Lessons from the Leap

7 Truths They Don’t Teach You in Corporate—or on the Jobsite

Most construction contractors are great at doing the work.
But the business side—cash flow, estimating, systems, growth—that’s often where things get tough.

I’ve been there too.

When I left my corporate job in 2019, I thought I’d just build a business.
Instead, I built a new version of myself.

Here are 7 lessons entrepreneurship taught me—each one shaped by my personal journey, and deeply relevant to anyone running a trade contracting business today:

1. Sometimes the worst day of your career becomes the first day of your calling.

My life: I was let go from a company I loved and a job I thought I was thriving in. It was shocking, unfair, and painful—but it forced me to build something of my own.
In the field: That GC you've relied on pulls the plug. Suddenly you have to bet on yourself. That’s not the end—it might be the start.

2. Don’t just build it—make sure they want it.

My life: I arrogantly created offers without validating them. They flopped. Now I only build services based on real market needs.
In the field: Ever done beautiful work a client didn’t ask for? Costly mistake. Ask what they need—then deliver it better than anyone else.

3. You can’t sell what they don’t understand.

My life: In corporate, I knew how to close deals. As a business owner, I had to learn messaging—how to clearly show the value before I could sell it.
In the field: You give a great estimate, but the client doesn’t understand your scope—so they hire the cheaper guy. That’s a communication problem, not a price problem.

4. Life doesn’t pause for your business plan.

My life: In 2021, just as my business took off, my wife was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away 86 days later. I had to rebuild my life while still running a company.
In the field: The jobsite doesn’t wait. But neither do personal storms. Real business owners learn how to lead through both.

5. The right tools don’t just track work—they drive results.

My life: I upgraded my CRM and invested in systems—and coaching—that helped me actually grow.
In the field: That spreadsheet estimating system? It’s slowing you down. Good tools don’t just organize your business—they help you win more work.

6. When you speak to everyone, you speak to no one.

My life: I resisted picking a niche for years. But when I finally committed to serving trade contractors, business took off—clients, referrals, even a speaking gig all came to me.
In the field: Want better referrals? Become known for doing one thing exceptionally well. Specializing isn’t limiting—it’s magnetic.

7. Resilience beats everything.

My life: From losing a job… to losing my wife… to rebuilding my business—I’ve learned resilience is the real difference-maker.
In the field: You’ve worked through heat, stress, and setbacks. You’ve finished jobs that tried to break you. That’s not just grit—it’s leadership.

If you’re building your own business—
Know this: you don’t need to learn these lessons the hard way like I did.

💬 Which one of these lessons hit home for you?
Reply and tell me—I’d love to hear your version of the leap.

Patrick Shurney, MBA
Founder, 3P Consulting
📞 443.539.6276
Helping Contractors Get Their Finances Sorted

P.S. Want to build a stronger financial foundation this summer? Join my free workshop on June 25th at 11am EST: Bank-Ready in 30 Days, Capital in 60. I created a workbook with easy-to-follow steps. Reply “Workbook” and I’ll send it your way.

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About Me:

As a veteran in financial coaching with over 30 years of corporate banking experience, my mission is to empower trade contractors like you to become numbers confident, optimize cash flow, leverage debt, and pay yourself competitively.

Ready for More?

Here’s how I can help you:

1.     Profit Blueprint Program: Get your finances sorted and build out a 3-year financial roadmap in the next 30 days.

2.     Loan Consulting: Get Bank Ready. With 30+ years of banking experience, I’ll make sure you're ready to approach lenders with a winning loan package.

Ready to take your financial strategy to the next level? Let’s connect and make sure you’re running a thriving business while paying yourself what you’re worth.