In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, host Jaden Robison speaks with Kipp Bender, a successful entrepreneur in the trades industry. Kipp shares his journey from being a laborer to owning multiple businesses, including a tile and cabinet company. They discuss the challenges of scaling a business in the trades, the importance of workforce management, and the impact of social media on attracting talent and building a community. Kipp emphasizes the need for critical thinking in parenting and the importance of investing in one's team for growth. The conversation also touches on monetizing social media presence and dealing with online trolls. Takeaways;

• Family is a priority over business success.
• Labor shortages are a significant challenge in the trades.
• Effective business practices are crucial for sustainability.
• Transitioning from an owner-operator to a business owner is essential for growth.
• Social media can attract younger talent to the trades.
• Investing in employees leads to mutual growth.
• Content creation is vital for business visibility.
• Monetizing social media requires understanding platform algorithms.
• Critical thinking is essential in parenting and business.
• Building a community through social media enhances brand loyalty.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - Introduction to Kip Bender and His Journey

(02:54) - Business Ventures: Tile and Cabinet Companies

(05:33) - Labor Shortages in the Trades

(08:28) - Business Practices and Employee Management

(11:09) - Navigating Job Pricing and Costs

(14:00) - The Balance of Craftsmanship and Business

(16:47) - Kip's Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

(19:31) - Lessons Learned in the Construction Industry

(25:56) - Navigating Business Partnerships and Personal Vision

(28:55) - The Shift from Craftsman to Business Owner

(31:32) - Embracing Social Media for Business Growth

(35:11) - The Art of Video Editing and Content Creation

(48:14) - Influencing the Next Generation: Parenting and Mindset

(50:46) - Navigating Social Media Criticism

(58:26) - Turning Social Media into a Business