How I Stopped Working for Free and How You Can Too.

Too many plumbing contractors are busy, stressed, and broke — working harder every year but still not turning a profit.

In this episode of the Trade Traction Podcast, Dennis shares the hard-earned truth he wishes someone had told him 15 years earlier:
👉 Trying to figure out your business alone will cost you years, burnout, and money.

Dennis breaks down:

• Why DIY-ing your business is the fastest way to stay stuck
• What actually changed when his company finally became profitable
• How coaches, associations, and other contractors helped him avoid financial collapse
• The real reason most trades businesses are “busy but broke”
• Why profit always comes before fun, freedom, and growth

This episode is for plumbing and heating contractors who are tired of working for free and want a clearer, faster path to building a profitable, sustainable trades business.

If you’re grinding, stressed about payroll, afraid to change pricing, or feel like you’re carrying the whole company alone — this conversation was made for you.

🎯 On the other side of profit… is fun. Let’s get you there.

⏱️ YouTube Chapters (Suggested)

00:00 – The Hard Truth I Wish I Knew 15 Years Ago
Trying to figure it out alone almost cost everything.

02:45 – Busy, Stressed, and Still Broke
Why most plumbing contractors hide how close they are to the edge.

06:20 – The Holiday Stress No One Talks About
Bonuses, payroll, supplier bills, and pretending everything is “fine.”

10:10 – Why DIY Business Thinking Fails Contractors
We hate DIY customers… but we run our businesses the same way.

14:30 – The Fatal Mistake: Doing It Alone
Why isolation keeps contractors stuck and broke.

19:40 – Associations, Coaches, and the Help I Ignored
PHCC, Nexstar, and the help that was always there.

26:15 – The Florida Trip That Changed Everything
Maxed-out credit cards, fear, and finally seeing a path forward.

31:50 – “It’s Not One Thing… It’s Enough Things”
The mindset shift that unlocked real progress.

38:40 – The Million-Dollar Dinner Conversation
How one peer meeting exposed a massive hidden problem.

45:30 – Why Change Feels So Scary When You’re Barely Surviving
Fear of losing employees, payroll stress, and paralysis.

51:40 – Why Every Contractor Needs a Coach
Someone who’s been there and knows what comes next.

58:20 – Profit Comes Before Fun
Why you can’t skip profitability — and what’s possible after.

1:03:30 – Stop Working for Free (The Real Meaning)
Why doing everything “right” still leads to nothing left at the end.

1:08:45 – Final Message to Struggling Contractors
You don’t have to do this alone.

The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit.

Connect with me on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennistheapprentice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064205912242 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dennistheapprentice

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