Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robertson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley.

Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons learned, and insights from her own journey in construction and business.

From overcoming challenges to building stronger communities within the trades, this live episode captures authentic conversation and the passion driving the next generation of industry leaders.

More than a celebration of 200 episodes, this event represents the continued mission of The Trades Podcast, elevating voices within construction and creating meaningful conversations that inspire growth, leadership, and opportunity throughout the skilled trades.

Whether you’re a contractor, builder, entrepreneur, trades professional, or someone considering a future in construction, this episode offers valuable perspective, motivation, and encouragement to keep building forward.

🎧 Listen, share, and help us continue amplifying the voices shaping the future of the trades.

Featured Panel Guests

• April Edwards – Deck Builder Marketers
• Cheryl Robertson – Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs
• Sara Graves – Deck Specialist Magazine
• Nina Ridgley – HBI San Marcos

Topics Discussed

• Women leading in construction
• The future of skilled trades
• Workforce development
• Mentorship and leadership
• Industry challenges and opportunities
• Entrepreneurship in the trades
• Building stronger trade communities
• Representation within construction
• Live audience discussion and networking

ContributorsHosted By

• Jeff
• Danny

Special Panel Guests

• April Edwards -
  • April Edwards is a digital marketing professional specializing in lead generation and brand strategy for home improvement and outdoor living industries. She is best known as the founder of Deck Builder Marketers, a marketing agency dedicated to helping deck builders and contractors grow through data-driven online marketing.
• Cheryl Robertson
  • Cheryl Robertson is a home-improvement professional affiliated with Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs, a business specializing in custom cabinetry, flooring, and interior design solutions. She is recognized for her hands-on expertise in residential renovation projects and her role in guiding clients through personalized design and installation processes.
• Sara Graves
  • Sara Graves is a building-materials professional recognized for her editorial and technical contributions to Deck Specialist Magazine, a U.S. trade publication serving outdoor-living and deck-construction industries. Known as a deck-building specialist and industry communicator, she highlights emerging trends, product innovations, and professional best practices for contractors and manufacturers.
• Nina Ridgley
  • Nina Ridgley is an American communications and workforce-development professional based in the San Diego metropolitan area. She is associated with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in San Marcos, California, where she contributes to industry and community engagement initiatives supporting construction education and careers.

Produced By

• The Trades Podcast

Live Event Venue

• Estrella Venue