The Tradesman Experience

In this episode of the Tradesman Experience podcast, Josh and Greg delve into the critical challenges faced by business owners, emphasizing that the primary obstacle often lies within the owner themselves. They explore themes such as avoidance, procrastination, and the importance of delegation, while also addressing the detrimental effects of shiny object syndrome and selfish money behavior. The conversation highlights the necessity of hard conversations, understanding financial health, and fostering a positive company culture. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for owners seeking to mature their leadership skills and improve their business operations.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg discuss the importance of business planning, financial projections, and measuring success in specific terms rather than averages. They emphasize the owner's responsibility in managing finances, the impact of seasonal trends, and the significance of job costing for profitability. The discussion also touches on the need for transparency within teams, the importance of customer relationships, and the value of craftsmanship in the trades. Leadership's role in handling failure and creating a performance-driven culture is highlighted, along with an announcement for an upcoming boot camp aimed at helping tradespeople elevate their businesses.  

This week I walk you through pieces of 2025 and what we learned.  Let's just say that tuition was high this year.  From buying a business to batteling the labor market, 2025 taught us a lot and reminded me a lot about business.  Dive in to this week's podcast and find out how you can prevent the same mistakes. 

In this conversation, Josh and Greg discuss the critical aspects of year-end financial management for business owners, emphasizing the importance of understanding profitability, job costing, and effective sales strategies. They explore the necessity of having a solid bookkeeping system, the challenges of self-employment, and the importance of accountability in business. The discussion also highlights the significance of planning for future growth and utilizing data to inform business decisions, while addressing the need for employee engagement and clear growth paths within organizations.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Year-End Financials 05:30 Understanding Profitability and Cash Flow 10:05 The Importance of Job Costing 14:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Perception 23:32 Educating Clients on Value 29:40 Choosing Clients Wisely 31:01 Navigating the Digital Shift 34:09 Understanding Financial Management 39:02 The Importance of Accountability 41:58 The Challenges of Self-Employment 46:00 Planning for Success in Business 56:59 The Journey of a Business Owner

Josh and Greg explore their journeys into the blue-collar world, discussing their early experiences, the challenges of school, and the lessons learned in trades. They reflect on the importance of hard work, the rite of passage in the trades, and the camaraderie that develops through shared experiences. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences of working in a factory and an ostrich farm, leading to insights about the value of blue-collar work and the perceptions of customers. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Becoming an Electrician 05:00 Early Work Experiences and Growing Up 10:56 Navigating the Blue Collar Culture 18:05 The Rite of Passage in Trades 25:00 Lessons Learned from the Trade Life 27:52 Navigating Workplace Dynamics 30:10 Learning Through Experience 31:44 Life Lessons from the Ostrich Farm 39:50 The Reality of Ostrich Farming 45:36 Transitioning to HVAC 55:10 The Value of Hard Work and Experience

It's that time of year again! Bonuses, Taxes, Inventory, Extra Compensation and of course the potential to lose a key employee.   This week we dive into the uncomfortable conversation of how to pay 'Christmas Bonuses" Enrollment for the Blue Collar Bootcamp 2026 begins so get signed up and change your business forever!

What is it that drives you everyday?  Why keep going?  Why start a business?   This week we dive into the mindset of moving forward, keeping consistency and having that GSD mindset. 

In this conversation, Josh and Greg explore the challenges faced by blue-collar business owners, particularly the DIY mentality that can hinder success. They discuss the importance of asking for help, the value of mentorship, and the need for effective communication within teams. The conversation emphasizes that business leaders must care for their employees to foster a successful work environment and highlights the significance of building a supportive community for growth and learning. Chapters 00:00 The DIY Mentality in Business 10:05 Asking for Help: Overcoming Pride 19:51 The Importance of Mentorship 25:27 Learning from Experience: Avoiding Common Pitfalls 31:10 The Importance of Genuine Connections 34:52 Navigating Emotions and Venting Effectively 38:22 Finding Humor in Frustration 44:37 The Value of Partnership in Business 49:20 Leadership and Employee Care 53:46 Building a Supportive Community

What we consider to be high standard today is a joke! The bar is so low because so many people choose convience over excellence.  What is your standard? How often do you live it?  This week we discuss why good enough isn't and how easy it is today to beat competition by showing up consistently.

Growth is simple, not easy. This week I was humbly reminded of my journey as an HVAC technician due to being back in a service truck for our new business.   But why do we make it so difficult? Greg and I discuss the dicotomy, experience and perspective of going from technician to owner and was it means that the work is Simple.

Risk comes down to what you are comfortable with in being uncomfortable.  What is your risk tolerance?  How do you manage risk?  This week we dive into these questions and work to uncover why we take the risk we do.

How do you keep score? Do you know if you are winning or losing? Do you know by how much?  This week we dive in to where you should be tracking your progress and where you should be focused. 

Is laziness considered self care?  Can you work too hard?  What's a good balance? How should you be acting as an employee?   This week we dive into the mindset and discipline it takes to work hard by todays standards. And what it takes to stop making excuses. 

In business, there are seasons, peaks and valleys, high and lows, wins and losses.  But how do we navigate this?  It's easy to solve problems when you're winning, but what happens when you're not winning?  This week we jump into the reality of what it looks and feels like when you think you're losing.  

What are you neglecting in your business? What decisions are you not making? How separated are you trying to keep your personal life and work life? We discuss these and the top 5 actions and decisions that most business owners don't address.

Blue Collar Bootcamp is still open for enrollment!! Get Your Seat!! This week we discuss TruPros, why so many business owners struggle with business and the fact there is no secret sauce to winning. 

Don't miss out of the last Blue Collar Bootcamp of the year. Go check out our free video and get signed up!!  https://www.bluecollarinsiders.com/learn-now So good to be back on the mic and with me this week is my Blue Collar Brotha Greg Giroux.  What have we been up to?  We just passed our first 100 days since the aquisition of the HVAC company and wanted to share with you what that has been like so far. 

Get signed up for our upcoming Blue Collar Boot Camp https://www.bluecollarinsiders.com/ What happens when someone asks for a discount?  How can you afford to give your work away? What does a 'Promotion' cost you in marketing? These questions and more are answered this week as I give examples, tangents and damn good reason to stop giving discounts. 

Get your tickets for the Strategic Growth Accelorator on August 22nd in Houston. The book referenced in this episode is The Wisdom Of The Bullfrog by Admiral William H McRaven. Taking on the responsibility of a leader is simple but difficult. But what does it mean? "When in command, command."  Be decisive, be confident and be passionate. 

Back on the mic is Nate! We discuss a gift that arrived, the new acquisition and how too often employees will complain that systems feel too corporate.