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

In this conversation, Christie Hoffman, Founder of Engagement Academy, dives into the intricacies of workplace culture, employee engagement, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. Christie shares her journey of discovering the systemic issues that plague organizations and emphasizes the importance of understanding employee feedback as a pathway to growth. She discusses the challenges of burnout in blue collar jobs and the necessity for managers to develop empathy and soft skills to support their teams effectively. Ryan and Christie talk about the need for ongoing training for managers to enhance their leadership capabilities and improve overall employee satisfaction. They discuss the critical importance of employee engagement in the trades, exploring how companies can measure the ROI of engagement initiatives. They also dig into generational shifts in the workforce, particularly focusing on the unique needs and expectations of Gen Z. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of effective communication, intentional leadership, and the establishment of strong company values to foster a positive work environment and enhance employee satisfaction.TakeawaysEmployee feedback is crucial for organizational success.Engagement surveys should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event.Managers need training in empathy and soft skills.Creating psychological safety is essential for open communication.Investing in manager training leads to better employee outcomes.Understanding individual employee situations can improve performance.Feedback loops help identify and address workplace issues.A culture of trust enhances employee engagement and retention. Investing in employee engagement yields tangible results.Companies must prioritize engagement to remain competitive.Generational differences impact employee expectations and engagement strategies.Gamification can enhance engagement, especially for Gen Z.Intentionality in leadership can transform company culture.Understanding employee needs leads to better retention and satisfaction.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Workplace Culture Expertise03:10 Understanding Employee Engagement and Feedback05:59 Combatting Burnout in Blue Collar Jobs11:58 The Role of Managers in Employee Well-Being17:55 Investing in Manager Training for Better Outcomes22:23 Measuring Employee Engagement ROI25:10 The Importance of Employee Engagement27:50 Generational Shifts in Workforce Engagement30:40 Understanding Different Generational Needs36:24 The Role of Communication in Engagement39:19 Intentional Leadership and Company ValuesConnect With Christie:Website: https://www.engagementacademy.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiehoffman/ 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 does it really mean to be an employer of choice in the trades?In this 100th episode celebration, host Ryan Englin goes solo to unveil the CHOICE Framework, a step-by-step blueprint for building a company where top talent wants to work and stay. Discover the six pillars that will transform your workplace:Clear Vision, Values, and PurposeHigh-Trust LeadershipOpportunities for GrowthIndustry-Leading ReputationCompetitive Pay and StabilityEngaged WorkforcePacked with real-life examples and actionable takeaways, this milestone episode sets the stage for a new series of solo deep dives into each CHOICE element. Whether you're a contractor, trades leader, or business owner, this is the episode that will reshape how you hire, retain, and lead.Don’t miss what’s next - subscribe and follow Titans of the Trades.Highlighted Episodes:Episode 1: Adam Witty, CEO of Forbes Books, “3 Fallacies That Hold Back Your Recruiting Efforts”Episode 73: Jim Bush, CEO of Weather Shield Roofing Systems, “12 Laws of a Great Workplace”Episode 77: Matt Ebert, CEO of Crash Champions, “Building an Empire: From 8 to Nearly 650 Locations”Episode 87: Chad Prinkey, Founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, “Overcoming the Valley of Death in Business”Episode 60: Richard Hart, Founder of Hart’s Plumbing and Heating, “The Power of an Apprentice Academy”Episode 16: Jennifer Wilkerson, VP of Innovations and Advancements at NCCER , “Overcoming the Labor Shortage”Episode 17: Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment Service, “Attracting The Next Generation With A Better Story”Episode 93: Roger Wakefield, Founder of RogerWakefield.com, “The Journey of a Blue Collar Influencer”Episode 94: Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall Construction, “From Employee to Owner: The ESOP Journey”Episode 21: Ryan Schmitt, CEO of Petticoat-Schmitt, “Petticoat-Schmitt Client Case Study”Episode 62: Levi Torres, President of High 5 Plumbing, “The Best Way to Grow Your Team”Episode 85: Don Magruder, CEO at RoMac Building Supply, “Tackling the Labor Crisis in Construction”Connect With RyanWebsite: https://corematters.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/  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 conversation, Didi Azaria, a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Workiz, shares his insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of execution over product, common mistakes in pricing, and the significance of employee relationships. He discusses strategies for business growth, the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, and how to choose the right software solutions for contractors. Didi highlights the need for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape, particularly with the rise of AI, while maintaining a focus on human skills and relationships.TakeawaysExecution is more important than the product itself.Understanding pricing is crucial for business success.Maintaining good relationships with employees enhances productivity.A multi-location strategy can drive business growth.Choosing the right software is essential for operational efficiency.AI can amplify business processes without replacing human roles.Investing in quality software is better than opting for the cheapest option.AI should be viewed as a tool to support teams, not replace them.Successful businesses adapt to technological advancements like AI.Training and human skills are vital in the evolving business landscape.Chapters02:26 Key Insights for Entrepreneurs03:50 Common Mistakes in Pricing and Margins06:35 The Importance of Employee Relationships07:51 Strategies for Business Growth10:00 Choosing the Right Software Solutions13:38 The Role of AI in Business Operations21:37 ResourcesConnect With Didi:Website: https://www.workiz.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiazaria/ 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 conversation, Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning, discusses the mission and impact of the company dedicated to enhancing training for skilled trades through innovative technology. He highlights the importance of engaging and effective learning methods, the challenges of adopting digital training, and shares success stories from companies that have implemented their solutions. Doug also emphasizes the future of training in the trades, particularly the role of AI and digital tools in shaping the learning experience.TakeawaysInterplay Learning focuses on providing training for overlooked skilled trades.Engaging and effective learning methods are crucial for skill development.Job shadowing is effective but does not scale well.Technology can mimic effective mentoring at scale.Retention improves significantly with investment in employee training.Digital-first approaches are essential for recruiting younger workers.AI and simulations will revolutionize training in the trades.The effectiveness of online learning in trades will surpass traditional methods.Investing in people is key to retaining talent in the skilled trades.Chapters02:57 The Evolution of Training in Skilled Trades06:08 Technology's Role in Skill Development09:07 Challenges in Adopting Digital Training12:07 Case Studies and Success Stories14:59 The Future of Training in the TradesConnect With Doug:Website: https://www.interplaylearning.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-donovan-141b842b/ 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 conversation, Catherine Bares, Service Coach & Trainer at BDR Co, shares her extensive journey in the HVAC industry, transitioning from a dispatcher to a profit coach. She emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, effective compensation structures, and the role of AI in enhancing business operations. Catherine provides insights into profitability strategies and the necessity of soft skills training for technicians, while also discussing current trends in the industry.TakeawaysProfit coaching goes beyond just revenue; it involves team dynamics.Celebrating team achievements is crucial for motivation.Understanding inefficiencies requires a holistic approach.Compensation structures should balance hourly pay with performance incentives.AI is becoming increasingly relevant in the HVAC industry.Technicians need training on both technical and soft skills.Engaging technicians with contests can boost morale and performance.Tracking performance metrics is essential for profitability.The human element in customer service remains irreplaceable.Chapters03:11 Understanding Profit Coaching05:49 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Profitability09:13 Compensation Structures: Hourly vs. Commission12:05 Trends in the HVAC Industry15:12 The Role of AI in BusinessConnect With Catherine:Website: https://www.bdrco.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-bares-8775b11a1/ 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.

SummaryIn this conversation, Tom Kubiniec discusses his journey with SecureIt Tactical, a company he founded to provide innovative weapon storage solutions for the military and consumers. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in problem-solving, drawing lessons from his military experience. Tom shares insights on claiming authority in a niche market, the transition from military to consumer products, and the significance of delegation in business growth. He also highlights the value of creating a positive company culture and employee incentives, as well as navigating challenges and finding opportunities in adversity.TakeawaysSimplicity is key in problem-solving, especially in complex industries.Claiming authority in your field leads to unexpected opportunities.Delegation is essential for breaking through ceilings in business.Creating a positive company culture can attract top talent without advertising.Sometimes the best ideas come when you're under pressure.Understanding your market and adapting to consumer needs is crucial.Engaging with employees and profit sharing enhances motivation.Learning from diverse perspectives leads to innovative solutions.Being an outsider provides a fresh perspective on industry problems.Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to SecureIt Tactical and Its Origins03:12 Simplicity in Problem Solving: Lessons from the Military05:50 Claiming Authority: The Journey to Becoming an Expert09:08 Transitioning from Military to Consumer Products12:01 The Importance of Delegation in Business Growth14:54 Creating a Positive Company Culture and Employee Incentives18:01 Navigating Challenges and Finding Opportunities in AdversityConnect With Tom:Website: https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkubiniec/ 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.

SummaryIn this conversation, Damion Lupo, CIO at FrameTec and CEO of eQRP, shares his journey from facing significant challenges as an entrepreneur to building a successful company focused on purpose and culture. He discusses the importance of learning from failures, investing in people, and creating a positive work environment. Lupo emphasizes the need for businesses to innovate, especially in the housing crisis, and provides actionable insights for smaller companies to enhance their culture and employee satisfaction. He also introduces his 10 steps to achieving financial success, encouraging listeners to think differently about their business and personal growth.TakeawaysFailure can lead to significant learning and reinvention.Creating a purpose-driven culture can reduce turnover and increase employee satisfaction.Investing in people leads to long-term success and profitability.Scaling a business requires a shift in mindset and goals.Hiring the right people is crucial for maintaining a strong company culture.A-players are essential for driving business success and innovation.Understanding employee pain points can lead to better retention strategies.Investing in employee well-being can reduce costs and improve productivity.Thinking differently about financial goals can lead to greater achievements.Chapters00:00 From Hard Knocks to Entrepreneurial Success02:59 Lessons from Failure and Reinvention05:47 Building a Purpose-Driven Company Culture08:50 Innovating in the Housing Crisis11:47 Investing in People for Long-Term Success15:06 Scaling Up: The Path to Growth18:09 Hiring for Success: The A-Player Mindset21:10 Empowering Change: The 10 Steps to 10 MillionConnect With Damion:Website: https://www.frametec.com/Website: https://eqrp.com/Book: https://damionlupo.com/turnkeyretirementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damionlupo/ 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.

SummaryIn this conversation, Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall Construction, shares insights into the company's journey towards becoming a 100% employee-owned organization through an ESOP. He discusses the importance of effective communication during the transition, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to engage employees. Mat emphasizes the significance of investing in people, addressing the labor crisis in the construction industry, and leveraging technology to enhance training and operations. The conversation highlights the company's commitment to fostering a culture of ownership and retention among its workforce.TakeawaysErickson-Hall transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company through an ESOP.Effective communication is crucial during the ESOP transition.Employee engagement is enhanced through education and transparency.Celebrating retirements helps illustrate the benefits of employee ownership.Hiring for traits and culture fit is essential for retention.Investing in technology can bridge the labor gap in construction.The construction industry faces a significant labor crisis.Recognition and performance management contribute to employee retention.Creating a supportive environment fosters long-term employee relationships.Erickson-Hall is committed to continuous improvement in employee benefits.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Erickson-Hall Construction02:49 The Journey to Employee Ownership06:00 Communicating the ESOP Experience08:46 Building a Culture of Engagement and Retention12:02 Addressing the Labor Crisis in Construction15:11 Investing in People and Technology18:13 Conclusion and Future OutlookConnect With Mat Gates:Website: https://ericksonhall.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat-gates-112009244/ 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 engaging conversation, Ryan Englin interviews Roger Wakefield, a prominent figure in the plumbing industry and a leading blue collar influencer on social media. Roger shares his journey from a high school dropout to a successful plumber and influencer, emphasizing the importance of social media in connecting with the younger generation. The discussion covers various themes, including the significance of automation and AI in the trades, the power of storytelling, and strategies for attracting new talent to the plumbing profession. Roger also highlights the need for ongoing training and learning in the industry, encouraging tradespeople to embrace their stories and communicate their "why" effectively. The episode concludes with practical tips for aspiring influencers and a free resource for getting started on YouTube.TakeawaysRoger Wakefield is a leading blue collar influencer on social media.Social media is crucial for connecting with the younger generation.Automation and AI can significantly improve efficiency in the trades.Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging customers and employees.Plumbing can be made appealing to the next generation through education and outreach.Professional appearance and communication can change perceptions of plumbers.Training and continuous learning are essential for success in the trades.Understanding your “why” can drive business growth and employee engagement.Asking “why” multiple times can help uncover deeper motivations.Investing in employees leads to better company performance.Chapters06:29 Automation and AI in the Trades12:30 Making Plumbing Cool Again19:51 The Journey to Plumbing: A Personal Story25:06 The Power of Storytelling in Business32:32 Investing in Learning and Growth38:24 Getting Started on YouTube: Practical TipsConnect With Roger:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerwakefield/Website: https://www.rogerwakefield.com/5 Things you can do on YouTube Giveaway: https://5thingsyt.rogerwakefield.com/lead-magnet-7151-6765 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 conversation, Brie Reis shares her inspiring journey from Administrative Assistant to CEO of Elite Roofing and Solar. She discusses the importance of finance in the trades, effective communication, and the significance of building relationships to retain talent. Brie emphasizes the need to attract women to the trades and how empowering them in leadership roles can transform the industry. She also highlights the mission of Roofing Academy in helping roofing companies grow and succeed.TakeawaysBrie Reis started as an Admin Assistant and grew into her role as CEO.Understanding finance is crucial for success in the trades.Building relationships with employees fosters loyalty and retention.Regular one-on-ones with team members enhances communication and accountability.Women bring unique problem-solving skills to the trades.Creating a supportive environment attracts women to the industry.Empowering women in leadership roles can change the narrative in trades.Roofing Academy helps small roofing companies reach their goals.Community among roofing professionals is vital for growth.Caring for employees' personal lives leads to better business outcomes.Chapters06:04 The Importance of Finance in the Trades12:00 Effective Communication in a Remote Environment17:47 Empowering Women in Leadership RolesConnect With Brie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-reis-751b0573/Website: https://elite-roofs.com/ 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.