Podcast
The Line
Hosted by Blackline · EN
Step up to The Line. A new podcast focused on highlighting the skilled trades. Showcasing men and women by sharing their stories and experiences. Our guests range from CEOs of 100 million-dollar businesses to a 21-year-old fabricator/welder. By sharing their experiences we aim to inspire the next generation of boys and girls hoping to break the generational miseducation surrounding the trades as an option. The Line is produced by Blackline whose mission is to continue to lift the view of the skilled trades. For trades by trades. Welcome to the Line.
Tune in every Monday for a new episode.
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
(The Cost of Silence On Job Site Field Notes Issue.3) The Ep.146
1w ago00:23:43Tap to summarizeBlackline Field Notes – Issue 003: The Cost of SilenceWhat does silence really cost on the job site?In this week’s episode of Blackline Field Notes, Joshua shares one of the most expensive lessons of his career. He explores the difference between being a nice guy and being a good man, and why avoiding hard conversations often creates bigger problems than having them.Healthy conversations protect projects, preserve profits, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate genuine honor and respect for the people you work with. Sometimes the conversation you’re avoiding is the very thing that keeps the job moving forward.See you next week in the field.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →The Cost Ft Chris Maharg & Austin Kessler Ep.146
2w ago00:38:08Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build the next generation of skilled tradesmen?In this episode of The Line, Joshua D. Mellott sits down with the leadership team from the Blackline Institute to talk about apprenticeship, mentorship, and the responsibility of investing in people. As a new year of apprenticeship begins in Pennsylvania, the conversation explores why training is more than teaching a trade—it’s about passing on a culture, developing leaders, and preparing men and women for long, meaningful careers.Together, they discuss what makes a great apprenticeship program, the role mentors play in shaping the future of the industry, and why companies that intentionally invest in their people build stronger teams, stronger businesses, and a stronger skilled trades community.Whether you’re an apprentice, a journeyman, a business owner, or someone passionate about developing people, this episode is a reminder that the future of our industry is built one person at a time.Because the future of the skilled trades won’t be left to chance. It will be built by those willing to teach.Step up to the line.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →(Reputation is Built Before The Bid Field Notes Issue.2) The Line Ep.146
2w ago00:24:44Tap to summarizeWelcome to Blackline Field Notes, our weekly LinkedIn newsletter and companion conversation here on The Line.In this episode, Joshua D. Mellott explores Blackline Field Notes – Issue 002: Reputation Is Built Before the Bid. He shares why your reputation begins long before someone ever calls you, influences every opportunity you’re given, and continues long after the project is complete.More than your work, your daily decisions, communication, character, and consistency shape the reputation others come to trust.Blackline Field Notes is dedicated to sharing practical lessons and hard-earned experience from those who have gone before you, helping you build a stronger career, business, and legacy in the skilled trades.Remember: your reputation is building.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →(Every Contract is a Proposal Field Notes Ep. 1) The Line Ep.145
2w ago00:31:09Tap to summarizeBlackline Field Notes | Issue 001: Every Contract Is a Proposal. Welcome to Blackline Field Notes, our weekly series where we share notes from the field—real experiences from our team, our clients, and the men and women we’ve had the privilege of working alongside throughout the skilled trades.The goal is simple: to share lessons learned, mistakes made, and practical insights that can help you build your business, advance your career, and navigate your own journey in the trades.These are shorter, one-on-one conversations that expand on each week’s Field Notes newsletter. In this first issue, Joshua D. Mellott shares lessons from more than 20 years as a specialty contractor, covering contract writing, contract negotiation, and some of the costly pitfalls he experienced early in his career.Whether you’re starting your own company, leading an established business, managing projects, or reviewing contracts for your organization, this conversation is designed to help you better protect yourself, your team, and the people who depend on you.The biggest takeaway is simple:Every contract is a proposal. It isn’t something you have to accept exactly as it’s written. Learning when to ask questions, negotiate terms, and protect your organization can make all the difference.Step up to the line. --------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →The Heart Ft Rob Stoppard Ep.145
3w ago01:10:22Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Rob Stoppard of Heart Centered Entrepreneurship gets to the heart of what it means to lead well. We talk about the importance of not giving your family the leftovers after you’ve poured everything into your work, but instead leading in a way that allows you to be fully present for the people who matter most.Rob shares thoughtful insights on learning to respond instead of react, taking a moment to pause before speaking, recognizing where you are emotionally, and leading with calm authority rather than emotion. We discuss how those simple disciplines shape healthier relationships, stronger teams, and better organizations.Whether you’re leading a business, managing a crew, or simply striving to become a better husband, wife, parent, friend, or leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership begins in the heart. When we learn to lead ourselves well, we’re better equipped to lead others both at work and at home.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →The Experience Ft Caleb Fetter Ep.144
4w ago00:53:55Tap to summarizeTrust is built through the experience.In this episode of The Line, Joshua sits down with Caleb Fetter, President and Managing Partner of RMS, for a conversation about trust, culture, leadership, and what it means to truly invest in your people.Caleb shares how trust shapes every part of the business, from relationships with clients to relationships with employees and partners across the industry. It starts with understanding people: who they are, what they want from their careers, and how you can help create opportunities that fit the life they’re trying to build.Because success isn’t always about chasing the biggest number. It’s about building a career, a culture, and a business that fits.Whether it’s the customer experience, the employee experience, or the overall business experience, the details matter. How you structure it. How you communicate it. How you deliver it.RMS embodies that philosophy. Even their brand reflects who they are: simple, subtle, clean, and clear. They don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room or the cheerleader out front. Their focus is on creating a seamless, effortless experience for their clients and their people.That level of attention to detail, excellence, and understanding of people has the ability to change the industry.Check out this conversation with Joshua and Caleb as they talk trust, culture, careers, branding, and why, at the end of the day, it’s all about The Experience.Step up to the line.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →The Fingerprints of Leadership Ft DJ Risk Ep.143
Jul 1300:55:34Tap to summarizeThis week on The Line, DJ Risk steps up to the line.In this conversation, DJ shares what leadership really looks like—not from behind a logo, a LinkedIn post, or a YouTube video, but when the boots hit the dirt and the work has to get done. He talks about the responsibility of leaving your fingerprints on every project, every relationship, and the culture you’re building.At the heart of that perspective is a legacy. DJ reflects on the influence of his grandfather and father, who invested in him and helped shape the values that continue to guide Paul Risk Construction today. Through seasons of challenge and success, they built more than projects—they built leaders.If you’ve heard of Paul Risk Construction, seen DJ’s posts online, or wondered who the people behind the company really are, this conversation offers an honest look beyond the brand. Our hope is that you’ll discover not only the story of Paul Risk Construction and the men and women who make it what it is, but also the fingerprints of leadership that are left behind when people choose to lead with character, humility, and purpose.This is The Line—real conversations with the men and women who build America.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →Build Your Career Ft Nathan Maughan Ep.142
Jul 600:53:45Tap to summarizeEvery career has a starting point.For Nathan Maughan, it began washing dishes, working at a gas station, and helping on a farm. It wasn’t a glamorous beginning, but it became the foundation for something much greater.In this episode of The Line, Nathan shares the journey that took him from apprentice to owner, leading multimillion-dollar construction and engineering projects while building and investing in people along the way. He reflects honestly on who he was when he started, the lessons he learned from those who invested in him, and the opportunities he embraced that shaped both his career and his life.Nathan’s story is a reminder that success isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s built one day at a time through hard work, humility, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning from the people around you.Whether you’re just beginning your career, working through an apprenticeship, or leading a team of your own, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and timeless lessons on what it really takes to build a career—and a life worth building.Build your career. Build your character. Build something that lasts.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →Flow Ft Ilya Tlumach Ep.141
Jun 2901:17:20Tap to summarizeLeadership isn’t built in a boardroom. It’s built through people, experience, and the stories that shape us.In this episode of The Line Podcast, I sit down with Ilya Tlumach, President of JM Lapp, for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it means to steward an organization you didn’t found.We discuss Ilya’s family’s journey from Ukraine, the values that have been passed from generation to generation, and how those principles continue to shape the culture and leadership of JM Lapp today.Along the way, we dive into topics every leader wrestles with:The difference between flow and hustleBuilding systems without losing your peopleWhy proximity isn’t the same as presenceHow leaders unintentionally become disconnected from their teamsPreserving a founder’s vision while leading the next generation of growthWhether you’re leading a business, building a team, or simply trying to become a better leader, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and timeless perspective.If you enjoy conversations about leadership, culture, the skilled trades, business growth, and building organizations that last, be sure to subscribe and share this episode with someone who would benefit from it.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Transcribe →The Gift Ft Arlan King Ep.140
Jun 2200:52:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Line, Joshua sits down with Arlan King of Bevanda Products to explore how something as simple as a coffee mug, cooler, or water bottle can tell a much bigger story.The conversation goes beyond branded merchandise and into the heart of what it means to build a company culture that values its people. Arlan shares how Bevanda has become a trusted partner to contractors and businesses across the skilled trades by creating products that crews are proud to carry and companies are proud to give.Together, they discuss relationships, leadership, branding, and why investing in people is always a worthwhile investment. They also explore the importance of honoring the men and women who do the work, building lasting partnerships, and creating organizations where people feel seen and appreciated.Whether you're a business owner, a leader, or someone who simply values craftsmanship and culture, this episode is a reminder that the little things often leave the biggest impression.Because at the end of the day, it's never just about the product. It's about the people who carry it.--------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: / TikTok: / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: / blacklinelt. .Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / YouTube: / @blacklineltd Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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