Summary

In this first-ever episode of Visionary Leader, Steve Blair sits down with host Jim Robinson for a candid conversation about the real evolution of leadership. From his own winding path, spanning roles at Procter & Gamble to leading organizations in Arkansas, Steve offers insight on what it truly takes to become an impactful leader.

Leadership, Steve explains, is not an overnight achievement but a journey with real milestones. He describes four pivotal chapters in his career: starting as a capable contributor, moving into authentic management, stepping up to organizational leadership, and finally reaching a place where he’s truly operating in his “sweet spot.” Honest reflection about these phases reveals that finding your lane in leadership sometimes takes decades, but with the right support, it can happen faster.

A key takeaway from the episode is the power of authenticity, with Steve stressing the importance of living and leading by your core values, and making decisions through their lens. He advocates that storytelling is one of the most influential tools leaders possess because having real stories at the ready helps bring organizational values to life and creates a culture that sticks.

Additionally, the episode also dives deep into how leaders can accelerate engagement, set expectations, and move people forward, not just through systems, but by caring deeply and modeling behaviors they wish to see in others. If you’re looking to step up as a leader, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:20) Steve’s Career Growth and Leadership Journey

(10:46) Leaderships Influence on Corporate Culture

(11:57) Using Organizational Values to Lead

(16:20) Authenticity and Clear Leadership Values

(19:07) Buy-In-Based Feedback Development

(25:23) Reinforcing Company Values with Storytelling

(32:36) How Manager Engagement Shapes Team Success

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Steve Blair

Fulcrum Collective

Summary

In this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson dives deep into the transformative power of human resources with none other than the three-time MVP award-winning HR powerhouse, Maria Johnson. With her remarkable approach to hiring and fostering a culture rooted in compassion and values, Maria is changing the game in the corporate world.

From the outset, Jim sets the tone by highlighting Maria's exceptional ability to integrate gut instinct with professional insight in hiring practices. Maria's journey into her current role began with meticulous research and an initial interview with the company's CFO, where she felt an immediate connection that resonated with her personal and professional values. This pivotal moment solidified her resolve to join a company that truly values HR as a service-oriented department.

A central theme of the episode is the concept of "second chance hiring"—a practice that Maria champions passionately. Her approach is predicated on the belief that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves an opportunity to rebuild and thrive. This philosophy not only transforms the lives of the individuals hired but also enriches the company's culture by fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.

Additionally, Maria's role goes beyond traditional HR functions; she is a beacon of hope and support for employees. Her ability to connect with people, ask insightful questions, and build rapport quickly has made her an invaluable asset. Her dedication is evident in the stories of employees who, given a second chance, have not only turned their lives around but have also become integral parts of the company’s success.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR or leadership roles. Maria’s story and insights provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive, supportive, and ultimately successful workplace. Tune in now!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:49) Connecting Virtually with Technology

(06:52) How Empathy Fosters Opportunity and Growth

(10:47) Trusting in Your Gut and Investing in People

(16:11) Identifying Overlooked Service Opportunities

(16:45) Embracing Second-Chance Hiring

(19:23) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Maria Johnson

Summary

In this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson is joined by Lori Prust, owner and coach at SOAR Clarity, a company on a mission to help women recognize their worth, live in their strengths, and recognize their blind spots, leading to more joyful and focused lives. SOAR’s vision is to foster a new trend of unconventional women, helping them cultivate self-awareness while empowering them to uplift and support others in their community.

Lori shares her personal story of feeling out of alignment in her corporate job, and credits Jim as one of the catalysts who encouraged her to explore her passion further. With his mentorship and her own introspection, Lori became a life coach certified and eventually left her secure but unsatisfying corporate career. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing one's unique strengths and talents.

Furthermore, a unique aspect of Lori’s journey is her collaboration with her daughter, Anna, in building SOAR. This mother-daughter duo combines their strengths to create a synergistic team dedicated to helping others achieve personal and professional growth. They leverage tools like the Enneagram for personal development, ensuring that their clients receive tailored coaching experiences.

Lori also touches on the role of faith in her journey, highlighting how her Christian beliefs guide her approach to coaching and business. She underscores the importance of serving others, whether it's through personal interactions or broader philanthropic efforts, aligning with her mission of giving back. Listen today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(01:52) Lori’s Exit from the Corporate World

(04:23) Defining Moments That Encouraged Lori to Coach

(07:30) Navigating New Career Challenges

(9:31) The Role of Faith in the Creation of SOAR Clarity

(14:02) Lori’s Daughter’s Involvement in SOAR

(17:57) Lessons Lori Learned in the Corporate World

(23:49) Encouragement to Transition into Coaching

(24:47) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Lori Prust

SOAR Clarity

Summary

In this episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson discusses the importance of building strong vendor relationships and how to maximize these partnerships for better service and pricing. He emphasizes the need for clarity in communication when selecting facility service providers. By being crystal clear about your needs and expectations upfront, you can better assess whether a vendor can meet your demands and create a strong alignment. Jim provides examples from his own experiences, highlighting the critical role of communication and reliability in maintaining successful vendor relationships.

Jim also touches on negotiation strategies for facility managers, explaining that understanding the true value of the service being provided is crucial. He encourages setting clear expectations and understanding market demands to ensure fair pricing without compromising service quality. Additionally, Jim discusses identifying red flags that suggest a vendor may not be the right fit, such as poor communication and a lack of preparedness.

Furthermore, Jim addresses the importance of aligning corporate values with vendors. He shares insights on making sure that core values such as integrity and respect are upheld in all business dealings. He believes that collaborating with other service providers can optimize outcomes for the end user.

Overall, Jim underscores the significance of frequent assessments and open communication to ensure that vendor partnerships remain beneficial and aligned with company values. His advice is rooted in his extensive experience and aims to foster long-term, productive relationships that serve both sides well!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(06:15) Service Provider Compatibility Checklist

(08:35) Vendor Contracts: Frequent Reevaluation Needed

(12:23) Collaborative Leadership for Greater Good

(14:35) Core Values and Corporate Alignment

(17:25) Clarity in Negotiation Conversations

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Summary

In the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson sits down with Kyle Maynard, a world-class athlete, entrepreneur, motivational leader, and author. Born a quad amputee, Kyle’s arms end at the elbows and his legs at the knees, but his limitless determination has propelled him to incredible heights, like becoming a top high school wrestler and MMA fighter, to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua.

Kyle shares how the decisions made by his parents early on shaped his perspective on adversity. Rather than focusing on his disability, they fostered a sense of normalcy and encouraged him to pursue his goals without excuses. Kyle credits this approach for his mindset of resilience and innovation, explaining that “energy goes where the attention flows.”

Throughout the episode, Kyle and Jim discuss the importance of rethinking limits, whether in mountain climbing or business leadership. Kyle’s climbs are vivid metaphors for tackling life's challenges step by step. He recounts bear-crawling up thirty-mile hikes, adapting with duct-taped bath towels for shoes, and the power of focusing on the next three feet in front of you.

The discussion also touches on the contagious power of attitude, both in teams and leadership, with Kyle’s journey highlighting that innovation isn’t always about technology; it’s about perspective, commitment, and finding new solutions despite discomfort. Whether you’re leading a business or facing personal challenges, Kyle’s story challenges us all to rethink our limits and conquer our mountains—one step at a time!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(06:54) Maintaining Normality Amid Struggles

(12:11) Kyle’s Journey Climbing Kilimanjaro

(17:35) How Facing Adversity Can Change Lives

(21:15) Pushing Beyond Doubts

(26:18) Why Commitment and Attitude Matter

(29:57) Remaining Resilient Through Adversity

(33:00) Trustworthy Leadership in Risky Situations

(35:35) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Kyle Maynard

Kyle Maynard Motivation, LLC

Kyle’s Book (No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life)

Summary

In this part two episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson welcomes back Aaron Walker for a deeper dive into leadership that transcends profit, provoking thought around what it truly means to lead a life anchored in values.

Aaron shares his journey to discovering the five pillars: personal, professional, relational, spiritual, and financial. He candidly recalls how early focus on financial success led to personal sacrifice, highlighting the significance of holistic growth. For Aaron, leadership is not just about business wins; it’s about focusing on the things that matter and maintaining balance and authenticity across life’s essential areas.

Listeners are prompted to take practical, small steps by defining aspirational goals in each pillar, whether it be mastering a hobby, nurturing deep friendships, or cultivating spiritual habits. Aaron’s framework encourages envisioning future accomplishments, then reverse-engineering a strategy to reach them. Both he and Jim stress the power of consistency and authenticity, sharing personal stories where vulnerability and community provide critical support.

The episode also explores common blind spots in living and leading with integrity, such as embellishing stories for credibility, and the need for trusted advisors to call out these habits. Aaron and Jim agree: authenticity without arrogance and managed vulnerability are vital in effective leadership. Ultimately, Aaron champions accountability and community as key to transforming information into true growth!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:51) Five Pillars of Transformation

(06:52) Why Specific Growth Goals Matter

(11:36) Faith and Service in Business

(14:01) Living and Leading with Integrity

(22:07) Prioritizing Spirituality and Relationships

(23:55) The Resilience Through Experience Framework

(26:44) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Aaron Walker

ISI Brotherhood

Summary

In the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson welcomes Aaron Walker for a deep dive into the intersection of business, family, faith, and personal growth. With forty-seven years of entrepreneurial experience and as the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron Brotherhood (ISI), Aaron shares his remarkable journey from financial success to finding true significance.

Aaron recounts a pivotal moment in his life: an accident that forced him to question the legacy he’d leave behind. He realized that wealth alone was an empty pursuit without meaningful relationships and positive impact. This led him to focus on helping others be successful and significant, channeling his energy into mastermind groups, coaching, and personal development journeys.

He details the importance of accountability, community, and core values, insisting that isolation is the enemy of excellence. He encourages all business leaders, especially small business owners, to pause and write out their true core values, ensuring alignment with business growth and personal fulfillment. Aaron’s candid discussion about rhythms, rituals, and balancing business with family and faith resonates with anyone striving for authenticity and lasting impact. His advice is clear: Build a culture of trust, live your core values, and pursue significance over mere success—because legacy is about the lives you touch, not just the fortunes you accumulate.

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(06:32) Aaron’s Devotion to Helping Others

(12:21) Balancing Success and Family

(20:27) The Importance of Accountability

(33:12) Living Authentically in Leadership

(38:58) Navigating Authenticity in the AI Era

(44:27) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Aaron Walker

ISI Brotherhood

Summary

In the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson and his guests, Neil McQuiston and Skyler Coffey, unpack what’s changing and what’s working in the world of sales for the trades industry. 

One of the biggest takeaways from their conversation is that embracing new technology isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity. Jim emphasizes how leveraging digital tools can streamline workflows, help businesses reach new customers, and set their service apart in a crowded market. From automated quoting systems to intuitive customer communication platforms, technology is empowering teams to spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering value.

Neil adds another dimension to the discussion, stressing the importance of training and upskilling sales teams. He points out that, while technology can open doors, human relationships remain at the core of successful trades sales. Building trust and rapport with clients can't be replaced by software, but tools can enhance these efforts by making sales professionals more responsive and informed.

Skyler brings it all together, encouraging business owners in the trades to find the right balance between innovation and personal touch. As the episode closes, the consensus is clear: the trades industry is evolving rapidly, and those who adapt with a mix of cutting-edge tools and relationship-building will thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to future-proof their sales strategy in the trades!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:23) Balancing Tech and Traditional Client Relationships

(08:54) Leveraging ChatGPT for Client Outreach

(10:51) Supporting Brands Exiting the Market

(16:12) Threats and Reality of AI Sales Tech

(21:46) Enhancing Relationships Through Innovation

(22:23) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Neil McQuiston

Skyler Coffey

Summary

In the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson and his guests, Neil McQuiston and Skyler Coffey, explore one of the most crucial facets of facility maintenance sales: building genuine, lasting partnerships through trust. The conversation unveils actionable strategies that elevate relationships beyond transactions, exploring how authentic rapport ultimately leads to long-term business success.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the significance of honesty in every interaction. Jim, Neil, and Skyler share personal experiences where transparent communication was the difference maker, not just for closing deals, but for setting the stage for enduring collaboration. They stress that honesty, especially about limitations or challenges, actually strengthens credibility in the eyes of clients.

Another highlight centers around understanding client needs by actively listening. The team emphasizes moving away from script-driven sales conversations and taking the time to learn what clients truly value. By investing in relationship-building rather than quick wins, facility maintenance sales professionals can position themselves as trusted advisors, rather than mere service providers.

The trio also delves into overcoming setbacks. They share how handling mistakes with promptness and integrity can transform potential deal-breakers into opportunities to showcase reliability and commitment. This episode serves as a go-to guide for anyone looking to build deeper connections in facility maintenance sales. By prioritizing honesty, active listening, and a solutions-focused mindset, listeners are equipped to foster not just clients but genuine partners for the long haul!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:20) Service Beyond the Work Order

(08:52) Sustaining Buyer Trust Through Discovery

(14:43) Unique Facility Maintenance Sales Approach

(19:18) Creating Impact Through Problem Solving

(21:01) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Neil McQuiston

Skyler Coffey

Summary

In the latest episode of Service Evolution, Jim Robinson, Neil McQuiston, and Skyler Coffey, come together to tackle one of the most critical and often overlooked elements of sales success: building a winning sales culture.

The conversation kicks off with each speaker sharing what sales culture means to them. Neil emphasizes that it’s about more than just numbers—it’s the foundation of teamwork, motivation, and trust. Skyler adds that a healthy sales culture creates an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to improve. Jim, drawing from his experiences in team leadership, highlights the importance of transparent communication and recognizing every win, no matter how small.

The trio dig into practical steps for cultivating this culture. They discuss everything from hiring for cultural fit to ongoing coaching, and the value of setting shared goals. One standout point: sales leaders should model the attitudes and work ethics they want to see. This sets the tone for the rest of the team.

Listeners also get actionable advice on navigating obstacles such as remote work, internal competition, and maintaining morale through tough quarters. All three agree—celebrating wins and learning from losses are equally crucial for long-term growth. Whether you’re a sales manager or a sales rep, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples for elevating your team’s performance!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:27) Celebrating Wins After Forty Years

(07:59) The Ubiquity of Sales

(11:19) Effective Team Collaboration

(14:03 Overcoming Sales Resistance Barriers

(16:48) Exploring Engaging Sales Strategies

Links

Jim Robinson 

CGP Maintenance and Construction Services

Neil McQuiston

Skyler Coffey