What happens when an architecture graduate decides he'd rather build buildings than design them? For Trent Hanna, President of SSI Northwest Arkansas, this realization launched a journey through construction superintendency and project management before culminating in the purchase of a 50-year-old general contracting company.

Trent's story is a masterclass in business transformation. Walking into a company still using carbon paper for purchase orders and operating without company credit cards, he faced the delicate challenge of modernizing operations while preserving the expertise of long-standing employees—including a superintendent with over 30 years of experience. His approach balanced respect for legacy with practical innovations that made everyone's jobs easier.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of commercial construction that rarely get discussed publicly. Trent openly addresses the extended payment terms plaguing the industry (sometimes beyond 120 days), the challenge of maintaining cash flow while satisfying both clients and subcontractors, and the increasing competition from out-of-town contractors flooding into Northwest Arkansas. His perspective on prioritizing reputation over size—aiming to be the contractor clients will "wait for" rather than the biggest in town—offers a refreshing counterpoint to growth-at-all-costs business philosophies.

For anyone feeling stuck in their career, Trent's advice is refreshingly direct: just do it. Take time to think strategically, develop your ideas, and execute. While making the initial leap is challenging, he notes the surprising number of people who emerge to support your journey once you commit to it. His experience demonstrates how combining architectural knowledge with hands-on construction expertise creates a unique perspective that can transform an entire business.

Whether you're managing a construction company, working your way through the ranks, or contemplating an entrepreneurial leap, Trent's insights on balancing tradition with innovation provide valuable guidance for navigating today's complex construction landscape.

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Ever wondered if marketing your blue-collar business is worth the investment? In this candid solo episode, Sy Kirby pulls back the curtain on how creating the Blue Collar Business Podcast transformed his excavation company in ways he never anticipated.

Nine years into running SyCon Excavation, Sy found himself facing the same challenges many trades entrepreneurs encounter: how to grow without simply adding more equipment, more employees, and more headaches. His journey from reluctant content creator to passionate advocate for trades marketing offers a blueprint for contractors looking to elevate their business visibility.

The path wasn't smooth—from filming YouTube videos at 3 AM after long workdays to questioning whether he had the credibility to share his experiences. Sy reveals the pivotal conversation with a marketing expert who told him, "The time to market is when you have no money," advice that changed his perspective entirely. That wisdom proves especially relevant in today's economic climate as contractors recover from years of hyperinflation and market volatility.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Sy's transparency about both the business impact and the personal growth that came from stepping outside his comfort zone. He addresses the pride issues that often prevent blue collar entrepreneurs from seeking help or admitting what they don't know. "What if I never did any of this?" he reflects. "There's people out there struggling especially since COVID...what we've had to deal with as entrepreneurs in the last four to five years is mortifying to think about."

Whether you're contemplating starting your own content marketing journey or simply looking for ways to make your trades business stand out, this episode provides honest insights from someone who's walked the path. Want to see how Sy and other successful contractors are navigating today's challenges? Subscribe to the Blue Collar Business Podcast and join a community that's redefining what success looks like in the trades.

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What happens when a business owner with 22,500 TikTok followers who started pushing a mower across the street meets a podcast host who's been through the excavation industry's highest highs and lowest lows? Pure, unfiltered wisdom that every blue-collar contractor needs to hear.

Trent Harris of Blue Collar Contractors pulls back the curtain on his journey from mowing lawns as a freshman in high school to managing multiple commercial excavation sites with a growing fleet of equipment. His candid stories of working 70+ hour weeks while juggling a diesel shop and a young family will resonate with anyone who's built a business from nothing.

The conversation tackles the real challenges that excavation contractors face but rarely discuss publicly. From the cash flow nightmares of commercial work ("you're not seeing money for 90 days") to the psychological burden of making payroll while waiting on delayed payments ("there were tears shed"), Trent and Sy deliver actionable insights on navigating growth without imploding.

You'll discover why systems matter more than equipment, why documenting change orders is non-negotiable with general contractors who "know how to muddy the water," and why businesses often hit a ceiling around the $750K to $1M revenue mark. Perhaps most valuable is their discussion on building industry relationships through social media, which has transformed both their businesses in unexpected ways.

Whether you're pushing a mower, operating a mini-ex, or managing multiple crews, this episode delivers the unvarnished truth about scaling in the blue-collar world. As Trent says about getting through the toughest times: "You just keep going" - but this episode will equip you with far more than just persistence.

Ready to transform your business approach? Subscribe now and join the conversation that's helping contractors across the country build sustainable, profitable excavation companies.

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