# 267. How To Hire When No One’s Applying (Builder Roundtable) - Matt Risinger, Jacob Toler, Matt Balfe

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/contractor-evolution-3408199/267-how-to-hire-when-no-one-s-applying-builder-roundtable-matt-risinger-jacob-toler-matt-balfe
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/contractor-evolution-3408199/267-how-to-hire-when-no-one-s-applying-builder-roundtable-matt-risinger-jacob-toler-matt-balfe.md
Podcast: [Contractor Evolution](https://stenobird.com/podcast/contractor-evolution-3408199)
Published: 2026-04-08T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://contractor-evolution.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/267-how-to-hire-when-no-one-s-applying-builder-roundtable-matt-risinger-jacob-toler-matt-balfe
Audio file: https://audio-delivery.cohostpodcasting.com/audio/80ce389c-8012-4761-a61d-5571d4302fa4/episodes/24cbfebe-f005-456d-9289-99448fe2a0ca/episode.mp3
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Duration seconds: 5201

## Resource

To get your free Hiring Resource Bundle, click here: https://trybta.com/DL267 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP267 Most contractors post a job ad, get zero qualified applicants, and wonder why they can't find good people. The problem isn't the labor market — it's your hiring system. In this roundtable, Matt Risinger (founder of The Build Show Network), Jacob Toler ($2.8M contractor running a 35% gross profit), and BTA coach Matt Balfe break down exactly how top contractors recruit, hire, and retain A-players — even when no one's applying. In this episode, we cover: Why your job postings aren't attracting qualified candidates (and what to do instead) Hiring systems that build your bench so you're always staffed for busy season Creative recruitment strategies the best contractors use to find A-players The difference between hiring out of desperation vs. hiring from a position of strength Whether you're a general contractor, remodeler, or specialty trade, if you're struggling to find good employees for your construction business, this conversation is your blueprint. 00:00-Intro & speaker backgrounds 08:21-Identifying hiring pain points & root causes 09:58-Candidate screening & interview process 30:08-Out-of-the-box recruiting & social media tactics 43:18-Leveraging AI and automation in recruitment 48:37-Key hiring lessons: ability over reactivity 01:14:53-Q&A: references & quality growth

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