What advice do you have for starting a new service business?
Hi everyone! I'm Ryan with Jackson Site Services. Just starting out as a skid steer services business in Central Oklahoma and about to bid my first driveway install and maintenance contracts. What advice does anyone have for both just getting started and first jobs? What's the best advice you were ever given?Google Ads vs LSA — how is everyone actually using these?
Here's where I'm at: I run both Google Ads and Local Services Ads (LSA) for my business. On paper, that sounds like I've got it figured out. In practice, it feels a bit like throwing money at two different machines and hoping one of them spits out jobs. I don't always know which one a new customer came from, and I'm honestly not confident my settings on either are dialed in the way they should be. Obviously the LSA is something I pay for on an individual basis. I just feel like I never get any jobs out of these. Does this hurt me to kill these ads all together? Then google ads I have no idea. I feel like I get a lot of leads from google in general but I don't know how much of that is my website vs the ads. How do you guys approach these?
Hello Fellow Jobbers
Hey everyone, my name is Hunter Girard and I am the owner/operator of HG Construction right here in Calgary Alberta. I have recently started this business with one clear mission: to help local families afford high-quality renovations without the massive price tag! By focusing on honest, efficient, and reliable work, I’m able to deliver the results your family deserves while making sure I’m also home in time to be with mine. For me, it’s not just about the build, it’s about doing right by your family so I can provide for mine. If you’ve been looking for a contractor who values your budget as much as your home, I’d love to connect with you and see what and how HG Construction can make it all happen for you! All the best! HunterG
NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION
Hey everyone — I run Dream West Projects out of the Sea-to-Sky in BC. I focus on renovations and I’m currently scaling into multi-unit and larger contracting work. Looking forward to connecting with others in the industry and learning from the community. www.dreamwestprojects.comWhat Features Would Be Helpful for Dealing with Subcontractors on Your Team?
Subcontractors can be a powerful way to grow your service business—but managing them smoothly takes the right tools. From scheduling to paperwork to payments, things can get complicated fast if you're relying on spreadsheets or text threads. Here are a few key ideas to kick off the conversation: Insurance Certificate Tracking + Expiration Reminders Making sure your subcontractors are insured is a no-brainer—but keeping track of their certificates and renewal dates can be a hassle. A built-in feature that stores insurance docs and sends automatic reminders before they expire would help keep your business protected and organized. Built-in Payment Processing for Subcontractors Paying subs quickly and clearly is essential for maintaining good relationships. Imagine being able to approve their invoices and process payments right through Jobber—no more chasing emails or juggling payment apps. Subcontractor Availability Scheduling Knowing when your subs are available is half the battle. A shared calendar where subcontractors can input their availability would make job assignment way easier and help avoid scheduling conflicts before they happen. What would you like to see added to help manage subcontractors better? Drop your ideas in the comments—👇Best ways to track material costs?
Tracking material costs in the electrical contracting industry is critical because supply prices (wire, conduit, breakers, panels, etc.) fluctuate frequently due to market demand, copper prices, and supply chain changes. A strong system protects profit margins, improves estimating accuracy, and helps maintain consistent pricing for customers. How does your company keep track?Young Contractor Focused on Growth & Systems
Hey everyone, I’m Andrew—owner of Rodgers Home Construction. I focus on residential renovations, additions, and building projects done right the first time. I’m big on running a tight operation with clear communication, solid systems, and delivering exactly what’s promised. Right now I’m focused on leveling up the business side; estimating, job tracking, and building a team that takes pride in the work. I joined this community to connect with other contractors who are serious about growth. What’s one system or process that made the biggest impact in your business?Roll Call! Meet & introduce yourself to other Construction and Home Improvement pros
If you’ve ever thought, “How are other businesses like mine handling this?” you’re in the right place! This space is for Construction and Home Improvement pros to connect, compare notes, and talk shop with others who understand the day-to-day realities of running your type of business. 👋 Introduce Yourself Drop a comment and tell us: Your name Business name Industry Years in business Location (City/State/Province) Let us know if you’re joining us for LIVE networking on March 17 (more details below) The more context you share, the better connections you’ll make. 🙌 Pro tip: Search your city or state in the forum to easily find other pros in your area. 📅 Want to connect LIVE? We’re running a pilot to host virtual weekly LIVE Industry Networking starting on March 17, running until April 7. If you’d be interested in joining for the first or following sessions (don’t need to commit to all but you're welcome to join!), make sure to let us know in the comments. 🤝 Culture of this space Think of this forum board like a room full of peers who understand your world. Share what’s working. Ask real questions. Talk through challenges. The goal is to power your success and raise the standard of home service industries together. 💬 Looking for conversation starters? This space works best when conversations are industry-specific and experience-based. You might jump in with something like: “How are other [industry] pros pricing this service right now?” “Is anyone else seeing this shift in their market?” “What’s been working for you when it comes to ____?" 🤔 Why are industries grouped together? We’ve intentionally clustered similar industries to keep conversations active and relevant. These groupings reflect shared business models, operational challenges, and pricing conversations so you can learn from peers who “get it,” even if they’re not in your exact trade. If your question applies to all home service businesses, feel free to post in our broader forum boards. Pro tip: Check out the industry tags to get even more specific Looking forward to seeing this space come to life. 🚀
