When I first launched The Rehabber’s Playbook, one of the values I built it on - and kept repeating - was this:

Keep it simple.

Not just because it sounds good. But because this business requires it.

Now, after years of coaching builders, walking projects, troubleshooting jobs, and building out new construction systems - I’ve not only doubled down on that mindset…

I’ve tripled down. And honestly? I look back at how I used to operate, and I realize…

I wasn’t keeping it simple enough. So this blog isn’t just a reminder - it’s a challenge.

To you, to myself, to everyone trying to build a real, scalable operation…

Simplify your systems. Simplify your tools. Simplify your job.

1. Don’t Get Caught Up in Every New App or Software

Yes, we use tech. Yes, we have a handful of solid tools.

But no - we’re not out here chasing every new software drop that promises to "change the game."

Let’s be honest:

Most of these apps sound great in a demo and fall flat in real life.

And worse, they pull you into this cycle of constant setup, testing, onboarding, syncing, troubleshooting… it’s a distraction.

What we’ve learned is this:

You don’t need more tools. You need fewer, better ones.

Figure out what you need - and use it well. Don’t worry about what the “top 10 tools for real estate investors” list says this month.

Stick with what works. Ignore the shiny stuff.

2. Don’t Overbuild Your Spreadsheets

I’ve seen it more times than I can count.

Someone spends hours building the “perfect” spreadsheet - all the formulas, dropdowns, color codes, conditional formatting… and then what?

They tweak it. And tweak it again. And again.

Until eventually they’re spending more time inside their spreadsheet than inside their project.

The goal is execution. Not formatting. A good doc should help you move faster - not slow you down.

So ask yourself: Is this helping me take action? Or just helping me feel productive?

Keep your sheets light. Keep your systems lean.

And remember: the best spreadsheet in the world doesn’t mean anything if the project’s not moving.

3. Limit Your Tech On-Site

Look, I’m probably a little old-school here… but I’ll say it:

Tech doesn’t belong on the job site. Or at least, not most of it. But that may just be my opinion and I don’t want to paint in black and white. What I will say is to limit this.

Contractors aren’t checking shared folders or scanning QR codes. iPads are clunky to carry through dust and drywall.

Apps glitch. Batteries die. Wi-Fi drops.

And more often than not, you’re the only one trying to use it - which defeats the purpose.

You want to know what still works?

• iPhones
• Notepads
• Whiteboards in the trailer

Keep it simple, physical & reliable.

You don’t need to impress your subs - you need them to move.

4. Don’t Be Over-Processed

If you know me, you know I love process. It’s how you stay consistent. It’s how you grow. It’s how you scale.

But here’s the trap: process can become the project.

I’ve seen people so focused on getting the perfect site photos, uploading them to the right folder, tagging them, noting them, syncing them…

That they literally miss what’s happening on-site in real time.

You can’t let process replace presence.

You need structure - yes. But only the structure that helps you lead the job, not escape from it.

Let your project managers manage. Let your crews build. Let the process support the work, not smother it.

5. Consolidate Your Docs and Resources

This one’s huge if you want to scale.

Most people start with one project. They’ve got a budget sheet, a scope doc, a punch list, some receipts, some notes, some texts…

Then they do project #2.

And now there are twice as many docs, twice as many logins, twice as many lists.

It adds up fast - and before you know it, you’re managing documents more than you’re managing projects.

So here’s the challenge:

Consolidate wherever you can.

• Combine your budget, scope, and schedule into one doc
• Keep your notes and punch lists centralized
• Use one platform (or even one folder) to track progress across jobs

You’ll save time. You’ll reduce errors. And you’ll be way more confident leading multiple jobs at once.

Simplicity = scalability.

Final Thought: This Business Is Already Complicated

You’ve got dozens of contractors. Hundreds of expenses.

So many moving parts. So many unknowns. Why make it harder?

Don’t let tools, systems, or process become another layer of noise.

Don’t confuse complexity with professionalism.

At TRP, we’ve learned that the best builders are the ones who simplify everything down to what matters most.

👉 What’s moving the project forward?

👉 What’s slowing it down?

👉 What can we get rid of?

If you challenge yourself to keep things ridiculously, even painfully simple, you’ll be shocked at how much easier it gets to run jobs, lead teams, and grow a business that lasts.