— Education Hub
Field guides for owners who'd rather be working.
Real answers to the payroll, tax, and audit questions we get asked weekly by contractors, shop owners, and restaurant operators.
— Free tool
Profit & Payroll Calculator
Punch in your revenue, see exactly how much should hit your pocket every month — and what you're leaving on the table.
7 Cash Flow Mistakes That Quietly Kill Contractors
Revenue is up, the bank account isn't. Seven leaks we see on contractor P&Ls every week — and the Profit First fix for each.
Read articleRestaurant Tip Reporting in 2026 — Plain-English Guide
Tip pools, FICA tip credit, service charges vs tips, and the audit triggers we see every quarter. CA, NV, AZ specifics.
Read articleQuarterly Estimated Taxes for Business Owners — 2026
Due dates, safe harbor, and the bucket method that turns quarterlies into a 10-minute job instead of a panic.
Read articleGusto vs Paychex vs Profit First Payroll — Which Is Right for Your Trade?
Standard payroll gets the job done. Profit First Payroll runs payroll AND protects your profit. The honest breakdown.
Read articleHow Should I Pay Myself as a Blue-Collar Business Owner?
The big question every owner asks but few answer right. The Profit First bucket system that pays you first — every time.
Read articleEmployee vs. Independent Contractor — Get It Right in CA, NV, AZ
The single most expensive payroll mistake we see. State-by-state breakdown plus the gut check that beats any contract.
Read article2026 Overtime Rules & Exemptions for Field Workers
Daily vs weekly OT, exempt salary thresholds, and the state traps that drain cash. Updated for 2026.
Read articleS-Corp Reasonable Comp + the Profit First Accountability Plan
Why 'reasonable salary, then distribute' isn't enough — and the accountability plan that keeps owner pay protected.
Read articleNevada Modified Business Tax (MBT) — Plain-English Guide for 2026
Nevada has no income tax — but it does have MBT. Thresholds, rates, and the deduction most owners miss.
Read articleNevada Workers' Comp Audit — How to Survive (and Get Money Back)
The 3 mistakes that always trigger a surprise WC bill in Nevada — and how to walk out of the audit with a refund.
Read articleClark County Contractor Licensing + Payroll — What You Actually Need
NSCB, state, and city licensing for Las Vegas, Henderson, and unincorporated Clark County — plus where payroll quietly kills your license.
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— Founder story
Built by blue-collar, for blue-collar.
Profit First Payroll was founded by Matt Frechette, who brings 20+ years of hands-on experience in blue-collar environments. He's seen shops thrive — or unravel — because of poor cash flow, inconsistent owner pay, late crew checks, and workers' comp audit nightmares. PFP is built explicitly for trades and labor-heavy businesses: proper crew classification, project-based volatility, and protecting profit in high-risk industries.