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

In this conversation, Ryan speaks with Jonathan Klemm, Founder of Quality Builders, about the evolving landscape of the construction industry, the importance of technology, and the value of treating subcontractors as partners. Jonathan shares his journey into the trades, the founding of Quality Builders during the pandemic, and the company's vision for growth. He emphasizes the need for mentorship, the significance of a strong team, and the future of the trades amidst challenges such as workforce shortages and the need for technological advancement.KeywordsQuality Builders, construction, technology, subcontractors, mentorship, trades, growth strategy, future of construction, residential renovation, industry changeTakeawaysThe younger generation is interested in the trades contrary to popular belief.Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping values and skills in the trades.Quality Builders was founded during the pandemic, leveraging past experiences.Technology can streamline processes in the construction industry.Subcontractors should be treated as partners to ensure quality work.A clear vision helps in vetting subcontractors and aligning them with company goals.Survival mode is a critical phase for new businesses before scaling.Mentorship programs can significantly benefit subcontractors and the business.The construction industry is ripe for change and technological disruption.Creating a desirable work environment is key to attracting talent in the trades.Sound Bites"I love talking about what you're doing in the trades.""There's always something to do.""We want to implement the systems and processes."Chapters03:09 The Role of Technology in Construction05:49 The Importance of Subcontractors as Partners09:09 Vision and Growth Strategy for Quality Builders11:59 Mentorship and Support in the Trades14:59 Future of the Trades and Quality BuildersConnect With Jonathan:Website: www.qualitybuilders.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quality-buildersinc 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, Ryan speaks with Nik Dixon and Zach VanDyke from New Era Construction about their journey in the construction industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities they face as a new generation in the trades, the importance of skilled labor, and their strategies for growth and relationship building. They also touch on the significance of work-life balance and how they aim to create a positive work environment for their employees.Keywordsconstruction, New Era Construction, challenges, opportunities, skilled labor, work-life balance, growth strategies, relationships, trades, industry insightsTakeawaysThe construction industry faces challenges in attracting qualified workers.Creating a positive work culture is essential for retaining employees.Diversifying subcontractors helps manage costs and maintain quality.Skilled labor is becoming scarce, making training and apprenticeship programs vital.Building long-term relationships with clients is key to sustained growth.Work-life balance is a challenge but necessary for personal well-being.The company aims to let their work speak for itself in the market.Sound Bites"We want people to enjoy coming to work.""You have the ability to do anything."Chapters02:53 Challenges and Opportunities in the Construction Industry05:56 Lessons Learned in the Trades08:51 The Importance of Skilled Labor12:00 Growth Strategies and Relationship Building15:01 Work-Life Balance in ConstructionConnect With Nik & Zach:Website: https://www.neweraconstructionco.com/Nik's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neweranik/Zach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newerazach/ 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.

Summary Matt Ebert, the CEO of Crash Champions, shares his journey of growing the company from 8 to nearly 650 locations and becoming the employer of choice in the collision repair industry.  He emphasizes the importance of investing in leadership and creating a positive employee experience. Matt also discusses the need to attract more women and new talent to the industry through partnerships with trade schools and promoting the opportunities available.  He advises small business owners to train someone to replace them and trust their team to make decisions. Matt's success is a result of promoting from within and recruiting talented individuals who feel stuck in their current positions. Keywords employer of choice, leadership, employee experience, attracting talent, trade schools, training, trust, promoting from within, recruiting Takeaways Investing in leadership and creating a positive employee experience are key to becoming the employer of choice. Promote from within and train someone to replace you to focus on working on the business. Attracting more women and new talent to the industry requires making it more appealing and showcasing the opportunities available. Trust your team to make decisions and exceed your expectations. Recruit talented individuals who feel stuck in their current positions by offering a path forward. Sound Bites "People's happiness at work depends greatly upon who they report to." "Your team can come up with some great ideas, just let them run with it." Chapters 02:04 Company Growth and Future Plans 04:59 Creating a Positive Employee Experience 08:23 Empowering Employees to Generate Ideas 11:07 Addressing the Lack of People in the Industry 13:43 Finding and Recruiting Talent 16:11 Providing Opportunities for Career Path To Connect With Matt: Website: https://crashchampions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ebert-7169a5180/  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.

Summary The conversation discusses the labor crisis in the trades industry and the importance of employee retention. Chris Buttenham, co-owner of Reins, explains how their company helps small businesses in the trades sector retain key employees through equity and profit-sharing incentives.They focus on aligning incentives and creating long-term and short-term financial rewards for employees. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of these incentives for businesses in high-demand, low-supply industries like HVAC and contracting. Success stories include businesses that have retained key employees and improved their operations by implementing Reins' incentive structures. Keywords trades industry, labor crisis, employee retention, equity incentives, profit-sharing, Reins, small businesses, long-term incentives, short-term incentives, financial rewards, success stories Takeaways The trades industry is facing a labor crisis and employee retention is a significant challenge. Reins helps small businesses in the trades sector retain key employees with equity and profit-sharing incentives. Aligning incentives and offering long-term and short-term financial rewards can motivate employees to stay with the company. Reins' incentive structures have been effective for businesses in high-demand, low-supply industries like HVAC and contracting. Sound Bites "Retention is the key issue in the trades industry." "Financial incentives create a stronger commitment from employees." "Reins is designed for businesses in high-demand, low-supply industries." Chapters 03:03 The Importance of Financial Incentives for Retention 06:03 Effective Incentives for High-Demand Industries 09:20 Financial Rewards and Employee Commitment 12:26 Understanding Phantom Stock and Equity Incentives 14:48 Offer and Conclusion Connect With Chris: Special Listener Promo: https://www.myreins.com/ryanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbuttenham/ 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.

SummaryDerek Cormier, owner of Climate Experts, shares his success in doubling his business every year since 2016 and his ability to find and retain good employees in the trades industry. He emphasizes the importance of creating a strong company culture and defining core values to attract the right employees. Cormier has developed an apprenticeship program and training system that compresses a two-year apprenticeship into three months, allowing new hires to quickly become productive technicians. He also highlights the significance of marketing and recruiting to find high-quality applicants and the importance of empowering employees to take control of their own career progression.Keywordstrades, business growth, employee retention, apprenticeship program, training, recruiting, company culture, career progressionTakeaways·Creating a strong company culture and defining core values is crucial for attracting and retaining good employees.·Developing an apprenticeship program and training system can help compress the time it takes to upskill new hires and make them productive technicians.·Marketing and recruiting efforts should focus on promoting the company culture, growth opportunities, and career progression to attract high-quality applicants.·Empowering employees to take control of their own career progression can lead to increased motivation and productivity.Chapters02:08 Challenges in Finding and Retaining Technicians04:27 Compressing Apprenticeship Training09:27 Effective Marketing and Recruiting13:30 Empowering Employees for Career ProgressionConnect With Derek:Website: climateexperts.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cormier-climate/ 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.

SummaryHeath Treasure shares his journey from rags to riches in the blue-collar space, emphasizing the importance of preparing a business for exit and the acquisition process. He highlights the significance of soft skills, financial clarity, and process flow in building a sellable asset. Heath also discusses the challenges faced by business owners and offers coaching and group coaching services to help them grow and exit their businesses.Keywordsbusiness exit, acquisition process, soft skills, financial clarity, process flow, blue-collar business, coaching, group coachingTakeawaysThe importance of developing soft skills in communication, negotiation, and routine for business success and exit preparation.The significance of financial clarity and process flow in creating a sellable asset and maximizing business valuation.The challenges faced by business owners in preparing for business exit and the availability of coaching and group coaching services to help them grow and exit their businesses.Chapters00:00 From Rags to Riches: A Blue-Collar Success Story02:05 Preparing Your Business for Exit: The Acquisition Process07:19 The Role of Soft Skills in Business Success and Exit PreparationConnect With Heath:Website: https://www.ultimatebluecollar.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheathtreasure/  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.

Jim Bush, CEO of Weather Shield Roofing Systems, shares his 12 laws of a great workplace. The first law is that work should be a life-giving place where people flourish and grow. The second law is that work should have a higher purpose that makes the world a better place. The third law is that everyone deserves to work for a well-run business that provides order amidst chaos. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about how Jim’s laws of a great workplace will develop your team and grow your company.Keywordsworkplace, leadership, purpose, personal development, order, well-run business, life-givingTakeawaysWork should have a higher purpose that makes the world a better place.Everyone deserves great leadership.The workplace is the perfect place for personal development.The workplace should have a spill-up effect, where the blessings and growth from the workplace flow into people's personal lives.Sound Bites"Work should be a life-giving place where people flourish and grow.""Our work needs to have a higher purpose that is above just doing a roof.""A truly good business should be a place of order amidst a world of chaos."Chapters02:58 Law 1: Creating a Life-Giving Workplace06:08 Law 2: Finding Purpose in Your Work08:56 Law 3: The Importance of a Well-Run Business12:12 Law 4: The Power of Great Leadership14:59 Law 5: Doing What You Love22:59 Law 7: The Spill-Up Effect: Blessings in the WorkplaceConnect With Jim:Website: https://weathershieldusa.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bush-6b154730/ 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.

Eduard Mirzoian shares his journey of building a successful restoration contracting company, emphasizing the importance of culture, people, and consistent marketing. He discusses the challenges and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, as well as the impact of culture on business success.Keywordsrestoration contractor, company growth, culture, people management, talent attraction, marketing, business successTakeawaysThe importance of maintaining a forward-looking perspective and focusing on continuous improvement in business growth.The significance of creating a strong company culture and investing in the personal growth and well-being of employees.The value of consistent marketing of company culture to attract and retain top talent.The impact of culture on business success and the need to prioritize cultural fit when hiring and retaining employees.Sound Bites"If you care about your people, they'll care about you."Chapters00:00 The Journey of Building a Successful Restoration Contracting Company02:57 The Power of Culture and People in Business Success05:56 Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: Strategies for Growth08:50 Consistent Marketing of Company Culture: A Key to Talent Attraction11:53 The Impact of Culture on Business SuccessConnect With Eduard:Website: https://restorerz.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduard-mirzoian-70152388/ 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.

Jay Carter shares his journey of starting a roofing company, facing challenges, and finding success. He emphasizes the importance of failure, mindset, and purpose in business. He also discusses the transition from being a tradesman to a CEO and the significance of self-reflection and mindset for business success.Keywordsroofing company, business challenges, failure, mindset, purpose, CEO mindset, self-reflection, systematizing mindset, business successTakeawaysThe importance of failure and the lessons learned from it.The significance of mindset and purpose in business success.The transition from being a tradesman to a CEO mindset.The role of self-reflection for business success.Sound Bites"The day I stopped waking up and thinking about money was the day I started making more than I needed.""How do you become that leader? You be the leader of yourself first."Chapters00:00 The Journey of Starting a Roofing Company03:00 The Power of Failure and Mindset in Business Success07:01 Transitioning to a CEO Mindset and Self-Reflection10:04 Lessons Learned and Business Evolution13:00 Systematizing Mindset for Business SuccessConnect With Jay:Website: https://jaycarterroofing.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-carter01/ 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.

SummaryJason Noel, Director of Advisement at CEO Warrior, shares his insights on building successful companies and teams in the trades industry. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and surrounding yourself with great individuals who possess skills and passions that complement your own. Jason highlights the need to genuinely care for employees and be present and available to them. He also discusses the value of apprenticeship programs in attracting and training the next generation of tradespeople. Jason emphasizes the significance of creating clarity, setting expectations, and investing in employee development to improve retention.Keywordstrades industry, building successful companies, building great teams, hiring great people, focusing on people, surrounding yourself with great individuals, genuinely caring for employees, apprenticeship programs, attracting and training the next generation, creating clarity, setting expectations, investing in employee development, improving retentionTakeaways·Focus on people and surround yourself with great individuals who possess skills and passions that complement your own.·Genuinely care for your employees and be present and available to them.·Implement apprenticeship programs to attract and train the next generation of tradespeople.·Create clarity, set expectations, and invest in the development of your employees to improve retention.Sound Bites"Caring for people is not a weakness. It actually shows that you're stronger.""Investing in them is more than just caring. It's training, understanding, and helping them develop a career path."Chapters01:22 Surrounding Yourself with Great People03:27 The Power of Genuine Care and Presence07:23 Attracting and Training the Next Generation13:04 Improving Retention through Clarity and Development19:26 Opportunities with CEO WarriorConnect With Jason:Website: https://ceowarrior.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-noel-16967b30 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.