What's Behind the Drywall?
The Contractor's Financial Blueprint
Saturday Newsletter
September 13, 2025
Read on my website ⏱️ Read Time: 2 minutes 36 seconds
What's Behind the Drywall? (The Part Nobody Sees)
Hey Contractor Nation,
All the stories I share are true and represent actual clients and prospects. I know you'll enjoy this one...
Jonathan builds beautiful spaces for banks and national retailers.
From the outside, his commercial drywall business looks flawless. Perfect finishes. Signature projects. Strong reputation.
But like any good contractor knows—it's what's behind the walls that matters.
The Vulnerable Truth
When Jonathan invited me to look behind his financial drywall, here's what we found:
The painful commercial contractor cycle:
→ Win the project
→ Work for 30 days
→ Submit the invoice
→ Wait 60-90 days to get paid
That's 90 days before seeing real cash. Meanwhile? 12 payrolls. 3 months of rent. Operating expenses eating you alive.
Your reward for all that risk? Being the last to get paid during your "growth years."
The Loan Shark Swimming Pool
So, how do contractors like Jonathan bridge the gap?
The MCA lenders circle like sharks, popping right out of the drywall bucket. Those weekly payment loans? Like crack cocaine for cash flow. Once you're hooked, it's nearly impossible to break free.
But there IS a way out.
Leave Your Shame at the Door
When contractors hire me, I tell them the same thing I told Jonathan:
"Leave the shame and blame at the door. Like a good doctor, I've seen a thousand butts, and nothing shocks me."
We're not here to judge. We're here to heal.
The Diagnosis
Just like physical health, financial health starts with knowing your numbers.
I examine the x-rays (balance sheets) and blood work (income statements). We don't just prescribe another pill (MCA loan) to numb the pain. We do root-cause analysis.
In most cases, we bring in a professional bookkeeper who actually understands construction—someone who can tell you which jobs make money and which ones bleed you dry.
The 7-Number Roadmap
We benchmark against my "7 Numbers That Make You a Millionaire Contractor" framework. This becomes our roadmap.
But like any fitness plan, knowing isn't enough. You have to execute.
Progress over perfection.
Jonathan's 3-Year Vision
Jonathan plans to be in business next year. And the next 10 years.
When's the best time to plant a tree? 20 years ago.
When's the second best time? Today.
Some contractors turn things around in 90 days. Others need 12 months to become bankable. Either way, Jonathan now has a 3-year roadmap.
He can review his numbers in 15 minutes monthly and know exactly where he stands.
The $30M Secret
Here's what kills me: Jonathan's story isn't unique. I see $30M contractors with the same problems.
Without a financial roadmap, you're walking blind.
Want to keep more of what you earn—without increasing revenue? Once you master that, revenue increases have a multiplier effect on your bottom line.
It all starts with knowing your numbers.
Your Next Step
I'm hosting a workshop for my clients on this exact topic:
"Build Your 2026 Profit Plan in 45 Minutes"
Tuesday, September 23rd at 3:00 PM EST
My clients attend free, but I have a few guest passes available for $29. You'll see behind the curtain at the exact strategies my clients use to become Millionaire Contractors.
Because you shouldn't have to choose between growing your business and growing your bank account.
To your success,
Patrick Shurney, MBA
Founder, 3P Consulting
📞 443.539.6276
Helping Contractors Become Bankable, Bondable, & Capital-Ready
P.S. Can't make it live? Register anyway. I'll send the recording plus my 12-month cash flow template. But live means you can ask questions specific to YOUR situation.
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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.
