The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation

In this episode, we talk openly about what it really means to “be a badass” in business and leadership. For us, it isn’t just about toughness—it’s about how our personal struggles, life experiences, and even past trauma shaped the way we problem-solve, lead, and connect with others. We share how learning to read people, stay calm under pressure, and follow through on our word became skills we didn...

Running a business can easily slide into chaos without the right structure in place. In this episode of The Trades Accelerator , Dana and Melanie share the core items that kept their company running strong and helped them grow into a place people wanted to stay and thrive. From budgets and daily number tracking to onboarding, accountability, and quarterly planning, they walk through the tools and...

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing world of business and the trades. We share how paying attention to shifts in customer needs, industry changes, and new opportunities has helped us adapt and continue to grow. From leadership lessons to branding, customer service, and team development, we open up about the moments that taught us the value...

In this episode, we talk about one of our favorite tools for learning and growth—podcasts. From business insights to personal development, podcasts have become a daily part of our lives. They’ve been like free coaching sessions, helping us shift our mindset, find inspiration, and pick up strategies we can actually use in real life. We share the shows that left the biggest impact on us, why certain...

In this episode, we dig into what it really means to be a versatile employee. We share stories of saying yes to new opportunities, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and how cross-training can make you both more valuable to your team and more secure in your career. From customer service to dispatch, and even jumping between divisions, we talk about how flexibility builds confidence and keeps doors op...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Gardner, the heart and mind behind Organized Joy . From her beginnings as an extremely shy single mom to building multiple successful businesses, Jennifer’s story is packed with moments where curiosity, intuition, and genuine connection changed everything. She shares how a chance night out at Topgolf—where she unknowingly walked into a hiring ev...

What does it really take to build a business from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Seidi of REI Capital Guys, a serial entrepreneur who’s built—and sold—multiple companies, starting with nothing but grit, hustle, and a credit card. From working out of a basement to doing multimillion-dollar deals, Mike walks us through what it means to figure things out as you go, ask the righ...

In this episode, we dive into what it really looks like to build better systems for your field teams. We share how one missed ice machine spiraled into a bigger realization—that our team needed more than hustle and good intentions. They needed clear processes, better tools, and leaders who actually listened. From checklists to communication shifts, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and why t...

In this episode, we talk about what real customer service looks like when it’s done with heart. From sending a simple thank-you card to bringing a soda to a hot job site, we share the small, intentional touches that helped our team build trust and long-term relationships with clients. These aren’t huge gestures—they’re thoughtful habits that became part of how we do business. We also share how we...

In this episode, we flip the script and talk about interviewing from the manager’s seat. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or rebuilding a team, how you show up in the interview says just as much about your business as the candidate’s resume does. We get into the nitty-gritty: from prepping for interviews and creating a solid first impression, to what questions to ask and how to spot a good...

In this episode, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked—vendor relationships. When things go sideways in the supply chain, the quality of your vendor partnerships can make or break your business. We share real examples from the field, like how regular meetings with suppliers helped us stay ahead during shortages and why vendor support isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trus...

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to add a new service to your business—and why it’s not just about saying yes to opportunity. Expanding can be exciting, but if you don’t plan ahead, it can also stretch your team too thin, confuse your customers, and cost more than it brings in. We share what questions to ask before you move forward, what roles and systems need to be in place, an...

In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to stand out in a job interview. It’s not about having all the right answers—it’s about showing up prepared, present, and clear on who you are and what you’re looking for. We talk about the small details that make a big impact, from what you wear to how you follow up, and why confidence, eye contact, and good questions still go a long way....

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bagley, Founder & CEO of CI Web Group, to talk about how fast technology is changing—and what business owners need to do now to keep up. Jennifer breaks down what AI integration really means, why your current website might not be ready, and the practical steps leaders should take today. It’s not about fear—it’s about being first. We also dig into how...

In this episode, we dig into what “winning the day” actually means. It’s a phrase we throw around, but when no one defines it, people end up guessing. That leads to confusion, burnout, and a lot of busy work that doesn’t move things forward. We talk about how setting clear daily wins helps the whole team—from leadership to the front lines—understand what a good day really looks like. We also talk...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valerie Heck, a remarkable woman who transformed her life from battling addiction to becoming a culture-building leader in the HVAC industry. Valerie doesn't hold back as she shares her raw, authentic journey—from her darkest moments to discovering her purpose as what she calls the "fun ambassador" at her company. This conversation reveals...

In this episode, we sit down with Madison Staszkiewicz—entrepreneur, mom, and someone who’s figured out a whole lot by doing the hard things first. Madison shares how she built her first business from a one-room space, what she learned through selling it, and how that experience led to starting something completely new. We talk about the pressure to “have it all together,” why balance isn’t always...

In this episode, we talk about what really keeps us going. Motivation isn’t always clear or consistent—it shifts as life and business change. We share honest stories about what pushed us in the early days, what drives us now, and how things like fear, pride, and purpose play a part. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s goals, and sometimes it’s just not wanting to let your people down. If you’ve e...

In this episode, we talk about compensation and incentives from both sides — as an employee and as a business owner. We share what to think about before asking for a raise, why it’s important to track your work, and how going above and beyond can open new doors. We also talk about how companies can build clear pay ranges, create paths for growth, and offer incentives that make sense for both the b...

In this episode, we talk about what personal brand really means — and why it matters more than you might think. Whether we realize it or not, we’re building our personal brand every single day through the way we show up, the way we work, and how we treat people. We share real stories from our own experiences, what we’ve learned about brand and reputation in business, and why being intentional abou...

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Wilson to talk about her unexpected path from warehouse work to HVAC service tech, and eventually, business owner. Megan shares what it was like stepping into a male-dominated industry, the challenges she faced, and the lessons that shaped her along the way. From learning the technical side of the trade to building strong relationships with customers, Megan...

In this episode, Melanie and Dana dive into what mentorship actually looks like—from both sides of the table. They share personal stories about how formal and informal mentorship shaped their careers, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and why mentorship doesn’t always need a title to make an impact. You’ll hear how small conversations can lead to big growth, what it really means to show u...

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to attract and support female service experts in the trades. It’s not just about posting a job ad—it’s about being intentional with your culture, your language, and the way you show up. We share what worked, what we’d do differently, and the small details that make a big impact, like flexible schedules, proper uniforms, and creating an environmen...

In this episode, we sit down with Katy Higgins for a raw and honest conversation about leadership, accountability, and speaking up. Katy shares what it felt like to raise a concern and the ripple effects it had on both her and the team. We talk through the tension, the silence that followed, and what growth really looks like behind the scenes. It’s not about blame—it’s about learning, listening, a...

In this episode, we talk about the impact of coaching groups on business and personal growth. We break down the differences between coaching groups, masterminds, and networking groups to help you find the right fit. We share our own experiences, including how these groups helped us scale our business and build valuable connections. We also discuss the importance of fully participating, implementin...