Why Muskoka Contractors Are Ready to Own Their Business
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Contractor Owner Shift Workshop, hosted by the incredible Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce in Bala. And as always, I left the event feeling completely energized and amazed by the quality and dedication of the local contractors in the region.
The workshop, held at the Bala Community Centre, was a powerful collaboration with contractor coach Rick Harris of Work Boot Consulting. The core message of the day was clear: it’s time for contractors to make the Owner Shift—moving beyond the tools and the job site to truly own and control their business.
From Tradesperson to Business Owner
Rick Harris brings a wealth of experience, guiding tradespeople to transition from “sheer craziness to total control.” His focus is on the operational and mindset changes required to build a sustainable, profitable business, not just a demanding job.
My role as a contractor market expert was to complement this by focusing on the growth engine of the business: marketing. We discussed practical, real-world strategies to help attendees achieve the three core goals of any successful contractor:
•Get More Jobs: Attracting the right clients who value quality over the lowest bid.
•Make More Money: Pricing for profit and building systems that ensure financial health.
•Save More Time: Leveraging systems and smart marketing to reduce administrative burden and increase efficiency.
The Power of the Muskoka Contractor
What truly stood out was the engagement and caliber of the attendees. The contractors in the room were not just looking for quick fixes; they were genuinely committed to investing in their future, asking sharp questions, and challenging the status quo of how they run their companies.
This level of commitment is what separates a successful business owner from a perpetually busy tradesperson. It takes courage to step away from the daily grind and work on your business, and the Muskoka Lakes community is clearly full of owners ready to embrace this challenge.
A huge thank you to the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a vital event and to Rick Harris for the excellent partnership. It was an honor to share the stage and contribute to the growth of such an awesome group of local business leaders.
#shifthappens in Muskoka, and I can’t wait to see the success stories that come out of this group!
If you are a contractor ready to make the Owner Shift and want to learn more about implementing a marketing strategy that works, connect with me today.
