Welcome to Circle of Hope, the podcast where I explore the power of connection to spark transformation. In this episode, I have the joy of reconnecting with my longtime friend and colleague, Winn Fuqua, a former photographer turned handyman and aspiring speaker. Together, we dive into the meaningful (and often hilarious) ways that trust, referrals, and reputation shape both our personal and professional relationships.

This conversation is a candid, deeply honest reflection on the evolution of connection—from a chance meeting at a speaker’s event to years of collaboration, creative projects, advice-sharing, and mutual support. Winn shares what it means to be “the guy” people call, the importance of being easy to talk to, and how relationships that start with service can grow into lifelong trust circles. 

Watch this if you're curious about:

• How to build a business (or life) on word-of-mouth and referrals
• The role of service, friendliness, and responsiveness in earning trust
• How to transition between careers while keeping your reputation strong
• Why credibility, reliability, and low self-orientation are key to trust
• The magic of staying top-of-mind without being transactional
• What to do when you can’t help someone—but still want to add value
• Why some connections fade and others keep showing up
• How to use LinkedIn (and your gut) to identify your real network
• Building your “favorites list” of trusted referrals to uplift others

Stay Connected:

Guest: Winn Fuqua

• Website: https://www.winnsrealhandy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnsrealhandy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnsahandyman
• Other Podcasts:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I6q54CTzI0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z2268K3MU8
• Winn’s Favorite Companies (based in Dallas, Texas)

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Episode Highlights

0:00 – Welcome & meet Winn Fuqua

2:30 – How Valerie and Winn met (a speaker meeting meet-cute!)

6:45 – Creating Valerie’s first sizzle reel & building trust through service

14:10 – The evolution from videographer to handyman to speaker

22:45 – Why most people don't follow up—and what Winn learned the hard way

31:00 – Building your circle: who do you trust, and who would take your call?

38:00 – From casual client to trusted contact: how to stay in someone’s life

49:20 – Referrals as a currency of trust (and Winn’s “Favorites List”)

1:02:30 – How reputation is built in small ways (like calling people back)

1:14:00 – Giving advice vs. offering presence: the art of support

1:28:00 – Saying no, setting boundaries, and staying true to your values

1:35:30 – Why it’s okay to not be everything to everyone

What You’ll Learn:

This episode is full of wisdom for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone working to cultivate a personal brand or build meaningful relationships. Valerie and Winn break down the “trust equation” and show how simple habits—like answering calls, being helpful, and knowing when to say no—are the foundation of a life well connected.

You’ll walk away with insights on:

• Building your network by being generous and genuine
• Balancing service with boundaries
• How to gracefully exit or decline a project while preserving trust
• Why consistency and character matter more than expertise
• How to become the kind of person people want to refer
• What it really means to grow a reputation—and why it’s worth protecting

Whether you're building a business, reviving a career, or just looking to be a better friend or colleague, this episode will leave you with clarity, warmth, and a few laugh-out-loud moments.