The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation

In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into the complexities of having an owner’s kids join the family business. They explore the dynamics from the kids’ perspectives, no matter their age and what it means for the future of the business. They also break down how this affects other employees and the overall company culture. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend liste...

In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane explore why companies often hit a wall of chaos around the $3M mark and what owners can do to regain control. They emphasize the importance of stepping back regularly, at least quarterly, to assess where bottlenecks are forming and what new systems or role separations are needed. They share personal experiences of being pulled back into the dai...

This conversation explores the complexities of integrating family members into a business, focusing on the dynamics of management roles, the importance of clear communication, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. The speakers share insights on establishing expectations, the value of experience, and the potential challenges that arise when family and business intersect. Note:...

In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges faced by organizations when there is a disparity in workload between office staff and field experts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey, exploring processes, and fostering communication and collaboration among teams. The discussion highlights the need for curiosity in problem-solving...

In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the complexities of managing employees who may no longer fit their roles as a company grows. They emphasize the importance of having honest conversations about career aspirations, the potential need for transitions, and the consequences of avoiding difficult discussions. The dialogue highlights the necessity of feedback, growth, an...

In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges of managing a growing workforce, particularly in the context of hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of structured onboarding processes, creating a positive company culture, and learning from employee turnover. The discussion emphasizes the need f...

In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the complexities and challenges of promoting employees from within an organization. They explore the importance of communication, curiosity, and mentorship in ensuring that newly promoted managers succeed in their roles. The discussion highlights common mistakes made by new managers, the need for honest conversations, and the signi...

In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges between the field and office. They explore strategies for resolution, the importance of understanding roles, and the necessity of collaboration. The conversation also addresses the reality of unresolvable conflicts and the tough decisions that may need to be made for the success of the business. Note: For the best au...

In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges business owners face when experiencing revenue growth without corresponding increases in profitability. They explore the importance of understanding financial metrics, the impact of owner involvement on profitability, and the necessity of empowering employees with financial knowledge to improve overall business effic...

In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges faced by business owners when their companies outgrow them. They share personal experiences and insights on recognizing the signs of growth, the importance of strategic thinking, and the value of seeking support from others. The discussion emphasizes self-awareness and the need for business leaders to step back and e...

In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into the emotional aspects of leadership and employee support, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the feelings of employees during times of change. They highlight the need for leaders to be present and attentive to their team's emotional needs. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this...

In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the complexities of family dynamics in business. They emphasize the importance of clear expectations, open communication, and understanding career paths for family members involved in the business. The discussion highlights the need for accountability and the challenges of navigating personal relationships within a professional set...

In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into an open and real conversation about pricing, worth, and the psychology of knowing your value, from both the employee and business owner point of view. They explore how each role approaches pay and pricing differently, and how that disconnect often leads to undercharging, under-earning, or staying stuck at the same rate longer than you...

In this episode, we dive into the real importance of bringing solutions, not just problems, to leadership. We're talking about why it’s absolutely okay to raise issues, leaders need to know what’s going on, but how powerful it is when you also come prepared with ideas to help resolve them. Instead of simply passing the problem up the chain, lets explore how being part of the solution builds t...

In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the critical moments when businesses need to pivot or make significant changes. They explore various aspects such as operational adjustments, employee feedback, and the balance between marketing expenditures and financial health. The importance of data-driven decision-making and open communication within teams is emphasized as esse...

In this episode, we sit down and talk openly about confidence and what it really takes to build it. Confidence doesn’t show up on its own. It grows when you step into something new, try it for the first time, and learn as you go. We share our own experiences of feeling unsure, jumping in anyway, and realizing later that those early messy attempts were actually the moments that shaped us the most....

In this episode, we talk honestly about accountability and why it’s one of the biggest struggles inside trades companies. Many owners and managers avoid holding their team to clear expectations, and that hesitation slowly wears down performance, culture, and trust. We’ve been there ourselves. We know what it feels like to avoid a tough conversation, and we know the relief that comes when everyone...

In this episode, we talk about what really happens during an on-site visit and why it’s one of the most eye-opening things you can do for your business. We walk through how we prepare, what we look for, and how each visit is completely different depending on the company’s size, structure, and challenges. Whether it’s talking with owners, meeting with managers, or sitting down with frontline staff,...

In this episode, we open up about what our days actually looked like when we were running a 24/7 trades business. From early mornings spent reviewing reports to late-night Slack check-ins, the pace was steady and nonstop. We talk about how having structure and rhythm helped us stay sane, how walking the floor kept us connected, and why being visible as leaders made all the difference. We also shar...

In this episode, we talk about what it takes to get value out of masterminds and events. It's easy to show up, take notes, and get inspired, but the hard work starts when you go home. We share stories from our own experiences, including an impromptu mastermind that turned into two full days of collaboration, laughter, and problem-solving with business owners from all kinds of industries. It w...

In this episode, we talk about why the 4th quarter is one of the most important times for any business. As the year winds down and the holidays approach, it’s easy to lose focus—but Q4 is where real leaders double down. We share how using this time to review what worked, tighten up your budget, and plan for next year can keep your business strong and steady. Dana walks through her “life in quarter...

In this episode, we talk about one of the hardest transitions at work—going from being part of the crew to leading it. Getting promoted is exciting, but it can also feel awkward when you’re suddenly managing the same people you used to grab lunch with or joke around with. We share real experiences about how we handled that shift, how to set new boundaries without making it weird, and how being hon...

In this episode, we talk about how to spot employees who could grow into strong leaders—even the ones who might seem like a challenge at first. We share examples of finding people who are open to feedback and willing to grow, and why the loudest voice or the longest tenure doesn’t always make the best manager. We break down what to watch for when you’re looking across your team to see who’s ready...

In this episode, we sit down with Ergun Aral, owner of Best Buy Window Treatments in Florida, to hear his remarkable journey from immigrating to the U.S. to running a successful trades business. Ergun shares how long days of hard work led him into the window treatment industry, how he grew from an independent installer into a Costco-preferred vendor, and what it means to build a company that creat...

We know visionaries create the big ideas, and doers make them happen—but without someone in between, businesses often stall. That’s where we believe operators step in. In this episode, we share our experience of how operators bring order to daily chaos, keep teams accountable, and give owners the space to lead without getting pulled into every single decision. From revenues growing without profits...