Ever walked out of a meeting knowing the real conversation was about to happen in the parking lot? That’s what happens when candor is missing, and I’ve been there too many times.

In this episode, I’m digging into what it really means to speak with candor and why it’s one of the hardest but most important skills for leaders. We’ll talk about the cost of avoiding honesty, why “I feel” is so much more powerful than “you are,” and how small shifts in the way we communicate can completely change the trust and engagement on our teams.

Speaking with candor isn’t about being brutally honest. It’s about being open, vulnerable, and willing to grow alongside your people. Let’s break it down together. 🔥

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Chad Peterman | CEO | Author

Peterman Brothers Website

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• Candor is about openness, not harshness.
• “I” statements invite dialogue, not defensiveness.
• Avoiding candor erodes trust and engagement.
• Strong one-on-one relationships enable candid conversations.
• Candid cultures drive collaboration and problem-solving.

What if the biggest problem holding you back isn’t stress, addiction, or even failure…but your thinking?

Ryan and Justin sit down with Todd Sylvester—mental fitness coach, author, and host of the Beliefcast Podcast—to uncover how shifting your mindset can change everything.

From rewriting negative self-talk to embracing accountability, Todd shares the same tools that helped Justin climb from his lowest point to living with purpose and confidence.

This conversation is packed with raw stories, practical takeaways, and powerful reminders that the best feeling in the world is realizing… there’s nothing wrong with you.

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• The real issue is thinking, not substances.
• Rewrite negative self-talk into positive “I am” statements.
• Accountability breaks the victim mindset.
• Confidence comes from keeping promises to yourself.
• A 15-minute morning routine can transform your mindset.

Long hold times, missed calls, and frustrated customers are growth killers in the trades. In this episode, Chad sits down with Tyson Chen of Avoca and Matt Pozda of Call Dad to talk about how AI is transforming the way service companies handle call volume, book jobs, and keep CSRs motivated.

They break down how trades leaders can strategically use AI to reduce turnover, increase booking rates, and keep technicians focused on high-value opportunities. More importantly, they show why AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about optimizing them.

From overcoming skepticism about customer experience, to training AI agents like team members, to leveraging data for smarter scheduling, this episode will challenge how you think about growth in HVAC, plumbing, and beyond.

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Connect with Chad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-m-peterman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chadmpeterman Learn more about: Chad Peterman - https://chadmpeterman.com/ Peterman Brothers - https://www.petermancareers.com/ The People Forward Network - https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• AI Enhances, Not Replaces: The best contractors use AI to optimize CSRs and technicians, not cut headcount.
• Boosting CSR Productivity: Filtering junk calls through AI keeps CSRs fresh for high-value opportunities and reduces turnover.
• Customer Experience Wins: Faster booking and shorter hold times create happier customers and drive referrals.
• Strategic Scheduling: Using equipment age and call scoring helps leaders prioritize opportunities that drive installs.
• Operational Insights: Call center data reveals when and where to add technicians, aligning workforce with demand.