Workforce Skills with John Morris

Even leaders lose motivation.

In Episode 128 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John opens up about something many people experience but few leaders admit: feeling stuck. He shares what it’s like to keep showing up every day even when the motivation isn’t there, why discipline will always outlast motivation, and how simply showing up can be the difference between success and failure.

John also takes listeners inside the rapid transformation happening at PHP Commercial Painting, where AI is revolutionizing estimating, proposals, project management, and business operations. Learn how embracing technology isn’t replacing skilled trades—it’s empowering companies to become faster, more accurate, and more profitable.

Topics include:

If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated or wondering how AI will impact your career, this episode offers practical insight and a reminder that success starts with one simple decision:

Just show up.

In Episode 127 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris sits down with Maryanne “Kenner” Kenner, whose life has been completely transformed through recovery, hard work, and a willingness to embrace opportunity.

Maryanne shares how she never intended to join a painting program at New Freedom, but a last-minute decision led her to discover a career she never imagined. Less than a year after being hired by PHP Commercial Painting, she’s already worked her way from painter to crew lead and is now stepping into the estimating department—achieving four of the five goals she originally set in her five-year plan.

John and Maryanne discuss:

This episode is an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, leadership, and proving that your past does not determine your future.

Stay Hungry.

Every business owner, manager, and leader eventually faces days where everything seems to go wrong at once. In Episode 126 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris shares a raw look into the realities of running a growing commercial painting company—from chaotic construction schedules and costly change orders to managing employee attitudes and leading through difficult conversations.

John explains why the biggest challenge in business often isn’t the project itself—it’s the people involved. He discusses how positive leadership, clear communication, and a solution-first mindset can turn seemingly impossible situations into opportunities to strengthen relationships and build stronger teams.

This episode also dives into:

If you’re a business owner, supervisor, project manager, or anyone responsible for leading people through difficult situations, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately.

Stay hungry. Stay positive. Lead through the storm.

In Episode 125 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John is joined by PHP Commercial Painting Digital Operations Specialist Chasity Choate to pull back the curtain on a real hiring process happening inside their company.

After reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and narrowing down candidates, they share exactly what separated the finalists from everyone else—and the common mistakes that cost applicants the opportunity.

Whether you’re searching for your first job, changing careers, or trying to build a stronger team, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately.

In this episode you’ll learn:

John also shares lessons from hiring through New Freedom and explains why people who truly want a second chance often become some of the strongest employees.

If you’re looking for a job—or looking to hire great people—this episode offers real-world insight from the employer’s side of the table.

In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris tackles one of the biggest sources of workplace conflict—politics, religion, and personal division.

John explains why successful companies are built on a shared mission, not political arguments, and why employees who focus on learning, growing, and working together will always outperform those focused on drama. He also shares his thoughts on leadership, respecting the chain of command, entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for others, and why America still offers incredible opportunities for those willing to work.

Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, this episode is a reminder that success comes from personal responsibility, teamwork, and building something that lasts longer than yourself.

In this episode:

If you enjoy conversations about leadership, business ownership, workforce development, and building a stronger future, subscribe to Workforce Skills with John Morris.

In Episode 123 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John tackles one of the biggest challenges facing business owners today: professionalism in the workplace. After dealing with a situation where emotions and tempers got out of control on a job site, John shares why leaders must remain calm, logical, and focused on solutions rather than reacting emotionally.

From showing up early and leading by example to understanding production, accountability, and personal growth, this episode dives into what separates professionals from everyone else. John also discusses the importance of maturity, responsibility, leadership, and becoming the best version of yourself both at work and in life.

Whether you’re a business owner, manager, supervisor, tradesperson, or someone looking to grow professionally, this episode delivers a straightforward message: your attitude, actions, and professionalism determine your future.

Topics Include:

In Episode 122 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John sits down with PHP Commercial Painting Senior Project Manager John Warner to discuss a remarkable story of transformation, accountability, and second chances.

After spending nearly a decade in prison, John Warner made the decision to change his life forever. Through sobriety, personal responsibility, New Freedom, and a commitment to growth, he rebuilt relationships with his family, reunited with his daughters, and became a respected leader within PHP Commercial Painting.

This episode explores the challenges of reentry, overcoming addiction, rebuilding trust, learning from mistakes, and developing the mindset necessary to create a better future. John shares powerful lessons about loyalty, leadership, staying sober, and why success starts with taking ownership of your life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether people can truly change, this conversation is proof that transformation is possible.

In Episode 121 of Workforce Skills, John Morris welcomes DJ back to the podcast to talk about his journey from the first painting class at New Freedom to becoming a licensed, bonded, and insured painting contractor in Phoenix. DJ shares how he built Dan Zen Painting, changed his mindset around money, learned the value of systems, and created a future through discipline, patience, and hard work. This episode is about second chances, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and what happens when someone decides there is no option B.

Many people believe success makes life easier, but the reality is often the opposite. In Episode 120 of Workforce Skills, John Morris shares the side of success that nobody talks about—the stress, responsibility, sleepless nights, and sacrifices that come with building a company and leading a team.

John discusses the misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship, the loneliness that often comes with leadership, and why growing a business creates bigger challenges instead of eliminating them. He also explains how successful leaders surround themselves with talented people, embrace change, and build company cultures that help others succeed.

If you’re a business owner, manager, supervisor, or aspiring leader, this episode offers a candid look at what it really takes to grow a company, lead people, and stay committed when the pressure is at its highest.

n Episode 119 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John dives deep into the mindset traps that keep people stuck in life, on the job site, and in their careers. From victim mentality and blaming others to learning how to take ownership, John shares raw lessons from the workplace, leadership, and training people coming out of prison, rehab, and difficult life situations.

This episode focuses on personal accountability, emotional control, communication, and building a new identity that leads to growth and success. John explains why true leadership starts by looking inward, learning from mistakes, and becoming someone others want to work around.

Whether you’re struggling in your career, starting over at a new company, or trying to become a better leader, this episode is a powerful reminder that success starts when you stop making excuses and start changing yourself.