Profit First for Contractors: Why It Fails and How to Fix It

💰 Profit First for Contractors: Does It Really Work?

Contractors struggle with cash flow because payments rarely line up with expenses. You might wait weeks for a draw, only to get hit with big material and subcontractor bills up front. That’s why the popular small business money system Profit First doesn’t always work in construction.

In this video, Joe from Best Decision Bookkeeping explains why Profit First fails for contractors — and how to fix it with a contractor-friendly version of the system. You’ll see real examples, a $50,000 remodel case study, and step-by-step instructions to set up a Profit First for Contractors plan that actually works with irregular payments, retainage, and seasonal slowdowns.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.bestdecisionbookkeeping.com

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✅ What You’ll Learn in This Video:
00:17 – Why contractors struggle with cash flow
00:51 – 5 reasons Profit First fails in construction
01:59 – The DIY Profit First for Contractors Kit
02:11 – The $50,000 remodel case study
03:02 – The Project vs. Operating split that fixes the problem
03:43 – 5 contractor-specific Profit First adjustments
04:32 – Tools: QuickBooks job costing & Relay banking accounts
04:43 – How to run a shadow month before risking real cash
05:13 – Wrap up & how to get started with Profit First for Contractors
05:44 – Next Week: Signs You’ve Outgrown DIY Bookkeeping

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🧰 Tools & Resources Mentioned:
• Profit First for Contractors book & framework
• Free DIY Kit: Allocations calculator + Shadow Month simulator
• QuickBooks Online (job costing, reports, owner’s draws)
• Relay Financial (multiple bank accounts, automated transfers)

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📅 Book Your Free Profit First for Contractors Consult
Wondering if Profit First will work for your contracting business? I’ll run your real numbers through the system and show you exactly where to start.
👉BestDecisionBookkeeping.com/contact-us

Or download the free DIY Profit First for Contractors Kit to test it yourself:
👉 https://bestdecisionbookkeeping.subpa...

🏦 Signup for Relay Banking here
👉 https://app.relayfi.com/v3/register/u...

Join our free community for contractors:
👉 https://www.skool.com/behind-the-book...
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💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you tried Profit First in your business, or do you use another method to keep projects profitable? Comment below — I’d love to hear what’s working for you.

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📢 Share this video with a contractor who needs more profit, not more stress

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