Today’s guest, Ryan Redding, didn’t hold back — we got into how AI, customer experience, and smart leadership are rewriting the rules for trades businesses.

Ryan shared how he accidentally found his way into marketing for the trades and how that detour turned into building Levergy, a digital marketing agency focused on helping home service companies grow smarter and stronger. Ryan’s journey wasn’t traditional — it was built on real-world experience, quick learning, and finding smart ways to grow along the way.

We dug into the serious shifts happening in the trades: from AI taking over customer service tasks to how companies are changing their pricing models to stay profitable in slower markets. Ryan didn’t sugarcoat it — if you’re still doing business the way you did ten years ago, you’re already falling behind.

We also talked about the real danger of trying to compete on price. Ryan laid it out clearly: if you’re not building a strong brand and delivering a top-notch customer experience, you’re making yourself a commodity — and commodities are easy to replace.

We wrapped up with Ryan’s belief that success in today’s market isn’t just about showing up — it’s about leading smarter, focusing on the right customers, and constantly adapting to what’s coming next.

Highlights:

• How AI is reshaping home service companies.
• Why COVID made bad business habits look good temporarily.
• Why competing on price is a fast track to failure.
• How trades businesses are using tech and leadership to pull ahead.
• Why a strong brand experience matters more than ever.

If you’re enjoying the show, hit subscribe, leave us a review, rate the episode on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who’s ready to stop making excuses and start building smarter.

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We’ve both looked at our to-do lists and thought, “Yeah… not today.” The harder the task, the easier it is to avoid. Let’s talk about why that happens—and what to do when procrastination starts running the show.

We’ve all been there—staring at a task we know we should handle but keep pushing to the bottom of the pile. In this episode, we talk about why we do that and what to do instead.

James Clear might call it habit formation. We like to call it getting shit done. We dig into why “touch it once” works, what to do when the shiny object wins, and how chaos becomes the default when nobody sets the tone. If your team doesn’t know what “done” looks like, that’s a leadership problem—and we’ve got thoughts on how to fix it.

We also swap stories about corporate clutter (literally and figuratively), share how 5S-ing our desks led to a 35% productivity jump, and call out the real culprit behind your “I’m too busy” excuse—hint: it’s not the sales team.

Stick around until the end, where we each commit to one habit we’re working on—because we’re not just talking the talk. We’re in it, too.

• Why we avoid tasks we don’t want to deal with.
• “Touch it once” and the art of doing the damn thing.
• Desk audits, 5S, and how less clutter = more productivity.
• When leaders create confusion by dodging hard conversations
• The difference between being present vs. multitasking yourself into mediocrity.

If this episode hit home (or made you laugh), do us a favor—subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Then share it with someone who’s still avoiding that one thing they said they’d get to last week.

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We’ve all wasted time chasing jobs that go nowhere—or worse, driving across town for something we could’ve solved with one look. That’s why when James Hatfield showed us how LiveSwitch works, it felt like the most obvious tool every crew should be using.

James Hatfield isn’t your average tech guy—he calls himself a high-tech redneck, and once you hear his story, you’ll get why. From painting houses and power washing driveways to leading a tech company helping blue collar pros get their time (and sanity) back, James brings the kind of common sense innovation we’re all looking for. He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—he’s just making sure it actually gets you there faster.

In this episode, we talk about how LiveSwitch lets contractors skip the truck ride and close jobs from anywhere with a quick text and video call—no app needed. That’s not just cool, it’s what a lot of us need to compete with Amazon-level expectations from customers who want things now. James breaks down why tech doesn’t have to be complicated to be game-changing—and how simplicity is actually the smartest move in business.

We also dig into the generational gap when it comes to technology. It’s not about age, it’s about willingness to learn. James shares how his team keeps things dead simple so anyone—from your apprentice to your grandma—can use it without feeling lost or left behind.

And if you’ve ever been burned by tech that overpromised and underdelivered, this episode is for you. James is the kind of guy who actually builds things for the people using them. No buzzwords, no fluff—just tools that work.

Episode Highlights:

• Why LiveSwitch was built with blue collar folks in mind
• How to save hours of windshield time and still close the deal
• The moment a moving company owner said, “You don’t even know what you’ve got”
• Making tech adoption easier for both young crews and old-school pros
• What engineers learn when they spend a day on the job site
• James’ take on why simplicity isn’t just smart—it sells

Like what you heard? Make sure to subscribe, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with someone who’s tired of wasting time on jobs that should’ve been done already.

Connect with James:

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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When your team isn’t clear on what success looks like, it usually means expectations weren’t defined early on. Whether it’s a new hire just starting out or a long-time employee unsure about how to move up, we’ve seen how unclear expectations can lead to frustration—for everyone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create clear, realistic pathways for growth, accountability, and performance, without overcomplicating the process.

We’re kicking off Q2 with a real talk about what owners and managers need to think about when hiring and promoting talent—especially when summer hires and Gen Z workers start entering the mix. Whether you’re running a crew, a shop, or a service company, you can’t afford to wing it when it comes to accountability.

In this episode, we break down a system that have helped our clients build: four tiers of general labor, each with its own clear set of expectations and pay scale. We talk about why it’s OK for people to stay at level one, how to structure promotions so they actually mean something, and what to do when someone stops pulling their weight.

We also get into the mindset shift needed for employees and business owners alike: how to use clarity as a tool, why results should drive pay (not favoritism), and how to make sure your team understands the path forward—if they want to take it. Spoiler: not everyone will. And that’s fine.

If you’ve been stuck between trying to raise the ceiling vs. raising the floor in your business, this episode is for you. It’s all about building something sustainable—and that starts with setting expectations that actually work.

• The difference between task-based vs. results-based expectations
• Why Gen Z employees need clarity—and how to give it to them
• The tier system one company uses to guide hiring, raises, and accountability
• How to make room for workers who don’t want to “move up”
• Why it’s okay to demote employees (and how to do it the right way)
• What it really means if your team isn’t referring people to work with you

If this episode gave you something to think about, do us a favor—subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. And hey, share it with another owner or manager who could use some no-BS hiring advice.

General Labor Position Agreements

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Steve Doyle:

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Ever had an employee who’s great at their job but completely struggles when promoted to a leadership role? We've been there too. In this episode, we’re joined by Talmar Anderson to talk about why hiring and leadership often go sideways — and what you can do to fix it.

Hiring the right people isn’t just about filling seats — it’s about building a solid team that can grow with your business. In this episode, Talmar Anderson, CEO of Boss HQ, joins us to break down the key mistakes business owners make when hiring and promoting employees. From understanding what success looks like before you even post a job ad to the importance of hiring people smarter than you, Talmar shares practical advice for building a stronger team.

We also talk about why contractors, home service providers, and small business owners need to build a “bench” of reliable contacts — and how connecting with the right people can save your business when things get tight. Plus, Talmar explains why mindset is just as crucial as strategy when managing your team.

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or managing a full crew, this episode is packed with tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and build a team that sticks.

Highlights:

• Why promoting your best employee to a leadership role might backfire.
• How to create a clear hiring process that attracts the right candidates.
• Why building a “bench” of trusted contacts is crucial for contractors and home service providers.
• The unexpected role mindset plays in leadership and management.
• Why hiring smarter people can help you scale faster.
• How small business owners can plan for consistent hiring without stress.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to share it with other business owners who could use some solid hiring and leadership advice!

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Steve Doyle:

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Ever told your team it’s been a great year — only to leave some employees wondering why they’re not getting a raise? We break down how that misstep can crush morale and what leaders can do to fix it.

We break down a real-world scenario where leaders gave hourly employees a raise but blindsided their salaried team with nothing but an email. The result? Chaos, frustration, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

If you’ve ever struggled to navigate compensation talks, this episode is packed with practical advice. We cover the importance of clear communication, why transparency matters (especially when things get uncomfortable), and how to rebuild trust if you’ve already dropped the ball.

Whether you’re managing a team or running the whole show, these insights will help you handle tough pay conversations without losing your employees’ trust — or your sanity.

Highlights:

• Why skipping communication can turn a good year into a disaster
• The importance of preparing managers before sharing big decisions
• How to avoid damaging trust when raises aren’t an option
• Why clear role expectations can prevent pay confusion in the first place
• Tips for having tough conversations without hiding behind emails

If this episode hit home, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. And if you know another leader dealing with tough conversations, pass this one along!

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Steve Doyle:

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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in the construction industry? Coty Fournier didn’t take the usual path — and that’s exactly what made her stand out.

In this episode, we sit down with Coty Fournier, a seasoned construction professional with decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Coty's journey didn’t follow the typical route — no family ties in the trades, no early passion for construction — but her decision to pursue construction management at Michigan State led her to an incredible career.

Coty dives into the importance of real field experience and why spending three to five years in the trenches is key to building a solid foundation. She shares powerful insights on learning from seasoned tradespeople, finding value in tough conversations, and why construction isn’t a tea party — it’s a beautiful mess worth embracing.

If you're in the industry or mentoring the next generation, Coty’s no-nonsense advice will challenge you to rethink how you support those starting out and why the best learning happens with your boots on the ground.

Highlights:

• How Coty’s unexpected career path led her to construction success
• The surprising reason she chose construction management over chemical engineering
• Why real field experience — not just trailer time — is crucial for career growth
• Coty’s take on why communication, even if rough, is key to learning
• The magic of construction teamwork and why it’s worth embracing the chaos

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with a friend who’s navigating the trades — they’ll thank you for it!

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Steve Doyle:

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Branding in the trades? Most people don’t think about it, but it matters way more than you realize. From rusted-out work trucks to outdated websites, we’re digging into why your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s the first thing customers and potential employees notice before you even step on the job.

Branding isn’t just for corporate types in fancy suits. If you're in the trades, your brand is what tells people you’re the real deal. That first impression—whether it’s a clean truck, a solid website, or just returning a damn phone call—can make or break your reputation. And yet, so many businesses in the trades slap a logo on a truck and call it a day.

We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of what branding really means for blue-collar businesses. Do customers see you as the pro who runs a tight ship or the one whose truck looks like it barely made it to the job? Are you actually showing up online where people are searching for you? If your website looks like it was made on dial-up, it's probably time for a refresh.

We’re breaking down when and how to rebrand, why it’s not just about the logo, and the real cost of neglecting your image in an industry built on trust.

• Why branding is more than just a logo—it’s how you show up every day.
• The biggest branding mistakes in the trades (and how to fix them).
• The real reason your website shouldn’t look like it’s from 1998.
• When it’s time to rebrand and how to do it without overcomplicating things

If you didn’t here we just launched a brand-new website and programs designed to support the trades community. Whether you're looking for industry insights, resources, or a way to connect with other tradespeople who get it, this is the place to be. Check it out at BlueCollarBS.com and see what’s new!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! If this episode hit home, share it with your someone in the trades and help us spread the word.

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Steve Doyle:

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