In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop. He is the Founder and CEO of Maplewoodshop, a leading provider in woodworking education solutions for schools, camps, Maker spaces, and community centers. Mike created Maplewoodshop in 2016 with the mission of developing life skills in all children through woodworking. He started by teaching hundreds of students directly, then developed a portable and safe program which contains proprietary equipment, hand tools, and a training program for any classroom teacher. Prior to Maplewoodshop, Mike was an Internet pioneer, building websites in 1995. He led marketing efforts on major accounts at several advertising companies before helping WebMD develop and execute its mobile strategy. Later, Mike helped the publisher, Wiley, develop new digital business models. He sits on the boards of The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Congregation Beth El, and the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board.

https://www.maplewoodshop.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of guest Mike Schloff and overview of Maplewoodshop
02:26 – Mike explains Maplewoodshop’s mission to build life skills through woodworking
04:20 – Mike shares his early background and how woodworking became his calling
06:00 – Founding of Maplewoodshop and development of the portable classroom model
07:31 – Collaboration with the Carpenters Union and expansion into schools
08:47 – How the program works for teachers without trade backgrounds
09:51 – Benefits for students: learning math, problem-solving, and teamwork
11:13 – Lessons in resilience and confidence from hands-on learning
12:56 – Connecting woodworking to broader life and career skills
14:08 – How non-CTE teachers successfully run woodworking programs
15:11 – Breaking barriers and making woodworking accessible in all schools
16:35 – The need to rebuild respect for trades and hands-on education
18:29 – How early exposure builds confidence, purpose, and opportunity
20:13 – Mike’s experience on the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board
23:09 – National expansion and digital training that scales Maplewoodshop’s reach
26:14 – The transformation kids experience through hands-on woodworking
29:52 – Closing reflections on trades education, career pathways, and partnership success

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast goes LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

https://brandgroupies.com/

00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session
01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team
02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms
03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began
05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR
06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show
08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast
09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients
11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification
12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting
14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like
16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast
17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance
18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits
25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Rob Smith, Executive Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. Rob shares how a family legacy in carpentry and education led him from the field to teaching and ultimately to leading apprenticeship and training across six states and D.C. The conversation explores the evolution of debt-free education into higher education pathways, the impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program on recruitment and retention, and how technology like virtual reality and iPads is shaping the next generation of tradespeople. Rob also reflects on mentorship, workforce challenges, and why building a level playing field for responsible contractors is essential to the future of union construction.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Rob Smith and his career in carpentry
03:28 – Early influences: family, sports, and the pull toward mentorship
05:28 – Leading a six-state training network and managing challenges
07:11 – Why the training fund merger was necessary and how it works
08:13 – Evolving beyond debt-free education into higher education partnerships
10:30 – University credits and the growing role of higher education in the trades
12:15 – Embracing technology: virtual reality, iPads, and LMS in training
15:05 – How VR reveals real-world readiness in apprentices
16:10 – The origins and impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP)
18:21 – Why CARP graduates are better prepared and more likely to succeed
19:19 – Expanding CARP across Pittsburgh, DC, and New Jersey
20:11 – Mentorship’s role in apprenticeship and career growth
22:23 – Preparing apprentices for leadership roles beyond the jobsite
23:31 – Contractor entrepreneurship and new pathways for growth
23:47 – The biggest challenge: creating a level playing field in construction
25:46 – Demand for apprenticeship spots and the jobs gap
26:38 – Defining personal and professional success in leadership
28:47 – Closing reflections on mentorship, success, and the future of the trades