This week, Jason Dedering of Engineered Floors joins the Happy Hour podcast to talk about the evolution of the flooring world. From the legacy of industry titan Bob Shaw in Dalton, GA, to the newest color trends spotted at the Surfaces Convention, we're covering it all.

In this episode:

• Engineered Floors: The story behind the brand and Jason’s background.
• Trends: What is in and what is on its way out!
• Carpet 101: Jason breaks down the basics every pro (and homeowner) should know.
• The Billboard Question: Jason’s advice for how we spend our time.

https://www.engineeredfloors.com/

In this episode of the Happy Hour, Joel sits down with a man who has the history of Kewaskum in his DNA. Aaron Laatsch, owner of the Kewaskum Piggly Wiggly, joins us to celebrate a staggering milestone: 150 years in business.

As a 5th-generation owner with 36 years of experience behind the counter, Aaron shares what it’s like to balance a massive family legacy with the modern-day hustle of the grocery world.

Grab a drink and join us for a conversation about community, consistency, and the "personalized touch" that keeps Kewaskum coming back to the Pig!

Resources:

https://kewaskumpig.com/

Book: Kewaskum, Wisconsin: The Making of a Village

Grab a drink and pull up a chair! This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jon Vaughan - entrepreneur, speaker, and the former President of Brand Vaughan Lumber Co.

After leading a family legacy and serving as Regional Vice Present for US LBM, Jon has transitioned into his most impactful role yet: Consultant and Strategic Advisor for Drexel. He’s spent his career in the trenches of the building materials industry, and now he’s helping other leaders navigate the "messy middle" of expansion.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How a chance meeting turned into a lifelong partnership

• Growing Pains

• Why even the strongest leaders need a strategic "outside eye" to scale effectively

• The intention behind Jon's billboard message

  
  

  
  

Think you’re priced out of the market? Think again. Mike Howe is on a mission to shift the mindset from "affordability" to attainability. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to build equity or looking for the low-maintenance living, Mike breaks down the roadmap to homeownership.

Buy Dirt Song by Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryanhttps://mikehowebuilders.com/

Patrick Aldape from Midwest Tops joined the show and treated us to some Foxtown Brewing beverages for this Happy Hour conversation!Inside the Episode:-Patrick's background and how he got the job at Midwest Tops- What Midwest Tops does and their one stop shop approach- How their collaboration with Drexel streamlines the fabrication process.- 2026 Trends including printed Quartz- The Billboard QuestionResources:

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman

In this episode, we sit down with Paul O’Brien from CertainTeed. He shares his professional journey and why CertainTeed focuses on being the "asked-for vendor" rather than just the biggest.We dive deep into the science of roofing, covering:-The Anatomy of a Shingle- Warranties & Trends-NorthGate® ClimateFlex® - Why this specific shingle is a game-changer-The Mission: How purpose-driven design is helping CertainTeed make the world a better, more sustainable home.

Join us for a high-octane Happy Hour with the founders of Carbliss, Adam and Amanda Kroener. Discover how this powerhouse duo tuned out the skeptics to turn a backyard dream into a nine-figure reality. Adam and Amanda get candid about the early days of bringing the drink to life, the mental toughness required to work through the obstacles of rapid scaling, and why they refuse to compromise on company culture as they expand into new markets. It’s a masterclass in resilience, execution, and staying true to your Wisconsin roots while conquering the national stage.

In this special Q&A, Joel dives into his personal reflection process, how he approaches the new year, and a new word he is focusing on.

What we discuss:

• Process over Outcomes: Why Joel is leaning into the Burn Your Goals philosophy—focusing on what you can control and measure rather than just the finish line.
• The Mental Game: How to silence self-doubt and set yourself up for systematic success.
• Vision & Focus: The role of mantras, vision boards, and the words that anchors his year.

Books:

• Burn Your Goals by Josh Medcalf and Jamie Gilbert
• One Word That Will Change Your Life by Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon
• The System

On this episode of the Happy Hour Podcast, we welcome our Property Manager, Mandy Goeman. Hear her unconventional journey: how her job description got immediately flipped and why she believes passion fuels purpose more than checking boxes. We dive into the plot twists of the role and the principles for setting a new standard in maintenance, remodels, and new construction. We talk about the difference between sister and affiliate companies, her most rewarding project so far, and billboard the message everyone needs to hear!

Our new Learning and Development Leader, Derek Campbell, shares his story of of how his home coffee brewing hobby provided the initial blueprint for his career in facilitation and training. He also shares the pivotal role faith and family played in his decision to leave the Corporate world and lead Drexel's new learning initiatives.

Book Recommendation:

God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg