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.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Gift Ft Arlan King Ep.140
3d ago00:52:05Tap 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...
Transcribe →Know Your Craft Ep.139
1w ago00:29:21Tap to summarize--------------------------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 Road Ft John Faress Ep.138
2w ago00:38:10Tap to summarizeThis past weekend marked the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, a time to remember the men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.What many people may not know is that the story of C.W. Matthews begins in the shadow of that generation. After returning home from World War II, C.W. Matthews founded the company in 1946. As Georgia grew, so did C.W. Matthews, investing in roads, infrastructure, communities, and the people who made it all possible.Nearly eighty years later, that legacy continues.In this episode of The Line, we sit down with John Faress, Vice President of Equipment at C.W. Matthews, at one of the company's newest asphalt plants. What starts as a conversation about asphalt, process, and what John calls "the kitchen" quickly becomes a discussion about leadership, culture, stewardship, and the responsibility of preparing the next generation.We talk about what leadership looks like today, how culture is built and maintained, and what it takes to invest not only in equipment and infrastructure, but in people. We explore the lessons learned from those who came before us and the responsibility we have to build something that will outlast us.Join us as we explore what it takes to build roads, build teams, and build a legacy that lasts far beyond the work itself.This is The Road.--------------------------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 Heat Ft Mark Andrew Ep.137
3w ago01:00:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Line, we sit down with Marc Andrew, a firefighter from Detroit, for a real and honest conversation about leadership under pressure, purpose through hardship, and what it means to carry responsibility when the heat is on.Marc shares stories from the fireground, moments of intensity, sacrifice, and humanity that have shaped the way he leads both on and off the job. We talk about the importance of people understanding their value and worth, the need for young men and women to realize there are opportunities beyond the traditional four year degree, and how every individual learns and communicates differently.This conversation challenges leaders to think deeper about how they communicate, not just speaking, but truly connecting in a way that crosses barriers and reaches people where they are. Marc also opens up about his passion for the work, the love he has for serving others, and why these lessons mattered enough for him to write a book and share them with the world.This is a conversation about pressure, people, purpose, and leading through the heat.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 Finish Line Ft Eric Cowdin Ep.136
May 2500:56:49Tap to summarizeThe finish line has been crossed.One team is celebrating, and the rest are already preparing for next year.Those were the words Erik Cowden shared with us as we sat down together at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to talk about the realities of racing, the highs and lows of competition, the pressure of performance, and what it takes to continue moving forward whether you win or lose.In this fourth and final episode of The Brickyard Series, we celebrate not only the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500, but also the men and women behind it all. The crews, the tradespeople, the teams, and the individuals whose hard work makes an event of this magnitude possible year after year.After experiencing the 110th Indianapolis 500 firsthand, we also want to take a moment this Memorial Day to honor the men and women in uniform. To our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and all those who have served and sacrificed, both past and present, thank you. Your sacrifice is what allows moments like these to exist.So step up to the line with us and hear what Erik Cowden of Arrow McLaren has to say as he shares his story, his perspective, and the reality of what it takes to keep pushing forward.--------------------------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 Race Ft Tyrone Garrison Ep.135
May 1801:17:34Tap to summarizeIn episode three of the Brickyard Series, Blackline goes behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Tyrone Garrison ahead of the 110th Indy 500.In this conversation, we walk the track, drive the facility, and uncover what it really takes to operate and maintain one of the most iconic race venues in the world. From the history of the bricks to the responsibility of preparing for race day, Tyrone shares the care, planning, and hard work that happen long before the green flag ever drops.But this conversation goes beyond racing.For Tyrone, the Indy 500 represents honoring the men and women who came before us, respecting the tradespeople and workers who make events like this possible, and remembering the people who do the work when nobody is looking.At Blackline, these are the stories we want to shine a light on because the comforts we enjoy and the experiences we love only exist because someone was willing to show up and do the hard work.One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:Hard work creates opportunity.Step up to the line with us as we go behind the scenes before the race starts. --------------------------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 Track Ft Bill Pine Ep.134
May 1100:53:25Tap to summarizeEpisode 2 of The Brickyard Series: “The Track — What Lies Beneath the Surface”At Blackline, we believe the stories worth telling are often found beneath the surface.In this episode of The Line, Joshua Mellott sits down with Bill Pine of The Heritage Group at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — or, as Bill calls it, “the track.”What starts as a conversation about asphalt quickly becomes something much deeper.Recorded near Victory Circle, this episode explores the engineering, science, craftsmanship, and intentionality required to build and maintain one of the most iconic racing surfaces in the world. From designing asphalt capable of enduring speeds over 200 miles per hour to thinking generationally about infrastructure, Bill shares what it means to care for something bigger than yourself.But this conversation is not just about the track.It’s about the men and women who do the work. The people behind the projects. The responsibility of stewardship. The pursuit of excellence. And what lies beneath the surface not only in the asphalt, but in ourselves.This is The Brickyard Series.Real people. Real conversations. At the Brickyard.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 →From Bedrock To The Brick Yard Ft Keaton Turner Ep. 133
May 401:11:23Tap to summarizeIn this conversation kicking off our Brickyard Series, we sit down with Keaton Turner for a real one.We start a little differently. The first 20–30 minutes are an homage to his podcast, The Per Diem Podcast—a walk-and-talk around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where Keaton does what he’s known for… a straight-up rant. No video. Just real conversation.We talk about leadership, what it takes to surround yourself with the right people, and the importance of knowing who you are.Then we transition into the format you know from The Line—sitting down for an honest conversation about hardship, hard work, and what it means to invest in people and the future. We get into faith, business, and leadership, all while sitting near the finish line at the Speedway, surrounded by the history of those who came before us.This episode is a reminder that it’s not just the people in the arena who make it happen. It’s the men and women doing the work behind the scenes—the ones who build it, maintain it, and make the experience possible for everyone else.Tradesmen and racers alike—this one’s for you.We’re grateful for the people who make race day possible.This is what it means to go from the bedrock to the Brickyard.More to come in the Brickyard Series. --------------------------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 Only Easy Day Was Yesterday | Part 2 Ft Herb Sargent Ep. 132
Apr 2701:14:52Tap to summarizeThe Only Easy Day Was Yesterday | Part 2 with Herb SargentIn part two of our conversation with Herb Sargent, we go beyond business and get into perspective.We start with something simple—an incredible conference table, a gift from the Sargent family back to the company. But what it represents isn’t simple at all. It’s legacy. It’s ownership. It’s a reminder of who you’re building for.From there, Herb shares what he, his grandfather, and the Sargent family have seen over the past 100 years—the lessons, the mistakes, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.We talk honestly about today’s construction economy and what it’s doing to contractors and their people. How many are hanging on for dear life, like they built a rocket… but don’t know how to fly it.This conversation is raw. It’s honest. And it gets to the heart of building with intention.This episode is about being strategic, being effective, and building companies designed to last 100 years—not just survive the next one.Grateful for the time, the conversation, and what Sargent continues to model.--------------------------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 Hard Work Starts Today Ft Chandler Plante Ep. 131
Apr 2001:18:19Tap to summarizeThe Hard Work Starts Today | Sargent 100-Year Story (Part 1 of 2)Most companies won’t make it 100 years.Even fewer do it on purpose.This episode of The Line by Blackline LTD tells the story of Sargent, a 100% employee-owned company, and what it actually looks like to build something that lasts.In this conversation, Herb Sargent (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0) shares how their team invests in people, develops the next generation, and thinks long-term, not just about the next project, but the next hundred years.We also sit down with Chandler, one of their operators, for a real, honest look at what that culture feels like on the ground and what the future of Sargent means to the people doing the work every day.This isn’t just a story about longevity.It’s about servant leadership, ownership, and choosing to invest in people so the work, and the impact, carry on long after you’re gone.The hard work starts today.SUBSCRIBE + FOLLOW THE LINEIf you’re in the skilled trades, leadership, or building something that matters, this is for you.Subscribe for more stories from the people who do the workFollow Blackline for more episodes and field conversationsShare this with someone building something that lasts⸻#Leadership #SkilledTrades #EmployeeOwnership #Construction #CompanyCulture #Blackline #TheHardWorkStartsToday--------------------------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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