About Todd Shillington
Todd Shillington is the founder of The One Hour Contractor and author of The Service CEO: Build a Business That Works Without You. His work focuses on practical systems, leadership, profitability, and helping contractors build businesses that are more valuable, organized, and less stressful to own.
The One Hour Contractor was created to give contractors and service business owners the practical systems, tools, and referral relationships that make a real difference in day-to-day operations — from accurate pricing to simple SOPs to trusted local partnerships.
Instead of relying on theory, the approach centers on real-world business principles, crazy simple systems, and building a business one brick at a time.
Why This Work Matters
Most contractors did not start their business because they wanted to spend their days buried in spreadsheets, pricing worksheets, and operations manuals. They started because they were good at their trade and wanted to build something of their own. But being great at the work is not the same as being great at running the business that does the work.
Many service business owners find themselves trapped by the very company they built — working long hours, making less than they should, unable to take a vacation without the business stalling, and unsure what the business is actually worth if they ever wanted to step away. This is a common pattern across the trades, and it is the problem The One Hour Contractor was built to solve.
The One Hour Contractor exists to close that gap with practical, contractor-specific systems that turn a chaotic, owner-dependent operation into a structured, profitable, and more valuable business. Explore our services to see how we help.
The Service CEO Approach
Todd's approach is built on a simple belief: a service business should work for its owner, not the other way around. That means having the right numbers in front of you, simple systems that your team actually follows, and a clear picture of what the business is worth.
Rather than generic business advice repackaged for contractors, every tool, calculator, template, and framework in the Service CEO Toolbox is designed specifically for trades and field service businesses. From pricing calculators to SOP generators to cash flow forecasts, the focus is on practical systems that get used — not binders that collect dust.
The approach also extends beyond the business itself. Through the Trade Circle Network, Todd helps contractors build trusted referral partnerships with other local service business owners, creating relationships that generate real business, not just business cards.
What Todd Helps Owners Build
More Profit
Accurate pricing, labor burden visibility, and job-level profit tracking so owners know exactly where their money is made and where it leaks.
More Freedom
Simple SOPs, delegation tools, and team systems that let owners step back from day-to-day operations without losing control.
More Referrals
Review request systems and Trade Circle Network chapters that turn satisfied customers and local partners into a steady referral engine.
More Business Value
Strategic planning, recurring revenue tools, and exit readiness assessments that build a business worth selling — whenever the owner is ready.
Continue the Journey
If you are ready to find out where your business stands today, start with the Free Business Health Assessment. It takes a few minutes and gives you a clear picture of your strengths and biggest opportunities.
If you would rather talk through your situation directly, book a free strategy call with The One Hour Contractor to identify the one change that could make the biggest difference in your business right now.
The Service CEO: Build a Business That Works Without You
Todd's flagship book provides a practical roadmap for trade contractors who want to stop working in their business as an overworked technician and start leading as a strategic CEO.