everything is being taken care of when they need to be. He mentions they plan to keep giving back to the community and donating roofs to those in need. Brookens Construction plans to just keep being humble and trying to make a difference to their internal team as well as the external community. Ty and Chris agree with this sentiment and mention how we feed anyone who’s hungry on Thanksgiving Eve at the 21 Turkey Salute and how it took everyone to come together to make it happen.
Ty then mentions the importance of giving back to the community, especially because of what the community gives to us by continuing to support TC Backer Construction and choosing us for their exterior projects. Ty claims that we give back to the community not for anything in return, but simply because it’s the right thing to do. He goes on to say that oftentimes we don’t even broadcast what we do because that’s not what it’s about. For example, TC Backer Construction put together and donated 20,000 diapers for the diaper driver being hosted down at the Church in York. Because of the blessings we have received, it’s only right to give those blessings back to those less fortunate and attempt to make a difference in our community.
Our hosts and guests all agree that giving back to the community year round is something that keeps them all going. The feeling they get back from helping others creates a contagious impact for everyone in the company, because we are all doing the best we can to help those who need help the most.
Chris then asks his final question that he likes to ask every guest “What drives and motivates you to show up every day and continue to perform at a high level?” Brandon replies this thing is built on his and Aarons leadership, and they need to be there to lead the charge. He enjoys his role being on a more personal level with the sales team helping them with whatever they need. The organic conversation that occurs and how he is able to regurgitate all the things he learns from Revolt helps his team to grow and learn the same information Brandon knows. He keeps coming back because he loves what he does.
In closing, our Co hosts and guests agree that doing the right thing first is what got them to where they are. Putting the time in and getting the right people involved while having an impact on their lives is a driving factor in keeping the machine moving. It’s a lot of weight as the owner’s bearing this weight, making sure their team is taken care of. Ty continues discussing team members all able to be taken care of due to TC Backer Constructions success. This is the reason Ty shows up every day, for the people who surround him and believe in his vision, no matter what that may be.