Built for the Trades

How to Train Employees to Think Like Owners

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:40:27 -0500

Overview

In this episode, Dan Dowdy dives into why excellence in leadership isn’t accidental but intentional, challenging trades leaders to raise their standards through core values, clear goals, and personal accountability. He highlights how everyday decisions—what you allow, reinforce, or ignore—shape your team’s performance. This episode will push you to evaluate where you may be lowering the bar and give you practical direction to lead with greater consistency and purpose.

Discussions

Excellence in Upholding Core Values - Excellence begins with consistently living out your core values, because what you model—and what you tolerate—defines your culture.
Excellence in Goal Setting and Accountability - Excellence grows when goals are clear, measurable, and backed by consistent accountability that drives real results.
Excellence in Personal Leadership and Execution - Excellence is multiplied through your daily discipline and execution, because your team will only rise to the level you lead by example.

Excellence starts with you—it’s in the standards you set, the actions you take, and the consistency you bring every single day. What you walk past today will show up in your culture tomorrow, so don’t lower the bar—raise it and live it out loud.

This week, identify one area where you can demand more from yourself and your team, and commit to it daily. Write it down, put it somewhere visible, and let it serve as your reminder that excellence is a choice, not a chance.

Lead with intention, hold the standard, and stay disciplined in the small things—because over time, those small things build a culture your team is proud to be part of.

For more leadership support and to connect with other trades business owners, join our Built for the Trades Skool Community here:
https://www.skool.com/built-for-the-trades/part-1-march-leadership-call

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp

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How to Train New Employees

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:16:59 -0500

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, we break down a common but overlooked leadership challenge: the rookie who is afraid to ask questions. While many leaders label this as inexperience, the real issue is often leadership. When new hires stay silent, mistakes increase, efficiency drops, and teams are forced to carry the load. Today, we explore how strong leaders can turn hesitant rookies into confident, capable team members through clarity, culture, and consistent coaching.

Discussions

Setting clear expectations creates confidence, not confusion – New hires don’t fail because they lack ability, they struggle when leaders fail to clearly define what “good” looks like and how to achieve it.
Building a safe environment determines whether your team speaks up or stays silent - When leaders encourage questions and model humility, they create a culture where learning is safe and mistakes become part of growth.
Consistent check-ins turn uncertainty into long-term performance – Ongoing coaching conversations help rookies gain clarity, build confidence, and develop independence over time instead of relying on guesswork.

Great leadership is not about managing tasks, it’s about developing people. When you slow down, set clear expectations, create psychological safety, and commit to consistent coaching, your rookies don’t just improve, they transform into reliable, confident team members who elevate your entire organization.

If you’re a leader in the trades, don’t forget to subscribe and join our Built for the Trades community to grow alongside other owners facing the same challenges. Start your free 7-day trial today and let’s build stronger teams together.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Handle a No Call No Show Employee

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:24:24 -0500

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, Dan Dowdy tackles one of the toughest leadership challenges in service businesses: the no-show tech. Learn how to handle employee no call no show situations with clarity, fairness, and professionalism.

Dan breaks it down into three practical steps: confirm the facts, have the direct conversation, and decide with follow-through. You’ll discover how to protect your team, maintain accountability, and strengthen your company culture — all while staying calm under pressure.

If you’re a trades business owner or manager looking to lead with confidence, build reliable teams, and create a culture of accountability, this episode is a must-listen.

Discussions

Confirm the Facts: – Learn how to document no-show behavior and understand the real impact on your business.
Have the Direct Conversation - Discover how to address the issue professionally and get clarity from your employee.
Decide and Follow Through – Find out how to protect your team, enforce accountability, and handle termination if needed.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Built for the Trades. Handling a no-show tech isn’t easy, but slowing down, documenting the facts, having the tough conversation, and following through sets the tone for your entire team. Lead with clarity and consistency, protect your business, and build a culture where accountability and reliability are the norm.

If you want more guidance and a community of trades business owners navigating these challenges, join our Built for the Trades Skool community or book a call with me, links are in the show notes.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

3 Practical Leadership Situations Every Trades Leader Must Handle

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:58:52 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to the Built for the Trades podcast! In this episode, we explore the everyday leadership situations trades business owners face and how small moments can quickly turn into leadership challenges. Dan breaks down practical ways to respond with clarity, empathy, and strong communication so leaders can guide their teams effectively and keep the business moving forward.

Discussions

Tech Shuts Down After Feedback – How leaders can slow the moment down, adjust their approach, and help technicians re-engage instead of retreating after receiving feedback.
Dispatcher vs Tech Communication Breakdown - Why shifting the conversation from blame to communication systems helps teams resolve conflict and restore alignment.
High Performer Quietly Burning Out – The importance of checking in with top performers early and often so leaders can prevent burnout and keep their strongest team members engaged.

Thanks for tuning in! Great leadership in the trades happens in the small daily moments. Respond with patience, clarity, and empathy, and you’ll build stronger teams and businesses people are proud to be part of. Slow down, listen, and lead with purpose—your team and business will thrive.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

Getting Back On Track

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:18:17 -0600

Overview

Welcome back to the Built for the Trades podcast! In today’s episode, we’re tackling a challenge every leader faces: what to do when your team culture starts to slip. Culture doesn’t collapse overnight—it drifts—but the good news is you can course-correct before it’s too late. I’ll walk you through three practical steps to reconnect with your team, realign your standards, and rebuild momentum with small wins. If you’re ready to reset your leadership approach and get your team back on track, this episode is for you.

Discussions

Reconnect Before You Redirect – Why leaders need to pause, listen, and rebuild relationships before giving new directions.
Realign Your Standards and Lead by Example – How to clarify expectations, reinforce core values, and model the behavior you want from your team.
Rebuild Momentum with Wins – Using small wins and consistent recognition to restore energy, engagement, and accountability in your team.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Built for the Trades episode. Remember, leadership isn’t about keeping culture perfect—it’s about knowing when to reset and course-correct. When you notice your team drifting, focus on reconnecting, realigning, and rebuilding momentum. Lead with intention, celebrate the wins, and set the standard through your own actions.

If you want help strengthening your team culture or getting your leadership back on track, connect with me, and let’s work on it together. Keep leading with purpose, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

The 3 Habits of a Trusted Leader

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:17:52 -0600

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, Dan Dowdy dives into one of the most critical foundations of leadership — trust. Without trust, even the best systems, technicians, and equipment can’t help a business grow. Dan breaks down three practical, actionable habits that every trusted leader lives by, whether they’re managing a small crew or a company of 100.

Discussions

Say What You Mean - Trusted leaders communicate clearly and honestly. Dan explains why clarity and empathy are essential to building confidence and avoiding confusion on your team.
Do What You Say - Following through on your promises is what separates leaders who are tolerated from those who are trusted. Learn how small, consistent actions can grow credibility and trust quickly.
Own What You Miss - Leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about accountability. Dan shares why admitting mistakes and taking ownership strengthens your team and sets the standard for everyone to follow.

Leadership is about consistency, honesty, and being someone your team can rely on. By practicing these three habits — saying what you mean, doing what you say, and owning what you miss — you can earn trust, inspire accountability, and grow your trades business.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode helped you, and click the link to schedule a call to take your leadership to the next level.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

Why Some Employees Resist Change (And What to Do About It)

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:55:13 -0600

Overview

Hey leaders, welcome back to the Built for the Trades podcast! Today we’re tackling a topic that trips up even the best managers and owners: why employees resist change and how to guide them through it effectively.

Change is hard—new processes, technology, and expectations can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll break down three practical strategies to understand resistance, build buy-in, and keep your team motivated. Grab your notepad, keep your eyes on the road if you’re driving, and let’s dive in!

Discussions

Understand the Fear Behind Resistance – Resistance usually comes from fear—fear of the unknown, failure, or losing control. Listen, acknowledge the fear, and use empathy and humor to help your team feel supported.
Connect Change to Real Benefits – People adopt change when they see clear benefits. Show how new processes help them personally and improve the team. Real-life examples make change feel like a win, not a punishment.
Involve Your Team Early – Team members adopt change faster when they feel ownership. Ask for feedback, involve them in pilots, and build buy-in early to reduce friction and improve outcomes.

Handling change well builds trust, reduces friction, and keeps your team moving forward together. Change doesn’t have to be scary—it just needs a little leadership magic and perhaps a dash of humor.

If this episode helped, subscribe and share it with another trades leader who could benefit. And if you’re ready to take your leadership and business to the next level, book a time with us to explore if Built for the Trades is the right fit.

Until next time, keep leading well, keep building something that lasts, and remember: resistance is just a signal that you may need to lead a little differently.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

When to Coach vs When to Discipline Your Team (3 Clear Rules)

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:56:25 -0600

Overview

In this episode, Dan breaks down a challenge every manager and trades leader faces: when to coach and when to discipline your team members. Making the wrong call can hurt morale, slow productivity, and make your shop feel chaotic—but done right, it builds trust and keeps your team motivated. He dives into practical strategies for spotting the signs that a team member needs guidance versus correction, shares real-world examples from the field, and explains how to have tough conversations without damaging relationships. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework for leading with confidence, clarity, and fairness so your team can thrive and your business can grow.

Discussions:

Look at the pattern, not the one-off – Identify whether a mistake is a single slip or a recurring problem to decide your approach.
Determine the root cause – Is it a skill gap, misunderstanding, or attitude problem? Coaching is best for knowledge gaps; discipline is necessary for repeated negligence or disrespect.
Act promptly but fairly – Address issues close to the behavior. Give immediate feedback when coaching, and be clear, factual, and consistent when disciplining.

Remember, leadership in the trades isn’t just about telling people what to do—it’s about knowing when to guide, when to correct, and how to build a team that trusts you. By mastering the balance between coaching and discipline, you create a culture where your team can grow, perform, and stick around. Apply these principles consistently, and you’ll see your shop run smoother, your team stay motivated, and your leadership truly make an impact.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

Healthy Competition at Work That Builds Your Team

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:05:24 -0600

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, we dive into how competition can either energize or divide your team. Healthy competition can boost performance, spark creativity, and strengthen teamwork—but handled the wrong way, it can create tension, resentment, and unnecessary drama in the shop. We break down practical strategies to keep competition positive and productive for everyone on your team.

Discussions

Focus on Team Goals: Encourage collaboration by rewarding overall team success, not just individual wins.
Make It Transparent and Fair: Use clear rules, visible metrics, and rotating challenges to give everyone a fair chance to shine.
Celebrate Effort and Improvement: Recognize progress, teamwork, and personal growth, not just who comes in first.

When done right, healthy competition motivates, builds cohesion, and keeps morale high. Remember, resetting expectations doesn’t have to be a fight. If you handle this process well—with clarity and self-ownership—it actually builds more trust and gets everyone rowing in the same direction. So, help us bring this vital message to more trades business owners by subscribing right now! And if you're ready to take the next leadership step, book a free call with us. Until next time, keep leading well and keep building something that lasts. Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Reset Expectations Without Creating Conflict

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:38:07 -0600

Overview

This episode of the Built for the Trades podcast dives into a topic every leader has wrestled with: resetting expectations without unnecessary conflict. We explore the painful truth that sometimes the problem isn't the team's delivery, but the leader's clarity. Dan gives you three practical, trust-building ways to hit the reset button, starting with self-ownership and ending with setting clear, respectful boundaries that turn "homework" into "teamwork."

Discussions

Own Your Part: To diffuse immediate tension and avoid conflict, leaders must first admit where they were unclear or made incorrect assumptions.
Reframe as a Shared Win: Expectations should be presented as a benefit to the team (like fewer callbacks) rather than just homework for the leader.
Set Clear Boundaries with Respect: Defining clear, respectful boundaries prevents expectations from slipping and creates long-term safety and clarity for the team.

Remember, resetting expectations doesn't have to be a fight. If you handle this process well—with clarity and self-ownership—it actually builds more trust and gets everyone rowing in the same direction. So, help us bring this vital message to more trades business owners by subscribing right now! And if you're ready to take the next leadership step, book a free call with us. Until next time, keep leading well and keep building something that lasts.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Balance Being a Boss and a Friend | Leadership Tips for Service Business Growth

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:26:20 -0600

Overview

Welcome back to the Built for the Trades podcast, where we help leaders in the service industry grow their business, their teams, and themselves! Today, host Dan Dowdy tackles the universal leadership dilemma: how to balance being the boss who commands respect with being the friend who shows care, ensuring your team runs through walls for you instead of walking all over you.

Discussions

The Why Behind Relationships: Showing genuine, human care for your team members builds powerful relationships that drive loyalty and performance far beyond what a paycheck can achieve.
Risks of Being Only a Friend: Leaning too heavily toward being "everybody's buddy" destroys accountability and allows standards to slip, ultimately ruining the healthy culture you were trying to create.
How to Balance Softness and Strength: Achieve balance by setting clear expectations, communicating with empathy and curiosity, and maintaining consistency so that fairness always trumps favoritism.

So, here's the takeaway. It's not a boss or friend. It's both. Build relationships strong enough to support accountability and lead firmly enough to carry the weight of friendship. That's a balance that creates respect, loyalty, and long-term success.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

Leadership Tips for Trades Business Owners

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:40:46 -0500

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, Dan Dowdy dives into one of the most overlooked truths in the trades — your team is your greatest investment, not your trucks, tools, or logo. If you want to grow your business, reduce stress, and create freedom, it starts with leading and developing the people who drive your results every day.

Discussions

The Hidden Cost of a Poorly Trained Team – Discover how skipping training costs you more in lost revenue, bad reviews, and turnover than investing in your people ever will.
Building a Culture that Keeps A-Players Around – Learn how clarity, communication, and leadership create a culture that top performers never want to leave.
Empowering Your Team to Drive Profit – Understand how an empowered team becomes a profit multiplier, allowing your business to run smoothly — even when you’re not there.

True success in business isn’t about the size of your fleet or how fancy your tools are — it’s about the strength of your team. Lead with vision, invest in your people, and watch your business grow beyond you.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Build a Company Culture That Makes You Money

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:10:43 -0500

Overview

In this episode, Dan Dowdy breaks down what “Culture That Cashes In” really means and how your leadership directly shapes your company’s profitability. Discover how culture can either cost you thousands or create a team that multiplies profits. Learn the hidden costs of poor culture, how your standards reflect your success, and why rewarding the right behaviors drives growth. Whether you’re leading a small shop or managing multiple crews, this episode will help you build a culture that shows up, stands out, and scales your business.

Discussions

Culture is Always Making You Money or Losing It – Discover why culture goes far beyond perks and parties—it’s built through daily communication, accountability, and how your team treats customers.
Your Team Reflects Your Standards – Understand how your people mirror your expectations and how setting clear standards can transform performance and customer experience.
The Silent Killer of Culture – Learn how tolerating the wrong behaviors quietly destroys morale and profitability—and how to fix it fast.

If your version of culture is just pizza Fridays, you’ve got a snack schedule, not a system. True culture is built in the daily habits, conversations, and accountability you model as a leader. Remember—your team is always watching what you do more than what you say. Start leading with intention, raise your standards, and build a culture that truly cashes in.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

Simple Steps to Increase Recurring Revenue in Trades

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:46:15 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, we’re diving into one of the most powerful growth strategies for every trades business owner—creating recurring revenue. Too many businesses still rely on one-time jobs, constantly riding the ups and downs of seasonal demand.

Today, I’ll show you how to build predictable income streams that stabilize your cash flow, strengthen customer loyalty, and even boost the value of your business—all without working 90-hour weeks or feeling like you’re selling something people don’t need.

Discussions

Why Recurring Revenue Matters – How predictable monthly income takes your business from “feast or famine” to steady, scalable growth.
Real-World Service Models – Simple strategies like memberships, maintenance plans, and subscription-based services that keep customers coming back.
Selling Without the Sales Pitch – How to position recurring offers as solutions your customers actually want, without the pressure.

Recurring revenue isn’t just smart business—it’s the key to stability and freedom. Start by picking one service and make it recurring.

If you want help structuring your plan, book a time with me through the link in the episode description.

Let’s keep building businesses that are predictable, profitable, and built for the trades.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who’s ready to move from feast-or-famine to steady, scalable growth.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Price Your Services for Profitability

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:45:09 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, we're diving into one of the most important topics for every trades business owner—how to price your services for profitability. Too many businesses undercharge not because they have to, but because they’re afraid not to. Today, I’ll show you how to price with confidence so you can stop just staying busy and actually start growing your business.

Discussions

Know Your Numbers – True profitability begins with knowing your costs, overhead, and desired profit margin so you stop guessing and start leading with clarity.
Price for Value, Not Just Labor – Customers don’t just pay for hours—they pay for peace of mind, safety, and solutions, which means your pricing should reflect value, not time.
Don’t Apologize for Being Worth It – When you and your team consistently deliver quality and integrity, stand firm in your pricing and stop apologizing for charging appropriately.

So, remember: know your numbers, price for value, and never apologize for being worth it. Profit isn’t selfish—it’s what allows you to serve your team, your customers, and your community at the highest level. Take 30 minutes this week to review your pricing, and if you’d like help dialing in a strategy that works, book a free session with me using the link in this episode. Until next time, price like a pro and lead with purpose.

👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to raise the bar in their business.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Get More 5 Star Reviews (Proven Steps for Trades Businesses)

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:33:22 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked distinctions in business: the difference between vendors and partners. On the surface, they might look the same—both provide products or services to your company. But how you define that relationship can completely change your growth trajectory. This isn’t about transactions; it’s about building the right connections that fuel long-term success. You’ll learn how to identify vendors who stay surface-level, spot true partners who share your vision, and make intentional choices that strengthen your business from the inside out.

Discussions

Create a 5-Star Experience First – Before you ever ask for a review, make sure the experience is worth writing about. We’ll talk about what separates “good enough” service from the kind that makes customers rave.
Make It Easy and Personal – The review process should be simple, but the connection should feel authentic. Learn how to remove barriers while adding that personal touch that makes feedback more meaningful.
Acknowledge and Appreciate Every Review – Whether positive or negative, every review is an opportunity to build trust. We’ll cover how responding with gratitude and professionalism can actually strengthen your reputation.

Your business reputation is shaped one customer interaction at a time—so make each one memorable, intentional, and worthy of five stars. Audit your process this week, from the job site to the follow-up, and look for ways to elevate the entire experience.

👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to raise the bar in their business.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

How to Build a 5-Star Business Customers Can’t Stop Talking About

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:42:15 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, we break down exactly how to create a business your customers can’t stop talking about. Forget gimmicks and discounts—this is about delivering unforgettable experiences that turn one-time clients into lifelong fans. You’ll learn how to own the first impression, build trust through consistency, and follow up in a way that feels personal and memorable. If you want to grow on word-of-mouth alone, this conversation will give you the playbook.

Discussions

Own the First Impression – Your first interaction sets the tone for the entire relationship. From body language to tone of voice, every detail matters in building trust from the start.
Consistency Builds Trust – Reliability isn’t flashy, but it’s what keeps customers coming back. Learn how steady, predictable service can set you apart from competitors.
Follow-Up That Feels Personal – A genuine check-in after a job or meeting shows you care beyond the sale. We’ll explore how to follow up in a way that strengthens loyalty.

our reputation is built one customer at a time—make every interaction count. Audit your customer journey this week, from the first call to the final follow-up, and look for ways to make each moment rave-worthy. Like, subscribe, and share with other leaders ready to raise the standard in their business.

👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to lead their business through calm, not chaos.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!

Are You Leading Your Plumbing Business or Just Babysitting It?

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:35:48 -0500

Overview

Is your business growing—but so is the chaos? You’re not alone. Many plumbing and trade business owners hit a wall—not from a lack of demand, but from a lack of systems. In this episode, we unpack the three essential systems you need to scale your business without losing your sanity, your team, or your profit. If you're tired of putting out fires and want a business that runs smoothly, this one’s for you.

Discussions

Scheduling & Dispatch Systems: We break down why daily chaos isn’t a “people problem”—it’s a systems problem. Learn how to streamline dispatching, set clear expectations, and set your techs up for success.
Pricing & Estimating Systems: Too many businesses lose money from inconsistent pricing. We share tools and frameworks to help you implement consistent, scalable, and profitable estimating processes.
Training & Onboarding Systems: Hiring without a training system is a recipe for failure. Discover how structured onboarding builds confidence, trust, and long-term team loyalty—while protecting your culture.

Remember, growth without systems is just a bigger mess. Take one area of your business that feels chaotic and ask: “Do I have a simple, repeatable system for this?” If not, it’s time to build one. When your business has the right systems in place, it doesn’t just grow—it thrives.

👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to lead their business through calm, not chaos.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L

Spilled Coffee

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:43:52 -0500

Overview

In this episode, Dan Dowdy shares the real story of how a simple spilled coffee moment became a turning point in his leadership journey. Discover why pausing before you react, leading with presence instead of pressure, and understanding the emotional residue you leave behind can transform your team culture. Tune in for practical leadership lessons, authentic stories, and a reminder that leadership isn’t revealed in the spotlight — it’s revealed in the spill.

Discussions

Realization: How rushing out the door, spilling coffee, and snapping in frustration helped me see that I was bringing the same reactive, rushed energy into how I led my team and made decisions.
Shifting to pause before you react: Why leadership isn’t about having the perfect answer in every moment, but about showing up with presence and calm — so your team knows they can rely on you even under pressure.
Emotional residue & crisis culture: How every reaction, even in small crises, leaves an emotional imprint on your team — and why creating a culture where it’s safe to fail leads to deeper trust, accountability, and growth.

Leadership isn’t revealed in the spotlight — it’s revealed in those everyday, messy moments when things spill or plans fall apart. My challenge for you: notice your next “spilled coffee” moment, pause before you react, and remember that’s where real leadership shows up.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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The Five Minute Sales Habit That Doubled Our Service Tickets

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:19:33 -0500

Overview

In this episode, we dive into the five minute sales habit that doubled our service tickets—one simple daily practice that helps home service teams shift from just taking orders to becoming trusted advisors.

Discussions

The power of a daily game plan: how five minutes of prep can transform every service call.
Turning technicians into trusted advisors through quick, consistent role play.
Using service MVP recognition to reinforce habits and build a culture of serving well.

Small habits create big impact—start tomorrow by asking your team to spend just five minutes reviewing their calls. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and watch how it changes your business. Thanks for tuning in, and remember: you don’t need to overhaul everything—just start with five minutes and make it count!

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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What Your Team Actually Wants From You

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:55:43 -0500

Overview

What if I told you your team isn’t asking for more pay or better perks—but for something deeper? Today, we’re diving into the unsaid needs that every plumbing leader should be aware of, and how meeting those needs will make your team more loyal, motivated, and productive. Let's unpack the true desires of your team and how to provide them—without them ever having to ask.

Discussions

Clarity in Expectations – Your team craves direction and defined goals so they know exactly what success looks like.
Trust and Autonomy – Empowering your team to make decisions builds ownership, confidence, and motivation.
Opportunities for Growth – Investing in your team’s development shows you believe in their long-term potential.

Your team’s not just clocking in—they’re looking for leadership that brings clarity, trust, and growth. When you meet those silent needs, you won’t just lead better—you’ll build a team that’s more loyal, engaged, and driven to succeed. So this week, take action: clarify your expectations, extend trust, and create space for growth. Because at the end of the day, your team’s success is a direct reflection of your leadership. Let’s make it count.

If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with another trades leader who’s ready to level up their leadership.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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The 3 Questions Your Team Wishes You’d Ask

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:20:11 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into three simple but powerful conversations every plumbing leader should have with their team this week. These aren't just nice-to-have check-ins—they’re essential tools for building trust, improving performance, and setting your business up for long-term growth.

Discussions

"How are you feeling about your role?" – Use this check-in to gauge morale, spot burnout early, and show your team that their voice matters.
"Where do you want to grow?" – Learn your team’s personal and professional goals so you can align their development with business needs.
"How can we work together to improve?" – Encourage collaboration and empower your team to be part of the solution, not just the execution.

These questions might seem simple, but when asked with intention, they open doors to stronger relationships, better communication, and a healthier business culture.

When you build your leadership around open, intentional conversations, you don’t just grow a business—you grow people.
Special thanks to Project to Payment for sponsoring today’s episode. If you're tired of chasing payments and want to take control of your cash flow, make sure to check them out using the link in the description.

If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with another trades leader who’s ready to level up their leadership.

Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.

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The Hidden Costs of Poor Leadership in the Trades (And How to Fix It)

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:04:54 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late—how poor leadership silently drains your trades business. From high turnover to missed opportunities and a damaged reputation, weak leadership costs more than money—it costs you your people, your productivity, and your future growth. If you're ready to stop babysitting your business and start leading it, this one's for you.

Discussions

1. Poor Leadership = High Turnover
When your team feels unsupported or unclear, they don’t just get frustrated—they leave. And often, it's your best people walking out the door.

2. Missed Opportunities & Low Productivity
Weak leadership leads to indecision, rework, and wasted time—all of which silently kill your profits and momentum.

3. Damage to Your Reputation
Poor leadership on the inside will eventually show up on the outside—in your reviews, your customer experience, and your growth.

Let today’s message serve as a wake-up call: poor leadership has a cost you can’t afford. But the good news? It’s never too late to turn it around. Your challenge this week—just pick one leadership habit to improve. Whether it’s listening better, clarifying expectations, or showing appreciation—take that step. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a choice you make every day.

Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!

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From Wrenches to Wealth

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 06 May 2025 08:56:22 -0500

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In this episode, today, we're diving into what truly separates stagnant plumbing businesses from those that scale into wealth and long-term impact—and it has nothing to do with having more tools or trucks. It starts in the mind of the leader.

Discussions

Identify one person on your team who’s ready to take on more responsibility. Empower them. Invest in their growth. Give them a win.
Delegate one task you’re still holding onto that’s limiting your leadership potential. Don’t just hand it off—train someone to own it.
Reach out to one customer this week—not to sell, but simply to thank them. A 30-second call from the owner or leader can make a bigger impact than any discount.

Remember, great teams don’t build themselves. They’re developed by leaders who serve well, delegate smart, and lead by example. If this episode helped shift your mindset or gave you practical tools, do me a favor: like it, share it, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Until next time—keep leading strong, serving well, and building something that lasts.

Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!

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How to Raise Prices Without Losing Customers

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In this episode, we dive into one of the most challenging yet essential topics for business owners—raising prices without losing customers. As costs rise across the board, it’s crucial for service businesses to adjust their rates to stay profitable. But how do you make this transition without scaring off your loyal customers? We’ll discuss practical strategies, how to communicate effectively, and how to maintain your customer relationships while increasing your rates.

Discussions

Why Raising Prices is Necessary: As costs continue to rise, it’s crucial to adjust your pricing to maintain profitability and ensure your business thrives long-term.
Communicating Price Increases with Confidence: By clearly explaining the value behind the price change and offering advance notice, you can maintain trust while raising your rates.
Gradual Adjustments and Customer Retention: Start with small price increases to help customers adjust and focus on retaining those who appreciate the quality of your
service over the lowest price.

Raising prices isn’t just a matter of adjusting numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about positioning your business for long-term growth and sustainability. Be transparent, stay confident in your value, and remember that some customers may leave, but they’re making room for better clients. For those ready to take the next step in leveling up their business, I encourage you to book a coaching session with me to dive deeper into growing a profitable service business.

Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp

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Training vs. Hiring | Where Should You Invest More?

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into a question that every business owner faces—Should you invest more in training your current team or focus on hiring new talent? If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of hiring, training, losing people, and starting over, you’re not alone. It’s a huge challenge in the trades today, and we’re going to break down the pros, cons, and real-world strategies that work. Stick around to get actionable insights!

Discussions

The Real Cost of Hiring vs. Training: Hiring a new employee can be costly, from job ads to onboarding—training might be a more sustainable option.
Is Training Always the Better Option?: While training builds skills and loyalty, sometimes the right hire is just what your team needs.
The ROI of Training: Loyalty, Retention, and Culture: Investing in your current team builds loyalty and retention, which ultimately boosts your business in the long run.

The best businesses don’t choose between hiring and training—they do both, but they do so with intention. Remember, if you’ve got the right people but they need skill development, train them. If you need immediate expertise, hire. It’s all about being proactive, not reactive. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could benefit. Thanks for tuning in to Built for the Trades!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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Turning Leadership Development Into Financial Growth

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into how leadership development isn't just about building strong teams—it’s a direct driver of financial growth. No matter your role in the business, developing leaders within your company leads to better decision-making, greater efficiency, and a stronger bottom line.

Discussions

The ROI of Leadership Development – Leadership training isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a direct investment in your business. Strong leaders make better decisions, solve problems faster, and improve efficiency, all of which drive revenue growth.

Developing Leaders Who Drive Company Success – You can’t scale your business alone. When you develop leaders within your team, they take ownership, solve problems, and contribute to business success without needing constant supervision.
Building a Culture of Leadership Development for Continuous Growth – Leadership growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Companies that prioritize leadership development create high-performance environments where employees grow, innovate, and drive sustainable success.

Leadership development isn’t an expense—it’s an investment that pays off in real dollars. My challenge to you: Identify one leadership skill to develop this month and one team member to mentor. Start embedding leadership growth into your company culture, and you’ll see real financial returns. If today’s episode got you thinking, share it with another business owner, like, and subscribe. Keep leading with purpose, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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Leadership and the Art of Making Money

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to Built for the Trades, where we focus on helping business owners and leaders in the trades industry build a self-operating business by prioritizing leadership, value, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or emerging leader, we’re here to equip you with the tools and strategies to thrive. Today, we’re diving into leadership and the art of making money—the right way.

Discussions

Focus on Value, Not Dollars – Discover how prioritizing value over short-term profits builds trust, repeat business, and long-term financial success.
Lead with Passion and Purpose – Learn how aligning your business goals with passion and purpose creates an inspiring workplace that drives organic growth.
People-First Leadership – Explore how investing in your team and customers strengthens relationships, improves service, and fuels sustainable business growth.

Thanks for tuning in to Built for the Trades, where leadership drives everything we do. Remember, when you focus on value, passion, and people, success naturally follows. Stay intentional, stay purpose-driven, and keep building a better future for your business. Don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Project to Payment, for streamlined invoicing and payments—and we’ll see you next time!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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The Leadership Mindset That Turns Ideas Into Revenue

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

Welcome to Built for the Trades, the show all about developing leaders in the trades. Our goal is to help you build a business that can operate without you, whether you're a business owner, manager, or someone looking to grow as a leader. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic—the leadership mindset that turns ideas into revenue.

Discussions

The Challenge: Turning Ideas into Revenue – Ideas are easy, but execution is what separates success from failure. We’ll break down how leaders can take ideas and transform them into sustainable, profitable business growth.
The Problem with Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Success – Many businesses chase short-term gains only to burn out. We’ll explore why long-term vision is the key to creating lasting success in the trades.
Empowering Your Team to Take Ownership – Great leaders don’t do it all alone. We’ll discuss how empowering your team through systems and trust leads to execution at scale.

Long-term vision, strong leadership, and a culture of ownership are the keys to turning ideas into revenue. Ideas alone don’t build businesses—people, systems, and execution do. If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s keep building stronger businesses together, and I’ll see you next time!

What Great Leaders Do Differently

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode, we’ll explore what truly sets great leaders apart. We’ll cover three main strategies that will help you grow as a leader and elevate your team—leading with consistency, prioritizing development, and focusing on customer-centric leadership. When you get these right, the money follows naturally.

Discussions

Consistent & Transparent Leadership – Leading with integrity and open communication fosters trust and loyalty within your team.
Prioritizing Team Member Development Over Immediate Profits – Investing in your team’s growth and career development creates long-term success.
Customer-Centric Leadership – Focusing on delivering exceptional value and handling feedback builds a loyal customer base and strengthens your team’s performance.

By focusing on consistent leadership, prioritizing your team's development, and leading with a customer-first mindset, you set yourself up for lasting success. Thanks for listening—be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who could benefit from these tips!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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The Secret to Lasting Growth in Your Trades Business

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today's episode, we’re diving into long-term growth strategies for your trades business. In previous episodes, we covered vision, mission, core values, and a solid marketing strategy. We also talked about goal setting and how it sustains long-term growth. But today, I want to take it a step further and focus on the real drivers of sustainable success.

Discussions

Tracking KPIs for Growth – Understanding your numbers is key to making smart business decisions and sustaining profitability.
The Owner’s Role: Leading, Not Just Doing – Shift from managing tasks to developing leaders who can make decisions without you.
Delegating Responsibilities to Scale – If you're overwhelmed, it's time to delegate and empower your team to take on critical tasks.
Adapting to Stay Ahead – The trades industry is evolving, and businesses that embrace innovation, including AI, will thrive.
The Role of AI & Technology – New tools can enhance efficiency, but only if they align with your long-term business vision.

Growth requires consistency, leadership, and adaptability. Your business can’t scale if you’re the bottleneck, so take action today. If you got value from this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. See you next time!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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How to Achieve Work Life Balance as a Trades Business Owner

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today's episode, we’re diving into the big question: Is work-life balance a myth? I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts and practical steps you can take as a trades business owner to find true balance, improve your performance, and lead a more fulfilled life.

Discussions

The Myth of Work-Life Balance: Is it real, or are we just chasing an impossible ideal?
Mindset Shift: How realizing that work-life balance is a mindset can change your approach.
Set Clear Boundaries: Why defining your work hours and personal time is critical to your success.
Delegate & Build a Reliable Team: How delegation frees up your time and helps your business thrive.
Prioritize Self-Care: The importance of taking time for yourself to avoid burnout and improve overall performance.
Putting It All Together: Combining boundaries, delegation, and self-care to achieve a sustainable work-life balance.

Hey, thanks for tuning in! Remember, work-life balance is a choice. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing your own well-being, you can achieve the balance you’ve been seeking. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone you know who could benefit. Keep crushing it, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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Stop Setting Goals—Start Living Them

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode, we dive deep into why goal setting is not just a task—it’s a lifestyle that can transform your personal and professional life. We’ll explore three simple steps to making goal setting a consistent and effective practice.

Discussions

Goal Setting as a Lifestyle: Learn why goal setting isn’t just a one-off task but a daily habit that drives growth in all areas of life.
Start Small, Think Big: Understand how to begin with small, daily goals and build momentum toward larger, long-term objectives.
Aligning Personal and Professional Goals: Discover how aligning your business and personal goals keeps you motivated and ensures balance in your life.
The Power of Accountability: Hear why having an accountability partner is key to moving from motivation to long-term discipline in achieving your goals.

Today, we’ve learned that goal setting isn’t something you do once in a while—it’s a habit that you cultivate every day. Start by setting small goals, align them with your personal aspirations, and get an accountability partner. Remember, success comes from consistency and discipline. If you found value in today’s episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would benefit. Let’s keep building stronger leadership and stronger businesses—have an amazing day, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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How to Create Wealth and Live Life on Your Terms

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode, we dive into the three key strategies for achieving financial freedom in your trades business: building a scalable business model, mastering cash flow, and creating passive income. These strategies will help you move beyond the daily grind and start working towards financial freedom that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

Discussions

Understanding Financial Freedom: Discover how financial freedom is more than just about money; it's about gaining time, reducing stress, and building systems for growth.
The Key to Building a Scalable Business Model: Learn how transitioning from employees to empowered team members and implementing repeatable processes can help grow your business.
Why Cash Flow Management Impacts Your Stress Levels: Understand how managing cash flow and using tools like Profit First can bring financial clarity and reduce stress in your business.
The Importance of Passive Income for Growth: See how creating passive income streams will provide financial stability and allow you to scale without relying solely on new customers.

Achieving financial freedom in your trades business is a journey, but by implementing scalable processes, mastering cash flow, and setting up passive income systems, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Don't forget to check out Project to Payment to streamline your estimating and invoicing processes, and keep pushing forward towards a business that works for you. Thanks for tuning in today!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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The Importance of Community

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, host Dan Dowdy dives into three essential leadership insights drawn from an interview with Brandt Martin, owner of Martin's FR and Custom. This episode emphasizes timeless values, community, and trust in leadership.

Discussions

Importance of Community
Dan explores the significance of surrounding yourself with a positive, growth-minded network, likening it to the foundational principles that define successful trades businesses.
Delegation and Trust
Drawing from Brandt's football analogy, Dan highlights the necessity of trusting your team to run plays independently, ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining your leadership role as the quarterback.
Building and Maintaining Trust
Dan breaks down how trust is established and maintained through consistent follow-through, encouraging leaders to evaluate trust as an evolving scale in their relationships with team members.

Thank you for joining the Built for the Trades Podcast! If you haven’t already, listen to the full interview with Brandt Martin for even more insights. Remember, leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about empowering others and fostering trust within your team. Stay committed to those timeless values that define great leadership. See you next time!

Free Coaching Call:
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Why One-Size-Fits-All Coaching Fails Trades Businesses?

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, Dan Dowdy, the founder of Built for the Trades, explores the importance of customized coaching to help trades business owners achieve their visions. He shares insights into why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work and how tailored coaching can drive real results, accountability, and business growth.

Discussions

Importance of Customized Coaching
Tailored coaching is essential for growth, just as specialized coaches are crucial for athletes aiming to improve specific skills.
Limitations of One-Size-Fits-All Coaching
Generic coaching often falls short, and it’s important to hire a coach with expertise in the area you need to grow.
Customized Coaching That Drives Results
Coaching that includes goal-setting, accountability, and strategic planning helps businesses get ahead of problems and break through growth plateaus.
Accountability in Coaching
Accountability from your coach ensures you stay focused on your vision, avoiding distractions and costly mistakes.

Coaching isn't just a luxury—it’s a critical tool to help you take ownership, implement what you learn, and become self-sufficient. If you're looking for coaching for your business, reach out to Built for the Trades for a free one-hour session to discuss your vision and see if we’re the right fit for your business. Please like and subscribe to this podcast—hopefully, you've taken away valuable insights!

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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How Accountability Can Transform Your Trades Business

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we're diving into the power of accountability in your trades business. Accountability isn’t just about managing people—it’s the key to taking your team and your business to the next level. Through real stories and practical tools, I’ll guide you on how to build a culture of accountability that leads to growth, trust, and success.

Discussions

Why Accountability Matters in Trades Businesses - Learn how accountability helps align teams and drive better results.

Real Story: A Manager's Accountability Struggle - Hear about a manager who overcame fear of tough conversations to unlock his team's potential.

The Key to Unlocking Your Team's Potential - Discover three tools to effectively hold your team accountable and foster growth.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember, accountability is a growth tool that builds trust, consistency, and clarity in your team. If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more leadership tips.

Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.

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3 Steps To Attract And Retain Top Talents

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy dives into one of the toughest challenges facing the trades industry: attracting and retaining top talent. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Nobody wants to work these days,” or felt the sting of losing team members despite your best efforts, this episode is a must-listen. Grab a pen and paper because Dan is breaking down three actionable steps you can take to build a stronger, more loyal team that’s here to stay.

Discussions

Positive Culture:

Define your core values and hold everyone accountable to them.
Lead with a positive mindset—what you put out into the world is what you attract.
Create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels valued.

Career Path for Growth:

Outline a clear growth plan for your team.
Show your employees where they fit into the future of your organization.
Align individual goals with the company’s vision to foster long-term commitment.

Embrace Technology:

Adopt tools that improve efficiency and make your team’s job easier.
Use social media not just to market your services but to showcase your company culture.
Be consistent and transparent—it builds trust and attracts top talent over time.

Building a positive culture, creating clear growth paths, and embracing technology are key to setting your business apart. Remember, leadership is about creating opportunities for others to thrive, and these steps can help you attract and retain the talent that will drive your business forward. Thanks for tuning in to the Built for the Trades podcast! If you found value in today’s episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow trades leader. Together, let’s keep building stronger teams and brighter futures!

How Top Leaders Scale Their Business Without Losing Control

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy explores a topic that affects every business owner: how to manage your time effectively and escape the trap of working in the business rather than on it. If you find yourself constantly putting out fires and performing tasks that could easily be delegated, this episode is for you. We’ll discuss strategies to help you take control of your time, improve your leadership, and implement systems that will enable you to grow and scale your business.

Discussions

Time Blocking: Creating a schedule that sets you up for success and eliminates distractions.

Delegate Like a Pro: Understanding the value of your time and delegating tasks that aren't a good use of it.

Leveraging Automated Tools: How automation can save time and streamline repetitive tasks.

Mastering Your Calendar: Using online tools to keep your time organized and non-negotiable.

Avoiding Distractions: How to resist the urge to put out every fire and focus on what’s important.

Strengthening Your Leadership Muscle: The importance of saying “no” to distractions and saying “yes” to priorities that will grow your business.

Time management is an essential skill that separates successful businesses from those that struggle to scale. By implementing the strategies discussed today—like time blocking, delegating, using automated tools, and mastering your calendar—you can shift from working in your business to working on it. Take control of your time and begin focusing on what truly drives growth. Thanks for tuning in, and remember, the time you invest in yourself and your business today will pay off tomorrow!

What’s the Real Impact of Mastermind Groups on Trades Businesses

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, we’re exploring the concept of unlocking your business potential through trades business masterminds. I’ll share how surrounding yourself with a group of like-minded peers can help you break through plateaus and overcome challenges.

Discussions

1. The Power of Mastermind Groups:

We explore the origins of mastermind groups, starting with Napoleon Hill’s famous "Think and Grow Rich," and discuss how collaboration and peer support can drive business growth.

2. Benefits of Masterminds for Trades Business Owners:

Masterminds offer actionable insights, advice, and strategies tailored specifically to your industry. You’ll get answers to tough questions and support for both business and personal challenges.

3. Mastermind vs. Business Coaching:

We break down the difference between hiring a business coach (which provides tailored guidance and accountability) and participating in a mastermind group (which fosters peer-to-peer collaboration and collective problem solving).

4. Real-Life Impact:

I share my personal experience with masterminds, highlighting how my involvement in a group two years before starting Built for the Trades played a significant role in my success.

5. How to Get Started:

Tips on choosing the right mastermind group for your business, including factors like shared values, experience, and the frequency of meetings. A commitment to growth and showing up with a giving mindset are key to maximizing the value of these groups.

Mastermind groups provide invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and elevate your business alongside other driven individuals. By collaborating with peers who share your values and challenges, you'll gain insights that can help you break through growth plateaus and take your trades business to the next level. If you’re interested in learning more about our mastermind offerings, reach out to us at Built for the Trades for a 30-minute conversation to discuss your goals.

How to Scale Your Trades Business Without Burning Out

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In today’s episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy dives into the secrets to scaling your trades business without burning out. He explores the importance of understanding your personal recharge methods and shares actionable insights on preventing burnout, delegating effectively, building scalable systems, and prioritizing well-being for both yourself and your team.

Discussions

Preventing Burnout: Identify what recharges you to avoid burnout while scaling your business.
Delegating Like a Pro: Master the art of delegation to free up your time and grow your business.
Building Scalable Systems: Implement systems that promote growth without chaos or high turnover.
Prioritizing Well-Being: Set work-life boundaries to lead by example and maintain a healthy work environment.

Remember, scaling your business successfully starts with the right mindset, systems, and taking care of yourself and your team. If you want to learn more, reach out to Built for the Trades for personalized coaching and guidance!

Master The Leadership In The Trades

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode, your host, Dan Dowdy, dives into mastering leadership by building a strong team culture. He outlines three key actionable steps to help leaders drive growth and engagement within their teams: defining and communicating your vision and values, leading by example and fostering accountability, and creating an open line of communication. Dan also shares a free downloadable guide to help you implement these strategies in your own business.

Discussions

Defining and Communicating Vision and Value - Create a clear vision and core values, and share them consistently with your team.
Leading by Example and Fostering Accountability - Lead by example and set position agreements to hold yourself and your team accountable.
Creating an Environment of Open Communication and Support - Hold regular one-on-one meetings to build trust and improve team performance.

Building a strong leadership foundation starts with defining your vision and core values, leading by example, and fostering open communication. Consistency in these areas will help you create a culture where your team feels valued, engaged, and motivated to perform at their best. If you're ready to take action, download our free guide and start implementing these strategies today. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode, and we'll see you next week for more leadership insights!

How To Build A Profitable Trade Business

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode, host Dan Dowdy dives into the fundamentals of building a profitable trades business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to break through a plateau, Dan covers three key areas to focus on that will set you up for long-term success.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, real-life examples, and proven strategies to help you create a self-operating business that delivers consistent growth and profitability.

Discussions

Systems and Processes

The difference between systems (proactive) and processes (reactive).
How to focus on the 20% of efforts that yield 80% of results.
Practical examples like weekly team meetings and standardized service protocols to boost efficiency and consistency.

High-Value Services and Repeat Customers

Why defining and focusing on your most profitable offerings matters.
The dangers of being “all things to all people.”
Building steady cash flow with membership programs, email marketing, and staying top-of-mind with your customers.

Building Leaders and Teams

Leadership isn’t a title; it’s an action.
Training your team to think independently and make decisions.
The importance of investing in leadership development and fostering accountability.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode of Built for the Trades! I hope this helps you feel more confident in your decision-making process and that you can take the right risks to push your business forward. Remember, the more positive your mindset, the better the results you’ll see.

The Hidden Risks and Rewards of Growth Decisions

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy dives into the importance of decisiveness in growing your business. Whether you're quick to make decisions or someone who overthinks, Dan helps you understand how to navigate risks, align your choices with your long-term vision, and build confidence in your decision-making process. Through practical examples and mindset shifts, he offers tools to help you make bold moves that support business growth.

Discussions

Understanding the difference between quick and careful decision-making styles and how they impact business growth.
How having a clear 3-year vision can help you make more confident and faster decisions.
Why reframing negative "what if" scenarios into positive possibilities can boost your decision-making mindset.
How to make decisions that align with your long-term business vision to stay on track.
What to do when faced with common "what if" scenarios, like hiring mistakes or investments that don't work out.
Why learning from books, podcasts, and successful people can help you grow faster as an entrepreneur.

The Key to Team Retention in the Trades

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, Dan Dowdy dives into one of the most crucial aspects of successful leadership in the trades: team retention. Discover why retaining a team isn't just about compensation or company culture, but about building trust with your team members and holding true to your commitments. Dan shares real-life stories and practical advice to help leaders in the trades cultivate trust, manage time effectively, and empower their teams to stay motivated and loyal.

Discussions

The Importance of Trust in Team Retention: Why trust is the foundation of team loyalty and retention.
Understanding Common Retention Blind Spots: What business owners often overlook when struggling to keep team members.
The Impact of Broken Promises: Real-life examples of how broken commitments can erode trust and lead to turnover.
Time Management and Over-Commitment: Recognizing the signs of over-commitment and how to set realistic priorities.
The Power of Using Your Calendar Effectively: How calendaring and setting reminders can help you follow through on commitments and boost team confidence.
Challenge to Leaders: Practical steps to build consistency in keeping promises and managing time effectively.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Built for the Trades! Remember, trust is the cornerstone of team retention, and it all starts with reliable leadership. Make your word count by following through on commitments, managing your time wisely, and consistently showing up for your team. If you found value in today’s discussion, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others in the trades who are ready to grow. Reach out if you’d like to connect with our team for a complimentary 30-minute coaching call. Until next time, lead well and keep building for the trades!

The Secret to Team Success: Effective Leadership and Team Dynamics Explained

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades podcast! I’m your host, Dan Dowdy. Today, we're talking all about Team Dynamics and how they can either elevate or decline the performance of your business. High producers will not work well around low producers, so we'll explore how to define both groups and what you can do about it. We'll discuss the impacts of having low performers on your team and share strategies for developing a high-performing team. Whether you’re a trades business owner, a manager, or someone looking to develop your leadership skills, you’ve come to the right place!

Discussions

Define high performers by identifying their key characteristics beyond sales and work ethic.
Define low performers by recognizing negative attitudes and their impact on team spirit.
Discuss the consequences of keeping low performers and how they affect business growth.
Explore strategies for coaching low performers using clear standards and performance metrics.
Emphasize the importance of making tough decisions about team members for overall success.

Thank you for tuning in today! I hope this episode encourages you to analyze your team dynamics and take actionable steps toward building a stronger team. Remember, if you identify low performers, focus on coaching them up. But if they resist improvement, it might be time to let them go for the benefit of your business. If you liked what you heard, please like and subscribe to our podcast, and share this with someone else who could benefit from this information. I'll see you in the next episode!

How High Will You Climb

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades podcast! I’m your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we’ll be diving deep into the challenge of big goals and how they can sometimes feel insurmountable. We often find ourselves comparing our progress to others, which can be demotivating. However, the actions we take today are the seeds for our future success. If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, you’re in the right place. This episode will guide you through the importance of goal-setting, embracing a growth mindset, and taking actionable steps to climb your own ladder of success.

Discussions

The Challenge of Big Goals: Understanding how lofty ambitions can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Why Comparison Can Be Demotivating: Recognizing how comparing ourselves to others affects our motivation.
The Climb Concept: Steps Toward Your Goals: Using the ladder analogy to visualize the steps necessary to reach your big goals.
Personal Story: Helping My Daughter Set Her Goals: Insights from a recent conversation with my daughter about goal setting.
The Importance of a Growth Mindset: Exploring how believing in your ability to achieve your goals can transform your journey.
The Role of Self-Belief and Purpose: Understanding the connection between self-belief, purpose, and achieving your goals.
Drawing Your Ladder: Actionable Steps: Practical advice on how to break down your big goals into manageable steps.
Overcoming Obstacles: Embracing challenges as part of the growth process.

Remember, leadership is a lifelong journey. The gap between where you are and where you want to be may feel overwhelming, but by taking it one step at a time—one rung at a time—you can achieve your goals. Keep your focus forward, take action every day, and don't be afraid to embrace the obstacles you encounter. If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit. Have an amazing day, and I’ll see you next time!

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades podcast! I’m your host, Dan Dowdy, and today, we're diving into a powerful mindset shift: sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. Drawing inspiration from John Maxwell’s teachings, we'll explore how to navigate losses in business and leadership. We'll discuss the importance of humility, accountability, and the steps you can take to turn setbacks into valuable learning experiences. If you're ready to reframe your perspective and grow through adversity, this episode is for you!

Discussions

Reframing Losses: Understanding the difference between winning and learning.
The Importance of Humility: Acknowledging mistakes and being open to learning.
Taking Ownership: How to accept responsibility for failures.
Documenting Lessons Learned: Jotting down insights without dwelling on negativity.
Focusing on Solutions: Strategies to move forward after a setback.
Maintaining Hope: Keeping a positive outlook for future success.
Encouraging Team Growth: Instilling a culture of learning and resilience.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Built for the Trades. I hope you're inspired to embrace your losses as opportunities for growth. Remember, it’s all about how you learn and evolve as a leader. Please like and share this podcast with someone who might benefit, and I look forward to seeing you next time!

Sharpen the Saw: How Self-Renewal Leads to Success!

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to today’s episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, host Dan Dowdy discusses the vital concept of "sharpening the saw," a metaphor popularized by Abraham Lincoln. Dan emphasizes the importance of self-renewal in leadership—covering the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of personal growth. He shares insights on how investing time in yourself not only enhances your effectiveness but also helps you build a legacy through developing leaders around you. Whether you're looking for quick fixes or long-term growth, understanding the difference between business consulting and coaching can accelerate your journey.

Discussions

Understanding "Sharpening the Saw" - Explore the origin of the phrase and its significance in leadership. Dan discusses how taking time to reflect and improve oneself can lead to greater effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.
Building trust with your team - Dan dives into the importance of maintaining physical health through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. He shares practical tips for incorporating fitness routines and healthy eating into a busy schedule, emphasizing that physical well-being directly influences energy levels and productivity.
Mental Renewal: Continuous Learning and Growth - Discuss the value of lifelong learning and mental stimulation. Dan encourages listeners to engage in activities such as reading, attending workshops, and consuming educational content (like podcasts) to broaden their perspectives and enhance problem-solving skills
Emotional Renewal: Building Strong Relationships - This segment highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with others. Dan talks about the benefits of empathy and emotional intelligence, suggesting ways to strengthen relationships that support personal and professional growth
Spiritual Renewal: Finding Purpose and Peace - Dan emphasizes the role of spiritual practices in achieving inner peace and clarity. Whether through meditation, prayer, or reflection, he discusses how these practices can ground leaders, helping them manage stress and maintain focus on their goals.
The Importance of Balance in Renewal - Discuss how achieving balance across all areas of renewal is crucial for preventing burnout. Dan explains that a holistic approach not only fosters personal well-being but also enhances overall effectiveness in leadership roles.
How to Prioritize and Schedule Time for Self-Renewal - This practical segment provides actionable advice on how to carve out time in your busy schedule for self-renewal activities. Dan encourages listeners to set specific goals and create a routine that supports consistent personal development.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast! Remember, the journey to becoming a better leader begins with you. By prioritizing your personal renewal across all dimensions—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—you can prevent burnout and ensure sustainable growth.

Mastering People Development: Unlocking Leadership with John Maxwell's 5 Levels

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to today’s episode of the Built for the Trades podcast! I’m your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we're diving deep into people development using John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership. Whether you're leading a team or striving to be a better leader, you're in the right place. I’ll be sharing practical takeaways that will help you develop your team and elevate your leadership.

As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the 5 Levels of Leadership can transform teams, businesses, and careers. So, let’s break it down and learn how you can use this framework to grow and lead effectively.

Discussions

Introduction to the 5 Levels of Leadership - A quick overview of John Maxwell's leadership framework.
Building trust with your team - Why trust is the foundation of strong leadership.
Overview of each leadership level - A breakdown of all 5 levels, from Position to Pinnacle.
Key steps to developing your people - Practical ways to grow and empower your team.
How to balance encouragement and accountability - Tips for giving both praise and constructive feedback effectively.

That wraps up today’s episode on people development and the 5 Levels of Leadership. Remember, leadership is about building trust, being consistent in developing your people, and having those important conversations that lead to real growth. If you haven't already, I highly recommend picking up John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership.

Why People Are Not Buying Into Your Goals (And How to Fix It)

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! Today we explore the real reasons your team might not be buying into your goals, and how you can shift your communication and leadership approach to inspire action. From taking ownership to collaborating effectively, learn three key strategies to gain buy-in and lead your team toward success.

Discussions

Track Record of Inconsistency - Explore how inconsistent leadership can erode trust and make it harder for your team to buy into your vision.
Communication Pitfalls - Learn how the way you communicate—whether you're being too positional or not collaborating enough—can push your team away.
The Dangers of Passing the Buck - Understand the importance of taking full ownership of your goals, rather than delegating responsibility without real commitment.
Engaging Your Team in the Goal-Setting Process - Discover how to bring a nearly completed idea to your team and let their input shape the final goal, building trust and buy-in along the way.
What’s in It for Them? Understand how to communicate the personal and professional benefits for your team, motivating them to commit fully to the goal.

Thanks for tuning into the Built for the Trades Podcast! Remember, leadership is about more than just setting goals—it's about guiding your team to believe in them too. Take ownership of your vision, foster collaboration, and always communicate what's in it for your team. If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who could benefit from the insights. Join us next time for more leadership tips and strategies to help your business grow.

The Power of Delegation | Elevate Your Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! Today let's dive into the overwhelming feeling of trying to do it all yourself and the importance of learning how to delegate. Have you ever felt so bogged down by tasks that work becomes frustrating or unmotivating? Or have you delegated something, only to be burned in the process? You're not alone—many leaders struggle with the balance of control and trust. Today, we explore the power of delegation to elevate your business, unlock more time, and achieve greater success. By following four simple steps, you can empower your team and scale your business effectively.

Discussions

Feeling Overwhelmed? Taking on too much can lead to frustration and hold back your business growth.
Why We Avoid Delegation Many resist delegation, believing they can do tasks better or faster themselves.
The Benefits of Delegating Letting go of control allows you to focus on bigger goals and grow your business.
A Lesson in Delegation: Teaching My Son to Mow Teaching my son to mow the lawn showed me how empowering others can free up my time.
4 Simple Steps to Delegate Effectively: Let them watch, work together, let them take over, and trust them to do it while you verify.
Real-Life Example: Delegating Payroll A business owner spent too much time on payroll because he was afraid to delegate.
Your Challenge: Start Delegating This week, delegate one task and see how it helps your business grow.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast! I hope today’s discussion on delegation has inspired you to take action and start empowering your team. Remember, letting go of control can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in your business. If you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who might benefit from it. Keep striving to be a great leader, and I'll see you next time. Until then, keep leading from the front and making a positive impact!

Maximizing Time To Improve Leadership Potential

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into maximizing your time to improve your leadership potential. Hosted by Dan Dowdy, founder of Built for the Trades, this episode focuses on how time management and intentionality are key to both personal and business success. With lessons from both scripture and Dan’s personal journey, learn how to optimize your time, delegate effectively, and build a business that thrives while allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Discussions

Understanding the fleeting nature of time and how it affects leadership.
Honoring strategic time blocks and avoiding burnout.
Delegating tasks to focus on high-quality work that aligns with long-term goals.
Practical steps to track your time and prioritize meaningful tasks.

Remember, time is a resource that once spent, cannot be reclaimed. Be intentional about where you invest it. Like, subscribe, and share this podcast with someone who could benefit. And always remember—people want a leader that’s real, not one who’s always right. See you next time!

Sowing The Seeds For Growth

Dan Dowdy — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, host Dan Dowdy discusses the importance of leadership development, focusing on how investing in future leaders within your organization can lead to long-term success. Dan shares practical tips on identifying potential leaders, overcoming the fear of investing in others, and the value of creating a leadership legacy—even when those leaders move on to other opportunities. The episode emphasizes the importance of treating leadership development as an investment that will yield a bountiful harvest for your business.

Discussions

The difference between good and great companies: leadership and people development.
Overcoming hesitation to invest in leadership development.
Identifying future leaders in your organization.
The value of mentoring and leadership legacy.
The long-term benefits of investing in your team.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast. Remember to keep sowing those seeds of leadership, investing in your team for long-term growth, and building self-operating businesses that give you the freedom to focus on what matters most. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend, and as always, keep leading from the front!

5 Proven Strategies to Overcome Burnout in Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! Today we're tackling a crucial topic: how to overcome burnout in your business. Leadership is influence, and the better you are, the better your company and the people around you will be. If you've lost the passion you once had for your work, this episode is for you—I’m sharing five practical strategies to help you beat burnout and reignite your leadership spark.

Discussions

Strategies to Overcome Burnout in Business Leadership: Discover actionable tips to rekindle your passion and enhance your leadership effectiveness.

Building a Resilient Team: Learn how to create a supportive culture that fosters growth and prevents team burnout.

The Power of Effective Delegation: Find out how delegating tasks efficiently can boost your productivity and empower your team.

Mastering Work-Life Balance: Explore strategies for setting boundaries and ensuring a healthy balance between your personal and professional life.

Investing in Leadership Development: Understand why continuous learning and personal growth are crucial for preventing burnout and achieving long-term success.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast. I hope the insights and strategies we discussed help you tackle burnout and elevate your leadership skills. Remember, by investing in yourself and your team, you pave the way for lasting success. Until next time, keep leading with purpose and passion!

Failure Path To Success

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! Lets explore how embracing failure can pave the way to success. Drawing from over five years of coaching various trades companies, they emphasize that overcoming fear of failure and taking calculated risks are essential for growth. By sharing practical steps to move through failure, they aim to help entrepreneurs develop resilience and achieve their business goals.

Discussions

Reflect and Analyze: Take time to understand why the failure occurred by examining contributing factors and decisions.

Extract Key Lessons: Identify specific lessons learned and consider how to apply them to future situations for better outcomes.

Implement Changes: Use insights gained to make concrete adjustments to strategies, communication, and goals to enhance future performance.

As we wrap up today’s episode, remember that embracing failure is not about avoiding mistakes but about learning and growing from them. By reflecting on your setbacks, extracting valuable lessons, and implementing changes, you pave the way for future success. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and don’t forget to share this podcast with others who could benefit from these insights.

How To Get Your Team To Sell More

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode, we dive into strategies for driving sales within your team, particularly in the trades industry. While systems and processes are essential, we must remember that consistent sales growth is key, and this often comes from fostering competition, fun, and team interaction. We'll explore three key areas to focus on: shifting the mindset from selling to serving, committing to regular and positive training sessions, and incorporating healthy competition to drive the results you want. Whether you’re managing home service technicians or any sales team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead more effectively.

Discussions

Mindset Shift: Changing the focus from selling to serving customers, which helps technicians feel more comfortable and confident in offering additional services.
Consistent Training: Committing to regular, positive training sessions that focus on one new topic each week to build skills and confidence without overwhelming the team.
Competition: Implementing gamification and healthy competition within the team to drive desired behaviors and sales outcomes.

As we wrap up today’s episode, remember that driving sales in your team starts with shifting mindsets, committing to consistent training, and fostering a spirit of healthy competition. By focusing on these areas, you'll not only see an increase in sales but also build a stronger, more engaged team. Keep serving, keep growing, and keep leading your business to success.

3 Easy Steps to Cultivating Success

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode we're diving into three powerful steps to cultivate success in the team members you lead. At Built for the Trades, we believe that leadership isn't just a position—it's who you are. Whether you own a business, manage a business, or simply want to grow as a leader, you're in the right place. Today, we'll cover three key areas: anticipate it, articulate it, and reinforce it. I'll share lessons learned from my own career, like how I limited a technician's growth by not believing in his potential. Remember, your team will only rise to the level of your expectations. So let's dive in and learn how to set ambitious goals, communicate confidence, and consistently support our team's success.

Discussions

Anticipate Success: Discuss the importance of having a positive and ambitious outlook for your team members. Explain how leaders' expectations can influence the performance and growth of their team.

Articulate Confidence: Highlight the power of verbalizing belief in your team's abilities. Share strategies for effectively communicating confidence and setting clear expectations.

Reinforce Consistently: Emphasize the need for ongoing support and encouragement. Discuss the value of regular one-on-one meetings and consistent reinforcement to maintain and elevate team performance.

Leadership is all about the mindset and actions you bring to the table. Remember, anticipate the success of your team members, articulate your confidence in them, and consistently reinforce those positive expectations. By doing so, you'll not only elevate their performance but also foster a culture of growth and achievement within your organization. Thank you for tuning in to the Built for the Trades Podcast. If you found value in today's episode, please like, share, and subscribe. And if you know someone who could benefit from these insights, don't hesitate to share this podcast with them. I'm Dan Dowie, and I'll see you next time—let's continue to grow together!

Navigating Leadership Dilemma

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode we're diving into a common leadership dilemma: choosing between two positive options when setting goals for your team. I'll share five steps to help you make decisive decisions and set the right path for your organization's next quarter. Let's get started on navigating these choices and focusing on achieving progress over perfection!

Discussions

Seek Input from Others: Gather perspectives from mentors, coaches, and respected colleagues.
Consider Delegation: Assess which option allows for more delegation and leadership elevation.
Prioritize Customer-Centric Options: Choose the option that best serves your customers' needs.
Align with Your Organization's Purpose: Ensure the chosen path aligns with your long-term vision and goals.
Emphasize Progress Over Perfection: Focus on empowering your team and achieving steady progress.

Remember, leadership isn't just about making the right choices; it's about empowering those around you and staying true to your organization's vision. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you next time on the Built for the Trades Podcast. Keep striving for progress over perfection!

The Power of Building Strong Relationships

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, we dive into the crucial role of building genuine relationships with your team members. Discover how fostering these connections not only enhances team cohesion but also transforms employees from merely doing their jobs to truly wanting to work with you. We'll explore practical strategies for relationship-building, including the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule, and highlight how personalized interactions can drive a more motivated and engaged workforce.

Discussions

The Importance of Relationship-Building in Leadership: How cultivating genuine connections with team members enhances team dynamics and drives productivity.
Transitioning from Positional Leadership to Relational Leadership: Moving beyond mere authority to inspire and engage employees through meaningful interactions.
Practical Strategies for Building Strong Team Relationships: Effective methods for getting to know your team members and fostering a supportive work environment.
The Golden Rule vs. the Platinum Rule in Leadership: Understanding and applying these principles to improve communication and leadership effectiveness.
Utilizing Personality Assessments for Better Team Management: How tools like the Enneagram and DISC assessments can help you connect with and lead your team more effectively.

Remember that true leadership goes beyond just managing tasks—it’s about building meaningful relationships with your team. Investing time and effort into understanding and connecting with your team members can transform your work environment and enhance your leadership impact. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who can benefit from these insights. We look forward to seeing you in the next episode as we continue our journey of growth and leadership together.

The Power of Integrity in Leadership

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into a crucial aspect of leadership: integrity. Imagine a pivotal moment in a project where a shortcut could save time and money but compromise quality—what would you do? Integrity isn't just a buzzword; it's the bedrock of trust, relationships, and exceptional teams, guiding us to do what's right even when it's tough.

Discussions

What does integrity mean in the context of leadership, and how does it differentiate a good leader from a great one?

Share stories from the field as a technician and a leader where integrity was tested, and discuss the impact of choosing integrity over shortcuts in those situations.

How does consistent integrity foster trust within a team, and what are examples of how integrity strengthens relationships and commitment among team members?

Discuss common challenges leaders face in maintaining integrity and strategies for committing to integrity daily, especially when it’s inconvenient or difficult.

Explore how integrity-driven decisions benefit the business in the long run and discuss the role of integrity in building a strong company culture and reputation.

Through real-life stories and challenges, we've seen how integrity not only builds a strong company culture but also drives long-term success. Let's commit to embodying integrity daily, making principled decisions, and inspiring our teams by doing what's right. Don't forget to subscribe, like this video, and check out our sponsor, Project2Payment, for innovative solutions in estimating and invoicing for trades businesses.

How to keep up with industry standards

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode, let's talk about why staying current with plumbing standards is crucial for business leaders. It's about legal compliance, team safety, and delivering top-notch service. Join organizations like PHCC, invest in training, and follow industry trends. These steps ensure professionalism and customer trust. Thanks to our sponsor, Project to Payment, offering a free three-month trial for Built for the Trades listeners. Like, subscribe, and share with other plumbing pros. Stay tuned for more insights!

Discussions

Legal Compliance and Professionalism: How important is it for plumbing businesses to stay updated with industry regulations and standards? What are the potential consequences of non-compliance?
Team Safety: Why should business owners prioritize team safety on the job? What measures can be implemented to ensure OSHA compliance and protect team members?
Customer Experience: How does knowledge of plumbing standards enhance the overall customer experience? Can you share examples of how professionalism in service delivery impacts client satisfaction?
Professional Development: Why is ongoing education and training essential for business leaders in the plumbing industry? What resources or organizations do you find most valuable for staying informed and improving leadership skills?
Industry Trends: How do advancements in plumbing technology and techniques influence business strategies? What steps can businesses take to adapt to these changes effectively?
Building a Culture of Compliance: What role does leadership play in fostering a culture of compliance within a plumbing business? How can leaders inspire their teams to prioritize regulatory adherence and professionalism?
Sponsorship and Support: How can partnerships with industry-specific software like Project to Payment benefit plumbing businesses? What other tools or resources have been instrumental in streamlining operations and enhancing service quality?

Staying ahead in the plumbing industry isn't just about fixing pipes—it's about staying compliant, ensuring safety, and delivering exceptional service. By committing to ongoing education, embracing industry standards, and prioritizing professionalism, you not only protect your team and clients but also elevate your business's reputation. Remember, leadership starts with staying informed and leading by example. Embrace these principles, invest in your team's development, and watch your plumbing business thrive. Stay tuned for more insights and tips to help you build and grow your business effectively.

How to handle emergency plumbing situation

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the critical decision of offering emergency plumbing services. We emphasize that providing halfway measures can damage customer trust and harm your business more than help it. To ensure you're prepared to handle emergencies with speed and professionalism, we present a comprehensive checklist. This guide covers everything from team training and dispatch systems to customer interactions and post-repair protocols, setting your business up for success in emergency situations.

Discussions

Prepare Your Team: Train employees in emergency skills and customer service, and create clear emergency protocols.
Efficient Dispatch System: Maintain a 24/7 emergency hotline and use GPS tracking for quick plumber dispatch.
Professional Customer Interaction: Answer emergency calls quickly and courteously, and gather essential details about the issue.
Emergency Kit and Equipment: Keep vehicles stocked with necessary tools and parts, and have specialty tools for rare but critical repairs.
On-Site Professionalism: Technicians wear uniforms and carry ID, and follow safety protocols to protect everyone.
Effective Communication: Clearly explain the problem and solution, and provide upfront and transparent pricing.
Efficient Problem Resolution: Quickly identify the root cause of the problem, and perform repairs efficiently with high quality.
Post-Repair Protocols: Clean up the work area thoroughly, and follow up with the customer to ensure satisfaction.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of all emergency calls, and provide necessary documentation for insurance claims.
Continuous Improvement: Collect customer feedback for improvement, and regularly train your team on new techniques and technologies.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your plumbing business is fully prepared to handle emergency situations with speed and professionalism. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds trust and boosts your business reputation. Stay committed to continuous improvement and high standards to stand out as a reliable emergency plumbing service provider.strategies and insights as we delve deeper into optimizing operations and achieving excellence within the plumbing industry.

How to train and onboard a new plumbing tech?

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! In today's episode, we delve into the critical importance of effective onboarding practices for plumbing technicians. Unlike the rushed hiring processes prevalent in the industry, where minimal qualifications suffice, we explore how thorough screening, clear expectations, and comprehensive support from day one can significantly enhance technician success rates. By implementing these practices, plumbing companies not only mitigate risks like customer theft but also foster a culture of professionalism and growth. Join us as we uncover the essential elements that ensure technicians are well-prepared and supported, driving superior performance and customer satisfaction in the plumbing sector.

Discussions

Thorough Screening: Background checks, drug tests, and reference calls help in hiring technicians who align with the company's values and standards.
Preparation: Notify both the team and the new hire in writing, and prepare a checklist for essential items like technology, equipment, and uniforms.
Clear Expectations: Define roles and responsibilities clearly in writing to avoid confusion and set the technician up for success.
Ongoing Support: Regular reviews of the Position Agreement ensure that the technician understands their role and continues to grow within the company.

Effective onboarding for plumbing technicians underscores the importance of investing in thorough preparation and continuous support to cultivate a successful workforce. Emphasizing clear communication, comprehensive training, and a supportive environment enables plumbing companies to enhance service quality and secure sustained success. Stay tuned for more strategies and insights as we delve deeper into optimizing operations and achieving excellence within the plumbing industry.

Essential Steps To Building a Successful Plumbing Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Essential Steps To Building a Successful Plumbing Business

Release Date: June 18, 2024

Overview

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! Today we're diving into the essential steps for building a successful plumbing business. Many startups excel in their trade and work hard, earning clients and revenue, only to wonder where all the money went. I’ll share not just what you already know, but what you wish you had known when you started. By understanding costs, investing in marketing, and managing finances effectively, you can set your plumbing business up for long-term success.

Discussions

Discuss the importance of knowing all your operating costs, including labor, materials, and overhead, to set accurate pricing and ensure profitability.
Explore strategies for balancing competitive pricing with maintaining healthy profit margins to attract customers while sustaining your business.
Highlight the value of establishing strong relationships with a CPA, attorney, and business banker early on to support your business growth and navigate challenges.
Discuss the necessity of adding a margin to your base price to cover unexpected expenses and invest in future growth opportunities.
Emphasize the importance of differentiating your business from competitors by leveraging your unique strengths and building a strong brand identity.
Discuss the need to allocate at least 10% of your income to marketing efforts to reach new customers and expand your business.
Outline the benefits of combining online and offline marketing tactics, such as social media, SEO, PPC advertising, and local events, to promote your business effectively.
Highlight the importance of using accounting software like QuickBooks and hiring a bookkeeper to manage your finances efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
Explain the Profit First method for prioritizing profit in your financial management and allocating funds appropriately for expenses, taxes, and reinvestment.
Stress the importance of staying updated with industry trends and being open to new strategies to adapt and ensure long-term success for your business.

Building a successful plumbing business hinges on understanding costs, setting competitive yet profitable prices, and cultivating strong advisory relationships for support. It's essential to invest in effective marketing, adopt sound financial management practices, and embrace ongoing learning and adaptation to thrive in a competitive market. By focusing on these core elements, plumbing entrepreneurs can pave the way for sustained growth and long-term success in the industry.

How to navigate the offseason in your plumbing business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the channel. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic: How to navigate the off-season for trades businesses. Whether you're in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or any other trade, we all face seasonal fluctuations. In this episode, I'll share a five-point checklist to help you make the most of slower periods and ensure your business thrives year-round. Remember, it's all about mindset—embracing the off-season as an opportunity rather than a setback. So, let's get started and turn downtime into a time for growth and preparation!

Discussions

Ensure all your marketing channels—website, phone numbers, and customer chat forms—are fully functional to avoid losing potential business due to simple technical issues.
Prioritize and consistently follow up on unsold estimates, focusing on the highest value or the oldest ones first, to convert more leads into sales.
Regularly check in with your existing customers to show you care and to offer additional services, maintaining strong relationships and uncovering new business opportunities.
Use downtime to clean, organize, and maintain your shop, office, and tools, ensuring everything is in top condition for the busy season.
Utilize slow periods to train and coach your team on new concepts, reinforce existing knowledge, and improve their skills, preparing them for increased efficiency when business picks up.

Navigating the off-season with the right mindset and proactive strategies can significantly benefit your trades business. By checking your marketing, prioritizing follow-ups, engaging with customers, organizing your workspace, and training your team, you'll be well-prepared for the busy season. Remember, turning downtime into an opportunity for growth and preparation will lead to long-term success.

How to start your plumbing business on a shoestring budget?

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to the channel! Starting a plumbing business on a shoestring budget requires strategic planning, resourcefulness, and a clear focus on essential activities to get your business off the ground. Many tradespeople start their own business to gain financial freedom and control but often find themselves overwhelmed and stressed without proper planning. Today, I will share detailed steps and strategies to help you successfully launch your plumbing business on a tight budget, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term success.

Discussions

Plan Your Business: Develop a simple business plan outlining your services, target market, pricing strategy, and financial projections, while ensuring you have the necessary licenses and certifications and choose the appropriate legal structure.
Budgeting and Financing: Create a detailed budget covering startup costs and explore funding options such as personal savings, small loans, or microfinancing.
Essential Tools and Equipment: Invest in fundamental plumbing tools and reliable transportation, considering cost-effective options like purchasing quality used tools and vehicles.
Business Setup: Operate from a home office to reduce overhead costs and obtain general liability insurance to safeguard against potential damages or accidents.
Marketing and Networking: Establish a strong online presence with a simple website and social media platforms, and actively engage in networking activities to build relationships with potential clients and collaborators.
Operations and Customer Service: Utilize free or low-cost software for scheduling and invoicing while prioritizing excellent customer service to foster a positive reputation and encourage referrals.
Growth and Scaling: Encourage customer reviews and referrals, form partnerships with local businesses, and stay updated with industry advancements through continuous learning opportunities.

In summary, starting a plumbing business on a tight budget requires strategic planning, resourcefulness, and unwavering focus. By following these steps diligently, from initial planning to continuous learning, you can set the stage for success in the competitive trades market.

Tips for Achieving Success in your Plumbing Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 27 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome to the channel, where we'll explore essential tips for achieving success in your plumbing business, drawn from my experience at Built for the Trades. Despite the challenges, applying these steps—like providing exceptional service, developing core values, managing finances, investing in training, building relationships, utilizing technology, and focusing on marketing—can significantly boost your business. Stay tuned as we dive into these strategies, helping you transition from being skilled in the trade to thriving in the business.

Discussions

Establish core values that guide your business practices, prominently display them, and regularly discuss them with your team to reinforce their importance and influence.
Prioritize financial health by adopting the Profit First approach, which emphasizes budgeting and managing cash flow to ensure consistent profitability and financial stability.
Continuously update your skills and knowledge by investing in training and certifications, which not only improve your technical expertise but also enhance your professional credibility.
Foster positive relationships with suppliers, contractors, and industry professionals, as networking can lead to valuable partnerships, referrals, and resources that benefit your business.
Develop a strong brand identity and invest in marketing efforts using online platforms to showcase your expertise, share customer testimonials, and attract new clients, ensuring your business stands out in a crowded marketplace.

To achieve success in your plumbing business, establish and reinforce core values, manage cash flow effectively with the Profit First approach, and invest in ongoing training to enhance skills and credibility. Build strong industry relationships to leverage partnerships and resources, and embrace technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Focus on creating a strong brand identity and strategic marketing to attract and retain clients, positioning your business for long-term growth.

How to Effectively Manage Your Day as a Plumbing Business Entrepreneur

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 20 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Today on the channel, we're addressing a critical issue for plumbing entrepreneurs: effective day management. Waking up to reactive actions like checking social media or email can lead to stress and burnout. By taking proactive steps, such as organizing tasks and revisiting priorities throughout the day, you can regain control, boost productivity, and sustain long-term success in your business.

Discussions

Starting your day with proactive tasks like checking your calendar and making a prioritized to-do list sets a positive tone and puts you in control.
Recognize that beginning the day reactively can increase stress and mental clutter, leading to burnout and unsustainable work habits over time.
Establish a morning routine that includes reviewing your schedule and setting clear priorities to ensure a focused and productive start to the day.
Continuously revisit your to-do list throughout the day, particularly at lunch and the end of the day, to stay on track and adjust priorities as needed.
Committing to proactive daily habits will lead to better business management, increased productivity, and improved personal well-being, ensuring sustainable success.

Managing your day effectively as a plumbing entrepreneur starts with replacing reactive habits with proactive actions, such as checking your calendar and prioritizing tasks. By understanding the negative impact of reactivity and implementing a structured morning routine, you can reduce stress and increase productivity. Regularly reassessing your tasks and maintaining proactive habits will lead to long-term success and improved personal well-being.

How to Determine Your Salary as a Plumbing Business Owner

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Welcome back to Built for the Trades. I'm Dan Dowdy, and today we're exploring a common question among plumbing business owners: how to determine an appropriate salary. Before we dive in, I'd like to introduce our sponsor, Project 2 Payment, an invoicing software for trades businesses. Use code BuiltForTheTrades for 3 months free. It's crucial for plumbing business owners to balance paying themselves fairly while maintaining their company's financial health.

Discussions

Let's break down the steps to help you figure out the right number for your paycheck.

Understand your personal finances inside and out.
Understand your business finances inside and out. 35% labor
Start as low as you can afford and put the rest aside into a profit account.
Review and adjust your salary regularly based on changes in your business and personal circumstances. As your company grows and becomes more profitable, you may be able to increase your salary accordingly.

Likewise, if your business hits a rough patch or you encounter unexpected expenses, be prepared to tighten your belt temporarily until things improve. Flexibility is key to maintaining financial stability as a business owner.

And there you have it, folks! Determining your salary as a plumbing business owner is all about finding the right balance between paying yourself fairly and ensuring the success of your company. I hope these tips help you navigate this important decision. As always, thanks for watching Built for the Trades. Until next time, stay safe and keep plumbing!

How to Fire the Right Person in Your Plumbing Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

A fundamental aspect of effective leadership lies in establishing clear job expectations through a comprehensive position agreement, a document that eliminates ambiguity and fosters accountability. At Built for the Trades, we offer a sample position agreement to facilitate this crucial step. Furthermore, implementing a structured approach like the 3 strike rule for dismissals ensures fairness and transparency in managing team performance.

Discussions

Step 1: Ensure there's a signed position agreement outlining their role and responsibilities.

Step 2: If a team member isn't meeting expectations, have a private 1-on-1 discussion, referencing the position agreement. Issue a Performance Improvement Plan outlining areas for improvement. Both parties sign it, scheduling a follow-up to track progress.

Step 3: If performance issues persist, meet privately with a written warning form. Repeat step 2, but this time with a written warning. Both parties sign ittStep 4: If performance doesn't improve, issue a second and final written warning. Often, this serves as a wake-up call, prompting the individual to reconsider their position.

Step 5: If there's still no improvement, proceed with final termination.

Finally, don't forget to like and subscribe for more valuable insights.

With these steps, you can navigate dismissals with professionalism and clarity, ensuring the smooth functioning of your plumbing business.

How to Hire in Your Plumbing Business: 6 Steps to Success

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

Dan Dowdy from Built for the Trades outlines a six-step approach to hiring the right talent for a plumbing business:

Discussions

The overview provided is a summary of a video by Dan Dowdy from Built for the Trades. The video outlines a six-step approach to successfully hiring the right talent for a plumbing business.

Here's an overview of the six steps:

Attracting the Right Candidates: Create job ads that reflect your company's core values and culture to attract the right candidates. Post these ads on multiple platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and local job boards.
Screening Applications: Review resumes to assess candidates' job history and experience. Look at social media profiles to understand their personality and lifestyle.
Phone Interview: Conduct phone interviews to assess punctuality, professionalism, and commitment. Ask about important qualifications like a driver's license, background checks, and drug tests.
In-Person Interview: This step allows you to evaluate candidates' alignment with your company's core values and interpersonal skills. Have a team member observe body language and other soft skills during the interview.
Reference Check: Contact previous employers to gather insights into the candidate's performance and work ethic. This helps validate their suitability for your team.
Offer Letter: Send out an offer letter to the chosen candidate. Keep in mind the human aspect of hiring by considering the candidate's personal circumstances and how they might impact the work environment.

These steps emphasize the importance of aligning candidates with the company's values and ensuring a good fit for both parties. By taking the time to properly vet and select the right team members, businesses can build a strong, successful team..

How to Continuously Improve Your Leadership Skills

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

In this episode of the Built for the Trades channel, the focus is on continuously improving leadership skills. The distinction between leading and managing is highlighted, with leadership emphasized as being about influence rather than just accountability. Viewers are encouraged to understand that leadership goes beyond formal management roles and involves how one carries themselves and influences others. As John Maxwell succinctly puts it, "leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." Don't forget to engage with the channel by liking, subscribing, and sharing this valuable content with others who could benefit from it.

Discussions

Dowdy suggests fixing one's mindset by embracing lifelong learning and learning from both positive and negative experiences. He introduces the concept of categorizing improvements into four areas (Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness) and encourages viewers to establish habits to support growth in these areas. Additionally, creating a strong why and having an accountability partner are highlighted as crucial for maintaining motivation and consistency.

The importance of embracing progress over perfection and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth is emphasized. Dowdy concludes by reminding viewers that leadership development is a journey and encourages them to take action on the strategies discussed. Finally, he encourages engagement with the channel by liking, subscribing, and sharing the video.

Overall, Dowdy stresses that leadership isn't about achieving perfection but about continuous growth and improvement, and by incorporating these strategies, viewers can enhance their leadership skills and lead with purpose.

Strategies for continuously improving your leadership skills:

Fix Your Mindset:

Leadership growth is a lifelong journey; there's no final destination.
Wake up with the intention to grow because if you're not progressing, you're regressing.
Embrace learning from both positive and negative experiences.

Categorize Improvements into 4 F’s:

Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness.
Decide which area of your life you're focusing on improving.
Be intentional about your growth in that area.
Establish habits to support your improvement efforts.

Create a Strong Why:

Motivation is fleeting; you need a compelling reason to persist.
Implement systems to support your goals, like prepping for the gym or scheduling financial meetings.
Have an accountability partner.

Embrace Progress Over Perfection:

Accept that mistakes will happen; it's how you respond that counts.
Let go of past setbacks and focus on moving forward with purpose.

Embrace Challenges:

View challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Adopt a growth mindset that encourages continuous learning and improvement.

How to Motivate and Inspire Your Team Towards Excellence

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, host Dan Dowdy introduces three simple steps to ignite motivation and inspire excellence within your team. He begins by highlighting a common pitfall among business owners and managers: relying solely on monetary incentives to motivate their team members, which often leads to frustration when it proves insufficient. Recognizing that everyone is unique, Dowdy emphasizes the importance of understanding what drives each individual on the team. He then outlines practical steps to achieve this, including actively listening and observing team members, personalizing rewards and recognition, and providing opportunities for growth. By implementing these strategies, listeners can create a work environment where motivation thrives and excellence becomes the norm. Tune in to discover how to unlock your team's full potential on Built for the Trades.

Discussions

In this episode of Built for the Trades, host Dan Dowdy shares three simple steps to ignite motivation and inspire excellence within your team. He begins by addressing the common misconception among business owners and managers that monetary incentives alone are sufficient for motivation, leading to frustration when this approach falls short. Dowdy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each team member and understanding what motivates them individually. The three steps outlined include building relationships through scheduled one-on-one meetings, setting clear personal and professional goals, and implementing a system for recognizing and celebrating achievements. By following these steps, listeners can foster a motivated and inspired team, leading to greater success in their businesses.

"Step 1: Build a relationship with them using scheduled monthly 121’s. The scheduled part of this is really important. We need to build trust and the only way to build trust is through consistency.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals for them, not just the company. Start by defining clear, achievable personal and professional goals with your team. Make sure they understand what success looks like and why it matters. When everyone is on the same page, motivation naturally follows."

"Step 3: Choose to see the good more often than the bad. Put a system in place that allows you to call out the achievements of you team during team meetings. Not just sales, but talk about personal accomplishments and point this back to your core values.

Develop Your Emotional Intelligence as a Plumbing Business Leader

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

In this podcast episode, the Built of the Trades channel focuses on empowering leaders in the trades industry by delving into the crucial topic of developing emotional intelligence as a plumbing business leader. The host, with over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, introduces their coaching program aimed at helping business owners maximize their leadership potential. Emotional intelligence (EI), defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions effectively, is highlighted as essential for fostering better relationships, communication, and team dynamics. Through a story illustrating the consequences of lacking emotional intelligence, the podcast underscores the importance of developing this skill for both personal and professional growth.

Discussions

To cultivate your emotional intelligence as a plumbing business leader, here are four practical steps:

Know Yourself to Grow Yourself: Begin by taking a free Enneagram Assessment to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Review and study the results to gain self-awareness.
Stay in Control and Respond, Don't React: Learn to manage your emotions effectively, responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively to situations.
Get an Accountability Partner: Seek support from someone who can hold you accountable for your actions and help you stay on track with your emotional intelligence development.
Connect with Others: Foster meaningful connections with your team members and colleagues, practicing empathy and understanding in your interactions.

By focusing on these four steps, you can gradually develop and strengthen your emotional intelligence, leading to improved relationships and overall business success. Remember, developing emotional intelligence isn't just beneficial—it's essential for your growth as a plumbing business leader.

If you found these insights helpful, don't forget to like and subscribe for more valuable content on leadership in the trades industry. And always keep in mind that even a small increase in emotional intelligence can make a significant difference in building a thriving business.

How to Lead by Example: Demonstrating Professionalism and Work Ethic

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

In this episode of Built for the Trades, host Dan Dowdy emphasizes the critical role of leading by example in plumbing business leadership. He highlights that leadership extends beyond giving orders, requiring leaders to embody desired values and work ethic. Through a cautionary tale, a successful plumber recounts how his complacency led to slacking off, arriving late, and neglecting his team, resulting in high turnover and his own regression to grunt work. Reflecting on his mistakes, he wishes he had understood the importance of leading by example earlier.

Discussions

Setting the Tone:"As leaders, our actions speak louder than words. It all starts with setting the right tone for professionalism and work ethic. Whether it's arriving early, dressing appropriately, or maintaining a positive attitude, our behavior sets the standard for the team."
Clear Communication:"Effective communication is key to leading by example. Clearly communicate expectations regarding professionalism and work ethic. This includes quality standards, deadlines, and the importance of integrity in all dealings."
Roll Up Your Sleeves:"Leadership isn't about delegating tasks and sitting back. It's about getting your hands dirty and showing your team that you're willing to put in the hard work alongside them. Whether it's troubleshooting a complex plumbing issue or assisting with administrative tasks, your willingness to pitch in fosters a culture of teamwork and dedication."
Continuous Learning: "Professionalism and work ethic are also about personal growth and development. Lead by example by demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning. Whether it's staying updated on industry trends, attending workshops, or pursuing further education, show your team that growth is a priority."
Acknowledge and Reward: "Recognize and reward professionalism and exemplary work ethic within your team. Whether it's a simple acknowledgment during team meetings or tangible rewards such as bonuses or extra time off, showing appreciation reinforces desired behaviors and motivates others to follow suit."

"Leading by example isn't just about being a boss; it's about being a leader your team respects and admires. By embodying professionalism and work ethic in your actions every day, you not only elevate your own leadership but also inspire those around you to strive for excellence. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Thanks for tuning in to Built for the Trades. Until next time, keep leading by example!"

Set the tone
Clear communication
Roll up your sleeves
Continuous learning
Acknowledge and reward

If you found this video helpful, be sure to like and subscribe for more valuable insights on leadership in the trades industry. And remember, Leading By Example can go a long way in building a thriving business.

How to Provide Constructive Feedback for Improved Performance

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Overview

In today's discussion, we will delve into the significance of providing constructive feedback within a team environment. By engaging in these crucial conversations, not only can team members grow and develop, but the overall success and growth of the company are also positively impacted. Without constructive feedback, individuals may stagnate, hindering their progress and potential for advancement.

Introduction to the FRISK Method

The FRISK method is a clear and simple approach to providing constructive feedback. Let's break it down:

F - FACTS: Start by presenting the facts about the employee's unsatisfactory conduct.

R - RULE: Core Values, PA, Handbook.

I - IMPACT: Discuss the impact of the employee's unsatisfactory conduct on the Team.

S - SUGGESTIONS: PIP - check back in with them in a week.

K - KNOWLEDGE: Ask them what they took away from the conversation..

Dan discussed effective strategies for delivering constructive feedback to enhance the performance of your team members in your plumbing business.

Constructive feedback is often overlooked or mishandled, leading to either decreased productivity or high turnover rates due to improper communication methods. Choosing to avoid these conversations might temporarily keep your team members content, but ultimately, it will impede the progress of your business.

Engaging in these discussions, however, will not only uplift individuals within your organization but also enhance the collective efficiency and culture of your entire team. This fosters teamwork and cultivates a positive environment conducive to growth and success in your plumbing business. In this episode, He will be guiding you through the proper techniques for delivering constructive feedback, including introducing the Frisk method.

You'll learn how to effectively structure conversations with your team members to ensure high-quality constructive feedback.

How to Effectively Delegate Tasks in Your Plumbing Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0600

The episode provides guidance on effectively delegating tasks in a plumbing business to facilitate growth and scalability. Dan Dowdy, with years of experience in the plumbing industry, emphasizes the importance of delegation for business owners who find themselves overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks. The process involves identifying tasks that can be delegated, establishing the value of one's time, and empowering team members to take on responsibilities.

The episode begins with an introduction to the importance of delegation in scaling a plumbing business. The host shares personal experiences of being bogged down by day-to-day tasks and highlights the necessity of delegation for continued growth. The key steps to effective delegation are outlined:

Identify tasks that can be delegated by assessing their value compared to one's own time.
Choose between dumping all delegation on team members or delegating with clear communication and reasoning.
Demonstrate the task to the team, work alongside them, and gradually allow them to take the lead.
Reinforce progress by celebrating successes and providing constructive feedback.

Dan encourages business owners to take action by delegating tasks to free up time for strategic initiatives. The video concludes with a reminder to like, share, and subscribe for more tips on growing a plumbing business.

Determining your Leadership Style

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

The challenge of not understanding your leadership style primarily manifests in being overly one-sided in your approach. This can result in two potential outcomes: either your team disregards you, leading to a lack of respect, or you attract individuals who are solely motivated by monetary gain, merely going through the motions and relying on you for every decision. Consequently, this may lead to high turnover rates or difficulties in recruiting new members to your organization.

These insights shared might strike a chord with you. This episode will assist you in addressing these aspects. Once you've identified them, you'll be better equipped to achieve a more balanced leadership approach, and you'll witness your team wholeheartedly embracing you as their leader.

Using Discipline to Accomplish Big Goals

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Discipline versus motivation: Discipline entails completing necessary tasks to achieve significant goals even on days or at times when you lack motivation. Motivation, on the other hand, involves pursuing actions aligned with your life's overarching goals when you do feel motivated. While motivation initiates your efforts, discipline sustains your progress even during challenging times.

In today's episode, Dan Dowdy dives into a topic that will aid you in achieving significant goals, whether they're personal or business-related. This video will equip you with strategies to accomplish these goals, focusing specifically on discipline. He'll be sharing five tips to enhance your discipline and drive your progress forward.

Keep moving forward; avoid becoming frustrated if the day doesn't unfold as planned or if a sub-goal isn't achieved according to the initial plan. Instead, shift your mindset because challenges will arise, and you'll need to adapt. You might need to change your approach and your language. My aim with this video is to empower you to tackle your goals head-on and overcome any obstacles you encounter.

1. Begin with Why: First things first – begin with why. Look to the future and define your objective. Shift your mindset from "I have to" to "I get to." Embrace long-term thinking over short-term gains.

2. Share Your Why with Your Accountability Partner: Next, share your why with someone who'll hold you accountable. When motivation wanes, your accountability partner will be there to remind you of your purpose and keep you on track.

3. Set a Timeline to Accomplish the Goal: Finally, set a timeline for your goal. Without one, life will inevitably get in the way. Break down your goal into manageable steps and stick to them diligently. Remember, consistency is key.

4. When you fall short don’t try to make it up or you will get injured or burned out and quit. Just move on learn and keep going.

5. Reframe you mindset - you get to do this! Enjoy the journey!

Lead by Example Part 3: Leading Through Adversity

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In the third segment of the episode "Lead by Example," Dan Dowdy and Nathan Glass delve into Leading Through Adversity, covering: Elaborating on each concept:

1. **Positive Attitude**: Maintaining a positive attitude involves adopting an optimistic outlook towards life, challenges, and interactions. It means cultivating a mindset that sees opportunities in difficulties, remains hopeful amidst setbacks, and fosters resilience in the face of adversity. A positive attitude not only influences one's own mood and motivation but also has a ripple effect on those around them, fostering a conducive and uplifting environment for collaboration and problem-solving.

2. **Focus on what you can control**: This principle emphasizes directing one's attention and efforts towards aspects of a situation that are within their sphere of influence or control. By recognizing and accepting the limitations of control over external factors, individuals can channel their energy into actions and decisions that they have the power to change or influence. This approach promotes a sense of empowerment, reduces stress associated with fixating on uncontrollable variables, and encourages proactive problem-solving rather than dwelling on circumstances beyond one's control.

3. **Communication and Transparency**: Effective communication and transparency are essential for fostering trust, collaboration, and alignment within teams and organizations. Communication involves not only conveying information clearly but also actively listening to others, seeking understanding, and providing feedback. Transparency entails openness and honesty in sharing information, decisions, and intentions, thereby building credibility and accountability. By promoting a culture of open communication and transparency, individuals and teams can enhance clarity, resolve conflicts, and cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to innovation and growth.

Book a call with us! https://builtforthetrades.com/ Stay in the Loop! 🔄 Subscribe to our weekly roundup email and be the first to catch all the latest updates, insights, and exciting news. Don't miss out – join us on the journey! https://pro.builtforthetrades.com/email-signup Join our community of Built for the Trades as we embark on a journey of personal growth, motivation and skill development. At Built For The Trades, we are dedicated to providing valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you navigate the path to success. Subscribe to Built for the Trades Podcast to find out how other trade company owners are finding success. YT: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../built-for-the.../id1606988697

Lead By Example Part 2: Intellectual Intelligence

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In the second segment of the episode "Lead by Example," Dan Dowdy and Nathan Glass delve into Intellectual Intelligence, covering:

1. Saying No and Boundaries: This refers to the ability to assert oneself by declining requests or opportunities when necessary. It involves setting personal or professional boundaries to maintain balance, manage workload, and prioritize tasks effectively.

2. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Problem solving involves identifying issues, analyzing their root causes, and devising effective solutions. Decision making involves selecting the best course of action among various options based on available information, critical thinking, and evaluation of potential outcomes.

3. Innovation and Creativity: Innovation is the process of developing new ideas, products, or processes that offer value or solve problems in novel ways. Creativity is the ability to generate original and imaginative ideas or solutions, often involving thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional approaches.

4. Strategic Thinking: Strategic thinking involves analyzing complex situations, anticipating future challenges and opportunities, and developing long-term plans to achieve specific goals or objectives. It requires a big-picture perspective, understanding of market dynamics, and the ability to align actions with overarching strategies.

5. Continuous Learning: Continuous learning involves actively seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences throughout one's life or career. It fosters personal and professional growth, adaptability, and resilience in a rapidly changing world, enabling individuals to stay relevant and thrive in their chosen fields.

Lead By Example Part 1: Emotional Intelligence

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Dan Dowdy and Nathan Glass discuss effective leadership through leading by example. They emphasize the following key principles:

1. **Self-Awareness**: Leaders should exhibit self-awareness by recognizing and managing their emotions effectively. This includes understanding strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers.

2. **Empathy and Active Listening**: Effective leaders show empathy by genuinely understanding others' feelings and perspectives. They practice active listening to create a space where team members feel heard and valued.

3. **Conflict Resolution and Relationship Building**: Leaders handle conflicts with empathy, striving for win-win solutions. They also focus on building and maintaining strong relationships based on trust and respect.

4. **Emotional Regulation**: Leaders display emotional composure and manage stress effectively. They teach their teams how to handle pressure and difficult situations without letting emotions take over.

5. **Effective Communication**: Leaders demonstrate clear and respectful communication. They highlight the value of open dialogue, especially during times of uncertainty or change. By embodying these principles, leaders can effectively guide their teams and foster a positive work environment.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Empowering Small Trades Businesses: A Conversation with Live Oak Bank

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Built for the Trades podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have my co-host, Nathan Glass, join me for a deep dive into niche marketing and business development. We'll be sharing valuable insights on defining your vision, establishing your niche, and creating the perfect avatar for your business. Plus, we'll explore some dos and don'ts when narrowing down your business focus.

Before we get into it, let's take a moment to recap our recent episode with Brandon from Live Oak Bank, where we explored their journey of niching down their services. It was fascinating to see how this strategic move defined their business and fueled its remarkable growth.

At Built for the Trades, we aim to empower our listeners to grow personally and professionally through leadership development. We firmly believe that leadership development is a lifelong journey, and every day is an opportunity to improve.

Our goal for today's episode is to equip you with at least one invaluable takeaway you can apply to your daily business. If you enjoy this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review. Your feedback guides our future podcasts and helps us reach more listeners.

In our previous episode with Brandon, he emphasized how Live Oak Bank found success by identifying a recession-proof niche. This led them to focus on serving plumbing, HVAC, and electrical businesses exclusively. What stood out was their clarity about who they are, what they excel at, and their dedication to serving the trades.

Nathan pointed out an interesting aspect of their journey. Initially, Live Oak Bank operated within the home services niche, but they realized the potential to expand further within the home services sector. They recognized other recession-proof opportunities waiting to be explored. Their ability to adapt and broaden their niche proved instrumental in their growth.

Now, let's delve into the core of our discussion today: understanding and defining your niche and avatar. These two components work hand in hand and play a pivotal role in the success of your business. As we progress, you'll discover how they influence each other.

One of the essential lessons Brandon's story taught us is that "riches are in the niches." This phrase resonates profoundly in the trade business world. But, as with any endeavor, some nuances and considerations warrant attention.

Let's begin by discussing the concept of a sub-niche within your business. Suppose you're running a home service company. In that case, you face a critical decision: Should you narrow your focus to residential clients, exclusively serve commercial clients, or specialize in new construction work? This decision is crucial, but striking the right balance is essential.

It's worth noting that hyper-focusing on a sub-niche may become costly if you exhaust your market's potential too quickly. If you're in a small market with limited homeowners, targeting only residential clients might not be sustainable in the long term. Similarly, exclusively pursuing commercial projects may lead to market saturation.

This brings us to the first fundamental principle: Assessing Your Expertise. To identify your niche, evaluate your skills, experiences, and passions. What services do you excel at? For example, if you're exceptionally skilled in HVAC system installations, that could be your starting point.

Next, research your local market. Is there a high demand for specific services that remain underserved? The goal is to find gaps in the market that align with your expertise and offer growth opportunities. An example here would be discovering a demand for duct cleaning services in a market dominated by general HVAC companies.

But remember, a niche isn't just about picking any specialization. It's about selecting one where you can excel and stand out. As Nathan pointed out, standing out in today's noisy business landscape is more crucial than ever. A niche helps you define your identity and become known for something specific.

Nathan further emphasized that you must start with a niche to grow and stand out. It's your foundation for building a customer base. Once you've established yourself in your niche, you can gradually expand your services to cater to a broader audience. This approach allows you to grow strategically and maintain a competitive edge.

As we discussed earlier, niching down too aggressively can be risky. If you transition from offering a wide range of services to focusing exclusively on residential projects, you might compete fiercely with well-established companies with significant marketing budgets. It's essential to be aware of your market dynamics before narrowing your focus too much.

Now, let's shift our focus to analyzing your competition. Research your competitors to understand their services and identify potential gaps in their offerings. Finding areas where they may be lacking can help you carve out your niche. For instance, if your competitors are all-purpose providers, you could differentiate yourself by offering quick-turnaround services or specialized expertise.

Lastly, consider profitability. While passion is crucial, your niche should also be financially viable. Ensure your chosen specialization aligns with market demand and allows you to build a sustainable business model.

In our next segment, we'll dive deeper into creating your business avatar and explore how it complements your niche. Stay tuned for valuable insights to help you build a thriving and sustainable trades business.

Empowering Small Trades Businesses: A Conversation with Live Oak Bank

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In a recent conversation between Dan Dowdy and Brandon from Live Oak Bank, they explored the bank's various services to help small businesses in the trades industry grow through leadership development. Live Oak Bank specializes in providing small loans to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC businesses using the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7A loan program. This program enables financing based on the cash flow of the company and the owner's credit, making it an excellent option for businesses with limited collateral.

Unveiling the Potential of 7A and 504 Loans:

During their discussion, Brandon highlighted the different types of business loans, focusing mainly on the 7A and 504 loans. The 7A loan, their main product, offers 100% financing for buying a facility, making it highly appealing for existing business owners in operation for 12 months, as it requires no down payment. Conversely, the 504 loan involves a 10% down payment and comprises two loans with generally lower interest rates.

The Allure of the 7A Loan for Real Estate Deals:

Brandon revealed that most real estate deals at Live Oak Bank involve the 7A loan and for good reason. The allure of 100% financing and no down payment requirement for eligible business owners proves highly beneficial. It enables businesses to replace their rent with a mortgage payment while retaining cash on their balance sheets for future investments.

Long-Term Stability with 25-Year Fully Amortizing Term:

One of the attractive features of the 7A loan is the 25-year fully amortizing term, meaning there are no balloon payments to worry about. This extended repayment period gives businesses financial stability and predictability, allowing them to focus on their growth and expansion.

Being Proactive in Business Acquisitions:

As the conversation progressed, proactively understanding the costs and requirements of acquiring a business was emphasized. Brandon advised potential business buyers to plan, including preparing for the down payment and evaluating financial aspects like credit scores and licenses. This approach ensures a smoother acquisition process and avoids last-minute surprises.

Building Strong Relationships with Banks:

Dan and Brandon underscored the significance of building strong relationships with reliable banks. Working with a trusted bank, like Live Oak Bank, provides businesses with essential guidance and financial support, facilitating growth initiatives such as marketing, hiring, and purchasing equipment.

The Art of Business Management:

Throughout their discussion, various aspects of business management were explored, including leadership, talent retention, and strategic planning. Brandon highlighted the value of being proactive, understanding the financial and qualitative aspects of running a successful business. Having a clear vision and strategy, business owners can confidently navigate the challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.

The Role of Mentors and Advisors:

Lastly, the conversation touched upon the benefits of having mentors or advisors, such as Brandon, who can offer valuable insights and guidance in business financing and growth. Having someone experienced by your side can make a significant difference in making well-informed decisions for the business's long-term success.

In the dynamic world of small business ownership, access to reliable financial support and valuable guidance is paramount. Live Oak Bank's commitment to empowering small trade businesses through its specialized loan programs is evident. By being proactive, understanding the financing options available, and building solid relationships with trusted banks, small business owners can confidently pursue growth initiatives, embrace leadership opportunities, and achieve long-term success in their chosen trade industry.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Elevating Leadership: A Journey of Empathy, Growth, and Putting People First

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we're recapping a fantastic interview with Chris Gutkes, the CEO of Island Elevator. Before we dive into the discussion, let's talk about leadership principles and how they can help you grow as a person and achieve success in both business and life.

Growing Yourself to Grow Your Business:

At Built for the Trades, we aim to help businesses grow through leadership development. Personal growth is the key to professional success. Investing in your growth makes you a better partner, parent, friend, boss, and leader.

The Importance of Personal Development:

Chris Gutkes highlighted the significance of growing and developing yourself outside your regular work hours. He noticed that successful trade individuals went the extra mile to study their craft, learn about their products, and improve themselves beyond their job responsibilities.

The Leadership Principle - Looking Inwardly:

Leadership is often seen as influencing others but involves introspection and self-improvement. You must first develop yourself to grow your team and elevate your own life. This blog post will explore twelve leadership principles inspired by successful athletes, which can be applied to enhance your leadership skills and achieve success.

The Top 12 Leadership Principles for Success:

Self-confidence: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence comes from hard work and experience.
Motivation: Be driven to be better than your previous self and opponents. Patience and perseverance are key.
Self-discipline: Success doesn't happen overnight. Develop the discipline to put in the extra effort and sacrifice for improvement.
Optimism: Stay positive, even in adversity. A positive mindset attracts success.
Acceptance of Criticism: Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for improvement.
Poise Under Stress: High-performing athletes can thrive under pressure, making quick decisions with composure.
Focus: Stay dedicated to your goals and tune out distractions.
Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks and learn from failures.
Competitive Spirit: Embrace healthy competition to improve yourself and others.
Natural Leadership: Possess leadership qualities and take initiative when needed.
Humility: Acknowledge mistakes, give credit to others, and remain humble in success.
Passion: Be deeply passionate about your work and immerse yourself in it.

Applying Leadership Principles to Business:

These leadership principles are equally applicable to business and life. For instance, staying positive, being disciplined, and accepting criticism can lead to personal growth and improved leadership skills. Leaders who remain coachable, focus on the big picture, and exhibit resilience can drive their teams to success.

Incorporating these twelve leadership principles into your life will empower you to be the best version of yourself and achieve greatness in your business, relationships, and personal endeavors. Remember, being a successful leader starts with your willingness to grow and develop, just like the best athletes in the world.

If you enjoyed this podcast and blog post, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and strive to be your best version!

Elevating Leadership: A Journey of Empathy, Growth, and Putting People First

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another captivating episode, Built For The Trades, a podcast that explores the essence of leadership development in the trades industry. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gutkes, the fourth-generation elevator tradesman and esteemed president of Island Elevator in Long Island, New York. Chris takes us on a profound journey from growing up in an elevator family to serving in the Army and discovering his true passion for elevators. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-awareness, empathy, continuous learning, and the significance of putting people first in leadership.

A Fortuitous Passion:

Chris Gutkes' story is one of destiny and discovery. Born into a family entrenched in the elevator trade, Chris sought to forge his path by serving in the Army. Little did he know that life had other plans. Following his service, Chris was drawn back to elevators, realizing it was his true passion. This realization highlights the power of self-awareness and its role in understanding one's genuine calling in life.

Apprenticeship and the Pursuit of Knowledge:

As Chris embarked on his journey in the elevator industry, he recognized the invaluable impact of apprenticeship and mentorship. He emphasizes the need for young tradespeople to seize every opportunity to learn and grow beyond their current level of knowledge. A commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental in Chris's success and has played a pivotal role in Island Elevator's prominence.

The Impact of 9/11:

The tragic events of 9/11 profoundly affected Chris and his family, personally and professionally. He vividly recounts witnessing the chaos and devastation from a rooftop in Queens, with a heart full of concern for his brother, who worked at the Trade Center that day. Fortunately, his brother, alongside other brave elevator tradespeople, made it out safely. This experience underscores the importance of resilience, solidarity, and leadership during moments of crisis.

From Soldier to Entrepreneur:

Following the aftermath 9/11, Chris returned from his National Guard service to face the challenges of building Island Elevator from the ground up. With unwavering determination, he surrounded himself with friends and experienced individuals who shared his vision. Together, they nurtured the company, transforming it into a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Leadership and Struggles:

The sudden passing of Chris's father thrust him into the role of president of Island Elevator, leading to an overwhelming sense of responsibility and leadership struggles. He candidly discusses his battles with alcohol, which he overcame to become a better leader. The experience taught him the value of self-awareness, mindfulness, and empathy in guiding not only his actions but also the trajectory of the entire company.

Diversity and People First:

Chris admits to making mistakes along the way, particularly in hiring decisions. He emphasizes the significance of building a diverse leadership team with varied perspectives. Island Elevator's guiding mantra, "A People First Company," exemplifies the company's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and safety of employees and customers.

Chris Gutkes’ journey as a leader in the elevator trade is a compelling testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, empathy, and continuous learning. From the chaos of 9/11 to building a thriving company that puts people first, his story offers invaluable insights into what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose.

As we conclude, this episode of Built For The Trades reminds us of the importance of elevating the structures we build and the people who create them. May Chris's journey inspire us all to embrace empathy, embrace growth, and put people first in our leadership endeavors. Until next time, keep elevating leadership and building a better future for all.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: From 3 to 20 Million: A Journey of Growth and Family Values in the Trades

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built For The Trades podcast! Today, we will dive into the fundamental leadership principles discussed in a recent episode featuring Crystal from Lemon Seed Marketing. If you still need to listen to the episode, please pause and check it out. These recaps are designed to break down valuable insights and apply them to personal and professional growth concisely and effectively.

Consistency: The Key to Growth

One of the essential takeaways from Crystal's insights on marketing is the significance of consistency over time. Like in marketing, where continuous efforts yield results, consistency plays a crucial role in leadership development. Growing as a leader is a lifelong journey, not a destination, requiring discipline and intentionality.

Different Levels of Leadership, Different Approaches

Leadership strategies should adapt to the size and scale of organizations. A small business owner might be involved in day-to-day operations. A leader of a larger organization would focus on planning and proactive measures. Each level demands a distinct approach to time management and decision-making.

Growth Mindset in Leadership and Marketing

Having a growth mindset is crucial in both marketing and leadership. Leaders should always strive to become better versions of themselves and set clear goals for their growth. Similarly, consistently pushing boundaries and investing in diverse marketing efforts lead to long-term success.

Investment in Marketing and Leadership

Marketing and leadership development both require investments, whether it's time or money. Just as a business should allocate a reasonable marketing budget to ensure growth, leaders should invest time in their personal development. Joining mastermind groups, seeking coaching, attending conferences, and reading books can all contribute to significant personal growth.

Education: A Cornerstone of Success

Staying educated is fundamental to success in marketing and leadership. Marketers must be up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, while leaders should continually seek new knowledge and insights to enhance their skills.

Discipline Trumps Motivation

Discipline is the key to maintaining consistency in both marketing and leadership. Relying solely on motivation can lead to inconsistent efforts. Embracing discipline allows leaders to stay on track, fulfill commitments, and build trust with their team.

Creating Your Leadership Strategy

Building a leadership strategy is akin to creating a comprehensive marketing plan. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and mentors can significantly impact your leadership journey. Identifying your avatar in leadership—defining who you aspire to become—helps you set clear goals and actionable steps.

Importance of Morning Rituals

Start your day with intention and prioritize what truly matters. Avoid diving into emails or social media first thing in the morning, as it can disrupt your focus and mindset. Instead, engage in activities that contribute to your growth, like journaling, working out, or meditating. This sets a positive tone for the day and enhances your leadership capabilities.

Consistency, discipline, and a growth mindset are the pillars of success in both marketing and leadership. Just as a well-rounded marketing strategy diversifies efforts to achieve lasting results, a thoughtful leadership strategy incorporates continuous learning and intentional actions. By investing in yourself and your business, you can unlock new levels of growth and foster a self-operating organization with a team that shares your vision.

Remember, leadership is a journey, and the commitment to grow and improve should never cease. The more you invest in yourself, the more you inspire others to follow and grow alongside you. So, let's embrace consistency, seize the power of discipline, and embark on a lifelong journey of leadership growth and marketing success!

If you're interested in exploring leadership coaching, mastermind groups, or other personal and professional growth resources, be sure to check out Built for the Trades. And remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review for the podcast to help us continue delivering valuable content to our audience.

Here's to a bright future of growth and success in marketing and leadership!

The Year of Two Paths

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built For The Trades podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we're diving into a topic that's been on my mind and has been shared in recent talks. The title is "A Year of Two Paths," throughout this podcast; I aim to teach you what it looks like to take the hard, easy path of leading leaders.

Before we delve into the concept of the two paths, let me remind you that Built For The Trades is a community of like-minded individuals in the trades who are dedicated to bettering themselves and those around them, living a life of integrity, and excelling in their endeavors. If you resonate with this, welcome to the community! Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend who could benefit from it, as we believe that leadership is a lifelong journey with no final destination.

To set the stage for our discussion, let me share Robert Frost's famous poem, "The Road Not Taken." It speaks of two diverging paths in a wood, and the poet chooses the less traveled one, ultimately making all the difference. This imagery beautifully illustrates our life choices: the easy, familiar path or the challenging, less explored one.

Most tend to follow the path of least resistance, much like a river flowing downstream. However, a few courageous individuals are willing to stand against the current, walk upstream, and embrace the hard path of leadership. The complex course involves discipline, stepping out of one's comfort zone, trying new things, standing up for beliefs, and embracing new challenges.

A century ago, people had to be dynamic and resourceful to survive, but in the modern age, complacency and laziness can creep in, given the comforts of society. However, those who dare to embrace the complicated path find opportunities for growth and success amidst the challenges.

What does it mean to take the leader's path? It starts with knowing you grow and extends to understanding your team to develop. Leaders communicate effectively, appreciate their team members and foster relationships. Built For The Trades uses the Enneagram assessment to help individuals understand strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.

On the other hand, the follower path represents the easy, arduous path. Followers tend to stick to their comfort zones, treating others as they've always been treated and ignoring their blind spots. This leads to stagnation and a need for growth.

The leader path is marked by being goal and growth-focused. Leaders set ambitious goals and continuously strive to learn and improve, even in the face of failures. They live outside their comfort zones, embrace change, and seek consistency in their efforts.

In contrast, the follower path is characterized by a lack of time management, inconsistency, and resistance to change. Followers are content with their routines and often fear the unknown, hindering their personal and professional growth.

Leaders invest time and effort in developing their team and themselves, seeking to create a strong foundation for future success. They value presence, empathy, and engagement in building relationships, understanding that every interaction offers opportunities to learn and grow.

Conversely, followers often find themselves trapped in busy routines, overwhelmed by tasks, and missing out on meaningful connections with others. They need to gain the foresight to realize the importance of investing in their team and personal development.

In conclusion, both paths have consequences—hard now, easy later for the leader path, and easy now, hard later for the follower path. However, choosing the complicated, accessible leadership path means taking the higher calling, setting ambitious goals, and striving for consistent growth.

As you embark on your journey, remember that embracing the path less taken is an intentional decision. Embrace change, acknowledge failures, and seek personal growth. Your commitment to leadership will lead to your success and uplift those around you, creating a positive impact in your organization and community.

So, are you ready to take the hard, accessible leadership path? It's time to step up, lead by example, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Embrace the challenges, knowing they will mold you into a better, more robust, and more influential leader.

Thank you for tuning in to the Build the Trades podcast. We appreciate your support and encourage you to check out our website, billforthetrades.com, for more valuable leadership and personal growth resources.

Remember, the less-taken path may be more challenging but will lead you to greater heights and lasting fulfillment.

Stay inspired, stay committed, and lead the way!

From 3 to 20 Million: A Journey of Growth and Family Values in the Trades

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In the dynamic world of business, there are success stories that inspire, motivate, and shed light on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. One such remarkable journey is that of Crystal, a businesswoman in the trades industry. This blog post will delve into the transcript of an insightful conversation with Crystal. She shares her experiences, lessons learned, and strategies that led her company from a modest $3 million to an impressive $20 million in revenue. Let's explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and family values that contributed to her success.

A Pivotal Moment: Investing in Leadership and Marketing

The journey began with a vision of achieving 10 million goals, and the company worked diligently towards it. But the real turning point came when they decided to invest in marketing and hire a second level of intermediate leadership. Crystal's brother, Trey, realized the need to focus on strategic planning, forecasting, and overcoming obstacles. With this investment, the team could now concentrate on the bigger picture of the business rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. This pivotal decision allowed them to take a more proactive approach toward growth.

Family and Business: The Delicate Balance

The company was a multi-generational family business with its own set of challenges. Crystal shared that their solid Christian values were vital in fostering mutual respect within the family. While they all had authoritative personalities, they humbled themselves before one another, allowing decisions to be made collectively. Crystal emphasized the importance of identifying the boss and following their lead to maintain a harmonious family and business dynamic.

Clear Communication and Separation of Work and Home Life

Maintaining effective internal communication within a family business is crucial. Weekly leadership meetings played a significant role in evaluating financial status and planning for the future. It was essential for the family to separate work and home life to avoid overburdening relationships with work discussions. Crystal highlighted the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with family members' different work styles, recognizing that everyone needed their pace and time to discuss work-related matters.

Learning from Mistakes: Trust but Verify

Crystal learned from her mistakes, especially when trusting vendors blindly. While they were considered partners, she realized the importance of tracking and measuring outcomes to ensure their strategies delivered results. The lesson was to trust but verify, using data-driven decisions and setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide marketing efforts effectively.

Another valuable lesson was related to team management. Crystal learned the importance of hiring slowly and firing quickly when necessary. Being empathetic, she struggled with letting go of underperforming team members, but she acknowledged the necessity of making timely decisions to maintain a positive work environment and team productivity.

Creating a Positive Work Environment and Building Stronger Teams

Crystal emphasized the significance of building a positive work environment and investing in her team's happiness and personal growth. By organizing various events, recognizing team members' efforts, and valuing their families, Crystal, and her team created a strong bond with their employees. Supporting team members' personal goals and ensuring a healthy work-life balance contributed to higher retention rates and a happier workforce.

Crystal's journey from $3 million to $20 million in revenue provides valuable insights into trades and family businesses. By investing in marketing, adopting proactive strategies, and fostering a positive work environment, she successfully navigated challenges and emerged as a thriving entrepreneur. The lessons she learned about trust, communication, and team management are essential for anyone seeking growth in the trades industry. With a focus on family values, mutual respect, and the right blend of leadership and management, Crystal's journey exemplifies the power of determination, innovation, and strong business acumen.

Creating a Team That Excels: Building an Organization That Inspires Part 3

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Built For The Trades podcast! In this final part of our three-part series, we will explore the importance of creating a team that excels and how leading by example and effective time management play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a high-performing team that goes above and beyond their job description, ultimately leading to tremendous success for your business.

The Power of a Higher Purpose:

More than merely paying employees more money does not guarantee exceptional performance. True excellence stems from aligning your team with a higher purpose. Establishing clear core values and a compelling vision for the future can foster a sense of dedication and professionalism that transcends monetary rewards. When your team members feel connected to a greater mission, they are more likely to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results.

The Importance of Team Dynamics:

Individual talent is valuable, but a well-functioning team’s collective effort leads to championship-level success. Like different body parts make up a whole, each team member has a vital role. When one person fails to fulfill their responsibilities or succeeds in their position, it affects the entire team. Recognizing the significance of each team member’s contribution and promoting a collaborative environment can drive overall excellence.

Overcoming Barriers:

To create a team that excels, overcoming common barriers such as lack of time, resistance to stepping out of comfort zones, and the fear of relinquishing control is essential. By embracing the six steps we discussed in the previous episodes and applying them consistently, you can break through revenue plateaus, build a thriving company culture, and achieve success in all areas of your life.

Expressing Gratitude:

Acknowledging and appreciating your team members’ efforts can have a profound impact on their motivation and overall performance. As Roy T. Bennett said, “Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day.” Therefore, in addition to implementing the strategies we’ve discussed, cultivating an outlook of positivity, gratitude, and encouragement can significantly contribute to creating a team that excels.

The Journey of Leadership:

Leadership is not a destination but a lifelong journey. It requires continuous growth and self-improvement. You can become a more effective leader by waking up each day to grow and applying the tools we’ve shared. Recognize that everyone learns and operates differently, and tailor your approach accordingly. The goal is to incorporate critical strategies into your leadership style to enhance effectiveness.

Leading by Example:

Leadership is synonymous with influence. Your team’s performance reflects directly on your leadership, both positively and negatively. Therefore, leading by example becomes imperative. When your team members observe you embodying the qualities you expect from them, it creates a powerful impact. Consistency is key. Set clear expectations and demonstrate your commitment to those expectations by following them yourself. Remember, leading up involves self-reflection and addressing your shortcomings before focusing on your team.

Mastering Time Management:

Effective time management is vital for leading by example. Chaos begets chaos; if you are disorganized or constantly putting out fires, it sets a negative tone for the entire team. A structured time management system can help you regain control and create an environment of productivity and efficiency. While there are various methods, the underlying principle remains consistent: prioritize and manage your time effectively to inspire your team to do the same.

In conclusion, creating a team that excels is a multifaceted endeavor that requires leadership, vision, and the willingness to invest in your team members’ growth. Leading by example and practicing effective time management can set the stage for excellence within your organization. Remember, your influence as a leader extends beyond the workplace. By continuously working on yourself and demonstrating gratitude and positivity, you pave the way for success in all areas of your life.

We hope you found value in this three-part series on creating an excellent team. If you need further assistance implementing these strategies, please contact us at builtforthetrades.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and revisit parts one and two if you haven’t already. Remember, your commitment to growth and excellence will yield long-term success for yourself and your team.

Creating a Team That Excels: Building an Organization That Inspires Part 2

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:10:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built for Trades podcast with your host, Dan Dowdy. This three-part series will explore the steps to create a team that excels. Building a successful team is crucial for overcoming revenue plateaus, shifting culture, and maintaining quality work. However, many leaders face challenges such as lack of time, fear of leaving their comfort zone, and past negative experiences. This blog post will delve into steps three and four: setting the foundation for success and initiating the relationship-building process.

Step 3: Setting the Foundation for Success

Just as a building's foundation must be level, a team's foundation must be solid and well-defined. To establish a level foundation, it is essential to have a clear understanding of where your team is headed. This begins with creating a vision map and helping team members see how they fit into that vision. By aligning individual goals with the organizational vision, you can set a strong foundation for success.

Another aspect of setting a level foundation is understanding your natural inclination towards leadership or management. Knowing your strengths will enable you to strike a balance between the two roles, ensuring effective leadership within your team.

Moreover, a vital aspect of establishing a foundation for success is documenting the position of each team member. Creating a position agreement, which outlines the job duties and responsibilities, helps eliminate ambiguity and provides clarity. This agreement should be a binding document that both you and your team member sign, acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of their position. This step not only ensures accountability but also minimizes misunderstandings and conflicts.

Step 4: Initiating the Relationship Building Process

Relationship building is a crucial aspect of fostering a successful team. To initiate this process, focus on effective communication and creating a positive work environment. Appreciating your team members' contributions and making them feel valued goes a long way in building solid relationships. Remember, a person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected.

While many assume that monetary rewards are the primary way to show appreciation, they are just a tiny piece of the puzzle. Words of encouragement, training opportunities, building relationships, and providing adequate time off are equally important. Take the time to understand what motivates and inspires each team member, as individual recognition can be a powerful tool in building relationships.

Creating an excellent team requires setting a solid foundation and fostering strong relationships. You provide clarity and accountability by establishing a level foundation through an explicit position agreement and aligning individual goals with the organizational vision. Additionally, initiating the relationship-building process by valuing and appreciating your team members creates a positive work environment and motivates them to go above and beyond.

Remember, leadership development is a lifelong journey, and these steps are crucial for continuous growth. Overcoming challenges such as lack of time, fear of change, and past negative experiences is possible when you invest in creating a team that excels. By following these steps, you will experience more success and fulfillment in your trade business and leave a lasting legacy.

Stay tuned for the final part of this series, where we will explore leading by example and the importance of ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring. Remember to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to support the Built for Trades podcast. Together, we can build exceptional teams that drive success in the trades industry.

Building a Strategic Marketing Strategy: Unleashing the Power of Differentiation

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built for Trades Podcast, where our mission is to empower businesses through leadership development. In today's episode, we delve into the significance of building a strategic marketing strategy that not only drives growth but also maximizes return on investment (ROI). Join our host, Dan Dowdy, and his fellow team member, Nathan, as they explore the key elements of effective marketing strategies and share valuable insights to help businesses thrive. Understanding the Need for a Strategic Marketing Strategy: Dan kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of having a well-defined marketing strategy. He quotes John C. Maxwell, reminding us that true leaders not only know the way but also go the way and show the way. In a world where many companies adopt a shotgun approach to marketing, being reactionary and lacking a plan, Dan and Nathan advocate for a strategic, diverse, and budgeted approach to marketing efforts. The Pitfalls of Haphazard Approaches: To illustrate the consequences of an aimless marketing approach, the hosts recount an anecdote about a business owner who invested in a new marketing plan without a clear strategy. The results were disappointing, highlighting the importance of focusing on revenue generation and developing a targeted marketing approach. It's not just about investing in marketing, but investing wisely and aligning efforts with the desired outcomes. Key Components of a Marketing Strategy: The conversation then delves into the different components that form the foundation of a successful marketing strategy. First, they discuss the demographic aspect, emphasizing the importance of identifying the ideal customer or avatar. By specifying details such as age range, home value, and family status, businesses can tailor their marketing efforts and establish a deeper emotional connection with potential customers. Next, the hosts touch on the geographic aspect, stressing the need to identify the locations where the target customers reside. This valuable information enables businesses to target specific neighborhoods and concentrate their marketing efforts where they are most likely to yield fruitful results. The conversation then shifts to the psychographic aspect, highlighting the significance of showcasing the most profitable services offered by the business. While a company may offer a range of services, it is crucial to highlight the most lucrative ones on websites and marketing materials. This approach helps establish a clear brand identity and attracts the desired customer base. Strategic and Targeted Approach to Marketing: Throughout the conversation, Dan and Nathan consistently emphasize the need for a strategic and targeted approach to marketing. They stress the importance of clear communication, selecting the right platforms to reach the target audience, and minimizing the effort required for potential customers to connect with the business. This focus on efficiency and effectiveness ensures that marketing resources are utilized optimally, leading to a better return on investment. Unleashing the Power of Differentiation: Building on the discussion, the transcript introduces the concept of customer guarantees and the significance of being unique and creative with them. Rather than relying solely on the common "money-back" guarantee, businesses are encouraged to explore innovative approaches. Suggestions like offering a 150% or 200% guarantee can set them apart from competitors and provide customers with an exceptional sense of peace of mind. Identifying Unique Aspects and Diversifying Marketing Efforts: The conversation progresses to the importance of identifying three unique aspects of a business that distinguish it from competitors. Being locally owned or family-owned, especially in a market dominated by franchises and national companies, can be a powerful differentiating factor. The hosts also encourage businesses to draw inspiration from their core values to identify other unique qualities. To ensure long-term success, Dan and Nathan advocate for dividing marketing efforts into three buckets: sales, retention, and community. By diversifying marketing strategies, businesses can achieve organic growth, lower costs per lead, and improved customer retention. Tactics such as email marketing, social media engagement

Creating a Team That Excels: Building an Organization That Inspires

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built Trace Podcast, where we are dedicated to helping you grow your business through leadership development. Whether it's your own business, organization, or leadership skills at home, our focus is to provide you with key takeaways from each episode that can be applied to your leadership journey. Leadership growth is a lifelong process, and there is no ultimate destination. With that in mind, we encourage you to wake up daily to grow. This three-part series will discuss creating a team that excels, offering insights and strategies that can drive your organization to new heights.

Part 1: Creating an Organization That's Bigger Than One Person

To build a team that excels, it is crucial to establish an organization that transcends individual contributions. When team members feel connected to something greater than themselves, they are more likely to stay committed and dedicated to their roles. Here are some key steps to achieve this:

Share a Vision for Growth: Develop a clear vision for your organization's future, including revenue targets and departmental growth. Communicate this vision to your team members, demonstrating how their roles fit the bigger picture. You inspire and motivate them to contribute to the organization's success by painting a compelling vision.

Develop a Vision Map: Create an organizational chart representing the three-year growth plan. Break down the various departments and positions, highlighting potential opportunities for team members to grow and progress within the organization. By visually representing their potential career paths, you help them see their future within the team.

Part 2: Understanding Your Giftedness

As a leader, it is essential to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing your unique abilities allows you to leverage them effectively and build a high-performing team. Consider the following steps:

Leadership vs. Management: Assess whether your strengths lie in leadership or management. While both are crucial, understanding which aspect resonates more with you can help you prioritize your focus. Recognize that effective leadership involves inspiring and guiding others, while management entails organizing and coordinating tasks.

Self-awareness: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. Understanding your giftedness allows you to align your responsibilities with your skills, making you more effective in your role. It also enables you to recognize areas where you might need to delegate or seek support from others.

Creating a team that excels requires intentional effort and a commitment to fostering an environment where individuals thrive. By building an organization more significant than any one person and understanding your giftedness as a leader, you set the foundation for success. This series will delve into initiating relationship building, leading by example, and providing training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. Remember, words matter, and consistent actions aligned with your vision will help your team excel. By investing in your team's growth, you will reap the rewards of a thriving organization—tremendous success, fulfillment, and growth for everyone involved. Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others eager to unlock their leadership potential.

Five Steps to Take Advantage of the Recession and Grow Your Business

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:45:00 -0500

Welcome to the Built of Trades podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we will discuss the five steps that can help you leverage the recession to your advantage. But before we begin, I want to take a moment to ask our audience to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend. At Built for the Trades, our mission is to support the growth of our listeners through leadership development, and your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated.

Step One: Adopt a Positive Mindset

Rather than viewing the recession as a setback, approach it as an opportunity. Don't fall into the trap of focusing on things beyond your control or complaining about the changing customer landscape. As a leader, it's crucial to maintain a positive mindset and concentrate on what you can control. By embracing this perspective, you can set yourself apart from competitors and navigate the recession successfully.

Step Two: Gain Market Share

To capitalize on the recession, focus on gaining market share. Develop a well-defined marketing strategy that targets your ideal demographic, considers geographical factors, and highlights your most profitable services. Ensure that your marketing efforts align with your business goals and track the return on investment. By consistently investing in marketing and effectively reaching your target audience, you can set yourself up for success.

Step Three: Communication for Success

Proactive communication is vital during challenging times. Shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one by holding regular leadership, team, and customer service meetings. Establish a specific agenda for each meeting and use them as opportunities to discuss important matters, address obstacles, and provide training. Effective communication strengthens your team and enables them to tackle challenges head-on.

Step Four: Strengthen Your Team

Invest in your team's growth and development by conducting consistent one-to-one meetings. These meetings allow you to build relationships, address obstacles, and provide coaching. Additionally, showcase your company culture and values through social media to attract top talent. Consider offering pay raises to incentivize and retain your team members, especially during times of inflation and economic uncertainty.

Step Five: Focus on the 80/20 Rule

Apply the 80/20 rule to maximize your revenue. Identify the key activities that generate 80% of your revenue and allocate 20% of your time and resources to them. Regularly evaluate how you spend your time and delegate tasks that can be handled by others. This will free up your time to focus on high-impact activities that contribute significantly to your business's growth.

The recession presents an opportunity for growth and innovation if approached with the right mindset and strategies. By adopting a positive mindset, gaining market share, prioritizing effective communication, strengthening your team, and focusing on high-impact activities, you can position your business for success even in challenging times. Embrace these five steps and turn the recession into an opportunity for growth and advancement.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Exploring the Benefits of Trades: Josh Zolan's Journey and Insights

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 26 May 2023 14:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Built of the Trades podcast! In this edition, our hosts, Dan Dowdy, and Nathan Glass, dive into an important topic that can transform how we approach our goals: the power of discipline. Drawing from an insightful interview with Josh Zolan, the CEO of Wendy City Equipment, the hosts emphasize the significance of discipline over motivation and provide practical steps to cultivate this invaluable trait. Join us as we explore four steps to rely on discipline and achieve long-term success.

Step 1: Get Specific and Make it Measurable: Discipline requires a clear target. The hosts encourage listeners to get specific about their goals and make them measurable. Defining precise metrics and timelines is crucial, whether it's weight loss, career advancement, or any other objective. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, measurable targets, individuals can create a roadmap to success and work towards them consistently.

Step 2: Publicize Your Goals and Find an Accountability Partner: Accountability is a powerful catalyst for discipline. The hosts emphasize the importance of publicizing goals and finding an accountability partner. Sharing goals with others, whether through public announcements or involving close friends, adds a layer of commitment. The presence of an accountability partner provides support, guidance, and a gentle nudge in the right direction when motivation falters. This external support system helps individuals stay on track and maintain discipline.

Step 3: Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way: Focusing solely on the end goal can be overwhelming and demotivating if progress seems slow. To combat this, the hosts highlight the significance of celebrating small wins along the journey. Recognizing and appreciating even the smallest achievements boosts morale and generates momentum. Individuals build confidence and reinforce their discipline by acknowledging progress at every step, making the path to success more enjoyable.

Step 4: Let Go of Missed Days and Keep Moving Forward: Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. The hosts stress the importance of not dwelling on missed days or trying to make up for lost time. Instead, individuals should let go of the past and focus on moving forward. Attempting to compensate for missed days can lead to frustration, burnout, or quitting altogether. By embracing a forward-looking mindset, individuals preserve their discipline and prevent setbacks from derailing their progress.

Invest in External Motivation and Support Systems: The transcript also highlights the value of seeking external motivation and investing in support systems. Coaches, accountability partners, or mastermind groups can provide invaluable guidance and motivation. Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the journey and can offer support and encouragement is crucial for staying disciplined and motivated.

Embrace Discipline for Lasting Success In conclusion: The episode sheds light on the power of discipline and its role in achieving long-term success. Following the four steps outlined in the transcript, individuals can shift their focus from relying on fleeting motivation to cultivating discipline. Getting specific and measurable, making goals public, celebrating small wins, and letting go of missed days all contribute to a disciplined mindset. Additionally, seeking external motivation and investing in support systems help individuals stay on track and maintain their discipline. Remember, discipline is the key that unlocks the door to your dreams. Embrace, cultivate, and witness the transformation it brings to your journey of success.

Exploring the Benefits of Trades: Josh Zolan's Journey and Insights

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 19 May 2023 04:20:00 -0500

In a recent episode of the Built For The Trades podcast, host Dan engages in a captivating conversation with Josh Zolan, owner of Wendy City Equipment, podcaster, speaker, and author of the book "Blue is the New White." This dynamic duo sheds light on the advantages of entering the trades while delving into Josh's remarkable journey. From a childhood immersed in the stunt industry to finding his true calling, Josh's experiences provide valuable insights into the world of trades.

A Hollywood Dream Turned Realization:

Hailing from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Josh recounts his upbringing in a family deeply involved in the stunt industry. Following his passion, he pursued a career as a stuntman in Hollywood, but he soon realized that being the person behind the scenes left him dissatisfied. Craving a more fulfilling path, Josh joined his father's restaurant equipment repair company in Arizona, starting from scratch to learn the trade from the ground up. His stunt experiences, including performing dangerous stunts like setting himself on fire and executing high falls, shaped his resilience and determination.

Lessons Learned: Hard Work, Consistency, and Integrity:

One incident that remains etched in Josh's memory is a painful stunt where his efforts were ultimately wasted when the first take was used for the commercial. Through this setback, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, consistency, integrity, and honesty—values instilled in him by his father. Josh believes in remaining consistent, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving for improvement. Initially known as "Joel's son" in his father's business, he earned respect through his relentless work ethic, gradually proving his worth.

The Power of Teamwork and Positive Hiring:

Dan and Josh attribute their success to the power of a motivated team with similar philosophies. They highlight the significance of hiring the right individuals who align with their vision. Attending conferences and networking events that positively impact their business has been instrumental in their growth. By surrounding themselves with talented and driven individuals, they create an environment conducive to success.

Challenging the Status Quo: "Blue is the New White":

Josh's book, "Blue is the New White," challenges the societal pressure to pursue a college education as the only path to success. It aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding trade careers by providing insights into the benefits, opportunities, and trajectories they offer. The book delves into the costs and returns on investment of college education while comparing wages earned by college graduates versus those who start as apprentices or attend trade school.

Apprenticeships: Practical Experience and Diverse Opportunities:

During the conversation, Dan and Josh emphasize the value of apprenticeships in providing practical experience and valuable life skills that often surpass what traditional college degrees offer. They shed light on the myriad career opportunities in the trades beyond technical roles, such as marketing, customer service, dispatching, management, and bookkeeping. The joy and fulfillment derived from making a tangible impact on the world through the trades are also highlighted.

Seeking Trade Opportunities: Humility, Hard Work, and Persistence:

To those interested in pursuing a trade career, Josh encourages thorough research and direct outreach to local companies to express eagerness to learn. He emphasizes the importance of humility, hard work, and persistence in securing trade opportunities. By approaching potential mentors and employers with a genuine passion for the industry, individuals can pave their way toward a fulfilling trade career.

Dan and Josh's engaging conversation on the Built For The Trades podcast offers a compelling exploration of the benefits of trades and highlights the remarkable journey of Josh Zolan. His transition from Hollywood stuntman to successful business owner underscores the immense value of pursuing trade careers.

Recap with Dan Dowdy of Interview with Rachel BetterBid

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 12 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this blog post, we will discuss emotional capacity and leadership, a topic introduced by Dan Dowdy, the host of the Built for Trades podcast, during the recap of the interview with Rachel Better Bid, the VP of Digital Marketing from Coal March. Nathan Glass, the marketing manager at Built for the Trades, joins Dan to delve deeper into the subject.

Emotional capacity is overcoming limiting beliefs, adapting to challenging situations, and building strong relationships. Nathan explains that limiting beliefs are like a ceiling that prevents individuals from attempting to achieve their goals. The key to overcoming limiting beliefs is to shift one's mindset, like adjusting a thermostat, from a lower limit to a higher one.

One effective way to shift one's beliefs is to surround oneself with like-minded people who provide positive energy and new ideas. Listening to podcasts, reading books, and limiting exposure to negative information can also help one build knowledge and expand one's beliefs.

Nathan uses the analogy of the legs of a table to explain how a belief is like a table supported by a set of ideas. To take down the table, one must attack each leg of the table until it falls. Similarly, one must attack each idea that supports the belief to overcome limiting beliefs.

In conclusion, emotional capacity and leadership are essential to achieving success. By expanding one's beliefs, building strong relationships, and adapting to challenging situations, one can overcome limiting beliefs and achieve their goals.

Why Having An Online Presence Is Important For Business

Dan Dowdy — Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

On today’s Built For The Trades podcast episode, host Dan Dowdy is interviewing Rachel Betterbid from CoalMarch. You will get to hear how having an online presence is essential for any business looking to grow and reach more customers. For home service companies, this is particularly important as consumers increasingly rely on the Internet to find and hire service providers for their homes. But with so many options and strategies to consider, it can be challenging to know where to start.

To help guide the conversation, here are some key questions to consider when it comes to building and maintaining an online presence for home service companies.

In your experience, what is the best source of lead generation for home service companies?

Lead generation is critical for any business, and for home service companies, this typically involves capturing leads through online channels. But which channels are the most effective? Is it search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), social media advertising, or other strategy? It's important to understand which channels work best for your business and focus your efforts on those.
What role does social media play in a home service company's marketing strategy?

Social media can be a powerful tool for home service companies, allowing them to connect with potential customers, showcase their work, and build their brands. But it's important to approach social media strategically, choose the right platforms, and create content that resonates with your target audience.
In what ways has the digital marketing world shifted in the last 5-10 years, and how has it impacted home service companies?

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. It's important to stay up-to-date on these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly. For home service companies, this might mean investing more heavily in mobile optimization, voice search optimization, or other emerging trends.
With so many different advertising options as a business, is SEO still important?

SEO has been a cornerstone of digital marketing for many years, but with the rise of social media advertising and other paid channels, some businesses wonder if it's still necessary. The truth is, SEO is still a critical component of any online strategy, as it helps ensure that your business appears in search results when potential customers are looking for home services in your area.
Ultimately, building and maintaining an effective online presence for a home service company requires a combination of strategy, creativity, and technical know-how. At Coalmarch by Workwave, they have been helping home service companies with their digital marketing needs for 18 years and have seen firsthand the impact that a strong online presence can have on a business's success.

Rachel has been working in digital marketing for about nine years and has experience in everything from business consulting and strategy to website development and email marketing. She is passionate about helping home service companies grow their business and run it more effectively. She would love to discuss these key questions and more with anyone interested in learning more about digital marketing for home service companies.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How XOI Could Benefit Your Technicians

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -0500

In a podcast recap episode from Built For The Trades, Dan Dowdy discusses the importance of understanding others' perspectives in leadership. The episode features JP Cahalan from XOI Technologies, who stresses the value of putting oneself in the shoes of technicians to develop technology that benefits them.

Dowdy shares a quote from Kylie Francis that highlights the importance of not placing one's happiness on others' opinions or judgments. As a leader, it is essential to take the time to understand others' perspectives and show empathy. Understanding others, especially in a leadership position, can be challenging, but it is vital to building solid relationships.

Dowdy references an article from Forbes that outlines three types of perspectives. The first is perspective-taking, where one can understand a situation from another person's point of view. The second is perspective seeking, where one can interact with others to understand their perspective better. It is crucial to avoid falling into the trap of only reaching out to those with the same viewpoint. The third is perspective coordinating, which involves finding common ground and making decisions considering everyone's perspective.

Understanding others is a crucial leadership principle that can help build stronger relationships, foster empathy, and make better decisions. It is essential to take the time to understand others' perspectives, not just in the workplace but also in personal relationships. With practice, leaders can develop their perspective-taking, seeking, and coordinating skills, leading to a more positive and productive environment.

How XOI Could Benefit Your Technicians

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Dan Dowdy, the Built for the Trades podcast host, interviews JP Cahalan from XOI Technologies, which provides an app for technicians to capture and collaborate on work and get coaching. Calahan talks about his background and growing up in a small town in Florida, where he worked at a paper plate factory during his summer holidays. Later he worked in construction and became a project manager in a company specializing in modular building systems. He eventually joined XOI Technologies, where he spent nine years.

The company is focused on creating a tool for technicians that is easy to use and delivers value with every action asked of them. The company's founders have a background in construction and manufacturing and understand the importance of building a tool relatable to the technician. The technology used in the application is designed to solve the skilled trades gap, and the company has achieved a 35% increase in completed service requests through its use. The technology leverages optical character recognition to quickly read and decode information and push it to the technician in real-time.

XOI offers a tool called Collaborate, like FaceTime on steroids, allowing live calls, drawing on screens, and real-time pointing to solve problems. They also can record interactions and use AI to make them an asset, pushing the solutions back to technicians when they have issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building assets and being smarter to support technicians and make them efficient.

Dan and JP discuss the importance of social media and technology in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical fields. They mention how technicians use social media to create content about their work and how it can benefit companies to incorporate technology and social media into their operations. They also talk about how investing in education and training for technicians can help retain top talent. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to the new generation of workers accustomed to technology in their daily lives.

XOI Technologies' app helps take pictures of data plates to create technician resumes. The app collects simple data that often gets lost in the busyness of service businesses and allows them to understand better the frequency of events and things that happen in their systems. It enables contractors to have meaningful dialogues with customers about the status of their equipment and allows for forecasting and preparation for future seasons. Additionally, the app can listen to and extract industry-specific keywords, surface that information back to contractors, and allow for a better understanding of trends and tendencies when working on different types of equipment.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Investing in Customer Service Skills: A Key to Success for Trades Businesses

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:07:00 -0500

In this episode of the Bill for the Trades podcast, the host, Dan Dowdy, invites Nathan Glass, a coach, and facilitator at Built for the Trades, to discuss a leadership topic pulled from an interview with Zach Garside, the CEO of Power Selling Pros. The phrase that caught their attention was "doing what is right over what is easy," they explored what it means in the context of leadership.

Dowdy recalls a story from Zach's interview about how his dad made the tough decision to move the family from California to Utah for better schools and opportunities but still flew back to California to run his established locksmith business. This decision was an example of doing what is right over what is easy, as it required sacrifices and extra effort to ensure the best outcome for the family.

Glass shares a personal story from his high school basketball days about how he learned the importance of doing what is right, even in small things like touching the line during suicide drills. He found that his soul felt better when he did the right thing and had integrity, rather than taking shortcuts and lacking integrity.

The episode also includes insights from at least ten other people who were asked what "doing what is right over what is easy" means to them. This diversity of perspectives highlights how this principle can apply to different situations and contexts. Still, it ultimately boils down to prioritizing doing the right thing, even if it's not the easiest or most convenient option.

The podcast emphasizes that developing leadership is a lifetime journey and encourages listeners to subscribe and share the content with others committed to growing in their leadership.

Investing in Customer Service Skills: A Key to Success for Trades Businesses

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:30:00 -0600

In the trades industry, customer service skills can be the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to stay afloat. This was the focus of a recent episode of the Built For The Trades podcast, where host Dan Dowdy spoke with Zach Garside, CEO of Power Selling Pros, a company that provides customer service training to home service businesses.

Zach's background in the HVAC industry led him to found Power Selling Pros, recognizing the need for improved customer service skills among tradespeople. In the podcast, he emphasized the importance of building trust and customer relationships, which leads to repeat business and positive reviews. This can have a significant impact on the success of a business in a competitive industry.

However, businesses often need to improve customer service, such as poor communication or failure to follow up after a service call. Zach stressed the importance of finding team members with positive attitudes and empathy to avoid these missteps. This, along with company culture and leadership that values customer service, can lead to a successful team.

The conversation then turned to the eight principles that Power Selling Pros teaches to build successful customer interactions: be positive, be prepared, listen, care, reassure, ask for the meaning, be valuable, and be grateful. These principles provide a foundation for great conversations and help build customer relationships, ultimately leading to business success.

One key takeaway from the podcast was investing in customer service skills. This benefits the business and the individual employees, who can develop valuable skills for their career advancement. It also helps improve the reputation of the trade industry by demonstrating the value of excellent customer service.

In conclusion, the Built For The Trades podcast episode with Zach Garside highlights the importance of customer service skills for trade businesses. By investing in these skills and prioritizing customer relationships, businesses can set themselves up for success in a competitive industry.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Overcoming Adversity and Impacting The Next Generation

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 01:50:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built podcast, Dan recaps his interview with John Akhoian, the CEO of Rooter Hero, the largest residential plumbing service company in California. John shared his inspiring story of overcoming the victim mentality and how he turned his traumatic experience into his superpower. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the victim mentality and explore ways to overcome it from a leadership perspective.

What is Victim Mentality?

Victim mentality is a mindset that centers around the belief that bad things happen and will continue to happen, blaming other people or circumstances for one's problems and feeling powerless to change the situation. This way of thinking limits personal growth and success and can harm one's personal and professional life.

Overcoming the Victim Mentality: A Leadership Perspective

John Akhoian's story is a testament to the fact that overcoming the victim mentality is possible. Despite losing his dad early and experiencing trauma, he decided to use the experience as a stepping stone to his success. He changed his mindset, surrounded himself with the right people, and started looking for opportunities instead of dwelling on his circumstances. As a result, he became the CEO of the largest residential plumbing service company in California.

Here are some ways leaders can overcome the victim mentality:

Take Responsibility: Leaders must take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. Avoid blaming others or circumstances for failures; instead, focus on finding solutions to problems. This mindset shift can help leaders take charge of their lives and create opportunities for growth and success.
Seek Solutions: Leaders should seek solutions to problems instead of dwelling on them. They should adopt a proactive approach to challenges, find ways to overcome obstacles and explore new possibilities. This mindset shift can help leaders create a positive work environment encouraging growth and innovation.
Empowerment: Leaders must empower their team members to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and contribute to the organization's success. This mindset shift can help create a culture of accountability and growth where team members feel valued and motivated to achieve their goals.
Positive Self-Talk: Leaders should practice positive self-talk and avoid negative thoughts and self-sabotage. They should focus on their strengths and abilities and use them to create opportunities for growth and success. This mindset shift can help leaders build self-confidence and resilience, which are essential qualities for leadership.

Overcoming the victim mentality is possible with the right mindset, attitude, and approach. Leaders must take responsibility for their actions, seek solutions, empower their team members, and practice positive self-talk. By doing so, they can create a culture of growth, innovation, and success that benefits themselves and their organizations.

Overcoming Adversity and Impacting The Next Generation

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:47:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built of the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy interviews John Akhoian, the co-founder and CEO of Rooter Hero Plumbing. John talks about his journey to becoming a tradesman and leader in the plumbing industry, sharing the story of how he got started in the trades after his father passed away and he needed to support his family. He also discusses the importance of giving back and sharing knowledge in the trades, as well as the value of leadership development as a lifelong journey. John's story is one of hard work, perseverance, and determination, and it serves as an inspiration to anyone who is considering a career in the trades. Despite facing adversity, John was able to build a successful business and become a leader in his field. His commitment to giving back to the community and sharing knowledge with others is a testament to his dedication to the trades and his belief in the importance of helping others. Through this podcast, Dan and John hope to encourage other leaders in the trades to share their knowledge and experiences with others and to inspire the next generation of tradesmen and women. They also emphasize the importance of leadership development and how it can help individuals and companies in the trades grow and succeed. In conclusion, the Built of the Trades podcast is a valuable resource for anyone in the trades who is looking to develop their leadership skills and grow in their careers. By listening to the stories and insights of successful leaders like John Akhoian, individuals can gain the knowledge and inspiration they need to take their careers to the next level.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How In-House Training Could Take Your Business To The Next Level

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:10:00 -0600

As the host of the Built for the Trades Podcast, Dan Dowdy always looks for ways to help tradesmen and women grow through leadership development. In a recent recap episode with Dan Clapper from Interplay Learning, Dan dives into the concept of "serving over selling" and how it applies to leadership.

Interplay Learning's mission is to better careers and lives for skilled trades, and they do it in a very innovative way that will help take your leadership and your business to the next level. In this podcast episode, Dan shares some key points on the leadership principle of "serving over selling."

Serving over selling is about genuinely focusing on the person you're with, giving them your full attention, and asking questions to understand better their needs, wants, and concerns. The difference between serving and selling is that you are attentive, documenting, and providing options that will solve the other person's needs. In contrast, selling is more about what you want to sell to that person, not their needs.

At Built for the Trades, we teach about the Four Stages of Leadership: position, relationship building, production, and transformation. In stage one, you set clear expectations in writing with a positive mindset. In stage two, you build a relationship by giving the other person your undivided attention and being curious about them, taking notes, and writing down what you learn. In stage three, you show leadership by example; in stage four, you transform your team by inspiring and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Applying serving over selling in your life and business can take your leadership skills to the next level. It's about being present, attentive, and genuinely focused on the person you're with, whether a customer, team member, or potential team member. Building relationships, leading by example, and inspiring others can transform your team and bring your business to new heights.

If you're in the trades industry and looking to improve your leadership skills, consider incorporating serving over selling into your daily life. It may be the thing you need to take your leadership to the next level.

How To Implement Training For Growth

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:50:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Dan Clapper, with Interplay Learning, as their HVAC Marketing Director. Dan Clapper is a third-generation tradesman who is passionate about educating those in the trades and has also written a book called, “Get More HVAC leads.” 6:07 – “When it comes to growing your leadership, you first got to grow on your confidence. And one way the only way you grow on your confidence is by growing in your knowledge and applying the knowledge and learning from it and growing.” - Dan Dowdy In today’s market, you are competing with so many other companies in your same industry that you need to know what sets you apart from each of them, and many companies cannot define that. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL: Find out why not only doing quality service but also having knowledgeable technicians on your team can set you apart from your competitors. Learn the importance of having a growth plan to help implement a healthy training program. Using training programs to teach skills that can retain quality people in the trades helps build your company up for success while valuing those team members. 25:05 “ I think where we're seeing the best success is just making sure they have a great attitude. And then we can teach technical skills.” - Dan Clapper

Vision Tools for Your Business

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, Dan Dowdy shares his insights on setting up a successful business venture. He emphasizes how having a strong and clear vision serves as an essential first step towards success; creating a leadership team to move forward with that vision is then key to achieving one's goals.

Whether you're a business veteran or just starting out, this episode will help you create a vision that propels your organization towards success. Get ready to set yourself and your team up for success.

Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Discover the difference between a vision, mission and core values.
Learn why we have each category for our business.
Listen as Dan dip his toes into the Built for the Trades organizational chart and how it is ignored by other businesses.

25:43 – “You need to be clear on what you are and where you want to go because if I'm a leader coming to your business, I don't want to work somewhere where we don't know where we're going. If that's the case, the carrots are always moving, right? We're never accomplishing goals; it will never be good enough. It's a place that I'm not going to want to work; I want to accomplish goals and celebrate us getting to our vision.” - Dan Dowdy

Attracting and retaining top leaders requires giving them something to aspire towards: a vision that is both meaningful for the business and inspiring for staff. Providing growth pathways, support systems for family well-being, and opportunities to achieve personal goals can empower workers in tough times – when it may seem daunting or hard going - with reminders about why their efforts matter.

If you want to learn more about establishing vision tools for your business, reach out to Dan@builtforthetrades.com. We would love to hear from you. Make sure to follow along wherever you are listening!

Recap With Dan Dowdy: How the Trades Can Benefit from Diversifying with Women and Minorities

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:48:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his pas interview Allie Perez with George Plumbing Company in San Antonio. Dan and Allie discussed the benefits of minorities and women in the trades, and ultimately diversifying who you surround yourself with.

Dan refers to “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell more specifically law number eight, which is the law of magnetism. Through taking a deep account of who you are as a leader will allow you to understand how to attract the type of people you are wanting to bring into your business.

“ Now think about diversifying, think about okay, this has gotten me to this far, how can I go to the next level and start to open up your eyes to the opportunities to hire women into the trades.” - Dan Dowdy

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

-You are who you attract and how to use that to your advantage in hiring and promoting.

-How diversifying your hiring prospects could benefit your business growth.

“Your team is going to be more dynamic, and it will help you push past that growth ceiling and take your business to the next level.” - Dan Dowdy

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How to Recruit In The Trades Using Social Media

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Levi Torres with High Five Plumbing in Denver.

Are you looking to make a difference in the way your business operates? Do you want to create an environment of progress and growth that embraces change? If the answer is yes, then it's time to start setting encouraging goals for yourself and helping your team do the same. In his interview, Levi provided helpful tools for assessing and executing goals that will transform your team’s workspace into one of harmony—empowered by solid relationships built on mutual respect toward each other's professional endeavors. In this recap, Dan dives into what it truly means to take ownership of a long-term vision – ultimately allowing ambition and trust to lead the way!

How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Find out how to change the culture of your business.
Learn how to use social media to build a “know, like, and trust factor.”
Discover how to avoid continuously implementing things in your business that aren’t sustainable.

“One of the greatest things we can do for people is to help them look into the future and set goals for themselves. The reality is, 99% of people that come to work in my business have never set a goal in their life.” - Dan Dowdy

You don't have to be the font of all knowledge or do it all! As an owner and manager, you need to focus on finding someone who fits a role well - somebody that's passionate about what they're doing. Then you can reap the rewards by delegating such tasks out confidently.

How To Create Your Year Vision Map

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:38:00 -0600

It’s essential to understand where your business stands and how you plan to get from point A to point B. Having a business vision map that clearly outlines your plans for the next three years can help guide your team through times of opportunity and adversity alike. Why is mapping out a business strategy for the next three years critical? In this episode, Dan discusses precisely why having a detailed, actionable map is key to staying on track with reaching long-term goals. In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, Dan Dowdy discusses precisely why having a detailed, actionable map is key to staying on track with reaching long-term goals.

If you don’t have one and don’t have it posted on the wall, this episode is for you!

Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Discover why it’s essential to build vision tools for your business.
Find out how building out these tools will benefit your business.
Learn how to build your vision and the steps to take along the way.

13:54 – “Once we build a 3-year vision map out, if you have a leadership team, or you have a partner or spouse that you're in the business with, the best thing is to take this to them and get their input, make some tweaks to it, don't overthink it. Because the reality is this is never going to be perfect. It's a vision.” - Dan Dowdy.

If you want to learn more about creating a three-year vision map for your business, reach out to Dan@builtforthetrades.com. We would love to hear from you. Make sure to follow along wherever you are listening!

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How to Reduce Your Stress and Have a Clear Vision In Your Life and Business

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Stephen Christopher of Wit Digital.

Stephen laid out the rewards of inner peace and mental clarity, revealing how these are essential stepping stones to elevating one's leadership capabilities. In this recap, Dan explores further into the concept that our external circumstances mirror what is happening internally within ourselves.

How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:

1. Find out the three meditations Stephen shares for inner peace.

2. Uncover how what you watch, listen to and hang around will ultimately lead to the thoughts you have in your head.

3. Learn how your outer world reflects your inner world.

“If we're not willing to carve out some time and put in the work now, then we're definitely not going to be willing to put in the work later, when it's really going to be necessary.” - Dan Dowdy

If you're unsatisfied with the way things are, don't wait for others to take action. Instead of aiming at changing your environment right away, begin by improving yourself and showing leadership through influence: no matter how small it starts off as, consistent effort is what counts towards creating a better world around us. It all begins now!

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How To Balance Working With Your Spouse In Business and In Life

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy dives into a recap from the interview with Justin and Kristen Deese, husband and wife duo and home service business owners. This episode is beneficial as Dan reiterates information based on experiences from the trade that will immensely improve the function of small business team members.

This episode is for you if you wish to create a system to highlight personal strengths for every individual in your workspace and learn to become the best version of yourself as a leader.

Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Find out how Justin Deese and Dan Dowdy agree that utilizing unique abilities will help elevate trade business.
Uncover how the power of “filling the gaps" with various personality types and strengths can benefit businesses.
Learn how Dan Dowdy promotes Dan Sullivan’s six tips for finding your unique ability.

“ You can think as you listen to this podcast, where do I fit into those two areas? Am I a stronger leader or am I a stronger manager? And once you discover that, you can start to lean into the other side and become a better leader, or lean into the other side and become a better manager.” - Dan Dowdy

Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others. As you go out today, I encourage you to jot these down, find your unique ability and share that with your team. Also, we would love for you to share that with us here on the Built for the Trades podcast! As you listen to this, drop a comment in the box, share your unique ability, and share if you feel you're more equipped in leadership or management. We want to know about some things you learned through this great worksheet shared in this episode.

How To Balance Working With Your Spouse In Business and In Life

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Justin and Kristen Deese, husband and wife duo and home service business owners, to the show. Dan and the Deese’ dive right into multiple pieces of advice they have on leadership development, home service business ownership, and managing a partnership while maintaining holy matrimony.

“Well, step one is to separate your personal funds from your business funds, step one, at the very beginning, don't be running business funds through your personal account, and vice versa.” - Kristin Deese

If you and your spouse may benefit from a married couple that has been in business for almost twenty years together this podcast is for you. Dan, Justin, and Kristen share advice and insight that can be utilized in multiple business aspects.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL:

- Find out how Justin and Kristen started their business while living together at home.

- Discover the initial steps of creating successful business funds.

- Learn about how to have realistic expectations of business growth and recovery from failure.

- Uncover some secrets to creating systems and processes that reduce unnecessary stress.

- Learn how weekly spreadsheets and balances can help keep financial expenses orderly.

“What are the things that are going on in the business from the operation standpoint that are affecting the numbers and how could it be better? It's usually because business owners don't have the strength in numbers. They have the strength in the sales and the leadership.” - Kristen Deese

Only Two Tools You Need To Build Better Team Members

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0600

This episode is for you if you wish to create healthy boundaries for employees and reduce the threat of miscommunication and failed expectations.

Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Find out how setting clear expectations for your employees benefits your team as a whole.

Uncover how the power of communication and accountability with set dates and checklists is more beneficial for productivity bonuses than commission.

Learn how Dan Dowdy reduces chaos and builds great teams for profitable business endeavors.

“...it's going to be a proactive system that you can have in your business that allows you to stay ahead of the problem. So many times in business, we're always fixing the issues that pop up, but we don’t look back a few steps before that and ask ourselves, ‘what is it that we’re missing? What's the sign that we're missing that's causing this issue and this position agreement scorecard combo is a great way to tame that chaos in your business.” - Dan Dowdy

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Building Generational Companies With Core Values In Mind

Dan Dowdy — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:10:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his interview with Chris Cline of Yochim Plumbing. In the original interview, Dan and Chris chat about their experiences with being second-generation tradesmen and being “old school” where integrity, hard work, and a handshake means everything in business. Chris’s father, Mark Yochim, built Yochim Plumbing into what it is today. They genuinely encompass the meaning of generational and people-focused tradesmen and women with their core values in operation. In this recap, Dan shares how your team directly reflects you as their leader and how this will present itself in generations to come. Chris has witnessed the power of generational core values and how business is genuinely about giving more than you take as a leader. How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips: 1. Find out how the previous generations of your business can still teach you today. 2. Discover how outdated marketing strategies are still growing businesses and relationships. 3. Learn how your team directly reflects you as a leader. “Your culture and your business is a direct reflection of you because you, deep down, have core values and live by those core values.” - Dan Dowdy It is essential to keep in mind that your company will rise to your leadership level. We hope this episode inspires you to take the steps today to ensure your business is a place your employees want to give and serve.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Dig Into A 4th Generation Business Owners

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:37:00 -0600

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Bret Barnhart of Barnhart Excavating. Bret’s favorite core value in his business is to have no regrets, and in this recap, Dan shares the seven steps to live your life with no regrets.

As Bret’s number one core value, living with no regrets carries over from his personal life to his business. It is vital that each decision made in the business is made to ensure the employees and the customers never have regrets when working with Barnhart Excavating.

How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Find out the four core values Bret Barnhart lives by in his business.
Uncover the one thing you can control, despite all the changes in the world.
Learn the seven steps to living your life with no regrets.

“If we don't like what we do, take ownership of it and do something about it. If you don't like where you're at in your business, take ownership and make a change because we are in complete control of our lives.” - Dan Dowdy

Bret shared so much good value for leaders, business owners, and family men out there that are wanting to better their lives in a way they won’t regret in the future, and we hope this episode provided you with the steps to ensure you can live a regret-free life as well.

Dig Into A 4th Generation Business Owner’s Key To Success

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Bret Barnhart, the owner of Barnhart Excavating, to the show. Dan and Bret “dig” right into Bret’s backstory of being a fourth-generation business owner and how he found his success in making sure those around him are also successful and have no regrets.

“Being in the trades, you probably know that there's a lot of things that hit you every day. If you let those negative things get to you, you'll just think business sucks, but at the end of the day, you're making an impact with people.” - Bret Barnhart

If you feel like you have missed out on being taught how to run a virtuous business with a team to show for, this episode is for you. Dan and Bret share advice and insight that can be handed down for generations.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL:

Find out how Bret is a fourth-generation business owner; however, his business wasn’t handed down to him.

Discover Bret’s core value of having no regrets.

Learn about Bret’s new Path to Success program people can join right out of high school.

Uncover the pain point of hiring and training team members in your business. Learn one step you can take towards starting your path to success.

"To be honest with you, I wouldn't have built the business the way I built it if it would have been given to me because I wouldn't have had to go through the hard things." - Bret Barnhart

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Appreciation: The Under Valued Tool In Employee Retention

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Michael Sauer of Scorpion. Michael is passionate about helping business owners discover what motivates their employees to ensure every employee and company is valued. In this recap, Dan shares a couple of leadership principles that he and Michael talked about that stood out as essential to get across to the leaders in the trade.

In the original interview, Michael shares how what we are doing as managers likely are not enough. This is why everyone is leaving our companies. As you listen through this episode, note that Michael shares incredible insight on cultivating a team that wants to stick around.

How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:

Find out how The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace can help you curb The Great Resignation.
Discover how better to understand yourself, your coworkers, and your employees!
Learn the easiest way to show appreciation and how it might benefit your company.

“It's hard to find good help, and then once we find good help, it's hard to retain good help. I want to squash that mindset because if that is your mindset, and that's what comes out of your mouth every day, that is what you're going to get.” - Dan Dowdy

Remember to live in the moment and be present with each person. The person in front of you should always be the most important person in your life at that moment. You should give them your undivided attention and make complete efforts to serve that person. There are people out there looking for top companies to come in, feel bought into the vision, appreciated, and help take your business to the next level.

If you are interested in learning how the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace can be implemented in your business or if you are looking to maximize your company’s profitability by, among other things, targeting your ideal clients, please feel free to reach out to Michael at Ask@Scorpion.co to learn more.

Recap with Dan Dowdy: Valuing People Over Profit

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Justin Carrol of P1 Service Group.

Justin’s mission is to value people first to enhance lives, and in this recap Dan shares five steps you can take right now to start putting people first.

In the original interview with Justin, we learned how people truly want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

As you listen through this episode, take note of how you can start showing people you want to support and guide them to that bigger place. How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips: Find out how to focus on the employee experience. Uncover the five steps you can take right now to put people first. Learn how to measure performance and coaching.

Valuing People Over Profit

Dan Dowdy — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:35:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Justing Carrol of P1 Services to the show. Dan and Justin discuss what it looks like to grow a valuable home service company. Justin also shares vital tips and takeaways that don’t revolve around profit or KPIs.

If you feel like you are having difficulty cultivating a team and business around your values and mission, this episode is for you. Dan and Justin dive right into how you can enhance your leadership skills to run a business that aligns with what you stand for.

Looking for more great content like this? Join our email list today and receive weekly emails filled with leadership tips and new happenings here at Built For The Trades: https://pro.builtforthetrades.com/email-signup

Recap with Dan Dowdy: How To Build Trust In The Trades

Dan Dowdy — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:30:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy, recaps his recent interview with Terry Petrovick of Team Wow Media. One of the fundamental leadership principles that stood out during the interview was the power of reciprocation. In this recap, we are diving right in and elaborating on what that could do for your business!

One of Terry's most significant attributes is building trust online. Every prospect that comes into your business has a problem, and all they want to do is a partner with somebody to help them make that problem disappear.

How do you do that? Listen in to learn...

1. How video testimonials can take your business to the next level.

2. The power of reciprocation and the best time to leverage your customers' appreciation.

3. How Terry can help you gain trust through your website and online presence.

"You don't want to be the leader that is all alone. If you try to go out alone, you are eventually going to hit a ceiling that you can't go beyond." - Dan Dowdy

Terry not only connects with people but also has a heart for serving and exceeding his client's expectations. If you want to separate yourself from your competitors, go check Terry out and hop on a call with him so he can walk you through the potential magic of your online presence!

How To Build Trust In The Trades

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Terry Petrovick Team Wow Media. Dan and Terry discuss what the next generation looks like for building trust in the trades. They will also be sharing the importance of video testimonials and content that we're putting on our websites. “Every prospect has a problem and what they want more than anything, is a partner that they can trust to make the problem go away. The challenge today is there's so much noise, hype and BS out there.” If you feel like you have fallen behind in the virtual world, this episode is for you. Dan and Terry dive right in to how you can gain a competitive edge in your space. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: A unique and effective type of testimonial you can receive from past customers and how you can use that in your content. How Terry approaches asking people into recording an authentic video testimonial. A new method in self auditing your website to speak in terms of your prospects interest. Terry’s method of using the Trust Ecosystem in his business in order to convert leads and retain customers. “If you have that “givers gain” mindset, where you actually give more before you actually get more, it just works.”

Three Steps to Attract and Retain Top Team Members

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy covers the three steps to attract and retain top team members for your company and why the “this is the way we’ve always done it” is not as successful in today’s workforce.

“We are dealing with a younger generation in the workforce that may or may not be raised with core values. As business owners have two approaches we can take, one being a negative one deeming these kids as use less, or we can adapt and train them.”

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

How to begin with the end in mind and why that is important.
What exactly does your avatar want in a business they work for?
Where are you hiring?
Three steps to attract and retain top team members.

How the Trades Can Benefit from Diversifying with Women and Minorities

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Allie Perez with George Plumbing Company in San Antonio. Dan and Allie discuss the traction to be gained by diversifying the trades with women and minorities.

How To Recruit In The Trades Using Social Media

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Levi Torres with High Five Plumbing in Denver. Levi is doing something that is ahead of the times when it comes to using social media to recruit in the trades, Dan and Levi discuss how he's really caught a lot of traction with it.

How to Reduce Your Stress and Have a Clear Vision In Your Life and Business

Dan Dowdy — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Stephen Christopher with Wit Digital. Dan and Stephen discuss reducing stress, getting more clear on where you're going, and being able to make decisions. There are many times business owners, and leaders in the trades get in their way, and Stephen has excellent tips for getting out of those same ruts in the road.

Creating the Next Generation of Skilled Tradesman

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Brant Martin with Martins Rod and Customs. Dan and Brant talk about bringing in the next generation of tradesmen and women and how to equip them for success in their careers to come!

Building Generational Companies with Core Values In Mind

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode with Dan Dowdy, he interviews Chris Cline from Yochim Plumbing, who is a Founding Member here at Built For The Trades. Dan and Chris chat about their experiences with being second-generation tradesmen and being “old school” where integrity, hard work, and a handshake means everything in business. Chris’s story of how his father and Mark Yochim built Yochim Plumbing to what it is today, truly encompasses the meaning of generational, and people-focused, tradesmen and women with their core values in operation.

Appreciation: The Undervalued Tool in Employee Retention

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy, welcomes Michael Sauer from Scorpion to the show. Dan and Michael talk about employee retention attracting great team members, how to curb The Great Resignation, what the “love languages of appreciation” are and how to practice them in real life.

How Built For The Trades Got Started

Dan Dowdy — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our Founder Dan Dowdy shares his story of where he came from and how Built For The Trades got started. Dan is a second-generation tradesman, growing up in the family business, learning about hard work, God, and plumbing from the time he could walk.