Learnings and Missteps by Depth Builder

Most plumbers you know are middle-aged men, am I right? Well, you’re about to hear from a young woman who’s transforming the skilled trades industry, making it a space for people of all ages and genders to find success and fulfillment.

Tune in to this episode of Learnings and Missteps to learn from Paige Knowles, aka Plumber Paige, a 20-year-old construction management student, business owner, skilled trades advocate, public speaker, social media influencer, and author.

From a trade-curious daughter of real estate investors to a plumbing and heating student in high school, Paige is now an established entrepreneur and creator who’s empowering youth across the country to be the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Listen up as she shares the incredibly eye-opening challenges, opportunities, learnings and missteps she’s encountered along the way and what she hopes to achieve in the future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Social media tips for growing your following.

·       Advice on working with aggressive/abrasive men as a woman in the trades.

·       How can we improve mental health and wellness in construction workers?

·       Is passion real or ridiculous?

·       How do you find fulfillment in the trades?

Paige has a very important Learning and Misstep: Standing up for yourself and finding your voice is hard, but SO necessary and worth it.

This episode’s show notes were written by Kayla MacEachern

To connect, email her at [email protected]

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE

Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships: https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide 

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

For all other links and resources, check out my Bio Link:  http://depthbuilder.bio.link 

Connect with Paige: 

Visit her website: https://www.plumberpaige.com

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumber_paige

Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@plumber_paige

Subscribe to her YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IJ5SnTgY_MIEZJgvTbE9A

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-knowles-36970a1b1

Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008302020811

Resources Mentioned: 

3M ‘Skilled’ documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5qo-lOEKKg

Kickass Careers Canada: https://www.kickasscareers.ca

Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls: https://www.letsbuildcamp.com

Watch the episode with Louise Azzopardi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUObsPSHGyc

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

This 20-Year-Old Entrepreneur is Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople with Paige “Plumber Paige” Knowles


Most plumbers you know are middle-aged men, am I right? Well, you’re about to hear from a young woman who’s transforming the skilled trades industry, making it a space for people of all ages and genders to find success and fulfillment.

Tune in to this episode of Learnings and Missteps to learn from Paige Knowles, aka Plumber Paige, a 20-year-old construction management student, business owner, skilled trades advocate, public speaker, social media influencer, and author.

From a trade-curious daughter of real estate investors to a plumbing and heating student in high school, Paige is now an established entrepreneur and creator who’s empowering youth across the country to be the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Listen up as she shares the incredibly eye-opening challenges, opportunities, learnings and missteps she’s encountered along the way and what she hopes to achieve in the future.

“In middle school, I was a straight A student. I was so worried about my grades all the time that I couldn’t have fun because I needed to be perfect at everything… I was making my life miserable because of all the pressure. As soon as I kind of relaxed a little bit and found something that was not easy, but doable and made me happy and I felt accomplished and it didn’t matter what the grade was, it was about the learning experience… Yeah, I was miserable, and going into a trade changed that.” – Paige Knowles

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
•How she started learning trade skills in high school & Why she chose to pursue plumbing.
•The origin story of her brand, Plumber Paige.
•Paige’s journey to becoming a self-published author and public speaker.
•The pros and cons of having a self-driven entrepreneurial mindset.
•How trades advocacy in Canada differs from America.
•How her parents have supported and influenced her career in the trades.
•How going into a trade can change your life and help you find fulfillment and success.

This episode’s show notes were written by Kayla MacEachern
To connect, email her at [email protected]

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE

Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships: https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide 

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

For all other links and resources, check out my Bio Link:  http://depthbuilder.bio.link 

Connect with Paige: 
Visit her website: https://www.plumberpaige.com
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumber_paige
Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@plumber_paige
Subscribe to her YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IJ5SnTgY_MIEZJgvTbE9A
Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-knowles-36970a1b1
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008302020811

Resources Mentioned: 
3M ‘Skilled’ documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5qo-lOEKKg
Kickass Careers Canada: https://www.kickasscareers.ca
Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls: https://www.letsbuildcamp.com
Watch the episode with Louise Azzopardi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUObsPSHGyc

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

The trades can take you places you have never been before, including an international skilled trades competition! 

Tune in to this episode of Learnings and Missteps with Louise Azzopardi, a heavy vehicle mechanic turned life coach, mentor, and motivational speaker based in Sydney, Australia.

Louise was the first woman to compete in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics at the WorldSkills International Competition. If anyone knows the value of discovering what you don’t know, it’s Louise.

What started as a career in the trades evolved into using her experience to support other tradeswomen in overcoming self-doubt and feeling confident in everything they do.

If you remember one thing from this conversation, remember this bit of wisdom: Every choice can be a good choice and every option can be a good option.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Louise’s unique journey into the trades.

·       What it’s like to transition from high school to an apprenticeship in heavy vehicle mechanics.

·       Tips and advice for apprentices learning a new trade.

·       How everything you accomplish (and don’t accomplish) is because of your mindset.

·       Did earning potential influence your decision to enter the trades vs. college?

·       Louise’s experience competing at the WorldSkills Competition.

·       College vs. Trades: Which is the better option?

·       Navigating imposter syndrome, sexual harassment, and sexism as a woman in the trades.

·       What led Louise to become a life coach.

Louise has two Learnings and Missteps: You’re still worthy despite your “mistakes” & Look before you do something.

“Don’t waste your time pretending to know everything because that’s preventing you from learning everything.” – Louise Azzopardi

This episode’s show notes were written by Kayla MacEachern

To connect, email her at [email protected]

Connect with Louise: 

Visit her website: http://louiseazzopardi.com 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-azzopardi-699072126

  Read more on the Learnings and Missteps Blog: https://www.depthbuilder.com/blog

Resources Mentioned: 

SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org 

WorldSkills Competition: https://worldskills.org

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE

Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships: https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide 

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

For all other links and resources, check out my Bio Link:  http://depthbuilder.bio.link 

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

The trades can take you places you have never been before, including an international skilled trades competition! 

Tune in to this episode of Learnings and Missteps with Louise Azzopardi, a heavy vehicle mechanic turned life coach, mentor, and motivational speaker based in Sydney, Australia.

Louise was the first woman to compete in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics at the WorldSkills International Competition. If anyone knows the value of discovering what you don’t know, it’s Louise.

What started as a career in the trades evolved into using her experience to support other tradeswomen in overcoming self-doubt and feeling confident in everything they do.

If you remember one thing from this conversation, remember this bit of wisdom: Every choice can be a good choice and every option can be a good option.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Louise’s unique journey into the trades.

·       What it’s like to transition from high school to an apprenticeship in heavy vehicle mechanics.

·       Tips and advice for apprentices learning a new trade.

·       How everything you accomplish (and don’t accomplish) is because of your mindset.

·       Did earning potential influence your decision to enter the trades vs. college?

·       Louise’s experience competing at the WorldSkills Competition.

·       College vs. Trades: Which is the better option?

·       Navigating imposter syndrome, sexual harassment, and sexism as a woman in the trades.

·       What led Louise to become a life coach.

Louise has two Learnings and Missteps: You’re still worthy despite your “mistakes” & Look before you do something.

“Don’t waste your time pretending to know everything because that’s preventing you from learning everything.” – Louise Azzopardi

This episode’s show notes were written by Kayla MacEachern

To connect, email her at [email protected]

Connect with Louise: 

Visit her website: http://louiseazzopardi.com 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-azzopardi-699072126

  Read more on the Learnings and Missteps Blog: https://www.depthbuilder.com/blog

Resources Mentioned: 

SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org 

WorldSkills Competition: https://worldskills.org

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE

Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships: https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide 

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

For all other links and resources, check out my Bio Link:  http://depthbuilder.bio.link 

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

We got a special treat for you. I got to interview Lester Young on the OG Spotlight Livestream and his story moved me so I felt the need to share the conversation here. Lester's story is one of perseverance after spending 20 years in prison he is now walking in service to others.
Taking the lessons he learned and paying it forward.

Path 2 Redemption Website:
https://path2redemption.org/about-lester

Connect with Lester on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lester-young-b1b6a0106/

OG Spotlight Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnVikYCgUE4HBlU2XGH3id41VbANSJCD7

Backstage Pass Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnVikYCgUE4GG6fNGuvOOB6koRbGLOdh7

Emotional Bungee Jumpers:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/emotional-bungee-jumpers-Group1

Lean & Love Audio Book:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/lean-love-audio-book

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

Many of us fear turning our hobbies into a career will make us hate our hobbies… but today’s guest has figured out how to keep finding joy, creativity, and fulfillment in both. She’s learned how to make money from her passion and share her talents with the world, all while inspiring others to be creative and even join the trades themselves.

 Tune in to this episode of Learnings and Missteps as I welcome Courtney Chard, a pressure pipe welder by trade and self-taught metal artist based in Toronto, Canada.

 After Courtney learned how to weld, she combined her new skills with her passion for art and began creating exquisite pieces of art from metal. Now, she works four days per week as a pipe welder and spends her weekends creating metal art on commission. For Courtney, it’s both a business and a hobby.

 “Once I started creating these pieces, I wanted to have a way of showcasing it or extending the art,” Courtney says. And it was through social media that she began doing that. From there, her creativity expanded into beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art that she gets to share with the world through social media.

 If you’re interested in becoming a welder, a metal artist, or learning how to share your talents and gifts with others through social media, you’ll definitely want to tune in to this interview! Courtney has so many words of wisdom and inspiration to share.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Courtney’s path to joining the welding trade & How she started creating metal art.

·       How to use social media to market yourself in unique ways.

·       Opportunities welders have to grow in their career and share their talents with aspiring tradespeople.

·       How to empower kids to learn new skills and be creative through a skilled trade.

·       How Courtney finds joy and creativity in welding.

·       Where she envisions her welding/art career going in the future.

·       What it’s really like being a woman in the trades and experiencing discrimination from employers.

·       Remember, you inspire and motivate people every day, even if you don’t realize it. Keep being yourself and you’ll inspire others to do the same.

·       To learn Courtney’s Learning and Misstep, tune in on YouTube & SUBSCRIBE: link

This episode’s show notes were written by Kayla MacEachern

To connect, email her at [email protected]

Connect with Courtney: 

Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativewelding 

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chardcourtney 

Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.chard.18 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-chard-b049881b3 

 Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills: https://www.depthbuilder.com/emotional-bungee-jumpers  

For all other links and resources, check out my Bio Link:  http://depthbuilder.bio.link 

Resources Mentioned: 

KickAss Careers: https://www.kickasscareers.ca 

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

 Do you believe in the value of your workers? Do you believe that your employees are the most valuable asset of your company? Do you want to create systematic change in your company and feel more fulfilled at work? If so, join me in this episode of Learnings and Missteps as I welcome John Toups, Founder and CEO of MyeTracker, to talk about how to reduce turnover and increase job satisfaction for your employees and for yourself. 

 John created a system that helps leaders in the trades find fulfillment, increase productivity, reduce turnover, and create meaningful change at work. He’s here to share his expertise so you can create a safe, productive, and purposeful workplace that your employees love to show up to each day. 

 This conversation is packed with powerful insights, strategies, and advice for leaders in the trades, whether you’re a c-suite executive, manager, or foreman. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

·       Leadership blind spots in the construction industry. 

·       How to feel more fulfilled and have more fun at work. 

·       Strategies for leveraging your employees’ excellence to help them grow. 

·       Why you need to ask your employees for feedback and ideas. 

·       How to create a workplace environment that your employees love to work in. 

·       John’s simple process for solving problems and creating systematic change in your business. 

·       How to talk to senior leaders about the need for operational change. 

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills: https://www.depthbuilder.com/emotional-bungee-jumpers 

Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships: https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide 

Connect with John: 

Email him: [email protected] 

Call his office: (985)-447-5114 

Learn more about eTracker: https://myetracker.com 

Resources Mentioned: 

Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham: https://loveandwork.org/about-the-book 

What Great Managers Do by Marcus Buckingham: https://hbr.org/2005/03/what-great-managers-do 

The Nine Lies About Work by Marcus Buckingham: https://amzn.to/2P5oB3Q 

The Pocket Sensei by Hal Macomber and Calayde Davey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1975601300/ref=rdr_ext_sb_ti_hist_2 

The Feedback Fallacy: https://loveandwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TheFeedbackFallacy.pdf 

Tats Specified Growth Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TatsTalks/videos 

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

No one’s path to success in the trades is linear. Many of us have had several different jobs and hurdles to jump over before finding the career that ‘clicks’ and truly fires us up. Speaking of fire, how would you like a peek into the world of a professional firestopper and life safety consultant?

Join me on this episode of Learnings and Missteps as I welcome Sharron Halpert, Founder of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron is here to share the wisdom she’s gained from a 20+ year-long career in firestop and life safety consulting.

After living the vagabond lifestyle for several years, Sharron decided it was time to get a career. When she finally discovered the firestop field, she realized it was the perfect career for her to thrive in. Now, she’s an entrepreneur, consultant, and she even makes firestop training courses so more tradespeople (and buildings) can be safe and secure on the job.

Tune in to learn more about why it’s important to prioritize firestop and life safety on your jobsites and how you can train your team on firestop so they can reap the life-changing, life-saving benefits of these life safety protocols.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Sharron’s career path into construction, firestopping, and life safety.

·       How to create a work environment where your team isn’t scared to come talk to you.

·       Sharron’s experience as a woman on the jobsite and a leader in construction.

·       How do you respond to inappropriate comments and behaviors at work?

·       Maintaining integrity in your work despite the resistance or unethical conduct you might face from coworkers or other contractors.

·       Why it’s so powerful to communicate and understand each other’s expectations.

·       Top tips for implementing firestopping on your jobsite.

·       Why Sharron is providing free bilingual (English/Spanish) firestop training.

·       How to access her FREE Firestop Coffee Break Training Course.

·       To learn Sharron’s Learning and Misstep, tune in on YouTube & SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnVikYCgUE4HBlU2XGH3id41VbANSJCD7 

“When the world presents you with a lesson, take it and treasure it.” – Sharron Halpert

Check out my NEW book, Lean & Love – 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create #RipplesOfImpact at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s 

You are invited to join the Emotional Bungee Jumpers and deepen your leadership skills with a network of Industry professionals: https://www.depthbuilder.com/emotional-bungee-jumpers 

Connect with Sharron: 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharron-halpert-mim-94b56718 

Resources Mentioned: 

Halpert Life Safety Consulting: https://halpertlifesafety.com 

Firestop Coffee Break Training: https://firestop-coffee-break-training.mykajabi.com 

Meet Me on the Bridge: Nine Bricks to Create Strong Relationships at Work by Kimberly Sauceda: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Bridge-Bricks-Relationships/dp/B0B8GB3K7T 

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

This is it the final Calabosession with Thomas Lamay on The Goal.

This episode is packed with personal insights on leadership, courage and organizational change.

Thomas makes an important announcement that will benefit the Construction Industry for years to come.

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D
Coupon Code JESSE


Get yourself a sample of the Lean & Love Reflection Guide with journal prompts that help you focus on your most important relationships
https://www.depthbuilder.com/reflection-guide

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be 

Thomas Lamay & Jesse Hernandez are at it again. Talking about the string and the drum plus their personal insights on leadership and continuous improvement.

This is the 2nd to last conversation on The Goal.

Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills:   https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D
Coupon Code JESSE

get your copy of Lean & Love at https://www.depthbuilder.com/5s

Get started journaling with the Lean & Love Reflection Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Reflection-Journal-Jesus-Hernandez/dp/B0BNTT3LQ5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4PYPGSF8SRRT&keywords=lean+%26+love+reflection+journal&qid=1672712968&sprefix=%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1

Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab

Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be