Why Discipline and Mindset Matter in the Trades with Stephen Diaz
Release Date: 02/28/2025
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Replay: Bringing Passion Back To The Trades With Alexis Aranda
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Extreme Ownership
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There’s a moment in business where everything feels like it’s falling apart—a job goes sideways, a customer’s upset, and your first instinct is to say, “This isn’t my fault.” Been there? Me too. But what if I told you that the most powerful thing you can do as a leader is to say, “This is on me—let’s fix it.” That mindset? It’s called extreme ownership, and it has completely changed the way I lead my team, run our business, and show up every day in the trades. In this episode, I’m breaking down what extreme ownership really means, how Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL...
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My Biggest Leadership Mistakes
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info_outlineThe trades industry is built on skill, hard work and resilience and today’s guest has all three in spades. In this episode I’m joined by Stephen Diaz, a hardworking tradesman whose journey into the industry is not your usual path. From standing outside Home Depot as a teenager looking for work to becoming a skilled plumber and industry leader Stephen’s story is one of determination, growth and overcoming adversity.
Stephen shares how he found his way into the trades despite outside pressures to go down a different path. He talks about the importance of specializing in a trade, the lessons learned from field and office work and how fitness and discipline have been key to his success. Whether you’re just starting in the trades or looking to level up your career his tips on teamwork, professionalism and work life balance are valuable.
Join us as we dive into Stephen’s inspiring story, busting the myths around plumbing, the challenges of running a business and the importance of having the right mindset. If you’re ready to be motivated and take control of your career then this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Episode Highlights:
[02:00] Stephen shares how he got into the trades. He was introduced to the trades by getting labor positions hanging out at Home Depot.
[03:37] He attended college for a while and then committed to plumbing.
[05:19] Stephen shares some of the push back he received when he decided to have a career in plumbing.
[08:35] He knew he didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps and live a chaotic life. Having a stable career in the trades was a much better option.
[09:25] He loves how useful and important to society as a whole trades people are.
[10:12] The trades provide a variety of opportunities. When Stephen was injured, he worked in the office.
[13:46] We discuss the importance of having the right partner in business and in life.
[16:07] How working together as a couple is a gift.
[20:14] Stephen learned a lot working in the office including patience, delegation, and improved people skills.
[24:35] The worst part about being in the field is issues when team workers aren't all on the same mission.
[27:00] One of the best parts of being in the field is when challenges are overcome either by teamwork or dealing with customers that may be a little bit more difficult.
[28:34] Challenges include deciding to commit to plumbing.
[29:33] We talk about stereotypes that plumber's face.
[31:38] Stephen is totally the opposite of the stereotypical plumber.
[33:21] Being in shape helps the mental and physical aspects of being in the trades. It also helps develop a sense of discipline and commitment.
[34:54] Growing in one area of life starts the momentum to grow in other areas.
[35:33] Advice includes: Do It!
[36:30] The trades definitely offer stability with finances and security.
[37:46] Stephen's favorite quote is from 1 Peter 5:10.
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