Devils Advocate: Trades Edition

Lisa McGrath and Michael discuss the evolving trades industry, focusing on the increasing demand for electricians and the impact of government involvement in housing. They explore financial challenges for condo owners, including operating costs and regulations, and delve into property management and board conflicts in Ontario. The conversation covers rental caps, cost increases, and legal assistance in condo disputes, emphasizing the importance of accounting and managing receipts. They highlight the need for trust, fact-checking, and professional relationships, discussing the role of CPAs and podcasting. The episode concludes with insights on balancing work, relationships, and a teaser for the next guest.

(0:00) Introduction, industry changes, and demand for electricians

(2:25) Government involvement in housing and condo fees

(4:27) Financial challenges for condo owners

(5:43) Operating costs and regulations in condominiums

(9:42) Property management and board conflicts in Ontario

(12:05) Addressing conflicts and listening to condo owners

(18:19) Rental caps, cost increases, and business opportunities

(27:32) Legal assistance and community efforts in condo disputes

(32:50) Challenges in condo ownership and management

(36:29) Importance of accounting and managing receipts

(40:12) Trust, fact-checking, and professional relationships

(43:28) Trusting yourself with taxes and inviting a CPA

(45:20) The power of podcasting and unsolicited advice

(47:14) Passion projects, monetization, and loyalty

(48:12) Balancing work, relationships, and positive influence

(50:05) Episode wrap-up and next guest teaser

Lisa McGrath and Michael engage in a lively conversation covering a range of topics, from celebrating Canada Day and Canadian pride to exploring family traditions and sports. They share personal anecdotes about pool maintenance mishaps and irrational fears of swimming. The discussion shifts to Michael's Canada Day activities and offers a sneak peek at the Calgary Stampede, touching on the financial aspects of attending such events. They delve into themes of financial planning for children, the significance of high school, and the cultural importance of Canadian festivals. The episode also addresses societal issues like prejudice, community spirit, and the role of fact-checking in the news.

(0:21) Introduction, welcoming Michael, and social media updates

(1:36) Celebrating Canada Day and Canadian pride

(4:26) Legacy fans, family traditions, and sports

(6:03) Pool maintenance disaster and disposal

(10:59) Irrational fears and swimming

(13:24) Michael's Canada Day activities

(16:40) Sneak peek at Calgary Stampede

(18:02) Cost of living and Stampede expenses

(19:23) Financial planning for kids

(20:07) High school as a golden ticket

(21:07) Canadian festivals: Canada Day, Stampede, Klondike Days

(22:29) Traveling distances and city traffic

(23:17) Celebrating Fourth of July

(24:03) Importance of community in festivals

(26:21) Communication, unity, and community spirit

(27:14) Offense, prejudice, and societal issues

(29:49) Identity and belief systems

(32:25) Fact-checking and opinion in the news

(34:33) Wrapping up and upcoming topics

Join Lisa McGrath and Michael as they explore the trades industry, debunking misconceptions and examining trends in paychecks and career paths. Using a condo restoration project as a case study, they discuss renovation versus new builds, pricing strategies, and equal opportunity employment. The episode covers communication, project management, mentorship, and training. They also address subcontractor dynamics, conflict resolution, and job site culture. Wrapping up with advice for young tradespeople, they offer insights on company culture and fair compensation. Listener engagement and feedback round out the episode.

(0:20) Introduction and early misconceptions in the trades

(1:15) Trends in paychecks, career paths, and wage expectations

(2:25) Differences between sectors in the trades

(3:10) Case study: Condo restoration project

(5:01) Renovation vs. new build: unique challenges

(6:52) Predatory pricing and its impact on wages

(7:40) Equal opportunity employment in the trades

(9:01) Pricing strategies in renovation projects

(11:04) Communication, engineering, and project management

(15:34) Managing timelines, commitments, and contractor trust

(19:05) Transitioning from new build to renovation

(20:03) Training, certification, and finding skilled workers

(23:02) Gaps in trade licenses and restoration challenges

(25:28) Staying in your lane in the trades

(27:25) Mentorship, training, and workforce development

(29:15) Are young workers or employers failing?

(31:25) Worker experience, pay differences, and job satisfaction

(34:05) Subcontractors vs. employees in the trades

(36:34) Conflict resolution on job sites

(41:24) Managing machismo on construction sites

(45:58) Advice for young tradespeople

(47:31) Exploring different trades before specializing

(48:01) Evaluating company culture in the trades

(48:24) Knowing your worth and advocating for compensation

(49:06) Final thoughts and advice

(49:11) Wrapping up and future plans

(49:36) Listener engagement and feedback

(50:06) Closing remarks

Lisa McGrath sits down with Perry to explore his journey from tradesperson to financial advisor for tradespeople. They delve into Perry's early career, managing injury while running a business, and the financial pressures faced in the trades industry. Perry shares insights on transitioning to finance to better support tradespeople and emphasizes the importance of hiring a bookkeeper. The conversation also touches on the demanding life of tradespeople, balancing work with personal life, and the significance of partner support. The episode concludes with guest appreciation, a teaser for the next episode, and sponsor acknowledgment.

(0:21) Guest Introduction and Perry’s Early Career

(3:21) Managing Injury and Running a Business

(4:40) Challenges and Financial Pressures in the Trades

(7:59) Transition to Finance and Supporting Tradespeople

(10:21) The Demanding Life of Tradespeople

(14:33) The Importance of Hiring a Bookkeeper

(17:39) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(22:14) Partner Support and Understanding

(24:45) Guest Appreciation and Closing Remarks

(25:00) Sponsor: Reliable Tools

(25:30) Teaser for Next Episode

(26:00) Sign-off and Final Thoughts

Lisa McGrath and Michael delve into the complexities of trust in both business and construction. They kick off with lighthearted morning banter and a weekend conference overview, before discussing a partnership with the Edmonton Oilers and the Rogers and Shaw merger issues. The conversation shifts to trust issues in business, construction, and workplace dynamics, highlighting personal experiences and different approaches to trust. They explore rebuilding trust, termination laws in Alberta, and the dynamics between entrepreneurs and employees. The episode also touches on noise sensitivity, boundary-pushing, and etiquette. It closes with final thoughts on trust, gratitude, and a teaser for the next episode.

(0:22) Introduction, morning banter, and weekend conference overview

(2:43) Partnership with the Edmonton Oilers

(5:09) Issues with Rogers and Shaw merger

(7:32) Trust issues in business

(10:59) Trust issues in construction

(13:33) Response time expectations

(16:20) Trust and respect in the workplace

(18:11) Personal experiences with trust and respect

(21:15) Different approaches to trust and people

(25:39) Story of jumping off a bridge

(26:15) Rebuilding trust after it's broken

(29:09) Termination and severance pay laws in Alberta

(32:10) Trust and employment dynamics

(33:44) Entrepreneurs vs employees

(34:44) Trust in contractor vs employee relationships

(36:14) Misophonia and sensitivity to noise

(40:02) Pushing boundaries and etiquette

(42:03) Final thoughts on trust and parting ways

(44:37) Episode closing and gratitude

(44:42) Farewell exchange

(44:44) Teaser for next episode

Lisa McGrath and Michael Hamoen share personal stories and dive into the realities of entering the trades, discussing career choices and starting from the bottom. They explore industry challenges such as employee shortages, overtime expectations, and nepotism. The conversation addresses misogyny in the trades, family business succession, and shifting career aspirations. They delve into justice, values, and decision-making under stress, while highlighting emotional vulnerability and mental health support for men. Michael shares his journey of overcoming homelessness, resilience, and giving back. The episode concludes with gratitude and maintaining perspective.

(0:21) Introductions, personal stories, and movie talk

(4:02) Graduation, career choices, and entering the trades

(5:28) Starting from the bottom and learning in trades

(6:34) Employee shortages and industry changes

(7:10) Overtime expectations and evolving workplace norms

(8:26) Nepotism and its impact on trades

(10:09) Experiences with misogyny in the trades

(17:30) Family business succession and children's career goals

(22:50) Shifting aspirations: from trades to police work

(26:42) Justice, values, and moral decision-making

(30:34) Decision-making under stress in trades and life

(34:02) Emotional vulnerability and support for men

(36:39) Mental health in the trades and music as therapy

(41:27) Overcoming homelessness, resilience, and giving back

(42:32) Practicing gratitude and maintaining perspective

(43:06) Episode wrap-up and closing remarks

Lisa McGrath and Michael tackle a variety of pressing topics. They begin with June celebrations and men's mental health, then discuss the impact of narcissism and social media. The conversation covers handling failures, workplace entitlement, job compensation, and labor laws. They explore alternative energy, the oil industry's influence, and automotive tech advancements. The episode critiques healthcare systems, potential changes to natural health products in Canada, and gender dynamics in leadership. Additionally, they examine AI technology, historical socialism, and balanced perspectives, concluding with time management challenges.

(0:20) Introduction, June celebrations, and men's mental health

(5:05) Narcissism and mental health

(7:23) Social media's impact on mental health

(10:14) Handling failures and setbacks

(14:50) Launching the outdoor podcast episode

(15:54) Discussing various podcast topics

(17:01) Entitlement issues in the workplace

(20:22) Job compensation and labor laws

(21:06) Alternative energy inventions and their suppression

(22:11) Advances and limitations in automotive technology

(24:00) The control and influence of the oil industry

(25:12) Technological advancements: Europe vs. North America

(26:17) Critique of healthcare system and alternative medicine

(29:12) Potential shutdown of natural health products in Canada

(30:00) Gender dynamics in power and leadership

(34:11) Patriarchy’s impact on women's behavior

(37:02) Historical socialism and tribal living

(40:22) Need for balanced perspectives in upbringing and arguments

(41:00) The implications and dangers of AI technology

(42:18) Episode time check, length, and timing issues

(42:39) Phone interruptions, time management, and closing remarks

Join Lisa McGrath and Jade Alberts as they dive into entrepreneurship insights, focusing on networking, scaling businesses without financial strain, and maintaining quality during expansion. Jade shares strategies from his COVID-19 experience and the importance of honest advice. They discuss the realities versus the glorification of entrepreneurship, emphasizing stability, personal sacrifices, and work-life balance. Discover the importance of building strong relationships, setting expectations, and learn about Jade's podcast focus. The episode wraps up with ways to connect with Jade and details on the Founders Coffee networking event.

(0:20) Introduction and guest Jade Alberts

(1:10) Networking event and previous guest Adam Woodward

(1:35) Importance of resources and Peer Guidance for trade professionals

(3:30) Helping businesses scale without financial strain

(4:00) Lisa's experience with a marketing company and financial challenges for entrepreneurs

(6:30) Jade's approach during COVID-19

(7:30) Importance of honest, transparent, and free advice

(10:00) Challenges of maintaining quality in business expansion

(12:00) Importance of truthful feedback in entrepreneurship

(13:30) Realities of entrepreneurship vs. glorification

(16:00) Building a business for stability, not just for sale

(18:00) Personal sacrifices in entrepreneurship

(20:00) Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur

(24:02) Jade Alberts' journey to becoming a work-from-home entrepreneur

(29:48) Overcoming personal challenges and sharing your story

(32:35) Importance of building a strong foundation in relationships

(39:39) Being upfront about expectations in personal and business relationships

(40:09) Jade Alberts' podcast and its focus on entrepreneurship

(41:58) How entrepreneurs can connect with Jade Alberts

(42:42) Founders Coffee: A networking event for entrepreneurs

(44:11) Thanking guest Jade Alberts and closing remarks

(45:03) Outro and sign-off

Join Lisa McGrath and Michael as they explore burnout and work-life balance, emphasizing the role of psychology and HR courses for people-facing industries. They discuss family dynamics, sibling relationships, parenting, and the significance of nicknames. The episode compares industry conferences like CCI and ACMA, tribunal system costs, and the nuances of ownership versus renting. Political frustrations are aired, focusing on Doug Ford and the two-party system. The conversation lightens with infomercials, late-night purchases, and the joys of Costco, concluding with tips on coping with burnout and achieving balance.

(0:20) Introduction, burnout, and work-life balance

(2:15) Psychology, HR courses, and people-facing industries

(3:11) Family dynamics, sibling relationships, and parenting

(6:32) Nicknames and their significance

(9:25) Raising teenagers and maintaining close relationships

(10:35) Industry conferences and associations

(13:35) Differences between CCI and ACMA

(16:19) Tribunal systems and associated costs

(18:19) Ownership versus rental dynamics

(21:31) Monthly fees and societal financial burdens

(23:42) Frustrations with political leaders

(24:23) Perceptions of Doug Ford and political cynicism

(27:07) Challenges of voting in a two-party system

(28:18) Infomercials and late-night purchases

(29:05) Coping with burnout and finding balance

(30:02) The joy and frustrations of Costco

(33:05) Wrapping up and looking forward

Lisa McGrath and Carrie Viseur dive into property management, comparing practices in the US and Canada. They tackle challenges like taking vacations, staffing issues, poaching, turnover, and burnout. Carrie shares insights on building board relationships, conflict resolution, and essential skills for managers. The discussion extends to AI's role, managing contractor expectations, handling homeowner complaints, and addressing water damage and restoration. The episode wraps up with plans for a follow-up on burnout.

(0:20) Introduction and Carrie Vizio’s background

(1:29) Cross-border property management experience

(2:17) Comparing US and Canadian property management

(4:02) Taking vacations as a property manager

(5:01) Major pain points in property management

(6:26) Streamlining processes for efficiency

(8:23) Staffing differences: US vs. Canada

(10:45) Poaching and turnover in the industry

(11:23) Burnout in property management

(13:30) Building relationships with boards

(15:45) Conflict resolution strategies with boards

(18:35) Essential skills for property managers

(22:28) Role of external consultants and vendors

(24:01) What makes a good consultant

(26:30) Gathering honest feedback from board members

(29:01) Managing suppliers and project delays

(30:26) AI in property management

(31:02) Managing contractor expectations

(33:10) Handling homeowner complaints and floor replacements

(34:10) Corporation vs. owner responsibilities in condos

(39:55) Plumbing issues and owner responsibilities

(42:48) Educating owners on maintenance

(46:21) Quick response and optimal service

(47:55) Handling emergencies and owner communication

(49:42) Worst types of water losses

(51:50) Black water in hoarding situations: real-life example

(54:14) Impact of water damage on building materials

(56:09) Restoration companies and project management

(57:25) Management control and delegation challenges

(59:08) On-site management assistance: benefits

(1:00:06) Proactive involvement from boards

(1:01:26) Plans for part two: burnout and overwhelmed managers

(1:03:25) Closing remarks and appreciation