The Fab Lab: Recent Episodes
Fabricators Friend
Running a stone shop is HARD. I make it easier. I give resources to help you reduce frustration and increase profits in your stone shop. Visit www.AaronCrowley.com and get the first 3 chapters of my book ”Less Chaos More Cash” for free!
There are some important elements to starting a successful side hustle and I share them in this episode. The good news fellow fabricator is that you already have them!
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Examples
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Practice
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Encouragement
So if you have an idea or a solution to a problem that your fellow fabrciators could benefit from, maybe its time to think about starting a side hustle!
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
In this episode, I explain what happened with SVB - Silicon Valley Bank - and its failure over the weekend.
What does it mean for those of us in the stone industry? Well, we get into that in this episode:)
If you'd like to contact me to discuss it further, visit me here:
aaroncrowley.com
In the mean time, happy fabricating!
Please consider donating to Rancho Santa Marta!
Your donation will fund the work at this amazing orphanage in Baja Mexico. RSM was the first special needs orphanage in the region and they care for orphans with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Donate here: (use "Living Water Spanish" at the red asterisk * to specify our group)
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRkSUl-D8HjiWYB0TYT1fM7XHO3iVYxvvxhHjRfLOeq662EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouf0ig1gVzE220h8IPbj4YeY%3D
Check out Rancho Santa Marta:
https://www.ranchosantamarta.org/
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this great organization!
Aaron - Happy Fabricating!
Please consider donating to Rancho Santa Marta!
Your donation will fund the work at this amazing orphanage in Baja Mexico. RSM was the first special needs orphanage in the region and they care for orphans with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Donate here: (use "Living Water Spanish" at the red asterisk * to specify our group)
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRkSUl-D8HjiWYB0TYT1fM7XHO3iVYxvvxhHjRfLOeq662EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouf0ig1gVzE220h8IPbj4YeY%3D
Check out Rancho Santa Marta:
https://www.ranchosantamarta.org/
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this great organization!
Aaron - Happy Fabricating!
This may sound crazy, but starting a side hustle can contribute massively to making life easier in your stone shop...I know, I know, that does sound crazy, but it may not be as crazy as you think, especially once you've listened to this episode.
In this episode, I share the story of how I started 3 side hustles...and none of them were on purpose.
Then I share 2 extremely important thoughts on this for your consideration.
Also for your consideration, consider supporting the Fab Lab Podcast by buying a No Lift Install System!
www.noliftsystem.com
Make sure you tune in next week, its going to be awesome, until then, Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
In this episode, I share an idea I was exploring prior to selling my stone shop...Its unconventional, its out of the box, its a "blue ocean strategy" if you will.
I dont suggest you should consider implementing this idea in your own stone business.
What I am suggesting is that you should be thinking outside the box! You should be open minded to doing the unconventional in the interest of make your life easier and the work in your stone shop...less hard!
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
In the last episode, I detail a list of the ways the counter fabrication business is just plain hard.
In this episode, I share the 3 most important tactics for positioning your stone shop to overcome those challenges and succeed in spite of them.
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Do more direct to consumer work
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Develop standards, process, and your daily operations meeting
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Strategic relationships with suppliers, built on trust
If you'd like to download the first 3 chapters of my book, Less Chaos More Cash, just visit here: https://aaroncrowley.com/
Happy Fabricating!
Running a stone shop is HARD!!!
On its best day, its more difficult than just about any business you could run.
As such, you deserve MASSIVE credit and honor for succeeding!
In this episode, I rant and rave a little bit, I even vent some frustration at the inherent flaws in our industry that create a very difficult environment to run a legitimate and successful business in.
Lack of Standards, low barriers to entry, compound custom manufacturing, Supplier - Retailer collusion, are just a few of the unique challenges that legit fabricators face every day.
These challenges require that we rely on PROcesses and innovation and hard work to overcome them.
Congrats on finishing 2022 so strongly, here's to an even better 2022!
Happy New Year and Happy Fabricating!
Gift cards, hams, and Christmas bonuses are GREAT ways to show your love your employees and share the fruits of their labor.
But there are 5 other gifts that are worth their weight in gold, and it doesn't cost you a cent to give them to your staff this Christmas!
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Appreciation
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Trust
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Side Work
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Vision/Mission/Values
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Healthy and Safe Work Environment
Give them these gifts and they will know you care!
And I want you to know that I care about you fellow fabricator!
Merry Christmas and Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
If you're doing work for builders or remodelers, you're waiting to get paid. The longer you wait the bigger risk you take, especially if your customer experiences a decline in sales and revenue.
The fabricators that follow these tips wil get paid and get through an economic storm.
Those that don't may not have the cash to weather the storm.
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Visibility - Aging Accounts Receivables Reports
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Terms - When do you get paid and what will do if the check doesn't arrive on time
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Leverage - You have leverage if your customer is sending you work. Use it to get paid.
You work hard fellow fabricator, too hard to let someone fail to pay you!
make sure you visit no lift system!
Happy Fabricating!
Aaron Crowley
Better to have a plan and not need it than to be caught unprepared! The simple principles in this episode will serve you well if an economic storm hits your business. They will serve you well if a storm doesn't hit your business.
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Know your #'s - what numbers should you know?
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Cost Cutting Plan - "If...Then..."
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Debt Plan - Keeping Reserves
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Times have been good in recent years, but will they continue? Hopefully. But if they dont, and the economic weather gets stormy, the companies that have prepared will be fine.
Those that aren't prepared will make many mistakes like I did in the Great Recession, and some wont survive.
In this episode, I share the 3 biggest mistakes I made so you can avoid them:
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Not knowing the #'s
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Hoping instead of cost cutting
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Too much debt
I've never been shy about my many mistakes in running a stone shop, you wont be disappointed in this episode.
Happy Fabricating!
We have much to be thankful for, but sometimes bad news and our perceptions can cloud reality to the point we really miss out…and forget how much we have to be thankful for.
In this episode, we explore the POWER of gratitude and the positive effects it WILL have for those who practice it.
We discuss the following:
- The Chemical Reality of Gratitude
- Positive Effects of Gratitude
- Discipline of Gratitude
I hope this finds you well, taking time with loved ones this Thanksgiving weekend. If you have some spare time and want to read the source articles I mention in the episode, enjoy!
workplace
https://www.whartonhealthcare.org/discovering_the_health
chemical reality
https://www.whartonhealthcare.org/the_neuroscience_of_gratitude
gratitude study
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain
If you’d like to reach out, visit aaroncrowley.com
Or just email me: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
Happy Fabricating & Happy Thanksgiving!
Stone Shops are in a catch-22. They can’t say no to the work otherwise their customers will go somewhere else.
So when the customer wants a full slab island installed, the stone shops have to say yes.
But what are they saying yes to?
They are saying yes to enormous risk. In this episode, we talk about the risk and the reality of moving full slab islands on site and the nuances that MUST be understood if we are going to solve the problems installers face while installing.
Safe Installing!
No Lift Install System is the official sponsor of the Fab Lab podcast. Learn more about the No Lift System at www.NoLiftSystem.com
If you run a stone shop, someone has to install those counters you’re manufacturing…We call them installers and we ask a lot of them.
You might be shocked and you may not believe that we ask them to lift over One Million Pounds of stone per year.
In this episode, I show the math, that proves this statement’s truth.
Additionally, I explain the massive negative EFFECTS the Million Pound Problem has for the installer and your stone shop.
Fellow Fabricator (and installer), this problem is as widespread and important as the risk of moving slabs and the silica in the air in your shop.
We as an industry must address it.
Happy Installing!
Learn more about the No Lift Install System at www.NoLiftSystem.com
If you are in the stone fabrication business, you are creating airborne silica. Its not a question of whether you or your employees are breathing it.
The question is whether the levels are safe for you and your staff and whether they are below the OSHA PEL (permissible exposure levels).
In this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast, we hear from Mark Meriaux from the Natural Stone Institute on changes to OSHA and what it means for you as a shop owner as well as what you can do to minimize the risk to your employees as well as the risk to your company.
Its sobering but good stuff.
Safe Fabricating!
Resource Links:
Natural Stone Institute Safety Page: https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/safety/
Natural Stone Institute Silica Page: https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica/
Natural Stone University (online learning platform) with free safety courses: www.uofstone.com
Safety might be the least popular, most uncomfortable, but all the while important topic a stone shop owner needs to face. In this episode, I share my near-death experiences and the uncomfortable fact that we had many close calls in my stone shop. This episode begins a short series where we will cover the following:
- Silicosis
- Slab Handling and Storage
- Installing – The Million Pound Problem
Safe Fabricating
You may not be at a low point in your stone career, but you may know someone who is.
Don’t underestimate the power of an encouraging word, your friends in low places may really need to hear from you!
Happy fabricating!
Click Here to explore 90 minutes of complimentary coaching with me! No strings attached, no cost, my gift you fellow fabricator!
We must have small victories, little wins, achievements along the way on the journey towards the big dream… In this episode we break down four areas of life where you can identify smaller dreams that can be achieved in the moment or in the short term, as you build your business to enable you to accomplish the big dream!
Click here to watch the No Lift Install System Q&A Youtube Series
Or click the link below:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAodIrdgp9yWl7s3AlSz7kO9SAUwaycNs
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
Click Here to explore 90 minutes of complimentary coaching with me! No strings attached, no cost, my gift you fellow fabricator!
The journey of a stone shop owner can be exhilarating and marked by success and profits. Along the way, there can be roadblocks that either wear us out or prevent us from continuing the journey.
In this episode I share the 6 stages of leadership growth and management capacity:
- The Doer
- The Director
- The Dictator
- The Delegator
- The Discipler
- The Dreamer
If we get stuck managing in one of these stages, while the business grows past, the journey can become intolerable, exhausting, frustrating, and disillusioned…even preventing us from taking time off.
But progressing into the latter stages opens up doors and opportunities that you may never thought was possible.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
Click Here to explore 90 minutes of complimentary coaching with me! No strings attached, no cost, my gift you fellow fabricator!
The journey of a stone shop owner can be exhilarating and marked by success and profits. Along the way, there can be roadblocks that either wear us out or prevent us from continuing the journey.
In this episode I share the 6 stages of leadership growth and management capacity:
- The Doer
- The Director
- The Dictator
- The Delegator
- The Discipler
- The Dreamer
If we get stuck managing in one of these stages, while the business grows past, the journey can become intolerable, exhausting, frustrating, and disillusioned…even preventing us from taking time off.
But progressing into the latter stages opens up doors and opportunities that you may never thought was possible.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
Click Here to explore 90 minutes of complimentary coaching with me! No strings attached, no cost, my gift you fellow fabricator!
Imagine what your family and friends will say when you tell them you’re taking a day off to spend with them and that you won't be on your phone!
Once you’ve mastered the art and science of taking lunch breaks without being interrupted, you can start taking full days off!
The steps are the same, they just require a little more communication and little more planning.
With a little practice, it's only a matter of time before you’re taking a week off, on a “non-working” vacation!
You’re worth it and you can do it!
Happy Fabricating
If you’d like to experience high-level fabricator coaching firsthand, click here and we’ll schedule a complimentary, no stings attached coaching experience with me! It's my gift to you as a member of the Fab Lab Podcast community.
Imagine what your family and friends will say when you tell them you’re taking a day off to spend with them and that you won't be on your phone!
Once you’ve mastered the art and science of taking lunch breaks without being interrupted, you can start taking full days off!
The steps are the same, they just require a little more communication and little more planning.
With a little practice, it's only a matter of time before you’re taking a week off, on a “non-working” vacation!
You’re worth it and you can do it!
Happy Fabricating
If you’d like to experience high-level fabricator coaching firsthand, click here and we’ll schedule a complimentary, no stings attached coaching experience with me! It's my gift to you as a member of the Fab Lab Podcast community.
What if you could leave for lunch and not get calls from the office or the crew? What if you could take a day off of work and not spend half the day on the phone or computer putting out fires and apologizing to customers? What if you could take a week-long “Non-Working” Vacation?
The fact is you can and I would go as far as to say you should!
In fact, in this episode, I teach you how to take your lunchtime tomorrow and not get any calls.
We cover the following:
- Communicating: what time you're taking off and who needs to know it.
- Define Exceptions: making it clear what is urgent and what isn’t urgent.
- Planning and Preparing: what information do you need to hand off before you take time off.
Enjoy your next Lunch Time and Happy Fabricating
If you’d like to experience one on one coaching with me, click here.
Or visit aaroncrowley.com and visit the “work with me” page.
Visit noliftsystem.com and support the sponsor that makes the Fab Lab Podcast possible!
What if you could leave for lunch and not get calls from the office or the crew? What if you could take a day off of work and not spend half the day on the phone or computer putting out fires and apologizing to customers? What if you could take a week-long “Non-Working” Vacation?
The fact is you can and I would go as far as to say you should!
In fact, in this episode, I teach you how to take your lunchtime tomorrow and not get any calls.
We cover the following:
- Communicating: what time you're taking off and who needs to know it.
- Define Exceptions: making it clear what is urgent and what isn’t urgent.
- Planning and Preparing: what information do you need to hand off before you take time off.
Enjoy your next Lunch Time and Happy Fabricating
If you’d like to experience one on one coaching with me, click here.
Or visit aaroncrowley.com and visit the “work with me” page.
Visit noliftsystem.com and support the sponsor that makes the Fab Lab Podcast possible!
Conventional wisdom says we have to wait until we build and sell our business for millions before we can have the time and money to do the things that are important to us.
In this episode, I challenge that idea and ask some tough questions that can actually have life-altering impacts on the way we build our businesses and the lives we experience as a result.
- How do you define rich:
- Income – money rich –
- Time -
- What definition of success are you working off of?
- Is that your definition
- Is that someone else’s definition?
- How would you define success for yourself, your spouse, family, etc.
- How would you measure your success?
- What are the things you long to do & want to do, but just never seem to have time?
- You need time to ask yourself this question
- You need to give yourself permission to ask this question
Happy Fabricating!
Send me a note: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
Ed Young’s Fabricators Business Academy
Register Now! There are limited spots available!
Click here: FabricatorsBusinessAcademy.com
Conventional wisdom says we have to wait until we build and sell our business for millions before we can have the time and money to do the things that are important to us.
In this episode, I challenge that idea and ask some tough questions that can actually have life-altering impacts on the way we build our businesses and the lives we experience as a result.
- How do you define rich:
- Income – money rich –
- Time -
- What definition of success are you working off of?
- Is that your definition
- Is that someone else’s definition?
- How would you define success for yourself, your spouse, family, etc.
- How would you measure your success?
- What are the things you long to do & want to do, but just never seem to have time?
- You need time to ask yourself this question
- You need to give yourself permission to ask this question
Happy Fabricating!
Send me a note: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
Ed Young’s Fabricators Business Academy
Register Now! There are limited spots available!
Click here: FabricatorsBusinessAcademy.com
Breaking out of the “doing it” mentality and into the “delegate it” mindset and practice is HARD!!!
No way of getting around that fact…
In this episode we discuss 3 simple principles to help you continue your journey of learning the skill of delegation:
- Start Small
- Stay Committed and Engaged
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race
It's tough but so worth the effort!
Happy Fabricating!
Click here for 1/1 coaching – a 90-minute complimentary coaching experience with Aaron.
Want to email Aaron? Here’s his email: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
It would be nice if we could just throw a document at an employee and magically see flawless execution…But that’s not reality and it's not a fair expectation.
Furthermore, if that is our expectation we risk overacting and concluding that we can't trust our people or the PROcess.
So how do you get traction with delegation, after you’ve done the hard work of creating a written document?
Simple (but necessarily easy), we do the following:
- Remind – Regular and purposeful checking in to keep it top of mind
- Insist – Wake-up Call
- Demand – Choices…either perform…or else.
Now the “else” is up to you as the owner and if you Remind and Insist adequately, the chances of getting to that stage are low.
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
Aaron
Click here for One-on-One Coaching – Experience a no strings attached 90-minute call with me, talking about you and your stone shop!
Click here to download the first 3 chapters of Less Chaos More Cash
Or visit aaroncrowley.com
Lastly, if you’d like to reach out to me directly, email me! aaron@aaroncrowley.com
When your team is working at their maximum potential, everyone wins! Your customers win, you win, and your team wins!
In this episode, we discuss two dimensions of trusting your people:
- Believing they WANT to do great work
- Believing that they CAN do great work
We also discuss how a process enables good work to continue, grow and expand…eventually enabling you to grow your business and get away from it for a change!
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Aaron
Click Here for One on One coaching with Aaron.
Click Here to download the first 3 chapters of Less Chaos More Cash for FREE!
Stressed out? Pessimistic or Negative thoughts creeping in? Disappointed over something? If so, you’re just like me😊 But be encouraged, there is much you can do to transform that experience into strength, power and action!
In this episode I cover 3 simple techniques to radically reshape your outlook and your circumstances:
- Express Gratitude
- Banish Negative Thinking
- Take Action
There is a bonus tactic too, but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear it!
Click Here, If you would like to experience POWERFUL one on one coaching with Aaron Crowley!
If you’d like to email Aaron: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
Happy Fabricating!
Have you ever had a problem in your business, and you took action to solve that problem only to find out later that you still had the same problem? Do you find yourself saying things like - I thought we fixed that a few weeks ago! We already solved that problem, didn’t we?!
In this episode, I’ll share some simple ways to generate lasting solutions to problems – and build the capability of your employees.
Is your fab shop healthy enough to weather the recession? If not, or if you’re not sure, you’ll want to check out Fabricator’s Business Academy. In just 10 weeks you can set your shop on the right path to better handle an economic downturn. Fabricator’s Business Academy is a unique combination of financial analysis, marketing, and sales designed by experts specifically for fab shops. You'll get hands-on tools and experience so you can prepare your shop to weather the storm with confidence. Only 10 shops will be accepted, so if you want help, save your spot now. Just go to FabricatorsBusinessAcademy.com to find out more.
- Guest Host Ed Young
Connect with Aaron Crowley here:
Click here to download my FREE video training – Radical Retail Sales
Click here to use the Stone Shop Biz Assessment Tool.
If you would like to explore transformational one-on-one coaching with Aaron Crowley, click here…and schedule a 90-minute complimentary coaching session!
When you start digging, it’s not hard to find what I call ‘Unsung Heroes’ in our industry. In this episode, we talk with Gina Gardner who has worked with Cosentino, the Artisan Group, is a mentor for Women In Stone, and is currently with BB Industries. Along the way, she shares some great suggestions on how you can improve the visibility and notoriety of your fab shop.
Click here to access Gina's press release or visit: https://noliftsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/BBI-Introduces-Game-Changing-Inline-Tooling-edited-1-22.pdf
I hope you enjoy the episode and Happy Fabricating!
Is your fab shop healthy enough to weather the recession? If not, or if you’re not sure, you’ll want to check out Fabricator’s Business Academy. In just 10 weeks you can set your shop on the right path to better handle an economic downturn. Fabricator’s Business Academy is a unique combination of financial analysis, marketing, and sales designed by experts specifically for fab shops. You'll get hands-on tools and experience so you can prepare your shop to weather the storm with confidence. Only 10 shops will be accepted, so if you want help, save your spot now. Just go to FabricatorsBusinessAcademy.com to find out more.
- Guest Host Ed Young
Connect with Aaron Crowley here:
Click here to download my FREE video training – Radical Retail Sales
Click here to use the Stone Shop Biz Assessment Tool.
If you would like to explore transformational one-on-one coaching with Aaron Crowley, click here…and schedule a 90-minute complimentary coaching session!
Are you ready for whatever this next recession or ‘soft landing’ is going to bring? Do you know where you should spend marketing and ad money for the best impact? Can you quantify which market segments – retail, big box, K&B, contractors, etc. – are more profitable for you? Which jobs generate cash for you faster than you burn cash – and which don’t?
In this episode, I’ll dive into the mechanics of quantifying your intuition so that you can answer these questions – and more.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Click here to learn more about the metrics I discuss
Click here to learn more about the sales and marketing workshop that starts in September
If you’d like to explore coaching with Aaron – click here
If you’d like to explore coaching with Ed – click here
This may sound too good to be true or counterintuitive. Or it might sound crazy…to choose not to quote someone’s project. But the fact is, opting not to quote work that you’re not likely to get is good business. And developing a class act sales presentation will serve your business well for years!
In this episode, I discuss how to develop a qualifying script and the fundamentals of a world-class sales presentation.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Click here to download my FREE video training – Radical Retail Sales
Click here to use the Stone Shop Biz Assessment Tool.
If you would like to explore transformational one-on-one coaching click here…and schedule a 90-minute complimentary coaching session!
Would you like to put more jobs on the calendar without having to generate more leads and produce more quotes?
You can, if you follow the following 3 techniques explained in this great episode of the Fab Lab Podcast!
- Send quotes the next business day (from presentation or drawings)
- Follow up on sent quotes, the next business day
- Ask for the sale (give the customer the chance to say yes)
10’s of 1000’s of $$$ is at stake, and the companies that put these techniques to work for them will have it…those that don’t, won't.
Enjoy!
If you’d like to experience high level one on one coaching, click here, to set up a no strings attached 90-minute complimentary coaching session with Aaron Crowley
If you’d like to use the Stone Shop Biz Assessment Tool, click here.
Happy Fabricating!
Want to grow your profits without growing your headaches? Want to grow your profits without growing your business?
The fact is you can and its easier than you think!
In this episode we cover the following:
- Price Increase – minor increase = massive impact
- High Margin Upgrades – grow the size of the jobs you’ve already sold
- Cost Cutting – reduce OT and grow your profits
Enjoy
To get an excel spreadsheet with the #’s used in this episode click here and click the “connect with me” option.
To explore high impact one on one coaching with me, click here
Happy Fabricating!
Aaron Crowley
Have you raised your prices? Are you raising your prices? Does the topic of raising your price cause you to sweat and worry about what your customers might say?
Well, no matter how you answer those questions, there has never been a better time or a better reason to raise your prices…and it's not just because costs keep going up.
Your work is worth it! The customer values what you do for them and they will pay more! You need to maximize pricing and profit! You can!
In this episode, we discuss the topic in detail with guest coach (and one-time Fab Lab guest host) Ed Young of fabricatorscoach.com
You can read his recent article on pricing here: https://fabricatorscoach.com/how-much-work-can-your-shop-handle/
Check out the sponsor of the Fab Lab: noliftsystem.com
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
Ready to grow beyond the “redlined existence”? Would you like a more relaxed pace as you lead and manage your stone shop?
The way you get there is to first operate the engine at the Power Band instead of the Redline, and then to shift through the following 3 gears:
- Delegator
- Discipler
- Dreamer
As you grow your skill in these areas, your business can grow with less reliance on you, freeing you up to experience the best part of owning a business!
Enjoy!
Click here to use my free Stone Shop Business Assessment tool.
Want to explore coaching with me in a complimentary no strings attached 90-minute coaching experience? Click here…it might just change your life and revolutionize your business!
And you can download the first 3 chapters of my book, Less Chaos More Cash at aaroncrowley.com
Happy Fabricating!
Are you a doer, director, or dictator? In this episode, we assess each stage (or gear) and how the redline effect happens at each stage. We also discuss how to escape the redline experience so you can get your life and your profits back!
Click here for my free Stone Shop Assessment Tool.
Want to explore coaching with me in a complimentary no strings attached 90-minute coaching experience? Click here…it might just change your life and revolutionize your business!
And you can download the first 3 chapters of my book, Less Chaos More Cash at aaroncrowley.com
Happy Fabricating!
Your stone shop is an incredible asset. It is an “engine” that has the potential to provide you with massive wealth creation opportunities! But it must be maintained and cared for.
Is your stone shop, your wealth creation engine a well-oiled machine? Or is it red-lined and at the risk of overheating?
Either way, this episode begins a short series on how to “shift through the gears” as an owner of a stone shop!
Click here to take the Stone Shop Assessment.
Click here if you would like to schedule a complimentary 90 coaching experience with Aaron.
High demand and lack of labor running you ragged as you make up the difference? Thinking that growing might be the answer to your challenges? It might be.
But what if there is another way to reduce stress and higher profits?
Well in this episode, I suggest a highly controversial approach:
- Shrink your capacity and headcount
- Shrink the number of tasks you must perform thru delegation
Both of these tactics will result in higher profits and less stress!
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary 90-minute coaching experience,
Click here and tell me about your business and we will schedule a no strings attached coaching session!
Click here to read the original article in the SRG.
Visit aaroncrowley.com and download the first 3 chapters of Less Chaos More Cash for FREE!
Economic forecasts are essential and smart business owners pay attention to them.
But those forecasts can be too general and there can be enough lag in when they are made available to render them obsolete.
As such, smart stone shop owners must look to data inside their own business to use as leading indicators.
In this episode, we discuss leading indicators that don’t serve us well, and the one that does: Quote Volume and Closed Sales.
Enjoy!
Click here if you’d like to meet with Aaron in a 90-minute complimentary coaching experience…and talk about implementing this critical strategy in your stone business!
And please support our sponsor: The No Lift Install System
Interview with the Director of Research and Development, Eric Post of ITR Economics
Want to know what's happening and what’s going to happen? We don’t have a crystal ball, but we do have a great economist from ITR Economics on the show today and he provides some fantastic insight as well as encouraging news for those of us in the stone business.
As one of ITR Economics’ senior economists, Eric Post manages the Reports Team subscriptions Team. Through his forecasting and proofing roles, Eric ensures the quality of our forecast reports and subscription products, which apprise our clients of the current and upcoming macro-and microeconomic trends that will impact their businesses.
Eric holds a degree in economics and mathematics from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. After graduating, he worked at the economic consulting firm Cornerstone Research for five years, focusing on securities litigation and quantitative investment funds. He went on to earn his master’s degree in teaching with a focus on mathematics before joining the ITR Economics team.
ABOUT ITR ECONOMICS
Founded in 1948, ITR Economics is the oldest privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the United States. With a long-term accuracy rating of 94.7%, ITR Economics has forecasted major economic events such as the Great Recession of 2008 years in advance.
ITR provides reliable industry and company forecasts tailored to clients’ needs. ITR Economics also offers economic webinars, subscription periodicals, consultative reports, and data-collection services.
Our team of business-minded economists are skilled at translating outlooks to “what this means for your business strategy.” They can consult with your leadership teams regarding the outlook and assist in identifying ways you can use the outlook in your resource planning, budgeting, and sales goals.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Want to explore coaching with Aaron Crowley? Click Here for a 90-minute complimentary coaching experience!
Or visit aaroncrowley.com to get Aaron’s book!
There is a huge distinction between a knee-jerk reaction and a conditioned response when it comes to overcoming oversights, mistakes, and remakes.
It’s the difference between chronically fixing the same problems over and over and going nuts while you do it, and solving those problems once and for all so you can attend to more important matters.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Interested in coaching? Click here for a complimentary 90-minute coaching experience.
Or visit aaroncrowley.com to check out my book and download the first 3 chapters for free!
Chris Hildebrand is a very busy guy, he runs the All Slab Fabbers, reps for 2 different equipment manufactures (Sasso and BBM), and oh by the way, he also owns a very successful stone shop in Aitken, South Carolina.
His story will inspire you if your goal is to build a successful stone business that runs without you being there 24/7.
Enjoy!
Aaron
If you would like to explore how coaching can transform your stone business experience, click here to schedule a 90 minute complimentary coaching experience with me.
Or visit aaroncrowley.com to download the first 3 chapters of my book Less Chaos More Cash for free!
Delegator or Doer… Which owner are you? Which do you aspire to be?
The difference between a “delegator” and a “doer” has massive significance to your business and your quality of life. We talk about each in the episode of the fab lab podcast!
Interested in a 90 minute Complimentary Coaching Experience? Click here
You can watch Aaron on youtube now. Click here
In this episode, I talk with my old friend Larry Hood who is the editor at the Slippery Rock Gazette.
He takes us back to the beginning, how the SRG was started and how it has evolved and stayed relevant thru downturns and the digital revolution.
Enjoy… And happy fabricating!
Aaron Crowley
Also, be sure to watch this episode and connect with me on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MbEfxf7CJd8
If you’re dealing with oversights, mistakes, and remakes…your current mindset might lead you to Emotions, Conclusions, and Actions that prevent you from overcoming those very mistakes.
To truly reduce mistakes and remakes, you must first change your mindset and what you believe about why to issues occur in the first place.
We go deep into this subject and I make some strong statements.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating.
Make sure you visit aaroncrowley.com to check out my book Less Chaos More Cash
And make sure you check out the podcast on youtube too!
https://youtu.be/UMH4oaVc-n0
Do you have costly oversights, mistakes, and remakes in your stone shop? Of course you do, every stone shop does.
The question is how long will you tolerate them…
In this episode we set the stage for understanding the cost, then the mindset.
Make sure you check out aaroncrowley.com
And you can watch the Fab Lab Podcast on youtube now!
There is an emotional toll and mental strain that is overwhelming at times when selling a business. In this episode, I describe the 3 most important ways to prepare mentally for “selling out”!
Make sure you visit the Fab Lab Youtube channel, so you can watch me flail around my office while I record. https://youtu.be/JmOhcsASXEU
And make sure you visit aaroncrowley.com if you’d like to connect with the host, Aaron Crowley
In this episode you will hear how the buyer for my stone shop materialized and how the process unfolded…from the day we received the official letter of intent to the day we closed.
You can watch Fab Lab Podcasts on youtube now!
Link: https://youtu.be/E3tyaTnQ09M
Visit aaroncrowley.com and download the first 3 chapters of Less Chaos More Cash for free!
In this episode I share the 3 big reasons I decided to sell my stone shop.
You can watch the video on youtube: Ep: 116 "I sold my stone shop and why" on YouTube
Need help? Visit aaroncrowley.com
After a very eventful year, the host of Fab Lab, Aaron Crowley, is back behind the mic!
I am excited to announce that this week we have our first guest host of the Fab Lab podcast, Ed Young.
The power of professional relationships and the power of trust is such a blessing and I am excited to have Ed host this episode. Today's topic is a great one and I know you will enjoy what Ed has to say.
Connect with Ed Young by visiting www.FabricatorsCoach.com or email him directly at Ed@FabricatorsCoach.com
Enjoy.
If you’d like to reduce the chaos and move towards a calmer and more profitable shop environment, you will love this conversation between me and Ed Young.
He also has made his 6 video course available for a limited time to the Fab Lab audience, thank you, Ed!
Click here to access Ed Young's course:
https://courses.wereducechaos.com/offers/Td7nzumz
If you would like to reach out to Ed, visit his site: Fabricatorscoach.com or email him at Ed@fabricatorscoach.com.
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
Ready to geek out on stone shop talk? Me too! In this episode, I get to interview Ed Young, a long time stone fabrication professional.
Ed has helped, coached, and counseled many stone shop owners and helped them achieve maximum efficiency in their business and get their lives back.
Enjoy!
If you would like to reach out to Ed, visit his site: Fabricatorscoach.com or email him at Ed@fabricatorscoach.com.
Aaron
How to Help Your Employees!
Ever thought that giving your employees work to do actually helps them realize their full potential?
It's true! In this episode, I review how delegation helps your employees in 3 distinct ways and that in the end helps you and your company!
Enjoy!
Aaron
Download the first 3 chapters of my book "Less Chaos More Cash" at www.AaronCrowley.com
Defining YOUR Success
What is success? Are you experiencing it? Or is it vague and elusive and frustratingly just out of reach?
In this episode we delve into the topic to better understand 1) why so many business don’t have a clear definition of success for themselves 2) the amazing power that comes from creating a clear definition of success for our businesses and selves 3) some tips on how to develop a working definition of success.
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
As your business grows and evolves, it becomes more necessary to rely on written words instead of spoken words.
Spoken and verbal communication leaves the door wide open for misunderstandings and memory lapse, not so when it's written down and recorded for future reference.
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
It's easy (and common) to duck, hide, and avoid certain tasks and actions in our stone shops. But if we let that happen, we run the risk of missing out on opportunities and results that we want.
There is too much at stake to let an opportunity slip through our fingers due to in-action.
Enjoy! Happy New Year…and Happy Fabricating!
What if I told you that what you want in and out of your stone shop is entirely possible? Well, that’s what I’m going to tell you in this episode!
There are 4 principles to knowing and getting what you want thru your shop and I discuss them in detail:
- Identify Desire
- Determine the Stakes
- Believe You WILL Have It
- Take Massive Action
Make sure you email me to take advantage of my complimentary coaching experience at Aaron@AaronCrowely.com
And if you’d like to download my worksheet for getting what you want, click here: https://aaroncrowley.com/what-i-want/
Fellow fabricators, marketing, and branding is not just a practice for big companies. It is something that even the smallest fabricator needs to understand and implement.
In this interview, I talk with the stone industry's leading marketing and branding expert on how to start marketing and branding in your stone shop.
Enjoy!
Reach me at: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
Check out Lorenzo’s company the Marqet Group: www.marqetgroup.com
What should you do? Do you know? In this episode I talk about how to tell the difference between the work that you can do, should do, and MUST do so that you can get maximum impact in your business.
Enjoy.
Email me at aaron@aaroncrowely.com
Learn more about my Mastermind Group: https://aaroncrowley.com/mastermind-group-application/
Moraware is the sponsor of this week's episode. Visit www.Moraware.com for more information.
What role does your stone shop play in your life? Does it serve you or is it the other way around? Is it a means to an end or is it the end in and of itself?
It’s a tough question for many, but one we must ask if we want to get all we can out of this life😊
If you’d like to contact me: aaron@aaroncrowley.com
If you’d like to learn more about my upcoming mastermind group: www.AaronCrowley.com
If you’d like to read my book Less Chaos More Cash: www.AaronCrowley.com
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
In this episode, I talk to Rick Stimac, CEO of BBI (formerly Braxton Bragg Inc.), and hear about how he is bringing his wealth of experience from the HVAC industry to the stone industry. A great story from a great leader, enjoy! - Aaron Crowley
Visit and support BBI by clicking here: www.bbindustriesllc.com
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to support and visit them here: www.Moraware.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Have a question for Aaron? Want to connect? Email him directly at Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Download the first 3 chapters of Aaron's book, Less Chaos More Cash, for FREE at www.AaronCrowley.com
If you want to change results, chances are good you need to change your thinking about those results.
In this episode, I share key insight into how our thoughts have an amazing impact on what we accomplish and achieve.
Enjoy!
Click on the link below and be one of the 8-10 who starts their next journey with me and my mastermind group:
https://aaroncrowley.com/mastermind-group-application/
Do you have any questions? Looking to connect? You can email me directly at:
aaron@aaroncrowley.com
No Lift Install System is this week's sponsor of the Fab Lab podcast. To learn more about the No Lift Install System and how it lowers labor costs, improves quality, and reduces injuries, visit www.NoLiftSystem.com
Season 3 launches with an incredible interview that I had with Michael Bungay Stainer.
Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of making coaching an everyday leadership behavior.
He is the author of The Coaching Habit ... the best-selling coaching book of this century with over 700,000 copies sold and 1,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon. His new book, The Advice Trap, focuses on what it takes to stay curious a little bit longer and tame your Advice Monster.
In 2019, he was named the #1 thought leader in coaching, and was shortlisted for the coaching prize by Thinkers50, the “Oscars of management”. He was a Rhodes Scholar.
Michael is also the founder of Box of Crayons ... a learning and development company that helps organizations transform from advice-driven to curiosity-led.
He left Australia nearly 30 years ago to be a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University ... where his only significant achievement was falling in love with a Canadian ... which is why he now lives in Toronto, having spent time in London and Boston.
Balancing out these moments of success, he was banned from his high school graduation for “the balloon incident,” was sued by one of his law school lecturers for defamation, and his first published piece of writing was a Harlequin romance short story called “The Male Delivery.”
Listen to Michaels podcast here: "We Will Get Through This"
Download the first 3 chapters of my book, Less Chaos More Cash, for FREE at www.AaronCrowley.com
Email me at Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with me for One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
Episode 100! Interview with EMyth Coach Steve Edkins
The 5 years I spent in the EMyth Mastery program with my coach Steve Edkins, altered the course of history for me. Without it, I would still be at the mercy of my business with no life outside of it. In this episode, I get to interview my old cold and he brilliantly demonstrates why coaching is essential to positive change in our business and personal lives!
For those who don't know, Steve Edkins has been an EMyth Coach since 1997. Prior to being a coach, he had many diverse professional experiences, including roles in advertising and marketing, operations, sales, and sales management. His passion is to help owners see things they may not have seen before so they can make changes that give them the energy and confidence to build the businesses of their dreams.
Enjoy!
Connect with Steve Edkins by clicking here: EMyth.com/SteveEdkins
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Download the first 3 chapters of Aaron's book, Less Chaos More Cash, for FREE at www.AaronCrowley.com
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
Interview Update with financial analyst Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics.
What does the future hold for our businesses? What does history show us about the current pandemic and recession? Is there any good news on the horizon?
These are important questions. With the rapidly changing economy, we decided to bring Taylor St. Germain back on the podcast to give us an update on what has changed and what we can expect for the economy both short term and long term.
For those who don't know, Taylor St. Germain is an economic analyst that provides consulting services for small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries.
Taylor is a member of ITR’s Dallas team and specializes in forecasting at both the market and company levels. With his depth of experience, Taylor is a key contributor to ITR Economics’ forecast accuracy rating of 94.7%.
Connect with ITR Economics by clicking here.
Enjoy and happy fabricating
Fabricators Friend is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.FabricatorsFriend.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Download the first 3 chapters of Aaron's book, Less Chaos More Cash, for FREE at www.AaronCrowley.com
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
3 Challenges with Fixed Turn Around From Template to Install
When we commit to install dates, the clock starts ticking and when things go wrong, it can be a challenge!
And those challenges are real!
In this episode I discuss the top 3: 1. Passing on jobs 2. Delayed job scramble 3. Pressure on production when things go wrong.
I'd be remiss to not acknowledge these realities after advocating the value of a fixed turn around...so this is full disclosure:)
Enjoy!
Aaron
Stone Fabricators Alliance is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.StoneFabricatorsAlliance.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
The Rhythm of All Rhythms
Hold on fellow fabricator, in this episode, I make a bold statement. You should have a fixed, consistent, and repeatable turn around time from template install.
Yes, I said it.
In this episode of the Fab Lab, I explain detail the 4 benefits of creating such a "rhythm" in your production process.
- Clarity
- Known Install Dates
- Minimize WIP (work in progress)
- Acquire Job Info
You are going to be challenged by this one if you own or run a stone shop...Enjoy!
And happy fabricating!
Aaron
No Lift System is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.NoLiftSystem.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
Why Routines, Rhythms, and Patterns are Essential to Business Success.
When leaders make the work in their companies predictable and "routine" the results can be astounding!
I begin to look at why this is so important and where to start in this episode of the Fab Lab.
I discuss:
- Emotional Health for Employees and Customers
- Optimal Efficiency for Operations and Profits
- Turn Around from Template to Install
You need and like routine and so does your company!
Enjoy.
-Aaron
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
We could all use a laugh right now and this episode is full of them. In this episode, I interview Aaron and asks him a few fun questions. We cover topics from Aaron's favorite books to the countertop install that went horribly wrong! It is a fun light-hearted conversation that should put a smile on your face :)
Enjoy and stay safe.
-Wesley
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Email: Aaron@AaronCrowley.com
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
In this episode, we interview financial analyst Taylor St Germain, a financial analyst with ITR Economics.
While the forecast for 2020 has become uncertain, it's not as bad as you might think. We cover a broad range of topics and you will be glad you tuned in.
For that matter, it's not just stone fabricators that will want to tune in, anyone with a business or interest in the economy is going to enjoy and appreciate this episode.
As an economic analyst, Taylor St. Germain provides consulting services for small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries.
Taylor is a member of ITR’s Dallas team and specializes in forecasting at both the market and company levels. With his depth of experience, Taylor is a key contributor to ITR Economics’ forecast accuracy rating of 94.7%.
Enjoy and take care,
Aaron
The Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) is this week's sponsor. Be sure to connect with them on Facebook and at www.StoneFabricatorsAlliance.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
"If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information." - Aaron Crowley
Managing Fear - Turning Panic into Productivity
In times like these, fear is an almost ever-present emotion for the folks we lead and even ourselves. In this podcast we discuss 3 techniques to turn panic into productivity: 1. Remaining Composed 2. Remembering People Respond Emotionally 3. Replace Fear with Action Listen and lead well fellow fabricators and we will get through this! Take care, Aaron
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Leadership Teams - Secret Service or a Posse?
When the shooting starts, it's nice to know you're not alone. It's really nice to know your team has your back no matter what.
In this episode, I discuss 3 key aspects and benefits of a leadership team.
- Trust
- Communication
- Sharing the Burden
Its never too late to evaluate your team and select the cream of the crop to assist you in leading your company.
Enjoy!
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Hello Fellow Fabricators!
We are experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty in the country and economy. So what do leaders like you and I do in times like these? In this special episode, I share 6 essential steps we must take to lead our companies through whatever is to happen. 1. Recognizing our moment, its time to lead! 2. Watching quote volume and sales - they are leading indicators of future workload 3. Conserve Cash - our business's lifeblood. 4. Cost Reduction Plan - If sales decline, we have to reduce expenses. 5. Don't be rash or reckless - cooler heads prevail. 6. Remember what's truly important - Your family and friends need your leadership too! Lead Well! -Aaron
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Top 5 ways my mastermind group is transforming me and my future.
Hello Fellow Fabricators! You know, my goal with the podcast is to offer value and insight that will help you to run your stone shop better. In this episode, I share a very recent experience that I had that has an is profoundly impacting my life in a positive way, enjoy! -Aaron Crowley
Fabricators Friend is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.FabricatorsFriend.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Chinese Quartz Tariffs - Interview with Emerson Schwartzkopf
We recently got to sit down and talk with Emerson Schwartzkopf on the Fab Lab podcast. He is an expert on the topic of Chinese Quartz Tariffs. With all the confusion, uncertainty, and rumors going around, Emerson brings clarity and understanding to this topic. This is a great episode and we think you are really going to enjoy it.
Emerson Schwartzkopf is the Editor & Publisher of Stone Update. They publish two e-magazines, Stone Update Magazine (magazine.stonemag.com) and Hard-Surface Report (latest.hardsurfacereport.com), along with the websites of www.stoneupdate.com and www.slabnsheet.com
Stone Fabricators Alliance is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.StoneFabricatorsAlliance.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
3 Thoughts About Employee Promotions
It is common practice to promote successful employees into management positions, but it is oftentimes not ideal.
I explore 3 thoughts today that are important to keep in mind when moving employees up the ladder in our company,
Enjoy!
And happy fabricating
No Lift Install System is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.NoLiftSystem.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Employee Roles, Potential, and Retention
What would you do without your employees? What beliefs do you have that might be limiting their potential? Wesley Rice is back on this week's episode of the podcast and we continue the topic of roles in the company...specifically the employees. Its a great episode and we hope you enjoy it.
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
Get Aaron Crowley's Book: Less Chaos More Cash
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley with One on One Coaching
If you are a highly motivated stone shop owner and desire to make big changes in your business and life, I offer one on one coaching/mentoring for 2-3 clients at any given time. If you would like to experience the same kind of rapid growth and development that has transformed my business thru coaching, I’d like to connect with you and let you experience it firsthand! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com for more information.
Another Death In the Stone Industry
If you own or manage a fabrication company, a tragic reminder of how dangerous this industry can be.
In this episode, Aaron shares some thoughts on what to do with this terrible news that a man was killed on Feb 11 moving slabs.
Be safe out there.
Click Here to help this man's family and the GoFundMe page.
Connect with Aaron!
Aaron Crowley - Instagram
Connect with Aaron Crowley!
Have a question or a pressing issue you’d like some input on? Want to explore a topic we’ve discussed on the Fab Lab Podcast in more detail? Send me an email and let’s connect! Visit www.AaronCrowley.com
When our role becomes our identity
There is real danger and risk if we let the work we do, define who we are and determine the value we place on ourselves. It limits us, our companies, and the world around us actually suffers.
This is one of the most important podcasts I've ever recorded, enjoy!
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The Role Beliefs Play In the Roles We Fill
What's your role as boss, CEO, leader, and driver of success in your stone shop?
Better question, what do you believe about your role?
It might surprise you, but your beliefs have a MAJOR impact on what you do for your business.
We dive deep into this discussion, Enjoy!
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What's your role as you grow?
Do you want to do what you love and succeed while doing it? Well, then you need to make sure you're asking yourself the 3 questions we explore in this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast!
Enjoy
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Have you made the jump to "going digital" in your stone shop? What does "going digital" mean? In this episode of the Fab Lab podcast, we talk about going digital with industry leaders Mark Lauzon (Sasso) and Bill Elliott (Slabsmith). It is a fun conversation with lots of great takeaways. Enjoy!
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
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Do you know what differentiates you from your competitors? Do you convey what makes you unique to your customers? Asking the right questions will make all the difference during your sales presentations. Join us in this episode as we cover the right and wrong questions to ask.
Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA) is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.StoneFabricatorsAlliance.com
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You can reduce the number of quotes you do and increase sales at the same time...as long as you are "qualifying" your prospects before you quote them and follow up.
In this episode, we discuss the necessity of screening phone and showroom requests for quotes and how to do so effectively.
if you'd like to receive the qualifying script used in Aarons sales office, just visit
aaroncrowley.com, send Aaron an email through the connect option.
Enjoy!
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You can take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
Christmas in the Trenches:
Winston Churchill is one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century and this episode tells the story of his involvement in WW1, for which he is not widely recognized.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas
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You can take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
You quoted the job and now it is time to follow up. Do you follow up with everyone? or just the ones you think will actually buy. In this episode, we talk about the importance of following up with everyone.
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
No Lift Install System is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.NoLiftSystem.com
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You can take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
Falling down and then following up.
First you quote, then you sell…right? Wrong. Once you quote, you have to FOLLOW UP with your prospects to close the sale! In this episode, we deal with the facts of follow up and the reality that companies that follow up, will close more sales!
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
Moraware is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.Moraware.com
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You can take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
Being thankful and expressing gratitude has been proven to actually transform our brains, and I'm thankful you tuned in to hear about it! Happy Thanksgiving from the Fab Lab Podcast
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What’s going to happen in your business next month and the month after that? Well, nobody really knows…but for the stone shops who track their quotes, they have an early warning signal as to what is likely to happen. Building a quote history allows you to make informed decisions, which is the hallmark of a successful business leader!
Fabricators Friend is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.FabricatorsFriend.com
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You can take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
It's not every day you can learn years' worth of knowledge in 1 hour, but in this episode, you can. We interview Geoffrey Gran-owner of The Countertop Factory, one of the most successful stone shops in the country, and learn some simple ways to dramatically grow profits in a stone shop. Enjoy.
The Stone Fabricators Alliance is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.StoneFabricatorsAlliance.com
Be sure to visit Geoffrey's other companies here: www.HotSauceYoursTops.com www.TCFMidwest.com www.speeddraw.net www.speedlabel.net If you enjoy The Fab Lab podcast, consider sharing it. Thank you for your support and the support of our sponsors.
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Consequences or Coaching?
One of the main questions we get asked is: What are the consequences for an employee who gets the process but fails to follow it? We have the answer. Enjoy.
No Lift Install System is this week's sponsor. Be sure to visit them here: www.NoLiftSystem.com
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Visit www.AaronCrowley.com and take the "Stone Shop Business Assesment"
Interview with Laser Products Industries - Kevin Yeh
Laser templating and social media are two realities that every fabricator must consider. In this episode, we talked with Kevin Yeh about the power and importance of social media in business. Enjoy!
To learn more about Laser Products Industries, click here: www.LaserProductsUs.com
Moraware is this weeks sponsor. Be sure to visit Moraware here: www.Moraware.com
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Employee Conflict
How do you handle employee conflict when it arrises? We cover 3 way on how to handle it.
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Trust vs Turnover
How do you reduce turnover? Did you know that compensation is not on the top 5 reasons why crew members move on? We dive into how "trust" can help to retain your employees. This is a great episode and you won't want miss it.
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3 Lies About The Labor Shortage And Turnover
Do you know the 3 lies? Do you know how to identify and overcome these lies? Find out in the latest episode of the Fab Lab podcast.
We enjoyed doing this episode and we hope you find it valuable. If you did, please let us know and write a review.
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Drifters
We all have a tendency to drift and when that happens, the result can be costly. So what do you when you do drift? Join us on this weeks episode of the Fab Lab podcast as we share how we have drifted and what to do to get back on track.
We enjoyed doing this episode and we hope you find it valuable. If you did, please let us know and write a review.
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Drift
Your company is growing, and that’s great! It’s because of the ideals and standards that you as the owner have upheld in your business. Question is how do you continue to uphold those ideals and standards, as you add employees? The answer is mission, vision, and values!
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"Saltwater Coffee"
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"Ready for a change?"
There are few things in life that are guaranteed, and change is one of them. How do you handle change at your stone business? Do you welcome change or shy away from it? In this episode, we discuss the topic of "change" in the stone industry and how you view it. Great episode and we hope you enjoy it.
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"What! You're quitting? "
What do you when an employee quits? How do you plan for it? Can you plan for it? Join us on this weeks episode as we discuss the best way to navigate this often taboo subject.
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"How did that happen?"
What do you do when an employee makes a costly mistake? Do you fire them? Do you place guilt on them? Join us as we go deeper on this topic and let us know your thoughts.
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It has been a hard couple of weeks. Sometimes a little encouragement can make all the difference. Tune into our latest episode to find out what we have been working through as well as a special offer at the end of the podcast!
If you enjoy the the Fab Lab podcast, remember to subscribe, share, and give us a review. Also, if you have a question or topic you would like us to talk about on the podcast, send us a message on our facebook or instagram account.
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We interviewed Patrick Foley from Morawre on this weeks episode of the Fab Lab podcast. Moraware is the top software program for running a stone shop. We have used Morware for about 15 years and we love it. In this episode we talk with Patrick about running a stone shop more effectively.
If you enjoy the the Fab Lab podcast, remember to subscribe, share, and give us a review. Also, if you have a question or topic you would like us to talk about on the podcast, send us a message on our facebook or instagram account.
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Yes, defining expectations is a lot of work, but the alternative is worse! In this episode we talk about three costs that your stone shop will incur if you don't set expectations. Enjoy!
If you enjoy the the Fab Lab podcast, remember to subscribe, share, and give us a review. Also, if you have a question or topic you would like us to talk about on the podcast, send us a message on our facebook or instagram account.
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The Origins of Expectations
In this episode of the Fab Lab podcast we talk about how do you begin setting expectations...it's probably different than you think so you better listen!
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In this episode we go deeper on the topic of defining your expectations.
We look at understanding the difference between technical work and intuitive work...they are very different.
If you enjoy the the Fab Lab podcast, remember to subscribe, share, and give us a review. Also, if you have a question or topic you would like us to talk about on the podcast, send us a message on our facebook or instagram account.
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Fab Lab Podcast
Does staff performance meet your expectations? If you’re like Wes and I, your initial response might be no and you may not think its even possible!
But what if it is true? The fact is you’re your employees can meet your expectations, but it requires you to communicate them effectively. In this episode we show you how to communicate expectation by translating them into definable and measurable standards.
Enjoy!
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What comes after the Train Wreck and the Turnaround? The transformation. In this episode, we introduce the 3 C's for transformation:
1) Consciousness
2) Communicate
3) Coaching
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4 Leadership Lessons on the 4th of July!
We have so much to be thankful for here as we consider the 4th of July holiday.
In this episode, we discuss an epic but not widely known battle that transformed the Revolutionary War and helped to attain our freedoms.
There are many lessons, but 4 stand out: 1. We need good advice and a circle of advisors. 2. We need to take that good advice! 3. We need to think outside the box. 4. We need to be willing to take risks.
Fellow Fabricator, enjoy and happy fabricating!
Can you recover from a train wreck? Can you get the train back on the tracks after things have gone off the rails?
The answer is YES! In this episode we discuss 3 decisions that resulted in a major turnaround in our stone business:
1) Returning to what you know works
2) 3D View
3) Cost Cutting.
If you need a turnaround in your company or even a department, you’ll enjoy this episode
Lean techniques for your shop:
Lean Stone Shop Slab Labeling - Profit Pointer
Layout Tables and Lean Granite Shops
How To Turn Slab Layouts Into Less Frustration And More Profits
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Thanks to Innovate Stones Inc from New Jersey with this week's questions: "How do you cut cost in the shop? "
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Have you ever seen a train wreck? Have you ever been on a train that went off the rails?
Well, climb aboard the Fab Lab express and take a ride down the most difficult year in our stone shop’s 20-year history.
As we launch season 2 of the Fab Lab Podcast, we go full transparency with the goal of sharing EVERYTHING we’ve learned with our beloved audience to help make running a stone business easier!
Enjoy, welcome back, and happy fabricating!
Season 2 of the Fab Lab Podcast is coming! New sponsors, interviews, and a co-host! We have been busy behind the scenes and are excited to launch season 2 of the Fab Lab podcast. See you next week.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or Google Play to never miss an episode of the Fab Lab Podcast.
Do you enjoy the Fab Lab Podcast? Write a review and let us know.
Daily Prioritizer Your time is valuable and limited. Make the most of it by managing it well! The tool we use is the "DP" - daily prioritizer and it works!
Dirty Rotten Tough
What determines the difference between "world-class achievement" and "why don't I just give up and do something else"?
Find out in this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast!
What about you? Part II
Just a friendly check up fellow fabricator...how are you doing? How's the business and your relationship with it? We follow up and check in to remind you to keep pursuing change in your business in these 3 areas: 1. Results 2. Roles 3. Relationship Keep pushing and don't give up, change is hard but it's worth it! Enjoy!
How to Close on the Promise
If you want to turn all your sales efforts into actual work on the calendar, then you've got to "Close" the sale... We talk about how in today's episode of the Fab Lab Podcast! Enjoy!
How to Convey the Promise.
Optimizing the "Promise" for maximum benefit to your client and maximum profit for your company requires thought, care, and documentation. Learn how to convey the promise in this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast! Enjoy!
How to Make the Right Promise to the Right Customer: First, you have to understand the segments of the market so that you can align your company's strengths for maximum impact and profit. Check out how in today's episode. Enjoy!
How to NOT OverPromise
If you've ever found yourself with more commitments than capacity, then you need to hear this: There is a simple way to make sure you don't suffer the negative effects of overpromising. It's all here in this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast.
Enjoy!
Fab Lab - Ep 44 - How to NOT Keep a Promise.
Customers have very low expectations...they don't expect us to show at all, much less on time. What differentiates the average from exceptional is the ability to communicate in advance when a commitment can't be kept. And companies that are PROcess dependent can pull that off and even wow their customers when they're unable to show as promised. Enjoy!
"The Map- Live at TISE"
Join Aaron Crowley Live at TISE 2019 in Vegas as he talks about "The Map To Full Potential"
Ep 42 - "3 Truths about employees that owners must remember"
Last week we discussed the 3 lies about employees that owners like to believe, this week we deal with the truths about employees that we must remember. 1. Employees are human beings 2. Employees need some degree of control 3. Employees need the opportunity to vent. When we lead from these truths, our employees and companies win! Enjoy!
Ep 41 - 3 Lies About Employees Owners Like to Believe.
Employees are so essential to the success of our companies, it is essential that we view them correctly. In this episode, we expose 3 common lies that owners hold to that ultimately prevent them from succeeding. Enjoy!
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Fab Lap Podcast
Ep: 40 - Scope Creep
Are the demands of the business creeping into your personal life? It can happen so easily. In this episode, we get into the 3 reasons why this happens and how to push back against the creeping demands of your stone shop! Enjoy!
Side Jobs - 5 Reasons You Should Let Your Crew Do Them!
There are many advantages to letting your crew moonlight, especially if it's in your shop! The thought of opening your shop up after hours might be a terrifying thought, but you might reconsider after this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast!
Enjoy!
Ep 38 - What's the Plan?
Setting a goal is easy. Reaching a goal is another matter. In this episode, we continue the discussion of how to achieve the change you want and need as the owner of a stone shop.
The plan must include the steps and yes, accountability so you continue to make progress.
So get ready to make some stuff happen!
Enjoy
Fab Lab Podcast Episode 37
What About You? How is your business treating you? Are you doing the work you want and like to do? Are you getting what you want out of the business? Those are questions we have to ask ourselves, but more importantly... They are questions we have to answer. This episode begins that process.
Enjoy!
Retail Profit Potential
There are profits for fabricators who understand the reality of the retail opportunity. Check out this episode and learn 5 steps to higher profits through retail counter work. Enjoy!
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Tariffs on Quartz - What's the Impact?
In reality, we don't really know how this will affect the industry or our individual business. What we do know is that there are certain principles we must maintain no matter what is happening. This episode explains the tariffs and then touches on some fundamentals that we may not have thought about recently. Enjoy!
Episode 34 - The Power That Leaders Possess.
Fellow Fabricator, you possess enormous power and influence as a leader in your company. The power to speak life and if your not careful, death into the lives of the folks you lead.
The Power of Imposing Order
Chaos is always pressing in on your operation and its effects are negative.
But you can and should push back!
By doing so, you will:
- Improve your profits
- Keep more promises
- Create a powerfully positive work environment for your team.
Enjoy and happy fabricating!
Episode 32 The Power of Peer Learning and the Value of Trade Associations
In this episode, I explain the value of peer to peer learning and share why I have avoided it for so long.
Enjoy!
Episode 31 - Loose Ends and Why you Must Tie them Down!
In business and in life, situations exist where we have the choice to deal with them or ignore them.
When we face them and deal with them in a timely fashion, they are much less likely to blow up in our face or blow away.
In this episode we discuss:
- Confronting Behavior Issues in Employees
- Maintaining Business Systems and Equipment
- Restoring Relationships outside of work
Enjoy and Happy Fabricating!
In running a stone shop there are endless challenges, so it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that a single decision, activity or purchase will magically make everything better. That's the Silver Bullet Syndrome and its something we should all avoid and that's what we discuss in this episode of the Fab Lab Podcast. 1. Why this type of thinking is counterproductive 2. What it sounds like...how to recognize the trap 3. Where to redirect your thoughts so that those Make sure you visit our sponsor - FabricatorsFriend.com - and check out the gear that will keep your crew dry, warm, and productive this winter!
Episode 29 - The Cause of Company Conflict
If there's tension or even open warfare between the departments in your company, it might be natural and normal. In this episode, we discuss why that conflict exists and how understanding it helps to make it better! Enjoy
Special Thanks to this weeks sponsor, the "International Surface Fabricators Association". For more information about ISFA visit them here ISFA
Episode 28 - "What Not To Do"
When reality hits a department, it's important to make sure everyone in every position knows what to do.
but...its equally important that they know "what not to do".
here's why:
- anxiety, apprehension, stress, and frustration increases drag on productivity and increased turnover.
- guarantees that there is a lack of clarity in other departments
- opens the door for inter-department conflict.
Fab Lab Podcast episode 27
How to Get There
Where are you going? Better yet, where is your company going? Have you thought about that recently?
Well to be honest, neither had I, until I started preparing for this episode and it's really clarified some things!
In this episode we will discuss the following:
- The destination
- The market and demand
- Your business systems
- Core Values
- Your wisdom and experience
These are all necessary to get to wherever you are going to lead your company.
Enjoy!
Running a stone shop is hard. We make it Easier.
Fabricators Friend offers resources to help you reduce frustration and increase profits in your stone shop.
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Less Chaos More Cash is Aaron Crowley’s “how to” book on using a simple PROcess that shows you step by step how to make sure that critical tasks are done right and on time in your stone shop. Aarons book is available here: Less Chaos More Cash
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