Growing up in a family-owned HVAC and plumbing business, Crystal Williams has seen firsthand how the trades evolve and how businesses must adapt to thrive. Now, as the Founder and Creative Strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing, she helps blue collar businesses develop powerful branding strategies, drive employee engagement, and create company cultures that attract top talent.

In this episode, Crystal shares:

• The mindset shift needed to modernize a family business.
• How investing in branding and culture transformed her company into a multi-location powerhouse.
• Why making tough personnel decisions can be the key to long-term success.
• The hidden hiring goldmine that most trades businesses ignore (hint: it’s 50% of the population!).

If you're looking for actionable insights on leadership, marketing, and growth in the skilled trades, this episode is a must-listen!

Check Out Lemon Seed Marketing: https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/

Follow Crystal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-williams-35835b114/

🎯 Mention this episode for $500 off an audit from Lemon Seed Marketing!

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In this conversation, Greg Cayea, CEO & Founder at FunnelPros, shares his journey from being a Guinness World Record holder to becoming an expert in funnel building and automation for the home services industry.

He discusses the challenges faced by contractors in marketing, the importance of integrating AI into their systems, and the future trends in automation. Greg emphasizes the need for a robust backend system and effective advertising strategies to grow a business, while also highlighting the significance of understanding technology to solve real problems.

Takeaways

• The journey into funnel building began with a passion for automation.
• Rube Goldberg machines serve as a metaphor for effective funnels.
• Home service companies often struggle with customer recognition and engagement.
• AI can enhance customer service and scheduling in home services.
• Effective advertising is crucial for generating leads in the home service industry.
• A robust backend system is essential for nurturing leads and existing customers.
• Future trends indicate a shift towards AI agents in business processes.
• Understanding technology is key to leveraging automation tools effectively.

Chapters

03:03 The Genesis of Funnel Building and Automation

05:56 Understanding Rube Goldberg Machines and Their Relevance

08:56 Challenges in Home Services Marketing

11:45 The Role of AI in Home Service Automation

14:49 Integrating New Leads into the System

17:59 Advertising Strategies for Home Service Contractors

20:50 Future Trends in Automation and AI

Connect With Greg:

Website: https://funnelpros.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcayea/

Support Titans of the Trades:

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this conversation, Christie Hoffman, Founder of Engagement Academy, dives into the intricacies of workplace culture, employee engagement, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment.

Christie shares her journey of discovering the systemic issues that plague organizations and emphasizes the importance of understanding employee feedback as a pathway to growth. She discusses the challenges of burnout in blue collar jobs and the necessity for managers to develop empathy and soft skills to support their teams effectively.

Ryan and Christie talk about the need for ongoing training for managers to enhance their leadership capabilities and improve overall employee satisfaction. They discuss the critical importance of employee engagement in the trades, exploring how companies can measure the ROI of engagement initiatives.

They also dig into generational shifts in the workforce, particularly focusing on the unique needs and expectations of Gen Z. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of effective communication, intentional leadership, and the establishment of strong company values to foster a positive work environment and enhance employee satisfaction.

Takeaways

• Employee feedback is crucial for organizational success.
• Engagement surveys should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
• Managers need training in empathy and soft skills.
• Creating psychological safety is essential for open communication.
• Investing in manager training leads to better employee outcomes.
• Understanding individual employee situations can improve performance.
• Feedback loops help identify and address workplace issues.
• A culture of trust enhances employee engagement and retention. Investing in employee engagement yields tangible results.
• Companies must prioritize engagement to remain competitive.
• Generational differences impact employee expectations and engagement strategies.
• Gamification can enhance engagement, especially for Gen Z.
• Intentionality in leadership can transform company culture.
• Understanding employee needs leads to better retention and satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Workplace Culture Expertise

03:10 Understanding Employee Engagement and Feedback

05:59 Combatting Burnout in Blue Collar Jobs

11:58 The Role of Managers in Employee Well-Being

17:55 Investing in Manager Training for Better Outcomes

22:23 Measuring Employee Engagement ROI

25:10 The Importance of Employee Engagement

27:50 Generational Shifts in Workforce Engagement

30:40 Understanding Different Generational Needs

36:24 The Role of Communication in Engagement

39:19 Intentional Leadership and Company Values

Connect With Christie:

Website: https://www.engagementacademy.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiehoffman/

Support Titans of the Trades:

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.