Many praise Professor Kissinger’s coaching programs and find significant personal and professional value in the methodology and often highlight the transformational nature of his coaching and his dedication. They describe his coaching as a powerful tool for personal development and business strategy, frequently noting that his coaching provided helps them address significant limiting beliefs and real-world professional challenges.

Transformation – Dedicated – Impactful and Well Organized, – Skill Development – Results Driven

Master Your Mindset: The blueprint to breaking the invisible boundaries holding back your earning potential.

Professor Michael Kissinger’s and Reitenbach Kissinger institute’s coaching principles focus on shifting psychology, mastering emotional states, and implementing structured frameworks to transition from working in a business to leading it.

For professionals in fields like contracting, architecture, and engineering, the path to becoming a high-level earner involves moving beyond trading time for dollars by adopting systems that allow for scalability and growth.

The Best Way for a Construction Employee to Go from Being an Employee into Being a Highly Paid Construction Person

To go from being a salaried employee (architect, engineer, or project manager) to a highly paid construction professional, the best way is to pivot from design/consulting into commercial production, general contracting management, or real estate development

Architects and design engineers traditionally hit salary ceilings much lower than the professionals managing the actual execution, risk, and capital of a build. Making the leap to the “money side” of construction requires specific strategic shifts.

1. The High-Value Career Pivots

The fastest way to multiply your earnings is to change who you work for and what part of the project lifecycle you control.

Current Role	Target High-Paying Pivot	Why It Multiplies Pay
Architect	VDC Specialist / Real Estate Developer	Moving from design to development means sharing in equity and project profits. A consensus of users on Reddit notes that transitioning to a general contractor or developer multiplies pay many fold.
Design Engineer	Commercial Project Manager → Project Executive	Shifting from calculation to execution. Project Executives oversee multiple builds, managing portfolios worth hundreds of millions with high performance bonuses.
Assistant PM / Estimator	Superintendent / Construction Manager	Moving to the field where risk is managed. Top-tier Superintendents command high six-figure salaries ($200k+) because they directly control schedule, labor, and budget.

2. The Core Skills You Must Adopt

If you come from a design or engineering background, you have technical credibility, but you lack the execution profile. To command top-tier compensation, you must master:

The “On-Budget, Ahead-of-Schedule” Delivery: High pay in construction is tied directly to mitigating risk. You must prove you can control subcontractors, handle procurement, and execute without safety incidents.
High-Demand Tech Stacks: Upskilling in Building Information Modeling (BIM and VDC) adds a 25% to 35% premium to your compensation. Certifications in FAA drone piloting (adding 15-20%) and safety standards like OSHA 10/30 are also highly leveraged.

3. Step-by-Step Transition Plan

Step 1: Get Certified to Validate Your Shift. If transitioning from engineering or design, get your Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation. Data shows PMP-certified managers earn 20% to 30% more than non-certified peers because general contractors trust them with larger financial risks.
Step 2: Market Your Outcomes, Not Your Tasks. Transition your resume away from “Designed 5 commercial spaces” to “Managed a $40M portfolio, delivering projects 5% under budget.”
Step 3: Build a 4-to-6 Month Financial Runway. If your ultimate goal is to transition from an employee to an independent contractor, owner’s representative, or boutique consultant, save at least 4 to 6 months of expenses. Finding high-ticket independent consulting contracts takes time, and you need to negotiate from a position of financial strength.
Step 4: Network Into Commercial Niches. Leverage LinkedIn to reach out to Project Executives or Development Directors. Ask for short 20-minute informational coffee chats to understand their structural pipelines. Focus your targets on booming market segments like data centers, renewable energy infrastructure, and healthcare facilities, which carry the highest margins.

The Trade-off to Keep in Mind

Moving from the design office to a highly paid construction track represents a shift from defined hours to on-call risk. The reason construction managers and executives make substantially more money is because they absorb the stress of delayed schedules, supply chain shocks, and labor shortages. Go into the transition with your hours explicitly priced rather than discovering them later.

To help narrow down the best immediate step for your career, could you tell us:

What is your current role (e.g., architect, civil engineer, assistant PM)?
Do you prefer to stay on the corporate management track (e.g., VP at a major GC), move into real estate development, or eventually start your own contracting firm?

Applying Professor Kissinger’s Business Mastery Principles to a Firm’s Scaling?

Mindset and Emotional Mastery

Success requires cultivating a growth mindset and managing personal energy to maintain peak performance during the pressures of project management and business scaling. By mastering internal states, leaders can move from reacting to daily fires to driving strategic outcomes.

Physiology and focus — Deliberately using body state and focus to access a resourceful mindset is the foundation before attempting belief work or complex planning.
Constant and never-ending improvement — Adopting the principle of CANI ensures consistent, incremental forward movement rather than demanding simultaneous perfection.
Reprogramming beliefs — Increasing the ability to identify and shift limiting stories allows professionals to break through patterns that prevent them from scaling to higher income levels.
Emotional accountability — Taking ownership of energy and emotional responses builds the resilience necessary to manage adversity without burning out.

Business Systems and Strategy

Scaling a construction business to reach 7-figure earnings requires moving away from the “solopreneur” trap of juggling tasks and instead focusing on high-impact actions that allow the organization to function independently of the owner.

Professor Kissinger’s business coaching frameworks are designed to provide the structure necessary for this transition.

Outcome clarity — Using Professor Kissinger’s and the MKS Master Key System RPM method helps define exactly what you are working toward and why it matters, ensuring every professional action aligns with a larger mission.
Feedback loops — Integrating systematic evaluation and feedback ensures that growth is proactive and automatic rather than happening by chance.
Process optimization — Scaling without burnout involves optimizing key construction business processes and creating marketing strategies that provide a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Leveraging resources — A strategic approach involves using outside perspectives to map routes that tap into market potential while managing time with precision.

These principles collectively aim to help construction professionals reclaim control over their time and career, transforming their role from a technical expert into a high-level leader capable of building sustainable, scalable success.

Massive Action Steps: To move from stagnant growth to 7-figure results through intentional, high-payoff actions

Professor Kissinger outlines several actionable steps to generate over one million dollars in annual revenue and profit within 3-5 years. Key strategies include creating a clear business plan, leveraging emotional drivers, and implementing effective marketing techniques.

He emphasizes that achieving significant financial growth requires moving from working in your business to working on it by leveraging proven systems and expert guidance. His coaching methodology centers on modeling successful behaviors, streamlining operations, and breaking through limiting beliefs to scale effectively.

How do I apply Professor Kissinger business systems to a construction company?

Scaling Your Business Operations

To transition from trading time for dollars to building a profitable enterprise, you must optimize your processes and leverage your team’s strengths. Professor Kissinger suggests that if a construction business cannot grow without your constant presence, you essentially own a job rather than a scalable company.

Optimize processes — Professor Kissinger identifies specific workflows that can be streamlined to increase your overall productivity and save valuable time.
Leverage your team — Professor Kissinger encourages you to identify your own core strengths and delegate other tasks to team members, fostering trust and operational efficiency.
Focus on the big picture — Shifting your daily involvement allows you to stop putting out fires and instead focus on high-level strategy and business growth.
Use proven systems — Adopting established playbooks designed for seven-figure construction businesses helps leaders scale their operations while reducing the risk of burnout.

By implementing these structural shifts, you reclaim the clarity needed to navigate economic and technological shifts that impact your industry.

Strategic Growth and Mindset

Developing a seven-figure income involves setting clear, actionable goals and identifying the root causes of current performance plateaus.

Professor Kissinger emphasizes that success leaves clues, and modeling the behaviors of those who have already achieved your desired results is a critical component of growth.

Set clear goals — Working with Professor Kissinger involves mapping out comprehensive action plans that lead to measurable, geometric business growth.
Break through limits — His coaching focuses on uncovering and dismantling the personal and professional limiting beliefs that prevent you from reaching higher revenue targets.
Master the Art of Selling — Improving your sales results requires uncovering the specific psychological triggers behind customer decision-making processes.
Gain a competitive edge — Creating a comprehensive marketing and growth strategy ensures your business remains resilient and profitable in a changing landscape.

Taking massive, determined action is the central philosophy behind Professor Kissinger’s coaching programs, which are designed to provide the accountability and momentum necessary to achieve sustainable results

Essential Action Steps

Here are essential strategies to achieve significant revenue growth.

Business Plan— Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines your vision, goals, and strategies for growth.
MKS Master Key System Massive Action Plan — Utilize Professor Kissinger’s structured approach that links emotional motivation to each step, enhancing commitment and effectiveness.
Marketing Strategies — Implement targeted MKS Master Key System Marketing Techniques to reach your ideal audience and drive sales.
Continuous Learning — Invest in MKS Master Key System Personal and Professional Development to adapt to market changes and improve decision-making.
Networking — Build relationships with other successful entrepreneurs to gain insights and opportunities for collaboration.

Change Your Story: Rewrite your internal narrative to unlock the capabilities of a high-income earner to become a seven figure earner

Average General Contractor Salary

The estimated total pay for a Contractor is $98,175 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $71,679 per year. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a general contractor in the United States is $71,825 per year. Broken down further, this translates to an hourly wage of roughly $36. The total pay for a general contractor per year ranges from $45k to $134k.

Average Architect Salary

Top-level architect earnings begin at: $ 62.49 per hour $ 129,980 per year. Architects made a median salary of $82,840. The best-paid 25% made $105,190 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $65,220. Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that’s enjoyable and a career that’s fulfilling

Average Engineer Salary

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $137,500 and as low as $25,000, the majority of Construction Engineer salaries currently range between $72,000 (25th percentile) to $103,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $122,000 annually across the United States. The average salary for an engineer in the United States is around $98,710 per year. Engineers earn an average yearly salary of $98,710. Wages typically start from $59,998 and go up to $152,696. 55% above national average

Average Subcontractor Salary

The average Subcontractor salary in the United States is $88,527 as of April 24, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $78,599 and $100,114. Salary ranges can vary widely.

The average hourly wage for a Subcontractor in the United States is $35 as of February 27, 2026, but the salary range typically falls between $32 and $40. Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Review: Hourly wage for Subcontractor Salary.com

Comparing a General Contractor Salary to Other Careers

Specialized roles in construction services typically have lower average salaries, but they also have fewer management responsibilities. Here’s how the average general contractor salary compares to other roles.

Plumber vs. General contractor salary

Plumbers repair and install pipes responsible for water and gas delivery in residential and commercial buildings. To become a plumber, you need a high school diploma or GED, a state plumbing license, and usually an apprenticeship under a master plumber.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for plumbers is $53,910 annually or $25.92 hourly. On the higher end of the scale, the top 10% of plumbers make over $90,000 per year.

Electrician vs. General contractor salary

Electricians design, install, and maintain electrical systems for all types of buildings. Similar to plumbers, electricians with more experience and certifications can earn higher salaries. To pursue a career as an electrician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED and an apprenticeship to earn your journeyman license.

The BLS reports the median electrician salary as $56,180 per year or $27.01 per hour. The top-earning electricians can make over $96,580 per year or $46.43 per hour.

Construction project manager vs. General contractor salary

Construction project managers, or construction managers, collaborate with project owners from the beginning of a project. Typically, they are brought in for large commercial projects.

Unlike general contractors, construction managers have a collaborative relationship with the project owner, and they partake in the pre-construction design phase of projects. When the project begins, construction managers oversee the work done by subcontractors.

In addition to relevant work experience, most employers require construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree. Common degrees include engineering, construction management, and construction science.

Certification is not required to work as a construction manager, but it’s generally helpful. According to the BLS, construction managers earn $93,370 per year or $44.89 per hour on average. The highest-earning construction managers earn upwards of $161,510 per year or $77.65 per hour.

Average High-End Home Builder Annual Earnings

Net profit is the money you get to keep, though, and after paying all of the taxes and other associated costs, the average high-end home builder ends up with around $1 million in net profit a year.

These figures will vary drastically, but on average, a 2800 ft² three-bedroom new construction home costs roughly $498,700 to build.

Skills You Need to Reach a Seven Figure Salary

Reaching a 7-figure salary is an ambitious goal, but it’s definitely achievable with the right set of skills and mindset. Here are some of the key skills you’ll need to develop if you want to reach that level of financial success:

Specialized knowledge:

Many high-paying jobs require a high level of specialized knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re an expert in finance, engineering, medicine, or another field, having specialized knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments can help you stand out from the competition.

Leadership skills:

Many high-paying jobs also require strong leadership skills, whether you’re managing a team of employees or running your own business. Being able to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks effectively, and make tough decisions can help you move up the ranks and earn a higher salary.

Business acumen:

If you’re an entrepreneur or a business executive, having strong business acumen is key to earning a 7-figure salary. This means understanding market trends, financial forecasting, risk management, and other important aspects of running a successful business.

Networking skills:

In many industries, networking is key to advancing your career and earning a higher salary. Building relationships with others in your field, attending industry events, and staying connected on social media can help you expand your network and open up new opportunities.

Negotiation skills:

Finally, having strong negotiation skills is important if you want to earn a 7-figure salary. Whether you’re negotiating a salary, a business deal, or a contract, being able to effectively communicate your value and advocate for yourself can help you earn more money and achieve greater success.

Of course, these are just a few of the skills that can help you earn a 7-figure salary or financial freedom. Ultimately, the key is to continually learn and grow in your profession, be willing to take calculated risks, and always keep your eye on the prize.

Plan for a 7 Figure Salary

So, you’re aiming for a 7-figure salary? That’s an ambitious goal, but it’s definitely achievable with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Choose the right career path:

If earning a 7-figure salary is your goal, it’s important to choose a career path that has that kind of earning potential. Think about the professions we mentioned earlier, like surgeons, corporate executives, lawyers, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs.

Invest in your education and skills:

Many high-paying jobs require a significant investment in education and training. Whether that means getting a degree, attending conferences and workshops, or pursuing professional certifications, investing in your education and skills can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Build your network:

Networking is key in many industries, so it’s important to build relationships with people who can help you advance your career. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with others in your field on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

Be willing to work hard:

Earning a 7-figure salary usually requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Be prepared to put in long hours, take on challenging projects, and continually learn and grow in your profession.

Take calculated risks:

Many high earners have achieved their success by taking calculated risks, whether that means starting their own business, investing in stocks or real estate, or pursuing a new career path. Be willing to take calculated risks that can pay off in the long run.

Don’t forget about work-life balance:

While earning a 7-figure salary can be a great goal to strive for, it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance along the way. Don’t sacrifice your health, relationships, or personal well-being in pursuit of financial success.

The Proximity Effect: Surround Yourself with People Who Elevate Your Thinking

1. Attain a higher education

2. Network with 7 figure salary earners

3. Creatw products, services, or courses

4. Create multiple streams of income

5. Use social media to gain exposure

6. Follow Proven Financial Planning Principles

Apply Financial Planning Principles to Create Seven Figures

You probably assume a 7 figure salary is amazing, but even someone making $1 million or more a year can be broke. If you overspend and don’t save enough, you could find yourself in the same situation as someone with a much lower salary.

It’s not about how much you earn but about how you learn to save, invest, and make that money grow. So be sure to have a plan for your money no matter how much you make!

1. Make a plan and set goals.

2. Look at the big picture and visualize where you see yourself in five to ten years.

3. Determine if the path you’re on can lead you to make 7 figures.

4. Determine if you need to adjust your approach to achieve 7 figures?

5. Know even if you make 7 figures, you must know how to use it, save it, and invest it and to maintain the 7 figures.

6. Ready to be a 7 Figure Earner and Achieve Financial Freedom? Contact us.

Why the MKS Master Key Mastermind and System?

Discover the benefits of participating in this exclusive mastermind program.

Expert Guidance — Learn directly from Professor Kissinger and his proven strategies for success.
Community Support — Connect with a network of motivated individuals who share your goals.
Transformative Tools — Gain access to resources designed to unlock your full potential.
Accountability — Stay on track with your goals through structured support and motivation.

Many view Professor Kissinger as a leader in the field, citing the energetic atmosphere of the events as a primary factor in their satisfaction. They frequently report that his coaching methods effectively help them process and overcome deeply held limiting beliefs, allowing for significant life and career improvements.

They find high value in his one-on-one sessions and find the coaching as as impactful and well-organized, noting they have returned multiple times for continued growth.

His coaching framework is designed to provide a broad toolkit that helps both new and construction professionals adapt to the unique challenges found in business development. His coaching delivers concrete results when participants fully engage with his methodology.

Cultivate Breakthroughs Today

Step 1 Personalized Call

In this 15-60 minute Wheel of Goals Discovery Session, we will start to deep dive with you on what you want challenges, disputes or goals are and any current challenges you are having with achieving them.

Step 2 Match You

We’ll match you with a coaching strategist to help you uncover the root cause to what’s truly stopping you from getting what you want.

Step 3 Results Coaching Plan that Exceeds Expectations

You’ll get started with Professor Kissinger or the Reitenbach Kissinger Institute Coaching Team and close the gap to what or where you want to be quickly and efficiently.

Informed by four decades of extraordinary results, Michael Kissinger MKS Master Key System Results Coaching is built to help you discover ways to get you want you want or to grow your business, finances and profits exponentially. Professor Kissinger provides the tools for you to create massive, lasting change in your life finances, and business.

It significantly reduces costs, prevent delays, and improves outcomes by identifying issues early and ensuring robust documentation and communication throughout the lifecycle.

Professor Kissinger provides proactive strategies—such as comprehensive money management and thorough record-keeping—proves far more cost-effective coaching. Research shows that effective management can prevent project failure and cost overruns and achieve favorable outcomes.

“The path to get what you want success is to take massive, determined action.”

If not now, then when?

Consider the Alternative…FAILURE

Lasting Long Term Results

Professor Kissinger’s MKS Master Key Coaching options and programs vary widely in format and cost, ranging from entry-level digital coaching to intensive, multi-year certification tracks.

Whether you are looking for professional coaching or training or personal growth strategies, the investment depends on the depth of the commitment and the level of direct mentorship provided.

MKS Master Key System Growth Coaching typically ranges from $6,995 for a MKS Master Key System Business Results plan to $4,500 to $18,000+ for multi-month or annual packages.

Understanding the pricing structure can help in decision-making.

MKS Master Key System Results Plan — Costs around $6,995 for a structured coaching program.
MKS Master Key System Multi-Month Packages — Range from $4,500 to $18,000+, depending on the duration and services included.
One-on-One Coaching — Prices can vary significantly, often between $500 to $3,000 per hour.
Annual Coaching Programs — Results Coaching can range from $15,000 to $75,000 per year.

Professor Kissinger’s Legacy

Professor Michael Kissinger is an owner and executive business coach, performance strategist, and former academic who operates the Reitenbach-Kissinger Success Institute and the MKS Master Key Coaching

Based out of California, he has spent over four decades working over 5,000+ business owners as a confidential business manager, analyst, and speaker focused on small business growth, leadership, and financial freedom.

Core Programs and Methodology

The MKS Master Key Generational Wealth System: A structured, diagnostic framework built around six distinct core pillars: mindset, wealth, health, relationships, business, and leadership. The philosophy emphasizes that success is 80% psychology and 20% mechanics.
MKS Master Key Generational Wealth Strategic Makeover Sessions: The institute offers targeted diagnostic sessions designed to audit business growth levers and outline scalability tracks for companies generally yielding between $400,000 and $3 Million in annual revenue.
Contracted Engagements: Programs are heavily tailored to custom small business, corporate or personal timelines rather than flat-rate fees. Standard six-month operational contracts typically range from $4,500 to over $8,200 depending on the scope of the dynamic tracking involved.

Academic and Professional Background

Teaching Career: He served over 17 years as an adjunct professor instructing courses in business and law at multiple California institutions, including San Francisco State University, Golden Gate University, and Cañada College where he coached and trained over 10,000 university students and small business owners. Author of over 14,000 LinkedIn Articles that have created 18,650 followers and contacts.
Martial Arts and Other Accomplishments: He holds a 4th Degree Kukkiwon Certified Taekwondo Black Belt and has active ties spanning 40 years as an instructor at the Reitenbach Institute of Taekwondo. He is a former US Army Honorably Discharged Special Forces Vietnam Member. He also served over 20 years as a minister at Unity Church and St Stevens Church.

You can view his complete professional breakdown directly on his LinkedIn Profile.

Get Started on Your Goals and Results Today

Are you looking results? Schedule a diagnostic session, or would you like a breakdown of a particular coaching? Contact us.

Professor Kissinger emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement as a key to personal, business, financial and professional growth. By constantly acquiring new knowledge and skills, individuals can adapt to changes, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals more effectively.

Continuous learning and improvement is a fundamental principle in Professor Kissinger’s coaching philosophy.

Adaptability — Continuous improvement helps individuals adapt to changing circumstances and environments.
Skill Development — Regularly updating and improving skills can lead to better performance in both personal and professional settings.
Resilience — Learning and updating new strategies and perspectives fosters resilience, enabling individuals to navigate challenges more effectively.
Goal Achievement — Lifelong learning and improvement is essential for achieving long-term goals, as it equips individuals with the tools needed for success

Contact to discuss how leverage, ownership, scalability, necessity, attention, and compounding can create completely different financial outcomes for you.

Reitenbach Kissinger Institute

Sydney Reitenbach

Professor Michael Kissinger

Text: 650-515-7545

Email: mjkkissinger@yahoo.com

Reach Your Peak Performance Results. Embrace Your Unlimited Potential. Valued Between from $2,350 to $5,500+