In a recent episode of Rainmaker for Contractors, host Bill Crawford sat down with Andre Wheatley, an expert in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and mold remediation. Andre shared his journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the critical role of accountability and the importance of knowing the financial side of the business. He also revealed some of the most common mistakes in waterproofing—ones that can worsen mold problems—and exposed why not all companies in the industry are as qualified as they claim to be.
For contractors, business owners, and entrepreneurs, this conversation is filled with valuable insights that can transform the way they operate and scale their businesses.
Extreme Ownership: Taking Responsibility for Success
One of the biggest mindset shifts that transformed Andre’s business was embracing extreme ownership—the idea that everything that happens in a company, good or bad, is ultimately the responsibility of the leader.
“Everything is my fault,” Andre states, emphasizing that whether it’s a lack of training, ineffective systems, or poor execution, he must take full accountability. Instead of blaming employees, he focuses on fixing the root causes of problems.
This philosophy has helped him build a stronger team, refine his processes, and scale his business more efficiently. By taking ownership, he has been able to identify and correct inefficiencies that could have otherwise derailed his company’s growth.
The Biggest Mistake Contractors Make: Ignoring the Numbers
Like many new business owners, Andre initially assumed that as long as customers were happy and sales were steady, the business was doing well. However, once he started closely tracking his financials, he realized that revenue alone didn’t equate to profitability.
“If you don’t track your bottom line, you’re probably not hitting it,” he warns.
His advice to new contractors is simple but crucial: track everything. Understanding profit margins, overhead costs, and cash flow is essential for long-term success. Without this knowledge, contractors may find themselves working hard but barely breaking even—or worse, losing money.
The Hidden Danger in Waterproofing: Mold Cross-Contamination
One of the biggest and least understood risks in the waterproofing industry is mold cross-contamination. Many companies unknowingly make mold problems worse through improper installation practices.
Andre explains that when contractors cut drywall to install an interior French drain, they may unknowingly release and spread mold spores throughout the home. This can make the air more toxic for homeowners, turning a seemingly straightforward waterproofing job into a serious health hazard.
“You’re cross-contaminating the house, spreading mold spores, and making the air more toxic for homeowners,” he cautions.
Another major issue in the industry is the lack of proper mold remediation training. In states like New Jersey, where no certification is required for mold removal, many companies “dabble” in mold remediation without truly understanding how to handle it. Rather than removing mold properly, some simply paint over it, masking the problem instead of eliminating it. Andre stresses the importance of hiring certified mold remediation specialists who follow proper containment and removal protocols.
Final Advice: Know Your Numbers
Andre leaves contractors with one final piece of advice: know your numbers.
No matter how hard someone works, if they don’t understand their profit margins, overhead costs, and cash flow, they may be losing money without realizing it. By focusing on financial literacy and tracking key business metrics, contractors can make better decisions and set themselves up for sustainable growth.