S1E24 | The Real Construction Labor Problem Nobody Wants to Fix feat. Bo Jones

Most business owners already know hiring is difficult.What fewer people realize is how deep the skilled labor pipeline problem actually goes.In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot Bassett sit down with Bo Jones — Founder and CEO of Tru-Built Construction and founder of CareerPathway.com — to talk about the future of the trades, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and why students are disconnected from real career opportunities long before graduation.Bo shares how Tru-Built Construction grew from small remodeling jobs during college into large commercial and multifamily projects, what surviving the 2008 housing crash taught him, and why he built CareerPathway.com after seeing firsthand how broken the workforce connection gap had become.This episode covers:Why the skilled trades labor shortage keeps getting worseThe reality of entrepreneurship during economic downturnsWhy students are struggling to find career directionHow AI may shift interest back toward blue-collar industriesWhat construction companies are facing with labor and permitting todayGuest Information:Bo JonesFounder / CEO, Tru-Built Construction and CareerPathway.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-jones/Websites:https://tru-built.net/https://www.careerpathway.com/▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners.Stay Connected & Follow the MovementFollow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/ellerbrock-norris/ Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s bookhttps://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book Connect with the Hosts:Andy BassettCEO, Ellerbrock-Norrishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu/ Elliot BassettPresident and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norrishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Chapters00:00 Introduction00:01 How Tru-Built Construction Started00:02 From College Side Jobs to Commercial Construction00:04 Becoming an Entrepreneur by Accident00:06 Surviving the 2008 Housing Crash00:07 Why the Trades Labor Shortage Is Getting Worse00:10 The Reality of Business Ownership00:14 Why CareerPathway.com Was Created00:17 Building a Career Discovery Platform00:20 Connecting Students With Real Opportunities00:24 AI and the Future of Skilled Trades00:27 Growing CareerPathway.com Across the Country00:32 Construction Growth, Housing, and Permitting00:36 Why the Trades Are Losing Young PeopleWe often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.