Want Bigger Construction Contracts? Build Your Business for Them | Claudette Freeman

🏗️ Want to grow your construction company and compete for larger contracts? Getting the opportunity is only part of the equation. Your business has to be prepared to handle it. In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network, I'm joined by Claudette Freeman, Managing Partner of F&F General Construction, a Black woman-owned full-service construction firm providing design-build, general construction, construction management and turnkey project delivery. Claudette's journey began in architectural engineering before taking her into project management, consulting and eventually business ownership. Along the way, she saw a recurring problem: many contractors knew how to perform the work, but struggled with the administrative and business infrastructure needed to maintain a pipeline and grow. In this conversation, we're breaking down what it actually takes to build and scale a construction company. We discuss: 💰 Managing cash flow through construction's feast-and-famine cycles 📑 Why a strong contract can protect your company 🏗️ Moving from smaller projects into larger contracts 💳 Lines of credit and preparing for project expenses 🤝 Strategic partnerships and joint ventures 📋 Using certifications to access opportunities 👷 Building relationships with quality subcontractors 📈 Helping smaller trade partners build financial capacity 🎯 Why you shouldn't bid every opportunity ⚠️ Protecting your company when costs unexpectedly increase 👩🏾‍💼 Building credibility as a Black woman in general contracting 🤝 Accountability, quality and rebuilding trust Claudette's first F&F project started as approximately a $350,000 contract, grew to $800,000 and ultimately finished around $1 million—all during COVID. When material costs skyrocketed, one provision in her contract became critical: increases above the agreed inflation threshold became the client's responsibility. Claudette says that protection may have saved her business during its first year. Her message to growing contractors is clear: Know your numbers. Protect your business. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And don't be afraid to partner. 🎥 Subscribe for conversations about commercial construction, contracts, careers, business growth, development and building wealth. Don't just watch these conversations. Use them. #commercialconstruction #ConstructionBusiness #GeneralContractor #ConstructionContracts #SmallBusiness #ConstructionManagement #WomenInConstruction #BlackWomenInConstruction #Contractor #TheCommercialBuildersNetwork Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: BMHLO6LBBHZQGI2A