26 Resolutions for 2026

It’s a new year. What are you going to do to make your business better? Here are 26 resolutions for 2026. Pick one. Do it. Then pick another.

1. Reduce the time it takes to generate financial reports.

The faster you can generate your financial reports, the faster you can act on the information they provide. As we become more computerized and automated, real-time reporting is possible.

2. Generate financial reports for the smallest business unit possible.

Drive accountability down. Each department should have its own financial reports. Ideally, each service truck and installation crew should have financial reports so each person can see how he or she is impacting the company.

3. Optimize the supply chain.

Think of your inventory as a big pile of cash that’s losing value every day. What can you do to reduce it? Work with your suppliers so they can provide vendor-managed inventory and consigned inventory.

4. Buy a small competitor.

Private equity’s not interested in small contractor, yet many of them are looking for a way to exit or even relocate. Offer to buy them based on the value of their customer list. Make a down payment and pay the rest over time or as a percent of business generated from their customers.

5. Join another networking organization.

Hopefully, you’re already in a networking organization. Add to it. Join a service club, leads club, a chamber of commerce, an alumni group, or a special interest group.

6. Use AI as a tool, not a Holy Grail.

AI is a useful tool you can use to help write procedures, offer coaching, supervise training, and much more. However, it is not the Holy Grail for your company. People still need to supervise the AI.

7. Remove drama kings and queens.

You know who they are. They suck more value out of the company than they add. Get rid of them. Even if they’re blood relatives, get rid of them.

8. Increase training.

Whatever level of training you’re doing today, increase it. Training is not an expense, it’s an investment in your people, your company, your future.

9. Begin dynamic pricing.

Prices are changing almost daily. Keep up. With software and tablets in the field, price dynamically. As soon as your costs change, change your prices.

10. Eliminate old inventory.

Contractor shops are filled with obsolete inventory. It holds no value and only clutters up the operation. Get rid of it. It’s the same for that blower door no one’s used in 10 years, your old motorcycle, deer feeder, and anything else not directly necessary for daily operations.

11. Add more financing options.

Look for one more way to finance equipment purchases. Talk with your local bankers and credit unions about home equity loans.

12. Add a low cost/high value benefit.

As a rule, contractors have crappy benefits. Improve yours and find an unusual one that has high value and low cost, such as discounted vacation bundles you can use to sell equipment. Given one to each full-time employee who’s been with you more than a year.

13. Review company values.

Your company values should rarely change, but should be reviewed annually. Collectively, the values are your company culture. They determine what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable, and behaviors drive results. Should any values be added? Modified? How is the company adhering to them?

14. Align your interview questions to your values.

This through the behaviors aligned with each value. Create interview questions to uncover if job candidates’ past or hypothetical behavior is aligned with company values.

15. Read a book every month.

Read or listen to a business book each month (hint: start with Contractor Stories from Amazon).

16. Become more involved in your state or local trade association.

Your state and local trade association will keep you up with the latest information affecting your business, provide an avenue for advocacy against ill-thought government action, and contribute to your training options. Get involved.

17. Set goals.

Goal setting should probably be top of the list. Set goals for the year, quarter, month, and week. Break down the sub-goals that will help you hit the major goals.

18. Create a marketing calendar.

Be intentional about marketing your company. Use a marketing calendar that includes marketing to get new customers, to keep existing customers, and to boost your average ticket.

19. Add to your sales portfolio.

Expand your offering. Find a new accessory, product or service to add to your offering. It could be as significant as expanding into light commercial or as simple as adding UV lights if your don’t already sell them.

20. Create a formal recruiting program.

Start a database of everyone who applies at your company and everyone who you meet at random and might be a future employee. Send them an email monthly with information about the industry and your company. Turn to this group first when you have a new opening.

21. Visit a leading contractor in another city every quarter.

Contractors love to share with other contractors. Read Contracting Business to identify a leading contractor in another city. Reach out them and ask to visit their shop.

22. Start a cross-marketing program with another home services company.

Find a home service business run by someone you respect and cross market to each other’s customer lists.

23. Focus on service.

We are still in the midst of the shipment cliff, though it should end soon. In the meantime (and all of the time), build up your service agreement and service program. Change outs can be postponed. Service cannot. Make the company profitable on service alone.

24. Avoid the political rage merchants.

It seems half the country hates the other half and the news media and politicians are especially adept at dividing us. Ignore it. Read the trade press and listen to industry podcasts insteads.

25. Spend intentional time with your spouse and children.

Your business isn’t your purpose. It’s a tool for providing for your family. They need more than financial support. They also need you.

26. Personally attend one more conference or training seminar.

If you aren’t growing personally, how can you expect your company to grow? Attend one additional industry show or conference.