In this episode of Trade Talk, we bring together the entire Beespoke team—Sarah, Erin, Lindsay, and Kelly—for a lively conversation on the digital tools, apps, and platforms that keep their marketing agency (and their clients) running like a well-oiled machine.

From staying connected as a fully remote team, to harnessing the power of AI for smarter workflows, to keeping branding on point with Canva and scheduling content that actually supports strategy, the Beespoke crew shares their favorite go-to resources.

They also dive into why it’s not enough to just have the tools—you’ve got to stay curious, keep up with updates, and really maximize what you’re already paying for. Whether you’re a solo contractor, a growing business, or just looking to streamline your workflow, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can start using today.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The communication tools that keep a remote team organized (and why texting isn’t enough)

• Easy, everyday ways to use AI to save time and stay effective

• How Canva and brand kits make professional design accessible to everyone

• Why scheduling tools are key to having a real marketing strategy

• Overlooked features in platforms like Wix, Slack, and even your iPhone

• The importance of staying curious and continuously learning new tools

Key Quote

“I'll never forget, my professor said, the number one rule of marketing is CASE – copy and steal everything! There's no need to reinvent the wheel…if something's

working well for other people, make it your own and do it yourself. (28:31)

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

In part two of our conversation with HR consultant Ashley Curtin, we dive deeper into the realities of building strong teams in the construction industry. From creative approaches to employee benefits and mentorship, to the importance of engagement and self-awareness in leadership, Ashley shares practical strategies that help business owners retain top talent and foster a culture of loyalty.

She also discusses how simple gestures—like listening first, offering small perks, or investing in professional development—can pay huge dividends. This episode is packed with real-world takeaways for leaders who want to grow their people as much as their projects.

Whether you’re running a crew, scaling a company, or just looking to strengthen workplace culture, Ashley’s insights will help you lead with impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why engagement matters more than perks when it comes to employee retention

• How leaders can use self-awareness and active listening to build trust on the jobsite

• Creative alternatives to traditional benefits for small and mid-sized construction companies

• The power of mentorship and “sending the elevator down” to grow the next generation of tradespeople

• Why hiring slow and thoughtfully prevents costly mistakes

• How personality tools like the Enneagram can strengthen communication and team culture

• Why keeping employees is not only good for morale, but also a smart financial decision

Key Quote:“You're a human. You are not just an employee. I care about you. Engagement is everything.” - Ashley Curtin (22:21)

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Erin sit down with HR professional Ashley Curtin to tackle three critical pillars of running a successful business: recruitment, retention, and performance management. With nearly 20 years of experience across hospitality, property management, and consulting, Ashley brings a wealth of real-world advice for leaders in the construction industry—and beyond.

From the art of finding (and keeping) the right people to the importance of company culture, Ashley breaks down how hiring has evolved, why soft skills matter more than ever, and how leadership directly shapes employee loyalty. She also shares creative ideas for attracting younger generations, engaging staff without massive perks, and rethinking performance reviews so they actually work.

Whether you run a crew of five or a company of fifty, this episode is packed with strategies you can use to build a workforce that works for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why focusing on soft skills can lead to better hires than a resume alone

• How multi-day, multi-perspective interviews improve cultural fit

• Ways to engage younger generations and make your workplace appealing

• The role of leadership in employee retention—and why culture starts at the top

• Practical, low-cost professional development ideas for small businesses

• How to handle performance issues before they become deal-breakers

• Creative interview tactics and resources for small companies without in-house HR

Key Quote:"You inspect what you expect. If you want employees to use their time wisely, they need to see you doing the same." – Ashley Curtin (7:42)

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

In this powerful and candid episode of Trade Talk, we sit down with Rosa Santiago Zimmerman — a general contractor, designer, entrepreneur, author, and force of nature. Rosa opens up about her journey from Puerto Rico to founding RSZ Design and Development, sharing how her roots, values, and boundaries have shaped her leadership style and her thriving business.

With decades of experience, from running a cybersecurity firm to navigating job sites, Rosa talks about forging her own path in a male-dominated industry without ever seeing herself as a minority. Her story is one of grit, intention, and unshakable self-awareness.

We talk work-life balance (and why it’s not selfish), raising kids in boardrooms, building strong teams based on values over résumés, and why every business owner should have a life coach. You’ll walk away inspired to build your life and business with more purpose and confidence — just like Rosa.

Key Topics:

• Redefining leadership in construction

• Creating boundaries that protect your time

• Hiring based on values, not just skill

• The power of mentorship and personal development

• Taking up space unapologetically as a woman in the trades

Key Quote: 

“I want to know who you are, because who you are is going to tell me who you're going to be here. It is not your skillset that's going to elevate you. It's going to be your values that are going to elevate you. It's going to be how you carry yourself.” (23:06) 

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech giants—it’s a game changer for construction pros at every level. In this episode, Erin and Lindsey sit down with AI expert Will McGinnis, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, to break down how AI can streamline workflows, improve communication, and save serious time on and off the job site.

From office managers wrangling schedules and emails, to project managers juggling jobsite updates, to CEOs mapping out growth strategies, Will shares practical AI tools and real-world examples that any construction company can start using today.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How AI can organize emails, calendars, and meeting notes for office managers

• Tools that help field managers quickly capture notes, photos, and reports on the go

• How bookkeepers can use AI to categorize receipts, track expenses, and analyze spending

• Ways sales teams can leverage AI for research, proposals, and finding new leads

• Big-picture AI strategies for owners and CEOs to scale smarter

Whether you’re tech-savvy or totally new to AI, you’ll walk away with actionable ways to make your job easier—and maybe even fun!

Key Quote:

“Think of AI like a really enthusiastic high schooler who never sleeps and is amazing at the internet…but, over time, you're going to build up that context of sharing information…and the responses will be more tailored to what you're asking.” - Will McGinnis

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about AI Prompts → https://mcginniscommawill.com/posts/2025-07-16-ai-prompts-everyday-tasks/

• Follow Trade Talk on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok for more industry insights

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah, Erin, and Lindsay sit down with Nelson Davis, owner of Hard Rock Stone & Tile, to dive into one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the building process: making selections early.

Nelson shares why early decisions can save time, money, and headaches for builders, homeowners, and designers alike. From managing budgets and schedules to avoiding delays caused by material lead times, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

You’ll also hear Nelson’s insights on:

• The real impact of delayed selections and how they snowball into bigger problems

• Tips for guiding clients with champagne tastes on a beer budget

• The latest trends in stone, tile, and flooring (and which ones he thinks need to go!)

• How builders can create stronger vendor relationships through better communication

• His favorite materials, underrated stones, and the most overused trends of 2025

Plus, stick around for a fun rapid-fire round covering everything from dream countertops to the biggest pet peeves on a job site.

Whether you’re a builder, designer, or just planning a renovation, you’ll walk away with practical tips that make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Hard Rock Stone & Tile → hardrockstoneandtile.com

• Follow Trade Talk on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok for more industry insights

Key Quote:“The selection process can cause a lot of great things to happen or it can cause a lot of harm. If your customer is slow to select, it causes turmoil throughout the process from scheduling to budgets, there's a ton of different things that it can affect.” (3:26)

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Erin sit down with Taylor Peacock and Rob Ewing from Builders FirstSource to dive into the story of Gulf Armor Doors—premium, handcrafted wood doors born from the legacy of Southeastern Sash & Door in Fort Walton Beach. From humble beginnings to becoming part of a national brand, you'll hear how craftsmanship, innovation, and hurricane-resilient engineering come together to create doors that are as strong as they are stunning.

Learn about the rigorous impact testing that sets these doors apart, the customizable design process (yes—even dragons and Dutch doors), and how their new QuickShip program is bridging the gap between custom and convenience. Whether you're a builder, designer, or just someone obsessed with beautiful entryways, this episode offers plenty of insights and inspiration.

Key Topics Covered:

• The origin story of Southeastern Sash & Door and the Gulf Armor brand

• How BFS’s investment in advanced machinery elevated the product

• The differences between a typical veneer door and a Gulf Armor custom build

• The impact testing process for Florida compliance

• Customization—from sketches to dragons, speakeasies, and dual-species doors

• The QuickShip program and why it’s a game-changer for builders

• Why choosing your front door early matters in the building process

• Commercial highlights including projects in Seaside and Nashville

• The culture of craftsmanship and employee longevity behind the brand

Key Quote:"When you see a Gulf Armor door, your first thought isn’t durability—it’s beauty. They’re works of art." - Erin Bakker (7:01)

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.

Guests: The Beespoke Consulting Team — Sarah White, Erin Bakker, Lindsay Lord, and Kelly Bench

In this special team takeover episode, the women behind Beespoke Consulting—Sarah, Erin, Lindsay, and Kelly—pull back the curtain on what really works when it comes to marketing in the construction world. From branding basics to creative gifting, event strategy to direct mail, they share actionable insights, favorite client stories, and common pitfalls they see in the industry. Plus, don’t miss the “Nail It or Fail It” rapid-fire round where they weigh in on everything from drone footage to TikTok for contractors.

Key Topics:

• Why branding is the foundation of successful marketing

• The power of good photography and real project content

• Using direct mail in a digital world (and why it still works)

• The impact of hosting or sponsoring events

• How to tailor gifting strategies for clients and partners

• Building a practical marketing plan that aligns with real goals

• The value of fresh eyes—even on your own team

Key Quote:"You have to know who you want as a client before you can figure out how to get to those people." - Kelly Bench

Learn More:Need help refining your marketing game plan? Learn more about Beespoke Consulting’s flexible, strategy-first approach—no retainers required. Visit www.beespokeconsulting.com.

Listen & Subscribe:

New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast. 

Guest: Brian Walsh, Owner of Coastal Brick & Stone & Key Lime Construction

Sponsor: Coastal Brick & Stone

In this episode of Trade Talk, we sit down with Brian Walsh, the driving force behind two thriving Emerald Coast businesses—Coastal Brick & Stone and Key Lime Construction. From painted brick trends to the growing demand for hardscapes, Brian shares how he balances running both companies, what sets his customer service apart, and why brick is making a big comeback in the construction world. Learn more at www.coastalbrickandstone.com. 

You'll hear:

• The rise of brick in both home interiors and exteriors

• Tips for working with brick—including installation insights and sourcing

• Why running a supply company and a construction business gives Brian a unique edge

• A rapid-fire Go or No Go segment covering industry trends like synthetic turf, oversized pavers, and white mortar

• Advice for contractors thinking about launching a second business

Key Quote:"We know what builders expect from their suppliers because we are builders ourselves. That gives us an edge—and we take pride in customer service." — Brian Walsh

New episodes drop every Tuesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Subscribe and share to help others in the industry grow!

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah White and Lindsay Lord go virtual for the first time with the team from Work Partners USA—CEO Mark Smith, VP Jeff Mosley, and Director of Safety and Medical Integration Angela Bailey. Together, they dive into the critical topic of injury management and return-to-work strategies in the construction industry.

From smashed fingers to sprains, the construction site is filled with injury risks—but what happens after someone gets hurt can make all the difference. The Work Partners team breaks down how their innovative approach, led by experienced physicians rather than call centers, is changing the game for both large contractors and small crews alike.

They discuss:

• Why having a written injury protocol is non-negotiable

• The difference between triage and true injury intervention

• How early medical management lowers costs and keeps workers on the job

• OSHA reporting myths, facts, and legal must-knows

• Why small businesses shouldn’t have to choose between safety and affordability

The episode wraps with a rapid-fire round of "Myth or Fact" and practical advice for construction pros looking to protect their most valuable asset—their people.

Key Quote: Time Stamp - 13:50“Somebody’s going to get injured. It just happens. It’s construction. So having a good safety program in place and a plan for injury management is crucial. You want to keep your people—and bring them back to work.” – Angela Bailey

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Work Partners USA at workpartnersusa.com

• Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook

• Advertising Opportunities: contractors-connect.com/podcast

• Contact us: [email protected]

• Hosted by Beespoke Consulting: www.beespokeconsulting.com

Listen & Subscribe:New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

Got a topic idea or feedback? 

Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.