Good Contractor

This week, Luke Hansen and John Talman sit down with Jessie Demler—better known online as SlimBrick — a fourth-generation mason from Northern Utah whose family has been laying brick for over 75 years. From his great-grandpa coming home from the war and finding work on a high school to Jessie repairing those same walls decades later, this episode is all about legacy, craftsmanship, and what it means to build something that lasts. Jessie talks about the mentors who shaped him, the joy of watching things "click" for younger crew members, and his personal mission to be "the journeyman [he] needed" when he was coming up. Along the way, Luke and John dig into the realities of running commercial masonry work while also building a massive social media presence—how one viral TikTok changed everything, what it's really like to juggle the jobsite and content, and why showing the process matters as much as showing the finished wall. Key Takeaways: Legacy in Every Wall: Jessie sees each project as another chapter in a family story that spans generations, reminding contractors that every job becomes part of their name and reputation. Be the Journeyman You Needed: Instead of just complaining that "no one wants to work," he focuses on mentoring younger crew members and modeling the kind of leadership that changed his own life. Crew Culture Builds Staying Power: Multi-decade employees and family members returning to the company highlight how treating people well and building real community on-site leads to loyalty and better work. Pride in Good Work: From schools to homes to public buildings, Jessie never forgets that people will walk past his brickwork for decades, and that mindset pushes him—and his crew—to do work that truly lasts.

This week, Luke Hansen and John Talman sit down with Jarod Coffman, of Coffman Construction, whose innovative framing methods and transparent approach to craftsmanship are changing how contractors think about speed and quality. Jarod shares how he built a team that prizes efficiency without cutting corners—and why showing your process can be just as important as the finished product. He offers an honest look at leadership, legacy, and finding smarter ways to build. Jarod also opens up about his mission to improve trade education and raise the bar for framing as a respected, well-paid career. Key Takeaways Build Smart, Not Slow: Jarod proves that speed and quality aren't opposites—when systems are dialed in, both can thrive. Lazy Ambition Pays Off: Sometimes, the desire to "do less" leads to smarter, more efficient solutions on the job. Transparency Builds Trust: By showing his work online, Jarod earns respect from both clients and other contractors. Attitude Over Experience: Skills can be taught, but the right attitude and teamwork mindset make all the difference.

This episode, Luke Hansen and John Talman celebrate 4,000 downloads and a growing contractor community before tackling the big picture: a projected 2026 labor gap in construction, rising wages, and why hands-on careers are gaining momentum. Key Takeaways: The 2026 Labor Gap Is a Real Opportunity: With a major shortage projected, contractors who recruit high-school grads and career-switchers now will win later. The "Fairness" of the Trades: Effort maps to outcome—learn, level up, lead, and even own. Positioning vs AI: The trades are resilient to white-collar AI volatility while still able to leveraging AI to reduce admin time. Leading Indicators: Kids are fascinated by hands-on work; internships and job-shadowing are potent pipelines into the trades.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen sit down with Colleen Keyworth, marketing director at Online-Access, international advocate, and past president of Women in HVACR. From getting fired at her family's plumbing and heating business to becoming a global voice for contractors, Colleen shares her unexpected journey into sales, leadership, and advocacy. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or advocate for the industry, this conversation is packed with laughter, perspective, and actionable lessons. Key Takeaways: The Value of Odd Jobs: Early struggles taught Colleen the importance of structure and the hidden value of a steady 9-to-5. Social Media's Double-Edge: While it expands reach, social media has also made contractors more short-term focused and "fickle." Advocacy Matters: Younger contractors must step into state-level associations where codes and regulations are shaped—or risk having decisions made without them. Global Perspective: Women's trade organizations not only help recruit talent but also boost retention and create essential peer support worldwide. Visibility Drives Change: Showcasing women in leadership and technical roles is key to inspiring the next generation in the trades.

Join Luke Hansen, an expert from CompanyCam, as he teams up with John Talman to explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and the trades. They discuss how AI can automate mundane tasks, allowing contractors more time for craftsmanship and leadership. Luke highlights how AI serves as a valuable tool, enhancing productivity while emphasizing the need for human insight and accountability. With insights into how small businesses can leverage AI like an extra team member, the conversation reveals an exciting future where technology simplifies communication and enhances job efficiency.

In this discussion, Matt, a multi-skilled tradesman and the voice behind Working with Matt, shares his inspiring journey from high school lawn care to leading a full-service landscaping business. He emphasizes the significance of craftsmanship and the pride in delivering quality work consistently. Matt highlights how collaboration among contractors can enhance the industry while revealing the benefits of leveraging social media for community building and new opportunities. He also advocates for educating clients on the importance of quality to safeguard both their investments and contractors’ reputations.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen dive into the power of community and the challenges of communication in the trades. Luke reflects on his early days working alongside Spanish-speaking crews and how that experience continues to shape the way CompanyCam is building tools for multilingual teams. They also explore the deeper value of visual communication, share laughs about generational slang, and encourage contractors to get involved in the growing online community. Community.companycam.com Key Takeaways: Visuals Speak Louder Than Words: Luke explains how photos and videos cut through language barriers, making them an essential part of clear job site communication. Join the Conversation: The new CompanyCam Community forum gives contractors a place to share stories, get advice, and connect in a judgment-free zone. It's Okay to Look Dumb: Growth often starts with discomfort. Luke shares how being willing to make mistakes—especially in a new language—leads to real progress. Language Is a Tool, Not a Barrier: Whether it's English, Spanish, or Spanglish, communication is about clarity, respect, and a willingness to meet people where they are. Build for the Real World: CompanyCam is creating tools that translate input across languages—helping contractors reduce miscommunication and work more efficiently, regardless of what language is spoken on site.

Mary-Anne Bowcott, known as The Lady Plumber, is a tradeswoman and entrepreneur who champions personal growth. She shares her inspiring journey from being an academic overachiever to overcoming addiction and abuse. Mary-Anne emphasizes that resilience is her superpower, highlighting how a chance encounter changed her path. Vulnerability fosters trust, helping her connect with others through her story. Her social media presence, initially reluctant, now serves as a platform for inspiring those in the trades and addressing mental health openly.

In yet another casual Luke and John episode of The Good Contractor Podcast, our hosts take a closer look at the theme: Do Good Work. They unpack the influence of figures like Mike Rowe, and reflect on personal stories that helped shape thier persception of "Good Work". Whether you're new to the industry, running a crew, or just love a good story, this episode offers real talk, laughs, and inspiration that sticks. Key Takeaways Pride in Work Is Powerful: A job doesn't have to be glamorous to be meaningful. The Trades Are Not a "Fallback": Careers in HVAC, roofing, and siding offer long-term financial stability, growth opportunities, and even paths to entrepreneurship. Character Over Expedience: Doing good work—even when no one is watching—pays dividends over time, both in business and in life. Perception Shift Is Crucial: Changing how society sees the trades is as important as solving any labor issues. There's More Than One "Right Path": Growth doesn't always mean scaling a business. Choosing work that supports your values and life goals is valid success.

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen sit down with Dmitriy Ivanchuk, founder of HeyPros and Homze, to unpack his remarkable journey from an immigrant family steeped in trades work to becoming a tech innovator reshaping labor management in construction. From launching his first painting business at 18 to designing algorithms that help even greenhorns quote like seasoned pros, Dmitriy explains how creativity, marketing savvy, and relentless problem-solving led to the birth of HeyPros and Homze. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or just someone passionate about solving real-world problems, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and inspiration in equal measure. Key Takeaways Start Small, Think Big: Dmitriy's entrepreneurial journey began with small painting jobs and grew into developing full-scale software platforms that solve industry-wide challenges. Solving Real Problems: HeyPros and Homze focus on tackling actual pain points. Empowering Subcontractors: Dmitriy's mission is to give subcontractors access to more jobs and fair opportunities. Automation + Human Touch: Dmitriy emphasizes that human connection and responsibility remain essential amidst all the autamated innovations within construction. Optimism for the Future: Dmitriy sees younger contractors prioritize professionalism, customer experience, and doing things "the right way" even amid labor shortages. Good Contracting = Good Character: In Dmitriy's words, being a good contractor (and a good person) comes down to effort, responsibility, and genuine care.