Titans of the Trades | Straight-Talk for Scaling Your Construction Business

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin speaks with Cris Grossmann, CEO of Beekeeper, about the critical role of communication in frontline work environments. They discuss the challenges faced by frontline workers, the importance of retaining talent, and how Beekeeper's platform addresses these issues by streamlining processes and enhancing communication.  Cris shares insigh...

In this conversation, Chad Prinkey, Founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, discusses the significant challenges faced by construction companies, including financial pressures, the importance of effective leadership, and the transition from owner-operated to process-driven businesses. He emphasizes the need for empowering teams, creating standard operating procedures, and fostering...

In this episode, Ryan Englin reflects on the past year at Core Matters, discussing key trends in hiring, the importance of focusing on people in business, and the impact of AI and automation.  He introduces the concept of role packages to enhance employee onboarding and engagement, explains the “done for you” model for recruitment, and emphasizes the need for businesses to prioritize employee need...

In this conversation, Don Magruder, CEO of RoMac Building Supply, shares insights from his extensive experience in the construction industry. He discusses the growth of his company, the challenges of labor shortages, and the importance of investing in the next generation through partnerships with local schools.  Don emphasizes the significance of promoting from within, employee development, and fo...

In this conversation, Tamara Palmer, the Internal Communications Manager at Flagger Force, discusses the company's innovative approach to workforce management, emphasizing the importance of communication, safety, and employee engagement.  She highlights the challenges of managing a dispersed workforce and how Flagger Force has implemented a unique points system to address attendance issues wh...

In this conversation, Ryan Englin interviews Vitaliy Kofman, Service Operation Manager at LaMarco Systems, a security and fire alarm company. Vitaliy shares insights into the company's operations, including how they navigate seasonal challenges, the importance of technology in improving efficiency, and strategies for attracting and retaining technicians. He emphasizes the role of continuous e...

In this conversation, Dan Laufer, CEO of PipeDreams, discusses their innovative approach in acquiring and growing plumbing and HVAC businesses. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original brand identity while centralizing operations to enhance efficiency.  The discussion also covers the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the trades, the integration of technology and AI, and strategi...

In this conversation, Dan Cassara, CEO of Core Group, discusses their unique business model in the property damage restoration industry. He emphasizes the importance of supporting restoration contractors through training, empathy, and technology.  The conversation highlights the critical role of frontline technicians, the need for empathy in service delivery, and the future of the industry with ad...

In this conversation, RJ Burr, the President & CEO of Panex, discusses the critical role of oil in modern society, the importance of independent oil companies, and the significance of hiring the right people to build a successful team.  He emphasizes the need for a positive outlook in business and the importance of seizing opportunities, especially in challenging market conditions. RJ also sha...

In this conversation, Ryan speaks with Jonathan Klemm, Founder of Quality Builders, about the evolving landscape of the construction industry, the importance of technology, and the value of treating subcontractors as partners.  Jonathan shares his journey into the trades, the founding of Quality Builders during the pandemic, and the company's vision for growth. He emphasizes the need for ment...

Summary In this conversation, Ryan speaks with Nik Dixon and Zach VanDyke from New Era Construction about their journey in the construction industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities they face as a new generation in the trades, the importance of skilled labor, and their strategies for growth and relationship building. They also touch on the significance of work-life balance and how th...

Summary   Matt Ebert, the CEO of Crash Champions, shares his journey of growing the company from 8 to nearly 650 locations and becoming the employer of choice in the collision repair industry.   He emphasizes the importance of investing in leadership and creating a positive employee experience. Matt also discusses the need to attract more women and new talent to the industry through partnerships w...

Summary   The conversation discusses the labor crisis in the trades industry and the importance of employee retention. Chris Buttenham, co-owner of Reins, explains how their company helps small businesses in the trades sector retain key employees through equity and profit-sharing incentives. They focus on aligning incentives and creating long-term and short-term financial rewards for employees. Th...

Summary Derek Cormier, owner of Climate Experts, shares his success in doubling his business every year since 2016 and his ability to find and retain good employees in the trades industry. He emphasizes the importance of creating a strong company culture and defining core values to attract the right employees.  Cormier has developed an apprenticeship program and training system that compresses a t...

Summary Heath Treasure shares his journey from rags to riches in the blue-collar space, emphasizing the importance of preparing a business for exit and the acquisition process.  He highlights the significance of soft skills, financial clarity, and process flow in building a sellable asset. Heath also discusses the challenges faced by business owners and offers coaching and group coaching services...

Jim Bush, CEO of Weather Shield Roofing Systems, shares his 12 laws of a great workplace. The first law is that work should be a life-giving place where people flourish and grow. The second law is that work should have a higher purpose that makes the world a better place. The third law is that everyone deserves to work for a well-run business that provides order amidst chaos.  Tune in to the full...

Eduard Mirzoian shares his journey of building a successful restoration contracting company, emphasizing the importance of culture, people, and consistent marketing. He discusses the challenges and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, as well as the impact of culture on business success. Keywords restoration contractor, company growth, culture, people management, talent attraction,...

Jay Carter shares his journey of starting a roofing company, facing challenges, and finding success. He emphasizes the importance of failure, mindset, and purpose in business.  He also discusses the transition from being a tradesman to a CEO and the significance of self-reflection and mindset for business success. Keywords roofing company, business challenges, failure, mindset, purpose, CEO mindse...

Summary Jason Noel, Director of Advisement at CEO Warrior, shares his insights on building successful companies and teams in the trades industry. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and surrounding yourself with great individuals who possess skills and passions that complement your own.  Jason highlights the need to genuinely care for employees and be present and available to them....

In this conversation, Matt discusses Dynapower, a global manufacturing business specializing in custom equipment for various markets. He emphasizes the importance of company culture, purpose-driven work, and the impact on the global community.  Matt also shares insights on attracting and retaining talent, connecting with customers, and the company's future direction. Keywords manufacturing, c...

Summary Kristen Scutella, Regional Service Vice President at Comfort Systems USA, discusses the labor challenges in the trades and how her company is overcoming them. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture and investing in employees.  Kristen also highlights the need to attract more women to the trades and shares success stories of women who have excelled in the industr...

Summary Stephen Rhyne shares insights on attracting, training, and retaining good salespeople. He emphasizes the importance of treating the recruiting process like a marketing and sales funnel, focusing on attraction and signaling opportunity to the right candidates.  He also discusses the significance of setting proper expectations and belief-building during the onboarding process. Stephen highli...

Today we sit down with Chris Petri, Operations Manager at Petri Plumbing, a century-old family-owned company in New York City, is spreading the message about the opportunities in the blue-collar trades, particularly to the younger generation. They have been successful by offering high-level service and value to their customers.  Petri Plumbing has been intentional about creating a family-like atmo...

Summary Clifton Savage, CEO at Service Leaders Society, discusses the challenges that service contractors face in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. He emphasizes the importance of company culture and employee satisfaction in attracting and retaining talent.  Clifton suggests that contractors should assess their current company, address any problems or lack of systems, and focus on top...

This week, the conversation with Tom Reber, podcast host of The Contractor Fight, focuses on the challenges faced by contractors and the solutions to overcome them. The main themes include the importance of charging what you're worth, the need for consistent recruiting and hiring practices, reframing negative beliefs, and creating a positive company culture.  Other topics discussed include th...