Episodes
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Episode 149: What can we learn from old school marketing!
February 3rd, 2025 | Season 1 | 1 hr 12 mins
advertising, anticipation, beers, brand identity, brand loyalty, cars, commercials, construction, consumer behavior, creative examples, emotional connection, emotional investment, immigration, keywords weather, marketing, marketing strategies, mindfulness, personal beliefs, politics, psychology, self-realization, super bowl, tools, trivia, undocumented workers
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various topics ranging from their personal experiences with weather and sports to deeper societal issues like immigration and advertising. They reflect on the emotional investment in sports, particularly the upcoming Super Bowl, and share personal realizations about trying new things. The conversation takes a serious turn as they address the complexities of immigration, particularly the treatment of undocumented workers in the construction industry. They conclude with a discussion on the relevance of commercials in modern advertising, emphasizing the importance of understanding what makes advertisements effective. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine explore the intricacies of advertising, focusing on the psychological aspects that influence consumer behavior. They discuss various creative advertising examples, emphasizing the importance of capturing attention and building anticipation. The conversation also delves into the emotional connections that brands can create with their audience, highlighting how effective marketing can resonate deeply with consumers. In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine explore a variety of topics ranging from nostalgic discussions about cars and beers to the importance of mindfulness in advertising. They delve into personal experiences with tools and brand loyalty, share fun trivia related to construction, and reflect on deeper societal issues such as politics and personal beliefs. The dialogue is filled with humor, insights, and a call for self-awareness in the face of external influences.
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Episode 148: Dan Preston of Hardscape Mentor!
January 27th, 2025 | Season 1 | 1 hr 5 mins
business growth, community, craftsmanship, design, hardscape mentor, industry trends, landscaping, marketing, mentorship, outdoor spaces, personal branding, scaling, social media, training, trust, unique design, vulnerability
In this engaging conversation, Sean, Catherine, and Dan Preston discuss the evolution of Hardscape Mentor over the past two years, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, innovative design, and community building in the hardscaping industry. Dan shares insights on how to teach design principles, the significance of understanding client needs, and the upcoming launch of Hardscape Mentor Studios, a training facility aimed at fostering collaboration and skill development among hardscapers. In this conversation, Sean and Dan Preston discuss the importance of personal branding and marketing in the hardscaping industry. They emphasize the need for contractors to put their faces on camera to build trust with potential clients. The discussion also covers the challenges of scaling a business versus staying small and maintaining quality. Dan shares insights from his experience in the industry, highlighting the significance of craftsmanship and unique design in attracting the right clientele. The conversation concludes with a focus on the value of community and support among contractors.
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Episode 147: Garrett Davis! aka The Life of Bub!
January 20th, 2025 | Season 1 | 1 hr 6 mins
addiction, business dynamics, community, construction, coping mechanisms, emotional health, financial decisions, florida, home building, hurricanes, keywords garrett davis, life transition, maine, partnership, partnerships, personal growth, sobriety, support, trades
In this conversation, Garrett Davis shares his journey from Maine to Florida, discussing the significant lifestyle changes and business dynamics he encountered. He reflects on the impact of hurricanes on his work opportunities, the process of building and selling his dream home, and the financial decisions that followed. Garrett also opens up about his experiences with partnerships in business, the challenges he faced, and his journey towards sobriety, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and resilience. In this conversation, Garrett shares his journey through addiction and sobriety, discussing the challenges he faced and the importance of community support. He reflects on his past struggles with substance abuse, the turning point that led him to seek help, and how he now uses his experiences to help others. The discussion also covers the significance of emotional expression and coping mechanisms, particularly for men. Garrett talks about his new business partnership, emphasizing the need for complementary skills and shared vision. He expresses his aspirations for growth while maintaining a good reputation in the construction industry.
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Episode 146: Do bonuses incentivize?
January 13th, 2025 | Season 1 | 1 hr 7 mins
bonuses, california wildfires, communication, community impact, company culture, construction, construction trivia, employee motivation, job inquiry, keywords shop update, operational goals, personalized incentives, sustainability, travel considerations
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various topics including updates on their shop, a potential job inquiry that raises questions about travel, the devastating impact of recent wildfires in California, and the implementation of bonuses within their company. They share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the importance of community and preparedness in the face of disasters. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine delve into the complexities of employee bonuses, discussing the balance between motivation and fairness. They explore the idea of personalized incentives, the importance of communication in bonus structures, and the sustainability of these systems. The discussion also touches on the challenges of traditional bonus systems and concludes with a fun trivia segment related to construction.
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Episode 145: Lets have a house party?
January 6th, 2025 | Season 1 | 53 mins 48 secs
community engagement, concrete types, construction trivia, deck market, employee benefits, employee incentives, home dynamics, home improvement, hr policies, keywords feng shui, marketing strategies, mental health, mindfulness, outdoor learning, productivity, pto policy, time off, winter tips, word of mouth, workplace culture
In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics ranging from home dynamics influenced by Feng Shui to the implementation of a new PTO policy at their workplace. They share insights on the importance of time off for mental health and productivity, and also provide practical tips for staying warm during winter. The dialogue reflects their personal experiences and professional challenges, creating a relatable and engaging discussion. In this episode, Sean and Catherine discuss various themes including the benefits of outdoor learning environments for children, innovative marketing strategies through community engagement, and the importance of word-of-mouth referrals in the construction industry. They also touch on employee incentives, share construction trivia, and provide insights into the deck market and types of concrete. The conversation concludes with a focus on mindfulness and gradual personal improvement.
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Episode 144: A New Year is Coming!
December 30th, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 5 mins
2024 reflections, 2025 planning, business growth, construction, content creation, efficiency, financial review, health goals, hobbies, holiday stress, keywords goal setting, maintenance, outdoor living, personal growth, podcast, project management, responsibilities, self-care, storytelling
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the pressures of the holiday season, reflect on their experiences in 2024, and outline their goals for 2025. They emphasize the importance of efficiency in project management, review their financial performance, and explore ways to enhance their content creation and storytelling. Additionally, they address the need for better maintenance of their equipment to improve overall productivity. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the importance of maintaining tools and machines in their work, the significance of storytelling in content creation, and the need for setting realistic health goals for the upcoming year. They also explore the balance between hobbies and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of self-care and personal growth. The dialogue reflects on their experiences and insights, aiming to foster a more sustainable and enjoyable approach to both work and personal life.
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Episode 143: Dronepocalypse and Forever Students!
December 23rd, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 6 mins
business, construction, drones, dump trucks, dumper, education, efficiency, hands-on experience, independence, innovation, keywords drones, learning, lifelong learning, machinery, new jersey, personal growth, photography, safety, sightings, student mindset, success, technology, trades, trivia, vehicles
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent acquisition of a dumptruck and the excitement surrounding it. They transition into a discussion about mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, exploring various theories and implications. The conversation then shifts to the use of drones in their business, highlighting how drones have transformed their photography and project presentations. They conclude by discussing the future of drone technology and its potential impact on their work. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the impact of drones on photography, emphasizing the importance of framing and capturing quality images. They also explore the misconceptions surrounding learning styles, particularly in trades, advocating for a broader understanding of what it means to be a 'good student.' The dialogue highlights the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique learning paths. In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean explore themes of learning, independence, and the construction industry. They discuss the importance of redefining success in education, share trivia about construction and dump trucks, and highlight the dangers faced by construction workers. The conversation also delves into fun facts about heavy machinery, showcasing their knowledge and humor throughout.
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Episode 142: Special Guest John Lea of Deck South!
December 16th, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 8 mins
business evolution, business growth, construction industry, curiosity, daily routines, design in construction, employee loyalty, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, keywords deck south, leadership, origin story, project management, recession lessons, small business, team building
In this engaging conversation, John Lea shares his journey of building Deck South, a successful deck-building business. He discusses his early experiences with carpentry, the challenges of starting his own company, and the importance of team building and leadership. John emphasizes the value of caring for his employees and creating a supportive company culture, which has led to long-term loyalty and success. In this conversation, John discusses the evolution of his business, the lessons learned from the 2008 recession, and the importance of maintaining a balanced daily routine. He shares insights on fatherhood, emphasizing the joy and responsibility it brings, and highlights the significance of instilling curiosity in the next generation. The discussion also touches on the value of design in construction and the need for continuous improvement in business practices.
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Episode 141: Are the holidays actually a goldmine?!
December 9th, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 4 mins
3d printing, brushless technology, business ideas, business strategies, christmas lights, client communication, client relations, communication strategies, construction updates, customer experience, emotional spending, fears, holiday decor, holiday decorating, home improvement, home maintenance, ice, international builder show, keywords hydration, landscaping, market competition, podcast, proactive communication, profit margins, revenue boost, seasonal changes, seasonal services, tariffs, unconventional services
In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various lighthearted topics, including hydration, seasonal changes, and personal fears. They transition into a more serious discussion about tariffs and their implications for the economy, before exploring the profitable business of holiday decorating, particularly Christmas lights. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable and engaging. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the surprising profitability and emotional appeal of holiday decorating services, particularly Christmas lights. She explores the high profit margins, the increasing competition in the market, and the emotional factors that drive consumers to spend on such services. The discussion also touches on unconventional home maintenance services, the importance of communication in client relationships, and the potential for businesses to expand their offerings creatively. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the importance of enhancing customer communication in the construction industry. She emphasizes the need for proactive updates to clients, particularly in long-term projects, to improve their experience and build trust. The discussion also touches on the evolving technology of 3D printing in construction, insights from the International Builder Show, and the efficiency of brushless tools. The episode concludes with a teaser for future guests and the significance of communication, especially during the holiday season.
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Episode 140: Working with Matt!
December 2nd, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 7 mins
branding, business growth, communication, community, content creation, entrepreneurship, high school business, hobbies, keywords landscaping, mental health, mindfulness, networking, online interactions, outdoor living, partnership, personal experiences, social media, trade shows
In this engaging conversation, Sean, Catherine, and Matt discuss Matt's journey from starting a landscaping business in high school to navigating the complexities of running a successful partnership in the landscaping industry. They explore the challenges of transitioning from a sole proprietor to a partner, the importance of communication, and the role of social media in business growth. Matt shares insights on finding his voice in content creation and the balance between professionalism and personality in branding. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of being visible online and the impact it has on business relationships. In this engaging conversation, Matt discusses the positive aspects of community support through social media, the challenges of attracting unwanted attention online, and the balance between content creation and running a business. He shares insights on the importance of mindfulness, hobbies, and the need to manage commitments effectively.
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Episode 139: Is it even possible to get better?!
November 25th, 2024 | Season 1 | 59 mins 55 secs
business strategies, conflict resolution, construction, construction industry, construction trivia, creative tasks, economic uncertainty, economy, gratitude, keywords communication, labor costs, material sourcing, tariffs, time management, workplace dynamics
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent experiences, focusing on their communication styles, workplace dynamics, and conflict resolution strategies. They delve into time management techniques, the importance of separating creative and logical tasks, and the impact of tariffs on the construction industry. The discussion highlights the need for effective communication and adaptability in business, especially in response to economic changes. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the various economic challenges facing the construction industry, including labor shortages, material costs, and the impact of tariffs. They emphasize the importance of understanding material sourcing and the need for ethical pricing practices. The discussion also touches on the significance of gratitude during tough economic times and the uncertainty that lies ahead. They conclude with a light-hearted trivia segment that highlights interesting facts about the construction industry.
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Episode 138: Is It The Right Time To Hire?
November 18th, 2024 | Season 1 | 56 mins 13 secs
branding, business growth, client acquisition, construction, construction industry, creative projects, entrepreneurship, hiring, keywords deck expo, leadership, outdoor living, personal development, photography, risk management, self-belief, strategic planning, team building
In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent experience at the Deck Expo, sharing insights on networking, promotional strategies, and the importance of building a strong visual portfolio. They delve into the challenges of acquiring unique clients for creative projects and emphasize the significance of staging and photography in showcasing work. The discussion also touches on the complexities of growing a team and knowing when to hire, providing valuable advice for entrepreneurs in the construction industry. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the challenges and considerations involved in hiring for a growing business, particularly in the construction industry. They explore the emotional and practical aspects of making significant hiring decisions, the importance of embracing risk, and the value of surrounding oneself with capable team members. The discussion also touches on the journey of self-belief and the realization that many successful individuals are simply navigating their own uncertainties.
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Episode 137: Falling back in to good habits!
November 11th, 2024 | Season 1 | 45 mins 43 secs
community, construction, fall, family dynamics, fitness, keywords habits, learning, meditation, mindfulness, networking, personal growth, podcast, ppe, productivity, routines, scheduling, self-improvement, time management, trivia
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the transition from summer to fall and the importance of falling back into good habits. They reflect on their personal routines, the significance of networking within their community, and actionable steps to improve their daily lives. The discussion emphasizes mindfulness, scheduling, and the need for a supportive environment to foster personal growth. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean explore themes of mindfulness, productivity, and time management, discussing personal experiences and strategies for improvement. They delve into family dynamics regarding time perception and engage in fun trivia related to construction and safety. The episode wraps up with reflections on their discussions and a teaser for future episodes.
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Episode 136: It all comes back to communication...
October 28th, 2024 | Season 1 | 58 mins 7 secs
challenges, communication, concrete, concrete work, construction, diy, door-to-door sales, education, home depot, home improvement, hvac, imposter syndrome, keywords construction, learning, mistakes, personal experiences, project management, teamwork, trivia
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various personal and professional updates, including construction projects, experiences with door-to-door sales, and a new policy at Home Depot requiring executives to work in stores. They explore the importance of understanding different perspectives in the workplace, the significance of communication within teams, and the lessons learned from mistakes made during construction projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for better communication and collaboration to enhance team dynamics and project outcomes. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the challenges faced while working on concrete projects, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and the educational value of trial and error. They also touch on feelings of imposter syndrome that can arise in leadership roles and the normalization of such feelings. The episode concludes with a fun trivia segment that tests their knowledge on various topics related to home improvement and construction.
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Episode 135: OHSA, more like O-SHOOT!
October 21st, 2024 | Season 1 | 59 mins 14 secs
branding, construction, construction incidents, construction news, construction safety, employee protection, fall protection, fines, ice cream maker, keywords osha, labor violations, ninja creamy, osha, personal updates, safety training, trench safety, workplace hazards, workplace safety, workplace violations
In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics, starting with personal updates about their lives, including new clothing purchases and a cat named Tow Truck. They then transition into a discussion about OSHA's recent fines and violations in the construction industry, highlighting specific case studies of companies facing significant penalties for safety violations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of workplace safety and the consequences of negligence in the construction field. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various workplace safety violations reported by OSHA, highlighting the serious consequences of negligence in the construction industry. They reflect on the importance of safety measures and the role of OSHA in protecting workers. The discussion then shifts to a lighter topic about the Ninja Creamy, a countertop ice cream maker, exploring branding strategies and the appeal of niche products. The episode concludes with a trivia segment focused on OSHA and construction safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in maintaining workplace safety.
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Episode 134: We did a great job?? That can't be right...
October 14th, 2024 | Season 1 | 1 hr 6 mins
construction, creativity, goals, health, humility, keywords aging, knowledge, life lessons, organization, personal growth, project management, sagrada familia, self-reflection, teamwork, trivia
In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the nuances of aging, particularly as Sean turns 36. They reflect on the importance of health and setting realistic goals for the year ahead. The discussion transitions into project management, where they share insights on staying organized and ahead of schedule in their current project. Sean emphasizes the significance of planning and learning from past experiences to improve efficiency. The conversation culminates in a light-hearted self-reflection on personal growth and the acceptance of imperfections in both work and life. In this episode, Sean and Catherine explore themes of humility and self-reflection, discussing the importance of recognizing our own ignorance and the value of lifelong learning. They also delve into the fascinating story of the Sagrada Familia, the world's longest construction project, and share their thoughts on the balance between creating beauty and helping those in need. The episode concludes with a light-hearted trivia segment that highlights their knowledge and camaraderie.