Hardworking Happy Hour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.