In this episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Kyle Bailey, an Austin-based entrepreneur whose journey spans from lumberjack and tradesman to digital marketing agency owner. Kyle Bailey shares how his hands-on beginnings in the trades prepared him for a pivotal career shift into online marketing after the 2009 housing crash. The conversation dives deep into the impact of AI on the trades and digital marketing, the importance of adaptability, and why embracing change is vital for long-term success. Kyle Bailey discusses the evolving landscape of online lead generation and offers insightful advice for tradespeople and hustlers everywhere. The episode wraps up with motivational wisdom on growth, resilience, and "the work working on you," making this a must-listen for anyone navigating career pivots or seeking inspiration to keep moving forward.

Get To Know Kyle Bailey

Kyle Bailey is the Managing Director and a results-driven SEO expert at Frontburner Marketing, renowned for helping small business owners achieve measurable growth through innovative online strategies. Before launching his marketing career, Kyle spent decades immersed in the construction and home service industries, performing hands-on labor on job sites across Texas from a young age. His early years were defined by hard work, crawling under houses, working in extreme heat, and mastering every aspect of home construction. This extensive blue-collar background gave Kyle an authentic understanding of the challenges small business owners face in the trades.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Strategic Adaptability: Kyle Bailey's journey from lumberjack and tradesman to digital marketing agency owner demonstrates the value of flexibility and adaptation. Rather than sticking to a single path, he continually sought new skills and opportunities, ultimately leveraging his hands-on experience in the trades to carve out a niche in online lead generation for service businesses.

2. Winning in the Age of AI: The conversation between Aaron Gordon and Kyle Bailey dispels fears about AI replacing human trades, instead highlighting the evolving importance of digital presence. Tradespeople who embrace online optimization and AI-driven search changes outperform those who ignore these trends, proving that blending craft mastery with digital strategy is essential for future success.

3. Resilience and Growth through Failure: Kyle Bailey stresses the necessity of self-belief and reframing setbacks as learning opportunities. He encourages listeners to see every problem as a chance for growth, reminding us that you don't truly fail until you quit. The episode champions a mindset of perseverance, humility, and viewing the "work" as a process that shapes personal and professional evolution.

Show Overview 00:00 Early Start in Construction

03:30 From Trades to Online Marketing

07:05 Clear Business Listings Matter

12:56 Balancing AI and Skilled Trades

13:49 Modern Plumber Referrals Process

19:12 Success Through High-End Sales

21:27 Embracing Pivot for Success

23:23 Flat Tire: Mindset Shift

26:31 The Work Works on You