Mike Disney on Building Trust, Recruiting Top Talent & Winning in the Trades

What does it really take to scale a successful HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business today? In this episode, industry expert Mike Disney shares the hard truths and powerful tactics he’s learned over a decades-long career, covering everything from finding the right mentors and avoiding toxic “advice” online to winning at recruiting, building trust with homeowners, and staying ahead in the age of AI.Hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dig deep with Mike on leadership, hiring, branding, standing out against the competition, and practical strategies for growth—even when private equity or new tech shake up the status quo. If you’re a contractor or business leader ready to future-proof your trades business and attract top talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & Introductions05:30 - State of the Trades: The Good, Bad & Ugly12:50 - Finding Mentors & Filtering Information21:00 - The Power of Positive Leadership27:00 - Building Trust & Brand Consistency34:00 - Competing Head-to-Head: Mindset & Process40:50 - AI, Tech Adoption & The Future of Recruiting46:00 - Recruiting Best Practices & Onboarding That WorksGuest Details:Mike DisneyTitle: Founder, Winding River RecruitingBackground: Mike Disney is a leading expert in trades recruiting and organizational leadership. With 12+ years of hands-on industry experience, he’s held executive roles at Gold Medal Service and CEO Warrior, shaped hundreds of trades businesses, and guided company transitions through private equity. Now, Mike helps contractors recruit better, build stronger cultures, and level up their hiring and retention, bringing real-world insights into every conversation.Relevant Links:Winding River RecruitingCatalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupThe Opus & Golds GroupEnjoyed 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.