Markup and Margin

Testimonials

"Thank you for writing the books 'Markup & Profit' and 'Profitable Sales'. They've become gospel to me as I strive to grow my business and become more and more professional. You've done a great thing for the industry. Thank you!"

Portland, Oregon

"I am a very small remodeling contractor. I have been looking for a way to make my business life easier. After going about $10,000.00 in the hole my first year in business, I knew I needed help. I did not know what kind of help I needed, I just knew that I needed some serious help. I ran across an advertisement for a book called 'Markup And Profit'. . . . "

"The book was great. No, it was fantastic. I could not put it down. Light bulbs were going on all over the place. It was so enjoyable to read, that I re-read the thing a couple more times. Not only was it more than informative, it was like Mr. Stone was sitting right there talking to me. I have never read a book that has been written in such a way. It was written, talking to me, not talking at me. I have never had a book, both teach me and make me laugh at the same time. It was as though it had been written just for me and all about me."

Juneau, Alaska

"Ordered book back in mid-summer and have read through and through and worked examples and have applied to our business. We are a commercial-industrial contractor mainly doing concrete with general work on occasion. Even though book is directed to residential we found also applies to our type of work. We have changed our business to reflect your basic principles for overhead & profit. That has meant that we bid or negotiate more projects but have found that the markup & profit principle works.

Some projects we have quoted, I have to read The Board or book to keep on course and not start doing something stupid as have been done in the past. These projects are in progress or starting, so we are going to keep a very close check on the progress.

It makes me sick see how misinformed we have been over the years from our supposedly professional help. Thanks for the HELP!"

Lexington, Tennessee

"What a great book this is!! I think every contractor in business should read "Markup and Profit" as required reading to get a license. I look forward to continuing my learning with your expertise, even though I've been a licensed electrician for some 14 years."

Long Island, New York

"For 32 years I have been looking for someone to tell me about markup & profit, thank you. I have read the book 3 times and finally had to put it down to let it sink in, that's how hungry I am about this information.

I am one of those contractors that always felt guilty about my prices and then ended up giving all the extra's away. After reviewing ten jobs in the past, I found that I left money on the table. The greatest thing your book has given me is confidence on how I approach each job and potential customer and also how I handle my personal life's money."

Newburyport, Massachusetts

"What a great book! I'm only about halfway through it and boy have I been losing $.

I've only been in business part time about a year. From reading your book it looks like I'm just working for wages, not profit. I'm looking forward to putting the strategies that you teach into action. I will suggest this book to all my friends."

Grove, Texas

"I just wanted to drop you an e-mail letting you know how much I'm enjoying your book Markup & Profit. I received it yesterday and I've already read the first 150 pages. So much of what you say in the book is so true. I am a highly respected contractor in southeastern NH and love the trade that I'm in. However, after having done this for almost 20 years, I still feel as much like a used car salesman as I did when I first started (no offense to used car salesman by the way).

I can do the work in my sleep but still struggle pulling the business aspect of it together. Your book has already answered so many questions for me and better prepared me for my working relationship with my clients."

Exeter, New Hampshire

"I have your book and have read only a third of it and now understand my husband and I have been going about this business wrong. Thank you for such a great book."

Chattanooga, Tennessee

" . . . I also want to thank you for publishing such a great book. I bought Markup and Profit a few months ago and it has helped me understand the business end of electrical contracting. I know what I have learned from the book and the calculator will keep me from ever winding up tired and broke again at the end of the work year, and will help bring in the income I need to support my family and have a good future in this business."

Colonia, New Jersey

"I am a remodeling contractor in Tucson, AZ and have been doing it for 2.5 years now. I just finished reading your book and I must say, it is a book that everyone should read the first day they start their own company. I can't tell you how many questions I have had since day one that I have asked other experienced contractors that you answered in your book. I am almost upset that there is not more education readily available that would point to resources such as yours. Thank you for a job well done."

Tucson, Arizona

"I first read your book A Contractor's Guide To Markup & Profit a little over a year ago. And I have to say, it has been an amazing year! As soon as I began reading your book I couldn't put it down. Late nights, coffee breaks, five minutes here . . . 1/2 hour there, any chance I could get I read some more. I am now re-reading it for a second time, and I refer to the book continually.

I've learned how to make projections, better estimating procedures, and most importantly how to price a job. Our business has completely changed from what it had been . . . we were headed for ruin. After applying several of the concepts you presented in your book, and by attending the Remodeling Show Conferences & reading trade magazines like they're going out of style (also recommended by you in your book), we actually grew last year! And for the first time I can see how profit is made and how we can actually grow our small remodeling firm. Imagine that, our company making a profit!

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to put such a great guide together. It has been a key factor in turning our business around.  For me personally, reading your book has given me a "fire in the belly" for growing our company and for playing the role that I should as the owner. I still have a lot to learn, and our company has a long way to go, the difference is I now realize the need for continual education and how it benefits each of us."

Stow, Ohio

"I wanted to let you know how much this contractor appreciates your work.

I have been in business for seven and a half years. In this time I have tried numerous approaches to doing business. While I have made it this long I have built considerable debt. About two years ago a friend gave me a copy of your book Markup and Profit. I am not a big reader, and am ashamed to say it sat on my desk, then book shelf, until this winter. At which time he and another successful friend, after seeing my total discouragement, met with me to help me decide if I should continue in the business or get out.

After reviewing all aspects of how I am doing business they felt I am not making any one big mistake and should keep at it. They 'demanded' however, among other things, I read your book. (I will also say that the one friend credits your book and Christian principles with making his company very successful).

I finished it in January and have begun putting it into practice including a percentage plan to pay down debt. I am already feeling some benefit from your ideas and am encouraged that, after such a long time, this may actually work. It has been a blessing. I am also enjoying your monthly e-mail news letter, this is the second one I've received.

Thanks again for good, straightforward information."

Montague, New Jersey

"Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your manual on markup and profit. I have just re-entered the residential construction arena after spending 23 years in the heavy construction trade as a union carpenter and supervisor. I was involved in residential construction in the late 70's but at that time all I had was a knowledge of how to 'drive nails.' Consequently it didn't take long for me to seek out another form of employment and so I joined the union in 1979.

In May of last year I was approached by some friends of mine about building a home for their daughter. I had previously built their home in 1985 and I was excited to have the opportunity. To say the least a lot has changed since 1985!

Unfortunately not only did I come up short on the man hour estimate but I didn't add any markup at all. Thank God I had my son as my only employee! That's why your book is so great. I really want to do it right this time and even though I learned a lot on that first house, I definitely don't want to repeat the same mistakes."

Lewiston, Idaho