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The E-Myth Contractor: Why Most Contractors' Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
With The E-Myth Contracto r, Michael E. Gerber launches a series of books that apply the E-Myth to specific types of small businesses. The first is aimed at contractors. This book reveals a radical new mind-set that will free contractors from the tyranny of an unprofitable, unproductive routine. With specific tips on topics as crucial as planning, money and personnel management, The E-Myth Contractor teaches readers how to: The book also provides help on a larger level, leading readers towards becoming business visionaries by relinquishing tactical work and embracing strategic work, by letting go to gain control. Once put into action, Gerber's revolutionary ideas promise not only to help contractors build successful businesses, but successful lives as well.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
116 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Michael E. Gerber
89 books629 followersMichael E. Gerber is an American author and founder of Michael E. Gerber Companies, a business skills training company based in Carlsbad, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 17, 2018
E-MYTH: "So you're interested in being a profitable contractor, eh?"
ME: "Yes, I've thought about starting a small business where I can provide quality construction services to my fellow citizens."
E-MYTH: "Great I'm going to tell you how to make your business work. Please buy my book.
[Book purchased]
E-MYTH "So, this is the key --
1. Create a system where you can work on your business, not in your business."
ME: "Ok, how?"
E-MYTH: "Buy my *other* book E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don't Work And What To Do About it to learn about it."
Me: "Oh no.. What have I done..."
E-Myth:
2. You need to design a plan on how to run your business, execute your product, and execute your strategy. It's super important on how to do this. This will be the difference between running your business and your business running you.
ME: ".... Ok, will you elaborate?"
E-MYTH: "SEE: book E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don't Work And What To Do About it to learn about it."
ME: Yep, should have saw this coming..."
E-MYTH: "Do you feel like your time is getting swallowed in blackhole?"
ME: "Oh yes! This should be good. Yeah, I work as a project manager for a construction company now. It's hard to feel like I have a grip on my time."
E-MYTH: "Perfect! This will really help -- Your time is really important. You're going to die one day and that day is quickly approaching. You should pick-up my book E-Myth Mastery.
ME: Damn it! Come on!
E-MYTH: Already lets dig into the details of running a construction company (i.e. estimating, project management, etc.). You should really do a good job at this. Be sure to estimate all your costs perfectly up front. In regards to project management, definitely run all your projects really well and always hit your TCD... Oh! And make the customer happy. That's always a good idea too.
ME: (Sigh)
ME: "Yes, I've thought about starting a small business where I can provide quality construction services to my fellow citizens."
E-MYTH: "Great I'm going to tell you how to make your business work. Please buy my book.
[Book purchased]
E-MYTH "So, this is the key --
1. Create a system where you can work on your business, not in your business."
ME: "Ok, how?"
E-MYTH: "Buy my *other* book E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don't Work And What To Do About it to learn about it."
Me: "Oh no.. What have I done..."
E-Myth:
2. You need to design a plan on how to run your business, execute your product, and execute your strategy. It's super important on how to do this. This will be the difference between running your business and your business running you.
ME: ".... Ok, will you elaborate?"
E-MYTH: "SEE: book E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don't Work And What To Do About it to learn about it."
ME: Yep, should have saw this coming..."
E-MYTH: "Do you feel like your time is getting swallowed in blackhole?"
ME: "Oh yes! This should be good. Yeah, I work as a project manager for a construction company now. It's hard to feel like I have a grip on my time."
E-MYTH: "Perfect! This will really help -- Your time is really important. You're going to die one day and that day is quickly approaching. You should pick-up my book E-Myth Mastery.
ME: Damn it! Come on!
E-MYTH: Already lets dig into the details of running a construction company (i.e. estimating, project management, etc.). You should really do a good job at this. Be sure to estimate all your costs perfectly up front. In regards to project management, definitely run all your projects really well and always hit your TCD... Oh! And make the customer happy. That's always a good idea too.
ME: (Sigh)
July 13, 2020
Not a bad book, but you’re not gonna get any more out of it (probably actually less) than you would get out of Gerber’s book “the E-Myth Revisited”
Read
July 22, 2025#### **Core Premise**
* Most contractors mistakenly believe that being skilled at their trade is enough to run a successful business.
* The “E-Myth” (Entrepreneurial Myth) is the belief that a person who understands the technical work of a business can successfully run that business.
* Gerber argues that this belief is fundamentally flawed and leads to failure.
#### **Key Concepts**
* **Three Roles in a Business:**
* *Technician*: The person who does the actual work (e.g., carpenter, electrician).
* *Manager*: The person who plans, organizes, and oversees operations.
* *Entrepreneur*: The visionary who works on business growth and innovation.
* Most contractors operate solely as technicians, neglecting the other two roles.
* **Working *On* the Business, Not Just *In* It:**
* Contractors must step back and design systems that allow the business to run without constant hands-on involvement.
* Building repeatable processes leads to efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
* **Turn-Key Revolution:**
* Inspired by franchise models, Gerber advocates designing the business so that it can operate independently of the owner.
* Every role and task should be systematized with clear documentation.
* **Creating a Business Development Program:**
* Contractors must develop a strategic plan that includes:
* *Primary Aim*: Define personal life goals.
* *Strategic Objective*: Translate personal goals into business terms.
* *Organizational Strategy*: Define clear roles and responsibilities, even in a small team.
* *Management System*: Create systems for consistent performance.
* *People Strategy*: Hire and train based on defined processes.
* *Marketing Strategy*: Understand the customer’s point of view and deliver a consistent message.
* *Systems Strategy*: Develop systems for every aspect of the business (sales, admin, customer service, etc.).
* **Customer-Centric Focus:**
* Understand and consistently deliver what customers want.
* A successful contractor business serves the customer experience, not just technical results.
* **Planning for Growth:**
* Growth should be intentional, not accidental.
* Define what the business will look like when it’s “done,” then work backwards to achieve that vision.
---
### **Tone and Writing Style**
* **Tone:** Direct, instructional, and encouraging
* **Style:** Accessible and conversational, often addressing the reader personally
* Gerber uses real-world analogies and examples tailored to contractors, making abstract concepts tangible.
* The clear, structured writing supports the book’s goal of helping tradespeople grasp complex business principles without jargon or unnecessary theory.
---
### **Author Qualifications and Relevance**
* **Michael E. Gerber** is a renowned small business consultant and the best-selling author of *The E-Myth Revisited*.
* He has decades of experience working with small business owners across industries.
* His expertise in systematizing small businesses directly enhances the book’s core message: that contractors must build businesses that function independently of their technical skills.
* Gerber’s credibility comes from both practical experience and proven methodologies, making his advice highly actionable and relevant to the challenges contractors face.
* Most contractors mistakenly believe that being skilled at their trade is enough to run a successful business.
* The “E-Myth” (Entrepreneurial Myth) is the belief that a person who understands the technical work of a business can successfully run that business.
* Gerber argues that this belief is fundamentally flawed and leads to failure.
#### **Key Concepts**
* **Three Roles in a Business:**
* *Technician*: The person who does the actual work (e.g., carpenter, electrician).
* *Manager*: The person who plans, organizes, and oversees operations.
* *Entrepreneur*: The visionary who works on business growth and innovation.
* Most contractors operate solely as technicians, neglecting the other two roles.
* **Working *On* the Business, Not Just *In* It:**
* Contractors must step back and design systems that allow the business to run without constant hands-on involvement.
* Building repeatable processes leads to efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
* **Turn-Key Revolution:**
* Inspired by franchise models, Gerber advocates designing the business so that it can operate independently of the owner.
* Every role and task should be systematized with clear documentation.
* **Creating a Business Development Program:**
* Contractors must develop a strategic plan that includes:
* *Primary Aim*: Define personal life goals.
* *Strategic Objective*: Translate personal goals into business terms.
* *Organizational Strategy*: Define clear roles and responsibilities, even in a small team.
* *Management System*: Create systems for consistent performance.
* *People Strategy*: Hire and train based on defined processes.
* *Marketing Strategy*: Understand the customer’s point of view and deliver a consistent message.
* *Systems Strategy*: Develop systems for every aspect of the business (sales, admin, customer service, etc.).
* **Customer-Centric Focus:**
* Understand and consistently deliver what customers want.
* A successful contractor business serves the customer experience, not just technical results.
* **Planning for Growth:**
* Growth should be intentional, not accidental.
* Define what the business will look like when it’s “done,” then work backwards to achieve that vision.
---
### **Tone and Writing Style**
* **Tone:** Direct, instructional, and encouraging
* **Style:** Accessible and conversational, often addressing the reader personally
* Gerber uses real-world analogies and examples tailored to contractors, making abstract concepts tangible.
* The clear, structured writing supports the book’s goal of helping tradespeople grasp complex business principles without jargon or unnecessary theory.
---
### **Author Qualifications and Relevance**
* **Michael E. Gerber** is a renowned small business consultant and the best-selling author of *The E-Myth Revisited*.
* He has decades of experience working with small business owners across industries.
* His expertise in systematizing small businesses directly enhances the book’s core message: that contractors must build businesses that function independently of their technical skills.
* Gerber’s credibility comes from both practical experience and proven methodologies, making his advice highly actionable and relevant to the challenges contractors face.
October 20, 2019
Quickly written and little to no substance
I picked up this book as a new contractor and a very big fan of the E-Myth as a whole. Unfortunately - for me - it didn’t deliver anything of substance. Very short chapters with very little information gave me the impression this was a book hurriedly written and published for reasons other than providing value to readers. There were a few good quotes, but if you are familiar with E-Myth, absolutely nothing new. And if you aren’t, not enough information to help so you need to go buy the actual book. On the upside the jack of information makes it an exceptionally quick read.
I picked up this book as a new contractor and a very big fan of the E-Myth as a whole. Unfortunately - for me - it didn’t deliver anything of substance. Very short chapters with very little information gave me the impression this was a book hurriedly written and published for reasons other than providing value to readers. There were a few good quotes, but if you are familiar with E-Myth, absolutely nothing new. And if you aren’t, not enough information to help so you need to go buy the actual book. On the upside the jack of information makes it an exceptionally quick read.
May 4, 2024
Very easy quick read. After reading E-Myth Revisted before this, this book felt entirely shallow and unnecessary. I can see it having value for someone just getting into this concept of transitioning from the technician to entrepreneur (plus working on business instead of in it, making the business work for you… etc) but it feels like a money-grab. There are very few contractor-specific references, and the author even says the book will be focused more on the business of business than anything specific to contracting. So… why write this book and all the other industry-specific books as well? $$$.
March 10, 2020
One Word Review: Solid
Michael Gerber has done it again. This is the third E Myth book I’ve read and while there are many similarities the author does a fantastic job differentiating the application of his ideas based on individual industry.
The road map given in this book is unlike any other I’ve encountered for contractors and builders.
The application of efficient management systems would make an enormous difference in the business of most contractors I know.
Michael Gerber has done it again. This is the third E Myth book I’ve read and while there are many similarities the author does a fantastic job differentiating the application of his ideas based on individual industry.
The road map given in this book is unlike any other I’ve encountered for contractors and builders.
The application of efficient management systems would make an enormous difference in the business of most contractors I know.
January 29, 2025
im using it in conjunction with AI
Im starting a company on Friday that I’ve been working on for about 90 days. Testing at the state level in Montana, Colorado,Texas, and Florida. It’s been a blessing to read the pages and then have ai help me decide what I want to use and how I want to say and use it. I’m building a $10 million dollar company and I’ve started with The e-myth as one of my tools to help make sure I’m not doing-the-doing…forever.
Im starting a company on Friday that I’ve been working on for about 90 days. Testing at the state level in Montana, Colorado,Texas, and Florida. It’s been a blessing to read the pages and then have ai help me decide what I want to use and how I want to say and use it. I’m building a $10 million dollar company and I’ve started with The e-myth as one of my tools to help make sure I’m not doing-the-doing…forever.
June 16, 2017
If you've never read a business book and want to start your own business, this is an ok book to start with. Offers some good ideas, but no real information on how to implement them. Basically this book is just an infomercial for the writers E-Myth company. There are much better books out there, I would recommend those first.
February 14, 2021
Not as practical as I had hoped but still a good quick read.
Having read E-Myth revisited, I had hoped for a little more practical, contractor specific advice. Still, I enjoyed the concepts and the book did help me to re-center my thoughts and help me focus more on organizing my business.
Having read E-Myth revisited, I had hoped for a little more practical, contractor specific advice. Still, I enjoyed the concepts and the book did help me to re-center my thoughts and help me focus more on organizing my business.
February 21, 2022
I found a couple of nuggets I could use for my window contracting business, (https://www.mnegressexpress.com) but found it lacking in the "how-to" go about in executing those strategies. I would have no problem paying a lot more for something with substance, if it was there but I'm skeptical about spending more on the author's additional books, as I'm not sure that it won't be more of the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
I read this book over 15 years ago, and have read it again. The ideas are not detailed or explained to a level that would make them easy to apply or follow. Many general ideas I see repeated in these kinds of books.
April 21, 2025
A Bible for Contrators
This is chock full of relatable examples that are specifically geared towards Contractors and gives us a roadmap of assessing where our companies are at and how to get where we want to go. Great inspiration and plan of success
This is chock full of relatable examples that are specifically geared towards Contractors and gives us a roadmap of assessing where our companies are at and how to get where we want to go. Great inspiration and plan of success
May 4, 2025
loved E myth. This was scattered.
It's definitely worth a skim. I will read it again and take note of the good stuff. Initial read through felt like he was adding fluff to hit a word count.
It's definitely worth a skim. I will read it again and take note of the good stuff. Initial read through felt like he was adding fluff to hit a word count.
August 4, 2017
Generally a good book emphasizing the need to create lasting business systems over running the business from one job to the next as the primary employee.
August 11, 2018
Essential reading for any entrepreneur.
December 26, 2019
A delight to read with plenty of insight
Great read from front to back!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to run an efficient business.
Great read from front to back!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to run an efficient business.
April 5, 2020
I could have started on this book in my business and I believe I would have a much better turn key product already.
March 12, 2023
Very foundational - I was expecting more.
March 5, 2025
Work on your business, not just in your business. I applied a mix of this book and Built To Sell book to delegate tasks in my business and review my progress in different business functions.
April 21, 2025
Buen libro para emprendedores
Valoro muchas de las enseñanzas de este libro y estoy por hacer un todo list para mi propio emprendimiento, me parece una lectura fácil y excelente
Valoro muchas de las enseñanzas de este libro y estoy por hacer un todo list para mi propio emprendimiento, me parece una lectura fácil y excelente
February 27, 2017
Must read for would-be contractors
August 24, 2008
Like the E-myth revisited from Michael Gerber this book is a must read for anyone running their own business. The big advantage of this book over the E-myth revisited is that it is more concise.
This books takes the best bits from the E-myth revisited and condenses them into an easy to read, thought provoking way of looking at a business. In essence, most people in small business spend all their time doing the work, rather than building systems that allow other people to do the work for them. As a result they struggle to achieve the success and happiness that they desire.
If you want a quick introduction to the methodology that is the E-myth then this is a great start. It will start you thinking about working on your business rather than in it.
This books takes the best bits from the E-myth revisited and condenses them into an easy to read, thought provoking way of looking at a business. In essence, most people in small business spend all their time doing the work, rather than building systems that allow other people to do the work for them. As a result they struggle to achieve the success and happiness that they desire.
If you want a quick introduction to the methodology that is the E-myth then this is a great start. It will start you thinking about working on your business rather than in it.
May 6, 2014
An interesting and valuable business book, mostly about how to THINK about your BUSINESS rather than work at actually providing its services. The services will be provided by your SYSTEM, not by you directly. Your job is to envision what your business should become, and to employ replicable systems that will provide your customers service, in such a way that will grow your business according to your vision for it.
March 9, 2025
These e-myth books are all the same. Make the transition from working in the business to working on the business. The problem is the e-myth makes it seem simple but it is much harder to execute. Doing this requires dollar investment and investing time in standardized systems and processes. Getting the business owner in a position where they are completely shielded from the work and managing the business takes a lot of time, energy and effort as well as employee retention. Good luck.
April 7, 2009
This book is terrific and obviously addressed to contractors. This is the time to study these concepts! The temporary downturn and stagnation in construction and investment is an opportunity to hone skills which will improve the profitability and efficiency in your contracting business.
This is a book which I have given as a gift because I believe in the author's premise strongly!
This is a book which I have given as a gift because I believe in the author's premise strongly!
July 17, 2014
This is a simple overview for running a business from the perspective of how to manage money and people to deliver a product. If a contractor was only prepared to read one book, then this one would be an OK resource. Anyone that has read management and financial books widely may find this book a bit thin.
December 29, 2010
I didn't care much for this one. (At one point I was planning on breaking off on my own building foundations). This one really wasnt as helpful as I would have liked compared to the other two E-myths I read.
February 26, 2011
E Myth Contractor gave me food for thought. It's a very compact book, but is choc full with insights, guidance and stories on how businesses fail and succeed.
As a virtual assistant this book is invaluable in aiding my business setup.
As a virtual assistant this book is invaluable in aiding my business setup.
January 19, 2008
I promise I'll give this book another star if it will just show up so I can return it to the library.
December 4, 2008
If you are running or thinking of running a contracting business of any kind, you MUST read this book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews