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.

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.

In this engaging conversation, Sean, Catherine, and Matt discuss Matt's journey from starting a landscaping business in high school to navigating the complexities of running a successful partnership in the landscaping industry. They explore the challenges of transitioning from a sole proprietor to a partner, the importance of communication, and the role of social media in business growth. Matt shares insights on finding his voice in content creation and the balance between professionalism and personality in branding. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of being visible online and the impact it has on business relationships. In this engaging conversation, Matt discusses the positive aspects of community support through social media, the challenges of attracting unwanted attention online, and the balance between content creation and running a business. He shares insights on the importance of mindfulness, hobbies, and the need to manage commitments effectively.

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent experiences, focusing on their communication styles, workplace dynamics, and conflict resolution strategies. They delve into time management techniques, the importance of separating creative and logical tasks, and the impact of tariffs on the construction industry. The discussion highlights the need for effective communication and adaptability in business, especially in response to economic changes. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the various economic challenges facing the construction industry, including labor shortages, material costs, and the impact of tariffs. They emphasize the importance of understanding material sourcing and the need for ethical pricing practices. The discussion also touches on the significance of gratitude during tough economic times and the uncertainty that lies ahead. They conclude with a light-hearted trivia segment that highlights interesting facts about the construction industry.

In this engaging conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss their recent experience at the Deck Expo, sharing insights on networking, promotional strategies, and the importance of building a strong visual portfolio. They delve into the challenges of acquiring unique clients for creative projects and emphasize the significance of staging and photography in showcasing work. The discussion also touches on the complexities of growing a team and knowing when to hire, providing valuable advice for entrepreneurs in the construction industry. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the challenges and considerations involved in hiring for a growing business, particularly in the construction industry. They explore the emotional and practical aspects of making significant hiring decisions, the importance of embracing risk, and the value of surrounding oneself with capable team members. The discussion also touches on the journey of self-belief and the realization that many successful individuals are simply navigating their own uncertainties.

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the transition from summer to fall and the importance of falling back into good habits. They reflect on their personal routines, the significance of networking within their community, and actionable steps to improve their daily lives. The discussion emphasizes mindfulness, scheduling, and the need for a supportive environment to foster personal growth. In this conversation, Catherine and Sean explore themes of mindfulness, productivity, and time management, discussing personal experiences and strategies for improvement. They delve into family dynamics regarding time perception and engage in fun trivia related to construction and safety. The episode wraps up with reflections on their discussions and a teaser for future episodes.

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various personal and professional updates, including construction projects, experiences with door-to-door sales, and a new policy at Home Depot requiring executives to work in stores. They explore the importance of understanding different perspectives in the workplace, the significance of communication within teams, and the lessons learned from mistakes made during construction projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for better communication and collaboration to enhance team dynamics and project outcomes. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the challenges faced while working on concrete projects, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and the educational value of trial and error. They also touch on feelings of imposter syndrome that can arise in leadership roles and the normalization of such feelings. The episode concludes with a fun trivia segment that tests their knowledge on various topics related to home improvement and construction.

In this conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss various topics, starting with personal updates about their lives, including new clothing purchases and a cat named Tow Truck. They then transition into a discussion about OSHA's recent fines and violations in the construction industry, highlighting specific case studies of companies facing significant penalties for safety violations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of workplace safety and the consequences of negligence in the construction field. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various workplace safety violations reported by OSHA, highlighting the serious consequences of negligence in the construction industry. They reflect on the importance of safety measures and the role of OSHA in protecting workers. The discussion then shifts to a lighter topic about the Ninja Creamy, a countertop ice cream maker, exploring branding strategies and the appeal of niche products. The episode concludes with a trivia segment focused on OSHA and construction safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in maintaining workplace safety.

In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss the nuances of aging, particularly as Sean turns 36. They reflect on the importance of health and setting realistic goals for the year ahead. The discussion transitions into project management, where they share insights on staying organized and ahead of schedule in their current project. Sean emphasizes the significance of planning and learning from past experiences to improve efficiency. The conversation culminates in a light-hearted self-reflection on personal growth and the acceptance of imperfections in both work and life. In this episode, Sean and Catherine explore themes of humility and self-reflection, discussing the importance of recognizing our own ignorance and the value of lifelong learning. They also delve into the fascinating story of the Sagrada Familia, the world's longest construction project, and share their thoughts on the balance between creating beauty and helping those in need. The episode concludes with a light-hearted trivia segment that highlights their knowledge and camaraderie.

In this engaging conversation, Catherine and Sean discuss a variety of topics ranging from Catherine's recent trip to Italy, cultural reflections on travel, insights from their latest sales cycle in the construction industry, and the importance of understanding client behavior in the current economic climate. They also touch on financing trends in home renovation, the significance of client expectations, and wrap up with a fun trivia challenge.