The Trades Business Owners Are Wasting Time on AI Without Strategy with Julian Scadden

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, Jeff Torello sits down with Julian Scadden, President & CEO of Nexstar Network, to connect two powerful themes: the resurgence of skilled trades and the rise of AI in business.   Julian shares his journey from plumber to consultant for over 1,000 home service companies, while Jeff breaks down what AI actually is, and isn't. Together, they challenge the hype, discuss the risks of bolt-on AI solutions, and explain why strategy must come before tools.   Whether you run a service business or are just curious about AI in action, learn how to use AI effectively while keeping strategy at the center of business decisions.   Key Takeaways: Trades Are Resurging: Market forces and workforce shortages are bringing renewed value to skilled labor. Craftsmanship Builds Leaders: Discipline, repetition, and pride in work translate directly into better business decisions. AI is Probability Software: It predicts outcomes, it doesn't guarantee them. Strategy Before Technology: Identify pain points and goals before investing in AI tools. Avoid Version One Mistakes: Most AI products are still early-stage software; integration matters more than excitement.   Noteworthy Quotes: "You don't get to respawn in business. Sometimes it's permadeath." – Julian Scadden "If a tool is truly revolutionary, all your competitors will buy it too." – Jeff Torello "AI lives between zero and one. It's probability, not certainty." – Jeff Torello "Most people research software 80% and integration 20%. That should be reversed." – Julian Scadden "You're going to pay either way, so get expert help." – Julian Scadden   Key Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction and sponsor message [04:10] The resurgence of skilled trades and workforce shortages [06:22] Shop class, craftsmanship, and character development [13:01] Lottery mindset vs. earned success [16:25] AI: savior or villain? [20:54] The danger of bolt-on AI tools [30:32] The "version one" software problem [34:03] Integration, feedback loops, and long-term thinking [37:00] Final advice for business owners   FOLLOW OUR GUEST JULIAN SCADDEN: Julian Scadden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianscadden/ Nexstar Network LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexstarnetwork/  Nexstar Network Website: https://www.nexstarnetwork.com/    FOLLOW OUR HOST JEFF TORELLO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ Website: https://sinjun.ai/   FOLLOW SINJUN AI: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinjunai/ Website: https://sinjun.ai/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/sinjunai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinjun.ai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sinjun-AI/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SinjunAI   FOLLOW AI FOR BUSINESS OWNERS PODCAST ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yi0lfb6ZtSuqRvKh6a2e1?si=88f9e649d1f546c8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIforBizOwners  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-for-business-owners/id1823255627