Most lighting owners wait way too long to fire the wrong person then act surprised when their culture, morale, and reputation get wrecked from the inside.

In this episode, Captain Matt tells a raw, real story straight off an active job:

A new hire, day two on the crew. Ladder gets moved, ego gets triggered, and this grown man absolutely loses it in front of a client, screaming, swearing, acting like a bomb about to go off.

And he was gone. Same day. No second chances.Not because of an F-bomb.Because of who he showed up as.

Inside this episode:

🔹 Why “needing a body” is the fastest way to destroy your company culture

🔹 The difference between honest mistakes vs. behavior you NEVER tolerate

🔹 How one toxic employee can quietly poison good people until you lose your best techs

🔹 The real test of your core values: will you fire someone when you actually need them?

🔹 Why your crew should never feel like they might have to fight a coworker

🔹 The mindset shift from “I see their potential” to “Do they even WANT it?”

🔹 How letting bad behavior slide makes all your core values sound like bullsh*t

🔹 Why paying $18/hr for heavy outdoor work is killing your hiring pool

🔹 The truth about “it’s impossible to find good people” (and what to do instead)

🔹 Why hiring help doesn’t mean you make less, it’s how you unlock growth

Matt also breaks down the solopreneur money trap:

“If I hire someone, I’ll make less.”

On paper it sounds logical. In real life, it’s a lie.The right people free you up to sell more, design more, lead more, and build the company you actually want, not just another job you can’t escape from.

If you say you care about culture, standards, and values…This episode will force you to ask:

Do my actions match my words or am I letting fear and convenience run my company?

Lights. Legacy. Living. Captain’s Crew. Sink or Swim.Ready to join Captain’s Crew?

🔹 Apply to work with Captain Matt or hire him for elite outdoor lighting design: https://www.captainmattoutdoors.com/

🔹 Explore design + install services at Barefoot Lighting: https://barefootlighting.com/

🔹 Join the movement at The Lighting Trade School: https://lightingtradeschool.com/