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

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 Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin sits down with Denise Grothouse, Founder and CEO of Perfect Six Marketing and a seasoned entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar brand in the trades before launching her agency. Denise knows how contractors think, because she’s been one.She shares real-world marketing strategies tailored to construction businesses, including how to leverage social media, earned media, and even AI, without getting overwhelmed. Learn why vulnerability is your secret weapon, how to niche your services for better results, and the one checklist every employer needs to build a magnetic employer brand.Whether you’re a home remodeler or service contractor, this episode will help you understand what real marketing ROI looks like.Episode Takeaways[01:09] Denise’s origin story: From building furniture to building brands.[03:17] Why contractors need to be more vulnerable with marketing.[06:07] The power of customer retention and follow-up.[08:08] How to personalize lead response automation and stand out.[09:01] What is earned media and why it builds trust (and SEO!).[11:47] Instagram and Myspace stories that led to real PR wins.[14:22] The benefits of niching and why bathroom remodels are booming.[18:26] Stop commoditizing marketing. It’s insurance, not an expense.[22:31] Your people are your brand: why employer branding matters.[25:45] How to get Denise’s employee brand-building checklist (free).Connect With DeniseWebsite: https://perfectsixmarketing.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grothouse/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin welcomes Mike Abramowitz, Co-Founder of Better Than Rich and creator of the Time-Rich Six framework. Mike grew up watching his dad, a lifelong plumber, grind it out six days a week, and knew there had to be a better way. Now, Mike helps contractors and owner-operators build scalable systems so they can stop working in the business and start working on it.Discover how Mike replaced himself in his own business, built a team of onshore and offshore talent, and created predictable revenue systems that allowed him to step away when his family needed him most.This isn’t theory. It’s practical advice contractors can implement today.Episode Takeaways[01:09] Mike’s backstory, from direct sales to family life and growing up with a tradesman father.[03:18] The turning point: hiring a business coach and moving from operator to owner.[05:41] Running a $100K week remotely. Proof that systems work.[07:48] How Mike realized his dad’s way wasn’t the only way.[10:35] Using offshore virtual assistants to buy back 12–15 hours a week.[13:12] Why systems fail: Hiring a doer when you need an expert.[16:24] A real-world contractor example of mapping a customer follow-up process.[22:24] The Time-Rich Six explained and how each layer supports freedom.[27:07] The hard truth: crisis forces change. Why you should act before it’s too late.[33:58] Free GSD sessions. How contractors can build systems with Mike’s help.Connect With Mike:Website: https://betterthanrich.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeabramowitz1/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

How much knowledge is walking out your door every year?In this Titans of the Trades episode, Ryan Englin sits down with Manja Horner, Founder and CEO of Boost, to tackle one of the most urgent problems in construction: capturing tribal knowledge before it disappears.Manja explains how decades of tips, tricks, and hard‑earned craft insights often vanish when veteran workers retire. She shares a framework to capture, organize, and pass on that knowledge, so your company’s “secret sauce” lives on for the next generation.If you’re a construction leader worried about losing key people or struggling to train new hires, this conversation is packed with actionable steps and inspiring ideas.Key Takeaways[02:03] Why 30–40% of the skilled trades workforce is retiring soon.[03:26] A true story of a master craftsperson walking out the door and everything lost.[05:50] The mindset shift leaders need to take ownership of training.[08:50] What counts as tribal knowledge (and it’s more than you think).[10:01] Why training is a skill and not everyone knows how to do it.[17:24] How to capture insights from field crews who don’t sit at desks.[22:33] Turning hours of interviews into a usable, searchable library.[30:51] A sneak peek into Boost’s AI-powered internal knowledge search.Connect With Manja:Website: https://www.boostld.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manja-horner/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

What happens when a private equity buyer enters the picture, but you’re not ready to let go? In this powerful episode, Ryan Englin welcomes Jeremiah Webb, a blue collar business expert with a background that spans HVAC, financial services, and manufacturer-side leadership. Jeremiah shares hard truths and game-changing strategies for trades business owners caught in the chaos of growth, succession, and staying motivated.You’ll learn how to:Reclaim your motivation after selling your business.Build employee leadership that frees you from daily chaos.Align family dynamics with legacy business goals.Use problems as fuel, not roadblocks.Stay fulfilled in life after success.If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your construction or service business or you’re preparing for a big transition this episode is your new manual.10 Must-Hear Takeaways:[00:41] Jeremiah’s “bad day for 10 minutes” mindset. Why emotional resilience drives long-term growth.[04:08] Business as a generational gift. How family-owned construction businesses change communities.[06:04] What happens when PE buyers change the deal post-sale. And how to protect your values.[07:44] Motivation post-sale. What really keeps founders engaged after the check clears.[08:54] Becoming the “cool uncle” your next-gen leaders need. Why kids resist legacy and how to get through to them.[11:37] The art of fulfillment post-success. Why cocktails and beaches aren’t enough.[14:56] Solve problems… Get more problems. How to see business growth as a cycle, not a finish line.[21:28] The “crossed wires” problem in management. Why most systems create frustration and blame.[27:06] Leadership levels that transform team culture. From stepping in to stepping away.[36:11] Can’t let go of control? The root cause might be your past self. A psychological unlock for owners who sabotage scale.Connect With Jeremiah:Website: https://shoponfire.com/about/jeremiah-webb/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahwebb/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin sits down with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch and former painting company owner turned tech innovator. James brings his real-world experience from the ladder to the leadership boardroom to tackle one of the biggest issues in the construction industry: communication breakdowns.He introduces a powerful, no-training-required video platform designed specifically for construction crews, contractors, and service providers. Think Nextel walkie-talkies, but with live video. Whether it’s a busted pipe, a scheduling delay, or the need to capture field progress in real-time, James’ solution helps teams stay connected and accountable without unnecessary trips to the job site.Plus, hear James’ passion project that’s giving thousands of incarcerated individuals a second chance through entrepreneurship, and the mindset shift every construction leader should make to scale faster and breathe easier.Takeaways[02:00] From the ladder to the boardroom: James’ journey from power washing to tech executive.[03:00] The communication breakthrough that replaces wasted trips.[06:30] Why third-party video beats Zoom, email, or chat for job site problem-solving.[08:30] How a QR code and cell phone can eliminate repeat site visits and missed details.[12:30] The behavior shift that helps crews document better and protect their work.[15:00] How video creates a training library and captures tribal knowledge before it walks out the door.[17:30] James’ second-chance entrepreneurship program that’s transforming lives.[20:00] Why building a business should include making yourself redundant.[24:00] James’ mission to modernize everyday trades businesses and show others how.[27:00] The power of LinkedIn and giving your idea a real shot at becoming something big.Connect With James:Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/contactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Join us for this empowering episode as we talk with Brenna Moore, a dynamic Heavy Equipment Operator and Foreman who is breaking barriers in the construction industry. Brenna shares her journey from apprentice to industry influencer and highlights her work with programs like Camp Build Her and the National Equipment League. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and the endless opportunities within construction, especially for women entering this traditionally male-dominated field. Whether you’re a seasoned construction executive or a newcomer looking to make your mark, Brenna’s insights will inspire you to build not just infrastructure but also a fulfilling career.Takeaways(0:33) The pivotal decision that led Brenna from considering college to a high-paying apprenticeship.(2:08) From heavy equipment operator to pipe layer and back again.(2:50) Inside look at the National Equipment League, construction’s version of competitive sports.(6:53) How Camp Build Her is transforming the next generation of women in construction.(10:39) The moment one young participant changed Brenna’s perspective forever.(13:37) Why authenticity matters more than ever on the job site.(19:50) Brenna’s candid advice on attracting and retaining more women in the construction workforce.(22:49) How company leaders can create a more inclusive, respectful culture from day one.Connect With BrennaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-e-moore302/  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Struggling to find good people or keep them? You’re not alone. In this follow-up episode, Ryan Englin sits down again with Michael Katz and David Katz of Trio Heating and Air to reveal the people-first strategies that helped them grow to $10M in just a few years.This episode is a goldmine for blue collar leaders in construction and home services looking to attract, recruit, and retain top talent. Michael and David break down what it really takes to recruit A-players and why your office culture, branding, and onboarding process matter more than you think.Whether you’re tired of hiring duds, facing constant turnover, or feel stuck in your recruiting process, this conversation is your roadmap to building a team that thrives.Takeaways[2:00] Why you’re not attracting top performers and how to fix it.[3:30] The power of branding your workspace to appeal to A-players.[5:00] The critical mistake small businesses make when hiring top salespeople.[10:00] The long game: How David nurtured a top recruit for 3 years.[14:15] Tactical steps to make interviews less intimidating and more effective.[17:30] The onboarding experience that gets top talent earning on day one.[21:00] How Trio’s $3,000 employee referral system works and why it’s genius.[26:00] What to do when your HR team says your recruiting idea is crazy.[31:45] Why high performers leave and how to keep them loyal.[36:45] Tips to retain support staff like dispatchers and CSRs too.Connect With Michael & David:·       Website: https://trioheatingandair.com/·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-katz-20b751109/·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-999319b5/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

Can you succeed in the HVAC industry without any experience? Brothers Michael Katz and David Katz did just that; scaling their company, Trio Heating and Air, from zero to over $10 million in revenue in just two years. In today’s episode, these innovative entrepreneurs share their remarkable journey, highlighting key strategies that can supercharge your growth, profitability, and market presence.Learn how embracing technology, strategic pricing, and relentless execution allowed them to attract A-players, outperform competitors, and dominate their market. Michael and David offer practical advice for overcoming common hurdles in construction and HVAC businesses, ensuring your company thrives even during challenging times.This is an inspiring story of passion, persistence, and the power of learning from industry leaders. If you’re looking to elevate your construction business, don’t miss this transformative episode!Key Takeaways01:29 – How two brothers with no HVAC experience built a multi-million-dollar business in under two years.03:42 – The critical importance of aligning visions within a family-run business.06:33 – The unexpected beginnings: From sleeping in a van to selling air filters door-to-door.08:57 – How attending industry conferences like Pantheon completely changed their business trajectory.13:19 – The harsh reality behind rapid business growth—and how to manage it sustainably.15:28 – Turning your lack of industry experience into your biggest competitive advantage.23:42 – Why raising your prices can dramatically boost your profitability (and customer satisfaction).28:21 – How to overcome pricing fears and dramatically increase your conversion rates.32:27 – The secret behind attracting and retaining A-player talent in construction.34:44 – Simple but powerful advice on how to replicate success: “Just copy and paste.”Connect With Michael & David:Website: https://trioheatingandair.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-katz-20b751109/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-999319b5/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin talks with Josh Vitale, Founder of Project BUILT, about the unseen struggles facing the construction workforce.Josh shares staggering statistics on mental health challenges, the alarming suicide and opioid rates in the trades, and how leaders can step up to make a difference. You’ll hear actionable ideas on fostering connection, healing families, and building workplaces where people thrive, not just survive.If you’re a construction leader who cares about your team’s wellbeing and wants to build a healthier culture that drives productivity and loyalty, this episode is a must‑listen.Key Takeaways with Time Stamps[02:21] Shocking stats on suicide and opioid addiction in construction.[03:53] Why a lack of connection fuels despair in the trades.[06:57] What real suffering looks like for many mid‑level construction workers.[09:55] How leaders can model vulnerability to support their teams.[10:59] The hidden impact of toxic bosses on jobsite mental health.[12:27] Boundary setting and personal resilience when facing toxic leadership.[17:38] Balancing project metrics with emotional health and safety.[22:46] How to get involved with Project BUILT and Construction Suicide Prevention Week.Connect With Josh:Website: https://getbuilt.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vitale-vitalchemy/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.