Learnings and Missteps by Depth Builder

We’ve all heard about the importance of integrating more STEM into children’s education, but could STEM magnet schools be the future of education in America and around the globe? Is it the best way to get more women into the trades and construction industry?

In this episode, we welcome Kate Gause, a Project Engineer at ISEC, Inc. Kate attended Construction Careers Academy High School, a magnet school that focuses on educating teenagers about construction management, engineering, architecture, and more. She then went on to attend Texas A&M to get a degree in Construction Science with minors in Business and Leadership in the Design & Construction Professions. Now, she has a job she truly loves!

Listen in to learn the powerful perspective of a young woman in construction management, what it’s like to attend a STEM-focused magnet school, and what this means for the future of education, the trades industry, and women in construction.

“I don’t want having a woman on your team to be a diversity point, I want it to be the standard.”    - Kate Gause

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       What it’s like to go to Construction Careers Academy High School 

·       Why go to a magnet school? What are the benefits of attending a magnet school for trades or STEM?

·       Important factors to consider when navigating education and career choices

·       What it’s like to compete in the Texas Construction Career Initiative (TCCI) competition

·       Why employers need to start connecting to students and young adults, especially those in magnet schools

·       Challenges and opportunities for women in construction

·       Kate’s Learnings and Missteps: Overcoming life’s everyday missteps & Not being afraid to ask questions and ask for help

·       How to overcome the need to do everything yourself and the fear of looking stupid

·       Advice for parents whose kids want to pursue a career in construction or trades 

“Women can be in construction and can do it better.”            - Kate Gause

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about CCA: http://www.nisd.net/cca

Texas Construction Career Initiative, Inc. (TCCI): https://www.facebook.com/TCCISATX 

Skilled Trades Alliance: https://skilledtradesalliance.net 

Bring Back the Trades: https://www.bringbackthetrades.com 

Rock the Trades: http://www.rockthetrades.com  

Connect with Kate:

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kategause 

What are the best ways to avoid job site conflict? Why is it important to invest in your employees? What if there was a leadership and professional development course created by tradespeople for tradespeople? Well, get ready because this week’s guest has tons of insights on job site management and being a leader… PLUS, he’s creating that leadership development course we all need!

In this episode, we have our first insulator on the show, Brad Andersen! Brad is an entrepreneur and mechanical insulation professional that has worked in his family’s business for almost his entire life. 

Listen in to learn powerful strategies for avoiding conflict on the job site, growing and advancing as a construction professional, and thriving through The Great Resignation.

“Out of everyone I know who would be characterized as a millionaire, 90% of them were trade workers who started their own companies. That’s the way it should be presented to kids.”                                                                                                                              - Brad Anderson

“I’m just continually trying to learn and develop myself and become better and more impactful and it’s just something that I think anyone can do… Continue challenging yourself.                                                                                                                                            - Brad Anderson

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       How to become a millionaire without going to college

·       Why you need to actively grow your leadership skills throughout your career

·       Why Brad is developing a leadership course by tradesmen for tradesmen

·       Overcoming the battle between communication, efficient planning, intentional learning, and urgency in scheduling

·       Thriving through The Great Resignation: The power of investing in your employees

·       Connecting Lean principles with leadership skills

·       What Brad wish he knew going into the industry: We’re all learning and figuring it out as we go…

·       Brad’s Learnings and Missteps: Inaccurate estimates, miscommunications, owning up your mistakes, and having the courage to have difficult conversations

·       Creating a safe space for mistakes, honesty, and transparency

Resources Mentioned:

How to Support and Grow the Trades Workforce with Christopher Brenchley of Rock the Trades: https://bit.ly/33lXn6m

We need to bring love and meaning back into the construction industry. Like a relationship, if your life and your career are built on a strong foundation of love, care, and compassion, it’s going to take something tremendous to tear you down. So, how can we start pouring these elements into the foundation of the construction industry?

In this episode, we have Walker Lott and Davis Hambrick, two young construction professionals and co-hosts of The Laying Foundations Podcast, a podcast about choosing to start a career on solid ground and building up just like a construction project. Listen in to learn their candid thoughts on what gives life meaning and how we can bring love and meaning back into our careers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       The impact that creating The Laying Foundations Podcast has had on Davis’ and Walker’s lives.

·       What it means to ‘lay a foundation’ in life

·       How to overcome the fear of being vulnerable and starting new projects 

·       Men working in construction have one of the highest rates of suicide: What can we do to change that?

·       The power of using your gifts, recognizing humanity, and taking risks to change people’s lives

·       The stories behind why Davis aspired to be a pilot but joined the construction industry instead & why Walker switched from pre-med to building science in college

·       The perils of perfectionism and the power of surrender

·       Lessons learned from feeding the ego and working until burnout

·       Why failure is one of the most important things in life

·       The 3 elements of a healthy culture

·       Davis’ and Walker’s goals and dreams for the future

Resources Mentioned:

The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews

Trello

Heave

Connect with Walker & Davis:

Visit their website: www.laying-foundations.com 

Follow The Laying Foundations Podcast on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/laying-foundations 

Although there’s an immense lack of skilled tradespeople, there’s still tremendous investment going into our nation’s infrastructure. It’s great that the US has the money to improve infrastructure, but if you don’t have the people to do the work, it can’t be done. That’s why Rock the Trades was born.

In this episode, we have Christopher Brenchley, CEO and Co-Founder of Surehand, the skills-first hiring platform that instantly matches industrial employers with best-fit tradespeople. Chris is also evangelizing the growing workforce development initiative, Rock the Trades. Rock the Trades is celebrating the American industrial worker, raising awareness of the skilled trades as a financially rewarding career path, and empowering those that choose to embark on this journey.

Listen in to learn why supporting the educational system is necessary in supporting the trades workforce and how you can join this incredible initiative!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       The mission and goals behind Rock the Trades and Surehand.

·       Why is there a shortage of skilled tradespeople?

·       How the Rock the Trade Scholarship Program is empowering young people to join the trades.

·       Technical/Vocational educators and instructors are being poorly compensated… How can we fix that?

·       Chris’ career journey: Lessons he’s learned, his personal mission, & his biggest inspirations.

·       Opportunities for advancing your career and earning potential in the skilled trades.

·       The power of hiring a coach.

·       The importance of a beginner’s mindset & engaging your community.

·       Missteps and experiences Chris has had in launching digital B2B products/services and as an executive in large trades-based corporations.

·       How to connect with Rock the Trades and support their mission.

Resources Mentioned:

Download the Rock the Trades App: www.rockthetrades.com/app 

Skilled Trades Alliance: www.skilledtradesalliance.net

Bring Back the Trades: www.bringbackthetrades.com 

Intelligent Construction Opportunities: www.intellopps.com/home

Connect with Chris Brenchley & Rock the Trades:

Visit their website: www.rockthetrades.com 

Follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rockthetrades 

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrenchley 

Follow Rock the Trades on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/rockthetrades 

We’ve all heard the term “starving artist” … In fact, it’s a phenomenon that often deters creatives from pursuing their talents and turning them into a career. Today’s guest has completely busted the “starving artist” archetype to smithereens and turned her passion into a lucrative full-time career.

In this episode, I speak with Barbie The Welder, an incredible sculptor, author, and skilled trades advocate who is “irreverently creating art for happiness”. Barbie has overcome so much in her life, from depression to addiction to homelessness, and talking to her was an eye-opening experience.

Listen is as Barbie vulnerably shares her life story while highlighting some of the most powerful lessons she’s learned from becoming a full-time tradesperson and embodying badass entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

·       How Barbie went from living on welfare, struggling with addiction and homelessness, to authoring six books as a full-time artist creating art for clients in 15 countries.

·       Barbie shares why she’s grateful for the tradespeople she has learned from.

·       The powerful role of thoughts and beliefs in pursuing creativity and creating the life you want.

·       Barbie sheds light on her self-development journey: Warrior Training Camp & Learning to take time off and celebrate her successes.

·       How to avoid burnout as a skilled tradesperson.

·       Is there a difference between achieving and contributing?

·       Our primary purpose here on Earth: To share the gifts and talents we have.

·       Lessons Barbie learned from the painful missteps of entrepreneurship & Why “starving artists” aren’t reaching their potential.

·       A simple trick for overcoming sadness and bringing joy into your life.

Resources Mentioned:

Buy Barbie’s books: https://amzn.to/3F2uwRl 

Connect with Barbie:

Visit her website: www.barbiethewelder.com 

Visit her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/barbiethewelder 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/barbiethewelder 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barbiethewelder 

Follow her on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@barbiethewelder 

To stay connected with us and listen to more episodes, visit www.learningsandmissteps.com!

When we cross the finish line together, we can celebrate together. Teams that don’t recognize that are painfully missing out on the beauty of collaboration and humanity. At the end of the day, you can choose to make your work painful or you can choose to make it collaborative, creative, and rewarding. So, which will you choose?

In this episode, I speak with Henry Nutt, a well-known speaker and industry influencer who’s passionate about transforming the construction industry through collaboration. While traveling the country walking jobsites, speaking to industry leaders, and participating in various seminars, he has found that one of the most common issues between Owners, General Contractors, and Trade Partners is our inability to identify core issues. This inability stifles a project team's opportunity to truly collaborate and quickly create solutions.

Henry’s objective is to educate owners and construction leaders on how to effectively utilize Lean Tools, work as a team, and execute work efficiently with a minimal amount of waste.

Listen in to learn Henry’s powerful insights on how we can work together to effectively and efficiently transform the construction industry and make it an industry we all can thrive in.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

·       The power of building community and seeking connection with others in the construction industry.

·       Henry’s journey in construction & The major difference between managing projects and managing people.

·       Why Henry speaks about Lean Tools & How Lean Tools improves leadership and teamwork.

·       How Henry developed resilience, endurance, and grit while building a credible reputation as a professional in the construction industry.

·       The importance of vulnerability and taking time for healing.

·       Bringing your whole self to work: Why we need to prioritize humanity in construction & How that impacts safety and decision-making.

·       Henry explains the concept of One Project, One Team and the book he’s currently writing.

·       Major learnings and missteps Henry has had throughout his career.

·       Henry answers: What footprint do you intend to leave on the world?

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about Lean Tools: www.purdue.edu/leansixsigmaonline/blog/lean-tools 

Southland: www.southlandind.com 

CityBuild: https://oewd.org/city-build

Connect with Henry Nutt:

Connect with him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/henry-nutt-iii-7832347

To stay connected with us and listen to more episodes, visit www.learningsandmissteps.com! 

As professionals in construction, we often focus too much on hard skills, or the specific knowledge and capabilities we need to complete the job. Too often, we forget about soft skills, like communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Both are needed to be successful in your career, so let’s dive into the power of developing soft skills in construction. 

In this episode, we have James Gable, Host of The Uncommon Communicator Podcast. For most of his life, James was an industrial contractor. In fact, most of his family is in construction, so it’s practically in his blood. James is currently a general superintendent for Adolfson & Peterson Construction in Colorado. He’s an optimistic family man who loves to cook and through his podcast, his mission is to help the next generation gain the skills needed to navigate and facilitate any conversation to mutual understanding. He’s truly bringing clarity to the lost art of communication.

Listen in to learn the mindset required to be successful in a skilled trade, why soft skills are crucial for anyone in construction, and how to get the most out of your career while being the best leader you can be.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

·       The importance of communicating on a shared idea.

·       James shares the mission of his career and his podcast.

·       His journey in skilled trade: How he went from apprentice to general superintendent.

·       What it’s like to be a general superintendent of a construction company.

·       The impact of nurturing leadership that supports innovation and experimentation.

·       Key leadership qualities of construction workers and skilled tradespeople.

·       How to teach your kids the value of skilled trades and tradespeople.

·       Why the foreman is the toughest role on any jobsite.

·       Major learnings and missteps James has had throughout his career.

·       James shares his candid thoughts on one of the biggest burdens of being a leader.

·       Why soft skills, like communication, are important for team members in construction.

·       James answers: What footprint do you intend to leave on the world?

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to The Uncommon Communicator Podcast: https://theuncommoncommunicator.buzzsprout.com 

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: https://amzn.to/3oEnNbf 

Connect with James Gable:

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/james.gable.984 

Blue is the New White: The Value of Skilled Trades for the Youth Today

Do you know the value of skilled trades for you as a young person and society at large? The skilled trades industry has many opportunities and possibilities that can lead you to some of the most lucrative jobs out there and a fat check. 

In this episode, we have Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment Service, speaker, and the author of Blue is the New White. He had previously worked as a stuntman in Hollywood before he quit and joined his dad in his skilled trades business. He teaches young people the value of skilled trades for them, the economy, and society at large. A skilled trade is anything that requires formal education that isn’t college education. 

Listen in to learn the meaning of skilled trade and the value of the industry to young people and our economy. You will also learn when to identify yourself as a skilled trade worker even when you’re responsible for running a trades company. 

What You Will Learn in this Episode:

·     How Josh’s book Blue is the New Whiteon the value of skilled trades led to a successful podcast. 

·   Get to know Josh and his former career as a stuntman. 

·       Transitioning from a Hollywood stuntman to a skilled tradesman and the gap he saw in the industry and wrote a book.

·      Why he teaches people the value of skilled trades, which includes monetary. 

·      Josh describes his skilled trade experience in commercial kitchen equipment repairing. 

·       He defines skilled trade plus when you can consider yourself a blue color worker. 

·      How to take personal responsibility and put yourself out there to be considered for a leadership position in a blue color company.

·    The hiring mistakes he did when he first started in business and the lessons he learned. 

·    Why Josh identify as a teacher who impacts rather than an influencer. 

Relevant Links:

Website: https://blueisthenewwhite.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshzolin/ 

Podcast: Blue is the New White

Wouldn’t it be great to bring back the honor in the trades and eliminate the stigma surrounding the sector? Now is the time to change the narrative about the trades and bring back the deserved honor to the industry.

In this episode, we have Steve Turner, a custom upholstery small business owner and the founder of Bring Back the Trades organization. Steve came to the realization that the closer he got to retirement, the higher the risk of him closing down his business became a reality due to the shortage of skilled trade workers, which prompted him to start the Bring Back the Trades, a nonprofit organization funding scholarships for trade school students. He’s dedicated to promoting and educating the public about the need for skilled trades professionals.

Listen in to learn the value of equipping young people with trade skills and not forcing them into the college environment, which is probably not serving them. You will also learn the importance of being authentic to who you are and telling your truth to improve communication.

What You Will Learn in this Episode:

●        Having the mental capability to overcome struggles even when your physical body says NO.

●       Steve explains how and why he started the Bring Back the Trades nonprofit organization.

●       Why he’s struggling to hand out Bring Back the Trades scholarships and how he’s fixing that problem.

●        How to be sponsored or become an active sponsor with the Bring Back the Trades organization.

●        Why he wants his legacy to be about bringing honor in the trades and eliminating the stigma.

●       Steve on why he’s now working to achieve the feeling of individual accomplishment.

Connect with Bring Back the Trades
https://www.bringbackthetrades.com/

Connect with Steve 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-turner-32756037/

Connect with Us
https://www.learningsandmissteps.com/

What does it take to find a fulfilling career that makes you completely happy? Finding a career or owning a business that fulfills you even when things get difficult should be an ultimate goal. 

In this episode, we have Lisa Payan, the owner of Mastermind Plumbing in San Antonio Texas, a mother, and a community contributor. Lisa left her accounting career and incidentally fell into plumbing which she has gone on to own a business in. She describes the work she does with Lone Star Construction Trades Training, a nonprofit offering free apprenticeship programs to people who want to shift their careers. 

Listen in to learn the value of giving back by engaging in activities that benefit the community at large. You will also learn the importance of doing what makes you happy and fulfilled and not necessarily what society deems good for you. 

What You Will Learn in this Episode:

·       Lisa describes her journey from accounting to a career as a plumber.

·      The joy and passion for helping people that Lisa has found in plumbing.

·        The training work she does with the nonprofit organization Lone Star Construction Trades Training.  

·       The power of giving back and serving others even as your career is snowballing. 

·        She describes her family’s involvement in her work plus the challenges she faces as a female plumber.

·        Lisa’s advice to female plumbers on how to handle the challenges they face. 

·       How she keeps herself inspired and happy in life and career without a major future plan.   

Connect with Mastermind Plumbing at:

·        Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/mastermindplumbing/

Connect with us at:
https://www.learningsandmissteps.com/