Hardworking Happy Hour

Episode 161: Is AI the designer of the future?

May 12th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 7 mins

ai, chaos, collaboration, communication, construction, design, ethics, feedback, influence, innovation, keywords ai, leadership, perception, personal growth, photography, problem-solving, reality, relationships, resentment, social media, teamwork, technology, trends, trivia, workplace

In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the chaotic nature of their lives, particularly during the busy month of May. They delve into the impact of AI on design, highlighting how AI-generated images are becoming increasingly realistic and often mistaken for real-life inspiration. The discussion raises concerns about the disconnect between aesthetics and functionality in AI designs, as well as the gullibility of older generations when interacting with AI on social media. Ultimately, they reflect on the disruptive nature of AI technology and its influence on consumer behavior. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine explore the implications of AI in creative fields, particularly in design and photography. They discuss the challenges and ethical considerations of AI, emphasizing the importance of using it as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. The dialogue shifts to the significance of open communication in the workplace, highlighting a recent disagreement over photography standards and the value of constructive feedback in maintaining a healthy work environment. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the significance of communication in both personal and professional relationships. They emphasize the importance of being open to feedback and constructive criticism, and how it can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. The discussion transitions into a fun trivia segment related to construction, showcasing their knowledge and experiences in the industry. They conclude by reiterating the value of open communication and addressing resentment in relationships.

Episode 160: Its slow for everyone right now right?!

May 5th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 5 mins

bechtel corporation, business cycles, business insights, business strategy, client communication, client inquiries, construction, construction industry, economic uncertainty, economy, environmental issues, florida, great pacific garbage patch, inquiries, keywords health, landfills, lead management, leads, mindfulness, personal updates, project management, roof snake, stress management, tariffs, trash generation, vacation, vertigo, waste disposal

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine reconnect after some time apart, sharing personal updates including health concerns and vacation experiences. They delve into the current economic climate, discussing the noticeable slowdown in inquiries and leads in their industry, attributing it to uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the stock market. Their light-hearted banter is interspersed with deeper reflections on the implications of these trends for their business and the broader economy. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the challenges of managing an influx of leads in their construction business, the impact of slow inquiries on their operations, and the importance of embracing the natural cycles of business. They reflect on the need for mindfulness and strategic adjustments during slower periods, emphasizing the value of evaluating processes and maintaining a healthy outlook amidst uncertainty. In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean explore various topics ranging from construction tools to environmental issues and business insights. They discuss the roof snake tool, the alarming size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and the Bechtel Corporation's significant role in the construction industry. The duo also delves into the realities of trash generation, landfill management, and the importance of stress management in business during uncertain times. Their light-hearted banter and insightful reflections make for an entertaining and informative discussion.

Episode 159: SINK OR SWIM!

April 21st, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 5 mins

celebrity culture, communication, construction, construction industry, creativity, deportation, employee onboarding, geo-membranes, human connection, immigration, machine financing, mental health, mentorship, passion career, personal growth, positivity, sacrificial anodes, space exploration, space travel, therapy, trivia, union support, updates, workplace culture

In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine explore the importance of positivity in daily life, share updates on their projects, and delve into the recent trend of celebrity space travel. They discuss the implications of financing new machinery for their work and critique the cultural significance of celebrity involvement in space exploration, emphasizing the need for genuine achievements over superficial recognition. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean explore various themes including the evolving perspectives on space travel, the human impact of deportation policies, and the challenges of onboarding new employees in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the need for clear communication, and the psychological aspects of workplace culture, emphasizing the need for kindness and support in professional environments. In this episode, Sean and Catherine discuss the importance of clear communication on job sites, engage in trivia that highlights historical construction facts, and delve into construction materials and techniques. They explore the significance of geo-membranes and sacrificial anodes in construction, and reflect on personal growth and the need for therapy in society.

Episode 158: Adam Santo of Lilly LLC!

April 14th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 7 mins

anxiety, business growth, classic cars, client relationships, communication, construction challenges, craftsmanship, design philosophy, hardscaping, hobbies, landscaping, mental health, mindfulness, modern technology, passion, pool construction, solo operator, stress management, work-life balance

In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the journey of Adam Santo and his business, Lilly Design Build. They discuss the transition from fine arts to hardscaping, the importance of building strong client relationships, and the challenges faced as a solo operator. The conversation delves into the personal touch in craftsmanship, the significance of communication, and the value of time in the design process. Adam shares insights on managing client expectations, navigating budgets, and the importance of finding the right client fit. The discussion also touches on the challenges of working with pool companies and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges of pool construction, the passion for classic cars, and the importance of mindfulness in a fast-paced world. They discuss the balance between work and personal life, the impact of modern technology on mental health, and the shared experiences of anxiety and stress. The dialogue emphasizes the joy found in hobbies and the need for presence in everyday life.

Episode 157: Mark Hedstrom of Skilled Career Coalition!

April 7th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 4 mins

career choices, community involvement, education, industry connection, labor shortage, mentorship, philanthropy, skilled careers, skilled trades, social media, trades awareness, tradespeople, vocational training, workforce development, youth engagement

In this conversation, Sean, Catherine and Mark Hedstrom discuss the importance of skilled trades and the need to destigskilled trades, workforce development, career choices, education, trades awareness, youth engagement, skilled careers, labor shortage, vocational training, industry connection, skilled trades, education, workforce development, mentorship, social media, career choices, philanthropy, youth engagement, tradespeople, community involvementmatize blue collar jobs. Mark, the executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, emphasizes the necessity of engaging parents and students in exploring skilled career options. They explore the challenges of connecting students to opportunities in the workforce and the fragmented ecosystem that exists. Mark shares insights on the supply and demand for skilled labor and his passion for raising awareness about the viability of skilled careers as a pathway to economic stability. In this conversation, Mark Hedstrom discusses the evolving landscape of skilled trades, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of social media on youth career choices. He emphasizes the need for a shift in educational focus, exploring alternative pathways for the next generation, and the role of philanthropy in addressing workforce challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of passion in career choices and the necessity of community engagement to foster a new generation of skilled workers.

Episode 156: Gordon South aka WoodBully!

March 31st, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 1 min

business growth, career choices, client satisfaction, communication, company culture, construction management, decision making, education, employee retention, entrepreneurship, hiring practices, keywords construction, passion, red seal certification, scheduling, trades, trades vs office jobs, work-life balance

Summary

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the evolution of Sean's construction business, focusing on growth, delegation, and hiring practices. They explore the importance of company culture, the challenges of firing employees, and the realities of working in the trades compared to office jobs. The discussion also touches on education and career choices, emphasizing the risks and rewards associated with different paths. In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine explore the complexities of career choices, particularly in the trades, the importance of effective communication in construction management, and the realities of scheduling in the industry. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from hands-on work to management roles, the significance of passion in one's career, and the hard truths about hard work. The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility, decision-making, and the value of experience in shaping a successful career.

Episode 155: Leif Wirtanen from Cascade Fence and Deck!

March 24th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 4 mins

In this conversation, Sean Catherine and Leif discuss the evolution of Cascade Fence and Deck, the importance of content creation, and the dynamics of building a strong company culture. They delve into the hiring process, emphasizing the significance of cultural fit over skills, and share insights on navigating employee turnover. Leif also shares his journey of becoming the owner of Cascade and the challenges and rewards that come with it. In this conversation, Leif Wirtanen shares insights on building a business, the importance of implementing efficient systems, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. He emphasizes the need for teamwork and the value of diverse skill sets within a company. Leif also reflects on his personal journey towards prioritizing family and relationships over work, highlighting the significance of communication and understanding in both personal and professional realms.

Episode 154: Navigating Change

March 17th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 18 secs

architectural process, audience engagement, authenticity, building codes, communication, construction industry, content strategy, contractor drawings, creative advertising, deep work, fitness, health trends, homeowner drawings, keywords outdoor living, marketing, marriage dynamics, mouth taping, operational excellence, organ meat, personal connection, personal growth, podcasting, sauna, self-improvement, social media, time audit, trivia, wellness, wellness trends, working from home

In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss their experiences and challenges at Premiere Outdoor Living, focusing on the changes in their roles, the dynamics of working from home, and the importance of refining their content strategy to connect more deeply with their audience. They explore the balance between personal and professional life, touching on themes of marriage, wellness trends, and the evolving landscape of social media content. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean explore various wellness trends, including mouth taping for better sleep, the benefits of sauna use, and the intriguing marketing strategies behind unusual health products. They discuss the importance of self-improvement and the challenges of implementing new strategies into daily routines, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and gradual change. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, touching on personal experiences and creative observations. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the complexities of homeowner and contractor responsibilities in the architectural drawing process, the absurdities of building codes, and the importance of authenticity in communication. They also engage in a fun trivia segment that highlights interesting facts about the construction industry, leading to a deeper reflection on the nature of conversations and connections in today's world.

Episode 153: Spring Awakening: Embracing Change and Growth

March 10th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  53 mins 14 secs

delegation, efficiency, keywords spring, learning, mindset, outsourcing, personal growth, productivity, self-discovery, strategies, team trust, time management, work-life balance

In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean explore themes of personal growth, the importance of delegation, and the challenges of time management. They reflect on the season of spring as a metaphor for new beginnings and discuss how to overcome bottlenecks in their lives and businesses. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of trusting team members, breaking old habits, and finding balance in work and life. In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine explore themes of productivity, self-discovery, and effective time management. They discuss the importance of recognizing normal productivity levels, the journey of personal growth, and strategies for delegating tasks to enhance efficiency. The dialogue also includes a fun trivia segment that reinforces learning through playful interaction, culminating in reflections on personal growth and the value of continuous learning.

Episode 152: Systematize Having Some Systems!

March 3rd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  56 mins 10 secs

builder relationships, business systems, challenges, collaboration, content organization, delegation, efficiency, growth, industry insights, innovative products, keywords international builder show, las vegas, networking, productivity, remote support, systems, teamwork, trade shows, workflow

In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss their experiences at the International Builder Show (IBS), highlighting the event's growth, networking opportunities, and innovative products. They reflect on the importance of face-to-face interactions in the industry and share insights on the challenges of managing content and systems within their business. The discussion also touches on the pros and cons of Las Vegas as a trade show destination and the significance of delegation and organization in enhancing efficiency. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the importance of aligning teamwork and workflow, the significance of delegation, and the benefits of embracing remote support. They explore the creation of effective systems to enhance productivity and growth, while also reflecting on the challenges faced along the way. The discussion culminates in a light-hearted trivia challenge, emphasizing the importance of consistency and learning from experiences.

Episode 151: Our Most Special Guest, Anthony Lombardo!

February 24th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 3 mins

carpentry, construction, creativity, demolition, design, efficiency, keywords podcast, mentorship, personal growth, personalities, planning, project management, subcontracting, takeoff process, teamwork, work styles

In this engaging podcast episode, Sean, Catherine, and Anthony discuss their experiences on recent construction projects, focusing on project management, efficiency, and the dynamics of their working relationships. They explore the benefits of subcontracting demolition work, the importance of thorough project preparation, and how their differing personalities contribute to their teamwork. The conversation highlights the balance between curiosity and task management, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their collaborative processes. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various aspects of project management, focusing on efficiency, creativity, and mentorship within the construction industry. They explore the balance between detail management and creative solutions, the importance of planning and estimation for future projects, and the desire to find a young apprentice to pass on skills and knowledge. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of confidence and initiative in the workplace, as well as the challenges of teaching and learning in a hands-on environment.

Episode 150: Are we even ethical people? Who can be sure.

February 17th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 8 mins

business practices, communication, community responsibility, construction industry, craftsmanship, disability, dryer sheets, ethics, green building, historic preservation, keywords bare-knuckle boxing, line cutting, modern development, stealing for survival, super bowl, sustainability, travel woes

In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean explore a variety of topics ranging from the dangers of bare-knuckle boxing to the ethical dilemmas surrounding line-cutting in public spaces. They share personal anecdotes about the Super Bowl, travel mishaps, and the moral implications of stealing to feed a family. The discussion also touches on the nuances of ethics in everyday situations, including the treatment of individuals with disabilities and the light-hearted debate over dryer sheets. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine delve into the complexities of ethics in business, particularly in the construction industry. They discuss the balance between profit and quality, the importance of clear communication with clients, and the ethical implications of using lower-quality materials. The conversation then shifts to the topic of historic preservation versus modern development, exploring the community's responsibility in maintaining historical integrity while accommodating new growth. Finally, they touch on the ethics of green building and sustainability, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in construction practices.

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.

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.

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.

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.