The Smarter Wealthier Podcast

Quick update: the podcast is moving from weekly to monthly episodes. This shift allows for more focused topics, consistent length, and more guest conversations, all aimed at delivering stronger, more practical value.

In this episode of the Smarter Wealthier Podcast, Spencer Dillinger and Gabe Rogers explain that getting promoted isn’t just about doing your job well, it’s about developing others and shifting from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset. They break down how true leaders create value by replacing themselves, avoiding detractor behavior, and becoming multipliers who elevate the performance of everyone around them.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, Spencer Dillinger and Gabe Rogers break down what it actually means to pursue constant, never-ending improvement, and why it ultimately comes down to personal ownership. Drawing from real-world experience in the trades, sales, and leadership, they explore the difference between knowing and doing, the role of discipline versus curiosity, and how small, consistent actions compound into long-term success. From practical examples like learning refrigeration systems to broader concepts like balancing life’s “wheel” of growth, this conversation challenges listeners to stop outsourcing their development and start taking responsibility for their next move.

In this episode of the Smarter Wealthier Podcast, Spencer and Gabe sit down with 24-year-old entrepreneur Josh Hudepohl, founder of Hudepohl Landscape & Design and Summerside Pools. Starting with just a mower and knocking doors in high school, Josh scaled his business to multi-million-dollar revenue by focusing on consistency, relentless growth, and trusting his instincts.

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment (WCE), who walked away from a lifelong path in the stunt industry to build a multi-million dollar service business in the trades. Josh shares how he made the transition, what it really took to grow the company, and the mindset shifts that drove their success from hiring the right people to building a culture centered around communication and ownership.

In this episode, we sit down with Rich Malachy, owner of Malachy Parts and Service, to break down how he scaled his business from a small team of 8 technicians to a thriving operation with 32. Rich shares the real story behind that growth, what worked, what didn’t, and the decisions that made the biggest impact. The conversation covers hiring and retaining quality technicians, building systems that actually support growth, and the operational discipline required to scale without losing control. This episode is focused on practical insights for anyone in the trades or service industry looking to grow a team, increase capacity, and build a more valuable business.

In this 3 minute update we share some exciting updates about what is coming with our podcast in the next few weeks.   

Most people want to get promoted, make more money, and move up in their career, but very few understand how the process actually works. In this episode, we take a step back and look at promotions from a 30,000-foot view. We talk about how to view your current job the right way, why the role you have today is actually the training ground for the next level, and how people who rise through a company think differently about their work. Along the way we discuss concepts like the law of diminishing returns, the reality behind exponential growth in a career, and why most people stall out while a few accelerate. If you’ve ever wondered why some employees keep getting promoted while others stay stuck, this episode lays the foundation for understanding the game.  

Not every repair is created equal. Sometimes spending an extra $200 today prevents a $2,000 failure tomorrow. Other times, the right move is the simple fix that gets them running without overselling. In this episode, we break down how to think like a professional not a parts changer. • When to replace accessory components to prevent callbacks • When a quick fix is actually the smarter play • How to protect the primary component • Why judgment separates average techs from elite ones If you want to become the tech customers trust and the company relies on, this is required listening.

Imposter syndrome is more common in the trades than we talk about, especially as techs grow into leadership roles. In this episode, we break down how self‑doubt shows up in the field, why skilled tradespeople experience it, and practical ways to push past it. Built for working techs and aspiring leaders who want confidence to match their capability.  

Most people think taking time off is a reward. It’s not. It’s maintenance. In this episode, we break down why skipping vacations, working nonstop, and “pushing through” doesn’t make you tougher, it makes you slower, sloppier, and more expensive in the long run.

In this episode, we break down how real confidence is built, why skill alone isn’t enough, and why the most confident people in the trades often don’t look confident at all.

Leadership isn’t a promotion, it’s a skilled trade. It has a learning curve, costly mistakes, and lessons you only earn through experience. In this episode, we break down what surprised us most when we became leaders, and what no one warns you about.

It’s not motivation. It’s not discipline. It’s something way simpler and fixable.

Nobody warns you that building a meaningful life doesn’t feel steady. Some days demand everything you’ve got, while others quietly remind you what you’re working for. In this episode, we talk about the unseen weight of responsibility, why certain seasons feel heavier than others, and how learning to recognize those moments changes everything. If you’ve ever felt pulled in two directions and wondered if that tension is normal, this conversation is for you.

Every January promises change, but most people end the year exactly where they started. It’s not a discipline problem or a motivation problem. In this episode, we unpack the invisible influence that decides whether you grow or stall, and why protecting this one area matters more than anything on your to-do list.

Goals don’t move your life forward: reasons do. In this episode, we dig into why having a strong “why” is more important than the goal itself, especially for people building careers, families, and long-term wealth. If your goals keep stalling out, this might be the missing piece.

What actually makes someone smarter and wealthier? In this episode, we break down the books that genuinely changed how we think about money, work, discipline, and decision-making. No theory, no fluff, just the ideas we’ve applied in real life that helped us build better careers, businesses, and long-term wealth. If you’re tired of learning the hard way and want a faster path forward, this episode is your reading list.

Most people set goals. Almost no one makes the decision that actually changes their future. In this episode, we break down why its so difficult to stick with new years resolutions and what you can do to make annual goals effective. This episode we give you practical advice on how to stick with your goals and how get started before January 1st.   Questions to ask during goal planning:  What do I want to learn more about that has nothing to do with work?   What is my replenishment plan - how do I best recharge?   What/who am I avoiding/tolerating? How could I muster courage to deal with it?   How can I ensure I will have more energy next year than I did this year?   If I do not do______, I am going to regret it for a long time…   What is my greatest fear for me and my family?   What family relationships do I want to improve, and how will I do that?    What old friends would I like to see? How could that happen?    Where do I most want to volunteer time/talent and gift treasure   What choices am I making about money, and by those choices what am I teaching  others? Income, spending, debt. Investing, philanthropy, etc.    When was the last time I just had fun with no schedule whatsoever?   What changes do I need to make as a leader to be more effective in 2026?   What changes do I need to make personally in 2026?   Where do you need more accountability in 2026?   Where do you need to be more bold in 2026?   What do you need to stop doing in 2026?

A fast, practical look at the values that built Jags Mechanical and how techs use them to grow their career, income, and mindset.

Modern life is strange. On the surface, everything feels easier: ordering food, changing the thermostat, sending a message, buying anything you want with a tap. But behind that simplicity is a massive, invisible network of people, technology, supply chains, and collaboration that’s more complex than at any point in human history. In this episode, Spencer and Gabe break down the paradox of modern life: tasks are getting simpler, but the world required to make them simple is getting more complicated.   

The day after Thanksgiving usually comes with leftovers, a slower pace, and a moment to breathe and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the people who made us who we are. Today we talk about something that matters more than goals, money, or success, the people who shaped their journey. This episode is part gratitude letter, part storytelling, and part reminder that none of us build a life or career alone. If you’re feeling reflective over the holidays, or you just want to think about the people who changed your own direction, this one will hit home.

Buying a home shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret language, but for most people, it does. In this episode, Spencer and Gabe sit down with their personal lender, someone they trust so much they bring her every real estate deal they touch. And the best part? She’s a resource you can use no matter what state you live in.   Kait Rissover  216-780-5099 [email protected]  

In this episode, Spencer and Gabe open up about the one habit they became completely obsessed with and how that obsession quietly transformed the direction of their lives. No gimmicks, no overnight success stories. Just a simple, repeatable quarterly practice that created clarity, momentum, and purpose when things felt chaotic and overwhelming.

Every day you go to work, you’re either investing or wasting your time. In our latest Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we break down how technicians can get a return on their investment every single day, not just in their paycheck, but in their skills, mindset, and future opportunities.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in the workplace, asking for a raise. Many companies frown on employees who are financially motivated, but at Jags, we believe ambition should be celebrated, not punished. We break down: Why most raise structures don't work How everyone's "bonus" is tied to company performance whether companies admit it or not What a merit-based pay system looks like and how it builds a stronger, more accountable culture The mindset shift that separates “entitlement” from “earned growth” If you want to build wealth, advance your career, and work in a company that rewards performance, this episode will change the way you see money at work.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we sit down with Jon Biehl, the man behind the launch of Jags Mechanical’s Columbus branch, one of the company’s biggest success stories. Jon walks us through his journey from technician to branch leader, sharing what it really takes to build something from the ground up. We talk about the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way, and uncover the mindset required to turn a new venture into a thriving operation. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to take the next big step in your career, Jon’s story is packed with insight and inspiration.

Buying your first home can be the beginning of your journey towards building wealth — but it sometimes feels unattainable. In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we sit down with Realtor Lauren Wessel to talk through what first-time buyers really need to know. We ask the tough questions about today’s housing market, explore where to start when beginning your home search, and uncover practical advice to help you make confident decisions. Whether you’re saving for your first down payment or just starting to browse listings, this episode gives you clear, no-nonsense insight into the home-buying process from both sides of the table. 

Motivation gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we dive into the truth about staying motivated: it’s not just about feeling inspired, it’s about building the habits and discipline that carry you forward on the days when motivation fades. We break down how discipline and motivation work together, why relying on motivation alone sets you up for failure, and practical steps you can take to build a system that keeps you moving toward your goals, whether it’s in your career, your health, or your personal life. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, this conversation will give you the mindset and tools you need to keep pushing forward.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we tackle a big question on everyone’s mind: Is artificial intelligence going to replace human employees? While AI is transforming industries left and right, the skilled trades remain one of the safest, most future-proof career paths. We break down why robots can’t replace human problem-solving in the field, how technology will actually make technicians smarter and more valuable, and what opportunities this shift creates for those willing to adapt. If you’ve ever worried about job security in the age of AI, this conversation will give you perspective, clarity, and confidence in the future of your career.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we tackle one of the hardest but most important skills you can develop, learning how to deal with difficult people. Whether it’s a boss, a co-worker, a tenant, or even a family member, challenging personalities can drain your energy and derail your goals if you don’t handle them well. If you’ve ever felt stuck dealing with someone who tests your patience, this conversation will give you tools to respond with confidence, empathy, and effectiveness.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we flip the script on conventional wisdom. Everyone tells you to “finish what you start,” but the truth is, some things aren’t worth finishing. Our core value TEA – Tenaciously Effective Action isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things with relentless focus. We dig into why clinging to every project, idea, or task can actually hold you back, drain your energy, and stop you from pursuing what truly matters. Instead, we challenge you to cut losses, pivot quickly, and double down where your effort makes the biggest impact. If you’ve ever felt guilty about walking away from something, this conversation will help you reframe that choice as strategic, not lazy, and show you how the smartest path to success often means knowing what not to finish.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we challenge the stigma often attached to money and explore why the pursuit of wealth is not only practical, but noble. Wealth isn’t just about luxury or status—it’s about freedom, security, and the ability to make a lasting impact. We dive into how building wealth equips you to care for your family, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to your community. From reshaping your mindset about money to reframing wealth as a tool for good, this conversation will leave you inspired to pursue financial growth with purpose and pride. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a technician, or simply someone striving for more stability, this episode unpacks why wealth should be seen not as greed, but as stewardship.

Your skills, knowledge, and effort can take you far but your mindset determines how far you’ll actually go. In this episode, we explore how the way you think shapes your career, your finances, and your life. From handling setbacks to seizing opportunities, we break down the habits and mental frameworks that top performers use to stay motivated, solve problems, and keep moving forward. Whether you’re trying to grow in the trades, build wealth, or just live better, this is the blueprint for thinking your way to success.

You’ve got the paycheck, but somehow your bank account never seems to grow. In this episode, we dig into why a good income doesn’t always lead to wealth and what to do about it. From lifestyle creep to hidden expenses, bad debt to lack of a plan, we’ll break down the habits and mindset shifts that separate those who stay stuck from those who build lasting wealth. Whether you’re tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck or just want to make your money work harder, this conversation will give you the tools to turn income into real financial freedom.

College isn’t the only path to a successful, fulfilling career and for many, the skilled trades offer more opportunity, freedom, and earning potential than they ever imagined. How Do I Get Into the Trades? is your guide to breaking in, standing out, and building a future in industries that keep the world running. From apprenticeships to certifications, toolkits to trade school, we cover the steps, the mindset, and the insider tips you need to start strong. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or just curious, you’ll hear real stories from pros who’ve been there, made it, and are ready to share the roadmap.

In every shop, on every job site, there’s a handful of technicians who just seem to operate on a different level. What makes them stand out? Is it raw skill, attitude, efficiency, or something deeper? What Sets the Best Techs Apart digs into the habits, mindsets, and decision-making that separate the good from the truly great. If you’re a tech aiming to level up or a leader looking to build an elite team, this is your front-row seat to the playbook of the best.

"In this episode, we dive into why many companies rely on keeping their employees in a truck for the long haul, and why Jags Mechanical takes a different approach. Discover how we empower our team with opportunities to grow beyond the truck, build careers, and create long-term wealth. It's time to break the cycle and focus on career development for those that want to pursue leadership."

Every big move starts with a bold decision. This week, we dive into the Columbus expansion — the vision, the grind, and what it means for the future of Jags Mechanical. If you're building something big, don’t miss this one.

In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we sit down with Mike Rogers to hear how he turned a trade job into a long-term career path and a platform for personal growth. From humble beginnings to big-picture thinking, Mike shares lessons on work ethic, mindset, and what it really takes to build wealth without a college degree. This is part one of a conversation every technician—and every leader—should hear.

Is college worth it—or are the trades the smarter path? In this episode of The Smarter Wealthier Podcast, we break down the real pros and cons of college vs. skilled trades. From debt to earning potential, we uncover what actually leads to financial freedom. Whether you're just starting out or rethinking your path, this one's for you.