How to Lead a Trades Business Without Knowing the Trade
Feb 6, 2025
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Trip Biesanz, the owner of G&C Glass, shares his journey from franchisee to independent business owner in the construction industry. He discusses the value of long-term employees and the importance of relying on his team while navigating unfamiliar trades. Trip highlights the challenges of cash flow management and the competitive nature of construction. His insights on networking and the transition from franchising to owning a business shed light on the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, making for an engaging conversation on leadership and adaptability.
Transitioning from a franchisee to an independent business owner provided greater control and the opportunity to create a unique company identity.
Refining his business search to focus solely on the construction industry significantly streamlined his process and improved alignment with his experience.
Building strong relationships and fostering a transparent work environment were crucial for success in the competitive construction sector.
Deep dives
Franchising vs. Independent Business Ownership
The guest shares his transition from a franchisee to an independent business owner, emphasizing key differences between the two models. Franchising provided an initial pathway with established support and resources, but over time, the speaker felt more like a territory manager than an actual owner. After selling his franchise, he opted for an independent business to have full control and autonomy in decision-making. This shift enabled him to create a unique identity for his company while actively learning the nuances of direct business ownership.
Challenges in the Business Search Process
The speaker discusses the difficulties he faced while searching for an independent business, noting the long and challenging process that lasted approximately 18 months. Initially overwhelmed by the variety of available opportunities, he struggled with deal flow and often found himself questioning his search strategy. After engaging with networking groups and a buy-side advisor, he managed to refine his search and gain better insights into viable options. This experience highlighted the importance of persistence and the value of strong professional connections.
Narrowing Focus for Better Results
A pivotal moment in his journey came when he narrowed his search criteria to focus solely on the construction industry, which significantly simplified and improved his search. By concentrating on one sector, he was able to utilize his prior experience in residential remodeling and construction sales for better alignment. This strategic shift demonstrated how focusing on a specific niche can enhance the likelihood of finding a suitable business opportunity. It serves as valuable advice for those feeling lost in a broad search — refining priorities can lead to more productive outcomes.
Learning to Lead in a New Industry
Once acquiring GNC Glass Mirror and Construction, the speaker faced the challenge of managing a business in a field where he lacked firsthand experience. He transparently communicated to his team that he was not an expert in glass and construction, thereby establishing an open environment for collaboration. This approach allowed his experienced staff to provide valuable insights, while he focused on leveraging his strengths in sales and networking. The speaker underscored the importance of trust and teamwork in successfully navigating unfamiliar territory.
The Importance of Company Culture and Relationships
The cultural dynamics within GNC were crucial to its operations, and the speaker emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with employees and clients. By fostering a transparent and cohesive work environment, he has been able to attract referrals and create loyalty among employees and clients alike. The speaker noted that the construction industry thrives on trust and effective communication, which can often promote repeat business. His experience showed that maintaining a strong company culture can mitigate the challenges often encountered in the competitive construction sector.