How Performance-Based Pay Can Transform Productivity and Workplace Culture - Michael Fortinberry

Episode notes

Can performance-based pay outperform the traditional hourly wage model? And what does that mean for productivity, culture, and ultimately, business value? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder , Michael Fortenberry, co-founder of Protiv, explains how shifting from time-based pay to performance-based compensation is changing the game—particularly for contractors and hourly workforces. Michael shares how Protiv’s model brings transparency to labor budgets by putting real numbers in front of field teams—and then rewarding them for beating those targets. The result is a measurable shift in behavior: stronger communication, increased accountability, and a culture where workers think and act more like owners. This conversation goes beyond compensation mechanics to explore the connection between incentives, leadership, and enterprise value. You’ll also hear practical insights on the metrics that matter most—like gross profit, revenue per labor hour, and rework—and the unintended consequences leaders need to manage, including the risk of unhealthy competition.