In this solo episode of TradesTalk, host Justin White unpacks why trust is the key to building a scalable business.

Justin reflects on his own leadership evolution, from micromanaging to empowering his team. A recent moment stood out: while out sick, his leadership team ran a major meeting without him and crushed it. That kind of success only happens when you trust your people.

He also dives into the challenges of generational transitions in founder-led businesses. Letting the next generation lead means letting them make real decisions and sometimes fail. He shares how that kind of trust helped Dylan Whitlow grow his concrete company into Santa Cruz’s #1 provider.

Justin emphasizes the need to trust your partners and lean into vendor relationships. Whether it’s software like Aspire or business coaching, outside support can drive big breakthroughs.

And at the heart of it all: trusting yourself. Justin opens up about his own journey from self-doubt at 23 to bold vision at 35,  with a goal to build a billion-dollar company by 2035.

This episode is a reminder that trust creates momentum and without it, growth stalls.