Episodes
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Permission to Succeed and Grow #43 Nate Griffin
Our guest on this episode is Nate Griffin. Nate Griffin is the owner of ExCo Design Build, a design build contractor company. Nate has been fly on the wall at construction site since he was a child. Since those humble beginnings he has evolved into a business owner and consultant. Timestamps...
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Betting on Yourself #42 Corky Silva
Our guest on this episode is Corky Silva. Corky Silva is the president of Tech City Builder, a company based in San Jose, California. With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Corky recently made the jump into owning his own company by betting on himself. Timestamps 00:00:00…
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Creating a Destination Workplace #41 Ryan Ekedal
Our guest on this episode is Ryan Ekedal of Ekedal Concrete. As the second generation leader of a family business, Ryan brings his diverse background to the business of concrete as he works to create a destination workplace. 00:00 - Intro 00:04:30 - The Ekedal Family: A Legacy in Construction...
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Turning a Small Family Business Into a Lasting Legacy #40 Josh Clauss
Ever wonder what it takes to be a contractor? So You Want to be a Contractor, hosted by Mike Fisher & Marisela Arechiga, talks with industry leaders and construction company owners about their journey, how they run their businesses and their craziest stories. Our guest on this episode is Josh...
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Providing An Experience Unlike Other Contractors #39 Jeff Forrest
Our guest on this episode is Jeff Forrest, the President and CEO of Winter Park Construction (WPC). Jeff has the tall task of bringing together different generations of the labor force together. Jeff is leading this 50 year old company with an eye on creating an experience, both for customers and...
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From The Military To Entrepreneurship; Always Learning - Salvador Hernandez #38
Our guest on this episode is Salvador Hernandez, the Founder of Pacific Breeze Landscape. Salvador brings a commitment to systems and learning to his experience in the industry. As a 9 year vet of the U.S. Navy, Salvador incorporates military values and a culture of yes to his operation. 00:00 -...
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How to Survive a Recessions And Why Succession Planning Is Important #37 - Kevin Booth
Our guest on this episode is Kevin Booth, the CEO of WestCor Companies. As a company that has survived many obstacles, from rapid growth to recession and back again, Kevin leads his company with a focus on service to customers and employees. 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - What does WestCor do? Kevin’s...
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How A Serial Entrepreneur Ended Up Owning A Commercial Sign Company - #36 - Jose Almanza
Our guest on this episode, Jose Almanza, President at GJ Signs,is pinch hitting for his partner, but hearing about his journey and drive is second to none. Jose is a serial entrepreneur who’s found his niche is electronic sign contracting. 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Getting started Electrical sign...
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#35 - Mario Campirano
Our guest on this episode is Mario Campirano, owner of Metro Electric Co. Mario’s life has been about beating the odds and overcoming adversity. Mario is determined not to lose and because of that he’s built a thriving business that can’t lose. 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Getting started in electrical...
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#34 - Nick Yahoodain
Our guest on this episode is Nick Yahoodain. Nick came into the industry as a complete novice and as a favor to a friend to help him accounting and paperwork. Through that work, he found his passion for organization, collaboration, and building a thriving business as a general contractor. 00:00 -...
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#33 - Randy Fornoff
Our guest on this episode is Randy Fornoff of MTS Painting. Randy’s success in the industry can be directly related to his commitment to community. As the head of MTS, Randy has placed a priority on building community with staff, clients, and the larger entrepreneurial community and that priority...
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#32 - Rob Brinzer
Our guest on this episode is Rob Brinzer. As the owner of Trident Electric, Rob is building his company from the top down with principles gathered from his years of services as a Navy Seal in the military. His no excuses approach entrepreneurship has made Trident a powerhouse in a very short…
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#31 - Omar Ramirez
Our guest on this episode is Omar Ramirez. Omar makes money from manure. While dealing with shit, Omar’s company, Aligned Digesters, is anything but. Aligned Digesters is solving a problem that will improve the world and Omar is building a company built on collaboration, strong relationships, and…
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#30 - Alexia Cooper
Our guest on this episode is Alexia Cooper. As the owner of Bell Solar & Electrical, Alexia has built a dynamic team of leaders and team members who care about the work and the mission of changing the world through solar. Since taking over the company from a contractor who had been in the…
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#29 - Alex Rodriguez
My guest on this episode is Alex Rodriguez. He’s the owner of Bay Cities Construction and is laser focused on building his brand and company through a strategic focus on marketing and content creation. Alex is well versed in how to find the right clients and getting them to engage. Having been in...
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#28 - Clayton Rodrigues
My guest on this episode is Clayton Rodrigues. He’s the owner of Zothex Flooring and is passionate champion for customer service, sales, and self improvement. Clayton’s secret to success is his ability to push employees past their comfort zone of success and into a new baseline of potential.…
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#27 - Keenan Garcia
My guest on this episode is Keenan Garcia, a virtual solar consultant out of Dallas, TX. He has built his brand by building partnerships in the industry and with people throughout other industries. 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - How Keenan got started in virtual solar Starting in sales Expanding into...
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#26 - Natassia Melendrez-Knutson
My guest on this episode is Natassia Melendrez-Knutson of Project Support Services. Natassia had a non-traditional entrance into the construction industry, but that hasn’t stopped her from staking her claim in the industry and finding her niche. From jumping into business during a recession to...
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#25 - Chris Dyck
My guest on this episode is Chris Dyck of August Roofing and Solar. While Chris isn’t breaking new ground in how roofs are installed or in the solar industry, August Roofing is redefining professionalism in the construction industry. That creed isn’t only reserved for customers but also for...
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#24 - Bob Biederman
My guest on this episode is Bob Biederman of Groundswell Management. Groundswell has carved out a unique place in the construction industry by connecting realtors with contractors and being the missing link in reference to code, regulation, and permitting. 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - Getting started in...
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#23 - Greg Westmoreland
My guest on this episode is Greg Westmoreland of Westmoreland Builders. In a changing economy and a changing workforce Greg is working to lead a national company by sticking to the core values of his company. 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Getting started in the industry Your career picks you From…
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#22 - Bob Muller
My guest on this episode is Bob Muller of Personal Plumbing. Through a commitment to organic search marketing and ongoing branding. Bob has carved out a niche in Southern California. 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Getting started in the industry Military background Striking out on your own 09:11 - Finding…
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#21 - AJ Cappuccitti
My guest on this episode is also my first international contractor, AJ Cappuccitti, President of AC Custom. AJ gives marketing and branding a whole new meaning by using high-quality videos on social and bringing the customer into the production process in creative ways. As a business that…
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#20 - John Stich
My guest on this episode is John Stich of Completely Concrete Structures. Having been steeped in the construction industry since a summer job during childhood, John has combined all that he’s learned into a thriving business and internet show (Concrete Cowboys). 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Breaking…
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#19 - Jeff Mudd
My guest on this episode is Jeff Mudd of Best Rate Repair Company. Having been in the home service business for decades, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge to the trades industry. At this stage of his career, Jeff is becoming a champion for the industry to replenish the pipeline and destigmatize...
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#18 - Keanu Spindola
My guest on this episode is Keanu Spindola of Spindola Construction. As a young CEO, Keanu is navigating a family legacy with taking a company into the future. Keanu brings a fresh prospective to construction from his time in the military surrounding collaboration. 00:00 - Intro - Keanu’s…
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#17 - Brian Toppel
My guest on this episode is Brian Toppel of Toppel Consulting. Brian is the quintessential jack of all trades. His curiosity and willingness to learn every facet of the business has helped him forge strong relationships as he seeks to change the narrative of the construction industry. 00:00…
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#16 - Micah Johnson
My guest on this episode is Micah Johnson, President of Clean Roofing. As an investment banker turned roofer, Micah’s journey into business wasn’t traditional. Micah’s diverse background in manufacturing, sales, and contracting gives him a unique customer-first perspective. He’s evolved this...
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#15 - Aaron Gianni
My guest on this episode is Aaron Gianni. Aaron is the CEO of Larratt Brothers and the creator of the Plunjr App. Aaron is setting out to disrupt his own industry in an effort to make everyone more money and bring equity and customer service back into home improvement. 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - How...
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#14 - Lance Smith
My guest on this episode is Lance Smith. As the owner of Smith and Son Construction, Lance focuses on grit and grind. Through determination and will Lance is building a legacy with strong roots. 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - How Lance got started ● Taking risks ● Building a legacy 07:32 - The challenges…
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#13 - Mitch Whitson
My guest on this episode is Mitch Whitson with California Filtration Specialists and Whitson Contracting & Management. Mitch has carved out a unique spot in the marketplace as both a generalist and a specialist. Because of the unique challenges of weather and rain in Southern California, there is…
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#12 - Sondra Friestad
My guest on this episode is Sondra Friestad. As a project manager at CSI Construction, Sondra has made significant moves throughout her career to go from the back off to being one of few women in the field. Through mentorship, teamwork, and self-education, Sondra hopes to see more women choose...
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#11 - Evan Richardson
My guest on this episode is Evan Richardson. As president of Reaume Richardson, Evan is working to build a company that is so well known for its quality work and customer service, that they one day usurp the need for bidding on jobs. Reaume Richardson takes a customer experience approach to...
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#10 - Sean Bright
My guest on this episode is Sean Bright of New Era Electric. Sean and his team are finding creative ways to replenish the pool of electrical workers while being optimistic about the future of the industry with the growing opportunities surrounding renewable energy sources. 00:00 - Intro 01:13 -...
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#9 - Marisela Arechiga
My guest on this episode is Marisela Arechiga of New Generation Home Improvements. New Generation Home Improvements is a thriving residential construction company that prides itself on providing value. Marisela and her husband Mario are bringing commercial professionalism to residential...
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#8 - Pete Fowler
My guest on this episode is Pete Fowler of Fowler Construction. Pete is a data nerd who has transitioned his construction expertise into consultant work. Pete Fowler’s aim is to simplify the complex aspects of construction management; operationally, technically, and relationally. 00:00 - Intro...
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#7 - Bill Mann
My guest on this episode is Bill Mann of GB Group INC. As President of GB Group, Bill is at the helm of stewarding the next generation of HOA construction executives. Bill is an expert at embracing change, learning from the next generation, and leading large organizations through environments...
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#6 - Jesse Anderson
My guest on this episode is Jesse Anderson of Advanced Conservation Management. Jesse is carving out a unique business model throughout southern California. His background in sales is making him a wealth of knowledge as the middleman in a growing industry. 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Jesse’s road to...
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#5 - Tim Perryman
My guest on this episode is Tim Perryman of Perryman Painting. Tim keeps a clear delineation between lead generation and branding when it comes to marketing and that philosophy has lead to immediate growth. 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Tim Perryman’s backstory and the makeup of Perryman Painting 04:43 -...
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#4 - Mike Hannig
My guest on this episode is Mike Hannig. After having his career derailed by 9/11 and an economic downturn, this former tech executive has built a thriving company with a niche in backyard studio (especially suiting the work from home generation). Mike is building his customer service focused...
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#3 - Sunny Pinhero
My guest on this episode is Sunny Pinhero, who broke into the family business even against his parents' suggestions. Since starting Pinhero Construction, Sunny has built a recognizable brand on a bootstrap marketing budget and continually focused on maximizing profit without sacrificing quality....
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#2 - Bret Burge
My guest on this episode is Bret Burge, a contractor navigating the changing landscape of the industry while taking over a family business with a lot of name cache. Throughout his own journey Bret has learned the importance of having coaching, mentorship, and an industry network. 00:00 - Intro...
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#1 - Alexi Cortez
Ever wonder what it takes to be a contractor? So You Want to be a Contractor, hosted by Mike Fisher talks with industry leaders and construction company owners about their journey, how they run their businesses, and their craziest stories. Our guest on this episode is Alexi Cortez, a serial...
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Intro
Ever wonder what it's like to be a contractor? New to the trade and want to hear how others have made it; their struggles and successes? Maybe you've been in the trade fo years and just love hearing stories you can relate with! Contractors are a unique subset of people, and the stories they tell...
About this show
From the books to the boots..we discuss everything it takes to be a contractor with today's top industry professionals.
Hosted by
Mike Fisher
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