Displaying Episode 1 - 10 of 58 in total of Hardworking Happy Hour with the tag “construction”.
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Episode 172: Navigating Change Orders!
September 15th, 2025 | 1 hr 7 mins
american culture, business growth, change orders, client interaction, communication, construction, humor, keywords podcast, project management, teamwork
In this episode of the Hardworking Happy Hour, hosts Sean and Catherine reflect on their week, share humorous cultural observations, and discuss the importance of effective client interactions. They delve into the revamped client communication process, emphasizing the balance between providing excellent service and managing change orders without overwhelming clients. The episode also features a fun trivia segment, testing their knowledge on construction and culture, while highlighting personal growth and teamwork in their business.
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Episode 171: The death of high design?
September 8th, 2025 | 52 mins 11 secs
architecture, branding, construction, cracker barrel, design, marketing, minimalism, podcast, simplicity, trends
In this episode, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics ranging from personal updates to the decline of high design in branding. They delve into the recent controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel's logo change, exploring themes of nostalgia and emotional connections in branding. The conversation shifts to the trend of simplicity in design, reflecting on how societal changes influence design choices. The episode concludes with trivia questions related to construction and design, emphasizing the cyclical nature of trends and the importance of thoughtful design in architecture and personal spaces.
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Episode 169: Jonathan Moeller of Colorado Custom Covers and Decks!
August 25th, 2025 | 58 mins 51 secs
business growth, colorado, construction, custom decks, deck building, design process, entrepreneurship, innovation, project management, subcontractors
In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine speak with Jonathan Moeller from Colorado Custom Covers and Decks about his journey in the deck building industry. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of custom projects, the importance of building trust with homeowners, and the evolution of his business from cookie-cutter decks to unique, high-end builds. Jonathan shares insights on project management, the transition to subcontractors, and innovative products that enhance the building process. The episode also features a fun segment called the Happy Hour Hot Seat, where Jonathan answers lighthearted questions about his preferences and experiences in the industry.
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Episode 168: Are you using AI to help your business?!
August 18th, 2025 | 1 hr 1 min
communication, construction, keywords ai, personal development, podcast, productivity, scheduling, technology, time management, tools
In this episode, Sean and Catherine discuss their personal updates, reflections on life changes, and the integration of AI into their daily lives. They explore the challenges of time management and how AI tools can help streamline tasks and communication. The conversation also touches on the environmental concerns surrounding AI and its potential to revolutionize personal and professional tasks. Through trivia and light-hearted banter, they emphasize the importance of learning to use AI effectively while maintaining a critical perspective on its implications.
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Episode 164: Innovative Thinking!
June 9th, 2025 | Season 1 | 1 hr 4 mins
aging, architecture, building, business purchases, concrete knowledge, construction, creativity, curated spaces, decision making, design, design inspiration, diderot effect, efficiency, energy efficiency, equipment, financial awareness, home improvement, innovative techniques, inspiration, keywords birthdays, mindfulness, outside the box thinking, project management, trivia
In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the significance of birthdays and aging, reflecting on how perceptions of age change over time. They delve into the Diderot effect, illustrating how one purchase can lead to a cascade of additional spending, emphasizing the importance of mindful financial decisions. The discussion transitions to the impact of new equipment on efficiency in business operations, highlighting the benefits of investing in the right tools. Finally, they explore the concept of thinking outside the box in design, encouraging listeners to embrace innovative ideas and inspiration from various sources. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean explore innovative construction techniques, particularly the idea of building structures on the ground and lifting them into place. They discuss the importance of creativity and thinking outside the box in construction. The conversation then shifts to finding inspiration in design, emphasizing the value of being mindful of surroundings and how curated spaces can spark ideas. They conclude by highlighting the omnipresence of inspiration in everyday life and the need for curiosity in design. In this episode, Catherine and Sean explore various themes including curated spaces, trivia questions related to home improvement, concrete knowledge, and the importance of mindfulness in decision-making. They discuss how inspiration can be drawn from unique environments and the significance of being aware of one's purchasing decisions to avoid financial pitfalls. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, filled with fun facts and engaging trivia.
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Episode 162: Professional Golf Deck Builders!
May 19th, 2025 | Season 1 | 53 mins 18 secs
adhd, business pressures, community, construction, emotional health, future living, hobbies, keywords weather, lawn care, mars, mental wellness, mortgage, nasa, personal growth, pga tour, refinancing, responsibility, self-awareness, space exploration, work-life balance
In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics ranging from the challenges of rainy weather and lawn care to the complexities of refinancing a mortgage. They share their experiences building a deck for the PGA Tour and attending the event, highlighting the unique atmosphere and high costs associated with golf tournaments. The discussion then shifts to NASA's ambitious plans for construction on Mars, exploring the implications of space exploration and the future of living on other planets. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on personal experiences and broader themes of exploration, innovation, and the human condition. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine explore the nuances of emotional states, particularly focusing on feelings of being in a 'funk' and the pressures of responsibility that come with business ownership. They discuss the impact of ADHD on Sean's ability to manage tasks and responsibilities, and how this can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. The importance of finding hobbies and community support is emphasized as a way to alleviate stress and provide a mental break. The conversation concludes with reflections on the cyclical nature of life and business, recognizing that periods of struggle are often followed by growth and renewed energy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.