Queen of the Trades

Being a woman in a male dominated industry comes with many challenges! Join Alexis Aranda, “the Queen of the Trades” as she shares insight, personal experience and interviews other entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Each episode shares powerful information on how to grow yourself and your career. If you are looking for: leadership strategies, relationship advice, health and fitness hacks, money mindset tips, spiritual practices, business scaling and marketing strategies, this podcast is for you!

Faith-Based Leadership 06/20/2025

Faith-Based Leadership What if leadership wasn’t just about systems and results? What if it was about being a spiritually minded leader and managing with soul? In an industry as tough and gritty as the trades, that idea might seem out of place. But I’ve learned firsthand that being spiritually grounded can completely shift how you show up for your team, your business, and yourself. I didn’t always see our business as a calling, but over time, it became clear. The path was never perfectly mapped out if anything, it was full of unknowns. But there was a purpose behind it, something bigger than just making a living. Faith gave us the vision, and taking that first step in belief led us somewhere greater. That’s what I want to share today: how leading with spiritual conviction, humility, and care can transform not just workplaces but also people. It’s about living what you believe, showing kindness when it’s hard, holding your integrity even when no one’s watching, and treating leadership as an extension of something sacred. Because when you truly care, when you’re transparent, and when you walk the talk your team feels it. And that changes everything. Episode Highlights: [01:42] I would like to share how my faith has influenced my leadership style and the power of spiritually minded leadership. [02:01] The most impactful leaders I've known operate from a place of purpose and have a higher calling. They see their position as a calling or even a form of ministry. [03:04] God gives you the vision and the desire. It's your job to act on that. [04:14] We have been blessed and able to grow and add different trades and locations. This is all because God has been in this with us, and we put God first in our business. [05:33] Leadership is about influence. You manage systems and lead people. You have to model the behavior that you want to see. [06:02] You genuinely have to care about people. Great leaders build relationships. [07:40] It's so important to be transparent with your beliefs. Don't hide who you are. [10:54] Be aware of crossing the line and making people feel uncomfortable. Spiritually-minded leadership requires a lot of wisdom, humility, and discernment. [11:56] You need to model it, not just talk about it. If you're a spiritually minded leader, you need to live it. [12:52] True spiritual leaders embody humility, emotional intelligence, forgiveness, faith, integrity, honesty, and kindness. [13:39] Lead with a servant's heart. [14:01] Recap: Leading people with soul means you genuinely care about them, you're transparent about your beliefs, and you model what you say you believe. Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/37086320

Replay: Bringing Passion Back To The Trades With Alexis Aranda 05/16/2025

Replay: Bringing Passion Back To The Trades With Alexis Aranda Please enjoy this replay of my very first episode! I'm your host Alexis Aranda. Today, I'm sharing my story with all of you, listeners. I was born in a suburb outside of Chicago and had a fantastic childhood. My parents were supportive. We had a lot of love and a lot of great memories, but we didn't have a lot of money. At a very young age, I strongly desired to create wealth for my family. I knew this was what I was called to do. I also had a passion for working. From babysitting to working at a local grocery store, I was always earning money. My best friend's dad was a tradesman. His work intrigued me, but I also noticed how exhausted the physical labor made him. I knew that I was going to work in the trades and improve the lives of tradesmen and women. I hope you enjoy my story. Episode Highlights: [01:35] I knew at a very young age that I wanted to create wealth and never have financial struggles. I also had a passion for working. [02:23] My best friend's dad was a tradesman. I was intrigued by his ability to fix things, but I also saw how exhausted the physical labor made him. [03:07] I had a huge passion for creating wealth and income, and I also despised the cold. [03:36] I went to college at UNLV. I fell in love with Las Vegas but was deeply homesick. [04:03] I went to Europe during my sophomore year. I started journaling and this was the first time I manifested a vision for my life. [04:26] I got really clear on the woman I wanted to become, and I started showing up in life as her. [05:14] After graduating from college, I landed a job doing accounts payable for a manufacturing company. I was miserable. [05:48] I realized that I needed to do something with my life that gave back to society as well as generating wealth and income. [06:36] I started to pursue my Masters in Education to become a teacher, so that I could work with children. [07:13] I share the story of how I met Andy. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was the man I was going to marry. [08:15] We started dating, got married, and now we have three beautiful children. [09:21] We moved to Las Vegas during the housing crash. Andy fell back on plumbing. My grandmother had told me that plumbers were always successful. [11:17] Service plumbing was fun, and Andy liked helping people. It also reignited his passion for plumbing. [11:47] We got clear about creating a home service business that would attract people like ourselves who wanted to create generational wealth and better themselves. [12:05] I went to school at night and earned an MBA, and we spent about 3 years planning our business. [13:26] We had a vision of making plumbing hot. By our second year of business, we surpassed a million dollars in revenue. [13:45] We now have a home service business in Las Vegas where we do plumbing and HVAC. We also have a second location in Dallas. [14:07] We are committed to helping customers and bringing respect and passion back to the trades. [14:37] This podcast is about how we can help our team create generational wealth for themselves. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36588960

Avoid Burn Out 05/09/2025

Avoid Burn Out Spring’s hectic pace hits hard in the trades and lately I’ve felt the pressure myself. Long hours, tight deadlines, and family commitments can drain every bit of energy if we let them. In today’s episode I open up about the moment I realized I was saying yes to everything except rest, and how that wake up call pushed me to build habits that protect both mind and body. You’ll hear why real burnout statistics in our industry matter, especially for men who still feel they have to tough it out. I’ll walk you through five practices that keep me grounded, from carving out a true day of rest to putting vacations on the calendar before exhaustion sets in. We’ll also talk about daily self care rituals, setting firm boundaries, and the basics of staying physically healthy so your emotional resiliency stays strong. If the busy season ever leaves you running on fumes this conversation offers practical tools and permission to reclaim your energy. Small, consistent choices can keep burnout from stealing the career and life you’re working so hard to build, so let’s dive into how to make that happen. Episode Highlights: [01:34] We've been grinding hard for the last few months. Now that spring is here, I'm beginning to feel a little bit of spring fever/ [02:02] A lot of people are feeling burned out, but I'm not. I've been consistent with working on my grounding practices. [02:35] I'm going to share five things I do consistently to help manage my mental health and avoid burnout in the trades. [03:02] Mental health used to be a taboo subject especially for men. Stress doesn't discriminate; it happens to both men and women. [04:01] According to a study done by McKinsey & Company, 42% of women reported feeling burnt out compared to 35% of men. [05:16] Success in the trades doesn't happen overnight. Burnout can cause people to quit before they succeed. [06:22] I share a time when I experienced burnout. [07:25] I'm going to share the five things that help me reset and recharge and show up inspired again. [07:33] 1. Always take a day of rest. The Bible even talks about God resting on the seventh day. [09:35] 2. Schedule and plan your time off. Make a plan and have something to look forward to. [11:56] 3. Schedule your self-care. What makes you feel calm and fulfilled in your life? [12:26] I do four things everyday. Focus on sharpening your blade. Movement and working out. Faith and reading my Bible. Growth and learning new things. I also take reflection time for journaling or meditating. [15:20] 4. Say no, to whatever is not serving you. [16:36] Prioritize your physical health. [17:53] In the trades, burnout isn't just exhaustion. It's a weight that builds with every job. Addressing mental health isn't a luxury. It's essential! Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36504670

Extreme Ownership Part 2 05/02/2025

Extreme Ownership Part 2 A few weeks ago I shared some thoughts on extreme ownership and the response was overwhelming. It’s clear that a lot of us are ready to stop pointing fingers and start stepping into real leadership. So today, I want to go even deeper. Specifically, we're talking about how to take ownership without getting defensive. If you've ever felt your ego kick in during a tough conversation or found yourself making excuses instead of taking the hit, this is for you. We’ll break down what it actually looks like to let go of ego, build self-awareness, listen with intention, and communicate with vulnerability. These are not just leadership skills, they’re life skills. Whether you're running a business, managing a team, or just trying to be a better human, this episode is about shifting out of defense mode and into growth. It's not easy, but if you're ready to rise, it starts with taking full responsibility. Episode Highlights: [01:21] We're going to go deeper into . [02:04] A quick recap of the previous episode, called . [02:20] 4 Principles of Strong Leadership: take full ownership, focus on solutions, believe in the mission, and decentralized command. [02:53] Taking ownership isn't about perfection. It's about facing the hard stuff and being vulnerable. [03:15] Great leaders surrender ego. [04:05] An example from my marketing experience. [05:01] Great leaders need self-awareness. I will journal and reflect on my day. What story am I telling myself? Am I acting from wounds or past experiences? [06:06] Get really good at listening. Ownership means listening deeply to your team and customers. [07:25] It's important to be able to communicate with vulnerability and ownership. [08:24] An example of letting go of ego. [09:18] How to get out of the blame game and take extreme ownership. 1. Surrender your ego. 2. Develop radical self-awareness. 3. Listen to understand not to reply. 4. Communicate with vulnerability. Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36406880

6 Functions of a Professional Manager 04/25/2025

6 Functions of a Professional Manager Do you ever feel like you're juggling a million things as a manager and still wondering if you’re doing it right? I get it because I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing the six core functions every professional manager needs to master in order to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose, especially in the fast-paced world of the trades. These aren’t just generic leadership tips. This is the real, practical framework that changed how I run teams, build people up, and keep our business on track. Whether you’re brand new to management or you’ve been in the game for a while and feel like you’re drowning in chaos, this conversation will give you the structure you need to get grounded and lead well. I will break down what it really means to plan intentionally, organize your resources, staff strategically, lead with influence, communicate clearly, and control with awareness, not force. And I’ll share why these six functions matter even more when you’re a woman leading in a male dominated industry. If you’re ready to step into your leadership role with more power and less stress, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: [01:34] 60% of new managers fail within the first two years. [02:06] Today, I want to talk about the six functions of a professional manager. [02:50] MAP is great for accountability and helping managers get focused on numbers and what they should be doing throughout the day. [03:39] These functions are critical for women, so you can be the best you can be in your management role. [04:24] I really embraced learning and growing and becoming the best manager and leader I could be in the trades. [05:02] 1. Planning is the foundation of everything. It's where your vision becomes a reality. This includes setting goals for the week, outlining projects and timelines, and forecasting revenue and staffing. [06:09] I challenge you to use your calendar. If it's not on the calendar, it's not going to happen. [06:43] Proverbs 16:3 Plan your week before you leave on Friday. [07:18] 2. Organization. It's all about arranging your resources, time, people, and tools to carry out the plan. Have a schedule and make sure everyone knows what they need to win the day. [09:20] 3. Staffing. It's not just about hiring, it's about building a team that you believe in. Put the right people in the right roles and help them grow. [11:44] Challenge: Have a hard conversation with someone on your team. Face it head on, but with kindness and firmness. [12:20] 4. Leading. It's about influence. Being a leader means you inspired not intimidate. You respond not react. You set the tone even in chaos. [13:02] Leaders are great listeners. [14:29] 5. Communication. Poor communication can cost you time, money, morale, and sometimes your reputation. Be clear, consistent, and listen well. [16:32] 6. Controlling. It's all about measuring performance, tracking progress, knowing the numbers, and making adjustments when needed. [17:03] Watch your growth margin. Track recalls. Make sure jobs are profitable and done correctly. Manage with intention and have awareness around your numbers. [18:02] Recap: The six functions of a professional manager are planning, organizing, staffing, leading, communicating, and controlling. Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36301940

Emotional Intelligence 04/18/2025

Emotional Intelligence It’s easy to underestimate just how powerful emotional intelligence can be, especially when you're managing a business, leading a team, or simply trying to keep it all together. But what if mastering your emotions was the key to transforming frustration into growth, and conflict into clarity? In this episode, we talk about what emotional intelligence really means and why it's one of the most underrated leadership tools in the trades. You’ll hear a real story of what happens when emotions start to take over, and how a moment of self-awareness changed the course of an entire situation. It’s not about pretending you don’t feel things. It’s about learning how to feel without letting those emotions take the wheel. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever fired off a text too quickly or let stress get the better of them. You’ll walk away with four practical steps to help you slow down, stay grounded, and lead from a place of confidence and calm. Episode Highlights: [01:24] Emotional intelligence is really your superpower. It's something that separates average leaders from great leaders. [02:01] Proverbs 14:1 "Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands." [02:39] Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and express your own emotions, while also being able to understand and influence the emotions of others. [03:18] We can prove stereotypes wrong by being emotionally grounded, calm, and clear. [04:18] An example of when I was frustrated. Then I remembered that great leaders respond. They don't react. Detach and take a step back to see the whole picture. [07:26] Later that day, I called the customer and made an appointment to make the situation right, [07:51] I'm going to share four things you can do to respond and not react. [08:01] 1. Feel the emotion in your own space. [08:44] 2. Slow down. Pause. Take a breath. [09:13] 3. Detach emotionally. [09:55] 4. Get curious and ask questions. [10:39] Challenge of the week: Ask yourself, "How am I building or tearing down today with my emotions, words or my actions?" [10:54] Great leaders master emotional intelligence and learn to respond not react. Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36219270

Extreme Ownership 04/11/2025

Extreme Ownership 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 inspired this approach, and the four principles that will level up your leadership game—fast. I’m also sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what happened when we launched the HVAC side of our business and it didn’t go as planned. (Spoiler alert: there were a lot of lessons.) If you’re ready to stop playing the blame game and start leading with clarity, confidence, and accountability, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. Episode Highlights: [01:34] Today we're talking about a leadership mindset that completely shifted the way that I run our business, lead my team, and show up as a woman in the trades. It's called extreme ownership, and it comes straight from the former Navy SEAL and commander named Jocko Willink. [02:14] True leadership kicks in when everything is going wrong. I'm going to break down the key principles from Extreme Ownership and how they apply to your business. [02:42] As a leader, you're responsible for everything in your business. [03:13] There are no bad teams, only bad leaders. [04:13] An ultimate leadership story from the book about Jocko's SEAL unit on a mission in Ramadi. [05:25] There was miscommunication and chaos and a friendly fire situation broke out. Jocko took full responsibility. [06:11] In the trades, we have the chance to say, "that's on me, and let me fix it" when something goes wrong. [06:38] 1. Take ownership always. It's not about taking blame. It's about taking control of the situation. [07:53] A personal example from when we decided to open up our HVAC side of the business. [09:04] 2. No excuses. Just solutions. Leaders focus on the next steps not excuses. [11:02] 3. Believe in the mission. If you're not sold on your company's vision, neither is your team. [12:37] It's important to have an empowering mission that your team can get behind. [13:28] 4. Decentralized command. You can't micromanage every area of the business. [14:45] As a leader in the trades, when you take full responsibility, you remove the ability for other people to question your leadership. [15:09] Extreme Ownership means that all of it belongs to you, the mistakes and the victories. [15:33] When something doesn't go as planned, I want you to pause and ask, what could I have done differently? What can I do now to fix it? And how do I lead better next time? Resources & Links Related to this Episode ● ● ● ● /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/36093875

Navigating Conflict Keeping the Peace 03/21/2025

Navigating Conflict Keeping the Peace Properly navigating conflict builds trust, strengthens relationships, and turns challenges into opportunities for growth.Whether it’s with a customer, an employee, or even a competitor, conflict is bound to happen. And let’s be real, when you’re pushing for growth and making big moves, you’re going to ruffle some feathers. But here’s the thing, conflict doesn’t have to be a disaster. In fact, if you handle it right, it can actually help you build trust and strengthen relationships. In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life situation where I had to step in and de-escalate a tough customer complaint. Our HVAC service manager was on vacation, and I found myself handling an upset homeowner who was still carrying frustration from a bad experience with another contractor. Instead of getting defensive, I used four simple steps to turn things around, and I’m breaking them all down for you today. If you’ve ever struggled with navigating difficult conversations, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how to handle conflict like a pro and come out stronger on the other side. Episode Highlights: [01:20] Today is about conflict whether it's an employee, customer, or even a competitor. [02:17] I share a story about an extremely upset HVAC customer who had a very poor experience with another contractor. It's our policy to offer solutions but not bash other contractors. [03:30] We did additional work for them, but they called in still angry from their previous experience. I was excited to talk to the customer and work on my conflict resolution skills. I'll share the steps that I used. [04:13] Do not take it personally. Separate yourself from the problem. Let the person vent and do not get defensive. [05:52] Listen without judgment. Their frustration isn't without you but the past experience. [06:13] Show a lot of empathy. Acknowledge their concerns. We need to respect and recognize the importance of their home and its contents. [07:20] Ask questions. Find out what they need to feel reassured. [08:17] Be clear on what you can do. You also want to always follow up and make sure that they are happy. [09:17] This shows that you are authentic and connecting with them as a person. People remember how you've made them feel. [10:24] Conflict is an opportunity to build trust and strengthen relationships. 1. Don't take it personally. 2. Give a lot of empathy. 3. Ask questions. 4. Always follow up. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35801985

The Power of EOS: Breaking Through Business Plateaus 03/14/2025

The Power of EOS: Breaking Through Business Plateaus When I first started implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS, in my business, I had no idea just how much it would change the way we operated. At the time, our leadership team was all over the place—juggling too many projects, struggling to finish what we started, and feeling like we were just maintaining instead of truly growing. Something had to change. That’s when I came across the book Traction by Gino Wickman, and it felt like it was written just for us. Today, I want to take you inside our EOS journey, share how we’ve used this system to create more clarity and focus, and talk about the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business, if you’ve hit a ceiling and don’t know how to break through, this episode is for you. Let’s dive into how EOS has transformed the way we lead, solve problems, and ultimately, how we reign over our careers. Episode Highlights: [01:16] Today I'm talking about my EOS journey. I'll give an overview of the book Traction and share how we implemented the EOS system in our company. [01:40] My word for this year is focus and that's exactly what we're doing. [02:24] I realized as a leadership team, we weren't growing. I knew it was time to make some changes. [02:51] As you grow, hitting a ceiling can be inevitable. It's important to create awareness around this and have the audacity to change. [03:40] We first adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System in 2020. EOS is a simple practical business framework that helps identify problems at the root. [05:10] What we focus on expands. We need to focus on the solution not the problem. [05:52] We tried to DIY EOS, but we needed extreme accountability. [06:15] Home service businesses are presented with different problems every day. [07:08] We just wrapped up our first EOS Focus day of the year with our leadership team and identified our rocks. [08:05] EOS breaks your business down to six basic things. [08:30] 1. Vision. 2. People. 3. Data. 4. Processes 5. Problems or rocks. 6. Traction. All of these things in line create traction. [09:49] The 5 leadership abilities. Simplify. Delegate and elevate. Great leaders are able to predict. Systemize. To create structure. [18:10] To break through your ceiling you need to do these five things: simplify your process, delegate and elevate your team, predict problems before they blow up, systemize your business, and structure your team for success. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35682625

My Biggest Leadership Mistakes 03/07/2025

My Biggest Leadership Mistakes Leadership is not about avoiding mistakes; it is about learning from them and growing stronger. In this episode, I want to share with you the three biggest mistakes I've made as a leader in the trades. I'm sharing these with you because I want you, as fellow leaders in the trades, to learn from my mistakes and avoid these pitfalls. As leaders, growth comes from learning, evolving, and improving ourselves, our teams, and our companies. Remember, leadership is not about being perfect. I'll explain how I wrongly assumed that all trade operations functioned identically, undervalued the value of regular one-on-one meetings, and initially hesitated to share financial information with my team. Listen in to hear what I've learned, how I've changed my approach, and how these lessons might help you become a more effective leader in your own trade. Episode Highlights: [01:20] Today I'm sharing the three biggest mistakes that I've made in the trades. I'm sharing these so you can avoid these pitfalls. [01:52] 1. Thinking all trades businesses are run the same. When we expanded to HVAC, I assumed it would be similar to plumbing. [03:00] Each trade has its own rhythm. What got you to where you are now, won't necessarily get you to where you want to go. [04:26] 2. Not being consistent with direct communication with my reports. [05:20] By not having one-on-ones, I wasn't taking the time to understand the root cause of issues. [06:12] One-on-one meetings are crucial for open communication, accountability, and alignment. [07:47] 3. Not creating awareness around the company's financial performance. The thought of sharing financial information with the team seemed terrifying in the early days. [08:48] If you have team members helping you to achieve goals, it's important for you to let them know the score. [09:31] I had a mentor who introduced me to open book management and sharing key financial metrics with team members. [10:22] You don't need to share everything, but departments should know the numbers that they are responsible for. [11:09] Leadership is a learning process. Mistakes will happen. The key is to learn from them and improve. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35549880

Why Discipline and Mindset Matter in the Trades with Stephen Diaz 02/28/2025

Why Discipline and Mindset Matter in the Trades with Stephen Diaz The 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. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35454060

How To Get The Best From Your Team 02/21/2025

How To Get The Best From Your Team What if the key to a thriving business isn’t just solving problems but rewarding what’s already working? Today, we’re exploring how positive reinforcement can transform your team’s performance. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or team leader, recognizing and celebrating the right behaviors can create momentum, boost morale, and improve results. I’ll share real-world examples of how tracking progress, setting clear expectations, and gamifying workplace achievements can lead to lasting improvements. You’ll hear how simple shifts in leadership like rewarding punctuality or turning company goals into friendly competitions can make all the difference. If you’re ready to create a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in and discover how to build a thriving culture, recognize success, and bring passion back to the trades. Episode Highlights: [01:12] This episode is for any leaders out there whose job it is to build a culture where people thrive and want to be part of what you're doing. [02:03] Focus on rewarding what's going right and creating momentum from there. [03:05] An example of a large business who was rewarding people who did what the managers wanted. [04:30] Steps to reinforce the right behaviors in your team. 1. Be clear on what you want. [07:18] When you're really clear on the expectations, it allows team members to be who the team needs. [08:11] 2. Track what matters. You need to track whatever metric you want to see improved. [09:36] An example with team members on the install side. It's important to make sure that these individuals are wearing their full uniform for safety reasons. It doesn't provide consistency. [10:33] There was a manager who required all team members to take a selfie when they were on the job to track uniform consistency. [11:30] If you don't measure it, the team doesn't have a chance to improve. [12:25] 3. Make it fun. Work doesn't have to be boring. Fun environments and gamification create better results. [14:30] Focus on rewarding more of what you want to see on your team. Reward the team members who are doing what you are asking them to do. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35360955

Fear of Failure 02/14/2025

Fear of Failure Fear of failure is one of the biggest things holding people back from reaching their full potential. Most of us don’t even realize it’s happening. We stay stuck, afraid to look like we don’t know what we’re doing, worried about what others might think. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t the enemy. It’s part of the process. I know this fear personally. When I started this podcast, I was scared. What if no one listened? What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I couldn’t keep up? At one point, I almost quit. But I had to remind myself that God put this on my heart for a reason. Even when I stumbled, even when I took time off, I knew I had to keep going. Today, I want to help you break free from the fear of failure. We’ll talk about why we experience it, how it’s shaped by our past, and most importantly, how to push through it so that you can step fully into the work and life you were meant for. Episode Highlights: [01:20] Today, we're talking about the fear of failure and how to overcome it. [02:03] This is personal for me when it comes to this podcast. [03:06] I almost quit, but I remembered I was called to do this. [04:01] We all have a fear of failure for different reasons. This is why it's so important to do inner child work. We have to look at how we grew up and what the focus was. [05:13] My kids will have different fears than I had growing up. It's important to look at how our childhoods may be impacting our adult life. [06:02] Do you procrastinate, suffer from depression, are you afraid you might look stupid? These have roots from a fear of failure. [07:03] Being afraid to fail will prevent us from growth and success. Michael Jordan was cut from a basketball team when he was a kid. [08:26] We had a general contracting business that lost money. We learned that we needed to specialize, because the riches are in the niches. [09:22] Reframing failures. Spiraling into negative self-talk. These events need to be reframed. Most events that happen in our lives are neutral. We are the ones who label it good or bad. [10:42] See the positive and use the failure as an opportunity to improve. [11:06] A story about an opportunity to redirect. [13:08] When presented with what could be perceived as a failure, ask how is this happening for me? What am I learning? This opens your mind to opportunities. [14:03] How we struggled with our Dallas location. We got curious and discovered it was a great learning experience. [15:43] Have self-awareness around your limiting beliefs and your potentially self-sabotaging behaviors. [16:15] Examine your life and have awareness around where your potential blocks could be. A limiting belief is something that we believe we can't do. [17:47] It's really helpful to have someone like a coach or a mentor help you identify these blind spots. [18:27] Take action! Small steps towards whatever it is that you want to do. The worst thing you can do is nothing. [19:45] "Failure is not the opposite of success—it's part of success." Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35281720

My Biggest Mistake In 2024 02/07/2025

My Biggest Mistake In 2024 At the beginning of 2024 I made a big switch. I fully leaned into my feminine energy – not just at home but in business too. It worked beautifully in my personal life and brought more balance and ease. But when I stepped back from making big business decisions and assumed my husband would take the lead everything started to fall apart. By the end of the year, we were burnt out, frustrated, and questioning the direction of our business. Today, I’m sharing the biggest mistake I made this past year and the lesson I learned about feminine leadership. We’ll talk about why true leadership isn’t about choosing between masculine and feminine energy, but knowing when to shift between them. And for my fellow women in the trades—you need to hear this. Your team wants you to lead. They need your confidence, your action, and your vision. Let’s talk about how to step into your full potential while still embracing your unique strengths as a woman in this industry. Episode Highlights: [01:18] This podcast is probably more for the ladies in the trades. I'm going to share my biggest mistake from 2024. [02:10] Masculine energy is usually described as a doing energy. It's action-oriented, focused, and strong. Feminine energy is more of a being state. It's nurturing, creative, and collaborative. Both of these energies exist in men and women. [03:07] In 2024, I was leaning into my feminine energy in all aspects of my life. It was great at home. [04:02] I was on a journey to get more in touch with my feminine side. We had worked with a marriage coach in 2023, and he was encouraging me to get more into a feminine state. [05:06] I was the one who wanted to get the HVAC license, then I took a step back and let my husband handle everything. He was feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and resentful. He had wanted me to take the lead with the department. [06:13] There is no right or wrong answer for your relationship. Women need to be confident in their masculine energy. [07:05] Women have the potential to lead and give our team the tools they need to be successful. [08:02] I'm grateful that we have clarity, and I have direction and can move forward from here. Feminine energy is about knowing when to let go and when to step up and take action. [09:03] Ladies don't be afraid to be the badass that you were created to be. Be vulnerable, take action, and lead your team to victory! Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35187700

How To Be A Woman In The Trades and Still Be Feminine & Assertive 01/31/2025

How To Be A Woman In The Trades and Still Be Feminine & Assertive Being a leader in the trades doesn’t have to mean giving up your femininity or becoming someone you’re not. In this episode, I get into what it takes to be a strong and effective leader as a woman in a male dominated industry. I share my own journey of moving from a forceful leadership style to one based on understanding, collaboration and trust building. You’ll hear how women in leadership can be assertive and feminine and make a lasting impact without losing themselves. I go into my top tips for being a woman in the trades. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding personality types and adapting communication styles to connect with your team. I’ll share why asking the right questions empowers your team members to find solutions and build independence and problem solving skills. From using data to deliver feedback to letting go of micromanaging by trusting your team to deliver results this episode is packed with practical advice. Whether you’re in a leadership role or aspire to one, this episode is the blueprint for building trust, clarity and collaboration. I talk about the unique strengths women bring to the trades like attention to detail and enhanced customer interactions. Join me to learn how to lead with purpose, confidence and grace and take your career to the next level. Episode Highlights: [01:25] I want to talk about how to be a woman in the trades and still be assertive. [02:07] Ballpark figures are that about 30% of management positions are held by women in trades companies. [03:29] Women in leadership roles can really bring out the best in people. Women have a natural attention to detail. [04:13] Women's perspectives add balance and insight to leadership teams especially when the majority of the technicians are dealing with women on a daily basis. [05:04] Make sure you understand the personality type of the people on your team. When working with them, you want to match their style. [06:30] An example of communicating with a service manager who is an I type of personality. [07:10] It's important to know these personality types, so you can meet your team where they're at. [08:25] Always ask questions. Get people to open up and think about the answer. [10:27] Good leaders equip their team members to make the right decisions. [11:02] It's important to be clear and direct.Use data and numbers to back up what you're saying and be specific. [12:27] Outline your expectations and get commitments and deadlines. [13:37] Speaking truth and being clear builds trust with your team. Give them an opportunity to improve and deliver different results. [14:38] Be sure to attack the problem and not the person. [16:13] Release control and let go of the how. [17:40] 1. Understand your team members personality type and communicate to them in their preferred style. 2. Always ask questions. 3. Always speak the truth. 4. Release the how. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/35094775

Forget New Year New YOU 01/24/2025

Forget New Year New YOU Happy new year! I’m starting 2025 with a new perspective on personal growth and New Year’s resolutions. I’ll be sharing my approach to making sustainable change through habit formation instead of setting unrealistic goals. For me, focusing on habits instead of resolutions is key because habits build a lifestyle around long term goals. Let me introduce my five pillars: faith, family, fitness and food, friends, and finance. I use these to evaluate my life and set goals. This year my word is “focus”. I'm going to eliminate distractions and focus on what matters most. Throughout this episode I’ll be sharing specific habit changes I’m making in each of my pillars like daily Bible reading, device free family time, increasing business profit margins, consistent workouts, and scheduling regular meetups with friends. Go define your own focus areas for each pillar and choose your word for the year. I want to help you evaluate your current habits and make sure they line up with your personal growth goals. Whether you’re in the trades or just looking for some inspiration to level up your life I hope you find value in this episode. Episode Highlights: [01:42] I love the energy of the new year, a fresh start, and evaluating the areas of my life that went well last year. [03:05] Creating challenging resolutions that you can't sustain breaks your confidence. [03:50] Focus on habits, because habits are about building a lifestyle that aligns with your goals. [04:11] I like to take a look at my life through my brand pillars of faith, family, fitness and food, friends, and finance. [05:12] 60% of New Year's resolutions are abandoned by the third week in January. If this is you, you're not alone. You can still make shifts in your current habits. [06:04] My word for this year is Focus. [07:24] I had to decide whether I was going to continue focusing on this podcast. The answer is yes, but I do need to eliminate some other distractions. [08:18] Faith. My new habit is to read at least two bible passages. Small spiritual practices can have a huge significance in your life. [09:44] Family. I'm in the mom era of my life. I'm going to be intentional about our family spending an hour a day connecting without devices. [10:34] Finances. Professional and personal. Increase our profit margin by 10% on all of our home service companies. Stick to my personal family budget. [11:45] Fitness and food. Both of these affect each other. I'm going to continue consistent workouts and be intentional with my step count. I'm also going to track my protein intake. [13:18] Friendships. I want to schedule time with friends at least twice a month for activities that aren't child related. [14:35] I encourage you to define one thing that you would like to focus on in each of those pillars. Share what you would like to focus on and your word of the year. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/34967165

Intrapreneur Vs. Entrepreneur with Chris Aranda 11/08/2024

Intrapreneur Vs. Entrepreneur with Chris Aranda I’m excited about today’s guest, my brother-in-law, Chris Aranda! Chris is incredibly hardworking and hilarious. He has a servant's heart and is an amazing dad and a wonderful brother. He’s an all-around phenomenal person. He’s really the brother I've always wanted. He was the first person I met from Andy’s family, and that really impacted me. It helped me understand Andy better, his values, and the family he came from. From the moment we met, we connected and had so much fun, and I’m so grateful for all that you bring into my life. But there’s more to Chris than his incredible personality. He's also an outstanding tradesman—our HVAC qualifier, to be exact—and he’s recently made the big move from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Las Vegas to join the Pure Plumbing and Air team. Today, we’re diving into his journey, from being an entrepreneur to transitioning into an intrapreneur. Just in case you're wondering—yes, I said intrapreneur. While there's plenty of content out there for entrepreneurs, not much focuses on intrapreneurs—those innovative minds who work within companies to drive change, increase efficiency, and improve themselves and their workplace. So today, Chris is here to share his story and insights on making this transition. Episode Highlights: [02:19] Chris is an amazing tradesman and our HVAC qualifier. He recently made the move from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Las Vegas to be part of our team. [03:02] We'll be talking about Chris's journey from being an entrepreneur to becoming an intrapreneur. [04:11] Chris has always wanted to be like Andy, so the move made perfect sense. [05:06] Pros of being an intrapreneur within Pure Plumbing & Air. The best part has been learning with and from the team. [06:01] Being an entrepreneur can be very artistic. Being an intrapreneur you can see what's out there, and you get to put your own within and the outcome can be greater. [07:00] Having a skilled trade is a gift. It's phenomenal to have talented people on the team. [08:01] One of the biggest challenges for Chris is doing what he does only better while he takes his next step. [09:05] Interacting with customers in their homes can be very rewarding. [10:57] Giving back to the community is very important to us. [11:18] Chris shares advice for getting into the trades. Drive is one of the most important tools. [13:53] Andy is an artist at heart and brings a unique talent to everything he does. [14:16] Advice for overwhelmed entrepreneurs. Don't be afraid to become an intrapreneur. Value the lessons you've learned. [16:14] Working for yourself can be very hard, because you have to wear many hats. When you're an intrapreneur, the company can staff around your talent. [18:42] Chris knew he was going to get into plumbing and HVAC after observing what a wonderful provider his father was. [22:07] One of the reasons we built Pure Plumbing & Air is to give tradesmen and women a place where they can be proud of the work they do. [24:33] Chris shares an awesome Henry Ford quote. [26:50] Our team is about doing the best we can do under any situation. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33844452

Transforming The Trades Leadership with Jose Charles 11/01/2024

Transforming The Trades Leadership with Jose Charles I'm excited to meet with business coach Jose Charles. He has been a tremendous help in expanding Pure Plumbing and Air and Pure Plumbing DFW. Jose provides great insights into why disciplined management, accountability, and clear communication are critical to success in the trades and home services industries. With a background in industrial engineering and years of global corporate experience, brings a unique viewpoint to management coaching, particularly through the Management Action Program (MAP). Together, we explore MAP's basic principles—focus, accountability, and teamwork—and why these qualities are critical for long-term company success. Jose's combination of anecdotes and practical advice emphasizes the need of cultivating a corporate culture that values growth, humility, and significance. His views are encouraging and helpful for anyone looking to grow their business. Pepe Charles’ diverse background spans over 40 years, including experience in international business management with such companies as Procter & Gamble, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc, Best Foods, and Casino Data Systems. Prior to joining MAP, his Senior operational assignments included Sales & Marketing, Brand Management, General Management and Regional Management. His extensive P&L responsibilities have included several turnarounds in Europe, Latin America and the United States. As a MAP Senior Consultant, he prides himself in the long term relationships he has with his clients and the resulting improvements that these organizations have experienced. He consults with a wide range of organizations throughout the Southwest. He has served on the Board of Directors for MAP and is currently playing the Team Leader role for Arizona, Nevada and Northern California. He has an Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City, and an MBA from the London Graduate School of Business in London, England. Episode Highlights: [01:50] Fun fact: Jose and I met years ago at the gym. [03:04] It was time to find a business coach, and Jose became our new coach. When the student is ready, the teacher arrives. [04:42] The mutually beneficial exchange of value. [07:29] Jose has a variety of experiences and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. [10:01] We learn about high potential programs and how companies make big Investments with people they see potential in. [11:51] We are always auditioning. [12:49] We are in the customer service business and just happened to provide plumbing and air conditioning services as well. [13:33] Jose explains the MAP program. The six fundamental functions of the professional manager, the MAP triangle, which is based on three fundamental principles, focus, accountability, and teamwork. [14:13] The best executive coach is somebody that actually was a practitioner of the MAP system. [19:44] How Jose helps leaders specifically in the trades grow their management team. [20:22] It all goes back to the six fundamental functions of the professional manager, which are communicating, planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading. [24:55] The golden rule of accountability. Attack the problem, not the person. [29:13] The importance of understanding your target audience. [32:52] Critical goal setting and KPIs. [33:29] Identifying five strategic priorities for the business that all have to be quantifiable. Having a layer of accountability all through the process. [34:47] How people build a business. [35:37] Jose talks about the three elements of the triangle. One of them is problem solving and team building. [38:07] Why would an intrapreneur want to work at a company that is working with a MAP consultant? [40:54] When a company owner has the humility to accept a coach, it shows the team how much they care. Resources & Links Related to this Episode Jose Charles (702) 813-8989 /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33734112

Becoming A Better Leader 10/25/2024

Becoming A Better Leader Leadership motivates team members, promotes growth, and ensures that businesses adapt to industry challenges while providing great service. It is one of the most critical components of any successful company. Today I'm going to talk about leadership in the trades. I want to encourage those of you in the trades to strive for the 2.0 version of yourself, and today I'll be sharing some techniques that have helped me become a more effective leader. I’lll talk about getting the right people on the bus. I'll also discuss leadership development and how to gain new or improve abilities. I discuss focusing on progress by asking who I want to become. We'll talk about what it means to care for your team, how to accept full responsibility for your results, and how being open to feedback can help you and your business thrive. Whether you're managing or leading a team, this episode is about being the best version of yourself as a leader. Episode Highlights: [02:07] Getting the right people on the bus. As a leader, it's important to get the right people on the team so you can execute on your task. [03:01] When we first started our company, I knew I had to be someone who could read financial statements for home services businesses. [04:03] I needed to be someone who understood the numbers and the financials in a home services business. [04:33] 1. Care about the people on your team more than you care about your own career. [06:02] The more you pour into these people, the more they will grow and elevate your career. [06:50] 2. As a leader, you are always responsible for the outcome. If you're not hitting goals, it's your fault. It's important for the leader to own the outcome. [08:05] The window and the mirror. If we're crushing goals, I'm a window as a leader. I'm giving credit back to the team. If we're not hitting goals, I'm taking ownership and saying, "what can I do as a leader to help my team," or a mirror. [09:03] It all comes back to us as a leader. It's powerful to be part of a team where the leader owns the outcome and accepts responsibility. [10:44] Blaming and deflecting takes away from your power as a leader. [11:17] 3. It's important to be open to feedback from your team. [12:04] Opening ourselves up to feedback from your direct reports enables us to see our blind spots. [13:04] Leaders need people who will honestly give them feedback and tell them when they're slacking. [16:01] Be open to feedback, available to change, and receptive to new information on how you can work better. [16:43] 1. Focus on your team and direct reports more than your career. 2. Everything is your responsibility. Own the outcome good or bad. 3. Be open to feedback! Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33608417

Functional Nutrition with Julia Mitchell 10/18/2024

Functional Nutrition with Julia Mitchell Fueling your body is like fueling your success—especially in the trades. The right nutrition isn’t just about what you eat; it’s about optimizing your energy, boosting your mood, and powering through your day with strength and focus. In this episode, we’ll explore how what you put on your plate can transform not only your health but also your performance on the job. I’m thrilled to introduce Julia Mitchell, a functional nutrition coach who has been a game-changer in my own health journey. Julia is part of Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s team, where she specializes in helping people understand the right balance of protein, carbs, and fats for their body and activity level. She has been instrumental in guiding me toward healthier eating habits, and I’m so grateful to have her on the show today. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of fueling the body properly and the unique challenges of maintaining good nutrition in the trades. We’ll dive into customized nutrition plans that work for your individual needs, and explore a muscle-centric approach to health, focusing on how building and maintaining muscle can improve performance and longevity. Julia Mitchell is a highly skilled functional nutritionist, bison rancher, and mother, dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a holistic and personalized approach. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) in the renowned practice of Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Julia combines her expertise in Muscle-Centric Medicine® with functional medicine principles to create comprehensive, individualized nutrition and wellness plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. Episode Highlights: [02:29] I meant Julia through Dr Lyons who is a concierge doctor with a different approach. She also said she had a nutritional coach that could help me customize my diet. [03:34] Dr. Gabrielle Lyons founded the Center for Muscle Centric Medicine. She practices medicine with the philosophy that skeletal muscle is the foundation for health. [04:32] Julia has patients as part of Dr Lyons team, and she also works with clients directly. [05:05] Functional means how the plan works for the individual. [06:03] They support muscle growth through health and nutrition. [07:19] The importance of having a plan and hitting your goals while still being able to enjoy life and the foods you like. [08:58] Nutrition is about trade-offs and understanding what's important to you and what your priorities are. [09:19] It's important to be aware of what you eat on a daily basis, because it's what fuels your performance. [11:11] Being in the trades can be like going to a gym, and it's a win-win in many ways. [13:24] First steps include assessing where you're at now. [14:15] The importance of starting with protein as the foundational component of your nutrition plan. Then vegetables and whole grains for fiber. [15:55] Protein has a high satiety value and makes you feel full. It's also a foundational need for our bodies, especially for those who do physical jobs. [18:03] It does take practice to set good habits and implement the skills you want in your life. [19:31] Stick to the outside aisles and grab fresh food when you go to the grocery store. [22:25] Soul searching and finding your true priorities when getting healthier. [26:57] We're a reflection of the five people we spend the most time with, so choose your circle wisely. [27:37] Julia shares her opinion on new fads. [29:22] It's really about finding a way of eating that suits you. [31:55] Food is preventative medicine. It's fuel for our body. [34:32] Muscle mass is important for longevity, and dietary protein is important for muscle mass. [35:00] Eat protein and lift heavy weights. [36:35] Lifting weights should be part of everybody's program, no matter what their job is. [37:24] The key is establishing something that you can be consistent with. [38:38] 1. Eating healthy and being healthy does not have to be hard. 2. Be aware of your priorities. 3. Focus on building muscle. 4. Eat high quality protein. [39:38] Food is preventative medicine. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33510347

Service Titan Pantheon Takeaways 10/12/2024

Service Titan Pantheon Takeaways Last week, I got to attend the Service Titan Pantheon conference for the first time. Now, if you've been a podcast listener, you know I have a love-hate relationship with Service Titan. Years ago, I had a vision of creating my own app for our home service business, and we went all in on working on it. Then I found Service Titan, which turned out to be an amazing program. So, we abandoned our app and fully embraced Service Titan. There are a ton of bells and whistles in Service Titan. It can do so many things that it can be overwhelming for people in the trades. But what I want to encourage all of you today is not to be intimidated by technology. It's not going away. It will only expand in the trades, helping us do our jobs more efficiently, gather better data, and serve our communities with greater accuracy and information. Today, I'll be sharing my three main takeaways from attending the Service Titan Pantheon. Episode Highlights: [02:47] ServiceTitan is a CRM that trade companies use. It's similar to QuickBooks. Most major residential contractors use ServiceTitan. [03:33] It's also used for communicating with customers, invoices, and a hub of information. [04:17] Every year, Service Titan has a big conference. There are group sessions, breakout sessions, networking, and more. [05:01] My first big takeaway is that it's amazing how much AI they are incorporating into the software. AI is not going away. Those of us in the trades need to get comfortable with using it. [06:16] They are developing a job assistant which scans all of the customer information and reads it to the dispatcher and the tech prior to arriving. [07:18] There's also a lot of vendors and products at the conference, but no outside vendor is going to save your business. Don't forget the basics. [08:19] I was grateful to go to a session with Ellen Rohr who was one of my mentors. She's a financial Guru and taught me a ton about financials. [09:01] Don't over complicate things. Know your numbers and know your margins. [09:49] The third thing is to not forget to implement after the conference is over. [10:49] Do not forget to execute and implement after the conference. [11:34] 1. AI is here to stay, so we need to get on the AI train and see how we can utilize it to be more efficient. 2. Don't forget the basics. Know your numbers. 3. Do not forget to implement. Take action. [12:20] When you're a leader, the learning never stops. Technology is always changing. [13:23] Pure is always going to be at the forefront of utilizing technology. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33427687

Learn To Work Effectively In A Team 10/04/2024

Learn To Work Effectively In A Team Do you know what makes or breaks your success? Having a team that works together effectively. Today, we'll look at how to work well as a team. Working as a team is vital in our industry, whether you're dealing with clogged drains or managing sophisticated HVAC systems. We look at four essential ideas that will help you become a valuable team player and contribute to your organization's success. We'll talk about identifying personality types for better communication, not taking things personally, working together toward common goals, and sacrificing your ego for the greater good. We'll also discuss how team sports experience may influence your teamwork abilities, the importance of having clear short- and long-term goals, and the "mirror and door" leadership strategy, in which leaders accept failures while celebrating team victories. So, if you're ready to improve your communication skills, create a winning team culture, and revive your enthusiasm for the trades, stick around. Let’s advance our careers together! Episode Highlights: [01:26] Being part of a team is a really important skill that we all need to learn. [01:36] When I interview people, I ask them if they played any team sports as a child. [02:39] The home service business is a team sport. Communication and teamwork is key to having a successful business. [03:22] Today I'm going to share four key principles to have an effective team in a home services business. [03:37] We need to understand personality types in order to communicate with people effectively. It's important to treat people how they want to be treated. [04:17] I appreciate directness, but not everyone is like that. [05:33] 1. Understand the personalities of people on your team so you can communicate with them in a way that they'll understand. [05:45] 2. When you're part of a team, you can't take anything personally. [07:51] The more we can learn not to feel personally attacked, the better we will be at solving the issues. [08:17] 3. We need to unite around the goal. It's important for leaders to keep the team focused on the goal. [09:11] I love our daily huddles where each department sets their goal for the day. [10:45] Make sure you're uniting around common goals and making each team member in the organization aware of those goals. [11:07] 4. Surrender your ego. Your ego is not your friend. It's not about you. It's about the team and everyone achieving their goals. [12:04] We can't grow unless we're challenged. Be open to constructive feedback when you're part of a team. [13:03] Using the "mirror and door" approach. Owning mistakes you make. Surrender your ego and give credit to team members when necessary. Accept responsibility for outcomes. [14:53] Be aware of how your ego may be getting in the way of you working effectively on a team. [15:47] 1. Understand people's personality types. 2. Don't take anything personally. 3. Unite around the common goal. 4. Surrender your ego. [16:46] Start with building a strong team that focuses on success. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33322022

How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor 09/27/2024

How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor As temperatures drop and the heating season approaches, it’s important to find a quality HVAC contractor. In this special episode, I depart from our regular trade-focused programming to provide helpful consumer advice. Whether you're getting ready for winter or finishing off summer maintenance, these pointers will help you avoid being stuck with "Dan in a van" and instead select a dependable, quality-focused home service company. I discuss the necessity of researching potential HVAC contractors, how to prioritize your demands based on pricing, quality, and timescale, and the importance of assessing a company's communication and responsiveness. I also cover how receiving numerous quotes can help you make an informed selection. Finding the right home service provider is like finding a trusted partner for your home. It requires careful research, thorough vetting, and clear communication to ensure that your home is in the best possible hands. Listen in to learn insider knowledge to help you make informed decisions regarding your heating and air conditioning requirements. Episode Highlights: [02:34] Do your research to find the best home service provider for you. Look online. Try to find a company with at least 1,000 five-star reviews or more. [03:13] Look at the negative reviews and see how they respond to customers. Ask friends and family if they know any great contractors. [04:22] Get clear on what you want as the consumer. 1. Cheapest price. 2. Quality of work and equipment. 3. What is your time frame? [06:03] At Pure Plumbing & Air, we strive to be all three of these things for our consumers. We focus on price and quality within an efficient time frame. [06:48] It's very rare to get all three of these from one company. [07:02] Identify what's most important to you and communicate that back to your contractor. [08:01] Reach out to the company and make sure you get a response. [09:01] Is the technician friendly, on time, listening to your needs, and even taking notes? [09:20] Make sure your communication from the company is on point from the start. [09:32] Don't be afraid to get multiple estimates, especially if it's a large piece of equipment you're purchasing. [10:54] 1. Do your research to find the best home service provider. 2. Get clear on what you want. 3. Contact the company and pay attention to their communication. 4. Don't be afraid to get multiple estimates. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33228422

DISC Profiles With Andrew Aranda 09/20/2024

DISC Profiles With Andrew Aranda Are you looking to boost your income? Increase your sales? Improve communication with your spouse and team members? Then you're in the right place! Today, my gorgeous hubby Andrew Aranda and I dive into exploring DISC personality assessments and how you can leverage them in both your personal and professional life to achieve these goals and more. Andy and I Discovered DISC about eight years ago during our first leadership training at the Ziglar headquarters in Plano, Texas. Since then, it's been nothing short of transformational for our business, enhancing how we communicate with team members, customers, and each other. DISC is a powerful model used to analyze human behavior and personality traits. The assessment categorizes personalities into four primary types, each representing how individuals typically behave in different situations. The personality types are: D (Dominance) for direct, results-oriented individuals; I (Influence) for outgoing, enthusiastic people; S (Steadiness) for patient, supportive types; and C (Conscientiousness) for analytical, detail-oriented personalities. Each type has distinct traits that affect how they interact and work. Episode Highlights: [02:35] DISC is a model to analyze human behavior and personality traits. It consists of four personality types based on how humans behave in certain circumstances. [02:48] The Dominance personality is very focused on results. Influence is for people who emphasize social interactions. Steadiness is for people who highlight cooperation and patients. The Conscientious personality focuses on quality, accuracy and organization. [04:19] Andrew describes DISC as a personality training framework that's used to describe different communication styles based on the personality traits that you had mentioned. [05:50] Understanding these personality types helps create awareness with how to communicate with other people who have different types. [06:55] Some people are very balanced on their personality traits. Creating awareness helps us to adapt to the different traits. [08:51] A person with a D personality and a person with an I personality will communicate very differently. [10:02] An I type personality can be very impulsive. [10:54] If you have a lot of S-type personalities in the workplace, you have a very stable organization. An office full of D-type personalities will cause complete chaos. [11:21] If you're building a team, learn the personality traits, so you can understand how your team is going to operate. [12:22] We use DISC to make sure everybody is in the right position on the team. [14:55] We do an initial DISC assessment in the hiring process to make sure the person is a good fit for the position we're hiring them for. [16:04] Andrew is trained in DISC, and it's important for him to train other people in the organization as well. Understanding the personality types helps technicians communicate with customers in the field. [17:53] Andrew shares how he got certified and finds DISC the least complicated form of personality assessment. [19:04] The assessment will also help understand and know how to speak to your spouse. [23:32] The training can even help you with your kids. [25:10] We have a primary personality trait and then a secondary or adaptive personality type. [28:23] We can train ourselves to be more balanced just by understanding other personality types. [31:10] Kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement. If you do 1% more each day in self-development and growth, it's safe to say by the end of the year, you will be a totally different person. [33:37] Using DISC creates awareness around you and your communication style. It can help you adapt to communicating with different personality types. Getting 1% better each day and learning more about yourself. [36:29] Be a leader with a service type mentality. Resources & Links Related to this Episode Follow Andrew /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33131622

Motivation Killers in the Trades 09/13/2024

Motivation Killers in the Trades Motivation is the spark that ignites success, but what happens when that flame starts to flicker? Throughout the year, we all experience different levels of motivation. Summer can be particularly challenging. The heat and the kids are out of school and the temptation to relax at the beach can make it harder to stay focused professionally. Summer is also a crucial "separation season" for people in the trades, because this is where the money is made and that year’s financial success can be determined. In this episode, I walk through six motivation killers that can affect even the most dedicated professionals, and how to overcome them. I’ll share strategies to conquer the hidden obstacles that can derail the most dedicated of us. I’ll also talk about discipline and using it to combat many of these obstacles. It’s my hope that we can all stay motivated and disciplined enough to make our careers and our year the best ever. Episode Highlights: [02:40] Discipline can help get you through periods when motivation is lacking. [03:32] The trades are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. This can lead to losing motivation. It's important to train yourself to be aware of motivation killers. [04:08] Staying motivated and disciplined can lead to making more money and more career satisfaction. [05:01] Motivation killer number one. Lack of clarity. Why am I doing this? What is the purpose of this? I know that I've been called to bring passion and respect back to the trades. [06:35] What do you want to create? The desires in our heart are given to us by God, and it's up to us to go out and create them. [07:05] Staying motivated through vision boards. Begin with the end in mind and have clarity about where you would like to go. It's important to be really clear about what you want and work towards those goals and dreams everyday. [08:01] Motivation killer number two. Fear of failure. This is stifling and convinces us that not taking action is better than taking action and falling short. [09:20] When you avoid failure you miss the chance to succeed and the chance to build your confidence. [09:54] Motivation killer number three. Procrastination. We often avoid doing things that we don't really want to do. [10:52] I trick myself and give myself little rewards when I do something that I didn't want to do. [12:46] Motivation killer number four. Toxic people and relationships in our lives. [14:33] Who you marry can be one of the biggest indicators of your success. [15:21] I have a coach who actually schedules time to fight with her husband. [16:53] Be careful about the news and drama on social media. [18:32] Motivational killer number five. Being stuck in comparison. [21:12] Motivation killer number six. Burnout. There's a lot of mental bandwidth and physical strength required to constantly solve problems. [22:02] Take time off to fill your cup and do things that you are passionate about. [23:09] Practice self care so you can show up as your highest self. [24:14] The six motivational killers are: lack of clarity, fear of failure, procrastination, toxic people and relationships, being stuck in comparison, and burnout. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/33032892

Intrapreneur Versus Entrepreneur 08/30/2024

Intrapreneur Versus Entrepreneur This is a refurbished episode of Episode 20, Intrapreneur Versus Entrepreneur. Enjoy! Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship are two distinct concepts that have gained prominence recently. An entrepreneur is an individual who initiates, manages, and assumes the financial risk in the establishment of a new business. An intrapreneur is a leader within a company who enhances the organization's growth through innovative ideas and advancements. While entrepreneurship has been romanticized, the majority of people who branch out on their own fail, making intrapreneurs' contributions critical. Intrapreneurs utilize their organization's resources and create value with less executive risk, solving significant problems within the company. In contrast, entrepreneurs take on more significant financial risks, have less time freedom, and must make considerable sacrifices to succeed. In this podcast, we'll focus specifically on intrapreneurs and explore some shared traits with entrepreneurs while highlighting three things to look for in a company if you are an intrapreneur. Episode Highlights: [03:03] Intrapreneurs are people within a company that make that company grow. They have a pivotal role in growing the organization. [03:29] An entrepreneur has more risk and less time freedom. They also have to make significant sacrifices. There's a lot of opportunity, but a lot of sacrifice goes along with that. [03:47] I was a different woman 5 years ago. I realized that there's a huge void for intrapreneurs specifically in the trades. [04:26] I've seen amazing technicians fail in the transition to entrepreneurship. That's okay because entrepreneurship isn't for everybody. [05:06] Shared traits include leadership, adaptability, innovation, and persistence. [05:28] My husband was a free-spirited entrepreneur who took risks. I was the opposite. We've been so successful, because our talents are the exact opposite. [07:40] "You can have everything you want in life if you just help enough people get what they want." -Zig Ziglar [08:15] If you would prefer to be an intrapreneur and not take all of the risk, look for these things in your company. Are the company's core values in alignment with your own? [13:01] What is the company culture like? How do people interact? How do they feel about the company? [15:18] What are the opportunities for advancement and growth? Is professional development provided? Is there a ladder of opportunity within this company? [17:15] It's my passion to help bring respect back to the trades. I'm here to help intrapreneurs bring passion back to their careers. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/32805297

Get Your Financial House In Order 08/23/2024

Get Your Financial House In Order This is a refurbished episode of Episode 20, Get Your Financial House In Order. I loved this episode so much, I wanted to replay it for you. This episode was the foundation for my financial abundance series. Enjoy! I'll be sharing actionable advice designed to help tradespeople take control of their financial futures and pave the way for a prosperous legacy. This week, I'll be talking about how to get your financial house in order. We'll cover several concepts, including the importance of financial organization. I'll introduce the concept of a Known Financial Position (KFP) and share budgeting essentials that can set you on the path to achieving larger financial goals, such as the power of saving 10%. We'll also dive into evaluating financial decisions, prioritizing family and goals, and I'll share some strategies for eliminating debt and saving for important goals. I hope this series motivates us all to get our finances in order. Episode Highlights: [01:54] Why should we get our financial house in order? In order to create generational wealth, we need to know where we are now. [02:25] Sometimes we need to slow down and get to a known financial position or KFP. [02:41] KFP. You want to know what your monthly expenses are. How much are you bringing in monthly? How much are you spending monthly? [03:05] Creating a budget. I just use an Excel spreadsheet with our monthly income and our monthly bills. I also have the budgeted amount and the actual amount. [03:43] If you save 10%. Every time you get paid, your net worth should increase. [04:12] 1. Get to your KFP. 2. Ask yourself hard financial questions. Do I really need this? [05:29] Look for places where money is leaking like app subscriptions. Get clear on what is important to you as a family. [06:48] We put money aside for travel, because that is what's important for us. [07:16] 3. Get a game plan for paying off bad debt. It's not smart to finance toys or get in trouble with credit cards. [09:18] Be disciplined with your credit cards and keep them for a backup plan. [09:36] Periodically check your credit score and make sure there's nothing on there that you need to dispute. [09:42] Set up multiple checking and saving accounts and put certain amounts in these accounts. I have a savings account, travel account, investment account, and a major events account. [10:27] When we get paid, a certain amount goes into each account. You can automate this process. [11:36] 4. Create wealth in order to leave a legacy behind. [12:00] Recap: 1. Get to a Known Financial Position (KFP). 2. Ask the hard questions? 3. Create a game plan for paying off bad debt. 4. Set up multiple accounts that will build each time you get paid. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/32713532

Create A Healthy Culture 08/16/2024

Create A Healthy Culture We’re constantly told that culture is everything, what does it really mean to build a healthy business culture? Over the last five years, this has become a significant trend. There's been a lot of talk, countless books written, and even some extreme approaches to creating the "perfect" culture. However, in my opinion, going to extremes isn't always healthy. I've seen both ends of the spectrum firsthand. For example, our business coach walked into our call center only to find a Disney movie playing, with people relaxing and putting their feet up. It was an extremely laid-back environment, which had been bothering me for some time. I had discussed this with our call center manager, but she insisted that the work was boring, and allowing employees to watch movies was necessary to keep them engaged. She argued that without it, their performance would suffer. To me, this sounded more like excuses than solutions for improving performance. Our business coach pointed out that there are two types of cultures: the "country club" culture, where anything goes, and the "prison" culture, where nothing is allowed. We had to laugh because we'd experienced both extremes in our call centers. But this realization made it clear that we needed to find a balanced, healthy culture because what we were doing simply wasn't working. I’ll share tips on how we decided to create a healthy and winning culture that benefits the team and business while making work enjoyable and profitable. Episode Highlights: [04:21] My husband Andy is an i personality according to his disc profile. He wants to have fun and wants people to be excited and energetic. I'm a D and C. I'm direct and like numbers. Making money is fun for me. [05:26] We went on a quest in order to create a great culture for a team. Highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings. [06:03] When working on your core culture, you should clearly define your values and have a mission statement. [06:26] A winning culture is the first most important thing for a home service business. There's no amount of fun stuff a team can do to create a healthy culture if they are losing on a daily basis. [07:11] Make sure the goals you are setting are attainable. Everyone should have a goal or number that they're responsible for. [08:23] Winning as a team builds a bond with the people that you're winning with. Daily wins create abundance and value. [09:02] Make it fun and gamify your business whatever that looks like. [10:29] Don't bring down everybody else's mood when you're faced with the challenge. [11:14] It's extremely important to recognize team efforts. Give credit, recognition, and bonuses. [12:49] People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. [15:35] Create a healthy culture of inner department collaboration. [19:38] Collaborate in a problem solving fashion so that departments can work together. [20:12] 1. Create a winning culture. 2. Make it fun. 3. Recognize efforts. 4. Show people how much you care. 5. Foster healthy collaboration between departments. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/32601862

Change Your Thoughts 08/09/2024

Change Your Thoughts This is a special repeat of Episode 5, titled "Change Your Thoughts." It might sound a little cliché, but I'm incredibly passionate about the idea that changing your thoughts can truly change your life. I firmly believe that if you can shift the way you think, your entire life will transform in a positive direction. One of my favorite quotes from Zig Ziglar is about "stinking thinking." About a decade ago, I found myself trapped in that very mindset. Anytime something went wrong, I instantly fell into a victim mentality. When I first stepped into the world of self-development, I had to challenge myself to really examine the thoughts I was thinking. I'm so grateful I took the time to dig deep and do the work. In this episode, I’ll help you build awareness around your thoughts by sharing eight steps that can help break any negative patterns that might be holding you back. Remember, if you can change your thoughts, you can change your world. Episode Highlights: [02:35] 2020 was a challenging year. Had I not done all the work prior, I may have been stuck in a perpetual negative pattern. [02:58] 2022 was the first solid year of business with our second company in Dallas. Plus, we were launching an HVAC division in Las Vegas. Things didn't work out with our new GM, but we didn't let it get us down. [05:14] 1. How is this happening in our favor? What are we learning? How are we growing? What can we do better? When you get curious, you open yourself up to find the solution. [06:27] 2. Make time to feel your emotions. Make time to feel the emotions, process them, and release them. Make sure you are doing this in a safe place. [07:53] Find a safe place for your anger release method. I'll hit pillows, yell into the pillows, stomp, or whatever I need to do. Not spiritually bypassing. [09:43] 3. Choose your words. Choose empowering words. Switch your language to empowering words. [11:08] If you say negative things, your subconscious mind will find ways to make them true. [11:42] Switching your words can have a profound impact on your thoughts and mindset. [11:52] 4. Examine the negative thoughts. A lot of our adult programming has come from our childhood, and these negative thoughts aren't even our own. [13:36] Get to the root cause of where these negative thoughts are coming from. You may even have to have some tough conversations. [14:03] Your inner child. Things from your childhood come up in your adult life. [15:32] 5. Journal and write down your thoughts, so that you can examine them when you have time. [16:16] 6. Pay attention to what you put in your body. All of the things we put in our body have an effect on our thoughts. [18:00] 7. Cut out negative influences. Pay attention to who you hang out with. Take a step back from focusing on negative things to avoid creating anxiety. [19:08] Create boundaries and eliminate toxic people and media. [20:16] 8. Incorporate movement and exercise into your lifestyle. Movement and running makes me feel positive and high on life. Find something that you enjoy doing and that you'll be excited about doing. [21:11] Incorporate walking, strength training, or riding a bike. When we exercise our bodies create dopamine which generates positive thoughts. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/32480357

Changes in the HVAC Industry with Christopher Foster 08/02/2024

Changes in the HVAC Industry with Christopher Foster I'm so excited about this episode and my guest today. We're going to explore the rapid changes taking place in the world of heating and air conditioning. There are so many regulations and new developments as our country moves towards more environmentally friendly practices, from the chemicals we use to the equipment we install. Joining us today is one of our exceptional technicians, Chris Foster. Chris’s superpower is equipment, and he’s our go-to expert for all things equipment-related. He's also a dedicated family man and a man of faith. I’m thrilled to have him here to discuss the transformations happening in our field. We'll explore the shifting landscape of the HVAC industry, examining new government regulations and their impact, and how These changes are contributing to a cleaner, safer environment. If you're in the trades and want to improve your knowledge of environmentally friendly technologies and mandates, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: [02:50] What do these changes in the HVAC world mean to us? January 1st 2023 SEER2 mandate. This is the minimum efficiency required to install. The more arid the climate, the higher efficiency needs to be installed. [04:05] The equipment needs to be tested under real world conditions to make sure it meets the standard. [04:34] The EPA has made a refrigerant change. R22 began being phased out in the early 2010's. Now 410A refrigerant is being phased out and replaced with r32 or r454b. [05:33] This new refrigerant should allow for smaller coils with the same capabilities. It also has a lower GWP or Global Warming Potential. [06:26] Since January 1st 2023, SEER2 is required. Refrigerant is moving towards r32 or r454b. [07:27] Men and women in the trades are going to need a new certification to handle this refrigerant. [08:09] The new refrigerant should work better in hot climates but it is more flammable. [10:07] Chris talks about how to keep current on all of the regulations and changes. [11:27] These changes will result in more efficiency and be more environmentally friendly. [12:29] Being able to cool when it's over 110° and the smaller footprint are also advantages. [13:28] There's potential to create fires through HVAC installation. [14:40] To conserve energy, find a temperature range you're comfortable with and set it and let it regulate itself as opposed to leaving the AC off and heating the house in the afternoon during the hottest part of the day. Between 74 and 76°. [16:57] Every unit will have a sticker with the model and serial number, and there's also a SEER rating sticker. [19:15] There's a new certification and also talk to your suppliers, they should have some training available. Resources & Links Related to this Episode /episode/index/show/thequeenofthetrades/id/32395332

Queen of the Trades

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