Built for the Trades: Recent Episodes
Dan Dowdy
How do you build a successful trade company? Find out how other trade company owners are finding success.
In a recent conversation between Dan Dowdy and Brandon from Live Oak Bank, they explored the bank's various services to help small businesses in the trades industry grow through leadership development. Live Oak Bank specializes in providing small loans to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC businesses using the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7A loan program. This program enables financing based on the cash flow of the company and the owner's credit, making it an excellent option for businesses with limited collateral.
Unveiling the Potential of 7A and 504 Loans:
During their discussion, Brandon highlighted the different types of business loans, focusing mainly on the 7A and 504 loans. The 7A loan, their main product, offers 100% financing for buying a facility, making it highly appealing for existing business owners in operation for 12 months, as it requires no down payment. Conversely, the 504 loan involves a 10% down payment and comprises two loans with generally lower interest rates.
The Allure of the 7A Loan for Real Estate Deals:
Brandon revealed that most real estate deals at Live Oak Bank involve the 7A loan and for good reason. The allure of 100% financing and no down payment requirement for eligible business owners proves highly beneficial. It enables businesses to replace their rent with a mortgage payment while retaining cash on their balance sheets for future investments.
Long-Term Stability with 25-Year Fully Amortizing Term:
One of the attractive features of the 7A loan is the 25-year fully amortizing term, meaning there are no balloon payments to worry about. This extended repayment period gives businesses financial stability and predictability, allowing them to focus on their growth and expansion.
Being Proactive in Business Acquisitions:
As the conversation progressed, proactively understanding the costs and requirements of acquiring a business was emphasized. Brandon advised potential business buyers to plan, including preparing for the down payment and evaluating financial aspects like credit scores and licenses. This approach ensures a smoother acquisition process and avoids last-minute surprises.
Building Strong Relationships with Banks:
Dan and Brandon underscored the significance of building strong relationships with reliable banks. Working with a trusted bank, like Live Oak Bank, provides businesses with essential guidance and financial support, facilitating growth initiatives such as marketing, hiring, and purchasing equipment.
The Art of Business Management:
Throughout their discussion, various aspects of business management were explored, including leadership, talent retention, and strategic planning. Brandon highlighted the value of being proactive, understanding the financial and qualitative aspects of running a successful business. Having a clear vision and strategy, business owners can confidently navigate the challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
The Role of Mentors and Advisors:
Lastly, the conversation touched upon the benefits of having mentors or advisors, such as Brandon, who can offer valuable insights and guidance in business financing and growth. Having someone experienced by your side can make a significant difference in making well-informed decisions for the business's long-term success.
In the dynamic world of small business ownership, access to reliable financial support and valuable guidance is paramount. Live Oak Bank's commitment to empowering small trade businesses through its specialized loan programs is evident. By being proactive, understanding the financing options available, and building solid relationships with trusted banks, small business owners can confidently pursue growth initiatives, embrace leadership opportunities, and achieve long-term success in their chosen trade industry.
Welcome to the Built for the Trades Podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we're recapping a fantastic interview with Chris Gutkes, the CEO of Island Elevator. Before we dive into the discussion, let's talk about leadership principles and how they can help you grow as a person and achieve success in both business and life.
Growing Yourself to Grow Your Business:
At Built for the Trades, we aim to help businesses grow through leadership development. Personal growth is the key to professional success. Investing in your growth makes you a better partner, parent, friend, boss, and leader.
The Importance of Personal Development:
Chris Gutkes highlighted the significance of growing and developing yourself outside your regular work hours. He noticed that successful trade individuals went the extra mile to study their craft, learn about their products, and improve themselves beyond their job responsibilities.
The Leadership Principle - Looking Inwardly:
Leadership is often seen as influencing others but involves introspection and self-improvement. You must first develop yourself to grow your team and elevate your own life. This blog post will explore twelve leadership principles inspired by successful athletes, which can be applied to enhance your leadership skills and achieve success.
The Top 12 Leadership Principles for Success:
- Self-confidence: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence comes from hard work and experience.
- Motivation: Be driven to be better than your previous self and opponents. Patience and perseverance are key.
- Self-discipline: Success doesn't happen overnight. Develop the discipline to put in the extra effort and sacrifice for improvement.
- Optimism: Stay positive, even in adversity. A positive mindset attracts success.
- Acceptance of Criticism: Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for improvement.
- Poise Under Stress: High-performing athletes can thrive under pressure, making quick decisions with composure.
- Focus: Stay dedicated to your goals and tune out distractions.
- Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks and learn from failures.
- Competitive Spirit: Embrace healthy competition to improve yourself and others.
- Natural Leadership: Possess leadership qualities and take initiative when needed.
- Humility: Acknowledge mistakes, give credit to others, and remain humble in success.
- Passion: Be deeply passionate about your work and immerse yourself in it.
Applying Leadership Principles to Business:
These leadership principles are equally applicable to business and life. For instance, staying positive, being disciplined, and accepting criticism can lead to personal growth and improved leadership skills. Leaders who remain coachable, focus on the big picture, and exhibit resilience can drive their teams to success.
Incorporating these twelve leadership principles into your life will empower you to be the best version of yourself and achieve greatness in your business, relationships, and personal endeavors. Remember, being a successful leader starts with your willingness to grow and develop, just like the best athletes in the world.
If you enjoyed this podcast and blog post, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and strive to be your best version!
Welcome to another captivating episode, Built For The Trades, a podcast that explores the essence of leadership development in the trades industry. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gutkes, the fourth-generation elevator tradesman and esteemed president of Island Elevator in Long Island, New York. Chris takes us on a profound journey from growing up in an elevator family to serving in the Army and discovering his true passion for elevators. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-awareness, empathy, continuous learning, and the significance of putting people first in leadership.
A Fortuitous Passion:
Chris Gutkes' story is one of destiny and discovery. Born into a family entrenched in the elevator trade, Chris sought to forge his path by serving in the Army. Little did he know that life had other plans. Following his service, Chris was drawn back to elevators, realizing it was his true passion. This realization highlights the power of self-awareness and its role in understanding one's genuine calling in life.
Apprenticeship and the Pursuit of Knowledge:
As Chris embarked on his journey in the elevator industry, he recognized the invaluable impact of apprenticeship and mentorship. He emphasizes the need for young tradespeople to seize every opportunity to learn and grow beyond their current level of knowledge. A commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental in Chris's success and has played a pivotal role in Island Elevator's prominence.
The Impact of 9/11:
The tragic events of 9/11 profoundly affected Chris and his family, personally and professionally. He vividly recounts witnessing the chaos and devastation from a rooftop in Queens, with a heart full of concern for his brother, who worked at the Trade Center that day. Fortunately, his brother, alongside other brave elevator tradespeople, made it out safely. This experience underscores the importance of resilience, solidarity, and leadership during moments of crisis.
From Soldier to Entrepreneur:
Following the aftermath 9/11, Chris returned from his National Guard service to face the challenges of building Island Elevator from the ground up. With unwavering determination, he surrounded himself with friends and experienced individuals who shared his vision. Together, they nurtured the company, transforming it into a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Leadership and Struggles:
The sudden passing of Chris's father thrust him into the role of president of Island Elevator, leading to an overwhelming sense of responsibility and leadership struggles. He candidly discusses his battles with alcohol, which he overcame to become a better leader. The experience taught him the value of self-awareness, mindfulness, and empathy in guiding not only his actions but also the trajectory of the entire company.
Diversity and People First:
Chris admits to making mistakes along the way, particularly in hiring decisions. He emphasizes the significance of building a diverse leadership team with varied perspectives. Island Elevator's guiding mantra, "A People First Company," exemplifies the company's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and safety of employees and customers.
Chris Gutkes’ journey as a leader in the elevator trade is a compelling testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, empathy, and continuous learning. From the chaos of 9/11 to building a thriving company that puts people first, his story offers invaluable insights into what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose.
As we conclude, this episode of Built For The Trades reminds us of the importance of elevating the structures we build and the people who create them. May Chris's journey inspire us all to embrace empathy, embrace growth, and put people first in our leadership endeavors. Until next time, keep elevating leadership and building a better future for all.
Welcome to the Built For The Trades podcast! Today, we will dive into the fundamental leadership principles discussed in a recent episode featuring Crystal from Lemon Seed Marketing. If you still need to listen to the episode, please pause and check it out. These recaps are designed to break down valuable insights and apply them to personal and professional growth concisely and effectively.
Consistency: The Key to Growth
One of the essential takeaways from Crystal's insights on marketing is the significance of consistency over time. Like in marketing, where continuous efforts yield results, consistency plays a crucial role in leadership development. Growing as a leader is a lifelong journey, not a destination, requiring discipline and intentionality.
Different Levels of Leadership, Different Approaches
Leadership strategies should adapt to the size and scale of organizations. A small business owner might be involved in day-to-day operations. A leader of a larger organization would focus on planning and proactive measures. Each level demands a distinct approach to time management and decision-making.
Growth Mindset in Leadership and Marketing
Having a growth mindset is crucial in both marketing and leadership. Leaders should always strive to become better versions of themselves and set clear goals for their growth. Similarly, consistently pushing boundaries and investing in diverse marketing efforts lead to long-term success.
Investment in Marketing and Leadership
Marketing and leadership development both require investments, whether it's time or money. Just as a business should allocate a reasonable marketing budget to ensure growth, leaders should invest time in their personal development. Joining mastermind groups, seeking coaching, attending conferences, and reading books can all contribute to significant personal growth.
Education: A Cornerstone of Success
Staying educated is fundamental to success in marketing and leadership. Marketers must be up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, while leaders should continually seek new knowledge and insights to enhance their skills.
Discipline Trumps Motivation
Discipline is the key to maintaining consistency in both marketing and leadership. Relying solely on motivation can lead to inconsistent efforts. Embracing discipline allows leaders to stay on track, fulfill commitments, and build trust with their team.
Creating Your Leadership Strategy
Building a leadership strategy is akin to creating a comprehensive marketing plan. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and mentors can significantly impact your leadership journey. Identifying your avatar in leadership—defining who you aspire to become—helps you set clear goals and actionable steps.
Importance of Morning Rituals
Start your day with intention and prioritize what truly matters. Avoid diving into emails or social media first thing in the morning, as it can disrupt your focus and mindset. Instead, engage in activities that contribute to your growth, like journaling, working out, or meditating. This sets a positive tone for the day and enhances your leadership capabilities.
Consistency, discipline, and a growth mindset are the pillars of success in both marketing and leadership. Just as a well-rounded marketing strategy diversifies efforts to achieve lasting results, a thoughtful leadership strategy incorporates continuous learning and intentional actions. By investing in yourself and your business, you can unlock new levels of growth and foster a self-operating organization with a team that shares your vision.
Remember, leadership is a journey, and the commitment to grow and improve should never cease. The more you invest in yourself, the more you inspire others to follow and grow alongside you. So, let's embrace consistency, seize the power of discipline, and embark on a lifelong journey of leadership growth and marketing success!
If you're interested in exploring leadership coaching, mastermind groups, or other personal and professional growth resources, be sure to check out Built for the Trades. And remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review for the podcast to help us continue delivering valuable content to our audience.
Here's to a bright future of growth and success in marketing and leadership!
Welcome to the Built For The Trades podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we're diving into a topic that's been on my mind and has been shared in recent talks. The title is "A Year of Two Paths," throughout this podcast; I aim to teach you what it looks like to take the hard, easy path of leading leaders.
Before we delve into the concept of the two paths, let me remind you that Built For The Trades is a community of like-minded individuals in the trades who are dedicated to bettering themselves and those around them, living a life of integrity, and excelling in their endeavors. If you resonate with this, welcome to the community! Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend who could benefit from it, as we believe that leadership is a lifelong journey with no final destination.
To set the stage for our discussion, let me share Robert Frost's famous poem, "The Road Not Taken." It speaks of two diverging paths in a wood, and the poet chooses the less traveled one, ultimately making all the difference. This imagery beautifully illustrates our life choices: the easy, familiar path or the challenging, less explored one.
Most tend to follow the path of least resistance, much like a river flowing downstream. However, a few courageous individuals are willing to stand against the current, walk upstream, and embrace the hard path of leadership. The complex course involves discipline, stepping out of one's comfort zone, trying new things, standing up for beliefs, and embracing new challenges.
A century ago, people had to be dynamic and resourceful to survive, but in the modern age, complacency and laziness can creep in, given the comforts of society. However, those who dare to embrace the complicated path find opportunities for growth and success amidst the challenges.
What does it mean to take the leader's path? It starts with knowing you grow and extends to understanding your team to develop. Leaders communicate effectively, appreciate their team members and foster relationships. Built For The Trades uses the Enneagram assessment to help individuals understand strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.
On the other hand, the follower path represents the easy, arduous path. Followers tend to stick to their comfort zones, treating others as they've always been treated and ignoring their blind spots. This leads to stagnation and a need for growth.
The leader path is marked by being goal and growth-focused. Leaders set ambitious goals and continuously strive to learn and improve, even in the face of failures. They live outside their comfort zones, embrace change, and seek consistency in their efforts.
In contrast, the follower path is characterized by a lack of time management, inconsistency, and resistance to change. Followers are content with their routines and often fear the unknown, hindering their personal and professional growth.
Leaders invest time and effort in developing their team and themselves, seeking to create a strong foundation for future success. They value presence, empathy, and engagement in building relationships, understanding that every interaction offers opportunities to learn and grow.
Conversely, followers often find themselves trapped in busy routines, overwhelmed by tasks, and missing out on meaningful connections with others. They need to gain the foresight to realize the importance of investing in their team and personal development.
In conclusion, both paths have consequences—hard now, easy later for the leader path, and easy now, hard later for the follower path. However, choosing the complicated, accessible leadership path means taking the higher calling, setting ambitious goals, and striving for consistent growth.
As you embark on your journey, remember that embracing the path less taken is an intentional decision. Embrace change, acknowledge failures, and seek personal growth. Your commitment to leadership will lead to your success and uplift those around you, creating a positive impact in your organization and community.
So, are you ready to take the hard, accessible leadership path? It's time to step up, lead by example, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Embrace the challenges, knowing they will mold you into a better, more robust, and more influential leader.
Thank you for tuning in to the Build the Trades podcast. We appreciate your support and encourage you to check out our website, billforthetrades.com, for more valuable leadership and personal growth resources.
Remember, the less-taken path may be more challenging but will lead you to greater heights and lasting fulfillment.
Stay inspired, stay committed, and lead the way!
In the dynamic world of business, there are success stories that inspire, motivate, and shed light on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. One such remarkable journey is that of Crystal, a businesswoman in the trades industry. This blog post will delve into the transcript of an insightful conversation with Crystal. She shares her experiences, lessons learned, and strategies that led her company from a modest $3 million to an impressive $20 million in revenue. Let's explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and family values that contributed to her success.
A Pivotal Moment: Investing in Leadership and Marketing
The journey began with a vision of achieving 10 million goals, and the company worked diligently towards it. But the real turning point came when they decided to invest in marketing and hire a second level of intermediate leadership. Crystal's brother, Trey, realized the need to focus on strategic planning, forecasting, and overcoming obstacles. With this investment, the team could now concentrate on the bigger picture of the business rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. This pivotal decision allowed them to take a more proactive approach toward growth.
Family and Business: The Delicate Balance
The company was a multi-generational family business with its own set of challenges. Crystal shared that their solid Christian values were vital in fostering mutual respect within the family. While they all had authoritative personalities, they humbled themselves before one another, allowing decisions to be made collectively. Crystal emphasized the importance of identifying the boss and following their lead to maintain a harmonious family and business dynamic.
Clear Communication and Separation of Work and Home Life
Maintaining effective internal communication within a family business is crucial. Weekly leadership meetings played a significant role in evaluating financial status and planning for the future. It was essential for the family to separate work and home life to avoid overburdening relationships with work discussions. Crystal highlighted the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with family members' different work styles, recognizing that everyone needed their pace and time to discuss work-related matters.
Learning from Mistakes: Trust but Verify
Crystal learned from her mistakes, especially when trusting vendors blindly. While they were considered partners, she realized the importance of tracking and measuring outcomes to ensure their strategies delivered results. The lesson was to trust but verify, using data-driven decisions and setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide marketing efforts effectively.
Another valuable lesson was related to team management. Crystal learned the importance of hiring slowly and firing quickly when necessary. Being empathetic, she struggled with letting go of underperforming team members, but she acknowledged the necessity of making timely decisions to maintain a positive work environment and team productivity.
Creating a Positive Work Environment and Building Stronger Teams
Crystal emphasized the significance of building a positive work environment and investing in her team's happiness and personal growth. By organizing various events, recognizing team members' efforts, and valuing their families, Crystal, and her team created a strong bond with their employees. Supporting team members' personal goals and ensuring a healthy work-life balance contributed to higher retention rates and a happier workforce.
Crystal's journey from $3 million to $20 million in revenue provides valuable insights into trades and family businesses. By investing in marketing, adopting proactive strategies, and fostering a positive work environment, she successfully navigated challenges and emerged as a thriving entrepreneur. The lessons she learned about trust, communication, and team management are essential for anyone seeking growth in the trades industry. With a focus on family values, mutual respect, and the right blend of leadership and management, Crystal's journey exemplifies the power of determination, innovation, and strong business acumen.
Welcome back to the Built For The Trades podcast! In this final part of our three-part series, we will explore the importance of creating a team that excels and how leading by example and effective time management play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a high-performing team that goes above and beyond their job description, ultimately leading to tremendous success for your business.
The Power of a Higher Purpose: More than merely paying employees more money does not guarantee exceptional performance. True excellence stems from aligning your team with a higher purpose. Establishing clear core values and a compelling vision for the future can foster a sense of dedication and professionalism that transcends monetary rewards. When your team members feel connected to a greater mission, they are more likely to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results.
The Importance of Team Dynamics: Individual talent is valuable, but a well-functioning team’s collective effort leads to championship-level success. Like different body parts make up a whole, each team member has a vital role. When one person fails to fulfill their responsibilities or succeeds in their position, it affects the entire team. Recognizing the significance of each team member’s contribution and promoting a collaborative environment can drive overall excellence.
Overcoming Barriers: To create a team that excels, overcoming common barriers such as lack of time, resistance to stepping out of comfort zones, and the fear of relinquishing control is essential. By embracing the six steps we discussed in the previous episodes and applying them consistently, you can break through revenue plateaus, build a thriving company culture, and achieve success in all areas of your life.
Expressing Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating your team members’ efforts can have a profound impact on their motivation and overall performance. As Roy T. Bennett said, “Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day.” Therefore, in addition to implementing the strategies we’ve discussed, cultivating an outlook of positivity, gratitude, and encouragement can significantly contribute to creating a team that excels.
The Journey of Leadership: Leadership is not a destination but a lifelong journey. It requires continuous growth and self-improvement. You can become a more effective leader by waking up each day to grow and applying the tools we’ve shared. Recognize that everyone learns and operates differently, and tailor your approach accordingly. The goal is to incorporate critical strategies into your leadership style to enhance effectiveness.
Leading by Example: Leadership is synonymous with influence. Your team’s performance reflects directly on your leadership, both positively and negatively. Therefore, leading by example becomes imperative. When your team members observe you embodying the qualities you expect from them, it creates a powerful impact. Consistency is key. Set clear expectations and demonstrate your commitment to those expectations by following them yourself. Remember, leading up involves self-reflection and addressing your shortcomings before focusing on your team.
Mastering Time Management: Effective time management is vital for leading by example. Chaos begets chaos; if you are disorganized or constantly putting out fires, it sets a negative tone for the entire team. A structured time management system can help you regain control and create an environment of productivity and efficiency. While there are various methods, the underlying principle remains consistent: prioritize and manage your time effectively to inspire your team to do the same.
In conclusion, creating a team that excels is a multifaceted endeavor that requires leadership, vision, and the willingness to invest in your team members’ growth. Leading by example and practicing effective time management can set the stage for excellence within your organization. Remember, your influence as a leader extends beyond the workplace. By continuously working on yourself and demonstrating gratitude and positivity, you pave the way for success in all areas of your life.
We hope you found value in this three-part series on creating an excellent team. If you need further assistance implementing these strategies, please contact us at builtforthetrades.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and revisit parts one and two if you haven’t already. Remember, your commitment to growth and excellence will yield long-term success for yourself and your team.
Welcome to the Built for Trades podcast with your host, Dan Dowdy. This three-part series will explore the steps to create a team that excels. Building a successful team is crucial for overcoming revenue plateaus, shifting culture, and maintaining quality work. However, many leaders face challenges such as lack of time, fear of leaving their comfort zone, and past negative experiences. This blog post will delve into steps three and four: setting the foundation for success and initiating the relationship-building process.
Step 3: Setting the Foundation for Success
Just as a building's foundation must be level, a team's foundation must be solid and well-defined. To establish a level foundation, it is essential to have a clear understanding of where your team is headed. This begins with creating a vision map and helping team members see how they fit into that vision. By aligning individual goals with the organizational vision, you can set a strong foundation for success.
Another aspect of setting a level foundation is understanding your natural inclination towards leadership or management. Knowing your strengths will enable you to strike a balance between the two roles, ensuring effective leadership within your team.
Moreover, a vital aspect of establishing a foundation for success is documenting the position of each team member. Creating a position agreement, which outlines the job duties and responsibilities, helps eliminate ambiguity and provides clarity. This agreement should be a binding document that both you and your team member sign, acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of their position. This step not only ensures accountability but also minimizes misunderstandings and conflicts.
Step 4: Initiating the Relationship Building Process
Relationship building is a crucial aspect of fostering a successful team. To initiate this process, focus on effective communication and creating a positive work environment. Appreciating your team members' contributions and making them feel valued goes a long way in building solid relationships. Remember, a person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected.
While many assume that monetary rewards are the primary way to show appreciation, they are just a tiny piece of the puzzle. Words of encouragement, training opportunities, building relationships, and providing adequate time off are equally important. Take the time to understand what motivates and inspires each team member, as individual recognition can be a powerful tool in building relationships.
Creating an excellent team requires setting a solid foundation and fostering strong relationships. You provide clarity and accountability by establishing a level foundation through an explicit position agreement and aligning individual goals with the organizational vision. Additionally, initiating the relationship-building process by valuing and appreciating your team members creates a positive work environment and motivates them to go above and beyond.
Remember, leadership development is a lifelong journey, and these steps are crucial for continuous growth. Overcoming challenges such as lack of time, fear of change, and past negative experiences is possible when you invest in creating a team that excels. By following these steps, you will experience more success and fulfillment in your trade business and leave a lasting legacy.
Stay tuned for the final part of this series, where we will explore leading by example and the importance of ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring. Remember to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to support the Built for Trades podcast. Together, we can build exceptional teams that drive success in the trades industry.
Welcome to the Built for Trades Podcast, where our mission is to empower businesses through leadership development. In today's episode, we delve into the significance of building a strategic marketing strategy that not only drives growth but also maximizes return on investment (ROI). Join our host, Dan Dowdy, and his fellow team member, Nathan, as they explore the key elements of effective marketing strategies and share valuable insights to help businesses thrive. Understanding the Need for a Strategic Marketing Strategy: Dan kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of having a well-defined marketing strategy. He quotes John C. Maxwell, reminding us that true leaders not only know the way but also go the way and show the way. In a world where many companies adopt a shotgun approach to marketing, being reactionary and lacking a plan, Dan and Nathan advocate for a strategic, diverse, and budgeted approach to marketing efforts. The Pitfalls of Haphazard Approaches: To illustrate the consequences of an aimless marketing approach, the hosts recount an anecdote about a business owner who invested in a new marketing plan without a clear strategy. The results were disappointing, highlighting the importance of focusing on revenue generation and developing a targeted marketing approach. It's not just about investing in marketing, but investing wisely and aligning efforts with the desired outcomes. Key Components of a Marketing Strategy: The conversation then delves into the different components that form the foundation of a successful marketing strategy. First, they discuss the demographic aspect, emphasizing the importance of identifying the ideal customer or avatar. By specifying details such as age range, home value, and family status, businesses can tailor their marketing efforts and establish a deeper emotional connection with potential customers. Next, the hosts touch on the geographic aspect, stressing the need to identify the locations where the target customers reside. This valuable information enables businesses to target specific neighborhoods and concentrate their marketing efforts where they are most likely to yield fruitful results. The conversation then shifts to the psychographic aspect, highlighting the significance of showcasing the most profitable services offered by the business. While a company may offer a range of services, it is crucial to highlight the most lucrative ones on websites and marketing materials. This approach helps establish a clear brand identity and attracts the desired customer base. Strategic and Targeted Approach to Marketing: Throughout the conversation, Dan and Nathan consistently emphasize the need for a strategic and targeted approach to marketing. They stress the importance of clear communication, selecting the right platforms to reach the target audience, and minimizing the effort required for potential customers to connect with the business. This focus on efficiency and effectiveness ensures that marketing resources are utilized optimally, leading to a better return on investment. Unleashing the Power of Differentiation: Building on the discussion, the transcript introduces the concept of customer guarantees and the significance of being unique and creative with them. Rather than relying solely on the common "money-back" guarantee, businesses are encouraged to explore innovative approaches. Suggestions like offering a 150% or 200% guarantee can set them apart from competitors and provide customers with an exceptional sense of peace of mind. Identifying Unique Aspects and Diversifying Marketing Efforts: The conversation progresses to the importance of identifying three unique aspects of a business that distinguish it from competitors. Being locally owned or family-owned, especially in a market dominated by franchises and national companies, can be a powerful differentiating factor. The hosts also encourage businesses to draw inspiration from their core values to identify other unique qualities. To ensure long-term success, Dan and Nathan advocate for dividing marketing efforts into three buckets: sales, retention, and community. By diversifying marketing strategies, businesses can achieve organic growth, lower costs per lead, and improved customer retention. Tactics such as email marketing, social media engagement
Welcome to the Built Trace Podcast, where we are dedicated to helping you grow your business through leadership development. Whether it's your own business, organization, or leadership skills at home, our focus is to provide you with key takeaways from each episode that can be applied to your leadership journey. Leadership growth is a lifelong process, and there is no ultimate destination. With that in mind, we encourage you to wake up daily to grow. This three-part series will discuss creating a team that excels, offering insights and strategies that can drive your organization to new heights.
Part 1: Creating an Organization That's Bigger Than One Person
To build a team that excels, it is crucial to establish an organization that transcends individual contributions. When team members feel connected to something greater than themselves, they are more likely to stay committed and dedicated to their roles. Here are some key steps to achieve this:
Share a Vision for Growth: Develop a clear vision for your organization's future, including revenue targets and departmental growth. Communicate this vision to your team members, demonstrating how their roles fit the bigger picture. You inspire and motivate them to contribute to the organization's success by painting a compelling vision.
Develop a Vision Map: Create an organizational chart representing the three-year growth plan. Break down the various departments and positions, highlighting potential opportunities for team members to grow and progress within the organization. By visually representing their potential career paths, you help them see their future within the team.
Part 2: Understanding Your Giftedness
As a leader, it is essential to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing your unique abilities allows you to leverage them effectively and build a high-performing team. Consider the following steps:
Leadership vs. Management: Assess whether your strengths lie in leadership or management. While both are crucial, understanding which aspect resonates more with you can help you prioritize your focus. Recognize that effective leadership involves inspiring and guiding others, while management entails organizing and coordinating tasks.
Self-awareness: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. Understanding your giftedness allows you to align your responsibilities with your skills, making you more effective in your role. It also enables you to recognize areas where you might need to delegate or seek support from others.
Creating a team that excels requires intentional effort and a commitment to fostering an environment where individuals thrive. By building an organization more significant than any one person and understanding your giftedness as a leader, you set the foundation for success. This series will delve into initiating relationship building, leading by example, and providing training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. Remember, words matter, and consistent actions aligned with your vision will help your team excel. By investing in your team's growth, you will reap the rewards of a thriving organization—tremendous success, fulfillment, and growth for everyone involved. Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others eager to unlock their leadership potential.
Welcome to the Built of Trades podcast! I'm your host, Dan Dowdy, and today we will discuss the five steps that can help you leverage the recession to your advantage. But before we begin, I want to take a moment to ask our audience to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend. At Built for the Trades, our mission is to support the growth of our listeners through leadership development, and your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated.
Step One: Adopt a Positive Mindset
Rather than viewing the recession as a setback, approach it as an opportunity. Don't fall into the trap of focusing on things beyond your control or complaining about the changing customer landscape. As a leader, it's crucial to maintain a positive mindset and concentrate on what you can control. By embracing this perspective, you can set yourself apart from competitors and navigate the recession successfully.
Step Two: Gain Market Share
To capitalize on the recession, focus on gaining market share. Develop a well-defined marketing strategy that targets your ideal demographic, considers geographical factors, and highlights your most profitable services. Ensure that your marketing efforts align with your business goals and track the return on investment. By consistently investing in marketing and effectively reaching your target audience, you can set yourself up for success.
Step Three: Communication for Success
Proactive communication is vital during challenging times. Shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one by holding regular leadership, team, and customer service meetings. Establish a specific agenda for each meeting and use them as opportunities to discuss important matters, address obstacles, and provide training. Effective communication strengthens your team and enables them to tackle challenges head-on.
Step Four: Strengthen Your Team
Invest in your team's growth and development by conducting consistent one-to-one meetings. These meetings allow you to build relationships, address obstacles, and provide coaching. Additionally, showcase your company culture and values through social media to attract top talent. Consider offering pay raises to incentivize and retain your team members, especially during times of inflation and economic uncertainty.
Step Five: Focus on the 80/20 Rule
Apply the 80/20 rule to maximize your revenue. Identify the key activities that generate 80% of your revenue and allocate 20% of your time and resources to them. Regularly evaluate how you spend your time and delegate tasks that can be handled by others. This will free up your time to focus on high-impact activities that contribute significantly to your business's growth.
The recession presents an opportunity for growth and innovation if approached with the right mindset and strategies. By adopting a positive mindset, gaining market share, prioritizing effective communication, strengthening your team, and focusing on high-impact activities, you can position your business for success even in challenging times. Embrace these five steps and turn the recession into an opportunity for growth and advancement.
This episode is for you if you wish to create healthy boundaries for employees and reduce the threat of miscommunication and failed expectations.
Listen to this episode for these top tips:
Find out how setting clear expectations for your employees benefits your team as a whole.
Uncover how the power of communication and accountability with set dates and checklists is more beneficial for productivity bonuses than commission.
Learn how Dan Dowdy reduces chaos and builds great teams for profitable business endeavors.
“...it's going to be a proactive system that you can have in your business that allows you to stay ahead of the problem. So many times in business, we're always fixing the issues that pop up, but we don’t look back a few steps before that and ask ourselves, ‘what is it that we’re missing? What's the sign that we're missing that's causing this issue and this position agreement scorecard combo is a great way to tame that chaos in your business.” - Dan Dowdy
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his interview with Chris Cline of Yochim Plumbing. In the original interview, Dan and Chris chat about their experiences with being second-generation tradesmen and being “old school” where integrity, hard work, and a handshake means everything in business. Chris’s father, Mark Yochim, built Yochim Plumbing into what it is today. They genuinely encompass the meaning of generational and people-focused tradesmen and women with their core values in operation. In this recap, Dan shares how your team directly reflects you as their leader and how this will present itself in generations to come. Chris has witnessed the power of generational core values and how business is genuinely about giving more than you take as a leader. How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips: 1. Find out how the previous generations of your business can still teach you today. 2. Discover how outdated marketing strategies are still growing businesses and relationships. 3. Learn how your team directly reflects you as a leader. “Your culture and your business is a direct reflection of you because you, deep down, have core values and live by those core values.” - Dan Dowdy It is essential to keep in mind that your company will rise to your leadership level. We hope this episode inspires you to take the steps today to ensure your business is a place your employees want to give and serve.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Bret Barnhart of Barnhart Excavating. Bret’s favorite core value in his business is to have no regrets, and in this recap, Dan shares the seven steps to live your life with no regrets.
As Bret’s number one core value, living with no regrets carries over from his personal life to his business. It is vital that each decision made in the business is made to ensure the employees and the customers never have regrets when working with Barnhart Excavating.
How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:
- Find out the four core values Bret Barnhart lives by in his business.
- Uncover the one thing you can control, despite all the changes in the world.
- Learn the seven steps to living your life with no regrets.
“If we don't like what we do, take ownership of it and do something about it. If you don't like where you're at in your business, take ownership and make a change because we are in complete control of our lives.” - Dan Dowdy
Bret shared so much good value for leaders, business owners, and family men out there that are wanting to better their lives in a way they won’t regret in the future, and we hope this episode provided you with the steps to ensure you can live a regret-free life as well.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Bret Barnhart, the owner of Barnhart Excavating, to the show. Dan and Bret “dig” right into Bret’s backstory of being a fourth-generation business owner and how he found his success in making sure those around him are also successful and have no regrets.
“Being in the trades, you probably know that there's a lot of things that hit you every day. If you let those negative things get to you, you'll just think business sucks, but at the end of the day, you're making an impact with people.” - Bret Barnhart
If you feel like you have missed out on being taught how to run a virtuous business with a team to show for, this episode is for you. Dan and Bret share advice and insight that can be handed down for generations.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL:
Find out how Bret is a fourth-generation business owner; however, his business wasn’t handed down to him.
Discover Bret’s core value of having no regrets.
Learn about Bret’s new Path to Success program people can join right out of high school.
Uncover the pain point of hiring and training team members in your business. Learn one step you can take towards starting your path to success.
"To be honest with you, I wouldn't have built the business the way I built it if it would have been given to me because I wouldn't have had to go through the hard things." - Bret Barnhart
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Michael Sauer of Scorpion. Michael is passionate about helping business owners discover what motivates their employees to ensure every employee and company is valued. In this recap, Dan shares a couple of leadership principles that he and Michael talked about that stood out as essential to get across to the leaders in the trade.
In the original interview, Michael shares how what we are doing as managers likely are not enough. This is why everyone is leaving our companies. As you listen through this episode, note that Michael shares incredible insight on cultivating a team that wants to stick around.
How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips:
Find out how The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace can help you curb The Great Resignation.
Discover how better to understand yourself, your coworkers, and your employees!
Learn the easiest way to show appreciation and how it might benefit your company.
“It's hard to find good help, and then once we find good help, it's hard to retain good help. I want to squash that mindset because if that is your mindset, and that's what comes out of your mouth every day, that is what you're going to get.” - Dan Dowdy
Remember to live in the moment and be present with each person. The person in front of you should always be the most important person in your life at that moment. You should give them your undivided attention and make complete efforts to serve that person. There are people out there looking for top companies to come in, feel bought into the vision, appreciated, and help take your business to the next level.
If you are interested in learning how the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace can be implemented in your business or if you are looking to maximize your company’s profitability by, among other things, targeting your ideal clients, please feel free to reach out to Michael at Ask@Scorpion.co to learn more.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy recaps his recent interview with Justin Carrol of P1 Service Group.
Justin’s mission is to value people first to enhance lives, and in this recap Dan shares five steps you can take right now to start putting people first.
In the original interview with Justin, we learned how people truly want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
As you listen through this episode, take note of how you can start showing people you want to support and guide them to that bigger place. How do you do that? Listen to this episode for these top tips: Find out how to focus on the employee experience. Uncover the five steps you can take right now to put people first. Learn how to measure performance and coaching.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Justing Carrol of P1 Services to the show. Dan and Justin discuss what it looks like to grow a valuable home service company. Justin also shares vital tips and takeaways that don’t revolve around profit or KPIs.
If you feel like you are having difficulty cultivating a team and business around your values and mission, this episode is for you. Dan and Justin dive right into how you can enhance your leadership skills to run a business that aligns with what you stand for.
Looking for more great content like this? Join our email list today and receive weekly emails filled with leadership tips and new happenings here at Built For The Trades: https://pro.builtforthetrades.com/email-signup
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy, recaps his recent interview with Terry Petrovick of Team Wow Media. One of the fundamental leadership principles that stood out during the interview was the power of reciprocation. In this recap, we are diving right in and elaborating on what that could do for your business!
One of Terry's most significant attributes is building trust online. Every prospect that comes into your business has a problem, and all they want to do is a partner with somebody to help them make that problem disappear.
How do you do that? Listen in to learn...
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How video testimonials can take your business to the next level.
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The power of reciprocation and the best time to leverage your customers' appreciation.
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How Terry can help you gain trust through your website and online presence.
"You don't want to be the leader that is all alone. If you try to go out alone, you are eventually going to hit a ceiling that you can't go beyond." - Dan Dowdy
Terry not only connects with people but also has a heart for serving and exceeding his client's expectations. If you want to separate yourself from your competitors, go check Terry out and hop on a call with him so he can walk you through the potential magic of your online presence!
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Terry Petrovick Team Wow Media. Dan and Terry discuss what the next generation looks like for building trust in the trades. They will also be sharing the importance of video testimonials and content that we're putting on our websites. “Every prospect has a problem and what they want more than anything, is a partner that they can trust to make the problem go away. The challenge today is there's so much noise, hype and BS out there.” If you feel like you have fallen behind in the virtual world, this episode is for you. Dan and Terry dive right in to how you can gain a competitive edge in your space. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: A unique and effective type of testimonial you can receive from past customers and how you can use that in your content. How Terry approaches asking people into recording an authentic video testimonial. A new method in self auditing your website to speak in terms of your prospects interest. Terry’s method of using the Trust Ecosystem in his business in order to convert leads and retain customers. “If you have that “givers gain” mindset, where you actually give more before you actually get more, it just works.”
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy covers the three steps to attract and retain top team members for your company and why the “this is the way we’ve always done it” is not as successful in today’s workforce.
“We are dealing with a younger generation in the workforce that may or may not be raised with core values. As business owners have two approaches we can take, one being a negative one deeming these kids as use less, or we can adapt and train them.”
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
- How to begin with the end in mind and why that is important.
- What exactly does your avatar want in a business they work for?
- Where are you hiring?
- Three steps to attract and retain top team members.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Allie Perez with George Plumbing Company in San Antonio. Dan and Allie discuss the traction to be gained by diversifying the trades with women and minorities.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Levi Torres with High Five Plumbing in Denver. Levi is doing something that is ahead of the times when it comes to using social media to recruit in the trades, Dan and Levi discuss how he's really caught a lot of traction with it.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Stephen Christopher with Wit Digital. Dan and Stephen discuss reducing stress, getting more clear on where you're going, and being able to make decisions. There are many times business owners, and leaders in the trades get in their way, and Stephen has excellent tips for getting out of those same ruts in the road.
In this episode, our Founder Dan Dowdy shares his story of where he came from and how Built For The Trades got started. Dan is a second-generation tradesman, growing up in the family business, learning about hard work, God, and plumbing from the time he could walk.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy welcomes Brant Martin with Martins Rod and Customs. Dan and Brant talk about bringing in the next generation of tradesmen and women and how to equip them for success in their careers to come!
In this episode with Dan Dowdy, he interviews Chris Cline from Yochim Plumbing, who is a Founding Member here at Built For The Trades. Dan and Chris chat about their experiences with being second-generation tradesmen and being “old school” where integrity, hard work, and a handshake means everything in business. Chris’s story of how his father and Mark Yochim built Yochim Plumbing to what it is today, truly encompasses the meaning of generational, and people-focused, tradesmen and women with their core values in operation.
In this episode of the Built for the Trades podcast, host Dan Dowdy, welcomes Michael Sauer from Scorpion to the show. Dan and Michael talk about employee retention attracting great team members, how to curb The Great Resignation, what the “love languages of appreciation” are and how to practice them in real life.