Handforged

In this episode of the Handforged Podcast, Greg Grady, an internationally recognized sand sculptor and event organizer, shares his remarkable journey from a local kid on Hampton Beach to traveling the globe creating art from sand, snow, and ice. Hear how Greg transformed a passion rooted in family tradition into a thriving career that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship.  We&#39...

Accidents, injuries, and even downtime from illness can sink a small contracting business—but they don’t have to. In this episode, Aflac specialist Alex DeQuattro breaks down how supplemental insurance can keep paychecks (and companies) afloat without costing owners a dime. Host Frank LeBlanc digs into real-world payout stories, common myths, and the practical steps any blue-collar entrepreneur ca...

In this episode of Handforged , business coach Ed Keohan joins Frank to break down what keeps small business owners stuck—and what it really takes to scale without burning out. From vision-setting to leadership structure to managing chaos in the trades, Ed shares tactical insights that every owner-operator needs to hear.

In this episode, Navy veteran and business owner Greg Getchell shares a raw and powerful journey—from overcoming family tragedy and a traumatic brain injury, to navigating the military transition and launching a successful sign business with his brother. Now, he’s channeling that resilience into rebuilding a skatepark in his hometown as a resource for struggling youth and veterans alike.

In this episode of the Handforged Podcast , Franco Sapia—Marine Corps veteran, former federal agent, and founder of Zero Six Reveille—opens up about a life forged through grit, mistakes, and redemption. From working in a shoe store at age 11 to confronting the mental toll of war and law enforcement, Franco shares how his brand isn’t just clothing—it’s a lifeline for fellow veterans battling PTSD,...

In this episode of the Handforged Podcast , host Frank sits down with veteran and woodworker Nick Pecos of Pecos Aesthetics, whose journey from military service and personal struggle to creative woodworking is raw, real, and damn inspiring. From combat to CNC, Nick shares how working with his hands became a path to healing—and how YouTube, sawdust, and staying sober all tie together. About Nick: N...

In this return episode of the Handforged Podcast, Mark Collier of Collier Home Improvements dives deep into the strategies he's used to become a go-to contractor for interior renovations in the Andover area. Mark shares candid insights on his journey from general handyman to specialized contractor, emphasizing the importance of communication, meticulous planning, and the power of staying local. Wh...

In this deeply authentic episode of the Handforged Podcast, host Frank LeBlanc and special guest Eric Spofford dive into their compelling journeys from troubled youths battling addiction and adversity to becoming successful entrepreneurs and passionate advocates for the blue-collar trades. Frank, owner of Seacoast Cabinet, and Eric, a respected business leader, share raw stories of struggle, survi...

In this episode of Hand Forged , host Frank LeBlanc sits down with 23-year-old entrepreneur Robert “Robbie” Trim, co-founder of Stalgrid Technologies. Discover how Robbie turned an early passion for tech into a thriving smart-home solutions company that’s breaking new ground for architects, GCs, interior designers, and homeowners alike. From seamless lighting and audio integration to AI-driven aut...

In this episode of Hand Forged, host Frank sits down with Candace Lord, President of Green Cocoon, who shares her unconventional journey from linguistics graduate to insulation industry leader. Beyond discussing the technical aspects of spray foam insulation and her company's commitment to education and quality, Candace opens up about the transformative power of meditation, yoga, and mindfulne...

In this episode of the Handforged Podcast, Nate Allard—the dynamic executive behind the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce—shares his journey from a sales and marketing background to becoming a champion for local business and community networking. About Nate Allard: Born and raised in Newburyport, Nate’s hands‑on approach and digital marketing expertise have redefined local networking. Now at...

In this episode of the Handforged Podcast, Sean from Primus takes us behind the scenes of his journey—from making cold calls in the concrete business to launching a dedicated networking platform for the construction industry. Discover how Sean’s authentic, no-nonsense approach is challenging the status quo of platforms like Angie's List and Thumbtack. What we'll talk about: Cold Calling Ma...

In this episode of Hand Forged, we sit down with Josh de Vos, a seasoned Merchant Marine and Maine Maritime graduate. Josh takes us below deck, sharing his journey from a guy trying to figure out his path to becoming part of the backbone of global trade. He explains how this career path isn't just about earning a solid paycheck – it's about being part of something bigger and finding pride in hones...

In this Handforged Podcast episode, we sit down with Michael O’Rourke of NoblePort Construction to discuss how he overcame the skilled labor shortage to build a thriving, expert team. We'll talk about practical approaches to hiring, training, and leading a crew that can tackle modern challenges without losing the essence of traditional craftsmanship. From integrating cutting-edge construction tech...

Dennis Charles, a business strategist and former sports coach, shares his journey from soccer fields to boardrooms, offering actionable advice for blue-collar business owners. He dives into the importance of mindset, building systems, and creating a long-term vision to help tradespeople grow their businesses beyond the day-to-day grind. Dennis' website: https://charlesstrategy.com/ Book recommenda...

Chris Crump shares his journey from starting a design business in his basement to becoming a respected residential and commercial designer. He highlights the importance of relationships, the value of field experience, and the balance between craftsmanship and collaboration in creating exceptional projects. Visit Chris's website at CWC Design: https://cwc-design.com/

Erika Hemingway takes us through her journey from radio host to media personality at Northshore Magazine. She talks about the power of building real connections, hosting unforgettable events, and creating a true community within the North Shore. Erika’s all about bringing people together, and her story is packed with insights for anyone interested in media, sales, or just making a local impact. Er...

Master electrician Brenden Moore shares his journey from family mentorship to building his own business, balancing quality with demand, and tackling the challenges of a growing trade. Brenden's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendenMooreElectric/

Michelle Miakos from 8 Waves Creative shares insights on the importance of a strong digital presence for trade businesses. She discusses strategies for building credibility through websites, SEO, and social media, while also emphasizing the power of branding to elevate business success in today’s competitive market. 8 Waves Creative website: https://8wavescreative.com/

Michael Cesaroni reveals how dedication and consistency turned his trades ventures into thriving businesses. Hear his strategies for steady growth, building lasting relationships, and maintaining momentum in a challenging industry. Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikecesaroni/

In this episode of Handforged, Sean Clark shares his journey from owning a landscaping business to becoming a successful business broker. He dives into what makes a business sellable, tips for maximizing its value, and the crucial role real estate plays in building generational wealth. Transworld Business Advisors' website: https://www.tworld.com/locations/newhampshire/

In this episode of Handforged, we sit down with Marco Avila, the visionary behind Mutz Pizzeria. From slinging dough as a teen at Chuck E. Cheese to running his own pizza shop in Middleton, Marco shares his rollercoaster journey in the restaurant industry, the lessons learned along the way, and how his new approach to business is about more than just pizza—it's about community, quality, and findin...

Jay Sarcione, owner of First-Rate Moving, shares his journey from odd jobs to running a thriving moving business. He delves into the industry's challenges, reveals his company's growth strategies, and highlights the vital roles of mindset, discipline, and recovery in his success. Visit Jay's Website: https://first-ratemoving.net/ #Trades #MovingBusiness #Handforged

In this episode of Handforged, Rick White, founder of Bradford Construction and Bradford Home Services, shares his journey from working with his father as a general contractor to building two thriving businesses. Rick discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of building a strong team, and the value of providing both large-scale construction and handyman services. With a focu...

In this episode of Handforged, we sit down with Cooper Richards from Trades Building Company to dive deep into the journey of building his carpentry business. Cooper opens up about overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and finding confidence through the challenges of working in high-end construction. From starting his own company to balancing family life, Cooper shares valuable insights on how...