In this episode, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked—vendor relationships. When things go sideways in the supply chain, the quality of your vendor partnerships can make or break your business. We share real examples from the field, like how regular meetings with suppliers helped us stay ahead during shortages and why vendor support isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust, clear communication, and showing up.

We also talk about co-op programs, shared marketing dollars, and how the “trade gossip” you pick up at the counter might be more valuable than you think. Whether you're a manager or a tech on the ground, building strong vendor partnerships isn’t just good business—it’s essential for growth, planning, and weathering change. It’s not about asking for more. It’s about working better—together.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #vendorrelationships #supplychainmanagement #tradesbusiness #businessgrowth #supplierpartnerships #smartoperations #cooppartnerships #businessstrategy

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to add a new service to your business—and why it’s not just about saying yes to opportunity. Expanding can be exciting, but if you don’t plan ahead, it can also stretch your team too thin, confuse your customers, and cost more than it brings in. We share what questions to ask before you move forward, what roles and systems need to be in place, and how to avoid rushing a rollout just because demand looks good on the surface.

We also dig into what sustainable growth actually looks like—whether it’s cross-training your team, adjusting your budget, or setting the right expectations with clients. If you’ve ever thought about diversifying what you offer, this episode will help you slow down, think it through, and grow with intention—not panic.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #serviceexpansion #smartgrowth #tradesbusiness #businessstrategy #sustainablegrowth #teamplanning #businessoperations #scalingyourbusiness

In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to stand out in a job interview. It’s not about having all the right answers—it’s about showing up prepared, present, and clear on who you are and what you’re looking for. We talk about the small details that make a big impact, from what you wear to how you follow up, and why confidence, eye contact, and good questions still go a long way.

We also dig into why interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just trying to get hired—you’re figuring out if the job, the team, and the culture are the right fit for you too. Whether you’re brand new to the trades or just looking for your next step, this episode gives you real talk on how to own the process and show up as your best self.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #jobinterviewtips #interviewprep #careergrowth #tradescareers #standoutcandidate #interviewconfidence #hiringprocess #workready

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bagley, Founder & CEO of CI Web Group, to talk about how fast technology is changing—and what business owners need to do now to keep up. Jennifer breaks down what AI integration really means, why your current website might not be ready, and the practical steps leaders should take today. It’s not about fear—it’s about being first.

We also dig into how search, customer behavior, and automation are shifting, and how that impacts everything from your marketing to your team’s workflow. Whether you’re already using AI tools or still figuring it out, this episode gives you a clear view of what’s coming—and how to be ready for it.

Guest

Jennifer Bagley, Founder & CEO of CI Web Group


Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #aiinbusiness #smallbusinessgrowth #digitalstrategy #futureofwork #searchengineoptimization #marketingstrategy #businessleadership #techtrends

In this episode, we dig into what “winning the day” actually means. It’s a phrase we throw around, but when no one defines it, people end up guessing. That leads to confusion, burnout, and a lot of busy work that doesn’t move things forward. We talk about how setting clear daily wins helps the whole team—from leadership to the front lines—understand what a good day really looks like.

We also talk about how things like communication, structure, and personal habits play a role. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about getting clear, staying focused, and knowing when to reset. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos or unsure what “done” even means, this one’s for you.


Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #winningtheday #dailyhabits #teamgoals #workroutines #productivitytips #clarityatwork #momentum

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valerie Heck, a remarkable woman who transformed her life from battling addiction to becoming a culture-building leader in the HVAC industry. Valerie doesn't hold back as she shares her raw, authentic journey—from her darkest moments to discovering her purpose as what she calls the "fun ambassador" at her company.

This conversation reveals the profound impact employers can have on their employees' personal lives. Valerie's story demonstrates how compassionate leadership and genuine support during someone's most challenging times can literally change the trajectory of their life. Her managers didn't just see an employee struggling with addiction—they saw potential and chose to invest in her recovery and growth.

We explore how Valerie has become a "unicorn" employee who brings infectious energy and authentic leadership to her workplace. She shares practical insights on how business owners can identify and leverage their own unicorns, while discussing the delicate balance of leading with heart without compromising business objectives.

The episode dives deep into mentorship, emotional intelligence in the workplace, and how creating psychological safety allows teams to thrive. Valerie's journey from answering phones to becoming a respected leader in sales and operations offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone looking to grow—whether you're an employee seeking advancement or a leader wanting to build a more supportive, high-performing culture.

This is more than a success story—it's a blueprint for how businesses can become catalysts for personal transformation while building stronger, more resilient teams

Guest:
Valerie Heck
Founder & Coach, Soul Shift Strategies

In this episode, we sit down with Madison Staszkiewicz—entrepreneur, mom, and someone who’s figured out a whole lot by doing the hard things first. Madison shares how she built her first business from a one-room space, what she learned through selling it, and how that experience led to starting something completely new. We talk about the pressure to “have it all together,” why balance isn’t always the goal, and how trusting your gut (even when it’s scary) can open the right doors.

This conversation is real, unpolished, and full of the kind of insight that only comes from showing up, doing the work, and learning as you go. Whether you’re growing a business, thinking about a pivot, or just trying to breathe in between it all—this one’s for you.


Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #motivation #growthmindset #tradesindustry #podcast #entrepreneurship #startupjourney #resilience #grit #leadership #mompreneur #smallbusiness #growthmindset

In this episode, we talk about what really keeps us going. Motivation isn’t always clear or consistent—it shifts as life and business change. We share honest stories about what pushed us in the early days, what drives us now, and how things like fear, pride, and purpose play a part. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s goals, and sometimes it’s just not wanting to let your people down.

If you’ve ever hit a wall or felt like you were running on empty, this one’s a reminder to step back, check in with yourself, and find your next spark.


Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:


The Trades Accelerator:
Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
YouTube: The Trades Accelerator
Dana Staszkiewicz:
Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz
Melanie Sloane:
Facebook: Melanie Sloane
LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane



DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.


#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #motivation #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #leadership #tradesindustry #podcast #selfimprovement #goalsetting  #driven

In this episode, we talk about compensation and incentives from both sides — as an employee and as a business owner. We share what to think about before asking for a raise, why it’s important to track your work, and how going above and beyond can open new doors.

We also talk about how companies can build clear pay ranges, create paths for growth, and offer incentives that make sense for both the business and the team. Whether you’re working toward your next raise or building a pay plan for your company, this is a conversation about doing it right.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #trades

In this episode, we talk about what personal brand really means — and why it matters more than you might think. Whether we realize it or not, we’re building our personal brand every single day through the way we show up, the way we work, and how we treat people.

We share real stories from our own experiences, what we’ve learned about brand and reputation in business, and why being intentional about it can open doors for both your personal growth and your career. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out or strengthen the way people see you, this is where to start.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness  #leadership  #trades

#personalbrand #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #brandingmatters #reputation #growthjourney