Detailed Summary of Dirt Talk Podcast Episode DT 290: "Spotlighting the Trades w/ Josh Mellot"

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In episode DT 290 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt, host Aaron Witt engages in an in-depth conversation with Josh Mellot, exploring various facets of the trades industry. The episode delves into personal experiences, business management, company culture, and the integration of creative endeavors within the trades sector. Throughout the discussion, Aaron and Josh provide valuable insights, practical advice, and candid reflections on their journeys in the world of construction and business ownership.

1. Sponsorship and Gear Essentials

Starting at [00:00]

Aaron opens the episode by acknowledging Ariat, the official sponsor of Dirt Talk. He emphasizes the importance of high-quality workwear, especially during the cold winter months. Aaron shares his experience of waking up to 17-degree weather and the necessity of reliable outerwear to ensure work continuity.

Notable Quote:

• [00:00] A: “But now it is winter and boy, is it cold. It was 17 degrees this morning. I had to warm the truck up.”

2. Personal Preferences and Professional Gear

Discussion between [00:56] and [02:15]

Aaron and Josh delve into their preferences for watches, highlighting the significance of reliable timepieces in the trades. Josh expresses his appreciation for Hamilton watches, a tradition he maintains by gifting them to apprentices in his electrical company.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:56] B: “I like high quality watches. So, like I grew up, which I appreciate, in Lancaster and Hamilton's pretty famous.”
• [02:02] A: “Yeah, most of them are kind of douchey.”

Key Points:

• Importance of durable, functional watches in the trades.
• Preference for smaller watch sizes to maintain comfort and practicality on job sites.

3. The Value of Punctuality and Communication

From [03:14] to [06:12]

The conversation shifts to the importance of punctuality, a value ingrained in them from childhood. Both emphasize how being consistently on time fosters trust and reliability in professional settings. They also discuss the challenges of modern distractions, such as excessive phone usage during meetings and family interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:05] A: “Fuck, we would get laid into, man.”
• [04:07] B: “If you're on time, you're late.”
• [05:15] A: “That’s why everybody communicates differently from a leader's perspective.”

Key Points:

• Punctuality as a cornerstone of professionalism.
• Strategies to utilize waiting time productively, like carrying a book.
• Challenges posed by digital distractions in maintaining effective communication.

4. Working in Cold Environments and Gear Adaptations

Between [06:12] and [10:27]

Josh reminisces about his early experiences working in extreme cold, particularly in wastewater treatment, where inadequate gear posed significant challenges. Both Aaron and Josh discuss the evolution of workwear, highlighting advancements like insulated boots that keep workers dry and warm even in harsh conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:32] A: “Now, with social media, everybody's like, oh, well, you know, five degrees, that's not even that cold.”
• [08:12] B: “They were like 10 cents apiece. I was like, we could make some money.”

Key Points:

• Importance of appropriate gear in maintaining productivity and safety in cold climates.
• Personal anecdotes about overcoming gear-related challenges on job sites.
• Evolution of workwear technology to better suit the needs of tradespeople.

5. Business Management and the Journey to Ownership

From [10:37] to [29:05]

Josh shares his journey from being an apprentice to becoming a business owner. He reflects on the mentorship from his father, who instilled a strong work ethic and the value of earning money through effort. The discussion covers the intricacies of managing a growing business, maintaining company culture, and the emotional challenges of letting employees go.

Notable Quotes:

• [11:12] B: “My dad would always say, well, if you want something, then you need to earn money for it.”
• [25:26] B: “I have to figure out the differences in how you communicate with different people.”
• [40:46] B: “The best advice I ever got was this old timer... you can live on your base paycheck. Why change it?”

Key Points:

• Transition from apprentice to business owner, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and a strong work ethic.
• Challenges of scaling a business while preserving company culture and efficiency.
• The difficult but necessary process of laying off employees to sustain business health.
• Strategies for maintaining consistency and effective communication within a growing team.

6. Company Culture, Turnover, and Scaling Challenges

Between [29:05] and [57:03]

Aaron and Josh delve deeper into the complexities of scaling a business. They discuss how rapid growth can dilute company culture and lead to inefficiencies. Josh shares his experiences with high turnover rates and the emotional toll of having to let employees go, stressing the importance of honest communication and maintaining trust within the team.

Notable Quotes:

• [40:37] A: “But when you’re working overtime, rate work... it’s quite hard.”
• [55:44] B: “You can’t have some degree of turnover... but you're working to run yourself out of a job.”
• [57:03] B: “If you think that way, it’s going to rush you to it.”

Key Points:

• The impact of rapid growth on company culture and the necessity of being deliberate in maintaining core values.
• Emotional and operational challenges associated with employee turnover.
• The balance between business sustainability and employee well-being.
• The role of transparency and consistency in fostering a trustworthy and resilient company culture.

7. Integrating Creativity with Trades: Launching Blackline

From [57:03] to [85:01]

The conversation transitions to the establishment of Blackline, a creative arm launched to enhance the perception of the trades industry. Aaron and Josh discuss the motivations behind integrating creative efforts with their construction business, aiming to authentically represent the realities of working in the trades and attract like-minded individuals who value honesty and consistency.

Notable Quotes:

• [78:02] A: “We do what you say you will do.”
• [82:04] A: “I've never had a thought about you yet. You’re watching me every day. Love it.”
• [84:25] B: “Blackline started in 2021... tell people stories so that we could kind of lift the view of the trades.”

Key Points:

• The rationale behind creating a creative company to authentically showcase the trades industry.
• Challenges of merging creative endeavors with traditional construction work.
• The importance of storytelling in changing perceptions and attracting the right talent.
• The role of transparency and authentic communication in building a positive industry image.

8. Safety, Communication, and Industry Perceptions

Between [85:01] and [100:38]

Aaron and Josh tackle the often-contentious topic of safety within the trades. They critique superficial safety measures that fail to empower individuals, arguing that true safety comes from personal responsibility and effective communication. The discussion highlights the disconnect between corporate safety policies and on-the-ground realities, emphasizing the need for genuine safety practices that respect workers' autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

• [97:04] A: “Safety is not the priority.”
• [98:33] B: “The best advice I ever got was... your safety is your responsibility.”
• [100:17] A: “Therefore, it is regarding Mr. Corporate Safety Guy...”

Key Points:

• Critique of corporate safety policies that undermine personal responsibility.
• The importance of individual accountability in maintaining safety on job sites.
• The negative impact of rigid safety measures on worker morale and productivity.
• The necessity for authentic safety practices that are respected and followed by all team members.

9. Authenticity, Transparency, and Marketing in the Trades

From [100:38] to [123:07]

The final segment focuses on the role of authenticity and transparency in marketing within the trades industry. Aaron and Josh advocate for honest representations of the daily realities in construction, arguing that genuine storytelling is more effective than polished, misleading portrayals. They discuss the benefits of this approach in attracting dedicated and like-minded individuals, while also addressing the challenges of balancing transparency with company image management.

Notable Quotes:

• [106:34] B: “Black line podcast is all it’s about is having real and honest conversations like we would have on the job with real people.”
• [112:00] A: “I, I think, you know, this whole industry doesn't create any value whatsoever, and I'm making all this money, but I am completely miserable.”
• [118:33] B: “We try to train our people, and even our people that come to work with us, they want to lift the view of the skilled trades.”

Key Points:

• The power of authentic storytelling in changing industry perceptions and attracting talent.
• Challenges of maintaining transparency without causing panic or damaging the company's reputation.
• The role of podcasts and other creative mediums in fostering honest and meaningful conversations.
• Balancing marketing efforts with genuine representations to build trust and credibility.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Aaron and Josh emphasize the importance of consistency, honesty, and effective communication in both personal conduct and business practices. They advocate for a realistic portrayal of the trades industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards inherent in the work. By integrating creative efforts with traditional construction, they aim to elevate the industry's image and attract individuals who value authenticity and dedication.

Notable Quote:

• [122:35] B: “If you’re going to manufacture something that isn’t there, you’re not going to succeed.”

Key Takeaways:

• Building a successful trade business requires more than technical expertise; it demands strong leadership, consistent values, and a commitment to authentic communication.
• Transparency and honesty are crucial in fostering trust within the team and with clients, ultimately leading to sustained business growth.
• Integrating creative endeavors can enhance the industry's image, making it more appealing to the next generation of tradespeople.

Final Quote:

• [123:07] B: “Thanks, man.”

End of Summary

This episode of Dirt Talk provides a comprehensive exploration of the trades industry from both a practical and philosophical standpoint. Aaron Witt and Josh Mellot offer listeners valuable insights into effective business management, the importance of authentic communication, and the transformative potential of integrating creativity with traditional trades. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, the lessons shared in this episode are both enlightening and actionable.