Contractor's Profit Manual

About the Book

This book is a well-developed, principally oriented information source, gathered from years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Construction industry.  The content is clear, simple, yet thorough in its depth. The author hopes the reader will review in detail the chapters on Planning and Sales since these are essential to making your company more profitable.  Furthermore, the chapters on Crews and Methods, scheduling and production control will unable your company to implement sound cost control measures. Other critical information is contained in the Time Management, Negotiation and Training chapters.  All the information contained within this book has but one focus in mind... THE BOTTOM LINE.  This book can be used as a powerful tool within your company.  Read and refer to it often.  I trust you will use this information more like a manual versus a book.  I encourage you to write specific notes on the pages and refer to these notes on a regular basis.  By doing so, you will become my co-author and those ideas will grow and soon benefit your company on a regular basis.  Take and learn from the 40 years of experience Ive gained.  This book is a must for the individual, small business and large organization alike.

BOOK DISCUSSION

This book represents a compilation of over forty years experience in the Civil Engineering and construction industry.  It is written as a guide or manual that every person within your organization who reads it, will gain valuable insight and knowledge to all aspects of their specialty.  This book is RESULTS oriented, with clear, easy to follow guidance that will increase your companys productivity.

Chapter 1 outlines the Overview Planning process within your firm.  You will learn to identify the general objectives, goals and strategies of your company and the purposes of each activity.  You will be able to identify the various Stakeholders within your organization and their roles within as well as the general condition of your company.  

Chapter 2 discusses Marketing strategies within your organization. It further explores your firms capabilities, target clients, areas of influence, financial resources as well as true tables to meet your market objectives.

Chapter 3 is crucial to the Sales strategy of your firm and the acquisition of jobs/projects.  You will see how your sales plan can be developed and coordinated with your planning concepts.  Additionally, this chapter will identify your specific sales program with information regarding bidding verses negotiating, risk factors, competition and your companies overall sales climate.  To assist your sales team, the book reviews Sales presentations, generations of leads, entertainment, Newsletters, brochures and photos.  Lastly.in this chapter you will find sound principles in Sales Training.

Chapter 4 rounds out the discussion on sales.  This chapter outlines the methods to produce effective Sales Calls.   You will be able to identify your action person who represents the client, identify the specific needs of the client and the information required making an effective and persuasive sales call.  You will be able to manage and track a successful Sales Call program to include: sales call strategies, sales call reports, and sales call analysis.

Chapter 5 begins a comprehensive discussion on Estimating.  You will learn about procedures to set up your estimate and the cost relationships you can use for estimating and cost control.  You will also see the steps required to prepare your estimate and check lists proven essential to eliminating costly errors in preparing your proposal.   You will also read about 6 pitfalls to avoid insuring a complete bid as well as 4 hazards to avoid when dealing with sub-contractors.  Other valuable tips for determining the proper profit for each type of job and the

About the Author

Bill Carillon graduated with honors from the University of Akron in Civil Engineering. He also holds a law degree with LaSalle Extension University in Chicago. Bill is a Threshold Inspector as well as a Licensed General Contractor in FL and holds two professional licenses in Ohio and Florida.