Episodes

  • Episode 148: Dan Preston of Hardscape Mentor!

    Episode 148: Dan Preston of Hardscape Mentor!
    Jan 27 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Sean, Catherine, and Dan Preston discuss the evolution of Hardscape Mentor over the past two years, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, innovative design, and community building in the hardscaping industry. Dan shares insights on how to teach design principles, the significance of understanding client needs, and the upcoming launch of Hardscape Mentor Studios, a training facility aimed at fostering collaboration and skill development among hardscapers. In this conversation, Sean and Dan Preston discuss the importance of personal branding and marketing in the hardscaping industry. They emphasize the need for contractors to put their faces on camera to build trust with potential clients. The discussion also covers the challenges of scaling a business versus staying small and maintaining quality. Dan shares insights from his experience in the industry, highlighting the significance of craftsmanship and unique design in attracting the right clientele. The conversation concludes with a focus on the value of community and support among contractors.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 147: Garrett Davis! aka The Life of Bub!

    Episode 147: Garrett Davis! aka The Life of Bub!
    Jan 20 2025
    In this conversation, Garrett Davis shares his journey from Maine to Florida, discussing the significant lifestyle changes and business dynamics he encountered. He reflects on the impact of hurricanes on his work opportunities, the process of building and selling his dream home, and the financial decisions that followed. Garrett also opens up about his experiences with partnerships in business, the challenges he faced, and his journey towards sobriety, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and resilience. In this conversation, Garrett shares his journey through addiction and sobriety, discussing the challenges he faced and the importance of community support. He reflects on his past struggles with substance abuse, the turning point that led him to seek help, and how he now uses his experiences to help others. The discussion also covers the significance of emotional expression and coping mechanisms, particularly for men. Garrett talks about his new business partnership, emphasizing the need for complementary skills and shared vision. He expresses his aspirations for growth while maintaining a good reputation in the construction industry.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 146: Do bonuses incentivize?

    Episode 146: Do bonuses incentivize?
    Jan 13 2025
    In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various topics including updates on their shop, a potential job inquiry that raises questions about travel, the devastating impact of recent wildfires in California, and the implementation of bonuses within their company. They share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the importance of community and preparedness in the face of disasters. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine delve into the complexities of employee bonuses, discussing the balance between motivation and fairness. They explore the idea of personalized incentives, the importance of communication in bonus structures, and the sustainability of these systems. The discussion also touches on the challenges of traditional bonus systems and concludes with a fun trivia segment related to construction.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 145: Lets have a house party?

    Episode 145: Lets have a house party?
    Jan 6 2025
    In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics ranging from home dynamics influenced by Feng Shui to the implementation of a new PTO policy at their workplace. They share insights on the importance of time off for mental health and productivity, and also provide practical tips for staying warm during winter. The dialogue reflects their personal experiences and professional challenges, creating a relatable and engaging discussion. In this episode, Sean and Catherine discuss various themes including the benefits of outdoor learning environments for children, innovative marketing strategies through community engagement, and the importance of word-of-mouth referrals in the construction industry. They also touch on employee incentives, share construction trivia, and provide insights into the deck market and types of concrete. The conversation concludes with a focus on mindfulness and gradual personal improvement.
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    54 mins
  • Episode 144: A New Year is Coming!

    Episode 144: A New Year is Coming!
    Dec 30 2024
    In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the pressures of the holiday season, reflect on their experiences in 2024, and outline their goals for 2025. They emphasize the importance of efficiency in project management, review their financial performance, and explore ways to enhance their content creation and storytelling. Additionally, they address the need for better maintenance of their equipment to improve overall productivity. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the importance of maintaining tools and machines in their work, the significance of storytelling in content creation, and the need for setting realistic health goals for the upcoming year. They also explore the balance between hobbies and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of self-care and personal growth. The dialogue reflects on their experiences and insights, aiming to foster a more sustainable and enjoyable approach to both work and personal life.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 143: Dronepocalypse and Forever Students!

    Episode 143: Dronepocalypse and Forever Students!
    Dec 23 2024
    In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent acquisition of a dumptruck and the excitement surrounding it. They transition into a discussion about mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, exploring various theories and implications. The conversation then shifts to the use of drones in their business, highlighting how drones have transformed their photography and project presentations. They conclude by discussing the future of drone technology and its potential impact on their work. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss the impact of drones on photography, emphasizing the importance of framing and capturing quality images. They also explore the misconceptions surrounding learning styles, particularly in trades, advocating for a broader understanding of what it means to be a 'good student.' The dialogue highlights the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique learning paths. In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean explore themes of learning, independence, and the construction industry. They discuss the importance of redefining success in education, share trivia about construction and dump trucks, and highlight the dangers faced by construction workers. The conversation also delves into fun facts about heavy machinery, showcasing their knowledge and humor throughout.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 142: Special Guest John Lea of Deck South!

    Episode 142: Special Guest John Lea of Deck South!
    Dec 16 2024
    In this engaging conversation, John Lea shares his journey of building Deck South, a successful deck-building business. He discusses his early experiences with carpentry, the challenges of starting his own company, and the importance of team building and leadership. John emphasizes the value of caring for his employees and creating a supportive company culture, which has led to long-term loyalty and success. In this conversation, John discusses the evolution of his business, the lessons learned from the 2008 recession, and the importance of maintaining a balanced daily routine. He shares insights on fatherhood, emphasizing the joy and responsibility it brings, and highlights the significance of instilling curiosity in the next generation. The discussion also touches on the value of design in construction and the need for continuous improvement in business practices.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 141: Are the holidays actually a goldmine?!

    Episode 141: Are the holidays actually a goldmine?!
    Dec 9 2024
    In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various lighthearted topics, including hydration, seasonal changes, and personal fears. They transition into a more serious discussion about tariffs and their implications for the economy, before exploring the profitable business of holiday decorating, particularly Christmas lights. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable and engaging. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the surprising profitability and emotional appeal of holiday decorating services, particularly Christmas lights. She explores the high profit margins, the increasing competition in the market, and the emotional factors that drive consumers to spend on such services. The discussion also touches on unconventional home maintenance services, the importance of communication in client relationships, and the potential for businesses to expand their offerings creatively. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the importance of enhancing customer communication in the construction industry. She emphasizes the need for proactive updates to clients, particularly in long-term projects, to improve their experience and build trust. The discussion also touches on the evolving technology of 3D printing in construction, insights from the International Builder Show, and the efficiency of brushless tools. The episode concludes with a teaser for future guests and the significance of communication, especially during the holiday season.
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    1 hr and 5 mins