In this episode of The Summit Podcast, Pat Johnston, owner of Buckingham Bath & Home Remodeling, joins Bob Turner for a raw, honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a contracting business from the ground up. Pat shares his journey through the construction industry, the pressure of running as a solopreneur, and what it means to operate in a season of building, survival, and growth. He opens up about shifting away from high-pressure sales tactics toward genuine connection, learning leadership the hard way, and building systems that create stability for both business and family. This conversation goes deeper than tactics. Pat talks candidly about fear, responsibility, and the internal drive to succeed — not for ego, but for the people counting on him. It’s a powerful episode for contractors and business owners who know they’re capable of more, but are still figuring out how to get there. If you’re a contractor, trades business owner, or entrepreneur navigating growth, leadership, and personal responsibility — this episode will hit home. 👉 Learn more about Pat’s company: https://www.buckinghambnh.com Takeaways Pat Johnston owns and operates Buckingham Bath & Home Remodeling He has built a reliable subcontractor-based team His business is currently in a critical build-and-survive phase Sales success now comes from curiosity and connection, not pressure Leadership is learned through mistakes, accountability, and reflection Systems are the foundation for sustainable growth Success means providing for family and staying aligned with personal values Coaching and surrounding yourself with smarter people accelerates growth Sound Bites “Find a coach.” “I can’t fail them.” “Prove them wrong.” Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Pat Johnston 02:46 – Pat’s Journey in Construction 05:25 – The Reality of Solopreneurship 08:02 – Sales Shifts and Mindset Changes 10:50 – Family, Responsibility, and Growth 13:36 – Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way 16:07 – Systems and Future Business Goals 18:52 – Defining Success and Facing Fear 21:35 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 24:17 – Final Reflections #SummitPodcast #ContractorLife #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorMindset #EntrepreneurMindset #Solopreneur #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #SalesForContractors #BuildingSystems #ContractorSuccess #TradesBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #PurposeDrivenBusiness #FamilyAndBusiness #CoachingMatters #PersonalGrowthJourney #OvercomingFear #BusinessLeadership #BobTurner https://www.buckinghambnh.com