You didn't start your trades business to work harder than your own crew.
Edmonton's business coach for trades and contractorsSell more, keep more of what you make, and get your evenings back.
The Business Builders by Workplaces is an Edmonton business coach for trades and construction owners running roughly $500K to $10M a year. Bruce Baker works beside you, in person and online, to fix the one thing costing you most right now: cash, systems, time or people. Sessions run twice a month, month to month, with no long contract.
Key takeaways
- Built for trades and construction owners in Edmonton and across Alberta who are busy but short on cash, time or good people.
- Two Business Building Sessions a month, one in person in Edmonton and one online, with written work after every session.
- Priced on a 30-minute call against your stage and the work involved, month to month, GST extra. Independent Edmonton coaches typically charge $200 to $600 a session (Noomii).
- It starts with your last twelve months of bank statements and profit and loss. You see where the money went and what to fix first, and you keep the numbers either way.
- Tools used include the cash method from Mike Michalowicz's book Profit First and the Seven Stages of Growth from The ReWild Group.
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 51 Google reviews.
How we work
What does a business coach for trades and contractors do?
A business coach for trades finds the one problem causing most of the daily chaos and works beside the owner until it is fixed. In a trades business that problem almost always sits in one of four places: money, systems, time or people.
The wall you have hit is not bad luck, and it is not just you. Businesses like yours get stuck in a handful of predictable places, and each one drains something different: your cash, your systems, your time, or your people.
We find the one that is costing you the most right now, fix it first, and leave the rest until it is time. No long reports, no theory. We work beside you, on the floor of your business, until it runs the way it should.
The chaos always traces back to four things: money, systems, time, and people.
Nearly every stuck trades business is losing to one of these four. Here is what each one looks like.
Money
Busy every day and still short at month end? We find where the cash leaks, fix pricing and collections, and use Mike Michalowicz's Profit First so your pay and profit come off the top.
Systems
Every question still comes to you? We write down how the work gets done, from quote to invoice, so your crew can run a job without calling you.
Time
Evenings and weekends lost to paperwork? We sort what only you can do from what someone else should, and set a weekly rhythm that protects your time.
People
Good people leaving, or leads who will not lead? We set clear seats and expectations, and give your foremen leadership coaching so the crew follows them, not just you.
Whether you are growing and have hit a ceiling, or working flat out and falling behind, we build the pieces in the order your business needs.
Why is my trades business busy but always short on cash?
Most busy trades businesses are short on cash because money already earned is sitting with customers instead of in the bank. Bruce starts with what you are owed and how fast it comes in, then looks at spending that has crept up because nobody checks it on a regular schedule.
From there, the cash method in Mike Michalowicz's book Profit First helps you set your own pay and profit aside first and run the business on what is left.
See how our cash flow help for trades businesses works, or take the Month-End Surprise check first.
How do I stop being the bottleneck in my own business?
You stop being the bottleneck by moving decisions out of your head and into written systems and people you trust. In practice that means simple written procedures, a clear org chart, job profiles and a weekly rhythm your leads can run without you.
Not sure how far along you are? Take the two-minute Mexico Test to see where you stand.
Built for small business owners
Business coach, consultant, accountant or peer group: which does a contractor need?
If you know something is broken and want help fixing it and keeping it fixed, you need a coach who works beside you. A consultant suits a one-time outside assessment, an accountant keeps your books and taxes right, and a peer group gives you ideas from other owners.
Empowering business owners across industries to start, scale and succeed.
At The Business Builders by Workplaces, we help Edmonton and Alberta trades, contractors, and hands-on small business owners, like electrical, HVAC, construction, plumbing, mechanical, and field-service shops, overcome challenges and accelerate growth. Bruce has actually run a small business, and coaches the Profit First method developed by Mike Michalowicz: Revenue minus Profit equals Expenses. Simple, sustainable results without the fluff. Backed by close to 30 years of leadership experience in Fortune 50 and 500 organizations, adapted for the realities of small business.
We don’t just advise. We partner with you, side-by-side, to solve problems, streamline operations, and drive lasting impact.
| Business coach (The Business Builders) | Consultant | Accountant or bookkeeper | Owner peer group | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you get | A diagnosis, a plan, and help building it | A report and recommendations | Accurate books, tax filings and year-end | Ideas and accountability from other owners |
| Who does the work | You and the coach, side by side | Mostly you, after they leave | The accountant | You |
| How often | Twice a month, ongoing | Project by project | Monthly to yearly | Monthly or quarterly |
| Best when | You want the problem fixed and kept fixed | You need an outside view on one issue | You need clean numbers and filings | You want to learn from owners further ahead |
How it works
How does coaching with The Business Builders work?
You meet twice a month for two-hour Business Building Sessions, one in person in Edmonton and one online. Before the first one, you send your last twelve months of bank statements and profit and loss, and Bruce shows you where the money went, what each leak costs you in a year, and what to fix first.
After every session you get written work you can use the next morning: procedures, org charts, job profiles, cash dashboards or a business plan. Between sessions you can email, text or call when something breaks.
Send me your last twelve months of bank statements and your last twelve months of profit and loss.
I go through them before we meet. Then I tell you where the money went, and what it is costing you over a year.
You walk away with:
- The leaks, named and costed.
- What each one costs you in a year.
- What to fix first.
You keep the numbers whether or not we ever work together.
How much does a business coach cost in Edmonton?
Independent business coaches in Edmonton typically charge $200 to $600 for a one-on-one session, and executive-level coaching can run $2,000 to $10,000 a month, according to the Noomii coach directory. The Business Builders sets its price on the discovery call, based on where your business is and how much hands-on work you want, month to month, with GST extra.
If coaching is not moving your sales or what you keep, you should stop paying for it.
How do I choose a business coach in Edmonton?
Choose a coach who has run a small business, knows your trade, looks at your real numbers before selling you anything, and lets you leave month to month. Before you sign, ask four questions:
- Have you run a small business yourself?
- Who else in my trade have you worked with, and can I read their reviews?
- What will I have in hand after the first month?
- What happens if it is not working?
Who is the best business coach for contractors in Edmonton?
The best coach for you is the one whose clients look like you and whose work shows up in your bank account. The Business Builders by Workplaces works mainly with Alberta trades and construction owners, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, general contracting and field-service shops, and is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 51 Google reviews. Compare any coach on the four questions above, and see how contractor and trades coaching in Edmonton works.
Will a coach come to my shop or job site?
Yes, in Edmonton. One session a month is in person, usually at your place of business, and owners elsewhere in Alberta and Western Canada work online with on-site days when the work calls for it.
Is business coaching worth it for a contractor in 2026?
It is worth it when your biggest problem costs you more each year than the coaching does, and you will act on what you find. Construction firms make up about 15% of Alberta's small businesses and are the province's largest small business employer (ICBA, February 2026), and Alberta's construction sector employed 266,100 people in March 2025 (Job Bank, Government of Canada). In a field that crowded, how well the business is run is what sets it apart.
The first review of your numbers tells you in dollars what your biggest leak costs you each year, so you decide on facts.
Where is your business right now?
Most owners are in one of two places: things work and you want the next level, or things are not working and you want out of the fire.
Not sure yet? Take the two-minute Mexico Test and see where you stand before you pick a direction.
Things work. You want the next level.
Steady work, decent margin, and a ceiling you keep hitting. Build the capacity before you chase the volume.
Things are not working. You want out of the fire.
Cash is tight, the days are long, and the business runs you. Stabilize first, then rebuild.
Testimonials
What results can I expect?
From the first review of your numbers, you know your biggest leak and what it costs you in a year. After that, every session is measured by one test: did it help you sell more, keep more, or both? One owner's Google review reports revenue up 37% within about six months of starting. Results depend on the owner doing the work between sessions.
I had the privilege of working with Bruce from The Business Builders from December through January, and the impact has been incredible.
Bruce helped me build proper systems in my business and, more importantly, helped me realise that I simply cannot do everything myself if I want to grow properly.
Since implementing The Business Builders programmes and the systems we worked on, I’ve had more mind space, better structure, and the freedom of movement to focus on real growth. It’s now June, and my revenue has increased by 37%.
I’m genuinely grateful for the guidance, clarity, and practical tools Bruce brought into my business. I would highly recommend The Business Builders to any business owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to scale properly.
Our company has worked with Bruce for the past few years as a business coach and mentor. We started out with a Stages of Growth workshop back in 2021 and that provided us with some valuable insight into where our company was and what we needed to do in order to scale it to the next level and beyond. Those sessions opened us up to a world of growth - personally, professionally and across the business. His guidance elevated my personal growth that allowed me to thrive as I took on more responsibility within the business. Bruce is very easy going, personable, professional and multi-talented. His diverse skillset can switch gears between every area of the business. I would recommend Bruce to any business, no matter how big or small, or any challenge or opportunity they face as he can help take you to the next level, both personally and professionally.
Bruce has been an invaluable partner in my business journey. Hiring him seven months ago was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He’s helped me unlock new ideas and perspectives, and his guidance was instrumental in launching my new real estate business. Now, I’m proud to own two businesses, thanks to Bruce’s expertise. If you’re looking for someone to spark innovation and drive growth, Bruce is the perfect catalyst.
Outstanding Business Coach
Working with Jen has been one of the best investments I’ve made in my professional growth. From our very first session, it was clear they take the time to truly understand your specific challenges rather than offering generic, one-size-fits-all advice.
Jen helped me think more clearly about leadership, team management, strategic balance and gave me practical tools I could apply immediately. They have a great way of asking the right questions instead of just handing out answers, which pushed me to find my own solutions and build real confidence in my decision-making.
Beyond the practical skills, the accountability and structure they provided kept me consistent and focused on my goals. I’ve seen measurable improvement in team communication, productivity, employee retention, revenue growth since we started working together.
I’d highly recommend Jen to anyone looking to grow professionally, whether you’re a business owner, manager, or someone navigating a career transition. Worth every penny.
Navigating the ups and downs of early entrepreneurship can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and I’m incredibly grateful to have Bruce in my corner. His coaching and business-building support have been both dynamic and tailored to the areas I want to grow in. Together, we’re building a framework and processes that help me confidently sell and navigate my business. What sets Bruce apart is how deeply he believes in me—sometimes even more than I believe in myself—and that’s been a powerful motivator to keep moving forward. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with his guidance.
Where to begin.. I am new to having a start up business- something I felt with during COVID and i wanted to design / create a business to help individuals , organizations, to cope with stress and deal better with burnout and workload anxieties. I didn’t really know where to start! I did an internet search for someone I could hire to help me with the analysis, charts, policy’s, cost projections which I didn’t have the slightest clue was needed.
Bruce has helped me in various ways! From the 1:00 am stress texts and random emails when I would have an idea, thought or strategy in mind. He would reply on normal business hours, give honest feedback, send me information to read over to come to my own conclusions.
He’s very helpful, kind , and I think he just loves to help others succeed. He is worth every dime and dollar. If you feel overwhelmed contacting different government funding sources or grants.. he’s your guy! So very professional as well! I appreciate that.
I cannot say enough positive words regarding his insight and wisdom throughout this process. I will always be grateful for him and his patience. A true gem of all gems.
Bruce is a great asset to any new or existing business. He is helpful in ways one doesn’t even imagine! The most impacting piece of working with Bruce was his authenticity and honest communication. When we are ready to take our business to the next level we will definitely use Bruce again!
I have been working with bruce and Jen for the past year and I cant say enough to how much they have helped me and my business, not only have they helped me navigate through some business hurdles but they have also been there to support on a personal level too, it really shows that the care!
Bruce knows his stuff. He is knowledgeable, easy to listen to and very approachable. I love seeing someone who cares so much about small business growth.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. Coaching runs month to month. If it is not moving your sales or what you keep, you should not be paying for it.
What happens on the discovery call?
We spend 30 minutes on the one or two things keeping you up at night and whether we are a fit. There is no pitch and no hard close.
What should I send before we start?
Your last twelve months of bank statements and your last twelve months of profit and loss. Bruce goes through them before you meet, and you keep what he finds whether or not you work together.
Is Profit First a Business Builders program?
No. Profit First is Mike Michalowicz's method, set out in his book of the same name. Bruce uses its cash approach with owners where it fits.
What is the Seven Stages of Growth?
It is a framework from The ReWild Group, originated by James Fischer, that maps the predictable problems a business runs into as it grows. Bruce applies it as a Certified Organizational ReWilding Adviser, so the advice matches the stage your business is actually in.
Which trades do you work with?
Mostly electrical, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, general contracting and field-service businesses. Other hands-on small businesses work with us too.
Do you work outside Edmonton?
Yes. Owners across Alberta and Western Canada work online, with on-site days when the work calls for it.
How much should I pay for a business coach?
Pay less than the problem costs you. If the leak a coach fixes costs you $50,000 a year, a fee well under that pays for itself; if it does not, walk away. For reference, independent Edmonton coaches typically charge $200 to $600 a session, according to the Noomii coach directory. Ask for the monthly cost in writing, GST extra, and choose month-to-month terms.
What is the 80/20 rule in coaching?
It is used two ways. In a session, it means you do about 80% of the talking and the coach about 20%, because you know your business best. In the work itself, it is the Pareto principle: a small number of problems cause most of the chaos, so the work starts on the few that cost you the most.
What is the 70/30 rule in coaching?
It is the same idea with different numbers: the client talks about 70% of the time and the coach about 30%, mostly asking questions and pointing to what your numbers show. The answers that stick are the ones you arrive at yourself.
About the author
Bruce Baker leads The Business Builders by Workplaces and has spent 12 years building it, backed by close to 30 years of leadership experience in Fortune 50 and 500 organizations. He has run a small business himself and is a Certified Organizational ReWilding Adviser (CORA) with The ReWild Group. He works with Alberta trades and construction owners in person in Edmonton and online.
More about Bruce · Bruce on LinkedIn
Sources
- Jock Finlayson, ICBA Economics: Checking Up on Small Business in Alberta, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, 12 February 2026.
- Employment and Social Development Canada, Alberta Sector Profile: Construction, Job Bank, updated 1 December 2025.
- Noomii, Business Coach Edmonton AB.
- Mike Michalowicz, Profit First (book).
- The ReWild Group, Seven Stages of Growth, originated by James Fischer.