Today’s guest on the show, Nick Slavik of Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration, is an operations guru when it comes to production management. With over 40 full-time employees at 1600 production hours a week, Nick has refined systems for training, communication, and goal-setting to keep his business running smoothly. Nick shares his secrets for maximizing production through operational excellence and prioritizing his employees.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro [02:24] - Nick’s background [04:13] - Managing 1600 production hours per week [07:18] - Hiring and retaining good employees [09:37] - The decent human being theory [11:07] - The best recruiting tool [15:03] - Nick’s advice for contractors [16:13] - How to make your team awake during meetings [20:14] - Details of Nick’s apprenticeship program [24:17] - Biggest challenge with the apprenticeship program [25:39] - Filling the hiring funnel [27:51] - Constantly improving your business [29:51] - Training process for crew leaders [33:55] - Vision and goals for Nick’s podcast and brand [38:55] - How Nick’s podcast helped his paint business [40:31] - Power of building your brand [43:21] - Nick’s marketing strategy [45:36] - Breakdown of Nick’s client sources [46:08] - Nurturing relationships with clients [52:58] - Best way to connect with Nick Resources: Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Website: https://nickslavik.com/    Nick’s email: nick@nickslavik.com    ? You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/    ? Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap    == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground    == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook    == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/    == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig    == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify