In this episode of The Designated Designer, I sit down with my client-turned-guest, Dan Ehlman.

Dan has a fascinating story—he started out in graphic design before moving into the junk removal industry, and along the way, he’s picked up some big lessons about business, branding, and collaboration.

We talk about what it’s really like to work together as designer and client, why revisions aren’t failures but stepping stones, and how trust shapes the entire creative process.

Dan also opens up about networking, keeping momentum through slow seasons, and the power of branding to make a business truly visible. This one’s part design talk, part business wisdom, and part behind-the-scenes peek into what collaboration can look like when it’s rooted in curiosity and confidence.