Overview
In this episode of the Built for the Trades Podcast, Dan Dowdy dives into one of the most overlooked truths in the trades — your team is your greatest investment, not your trucks, tools, or logo. If you want to grow your business, reduce stress, and create freedom, it starts with leading and developing the people who drive your results every day.
Discussions
True success in business isn’t about the size of your fleet or how fancy your tools are — it’s about the strength of your team. Lead with vision, invest in your people, and watch your business grow beyond you.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades
Overview
In this episode, Dan Dowdy breaks down what “Culture That Cashes In” really means and how your leadership directly shapes your company’s profitability. Discover how culture can either cost you thousands or create a team that multiplies profits. Learn the hidden costs of poor culture, how your standards reflect your success, and why rewarding the right behaviors drives growth. Whether you’re leading a small shop or managing multiple crews, this episode will help you build a culture that shows up, stands out, and scales your business.
Discussions
If your version of culture is just pizza Fridays, you’ve got a snack schedule, not a system. True culture is built in the daily habits, conversations, and accountability you model as a leader. Remember—your team is always watching what you do more than what you say. Start leading with intention, raise your standards, and build a culture that truly cashes in.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades
Overview
In this episode of Built for the Trades, we’re diving into one of the most powerful growth strategies for every trades business owner—creating recurring revenue. Too many businesses still rely on one-time jobs, constantly riding the ups and downs of seasonal demand.
Today, I’ll show you how to build predictable income streams that stabilize your cash flow, strengthen customer loyalty, and even boost the value of your business—all without working 90-hour weeks or feeling like you’re selling something people don’t need.
Discussions
Recurring revenue isn’t just smart business—it’s the key to stability and freedom. Start by picking one service and make it recurring.
If you want help structuring your plan, book a time with me through the link in the episode description.
Let’s keep building businesses that are predictable, profitable, and built for the trades.
Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who’s ready to move from feast-or-famine to steady, scalable growth.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades
Overview
In this episode of Built for the Trades, we're diving into one of the most important topics for every trades business owner—how to price your services for profitability. Too many businesses undercharge not because they have to, but because they’re afraid not to. Today, I’ll show you how to price with confidence so you can stop just staying busy and actually start growing your business.
Discussions
So, remember: know your numbers, price for value, and never apologize for being worth it. Profit isn’t selfish—it’s what allows you to serve your team, your customers, and your community at the highest level. Take 30 minutes this week to review your pricing, and if you’d like help dialing in a strategy that works, book a free session with me using the link in this episode. Until next time, price like a pro and lead with purpose.
👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to raise the bar in their business.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades
Overview
In this episode of Built for the Trades, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked distinctions in business: the difference between vendors and partners. On the surface, they might look the same—both provide products or services to your company. But how you define that relationship can completely change your growth trajectory. This isn’t about transactions; it’s about building the right connections that fuel long-term success. You’ll learn how to identify vendors who stay surface-level, spot true partners who share your vision, and make intentional choices that strengthen your business from the inside out.
Discussions
Your business reputation is shaped one customer interaction at a time—so make each one memorable, intentional, and worthy of five stars. Audit your process this week, from the job site to the follow-up, and look for ways to elevate the entire experience.
👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to raise the bar in their business.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades
Overview
In this episode of Built for the Trades, we break down exactly how to create a business your customers can’t stop talking about. Forget gimmicks and discounts—this is about delivering unforgettable experiences that turn one-time clients into lifelong fans. You’ll learn how to own the first impression, build trust through consistency, and follow up in a way that feels personal and memorable. If you want to grow on word-of-mouth alone, this conversation will give you the playbook.
Discussions
our reputation is built one customer at a time—make every interaction count. Audit your customer journey this week, from the first call to the final follow-up, and look for ways to make each moment rave-worthy. Like, subscribe, and share with other leaders ready to raise the standard in their business.
👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to lead their business through calm, not chaos.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
Overview
Is your business growing—but so is the chaos? You’re not alone. Many plumbing and trade business owners hit a wall—not from a lack of demand, but from a lack of systems. In this episode, we unpack the three essential systems you need to scale your business without losing your sanity, your team, or your profit. If you're tired of putting out fires and want a business that runs smoothly, this one’s for you.
Discussions
Remember, growth without systems is just a bigger mess. Take one area of your business that feels chaotic and ask: “Do I have a simple, repeatable system for this?” If not, it’s time to build one. When your business has the right systems in place, it doesn’t just grow—it thrives.
👉 Like what you heard? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to lead their business through calm, not chaos.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
In this episode, Dan Dowdy shares the real story of how a simple spilled coffee moment became a turning point in his leadership journey. Discover why pausing before you react, leading with presence instead of pressure, and understanding the emotional residue you leave behind can transform your team culture. Tune in for practical leadership lessons, authentic stories, and a reminder that leadership isn’t revealed in the spotlight — it’s revealed in the spill.
Discussions
Leadership isn’t revealed in the spotlight — it’s revealed in those everyday, messy moments when things spill or plans fall apart. My challenge for you: notice your next “spilled coffee” moment, pause before you react, and remember that’s where real leadership shows up.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
In this episode, we dive into the five minute sales habit that doubled our service tickets—one simple daily practice that helps home service teams shift from just taking orders to becoming trusted advisors.
Discussions
Small habits create big impact—start tomorrow by asking your team to spend just five minutes reviewing their calls. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and watch how it changes your business. Thanks for tuning in, and remember: you don’t need to overhaul everything—just start with five minutes and make it count!
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
What if I told you your team isn’t asking for more pay or better perks—but for something deeper? Today, we’re diving into the unsaid needs that every plumbing leader should be aware of, and how meeting those needs will make your team more loyal, motivated, and productive. Let's unpack the true desires of your team and how to provide them—without them ever having to ask.
Discussions
Your team’s not just clocking in—they’re looking for leadership that brings clarity, trust, and growth. When you meet those silent needs, you won’t just lead better—you’ll build a team that’s more loyal, engaged, and driven to succeed. So this week, take action: clarify your expectations, extend trust, and create space for growth. Because at the end of the day, your team’s success is a direct reflection of your leadership. Let’s make it count.
If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with another trades leader who’s ready to level up their leadership.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into three simple but powerful conversations every plumbing leader should have with their team this week. These aren't just nice-to-have check-ins—they’re essential tools for building trust, improving performance, and setting your business up for long-term growth.
Discussions
These questions might seem simple, but when asked with intention, they open doors to stronger relationships, better communication, and a healthier business culture.
When you build your leadership around open, intentional conversations, you don’t just grow a business—you grow people.
 Special thanks to Project to Payment for sponsoring today’s episode. If you're tired of chasing payments and want to take control of your cash flow, make sure to check them out using the link in the description.
If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with another trades leader who’s ready to level up their leadership.
Keep leading with impact—and I’ll see you next time.
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late—how poor leadership silently drains your trades business. From high turnover to missed opportunities and a damaged reputation, weak leadership costs more than money—it costs you your people, your productivity, and your future growth. If you're ready to stop babysitting your business and start leading it, this one's for you.
Discussions
1. Poor Leadership = High Turnover
 When your team feels unsupported or unclear, they don’t just get frustrated—they leave. And often, it's your best people walking out the door.
2. Missed Opportunities & Low Productivity
 Weak leadership leads to indecision, rework, and wasted time—all of which silently kill your profits and momentum.
3. Damage to Your Reputation
 Poor leadership on the inside will eventually show up on the outside—in your reviews, your customer experience, and your growth.
Let today’s message serve as a wake-up call: poor leadership has a cost you can’t afford. But the good news? It’s never too late to turn it around. Your challenge this week—just pick one leadership habit to improve. Whether it’s listening better, clarifying expectations, or showing appreciation—take that step. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a choice you make every day.
Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In this episode, today, we're diving into what truly separates stagnant plumbing businesses from those that scale into wealth and long-term impact—and it has nothing to do with having more tools or trucks. It starts in the mind of the leader.
Discussions
Remember, great teams don’t build themselves. They’re developed by leaders who serve well, delegate smart, and lead by example. If this episode helped shift your mindset or gave you practical tools, do me a favor: like it, share it, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Until next time—keep leading strong, serving well, and building something that lasts.
Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! In this episode, we dive into one of the most challenging yet essential topics for business owners—raising prices without losing customers. As costs rise across the board, it’s crucial for service businesses to adjust their rates to stay profitable. But how do you make this transition without scaring off your loyal customers? We’ll discuss practical strategies, how to communicate effectively, and how to maintain your customer relationships while increasing your rates.
Discussions
Raising prices isn’t just a matter of adjusting numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about positioning your business for long-term growth and sustainability. Be transparent, stay confident in your value, and remember that some customers may leave, but they’re making room for better clients. For those ready to take the next step in leveling up their business, I encourage you to book a coaching session with me to dive deeper into growing a profitable service business.
Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need to hear this!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://link.builtforthetrades.com/widget/booking/qetDwdbwknifZZLUGwwp
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into a question that every business owner faces—Should you invest more in training your current team or focus on hiring new talent? If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of hiring, training, losing people, and starting over, you’re not alone. It’s a huge challenge in the trades today, and we’re going to break down the pros, cons, and real-world strategies that work. Stick around to get actionable insights!
Discussions
The best businesses don’t choose between hiring and training—they do both, but they do so with intention. Remember, if you’ve got the right people but they need skill development, train them. If you need immediate expertise, hire. It’s all about being proactive, not reactive. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could benefit. Thanks for tuning in to Built for the Trades!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome back to Built for the Trades! Today, we’re diving into how leadership development isn't just about building strong teams—it’s a direct driver of financial growth. No matter your role in the business, developing leaders within your company leads to better decision-making, greater efficiency, and a stronger bottom line.
Discussions
Leadership development isn’t an expense—it’s an investment that pays off in real dollars. My challenge to you: Identify one leadership skill to develop this month and one team member to mentor. Start embedding leadership growth into your company culture, and you’ll see real financial returns. If today’s episode got you thinking, share it with another business owner, like, and subscribe. Keep leading with purpose, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome to Built for the Trades, where we focus on helping business owners and leaders in the trades industry build a self-operating business by prioritizing leadership, value, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or emerging leader, we’re here to equip you with the tools and strategies to thrive. Today, we’re diving into leadership and the art of making money—the right way.
Discussions
Thanks for tuning in to Built for the Trades, where leadership drives everything we do. Remember, when you focus on value, passion, and people, success naturally follows. Stay intentional, stay purpose-driven, and keep building a better future for your business. Don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Project to Payment, for streamlined invoicing and payments—and we’ll see you next time!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
Welcome to Built for the Trades, the show all about developing leaders in the trades. Our goal is to help you build a business that can operate without you, whether you're a business owner, manager, or someone looking to grow as a leader. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic—the leadership mindset that turns ideas into revenue.
Discussions
Long-term vision, strong leadership, and a culture of ownership are the keys to turning ideas into revenue. Ideas alone don’t build businesses—people, systems, and execution do. If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Let’s keep building stronger businesses together, and I’ll see you next time!
Overview
In today’s episode, we’ll explore what truly sets great leaders apart. We’ll cover three main strategies that will help you grow as a leader and elevate your team—leading with consistency, prioritizing development, and focusing on customer-centric leadership. When you get these right, the money follows naturally.
Discussions
By focusing on consistent leadership, prioritizing your team's development, and leading with a customer-first mindset, you set yourself up for lasting success. Thanks for listening—be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who could benefit from these tips!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L
Overview
In today's episode, we’re diving into long-term growth strategies for your trades business. In previous episodes, we covered vision, mission, core values, and a solid marketing strategy. We also talked about goal setting and how it sustains long-term growth. But today, I want to take it a step further and focus on the real drivers of sustainable success.
Discussions
Growth requires consistency, leadership, and adaptability. Your business can’t scale if you’re the bottleneck, so take action today. If you got value from this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. See you next time!
Free Coaching Call:
Looking to dive deeper into your leadership journey? Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me at https://calendly.com/dan-bftt/30min?month=2024-12.
👉 Subscribe for more leadership and business tips!
https://bit.ly/3Zrbu4L