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

From Owner-Operator to Titan: How to Get Off the Ladder

Oct 29, 2025

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Are you tired of being stuck in the field, juggling sales calls, project management, and even picking up some tools when no one else shows up? In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin sits down with Branden Sewell, Owner of Seal Pro Painting and host of the Off the Ladder Podcast.

Branden never started as a painter, yet built a thriving painting business by learning how to run the company. He shares the mindset shifts, hiring strategies, and leadership lessons that helped him move from owner-operator to true business owner.

If you’re in construction or the trades and want to grow your company without burning out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you finally “get off the ladder.”

Key Takeaways with Timestamps

[03:02] Why not knowing how to paint actually helped Branden grow Seal Pro Painting faster.
[05:22] The biggest mindset shift every owner-operator must make to scale.
[06:05] Myths construction leaders tell themselves that keep them stuck in the field.
[08:19] Why there isn’t a labor shortage and what’s really going on with hiring in the trades.
[10:01] What construction can learn from Chick-fil-A about building a strong workforce.
[12:53] The first step to finally getting off the ladder and into the CEO seat.
[14:55] Why subbing out work created bigger problems and how Branden transitioned to hiring employees.
[19:23] Building culture and values into your hiring and onboarding process.
[21:47] A hard leadership lesson: when being “too kind” holds your team back.
[25:04] What to expect from the Get Off the Ladder Podcast and how it can help your business grow.

Connect With Branden:

Website: https://www.sealpropainting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandensewell/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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