Trade Talk: The Podcast of Contractors Connect

This special episode of Trade Talk was recorded live at the Emerald Grande during the very first Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit . Host Sarah White sits down with a powerhouse panel of women leaders in construction and beyond to talk about navigating male-dominated spaces, building authentic leadership, addressing industry challenges, and the importance of mentorship and lifting others...

In this episode of Trade Talk, we bring together the entire Beespoke team—Sarah, Erin, Lindsay, and Kelly—for a lively conversation on the digital tools, apps, and platforms that keep their marketing agency (and their clients) running like a well-oiled machine. From staying connected as a fully remote team, to harnessing the power of AI for smarter workflows, to keeping branding on point with Canv...

In part two of our conversation with HR consultant Ashley Curtin , we dive deeper into the realities of building strong teams in the construction industry. From creative approaches to employee benefits and mentorship, to the importance of engagement and self-awareness in leadership, Ashley shares practical strategies that help business owners retain top talent and foster a culture of loyalty. She...

In this episode of Trade Talk , Sarah and Erin sit down with HR professional Ashley Curtin to tackle three critical pillars of running a successful business: recruitment, retention, and performance management . With nearly 20 years of experience across hospitality, property management, and consulting, Ashley brings a wealth of real-world advice for leaders in the construction industry—and beyond....

In this powerful and candid episode of Trade Talk , we sit down with Rosa Santiago Zimmerman — a general contractor, designer, entrepreneur, author, and force of nature. Rosa opens up about her journey from Puerto Rico to founding RSZ Design and Development, sharing how her roots, values, and boundaries have shaped her leadership style and her thriving business. With decades of experience, from ru...

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech giants—it’s a game changer for construction pros at every level. In this episode, Erin and Lindsey sit down with AI expert Will McGinnis, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, to break down how AI can streamline workflows, improve communication, and save serious time on and off the job site. From office managers wrangling schedules and emails, to project ma...

In this episode of Trade Talk , Sarah, Erin, and Lindsay sit down with Nelson Davis, owner of Hard Rock Stone & Tile, to dive into one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the building process: making selections early. Nelson shares why early decisions can save time, money, and headaches for builders, homeowners, and designers alike. From managing budgets and schedules to avoiding...

In this episode of Trade Talk , Sarah and Erin sit down with Taylor Peacock and Rob Ewing from Builders FirstSource to dive into the story of Gulf Armor Doors—premium, handcrafted wood doors born from the legacy of Southeastern Sash & Door in Fort Walton Beach. From humble beginnings to becoming part of a national brand, you'll hear how craftsmanship, innovation, and hurricane-resilient en...

Guests: The Beespoke Consulting Team — Sarah White, Erin Bakker, Lindsay Lord, and Kelly Bench In this special team takeover episode, the women behind Beespoke Consulting—Sarah, Erin, Lindsay, and Kelly—pull back the curtain on what really works when it comes to marketing in the construction world. From branding basics to creative gifting, event strategy to direct mail, they share actionable insig...

Guest: Brian Walsh, Owner of Coastal Brick & Stone & Key Lime Construction Sponsor: Coastal Brick & Stone In this episode of Trade Talk , we sit down with Brian Walsh, the driving force behind two thriving Emerald Coast businesses—Coastal Brick & Stone and Key Lime Construction. From painted brick trends to the growing demand for hardscapes, Brian shares how he balances running bot...

In this episode of Trade Talk , Sarah White and Lindsay Lord go virtual for the first time with the team from Work Partners USA—CEO Mark Smith, VP Jeff Mosley, and Director of Safety and Medical Integration Angela Bailey. Together, they dive into the critical topic of injury management and return-to-work strategies in the construction industry. From smashed fingers to sprains, the construction sit...

In this unforgettable episode of Trade Talk , we sit down with Sarah Stein , general contractor, homebuilder, and keynote speaker for this year’s Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit . Sarah opens up about her deeply personal journey—growing up in Seaside, Florida, working under her father in the family’s underground utility business, navigating heartbreak, and ultimately becoming the owner...

In this episode of Trade Talk , we sit down with Martin Horak, founder of Grunt—a groundbreaking delivery service built specifically for the construction industry. Think Instacart meets Home Depot. Martin shares how riding out Hurricane Michael inspired the idea, what it took to turn a sketch into a successful startup, and why Grunt is more than just a delivery service—it's a time-saving, cost...

This week on Trade Talk , we’re joined by Drew Lord, founder of DL3 Construction—who brings a unique perspective to the job site. Before launching his successful general contracting firm, Drew was a practicing attorney with experience in insurance and construction law. Now, he’s building custom homes and commercial spaces across the Emerald Coast with a legal lens that helps him avoid the common p...

This week on Trade Talk , we’re celebrating a milestone—one year since the reboot of Contractors Connect! Hosts Sarah White and Erin Bakker take a moment to pop the Prosecco and reflect on the journey so far, from a packed relaunch party at AJ’s Grayton Beach to building a network that now spans four counties and more than 60 members. In this special anniversary episode, you’ll hear about the impa...

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Trade Talk —the official podcast of Contractors Connect ! Hosts Sarah White and Erin Bakker take you behind the scenes of how this grassroots networking event evolved into a growing platform for connection, conversation, and collaboration in the construction industry. 🔨 In This Episode: How Contractors Connect began—from a tiny office and an idea inspired by “...

Get ready— Trade Talk  is about to drop! In this preview episode, we’re giving you a quick glimpse of what’s coming. From on-the-ground insights to real stories from the field, this podcast is built for the builders. Stay tuned for our official launch and make sure to follow so you don’t miss an episode!