RFC Podcast - Episode 60 - Building A Values-Driven Contracting Company with Adam Swain

Adam Swain, owner of Swain Co. in Indianapolis, joins the show to talk crawl spaces, basements, and building a values-driven contracting company. Adam grew up in the trade, launched the business with his father, and shares the pivotal moment in 2017 when his dad passed away—and how the team rallied to grow stronger than ever. We get into training that actually sticks (including hands-on booths at their shop), why they use zero-commission sales, hiring from within, giving back to the community, and the unusual reality of competing with family members—“the crawlspace mafia,” as Bill jokes. Adam also offers hard-won advice for smaller contractors ready to scale without sacrificing integrity.

Key takeaways

• Growing through adversity: the inflection point after losing a founder
• Training that matters: on-site booths, leadership development for foremen
• Zero-commission sales and why it builds trust (and better jobs)
• Hiring from within and creating real career paths
• Community impact as a growth lever (local sports, charities)
• Competing with family—staying cordial while staying sharp
• Practical advice to level up: humility, listening, and taking the first leap