Shifting to a Retainer-Based Business: Scaling Success with Cian Brennan

Lean Marketing

What if one bold business pivot could set you up for exponential growth and time freedom?

Allan explores how a single shift transformed one company from a constant grind to a predictable revenue powerhouse. After facing constant demands for solutions in a high-stakes industry, this entrepreneur realized the power of prevention over cure—turning his entire business model on its head. By adopting a proactive approach, he wasn’t just solving problems but building something that could scale effortlessly, freeing him to focus on strategy rather than daily operations.

Now meet Cian Brennan, founder of Quantum Contracts and a former Lean Marketing client, who turned his contracting service into a $2 million-a-year success by switching to a retainer-based model. Cian’s journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and growth. With Allan's guidance, he repositioned his business to help contractors tackle contract negotiations from the start, creating stronger foundations and lasting client relationships.

This episode is packed with insights on creating a sustainable, scalable business, overcoming the challenges of growth, and building a company culture that fuels success. Tune in to discover how a single pivot can change everything!

00:00 Meet Cian Brennan: From Zero to High Growth
01:48 Cian's Background in Construction
03:58 The Birth of Quantum Contract Solutions
06:17 Challenges and Solutions in Contract Management
09:00 The Retainer Model: A Game Changer
11:36 Adapting to Industry Changes and COVID-19
13:20 Scaling the Business and Client Retention
15:23 Achieving High Growth and Profitability
16:28 Building a Self-Sustaining Business
19:12 Personal Growth Through Challenges
20:16 Hiring and Promoting Mistakes: The Peter Principle
24:44 Creating a Positive Work Culture
31:26 Navigating the Future of the Business
32:58 The Entrepreneur's Dream: Working on Big Picture Projects
33:41 Handling Acquisition Offers

Check out Cian Brennan:
Website: https://quantumcontractsolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennancian/?originalSubdomain=au
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Tru0Vbx0sfwk304VMb9j3
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@constructionsecrets

Check out Lean Marketing:
Website: https://leanmarketing.com/
Programs: https://leanmarketing.com/accelerator
Books: https://leanmarketing.com/books
Podcast: https://leanmarketing.com/podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/successwise/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeanMarketingOfficial
Free Resources: https://leanmarketing.com/learn