How do you turn years of hard labor into lasting business success?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Joe Kavanagh shares his inspiring journey from hauling furniture and grinding through hands-on jobs to leading one of Charleston’s largest real-estate appraisal firms. With more than 35 years in sales, real estate, and coaching, Joe opens up about the real meaning of work ethic, integrity, and resilience.

He talks about losing half his properties in a market crash and how that setback became the foundation for his comeback. From lessons in customer trust to actionable sales tips for tradespeople, Joe’s story proves that grit and character still build the strongest businesses.

Whether you’re on the tools or running a team, this episode will motivate you to bet on yourself and keep pushing, no matter the obstacles.

👉 Watch now and discover how blue-collar principles create long-term success.

🎟 Learn more about Joe Kavanagh’s “Effective Business Building Strategies for Communication to Close Sales” event here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/effective-business-building-strategies-for-communication-to-close-sales-tickets-669094498657

#JoeKavanagh #TheAroBenaiahShow #BlueCollarSuccess #TradeBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Resilience #SalesLeadership #RealEstateGrowth #CustomerTrust #HandsOnEntrepreneur

How do you turn small jobs into lifelong clients and a service business that stands out for integrity and quality?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Aidan Bar-Lev-Wise, CEO of WashTech Property Solutions in Vancouver, shares his journey from hauling debris at 14 to leading one of the region’s most trusted property care crews.

Aidan opens up about starting a window-cleaning business during lockdowns, mastering building systems from the inside out, and creating smarter, safer methods for exterior maintenance. He explains how underpromising and overdelivering built WashTech’s reputation and how simple systems can help any service entrepreneur grow while keeping their quality high.

Whether you’re in cleaning, painting, or property maintenance, this episode will show you how grit, honesty, and structure can turn your trade into a long-term business.

👉 Watch now and learn how to scale your service business without losing what makes it great.

Learn more from Aidan and the WashTech team here: https://www.washtechsolution.ca/blog

#AidanBarLevWise #TheAroBenaiahShow #WashTech #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #ServiceBusinessGrowth #PropertyMaintenance #CustomerTrust #EntrepreneurMindset #HandsOnLeadership #TradeBusiness

On this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Aro sits down with Roger Pearson a seasoned entrepreneur and tax advisor with over 50 years of hands-on experience and more than 500 clients served. Roger started his journey with no guidance, made tough mistakes, and turned those lessons into a lifelong mission: helping tradespeople and small business owners build stronger, smarter, and more profitable operations.

Together, they unpack the three pillars every business needs to survive legal structure, organization, and tax strategy. Roger shares real stories of hardworking owners who lost thousands to simple accounting oversights, along with clear, practical advice on how to avoid the same traps.

If you’re in the trades and want to protect your earnings, plan for growth, and gain real financial freedom, this episode is your guide.

📘 Get Roger’s free report here: https://seagulltechnologiestraining.com/forms/free-report

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone building their dream in the trades.

What if your next big business idea came from solving an everyday problem others overlook?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, David Sowers, co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, shares how he turned a simple idea luxury portable restrooms into a national franchise and industry leader in event hospitality.

From growing up in the marshlands of Savannah to managing a nationwide operation, David’s story is one of vision, grit, and smart execution. He opens up about spotting hidden opportunities, learning from early franchising missteps, and scaling without losing quality or authenticity.

Whether you’re in construction, cleaning, or any hands-on trade, this episode delivers real lessons on systems, branding, and long-term thinking that turn small beginnings into sustainable success.

Watch now and discover how solving everyday problems can build extraordinary businesses.

Learn more about Royal Restrooms here: https://royalrestrooms.com/

#DavidSauers #TheAroBenaiahShow #RoyalRestrooms #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #FranchiseSuccess #TradeBusiness #HandsOnLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #HiddenOpportunities

How do you go from digging fence posts at sixteen to leading multi-million-dollar companies?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Stewart Ervin—founder of Bracket Management and creator of the Built to Run system—shares his journey from hands-on installer to seasoned business leader.

Stewart reveals the key principles behind scaling a trade business: understanding your numbers, creating repeatable systems, and building strong teams that can run without you. He also talks about the power of purpose—why knowing your why keeps you moving through every setback.

Whether you’re just starting your first crew or already managing a growing trade company, this episode is packed with practical, hard-earned lessons that will help you scale with clarity and confidence.

👉 Watch now and learn how to turn your hands-on hustle into a business that truly runs itself.

Learn more and take the Built to Run assessment here: https://www.bracketmgmt.com/assessment

#StewartErvin #TheAroBenaiahShow #BuiltToRun #BracketManagement #TradeBusinessGrowth #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #BusinessSystems #LeadershipInTrades #KnowYourNumbers #EntrepreneurMindset

What if the lessons that power tech startups could also help your blue-collar business grow?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, host Aro Benaiah sits down with Andrew Ackerman a two-time startup founder and mentor who’s helped over 70 entrepreneurs launch and scale successful ventures.

Andrew opens up about growing up in a family built on hustle, transitioning from consulting into full-time entrepreneurship, and how he now mentors small business owners including tradespeople on growth, testing ideas, and leadership.

He shares practical takeaways: why saying “yes” before you’re fully ready can fuel momentum, how to validate ideas fast, and why empathy and grit are key for long-term success.

If you’re a hands-on business owner or trade entrepreneur ready to level up your mindset and operations, this conversation will give you both clarity and courage.

👉 Watch now and learn real startup lessons you can apply to your trade or service business today.

Learn more about Andrew here: https://www.andrewbackerman.com/

#AndrewAkama #TheAroBenaiahShow #StartupMindset #TradeEntrepreneur #BlueCollarSuccess #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipLessons #StartupMentor #HandsOnBusiness

Branding isn’t just about logos; it’s about trust, grit, and the work behind your name.

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Aaron Keller, farm-raised in Wisconsin and now co-founder of Capsule, the creative agency behind brands like Patagonia and Capital One shares what 25 years in design and leadership have taught him about building lasting brands.

Aaron opens up about starting from humble roots, staying true to values, and leading a small team with purpose. He breaks down the real meaning of branding and how tradespeople and small business owners can build strong reputations without big budgets.

If you’re a hands-on entrepreneur looking to grow your business through authenticity and trust, this episode will change how you see your brand.

👉 Learn more about Capsule: https://capsule.us/about

👉 Visit their website: https://capsule.us/

#AaronKeller #TheAroBenaiahShow #BrandBuilding #BlueCollarBrands #EntrepreneurMindset #TradesBusiness #AuthenticBranding #SmallBusinessTips #DesignLeadership #ThePhysicsOfBrand

What does it take to lead a blue-collar business with purpose, discipline, and real impact?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Dusty Holcomb former CEO, Ironman athlete, and founder of Archios Group shares his journey from the farm to the boardroom, revealing timeless lessons on leadership and growth.

With over 28 years of hands-on experience, Dusty explains how empowering your team, staying disciplined, and finding clarity can help you scale your trade business without burning out.

We talk about servant leadership, daily habits that drive performance, and how to build a reputation that keeps customers and crews loyal for years.

If you’re ready to grow your business, align your team, and lead with purpose this episode is for you.

👉 Watch now and start building your legacy one job, one habit, one day at a time.

🔗 Take Dusty’s free Leadership Gap Assessment here: https://leadershipgapassessment.scoreapp.com/

#DustyHolcomb #TheAroBenaiahShow #ServantLeadership #BlueCollarLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #TradesBusiness #Discipline #TeamBuilding #BusinessGrowth #IronmanMindset

Are you tired of doing everything yourself and ready to build a business that runs without you?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Jeremy Shapiro a blue-collar entrepreneur turned business coach shares how he broke free from burnout and built system-driven businesses that scale.

From working long hours fixing problems to creating six-figure systems that run on their own, Jeremy explains how tradespeople can move from busy workers to true business owners.

He reveals the secrets behind effective delegation, pricing for profit, and bringing ideas from other industries to spark innovation in your trade.

If you’re a painter, plumber, or builder ready to grow your business without losing your freedom, this episode is your playbook.

👉 Watch now and start building the systems that set you free.

🔗 Learn more about Jeremy’s business growth tools here: https://yourbusinessgrowthplaybook.com/

#JeremyShapiro #TheAroBenaiahShow #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #BusinessSystems #EntrepreneurMindset #TradesBusiness #Delegation #BusinessGrowth #HandsOnSuccess #SmallBusinessTips

From helping in his family’s Greek restaurant to guiding trades and blue-collar businesses for over 20 years, Emmanuel Skevofilax better known as Manny has seen what makes small shops thrive and what makes them fail. In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Manny lays out the hard truths about money, growth, and discipline in the trades.

Manny breaks down:

✅ The 8 financial mistakes that kill small trade businesses

✅ When debt can be useful and when it destroys your cash flow

✅ Why reviewing your numbers weekly is non-negotiable

✅ How “shiny new toys” can derail even the most passionate entrepreneurs

If you’re building with grit and passion but want financial stability that lasts, this episode will give you the roadmap to avoid costly mistakes and grow sustainably.

👉 Learn more from Manny here: https://portalcfo.com/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help tradespeople and blue-collar entrepreneurs succeed.

#TradeBusiness #SmallBusinessFinance #BlueCollarSuccess #TheAroBenaiahShow

What would you do if you were born into a nine-figure family business but your heart wanted something different?

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Jason Vanderbilt shares why he left his family’s car dealership empire to chase his own dreams.

From cleaning gutters and detailing cars to building Go Crazy, a goal-setting planner with over 40,000 users, and a $3.5M real estate portfolio, Jason’s journey is a masterclass in risk, resilience, and redefining success.

He reveals how his “Triple L Framework” helps entrepreneurs validate ideas, stay grounded, and build businesses that align with their values not just profits.

👉 Watch now and learn how to create your own version of legacy and freedom.

🔗 Explore more about Jason’s work here: https://www.gocrazyplanner.com

#TheAroBenaiahShow #EntrepreneurMindset #BlueCollarSuccess #LegacyBuilding #BusinessMotivation #GoalSetting #RealEstateInvesting #HandsOnEntrepreneur #GoCrazyPlanner

You don’t need a huge marketing budget to grow your trades business, you need a story.

In this conversation, digital marketer and former tradesman Emanuel Rose joins The Aro Benaiah Show to share how blue-collar entrepreneurs can build trust, attract clients, and use AI tools to stand out online.

From job site lessons to digital breakthroughs, this episode shows you how to build a brand that works as hard as you do.

👉 Explore Emanuel’s recommended AI marketing tools here: https://emanuelrose.com/ai-marketing-tool-saas-directories/

#Tradespeople #SmallBusinessTips #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #DigitalMarketing #TheAroBenaiahShow #MarketingTips #ClientGrowth #BusinessStrategy #AIforTrades #EmanuelRose

This week on The Aro Benaiah Show, we sit down with Doug Thorpe veteran Army officer, Fortune 500 executive, serial entrepreneur, and now a sought-after leadership coach. Doug grew up working hands-on with his single mom in her interior design business before shouldering $75 million in military responsibility at just 23. He opens up about why real leadership is about connecting with your crew, not just barking orders and how delegating the right way can save your business from grinding to a halt.

We dig into practical steps for fighting burnout, bridging gaps across generations, and the make-or-break difference between a manager and a team-builder. Doug's hard-won wisdom is tailor-made for tradespeople ready to build something bigger than themselves.

👉 Learn more from Doug here: https://dougthorpe.com

📅 Book a discovery call with Doug: https://calendly.com/dougthorpe/discovery?month=2025-09

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone in the trades.

#LeadershipInTrades #BlueCollarSuccess #Delegation #TradesLeadership #TeamBuilding #BusinessGrowth #TheAroBenaiahShow #DougThorpe

From mowing lawns at 14 to scaling companies through 60+ acquisitions and billion-dollar exits, Kurt Uhlir known as the “King of Scaling Companies” has lived the blue-collar grind and mastered the art of building businesses that last. In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Kurt shares the lessons every tradesperson needs to hear about selling, leadership, and systems.

Kurt breaks down:

✅ Why tradespeople struggle to sell themselves and how to fix it

✅ The surprising power of simply knocking on doors

✅ How servant leadership creates lasting trust in any business

✅ Practical steps for documenting processes so your company runs without you

Whether you’re fixing gutters or leading a growing team, Kurt’s story proves grit, relationships, and servant leadership are the keys to scaling with impact.

👉 Grab Kurt’s Definitive Guide to Servant Leadership: https://kurtuhlir.com/definitive-guide-to-servant-leadership/

👉 Explore more of Kurt’s work: https://kurtuhlir.com/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help tradespeople and blue-collar entrepreneurs succeed.

#TradeBusiness #Leadership #ScalingBusiness #TheAroBenaiahShow

Protect Your Business: Cybersecurity Lessons for the Trades

On this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, we sit down with Brett Gallant former construction worker turned founder of Adaptive Office Solutions, a cybersecurity firm helping small businesses and trades stay safe in the digital world.

Brett’s leap from the workshop floor to running a thriving IT business is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs who are ready to grow beyond the toolbelt.

In this episode, we cover:

How to turn side hustles into a full-time business

Why tradespeople are never “too small” to get hacked

Practical, affordable cybersecurity steps for small businesses

The power of delegation, clear goals, and leadership mindset

If you’re ready to grow your business, protect your work, and lead with confidence, this conversation is for you.

👉 Learn more from Brett’s company: https://www.adaptiveoffice.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone in the trades.

#Cybersecurity #TradeBusiness #BlueCollarSuccess #TheAroBenaiahShow

Protect Your Business: Cybersecurity Lessons for the Trades

On this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, we sit down with Brett Gallant former construction worker turned founder of Adaptive Office Solutions, a cybersecurity firm helping small businesses and trades stay safe in the digital world.

Brett’s leap from the workshop floor to running a thriving IT business is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs who are ready to grow beyond the toolbelt.

In this episode, we cover:

How to turn side hustles into a full-time business

Why tradespeople are never “too small” to get hacked

Practical, affordable cybersecurity steps for small businesses

The power of delegation, clear goals, and leadership mindset

If you’re ready to grow your business, protect your work, and lead with confidence, this conversation is for you.

👉 Learn more from Brett’s company: https://www.adaptiveoffice.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone in the trades.

#Cybersecurity #TradeBusiness #BlueCollarSuccess #TheAroBenaiahShow

This week on The Aro Benaiah Show, I sit down with Sonya Corkery, a consultant, business owner, and mother who has spent more than a decade helping trade entrepreneurs transform struggling operations into thriving, structured businesses.

From pumping gas at just eight years old to guiding her husband’s leap into electrical contracting, Soya understands the realities of blue-collar entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we cover:

Why most trade businesses struggle with structure

How to get control of your numbers & finances

Practical systems that save time (instead of creating more work)

How personal goals and business goals can finally align

If you’re ready to stop just “doing the work” and start building a business that works for you, this conversation is your roadmap.

Learn more from Sonya:

Website: https://clearplanconsulting.com.au/

YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5IKBvQ4JQyY

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone in the trades.

#BlueCollarSuccess #Entrepreneurship #TradeBusiness #TheAroBenaiahShow

From washing windows in college to running a restaurant with 25 employees, Andrew Lamppa knows what it takes to build success the hard way. In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, he shares how grit, leadership, and clear communication turned his hustle into a thriving business.

Andrew opens up about:

✅ The real lessons he learned managing and motivating a team

✅ How setting clear expectations prevents conflict and burnout

✅ Why rewarding your crew directly drives results

✅ His personal story of burnout—and the breakthrough that followed

Whether you’re leading a crew in the trades, growing a small business, or hustling to build something from scratch, Andrew’s story is full of practical tools you can use to grow, stay motivated, and lead with purpose.

👉 Get Andrew’s free Team Clarity Snapshot here: https://built-to-benefit-46778615.hubspotpagebuilder.com/en-us/team-clarity-snapshopt

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help tradespeople and blue-collar entrepreneurs succeed.

#TradeBusiness #Leadership #BlueCollarSuccess #TheAroBenaiahShow

Tech isn’t just for coders Dan Hefner proves it. Discover how he turned a hands-on career into a thriving no-code business without writing a single line of code.

In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show talks with Dan about:

✅ His journey from sports fields to software entrepreneurship

✅ Why trades experience still matters in a tech-driven world

✅ How to market your strengths and stay resilient when starting out

✅ The truth about AI, no-code tools, and opportunities for tradespeople

If you’ve ever thought, “Tech isn’t for me”, this episode will change your perspective. Whether you’re a painter, mechanic, or builder, you’ll learn practical ways to leverage AI, monetize skills, and future-proof your career.

👉 Learn more about Dan:

Website: https://dappernocode.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hafner-35066a39

Subscribe for more blue-collar success stories

#TradesToTech #NoCodeBusiness #TheAroBenaiahShow #BlueCollarSuccess #AIForTrades

From helping in his family’s paint shop to becoming a global sales trainer, Patrick Van Der Burght has lived the journey of selling with integrity. In this episode of The Aro Benaiah Show, Patrick shares how tradespeople and entrepreneurs can win more clients without manipulation or shortcuts.

Patrick breaks down:

✅ What growing up in retail taught him about honesty in sales

✅ The seven universal persuasion principles that drive client trust

✅ How to handle rejection and turn “no” into opportunity

✅ Real-world examples of communication that closes deals ethically

Whether you’re a painting contractor, builder, or blue-collar business owner, this conversation will help you sell with confidence, earn better pay, and build lasting client relationships.

👉 Grab Patrick’s free ethical persuasion resource here: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/sfr/4/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help tradespeople and blue-collar entrepreneurs succeed.

#SalesTips #TradeBusiness #EthicalPersuasion #TheAroBenaiahShow# Van Der Burght