Every trades leader faces moments that test their grit.
In this episode, former Navy SEAL turned business owner Dan Newell joins Chad Peterman to share how the lessons forged in SEAL training resilience, service, and accountability—apply directly to leadership in HVAC, plumbing, and home service businesses.
Dan's journey from ringing the bell in SEAL training to coming back, graduating #1 in his class, and later running his family's custom cabinet shop is packed with wisdom for leaders building strong teams. He opens up about what it means to lead from the bottom up, how to "get your mind right" when challenges hit, and why the best leaders focus on serving their people first.
If you're leading techs, installers, or managers and you're working to grow both people and profit this episode will challenge you to build a culture that wins every day.
Additional Resources:
Dan on LinkedIn
Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Peterman Brothers Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Failure Builds Grit – Every business owner faces setbacks; what matters is how you respond.
- Serve Your Team First – Like a SEAL platoon, your business thrives when leaders focus on others before themselves.
- Get Your Mind Right – A strong mindset is the difference between surviving a tough season and leading through it.
- Accountability Wins – Great teams hold each other to a higher standard. Everyone's success depends on everyone else.
- Lead from the Bottom Up – Ask your team, "What do you need from me?" and watch ownership take off.
- Adapt or Fall Behind – Dan's leap into automation mirrors the trades' need to embrace change and technology.
- Find Your Purpose – Just like earning a SEAL Trident, define your own version of success and lead with confidence.
