Thanks for tuning in to Season One!

We hope this season armed you with ideas, insights and strategies that you can actually apply to your business.

We'll see you in Season Two.

Guest: Frank Heneghan (Heneghan Services)

Private equity is showing up fast in the trades—but most owners don’t really understand how it works, what buyers are actually looking for, or how deals can unravel late in the process. In this episode, Frank Henigan shares real, firsthand experience after going through a full private equity cycle: 30 buyers, 7 offers, and ultimately walking away from the deal when it no longer made sense.

You’ll learn:

• What private equity really looks like in the trades (and why it’s so active right now)
• How buyers value trades businesses (and why EBITDA matters more than revenue)
• Why recurring services are gold to PE firms (and why project work often gets discounted)
• What a broker actually does (and why you don’t want to go it alone)
• What the due-diligence and “data room” process is really like behind the scenes
• Common tactics buyers use to chip away at valuation late in the process
• How to prepare your business years in advance if you want maximum leverage
• When it’s smart to say no (and why walking away can be the right move)

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Heneghan Services website

Heneghan Digital website

CT Gutter

Guest: Kevin Blackburn (Kids Making It)

What does it really mean to be a champion for the trades? In this episode, Kevin Blackburn, Executive Director of Kids Making It, shares how business owners can play a direct role in inspiring and equipping the next generation of tradespeople. From outreach and mentorship to sponsorship and storytelling, Kevin breaks down why supporting the trades isn’t just good for the community—it’s good for business.

You'll learn:

• What it means to be a true “champion for the trades”

• Why investing in the next generation protects your business and your industry

• How to get involved - school visits, mentorships, sponsorships, and tool donations

• Real-world examples of local builders making an impact

• The long-term business, social, and economic benefits of supporting youth in the trades

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Kids Making It website

Kids Making It Instagram

Kids Making It Facebook

Kevin’s LinkedIn

Metabo HPT – Bring Back Shop Class

Guest: Zac Engler (Chief AI Officer at C4 Tech Services)

AI can feel overwhelming - too many tools, not enough clarity. In this episode, Zac Engler cuts through the noise and shows why prompting is the foundational skill that unlocks real results for trades businesses. He walks through a simple framework you can use today to estimate jobs, build bids, schedule crews, summarize specs, and more.

You'll learn:

• What “prompting” actually is—and why it beats copying random prompts off the internet
• A four-word framework (Role → Task → Context → Goal) to get accurate, usable outputs
• Common prompting mistakes to avoid
• Practical trades use cases: bids, schedules, spec summaries, multilingual comms

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Zac’s Website

C4 Tech Services Website

Guest: David Zaycer (Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency)

Insurance might not be the first thing you think about when running a trades business, but ignoring it (or getting it wrong) can be one of the costliest mistakes you ever make. In this episode, David Zaycer breaks down the most common insurance pitfalls he sees contractors make, and how to avoid them.

You'll learn:

• Why underestimating payroll and revenue can leave you uncovered (and on the hook)

• How misclassifying employees drives up risk and costs

• What to expect (and prepare for) during workers’ comp audits

• The one key question a good agent should always ask you

• How to spot if you’re working with the wrong insurance provider

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency - Website

Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency - Instagram

Guest: Tanner Konrady (Konrady & Son Construction)

What does it really mean for a trades business to give back to the community and how can it strengthen your company at the same time? In this episode, Tanner Konrady joins us again and shares how his multi-generational business has made stewardship part of its DNA, from supporting nonprofits to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

You'll learn:

• Why giving back is more than charity - it’s stewardship

• How community involvement boosts employee culture and camaraderie

• Ways to start giving back even if you don’t have much money or time

• Why authenticity matters (and how to avoid coming off as performative)

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Konrady & Son Construction - Website

Konrady & Son Construction - Instagram

Guest: Julie Walther (Women in Trades Hub)

Women-owned trades businesses face a unique set of challenges—from outdated stereotypes to unfair pricing expectations—but they’re also building strong companies, earning trust, and winning clients every day. In this episode, Julie Walther shares practical trade secrets women can use to attract more of the right clients, build support networks, and stand firm in their value.

You'll learn:

• Why targeting the right clients (especially women decision-makers) is a game-changer

• How to use Facebook groups and social platforms to get referrals and visibility

• The power of building a local women-in-trades network or meetup

• How collaboration (not competition) can drive more work your way

• Why standing firm on your pricing is essential (and how to build the confidence to do it)

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Women In Trades Hub – Website

Women In Trades Hub - Instagram

Guest: Wade Thomas (Aim to Win)

“Delegate more” is advice trades business owners hear all the time—but no one ever really explains how to do it, or why it matters so much. In this episode, Wade Thomas, founder of Aim to Win, breaks down the real benefits of delegating, the hidden risks of not doing it, and the step-by-step process to delegate with confidence.

You'll learn:

• Why delegation is the key to growth, culture, and avoiding burnout

• The biggest reasons owners resist delegating (control, time myth, fear of mistakes, even ego)

• Six clear steps to delegate effectively without losing control

• How to build trust, set expectations, and choose the right people

• One small task you can delegate this week to get started

Episode links:

Metabo HPT

Aim to Win - Website

Wade’s Linkedin

Heart Based Leadership – YouTube