From Dishwashing To Seven Figures: Craig Talks With Calvin Bannan On Belief, Branding, And Building Something Better

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Calvin Bannan, a driven entrepreneur and founder of CB Services Group, a fast-growing heating and plumbing business. Calvin’s journey is one of grit, growth, and transformation, from washing dishes and selling solar panels at 17 to building a seven-figure trades business with a focus on excellence and branding.

With honesty and warmth, Calvin shares the ups and downs of his journey: the hard lessons, the leap of faith to go out on his own, and the moment he realised he was out of his depth. Crucially, he also shares how knowing his numbers - and learning how to run a business properly - has given him clarity, confidence and control.

This is one for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, worked through the fear, and dared to dream bigger.

 

Key Topics Discussed:
✅ From dead-end jobs to entrepreneurship - Calvin’s unconventional path
✅ What the trades get wrong - and how CB Services is doing it differently
✅ The power of brand, service, and customer experience in standing out
✅ Why many tradespeople underestimate the business side - and pay the price
✅ The impact of journaling, mentoring, and self-development
✅ How financial clarity transformed Calvin’s business and mindset
✅ Apprenticeships, education, and the future of the trades

 

Key Takeaways:
✅ You can build a brilliant business from any starting point - if you’re willing to learn
✅ Being a good tradesperson isn’t enough - you need to run the business too
✅ Understanding your numbers takes away the stress and guesswork
✅ Real growth happens when you invest in yourself and ask for help
✅ Young people need better pathways into the trades - and role models like Calvin

 

Memorable Quotes From Calvin:
📢 “I was a good engineer, but I didn’t know how to run a business. That’s when I realised I needed help.”
📢 “At the start, you get away with not knowing your numbers - but it catches up with you.”
📢 “Before, I was scared to look at the bank account. Now I check it every day.”
📢 “People told me not to do it. But I had to try. I had to see what I was capable of.”
📢 “Everything I’ve earned, I’ve put back into the business. This is about building something that lasts.”

 

Timestamps:

00:41 Meet Calvin Bannon: From Humble Beginnings

01:42 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs

02:58 The Turning Point: Pursuing a Career in Heating Engineering

07:35 Starting a Business During COVID

12:37 Overcoming Financial Challenges

16:11 The Importance of Forecasting in Business

16:49 Daily Financial Discipline

17:06 Overcoming Financial Fears

17:48 The Strength in Asking for Help

19:08 Mentorship and Business Growth

20:45 Expanding into New Markets

22:49 The Value of Apprenticeships

26:39 Challenges with Youth Work Ethic

28:55 Advice for New Business Owners

30:30 Future Goals and Vision

33:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

Resources Mentioned:
📌 CB Services Group website – Calvin’s business is changing the game in heating and plumbing
📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Giving business owners financial clarity and control
📌 Follow Calvin on LinkedIn – For more insight into his journey and growth