In this powerful episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris addresses an urgent issue: protecting women in the construction and painting industry. After a recent incident involving harassment on a job site, John shares his frustration, his commitment to justice, and how PHP Commercial Painting is responding. He emphasizes leadership, accountability, and the need for every company—large or small—to train their employees on respect and workplace conduct. This episode is a raw, emotional reminder that doing the right thing starts with action.
In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris shares how PHP Commercial Painting built lasting partnerships that fuel millions of dollars in annual work. He breaks down what separates successful contractors from struggling ones — from reading every line of a contract to owning mistakes and overcommunicating with clients. John also talks about the power of answering every phone call, building trust on the jobsite, and investing in relationships that bring long-term growth. Whether you’re a small business owner or a trades professional, this episode will change how you think about communication, accountability, and customer relationships in construction.
John Morris breaks down what really keeps people employed—and what quietly gets them shown the door. From arriving prepared (bring your tools!) to becoming coachable, asking for feedback, and proving value beyond your wage, John shares how average workers become leaders. He also challenges managers to give clear reasons when letting someone go so people can improve. If you want to keep your job, grow your pay, and earn trust, this one’s your blueprint.
When a third-party inspection uncovers the wrong exterior paint on a major project, John owns the mistake—then turns it into a leadership and systems lesson. In this episode, he walks through how a costly error (≈$40,000) became a catalyst for stronger processes, clearer checkpoints, and a culture where everyone asks “why.” You’ll hear how he chose accountability over insurance, worked nights with the crew to make it right, and doubled down on daily logistics huddles, peer-to-peer mentorship, and team standards that win jobs repeatedly. Highlights Turning failure into process improvements Building accountability and spec-check checkpoints Teaching teams to ask “why” and bring solutions Replicating what top crews do right Burnout, self-care, and trusting your team If you lead people—in construction or anywhere—this is a blueprint for owning problems and coming back stronger.
John sits down with Jade Laws, a new team member who came home in January 2025 after 8.9 years incarcerated. In this candid conversation, Jade shares the real reentry journey—applications and offers pulled after background checks, rebuilding family relationships, and the grind of saving every dollar to move into her first apartment. She talks about skills she gained inside (MVD call center, B2B sales), why meal prep and budgeting matter, and the mindset shift that keeps her moving forward: don’t go back; one foot in front of the other. They compare men’s and women’s experiences coming home, the power of soft skills, and how employers can create real second-chance opportunities. If you’re starting over—or hiring people who are—this episode is a field guide to resilience, work ethic, and hope. Highlights: Getting hired after incarceration: the real obstacles Building soft skills that win jobs Budgeting, meal prep, and avoiding “make-up” spending Reconnecting with family while staying focused on goals Why women’s reentry paths can look different—and what helps
In Episode 84, John Morris gets real about what “doing the right thing” looks like when you’re leading a growing company and a community. He shares why decisions must be logical—not emotional—when you’re responsible for the greater good, how PHP Commercial Painting became bigger than any one person, and why daily “What’s your win?” check-ins keep a large team feeling like family. John also walks through a raw, in-the-moment story: a former employee calls while slipping back into alcohol. What follows is tough love, clear boundaries, and a concrete plan—90 days in a program, vocational training, and a guaranteed shot at a job if he does the work. This episode is about sober leadership, second chances without enabling, and building systems—halfway houses, mentors, budgeting basics—that turn “handouts” into a real hand up. Highlights: Making unemotional, business-first decisions for the greater good Why PHP’s identity is bigger than a name Daily wins: the 9 a.m. Zoom that builds culture Tough love, treatment, and a path back to work The recipe for success: common sense, budgeting, and sobriety
John sits down with Daren Strunk, COO of St. Joseph the Worker, to explore how real wraparound support—resumes, tools, transportation, soft skills, and the 90-day Workforce Villages housing program—helps people move from “a job” to “a career.” They talk budgeting and food planning under 5 dollars per meal, why soft skills drive promotions, and how employers can fill roles faster by partnering directly with community organizations. John shares how these partnerships helped PHP Commercial Painting scale from a small team to 100 employees without running ads. Highlights: Workforce Villages: save 80 percent for 90 days and graduate with 5,000 dollars for housing Free resources that remove day-one barriers: boots, tools, gas cards, bus passes, interview clothing Soft skills that employers actually promote for: communication, reliability, teamwork, leadership A practical employer playbook: culture fit, feedback loops, and retention beyond day 22 Guest: Daren Strunk, COO, St. Joseph the Worker — theworkeraz.org
John gets real about tough personnel decisions and why “change” must be your default setting. From early-morning logistics and a single missed paint delivery that derailed a night job, to creating a true dispatch function that stops waste and saves thousands in fuel, this episode is a masterclass in operations discipline. He breaks down chain of command without ego, the value of a coachable mindset, fixing mistakes immediately, and why raises follow performance—not rent hikes. If you want to grow with a fast-moving company instead of being left behind, this one’s for you. Key takeaways: Create a real dispatch role to cut crisscrossing and save time and fuel Communication beats chaos—align PMs, supers, and field crews daily Coachable, teachable, trainable beats “experienced but stubborn” Fix mistakes now; they cost 10x later Promotions and raises follow production, ownership, and initiative Grow with the company or the company will outgrow you
In Episode 81 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John opens up about a hard day at the office—spotting relapse, acting on instinct, and balancing compassion with accountability. He talks candidly about the “three-year mark” where many people in recovery hit turbulence, what leaders can watch for, and how to build a culture that protects sobriety without abandoning second chances. You’ll hear a tough departure, a hopeful return, and a clear call to create support networks that help people stay on the path. In this episode: The three-year crossroads: why setbacks often cluster around it Signs you can’t ignore—and why you should act on your gut sooner How to address relapse while protecting your team and business Second chances done right: re-entry, expectations, and growth Building a social support network that actually works Takeaway: You can’t save everyone—but you can lead with clarity, care, and timely action.
In episode 80 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris gets real about the challenges of running a business when cash flow is tight. From dealing with slow-paying general contractors to the reality of making payroll, John shares his philosophy on persistence, leadership, and why employees must always come first. He opens up about his own struggles as an employer, the importance of cutting expenses without cutting corners, and why staying positive in difficult times creates stronger leaders and stronger teams. This is a raw, honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and building a company that thrives—even when times get tough.
In this episode of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John opens up about the challenges of addiction in the workplace and the importance of accountability, sobriety, and second chances. From pickle juice pops to keep crews healthy in the Phoenix heat, to the difficult conversations around employee substance use, John shares his experiences leading by example and holding his team to higher standards. Special guest Mike Nightingale joins the conversation, reflecting on his own journey from addiction to five years sober and his growth within PHP Commercial Painting. Together, they discuss the reality of recovery, the importance of community support, and why lasting change only happens when someone is ready to make it. This is a raw and powerful episode about responsibility, leadership, and the fight to be stronger than addiction.
In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris talks about how to thrive during slow periods at work, the value of taking any opportunity you can get, and why being “selfish” for your own growth is the key to long-term success. From hustling side jobs to taking on work outside your comfort zone, John challenges you to focus solely on yourself and your career for the next six months — and watch how your life changes.
The job market is wide open — are you ready to show up or sit out? In this episode, John Morris fires off some truth about the 4.18 million people retiring this year, the one million open construction jobs, and the 192 million job openings expected over the next decade. He shares the inspiring story of DJ — a former employee and second-chance hire who went from prison to owning his own painting company — and challenges listeners to stop blaming and start grinding. Whether you’re new to the trades or thinking about the next generation taking over your business, this episode is a wake-up call to take a long, honest look at your attitude, your work ethic, and your future.
In this powerful episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris sits down with Chasity—a new team member at PHP—whose story of grit, growth, and second chances will inspire anyone facing adversity. After spending 13 years incarcerated, Chasity taught herself full-stack development through The Last Mile program and later became a TA helping others inside. Now working in data entry for PHP, she shares her incredible journey of reentry, the barriers women face after incarceration, and the determination it takes to rebuild a life with purpose. If you’ve ever questioned whether change is possible, this episode proves it is.
In this powerful 75th episode, John Morris reflects on a week full of progress, transformation, and positive energy. From hiring three new team members out of the New Freedom vocational program to watching a former student become a licensed painting contractor, John shares the emotional highs and valuable lessons that come with helping others level up in life. He dives into what it really means to find your “beast mode,” how to stay motivated, and why personal accountability and treating others with respect can change everything. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who’s striving to grow—no matter where they started.
In Episode 74, John Morse shares powerful stories from inside the New Freedom vocational program—stories of transformation, second chances, and what it really means to start over. From overcoming addiction and reconnecting with family to learning basic life skills like budgeting and hygiene, this episode highlights the incredible growth of men and women rebuilding their lives after incarceration or homelessness. John also reflects on the importance of doing quality work with pride and integrity, calling out the dangers of cutting corners and the value of getting it right the first time. Plus, he’s looking for a new instructor to join the team and help guide the next wave of change-makers.
In Episode 73, John Morse tackles a topic many professionals face but few address: getting too comfortable on the job. John shares real-world experiences from the field and the office, including what happens when communication breaks down, when employees coast instead of grind, and how being “too relaxed” can cost you your job. He reminds us that growth takes grit, and success belongs to those who stay hungry. Tune in for a motivating push to keep your foot on the gas—no matter where you are in your career.
In this powerful episode, John Morris sits down with Justin, the Vocational Director at New Freedom, to dive deep into one of the most impactful workforce reentry programs in the nation. They discuss the origins of the partnership between PHP Commercial Painting and New Freedom, how vocational training is helping formerly incarcerated men and women rebuild their lives, and the importance of blending behavioral health with hands-on career training. Learn how New Freedom achieves a 93% success rate, what makes the program different, and why companies across industries are turning to this overlooked talent pool to solve their labor shortage. This is an inspiring look at second chances, leadership, and the ripple effect of doing the right thing. Contact: Justin.proulx@newfreedomaz.com Website: https://newfreedomaz.com/
In this powerful and transparent episode, John Morris opens up about one of the most stressful weeks he’s had in a long time. From managing job sites and employee paychecks to handling complex billing systems and running life skills classes, John lays out the pressure that comes with being a leader. He shares his personal journey of overcoming health issues, embracing self-care, and the importance of aligning mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or someone striving to grow in your career, this episode offers honest insight on how to handle stress without letting it consume you—and how critical it is to have the right support system around you.
In this powerful 70th episode, John Morris welcomes back Fred Santor — one year after his first appearance on Episode 5. Fred opens up about the incredible changes in his life over the past year: living in his own apartment, paying bills, becoming warehouse manager, and hitting nearly three years sober. Together, John and Fred discuss the struggles and victories of sobriety, what accountability really looks like, and how helping others keeps them grounded. Fred’s transformation is real, raw, and inspiring — a testament to what’s possible when you commit to doing the work.