From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership

What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins host Jennifer Bagley to share what really happens behind the scenes of explosive growth in the home services industry. Dana gets candid about her journey transitioning from global retail brands to running a legacy trades company with her brother. Discover high-leverage moves—budgeting, process-building, and accountability—that transformed their business. Dana also reveals why job descriptions, SOPs, and KPIs aren’t just “corporate red tape,” but the secret sauce that separates thriving teams from those just getting by.Plus, hear about Dana’s passion project, the Audara Collective—a supportive space for women leaders in the trades—and how podcasting, networking, and continuous learning power lasting success. If you’re a home service entrepreneur navigating family dynamics, thinking about leveling up with outside expertise, or simply wanting a blueprint for financial discipline and real leadership, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & Introductions00:33 - How Dana and Jennifer Met: Women in Home Services02:00 - Building & Growing a Legacy Trades Business (from $12M to $20M)04:18 - Why Budgeting & Numbers Matter More Than You Think06:36 - Bringing Retail Mindset to Trades: Business by the Numbers10:12 - Establishing Accountability, SOPs & Culture13:04 - Family Dynamics: Coming into the Business & Earning Credibility16:04 - Legacy Teams vs. Newcomers—Managing the Transition18:21 - What Makes a Great Company Culture (and How to Spot Its Loss)20:34 - When to Seek Help & Set Next-Level Goals22:19 - What Opus and Gold Does for Trades Businesses25:16 - Family in the Business: Holding Loved Ones Accountable27:57 - Adapting to Technology, Automation, and Lean Teams29:18 - The Audara Collective: Elevating Women in Home Services35:30 - CEO “Warp Zones” and Balancing Family & Business39:07 - Dana’s Podcast: The Trades Accelerator41:21 - How Dana’s Projects and Podcasts Complement Each Other42:15 - Keys to True Change: Consistency, Repetition, and Community44:03 - Dana’s Final Advice: Leverage Your Minutes for Growth45:21 - Connect with Dana & Opus and GoldGuest Details:Dana StaszkiewiczCo-founder, Opus and GoldFounder, Audara Collective | Host, The Trades Accelerator PodcastBackground: Dana Staszkiewicz transitioned from a career in global retail and supply chain to help grow her family’s home services business to $20M. Now, through Opus and Gold, she helps other trades businesses scale with strong financial systems, accountability, and leadership. She also founded the Audara Collective to support women in home service leadership.Relevant Links:Opus and GoldThe Trades Accelerator PodcastAudara CollectiveCI Web GroupCatalyst for the Trades PodcastEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.