When Tyler Grace first stepped into construction, it wasn’t a straight line. He dropped out of college, worked with his hands, and eventually launched TRG Home Concepts. Like many small builders, he thought charging $35–$40 an hour meant he was set. But within a few years, reality hit: working harder wasn’t the same as running a profitable business.

“I was working twice as much and making half as much,” Tyler admitted. “I didn’t know my numbers. I just knew how to build.”

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That gap between craft and financial clarity would define the early decade of his career.

When “Good Enough” Costs You Everything

For years, Tyler over-delivered. Every detail had to be perfect, whether or not the client was paying for perfection. The problem? He was giving away free work.

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It wasn’t until a health scare- stress-induced anaphylaxis, twice- that he realized something had to change. He pivoted from fixed-price bids to time-and-materials contracts. Suddenly, clients had a choice: pay for perfection, or accept “good enough.”

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And here’s the kicker: most chose “good enough.”

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That shift revealed how much money had been slipping away. By tracking every hour and every dollar, Tyler finally made sure he was getting paid for his time.

The Seven-Year Slump

Tyler’s story also highlights a common truth in construction: it takes years to find your stride. He chalks up the first seven years of struggle to two things:

• Marketing the wrong way. Relying only on word of mouth meant every referral expected the same over-deliver/under-charge model.
• Not tracking costs. Without a daily handle on time and expenses, even great projects bled money.

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A rebrand helped him look more professional, but until he mastered the numbers, he was stuck in survival mode.

The Real Lesson: Simplicity Wins

Today, Tyler runs lean. A handful of projects a year. Loaded labor rates that account for overhead, downtime, and admin. Transparent conversations with clients every two weeks.

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It’s not glamorous… but it’s profitable, and it gives him time back with his family.

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“The simpler my business got, the better my life got,” he said. “I want to work hard, I want to get paid for my time. Not more, not less.”

Why It Matters for Every Builder

Tyler’s story isn’t about chasing luxury builds or scaling to 20 crews. It’s about honesty and self-awareness:

• Be clear on what makes you money (and what doesn’t).
• Track costs daily, not just at the end of the job.
• Don’t mistake more projects for more profit.

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As Tyler puts it, “Most contractors are killing themselves for less than they think. If you’re not getting paid for your time, you don’t have a business. You have a hobby.”

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