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We're excited to have Tom Droste, co-founder of Estimate Rocket along with his wife Kathy, who
took an unexpected leap from accounting into the world of software development. Prepare to be
captivated by his fascinating journey, from his early interest in the burgeoning computer industry
to developing his first estimating program for a humble plumber. Hear about the genesis of
personal computers for use in estimating, the thrill of the early tech world, and how Tom honed
his skills to create a software that caters to the unique needs of different trades.
Estimate Rocket was born from an understanding of the commonalities across trades and was
designed to be flexible and adaptable. Tom shares how the power of word-of-mouth helped the
growth of his company and how he identified the underserved trades sector. He takes us
through the features of Estimate Rocket, from estimating to the allocation of projects, and how it
exponentially improves ROI in marketing for contractors. A deep dive into the use of "tags," the
importance of a reliable information repository, and the science behind determining project
success makes this a must-listen for anyone in the trade and contracting field.
Wrapping up our chat, Tom talks about the company's supportive team, his innovative
Collaborative Tuesdays program, and the dynamic changes in the contracting world. He
discusses how virtual communication is revolutionizing the industry, particularly in the context of
the Covid-19 pandemic, and how Estimate Rocket can be a game-changer in the sales process.
With his eye on the future of painting, Tom's insights are enlightening and inspire a sense of
curiosity about the future of the trades industry. Join us on this exciting voyage with Tom Droste,
a visionary who's transforming the world of contracting with his innovative software.

About Tom Droste:
Tom has a passion for developing great technology to solve real world problems and helping
customers implement them successfully. Some of Tom’s hobbies include hiking, bike riding, and
cooking. He’d like to travel to Spain and Alaska some day, his favorite color is red, and he has a
rescue dog named Daisy.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:00) - Tom Droste's Journey to Estimate Rocket
(0:08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors
(0:14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry
(0:20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features
(0:27:14) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing
(0:37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes
(0:43:34) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:00) - Tom Droste's Journey to Estimate Rocket
Tom Droste's journey from accountant to co-founder of Estimate Rocket, early PCs, and his first
estimating program for a plumber are discussed.
(0:08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors
Tom Droste shares his journey of developing cloud-based software for the trades, adapting it to
fit their needs, and growing the company through word of mouth.
(0:14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry
Tom shares insight into overcoming the "long, slow, sass march of death" and Estimate Rocket's
features for the painting industry.
(0:20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features

Estimating, sales, proposals, coordination, scheduling, knowing numbers, and Estimate Rocket
are discussed.
(0:27:14) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing
Tags, ROI, lead sources, closing ratio report, emotional decision-making, and cookbook for
business are discussed to determine marketing success.
(0:37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes
Estimate Rocket's support team, Collaborative Tuesdays program, and sales process
discussed, utilizing email and phone calls for leads, tags for defining status, and virtual
communication for pre-qualifying leads.
(0:43:34) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting
Estimate Rocket's tools, hiring salespeople, robotic painting, and AI are discussed to make
quoting and estimating easier and faster.

----Links from this Episode----
• Open invitation for a free discovery call with Scott Lollar
• Consulting4Contractors’ Website
• Consulting4Contractors on YouTube
• Estimate Rocket website
• Estimate Rocket on Facebook
• Estimate Rocket on YouTube
• Estimate Rocket on Twitter
• Check out this video of Consulting4Contractors' Operations Module, one of our flagship
Done-For-You tech offerings.
• Click here and enter the code "ASSESSMENT50" at checkout to receive 50% off one
platinum assessment from InnerView Advisors, C4C's trusted hiring and HR resourcing
partner (limit 1 per company)
• Connect with C4C on Instagram
• Join the C4C community on Facebook
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Submit to be a guest on our podcast
Credits:
• Scott Lollar: Host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast & Founder of Consulting4Contractors
• Tom Droste: President & CEO, Estimate Rocket