If you're like me, you have spring fever and are ready for summer. You're getting excited about the warmer weather, beach trips, pool time, and the kids being out of school. Hands down, summer is my favorite season. I'm also really excited about the summer season at Pure Plumbing & Air. I truly believe that great years are made in the summer. That's why today I'm talking about setting yourself up for a successful summer in the trades.

We know that when it gets hot, there is increased demand for air conditioning services. According to industry resources, HVAC contractors generate approximately 60 to 72% of their top-line revenue during the summer months. Over half of the revenue is made in the summer. We also see an increase in plumbing services.

This season is our opportunity to make money and create financial abundance for our families. This is a time when we can really set ourselves up for financial success. That's why today I'm sharing tips for setting yourself up for a lucrative and successful summer.

Episode Highlights:

[02:35] According to industry sources, HVAC contractors generate approximately 60 to 72% of their top line revenue during the summer months. Particularly to increase the man for air conditioning services.

[03:24] We see a surge in demand for our services including HVAC and plumbing.

[04:22] 1. Have a clear goal for the summer. Go back to your January goals and review them for the summer. Get excited about using the season to get to where you want to be financially.

[05:49] Use this season to set yourself apart from other people and get where you want to be faster.

[06:07] This is important to keep in mind, because when you're in the trades, you might want to do the opposite of working on your goals. Be disciplined and focus on your financial goals.

[06:45] Look at your goal daily so you don't get distracted.

[06:57] 2. Be a boss at time management. Plan ahead, so you can meet your goals and have family time. Get clear with your family on when you'll take time off.

[07:51] Schedule your time off for summer. At least, take a week off.

[09:26] Be clear with your kids that you have to work through the summer. Have a solid plan for what your kids will be doing in the summer.

[11:50] 3. Physically and mentally get ready for the heat. Do workouts outside, walk outside, and spend time outside to get ready for the heat. Being physically fit and ready for the summer is so important.

[13:09] Get a water bottle and stay hydrated. Be aware of your alcohol consumption in the summer.

[14:33] We provide pop-up tents when we have to work in the desert. Get the resources you need to be cool and safe in extreme temperatures.

[17:49] 4. Have a sunny disposition and be grateful that it's not cold outside. Our minds are powerful the more you complain, the more you have to be negative about.

[19:27] It's imperative that leaders stay on top of morale and check in with the team and see how they're doing.

[20:20] Have the most successful summer of your career. Maximize this money making opportunity.

[20:38] Get crystal clear on your financial goal for the summer. Become a boss at time management. Communicate the time you need to take off and schedule it.

[20:56] Get ready for the heat. Stay grateful during this busy season.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

I'm excited for today's episode where I'll be talking to leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs—people responsible for managing and leading others. We'll be navigating tough decisions, focusing on what can be a challenging aspect of leadership: letting people go.

Have you ever hired someone just because you liked them, or created a position specifically for a person's unique talents, rather than based on the needs of the business? Have you avoided making tough decisions because of concerns about others' opinions? I've made all these mistakes myself. In the trades, it's crucial to ensure every team member is essential and adds value to the organization.

One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is that more people doesn't always equal more revenue, production, or efficiency. Often, it can lead to confusion, drama, and inefficiency. Having more people isn't always the answer. I've learned these lessons the hard way, and this episode will provide guidance for leaders faced with the tough task of letting people go.

Episode Highlights:

[03:36] We started working with a business coach about a year and half ago. Monthly, we submit an office to field ratio.

[04:39] It takes a couple of years before a skilled technician is able to do everything.

[05:19] The coach said that we had too many in the office and not enough in the field.

[06:37] I realized I was getting annoyed, because I was avoiding the hard conversations with their managers and being transparent with the team.

[07:45] I started to talk with department leaders and assess the situation.

[08:32] We also looked at performance and reviewed it against our core competency matrix.

[09:02] We decided to let three people and positions go. We tried to do this in the most supportive way we could.

[10:53] Then we had to manage the team dynamics.

[11:42] I tried to foster open communication and address any concerns that the team had.

[12:23] Learning, growing, and reflecting how we got here goes back to the initial questions I asked.

[13:55] Look to hire for your weaknesses and what you're not good at.

[14:39] I believe everything happens for us, and the team members are going to come out stronger.

[14:55] How to gracefully let people go. 1. Clearly discuss shortcomings and who provides the most value.

[15:53] 2. Look at the needs of the company and the organization's goals.

[17:04] 3. Once you know the position or team member needs to be cut, be decisive.

[18:37] "The ability to make tough decisions to find your leadership." Steve Jobs

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

I'm very excited to kick off this three-part series on creating financial abundance for tradespeople. I'll be sharing actionable advice designed to help tradespeople take control of their financial futures and pave the way for a prosperous legacy. This week, I'll be talking about how to get your financial house in order.

We'll cover several concepts, including the importance of financial organization. I'll introduce the concept of a Known Financial Position (KFP) and share budgeting essentials that can set you on the path to achieving larger financial goals, such as the power of saving 10%. We'll also dive into evaluating financial decisions, prioritizing family and goals, and I'll share some strategies for eliminating debt and saving for important goals.

I hope this series motivates us all to get our finances in order. Next week, my husband Andrew Aranda will join us to discuss how to charge properly for work and jobs. The following week, I'll have a special guest who will share tips on real estate investing and creating passive income.

Episode Highlights:

[01:54] Why should we get our financial house in order? In order to create generational wealth, we need to know where we are now.

[02:25] Sometimes we need to slow down and get to a known financial position or KFP.

[02:41] KFP. You want to know what your monthly expenses are. How much are you bringing in monthly? How much are you spending monthly?

[03:05] Creating a budget. I just use an Excel spreadsheet with our monthly income and our monthly bills. I also have the budgeted amount and the actual amount.

[03:43] If you save 10%. Every time you get paid, your net worth should increase.

[04:12] 1. Get to your KFP. 2. Ask yourself hard financial questions. Do I really need this?

[05:29] Look for places where money is leaking like app subscriptions. Get clear on what is important to you as a family.

[06:48] We put money aside for travel, because that is what's important for us.

[07:16] 3. Get a game plan for paying off bad debt. It's not smart to finance toys or get in trouble with credit cards.

[09:18] Be disciplined with your credit cards and keep them for a backup plan.

[09:36] Periodically check your credit score and make sure there's nothing on there that you need to dispute.

[09:42] Set up multiple checking and saving accounts and put certain amounts in these accounts. I have a savings account, travel account, investment account, and a major events account.

[10:27] When we get paid, a certain amount goes into each account. You can automate this process.

[11:36] 4. Create wealth in order to leave a legacy behind.

[12:00] Recap: 1. Get to a Known Financial Position (KFP). 2. Ask the hard questions? 3. Create a game plan for paying off bad debt. 4. Set up multiple accounts that will build each time you get paid.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

Lauren Morgan is with us today. She's not only the wife of a tradesman and a mother of three but also an extraordinary social media expert. Lauren is truly a phenomenal person. We had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago when she and her husband visited Las Vegas. From the moment I met her, I felt a genuine connection. I was captivated by her heart, grit, and perseverance. In the last episode, I also had the chance to interview her husband, Jacob.

In this interview, my goal is to shed light on the experiences of women in the trades and those who support a tradesman spouse, highlighting the challenges they encounter. We'll discuss how to navigate and overcome these challenges, and how to flourish in the trades as a family. This episode is for anyone in a relationship with someone in the trades, but it's also for social media enthusiasts. Lauren is a TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram Queen. She creates tons of fun content. I'm excited for her to share some valuable insights today.

Episode Highlights:

[03:29] When we met, we connected so well.

[03:50] When Lauren started working on social media for Pure Plumbing DFW, she decided to put herself in the customers shoes, and share information that would help then know if they need a plumber and what to look for.

[04:27] She bases her social media on sharing information and helping customers know what to look for.

[05:36] Thinking like a customer enables us to market to customers.

[06:30] Lauren and Jacob met through Facebook. They ended up getting married and she also married into the trades.

[07:31] We are passionate about changing the negative stigma about men in the trades.

[09:53] One of the things that Lauren loves about the trades is seeing the pride of accomplishment.

[11:07] Jacob and Lauren have young kids, and one of the ways they stay connected is FaceTime and phone calls when Jacob works long hours.

[12:50] They also have monthly family meetings. Lauren loves organizing and scheduling. They go through everything in the upcoming month from their work schedules to what they want for dinner. There's also a calendar on the wall, so everyone can see what's going on.

[14:35] Because of Jacob's work schedule he's a night owl. Lauren isn't. Communication is the key to setting time aside for the family.

[15:35] Lauren shares communication tips for her and Jacob with their busy schedules.

[18:27] With supporting her husband and taking care of the kids, there are times when Lauren needs her own alone time.

[20:41] Another perk of being married to a tradesman is you know who to call when you have a plumbing issue.

[21:53] It's important for women to know that getting into the trades is an option. College is a great opportunity, but there are also other options that make the world go around.

[23:08] Lauren shares the challenges of working with her husband. You have to shut off work time and have family time.

[24:07] Lauren started helping her trainer with social media. She loves how social media is always changing and how she has the freedom to make it what she wants it to be.

[25:29] Letting the public know that Pure Plumbing is a 24-hour service has really helped grow the brand.

[26:27] The best platform for growing the trades business in Dallas seems to be Facebook.

[29:23] Lauren shares her favorite quote, which is also tattooed on her leg. "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."

[30:35] When you're married to a tradesman, you have to learn to be flexible to some degree.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• Lauren Morgan LinkedIn

• Relationships, Confidence, And Turning Our Business Around With Jacob Morgan

• Pure Plumbing DFW

• Pure Plumbing DFW Facebook

• Pure Plumbing DFW Instagram

• Pure Plumbing DFW TikTok

Our partner in Dallas, Jacob Morgan, is here today. Jacob is a proud plumber, a family man, and a great person to be around. He has done an amazing job turning a failing operation in Dallas around and leading the team to victory. This episode is especially for intrapreneurs who want to move up in the trades and for men and women who are looking to make the transition to manager or leader within their business.

Some of the topics we discuss include how Jacob and Andy met and Jacob's journey getting involved with Pure Plumbing. We faced a challenging time with the Dallas store, and our coach suggested that we give it three months to either turn it around or shut it down. During these hard times, Jacob truly showed us who he was as a person. We were impressed by him and his confidence. Listen in for the full turnaround story.

Episode Highlights:

[02:15] Jacob does anything plumbing related that's necessary at the time for their business to succeed.

[03:26] We hired a coach that gave us three months to turn around the Dallas location or shut it down.

[04:07] We needed a local who had connections and lived in the area. Andy had met Jacob on a plumbing Facebook group.

[05:20] There were other opportunities out there, but Jacob was drawn to Andy. He called him a builder of men.

[06:38] They both have an attitude that nothing is going to stop them from getting to where they want to go.

[07:40] Jacob was impressed with Andy's awareness and honesty. When it was time, Jacob was all in.

[08:14] Jacob joined the team at a technician level. The current management team wasn't working out.

[09:01] God started eliminating people from the business which gave Jacob an opportunity to show his ability.

[11:24] Jacob shares all of the emotions when we talked about the business. We didn't want to let Jacob down.

[12:26] The conversation validated how we felt about Jacob and his confidence about turning the business around.

[13:59] They have Jacob and two other techs and an installer.

[14:45] Jacob shares one of their biggest challenges.

[15:18] One of the first things he did was let his team know that he was there for them whenever they needed to call him. He was still in the field with them and part of the team.

[16:58] The guys are working even when other people are home. They want to feel supported.

[17:27] We talk about ego and how humble Jacob is.

[19:20] Do I like who I am becoming?

[20:43] Jacob talks about how you know when you're ready to move from a technician to a manager.

[22:55] Transferring from a technician to a service manager could result in making less money.

[24:29] Jacob never thought about quitting during the stressful three month transition period.

[26:40] Smoking hopium isn't a way to run a business.

[28:57] Industry trends include new positions being created. Putting people in jobs that fit them. Also, improving the image of plumbers and HVAC techs.

[30:59] Jacob shares how if he could make a change it would be to remove the hate on each other in the industry.

[32:47] The hardest part of the job is admitting when you make a mistake.

[34:14] He loves watching the success of others.

[37:01] Parting words are that Jacob loves the support he gets from us and the team.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• Jacob Morgan Pure Plumbing

• Jacob Morgan LinkedIn

• Pure Plumbing Dallas Facebook

• Simon Sinek

I'm excited about sharing this podcast with you. This is a topic that I've been wanting to talk about for a long time. We're diving into the six pillars of my brand, affectionately known as the "6 F's," which form the foundation of everything "Queen of The Trades" stands for.

But first, let me share a bit of the journey that brought us here. The concept of this podcast and fully embracing my brand has been a long time in the making. Despite facing skepticism and doubt from some. The drive to create this platform was something I felt compelled to do, a calling that I couldn't ignore.

This vision was planted in my heart years ago when my husband and I took the leap to start our own business in the trades. I began looking for mentors. I found some great male mentors, but I only found two women in the trades who were doing what I wanted to do. Eventually, these women continued their businesses without their partners.

I realized that there was a gap in mentors focusing on couples navigating the complexities of the trades while fostering a thriving marriage, family life, and achieving financial success. It became clear that this was the dialogue I wanted to bring to the forefront with "Queen of The Trades."

As we explore the six pillars of my brand today, we're not just talking about business strategies or technical skills. We're delving into the heart of what it means to build something meaningful with your partner by your side.

Episode Highlights:

[04:31] The six pillars of my brand are finance, family, fitness, faith, food, and friends.

[04:43] Finance: I love talking about money, making money, and having access to money.

[05:09] The more money I have access to, the more I can invest in my team, help people, and the more influence I have in the world.

[06:00] There's no more honorable way to provide for your family than being in the trades. This work can't be outsourced. Local people need to take care of these homes.

[07:06] Family: 50% of marriages end in divorce. I'm committed to making sure that my marriage stays strong and helping other people do the same.

[08:08] Your family is your greatest legacy. There's nothing more important. I want to make sure that our business partnership doesn't overshadow our marriage.

[09:16] Parenting children and setting them up for future success is one of our greatest missions.

[11:13] Faith: At our company, we don't shy away from talking about our faith. We bring God into our work.

[12:07] When you're not allowed to talk about God, it feels empty and unfulfilled.

[13:35] Most small businesses fail, but by the grace of God we grew at an exponential rate.

[14:36] Fitness: This is more than working out. It's about the fitness of mental toughness and discipline that you need to work in the trades.

[15:13] You have to be willing to do the work that other people won't do.

[16:04] I encourage everyone to stay active and keep their bodies moving. Being fit and strong helps you perform in these tough situations.

[17:33] Food: You are what you eat.

[18:13] The statistics about weight and obesity in America are staggering. Basically a third of the population is obese.

[19:25] Our food and the amount of chemicals that we consume on a daily basis has changed since the 1970s.

[19:49] One of my goals is to create awareness about what we're eating and how it makes us feel.

[20:10] Friends: This has been one of the most challenging. Not having friends can leave a void in your life.

[22:08] I've also developed close friendships with people on the team. It's okay to cultivate these friendships as long as you do it in an appropriate way.

[25:07] Future episodes will revolve around many of the 6 F's of my brand.

[20:10] Friends: This has been one of the most challenging. Not having friends can leave a void in your life.

[22:08] I've also developed close friendships with people on the team. It's okay to cultivate these friendships as long as you do it in an appropriate way.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

Most of you have heard of ChatGPT, but is there a way to utilize it in the trades? My Chief Administrative Officer, Cassie Castañeda, is back to explain all the ways we've been using ChatGPT since our AI episode last year. Cassie explains how it's been a game-changer for us, and we are still discovering potential uses.

Last year, we began using it for processes, procedures, and marketing content. Our use has evolved to include much more in-depth projects, from campaign strategies to this podcast. We are only limited by our ideas and prompt-writing ability. We are super excited about the utility and future of this amazing tool. We want to share some of the ways we are using ChatGPT and ideas for making the trades even better with this technology.

Episode Highlights:

[03:38] ChatGPT is like having a smart assistant at your fingertips. It's an AI powered chatbot that converses like a human.

[04:15] Cassie talks about the different ways we are using ChatGPT from marketing content to daily management responsibilities.

[05:15] Alexis shares her first introduction to ChatGPT when her husband created a step by step installation procedure for a tankless water heater. All before 6:00 a.m..

[06:01] There aren't enough people in the trades, and there's a huge demand for our services. ChatGPT can be used as an educational tool to help train men and women in the field.

[08:08] It can be a tool we can utilize to help train men and women. They'll still need hands-on training, but these tools can help shorten the process.

[08:37] Benefits of using ChatGPT include instant availability and fast turnaround.

[09:11] We caution that there are still limitations, especially with complex or emotional situations.

[10:48] One of the things to keep in mind when using ChatGPT is that you need to tailor your questions using words that your team will understand. Use the verbiage that you normally use.

[12:33] A metaphor of what ChatGPT has become for users. We get an encyclopedia of information without an actual encyclopedia.

[13:41] 30% of the current workforce is terrified that ChatGPT is going to take their job.

[14:05] Some reasons include the fear of the unknown and robots taking over the jobs.

[15:03] It's important to show your team that it's a user-friendly intuitive tool that emphasizes and assists current skills and expertise.

[16:03] The more we know about the technology, the better it will be for us in the future. We need to embrace it. Get comfortable with it. And use it for our benefit.

[17:03] People in the trades will always be in demand. Don't fear technology, embrace it.

[18:02] Cassie explains how to get started. Go to ChatGPT.com and sign up. There's a free and a paid version. It's simple to get started.

[19:02] There are so many uses for the tool. You can put the app on your phone and embrace it.

[20:50] Cassie also shares her favorite quote.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• ChatGPT

• Embracing AI in the Trades with Cassie Castaneda

• Cassie Castañeda Facebook

Do you avoid hard conversations? A lot of us do, because they make us uncomfortable or we want to be liked. This is why today, I'm tackling how to navigate conversations to build trust and foster growth. As humans, we want to be accepted. We don't want to hurt people's feelings, but our ability to have hard conversations will lead us to success.

We can naturally build trust with people by being honest and transparent. In spite of the discomfort, we can grow and become the best version of ourselves. In this episode, I challenge you to think of hard conversations as opportunities for growth, building stronger relationships, and fostering transparency.

Episode Highlights:

[02:39] Sometimes honesty can sting, but the feedback can help us improve.

[03:03] We need to get comfortable with having these hard conversations with people in our lives.

[04:05] Business leaders need to get comfortable talking about things that can be uncomfortable.

[05:52] A good place to start is having consistent one-on-one conversations with people on your team. Consistent feedback makes these conversations easier.

[06:28] Go into hard conversations prepared. Write it down. Organize your thoughts and avoid being vague. Have a plan and attack the problem, not the person.

[07:40] Be open to constructive feedback.

[08:13] Take time to process before responding.

[09:12] We want people on our team that can take feedback and receive it while being open to making changes.

[10:11] It's also helpful to know people's personality styles.

[11:25] Know your team's DiSC assessment to communicate with them in an active way.

[12:06] It's imperative to be able to have these hard conversations, so that your team can perform at a higher level.

[13:11] Embrace hard conversations as opportunities for building trust and encouraging growth personally and professionally.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues

• DiSC Profile

Being partnered with someone in the trades can be challenging, but it's incredibly rewarding. I often say I'm the queen of the trades, and every queen needs her king. One of my favorite roles is being my husband's support person. I believe in taking his talents and amplifying them, as mastering a trade is a true gift and one of the most honorable careers out there.

This podcast is aimed at couples in the trades, whether you're entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs. I discuss ways to support your partner and grow your business together, ensuring they feel supported and empowered. I hold the view that men and women are designed to complement each other, with the capacity to either uplift or undermine our partners. I believe that who we marry or partner with is the greatest determining factor for our success.

Right now, my husband and I are in a period of growth, with him dedicating many hours to our vision. In this episode, I share five things I do to build an empire with my tradesman.

Episode Highlights:

[04:11] 1. We both unite around our mission and professional purpose. We are both really passionate and really clear about this.

[04:48] Our mission is to create generational wealth for our family and to create a phenomenal place for tradespeople to work and create their own financial freedom and live their best life.

[05:39] As a couple, you could unite around a goal, such as a financial goal. Spend time getting clear on your mission and purpose.

[06:47] Our team in Texas worked 20 hour days after an extreme weather event.

[07:05] They put their heart and soul into the company and their spouses supported them.

[07:29] 2. We respect each other's roles. We have different gifts.

[08:38] In a season of expansion, I try to do as much as I can on the homefront, so my husband can focus professionally.

[08:58] 3. We prioritize connection time. We really learn each other's love languages.

[09:48] Get really clear on what you need to feel connected to your partner.

[10:46] 4. Honor and cherish your spouse. Be proud of what they do and communicate that to your family.

[11:35] We all need encouragement and should be getting it from our partner and family.

[12:34] 5. Be flexible. Life is going to happen and challenges are going to come up.

[13:57] Learn to roll with changes.

[14:19] Unite around a common mission. Respect each other's roles. Prioritize connection time with each other. Cherish your spouse. Be flexible.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• The Love Language Quiz

Shayna Lee has been my trainer for the last 8 years. She has helped me reach my fitness goals. She's an amazing coach. She's coached me through pregnancies, with muscle gain, and losing weight. She's a wealth of knowledge, and I'm super excited to have her on the show today. Today's conversation is about New Year's resolutions.

I love this time of year. There is so much energy around change, especially when it comes to fitness and losing weight. We are going to talk about how to set realistic resolutions and get results this year. We talk about taking small actionable steps, the less is more approach, how to gain clarity, and so much more.

Episode Highlights:

[02:28] Shayna has managed to simplify training and fitness for busy people.

[03:04] She has a bachelors in kinesiology. She loved moving, and she loved helping people. She was studying physical therapy, but she fell in love with fitness.

[04:16] She's a nutrition coach, strength and conditioning specialist, and studied pregnancy and postpartum. It's her goal to make fitness and healthy eating sustainable for everyone.

[05:40] Setting goals and not accomplishing them can be discouraging.

[06:57] Less is more. Try to take small actionable steps.

[08:19] Alexis talks about gaining clarity through writing a letter to herself. Her word for the year is discipline.

[10:42] Create a vision board and find a picture of the physique you would like to have.

[12:30] Set a word, make a vision, and write it down.

[13:27] Who do I need to become to have that?

[16:34] Get specific and set SMART goals with a timeline.

[19:29] It's important to recognize the middle of the goal setting process. Shorten the middle and try working in 30-day blocks to keep motivation high.

[22:39] Changing behavior is hard. Shayna's business, Vita Solutions, teaches people the simpler things of health and fitness.

[27:13] Confidence from fitness trickles over into everyday life.

[28:19] Fitness doesn't have to be a punishment.

[30:57] Goals need to be small and achievable for sustainability.

[31:23] Use healthy habit stacking and master one or two goals before moving on to more.

[32:41] Don't be afraid to readjust and reevaluate your resolutions.

[33:36] Learn to flow like water and take the path of least resistance.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Pure Plumbing & Air

• Pure Plumbing & Air Facebook

• Alexis Aranda Instagram

• Shayna Lee Instagram

• Vita Solutions