In Part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Benjamin Dryer, a Culture Consultant, Culture Pyramid Implementation, Public Speaker at Align & Elevate Consulting. Benjamin shares how real conversations and better training can reduce stress and boost team performance. He introduces a pyramid model for honest communication, direction, fulfillment, and accountability. Benjamin also explains how small changes in workplace culture can lead to big improvements in mental health and job satisfaction for workers. His tips help create safer, more supportive, and efficient work environments.

Benjamin Dryer talks about how better communication and training help reduce stress in the trades. He shares a simple pyramid method that starts with honest talk and builds up to accountability. He and Gary explain how solving real problems like understaffing or unclear priorities can improve both mental health and business results. Benjamin says that workers often feel unheard, which adds stress, but real support can change that. They both agree that focusing on people and clear processes leads to safer, happier, and more productive workplaces.

Benjamin explains that many problems in the trades come from poor communication and a lack of training. He says stress builds when workers feel unheard or unsupported. Gary shares how this shows up in real job sites, like when teams aren’t trained to cover for each other. They talk about Benjamin’s pyramid model that starts with honest talk and leads to real teamwork. Both agree that simple changes like clear roles and caring leaders can lower stress and boost performance. Good culture helps people feel safe, valued, and ready to do their best work.

Expect to Learn:

• How honest communication can reduce stress and improve teamwork.

• Why do many problems in the trades start with poor training and unclear roles?

• What Benjamin’s pyramid model teaches about building a strong workplace.

• How fixing real issues helps both mental health and business success.

• Why does clear leadership and care for people lead to safer, better workdays?

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00] - Introduction to Part 02 with Benjamin Dryer

[02:04] - When Employers Don’t Value You & Setting Boundaries

[07:04] - Soccer Analogy: Why Team Training Reduces Stress

[11:20] - Fixing Problems Through Better Communication

[16:56] - Why Taking Responsibility Relieves Stress

[20:29] - The Start of Benjamin’s Culture Consulting Journey

[23:05] - Resistance from Leadership & Business Case for Culture

[23:27] - How to Contact Benjamin & Final Thoughts on His Mission

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

Follow the Guest Benjamin Dryer on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dryer-72bb78240/

Culture Pyramid Implementation at Align & Elevate

Consulting: https://www.alignandelevateconsulting.com/

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/