Hard Hat to CEO with Chris Gilman

Ever feel like you're stuck doing everything yourself because no one else can do it "right"? In this episode, Chris G. breaks down why control isn’t leadership, it’s fear in disguise. He shares a funny (and frustrating) story about mismatched paint and painters who couldn’t read, then gets into the real fix: hiring the right people, writing things down, and letting your team do what they’re great...

Can good design actually help you make more money on a home? In this episode, Chris G talks with Erica Kalkofen, a designer and contractor from Denver, about how smart remodeling can boost value and create homes people love living in. They cover what to look for when buying a house to flip, how to avoid costly design mistakes, and why having a clear plan matters. Erica also shares her step-by-step...

Do you really need to tell people your next move? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G breaks down why some things are better kept to yourself. He shares real stories and simple truths about why staying quiet can actually help you get further in life and business. From your goals and struggles to how much money you make, Chris explains why not everyone needs to know your business. It’s not...

Why do so many great contractors feel stuck once they go out on their own? In this episode, Chris G sits down with Jay Meacham, a business coach and former builder, who shares his story of losing his childhood home and how that shaped his purpose. Jay talks about why contractors hit walls in business, how to build a strong team, and why slowing down your thinking, not your hustle, is key to growin...

Ever feel like you're working nonstop but not really getting anywhere? In this episode, Chris G. keeps it real and shares 8 business lessons that came straight from his own life, not a book or podcast. From dealing with stress to building the right team, making smarter decisions, and letting go of things that don’t matter, these are the things that truly changed how he works and lives. It’s honest...

Are you great at your trade but confused by the financial side of your business? You’re not alone. In this episode, Chris G sits down with Dustin Young, a construction finance expert, to break down the numbers that actually matter. They talk about the four key things every contractor should be tracking, how often you should look at your reports, and why cash flow feels so hard to understand. Dusti...

Ever feel like you have to do everything yourself to get ahead? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G gets real about how that mindset nearly burned him out, and cost him big time. He shares stories from his 20+ years in construction and business, including hiring mistakes, failed partnerships, and why having a solid team matters more than trying to be the hero. Chris also talks about the po...

Ever feel stuck trying to figure out how to market your home service business without blowing your budget? This week on Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G sits down with Joel Keith, former live event producer turned marketing expert, to talk real strategies for trades business owners. From working with Alice Cooper to helping HVAC and plumbing companies grow past $1M, Joel shares what’s working right now. T...

Ever feel like you're stuck, tired, and don’t know what to do next? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. gets real about those heavy days when your thoughts won’t stop, and you're carrying more than you admit. He talks about stress, doubt, and that weird feeling in your gut when something’s about to change. Chris reminds us it’s okay to ask for hel...

Are you constantly working but barely making ends meet? In this powerful episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris Gilman gets real about a common trap contractors fall into, being busy but broke. He breaks down three big myths around pricing that could be keeping you from the profit you deserve. From the lie that lowering prices wins better work, to the fear of losing good clients by charging more, Chris...

In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G keeps it real with straight talk for contractors who are done feeling stuck. He shares simple steps to help you make more money, work with better clients, and stop doing everything yourself. You’ll hear why planning ahead beats putting out fires, how better communication can win you more jobs, and why your time and knowledge are worth charging for—yes, e...

Ever feel like your business is running your life? In this episode, Chris G. talks with Ian Noble, a former small business owner who found a better way, using real estate to buy back his time. Ian shares how he went from long days and burnout to a life where he has more freedom, more family time, and steady income through passive real estate investing. They talk about the difference between being...

Ever feel like you're working your tail off but not really getting anywhere? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks about how 2025 turned into his best year yet, and it's all because he finally got clear. Clear on pricing, clear on leadership, and clear on what jobs to say yes (or no) to. He shares real stories from his past, the lessons he learned the hard way, and how hiring the righ...

Thinking about bringing new technology into your construction business, but worried your team won’t go for it? You’re not alone. In this episode, Chris G sits down with change expert Cesar Viana Teague to talk about how to actually get your people on board—without the confusion, resistance, or wasted money. Cesar shares his simple APE model (Analyze, Plan, Execute) and explains why timing, trust,...

Feeling worn out, stressed, or stuck in your business? In today’s episode, Chris G. opens up about the things he wishes he knew back in his 30s and 40s. If you're running jobs, working long hours, and wondering why it’s not getting easier, this one’s for you. He talks real about burnout, broken systems, pricing mistakes, and what it really means to lead. You don’t have to keep grinding like this....

What really causes workplace injuries, and how can you prevent them before they happen? In this episode, Chris G chats with Desai Link, a former lawyer turned safety expert from New Zealand, about what actually works when it comes to jobsite safety. From hiring the wrong people to tools being misused, Desai shares real stories and advice that every business owner and crew leader needs to hear. You...

What would happen to your business if you got sick tomorrow? In this real and honest episode, Chris G shares how burnout almost cost him everything, including his life. From a hospital bed, he started rethinking how he was running his business and life. He talks about what really matters and how to get back on track. Chris shares four simple but powerful lessons: remember why you started, protect...

Are your daily habits helping your business grow—or holding it back? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris shares the four habits that hurt contractors the most, even though many wear them like a badge of honor. From always feeling “too busy” to trying to handle everything yourself, these common traps lead to burnout, lost money, and zero free time. Chris gives honest advice on how to stop rea...

Ever feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around? In this episode, we talk with Nate Agentis, a third-generation plumber who grew his family business, sold it, and now helps other tradespeople build businesses that don’t burn them out. Nate shares how to spot burnout, what really matters in leadership, and why it’s not just about making money, it’s about building a life...

Are you spending money in your business, thinking it’s an “investment” but not seeing anything come back? In this episode, Chris G. talks straight about the things contractors often waste time and money on: underpriced jobs, shiny new gear, bad hires, unused software, and more. You’ll hear why cheap work attracts cheap clients, how to figure out your real profit, and why you should stop doing jobs...

Tired of redoing work and losing money on jobs? In this episode, Chris G. sits down with Greg and Renee Glendenning, quality control experts who’ve helped contractors of all sizes avoid costly mistakes. They talk about simple ways to build a quality control process without breaking the bank — even if you're a small crew. From cross-training your team to using tools you already have (like Word and...

What would you do if you had to start over? No crew, no equipment, no business, just your experience? In this episode, Chris G talks honestly about how he’d rebuild in 2026 if he lost it all. He shares the real-life approach he’d take now: working smarter, spending wisely, and only hiring when it really makes sense. Chris also tells personal stories from his childhood that shaped how he sees hard...

In this episode, Chris G chats with Scott Harris, founder of Magnetic, about how to grow a team, work better with people, and turn real estate into something more than just sales. Scott opens up about the moment he realized he couldn’t do it all alone and how that led to building a team-focused, people-first company. He breaks down his simple “Magnetic Method,” why clear communication matters, and...

Are you running a real business, or just doing the work? In this episode of Hard Hat and CEO, Chris G. shares five tough truths every contractor or small business owner needs to hear. He keeps it honest and simple, talking about why being great at your trade isn’t enough if you want to grow. From charging what you’re worth, to dealing with tough clients, to taking full responsibility, Chris gives...

What if the real key to growing your construction business isn’t more tools or longer hours, but building the right culture? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G sits down with executive coach Andrew Poles to talk about how contractors can step into the CEO role without burning out. With over 23 years of experience coaching business owners (from remodelers to NASA leaders), Andrew explains...