The Tradesman Experience

Most people don't thin about the basic behaviors with money. This week Josh sits down with Wealth Strategist Michael Momeno. This wide ranging conversation moves from basic budgeting, reframing your mind around money and why most people stay broke.

In this comprehensive series, Josh and Greg explore the critical bottlenecks, breakdowns, and pitfalls that hinder business growth in the trades. They share practical strategies on leadership, delegation, culture, operational efficiency, and financial management to help entrepreneurs scale successfully.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg delve into the critical themes of cultural blind spots in leadership, the importance of healthy communication, operational blind spots, and financial bottlenecks. They discuss how leaders often misinterpret their team's behavior, the need for open dialogue to address issues, and the operational inefficiencies that arise from poor communication. Additionally, they explore the financial challenges businesses face, emphasizing the importance of real-time financial reporting and understanding costs to ensure sustainable growth. The discussion highlights the necessity of investing in oneself and one's business for long-term success.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg delve into the critical themes of business pitfalls, cultural dynamics, operational efficiency, and financial blind spots. They emphasize the importance of understanding profitability over revenue, the impact of leadership on team morale, and the necessity of job costing and cash flow management. The discussion is rich with insights and practical advice aimed at helping business owners navigate common challenges and improve their operations.

In this episode, Josh discusses the importance of discipline and shares 12 actionable disciplines that can be implemented over 12 days to enhance productivity and personal growth. He emphasizes the significance of morning routines, physical activity, organization, planning, and maintaining relationships, all while encouraging listeners to take ownership of their habits and make intentional changes in their lives.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg explore the mindset and characteristics necessary for success in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. They discuss the importance of leadership, humility, and critical thinking, as well as the value of creating opportunities for growth within organizations. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, the realities of business ownership, and the significance of recognizing and rewarding contributions from team members. Ultimately, they highlight the journey of self-improvement and the role of community in fostering growth.

In this episode, Josh and Greg discuss the essential knowledge and mindset required for starting and running a successful business. They emphasize the importance of mentorship, financial literacy, and understanding the difference between being self-employed and owning a business. The conversation also touches on the challenges of pricing, the impact of perception in the trades, and the necessity of having a solid business plan. Throughout the discussion, they encourage listeners to embrace self-doubt as a motivator and to seek continuous improvement in their business practices.

In this conversation, Josh discusses the importance of personal conduct, financial discipline, emotional maturity, and professionalism in the blue-collar industry. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions, prioritize their health, and maintain a professional appearance. The conversation also touches on the significance of communication, accountability, and the dangers of addiction and dependency. Ultimately, Josh calls for focused growth and leadership, encouraging listeners to strive for continuous improvement in their personal and professional lives.

In this episode of the Tradesman Experience podcast, Josh and Greg delve into the critical challenges faced by business owners, emphasizing that the primary obstacle often lies within the owner themselves. They explore themes such as avoidance, procrastination, and the importance of delegation, while also addressing the detrimental effects of shiny object syndrome and selfish money behavior. The conversation highlights the necessity of hard conversations, understanding financial health, and fostering a positive company culture. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for owners seeking to mature their leadership skills and improve their business operations.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg discuss the importance of business planning, financial projections, and measuring success in specific terms rather than averages. They emphasize the owner's responsibility in managing finances, the impact of seasonal trends, and the significance of job costing for profitability. The discussion also touches on the need for transparency within teams, the importance of customer relationships, and the value of craftsmanship in the trades. Leadership's role in handling failure and creating a performance-driven culture is highlighted, along with an announcement for an upcoming boot camp aimed at helping tradespeople elevate their businesses.

This week I walk you through pieces of 2025 and what we learned. Let's just say that tuition was high this year. From buying a business to batteling the labor market, 2025 taught us a lot and reminded me a lot about business. Dive in to this week's podcast and find out how you can prevent the same mistakes.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg discuss the critical aspects of year-end financial management for business owners, emphasizing the importance of understanding profitability, job costing, and effective sales strategies. They explore the necessity of having a solid bookkeeping system, the challenges of self-employment, and the importance of accountability in business. The discussion also highlights the significance of planning for future growth and utilizing data to inform business decisions, while addressing the need for employee engagement and clear growth paths within organizations. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Year-End Financials 05:30 Understanding Profitability and Cash Flow 10:05 The Importance of Job Costing 14:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Perception 23:32 Educating Clients on Value 29:40 Choosing Clients Wisely 31:01 Navigating the Digital Shift 34:09 Understanding Financial Management 39:02 The Importance of Accountability 41:58 The Challenges of Self-Employment 46:00 Planning for Success in Business 56:59 The Journey of a Business Owner

Josh and Greg explore their journeys into the blue-collar world, discussing their early experiences, the challenges of school, and the lessons learned in trades. They reflect on the importance of hard work, the rite of passage in the trades, and the camaraderie that develops through shared experiences. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences of working in a factory and an ostrich farm, leading to insights about the value of blue-collar work and the perceptions of customers. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Becoming an Electrician 05:00 Early Work Experiences and Growing Up 10:56 Navigating the Blue Collar Culture 18:05 The Rite of Passage in Trades 25:00 Lessons Learned from the Trade Life 27:52 Navigating Workplace Dynamics 30:10 Learning Through Experience 31:44 Life Lessons from the Ostrich Farm 39:50 The Reality of Ostrich Farming 45:36 Transitioning to HVAC 55:10 The Value of Hard Work and Experience

It's that time of year again! Bonuses, Taxes, Inventory, Extra Compensation and of course the potential to lose a key employee. This week we dive into the uncomfortable conversation of how to pay 'Christmas Bonuses" Enrollment for the Blue Collar Bootcamp 2026 begins so get signed up and change your business forever!

What is it that drives you everyday? Why keep going? Why start a business? This week we dive into the mindset of moving forward, keeping consistency and having that GSD mindset.

In this conversation, Josh and Greg explore the challenges faced by blue-collar business owners, particularly the DIY mentality that can hinder success. They discuss the importance of asking for help, the value of mentorship, and the need for effective communication within teams. The conversation emphasizes that business leaders must care for their employees to foster a successful work environment and highlights the significance of building a supportive community for growth and learning. Chapters 00:00 The DIY Mentality in Business 10:05 Asking for Help: Overcoming Pride 19:51 The Importance of Mentorship 25:27 Learning from Experience: Avoiding Common Pitfalls 31:10 The Importance of Genuine Connections 34:52 Navigating Emotions and Venting Effectively 38:22 Finding Humor in Frustration 44:37 The Value of Partnership in Business 49:20 Leadership and Employee Care 53:46 Building a Supportive Community

What we consider to be high standard today is a joke! The bar is so low because so many people choose convience over excellence. What is your standard? How often do you live it? This week we discuss why good enough isn't and how easy it is today to beat competition by showing up consistently.

Growth is simple, not easy. This week I was humbly reminded of my journey as an HVAC technician due to being back in a service truck for our new business. But why do we make it so difficult? Greg and I discuss the dicotomy, experience and perspective of going from technician to owner and was it means that the work is Simple.

Risk comes down to what you are comfortable with in being uncomfortable. What is your risk tolerance? How do you manage risk? This week we dive into these questions and work to uncover why we take the risk we do.

How do you keep score? Do you know if you are winning or losing? Do you know by how much? This week we dive in to where you should be tracking your progress and where you should be focused.

Is laziness considered self care? Can you work too hard? What's a good balance? How should you be acting as an employee? This week we dive into the mindset and discipline it takes to work hard by todays standards. And what it takes to stop making excuses.

In business, there are seasons, peaks and valleys, high and lows, wins and losses. But how do we navigate this? It's easy to solve problems when you're winning, but what happens when you're not winning? This week we jump into the reality of what it looks and feels like when you think you're losing.

What are you neglecting in your business? What decisions are you not making? How separated are you trying to keep your personal life and work life? We discuss these and the top 5 actions and decisions that most business owners don't address.

Blue Collar Bootcamp is still open for enrollment!! Get Your Seat!! This week we discuss TruPros, why so many business owners struggle with business and the fact there is no secret sauce to winning.

Don't miss out of the last Blue Collar Bootcamp of the year. Go check out our free video and get signed up!! https://www.bluecollarinsiders.com/learn-now So good to be back on the mic and with me this week is my Blue Collar Brotha Greg Giroux. What have we been up to? We just passed our first 100 days since the aquisition of the HVAC company and wanted to share with you what that has been like so far.

Get signed up for our upcoming Blue Collar Boot Camp https://www.bluecollarinsiders.com/ What happens when someone asks for a discount? How can you afford to give your work away? What does a 'Promotion' cost you in marketing? These questions and more are answered this week as I give examples, tangents and damn good reason to stop giving discounts.

Get your tickets for the Strategic Growth Accelorator on August 22nd in Houston. The book referenced in this episode is The Wisdom Of The Bullfrog by Admiral William H McRaven. Taking on the responsibility of a leader is simple but difficult. But what does it mean? "When in command, command." Be decisive, be confident and be passionate.

Back on the mic is Nate! We discuss a gift that arrived, the new acquisition and how too often employees will complain that systems feel too corporate.

Get your ticket for our Stragic Growth Accelerator. We are having a collaborative 1 Day event in Houston, TX on August 22. Get to the website thetradesmanexperience.com to get your seat! Why do always think that the next thing will be easier? Or why we think this will solve all our problems. The truth is you have to get better at picking what problem you want to solve.

Check out this conversation from our monthly MasterMind - The Workshop.

Two things can play havoc on your business, being everything to everybody and allowing your clients to use your business as a 0% bank. This week we introduce some new directions of The Tradesman Experience, talk about some expansion of Battle Born Welding and what happens when you become a bank for your clients.

Early bird registration is just $297 if you sign up by May 31st—space is limited, so reserve your spot today. The Strategic Growth Accelerator Event Website Link: https://www.wolfdenevents.com/ The Strategic Growth Accelerator Event Invitation Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strategic-growth-accelerator-tickets-1303026911569?aff=oddtdtcreator The Strategic Growth Accelerator Event Sponsorship Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1304634088679?aff=oddtdtcreator The Strategic Growth Accelerator Happy Hour Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1304625412729?aff=oddtdtcreator In this exciting episode, Shawn sits down with Joni Wolfswinkel, alongside industry leaders Josh Huite and Steve Rozenberg, to announce a game-changing event for entrepreneurs in Houston: the Strategic Growth Accelerator! Mark your calendars for August 22, 2025, because this one-day power-packed event at Hochzeit Hall in Old Town Spring is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to elevate your business to new heights. Join us as Joni shares her expert insights on building and managing an international workforce—discover how hiring global talent can reduce costs while fueling innovation and growth. Meanwhile, Shawn, Josh, and Steve delve into what makes this event so unique: from scaling your business with proven strategies to becoming the leader your team needs. Steve Rozenberg offers his secrets to smart, effective scaling, while Josh Huite reveals how to unlock your leadership potential and inspire your team to succeed. With a wealth of experience combined, Joni, Josh, and Steve are set to share their invaluable wisdom, strategies, and practical tips that can help entrepreneurs elevate their businesses to the next level. Listeners will discover why this event is a must-attend, featuring engaging discussions that cover everything from innovative business strategies to personal growth and resilience in the competitive entrepreneurial landscape. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and expertise, providing attendees with actionable takeaways they can implement right away. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs eager to accelerate their growth and gain actionable wisdom from industry veterans. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to the next level, the Strategic Growth Accelerator promises practical insights that can transform your business trajectory. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity!

Today I sit down with Bob Turner, founder of Summit Coaching & Consulting. We dive into all things coaching in this conversation. We talk about Bob's story, some of his accomplishmenst and where the trades are headed.

After a few weeks, we are back on the mics! We discuss Nate's interview on Bourbon & Ballistics podcast, his trip to Breckenridge, where business is headed, the common difficulties of being in business and why you shouldn't take yourself so serious.

Why is fitness a staple in success? It impacts our relationships, our career, our mental health and our confidence. This week I sit down with someone that inspires me to do better and this guy is the real deal. Travis and I discuss fitness through the lense of imperfections and failures, but also through the positvie impacts of doing the work.

Stop avoiding success and equip yourself to win!! Join our webinar Lead Better Make More on April 16th or 22nd, then get signed up for our next Blue Collar Boot Camp on April 23rd and change your team, your business and your profits in 12 weeks!! https://www.trupros.com/bootcamp-signup

Most of us don't like sales. Mostly because we don't understand it, we try to sell out of our own wallet and we don't ask the right questions. This week I sit down with Trenton Wisecup, an expert in the roofing industry and his gift is sales. Check out this episode and Trenton on social media.

Everybody wants what everybody else has regardless of the effort. This week Greg Giroux and I discuss the frustrations in business when the poor performers want a participation trophy.

What is the metric of being the best in business? Most of the time is a combination of self serving metrics that create the perception of greatness. Honestly, being different is what sets you apart from the crowd. This week Nate and I discuss culture, leadership, being different and what maturity in business can afford you.

What does every compan and team need to get to the next level? A lightning rod in their company. Check out this episode to find out what a 'Catalyst' is and why you need one.

Our first ever outside podcast with a couple cigars. This week Nate and I sit down in person to discuss the 3 days of evaluation and training with Battle Born Welding, what the future holds and a genuine conversation back and forth while the dogs run around in the background.

Owner is not a role is the company and Leadership is not a job. Too often these two are confused with each other. So what's the difference?

Instead of targeting leaders in this episode, I put my focus on EMPLOYEES. And let me just warn you, IT IS NOT KIND!! But my plan is to create conversation within yourself and the company you work for. GSDMF

The silent killer of Leadership.

Too often we downplay hard work and claim we should only work smarter. This week we dive into what this should look like.

This week I sit down my friend and business partner Greg Giroux. If you haven't read the book Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell, you will by the end of this conversation. As a small business owner we wear multiple hats, often times too many hats. So how do we get through that? Join in as we discuss the book, our tactics and the difficulties of delegating.

Are leaders born or made? Join me this week as I sit down with my old friend BJ Jones, as he shares lessons learned from childhood, being a Combat Marine, law enforcement and becoming a Christian.