Sean Collinsgru

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Episode 133: Lessons learned from our recent sales cycle!

October 7th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 5 mins

client behavior, construction news, economic insights, financing, home renovation, keywords italy, outdoor living, sales cycle, travel, trivia

In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss a variety of topics ranging from Catherine's recent trip to Italy, cultural reflections on travel, insights from their latest sales cycle in the construction industry, and the importance of understanding client behavior in the current economic climate. They also touch on financing trends in home renovation, the significance of client expectations, and wrap up with a fun trivia challenge.

Episode 132: The Art of Systemizing ft James Reed of Affordable Patios

September 30th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  56 mins 50 secs

affordable patios, construction industry, customer education, data-driven decisions, entrepreneurship, keywords business systems, online presence, profitability, project management, transparency

Summary

In this conversation, HWHH and James Reed discuss the importance of systems and processes in business, particularly in the construction industry. James shares his journey from being an artist struggling with profitability to establishing Affordable Patios, a business focused on providing high-quality outdoor living spaces at an affordable price. They explore the significance of customer education, data-driven decision-making, and the value of transparency in pricing. James emphasizes the need for a strong online presence and the importance of tracking metrics to improve business operations. The conversation concludes with insights on creating a streamlined customer experience and the potential for future growth.

Episode 131: Are you paying attention to your backlog?

September 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  59 mins 16 secs

advantages, backlog, business operations, challenges, client perception, construction industry, disadvantages, dismantling dams, emotional roller coaster, hiring a salesperson, keywords backlog, maintaining infrastructure, manpower needs, opportunities, peace of mind, sales cycle, stability, strategic planning, tracking, tracking trends, trivia, unique selling proposition

Summary

The conversation revolves around the topic of backlog and its impact on business operations. The hosts discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being booked out for a long period of time. They also touch on the importance of tracking the sales cycle and using backlog as a future indicator. The conversation highlights the need for strategic planning, managing manpower needs, and making informed decisions based on backlog data. The hosts also mention the potential impact of backlog on client perception and the benefits of having peace of mind and stability. They briefly discuss the idea of hiring a dedicated salesperson and the unique selling proposition of their business model. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with backlog management. In this episode, Catherine and Sean discuss the concept of backlog in the construction industry and how it can affect businesses. They explore the emotional roller coaster that comes with not knowing when the next job will come in and the importance of tracking and analyzing trends. They also touch on the dismantling of dams in the United States and the challenges of maintaining and restoring them. The episode concludes with a trivia segment where they test each other's knowledge on construction-related topics.

Episode 130: Mental Health in the Trades! ft Suzi Mallon, LCSW

September 16th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 37 secs

boundaries, construction industry, coping strategies, emotional well-being, keywords mental health, seeking help, self-care, suicide prevention, therapy, vulnerability

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the critical issue of mental health, particularly in the construction industry, which has alarmingly high suicide rates. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of seeking therapy, and practical strategies for managing mental well-being. The discussion emphasizes the need for vulnerability, the role of boundaries in maintaining mental health, and the significance of open communication. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed.

Episode 129: Boomtown or Busttown??

September 9th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 3 mins

boomtown, bust towns, construction industry, decline, emergency readiness, financial reserve, financial responsibility, gary indiana, infrastructure, keywords boom towns, kyle texas, rapid growth, sustainability, tech industry, texas, trivia, water shortages

The conversation discusses the concept of boom towns and bust towns, using examples of Gary, Indiana, and Kyle, Texas. It explores the rapid growth and subsequent decline of these towns, highlighting the challenges they face, such as water shortages, lack of infrastructure, and emergency readiness. The conversation also touches on the influx of businesses and population to Texas, particularly in the tech industry. It raises concerns about the sustainability of these boom towns and the need for long-term planning and solutions. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the potential impact of a boomtown on the construction industry. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when a small town experiences rapid growth due to an influx of new residents. They also discuss the importance of financial responsibility and having a solid financial reserve in the construction business. The conversation concludes with a trivia segment on construction-related topics.