Workforce Skills with John Morris

John Morris
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "Workforce Skills with John Morris," the essential podcast for anyone looking to thrive in their career and life. Join John Morris, a seasoned employer with a track record of hiring and training top-notch teams, as he dives deep into the critical skills needed in today’s dynamic workforce. Each episode, John shares insights on fundamental topics such as Basic Communication & Employability Skills, ensuring you can articulate your ideas effectively and stand out in the job market. We delve into Personal Preparedness, both for work and life, helping you navigate professional challenges with confidence and personal integrity. Appearance matters – and we're not just talking about dress codes. Personal Appearance & Presentation of Oneself goes beyond the surface, exploring how to present your best self in various professional scenarios. Social Support Networks are pivotal, and our discussions provide strategies for building and maintaining these essential connections. Workplace Relationships can be complex, especially when navigating sensitive issues like sexual situations. John provides guidance on handling these with professionalism and respect. The serious consequences of Workplace Drug Usage are also addressed, offering perspectives on maintaining a drug-free and safe work environment. Financial health is as important as professional growth. That's why Budgeting for Success is a key topic, helping you manage your finances for long-term stability. Social Decorum & Company Representation takes a look at how to uphold your company’s values and your personal brand in social settings. The power of collaboration is undeniable. Working in a Team Environment is dissected to enhance your cooperative skills. Lastly, Practicing Career Professionalism is a cornerstone of our discussions, ensuring you embody the qualities of a respected professional. Special guests, including successful business owners and individuals transformed by John's training, share their stories and tips, offering a diverse range of perspectives. "Workforce Skills with John Morris" isn't just a podcast; it's your partner in building a fulfilling career and a balanced life. Tune in and transform your professional journey today!

  1. 2d ago

    You vs. You: Stop Complaining and Start Changing | Ep. 137

    In Episode 137 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John gets direct about one of the biggest obstacles holding people back at work and in life: attitude. PHP Commercial Painting is growing, landing more work, investing in technology, training employees, and bringing experienced leaders into the company. But John explains that growth isn’t simply about hiring more people. It’s about finding the right people — employees who show up, take pride in their work, adapt to change, and want to improve. John also turns the conversation toward business owners. If you want employees who care about your company, you have to give them a reason to care. That means training them, recognizing great performance, understanding what’s happening in their lives, creating opportunities for advancement, and taking care of them when they need it. He shares how PHP rewards employees who perform, including a recent $4,000 bonus for finishing a project 10 days ahead of schedule, and why he believes better company performance should create better opportunities for the people helping build it. John also discusses the next stage of PHP Commercial Painting’s growth, including new leadership, technology developed internally, expansion into Utah, and his transition from working inside the day-to-day operation to working on the future of the business. But the biggest message of this episode isn’t just for business owners. It’s for everyone. Stop waiting for someone else to change your situation. Pick one, two, or three things you can improve. Read a book. Exercise. Learn something. Change your attitude. Develop a new skill. Take responsibility for where you want your life to go. No one is coming to build your future for you. You vs. you. Every day. Topics include: • Building a positive workplace culture • Why attitude matters in the workforce • Rewarding high-performing employees • Training and developing employees • Creating career paths inside a company • Hiring experienced leadership • PHP Commercial Painting’s continued growth • Using technology to improve a construction business • Working on the business instead of in the business • Adapting to change • Personal accountability and self-improvement • Creating your own opportunities Stay hungry.

    You vs. You: Stop Complaining and Start Changing | Ep. 137

  2. Sep 24

    The Truth About Starting a Business at 20 | Ricardo Herrera | Ep. 136

    At just 25 years old, Ricardo Herrera has already experienced the highs, mistakes, uncertainty, and responsibility that come with building a painting company from the ground up. On Episode 136 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, Ricardo joins John for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring, knowing your numbers, social media, and what it actually takes to turn a trade into a business. Ricardo started painting when he was 12, formed his LLC after graduating high school, and by 20 decided to stop working for other people and go all-in on his own company. But his perspective on entrepreneurship has changed dramatically since those early days. Five years ago, Ricardo would have told almost anyone to start a business. Today, his advice is very different: if you’re doing it just for the money, don’t do it. John and Ricardo compare two very different sides of the painting industry—Ricardo’s residential business and John’s commercial operation—and discover that many of the challenges are exactly the same. They discuss underbidding jobs, job costing, hiring friends and family, building a company culture, pre-qualifying customers, dealing with cash flow, getting licensed and insured, using social media to generate work, and learning how to lead employees who depend on you for their livelihood. Ricardo also shares what his first year in business really felt like: having employees to pay while sometimes having no idea where the next project would come from. John shares his own journey from doing side jobs as “John the Painter” to building PHP Commercial Painting, along with the lessons learned from mistakes, growth, technology, training, and scaling a company. This isn’t a conversation about getting rich quick. It’s about what happens after you decide to bet on yourself—and the responsibility that comes with building something bigger than you. In this episode: • Ricardo’s journey from painting at 12 to owning a company at 25 • Why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone • The fear of not knowing where the next job will come from • Residential vs. commercial painting • Why underbidding can destroy a growing contractor • Knowing your real labor, material, vehicle, and job costs • Hiring employees—and hiring friends and family • Using social media to attract customers and employees • Pre-qualifying customers before wasting time on estimates • Cash flow and the realities of waiting to get paid • Learning from failure instead of hiding from it • Why being a great painter doesn’t automatically make you a great business owner • John’s goal of taking PHP Commercial Painting to another level If you’re thinking about starting a business—or you’re already in the middle of building one—this episode offers a realistic look at what entrepreneurship actually demands. Stay hungry.

    The Truth About Starting a Business at 20 | Ricardo Herrera | Ep. 136

  3. Sep 17

    Sentenced at 16: Ty Wade’s Journey From Prison to Purpose | Episode 135

    At just 16 years old, Ty Wade was sentenced to 30 years in prison with no possibility of early release. For the first decade of his sentence, he had little hope of ever coming home. Then a letter from his mother changed the direction of his life. In Episode 135 of Workforce Skills, John Morris sits down with Ty to talk about the decisions, discipline, education, and small victories that transformed his life. Ty shares how he went from repeated trouble and 23-hour lockdown to earning a college degree with honors, teaching programs inside prison, helping others through his artwork, and ultimately earning his release five and a half years early. Today, Ty works at New Freedom, where he teaches framing, carpentry, workforce development, and—more importantly—helps men and women learn to believe in themselves and build a different future. John and Ty discuss what real rehabilitation looks like, why people sometimes sabotage their own success, the importance of accountability, replacing destructive survival skills with productive ones, and why changing someone’s life takes more than simply teaching them a trade. They also discuss the power of small victories, becoming 1% better every day, and one simple rule Ty gives his students: decide what you will not do when life gets difficult. Ty’s final message is equally simple: Ask for help. There are people willing to help—but you have to be willing to ask. 🎙️ Workforce Skills with John Morris Episode 135 | Featuring Ty Wade

    Sentenced at 16: Ty Wade’s Journey From Prison to Purpose | Episode 135

  4. Sep 10

    Stop Doing What Everyone Else Is Doing: It’s Time to Change the Industry | Ep. 134

    PHP Commercial Painting is landing jobs at a pace John Morris has never seen before—and he says it isn’t because of one big change. It’s the result of two years of rebuilding systems, embracing technology, implementing AI, developing people, and refusing to accept “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” In Episode 134 of Workforce Skills, John talks about why he believes the painting industry—and business in general—has become stagnant. Too many companies keep doing the same things, chasing the same leads, using the same processes, and expecting different results. John wants something different. PHP has built its own CRM, developed its own estimating and takeoff technology, integrated AI into its workflow, created sales and follow-up systems, established KPIs and incentive structures, and is preparing to expand beyond Arizona. The goal isn’t simply to become a bigger painting contractor. John wants to help change the way the industry operates. But technology and systems only solve part of the problem. As the work pours in, the next challenge is finding people in the field who take pride in what they do—painters who can produce, work efficiently, deliver quality, and want to become better every day. John also challenges employees and leaders to stop thinking only about hourly wages and start thinking about value. If you want the next position, train someone to replace you. If you want to make more money, become more valuable. If you want your company to grow, stop repeating what worked yesterday and start experimenting with what could work tomorrow. And something much bigger is coming. John says PHP is preparing to “throw a grenade in the middle of Phoenix” with an announcement coming next week involving two new team members and the next stage of the company’s growth. In this episode: • Why PHP is currently landing multiple contracts a day • How AI and technology are changing commercial painting • Why John believes the painting industry has become stagnant • Building systems that can scale into multiple states • Why PHP isn’t pursuing a franchise model • The importance of sales follow-up, KPIs, and incentives • Why great employees should train their replacements • Taking pride in your work regardless of your position • Becoming 1% better every day • Why change requires experimentation—and failure • Finding painters who combine quality with productivity • Creating a culture where employees bring ideas to the table • Why loving what you do eventually becomes bigger than the paycheck • A preview of the major PHP announcement coming next week Stop waiting for the industry to change. Be the change. Stay hungry.

    Stop Doing What Everyone Else Is Doing: It’s Time to Change the Industry | Ep. 134

  5. Sep 3

    Stop Complaining and Start Changing — No One Is Coming to Save You - Episode 133

    In Episode 133 of Workforce Skills, John Morris tackles entitlement, negativity, workplace attitude, and the one thing every employee can control: themselves. After making major personnel changes at PHP Commercial Painting, John shares what he’s seeing inside the workforce—the employees who step up when something needs to get done versus those who immediately respond with, “That’s not my job” or “I don’t get paid enough to do that.” John’s message is simple: If you want more money, more responsibility, a promotion, or a better life, stop waiting for someone else to make the first move. Do more. Learn more. Become more valuable. Ask what it takes to reach the next level, then put in the work. John also talks about building the next generation of PHP Commercial Painting, including two major new hires he believes will create a ripple effect throughout the Phoenix painting industry. But building a stronger company also means making difficult decisions, removing toxic employees, rewarding the people who step up, and creating a culture where success is celebrated instead of criticized. He shares why he wants employees to eventually become successful enough to start their own companies, why former employees should take pride in the projects they helped build, and why he would rather compete against contractors who learned to do things correctly than companies that cut corners. John also reflects on his own sobriety and the transformation that happened when he became laser-focused on improving his business, his health, and his life. If nothing in your life seems to be changing, it may be time to stop looking at everyone around you and start looking at yourself. What can you do differently today? Because no one is coming to save you. In this episode: • Why “that’s not my job” is the wrong mentality • Why doing more can come before earning more • Adapting when work doesn’t go according to plan • Removing toxic employees from your company • Celebrating coworkers who earn promotions • Taking responsibility for your own career • Learning from mistakes instead of blaming others • Why John wants employees to eventually become competitors • Second-chance employees and the value of opportunity • How sobriety changed John’s focus and business • Improving your skills to become more valuable • Knowing when it may actually be time to find another employer • Why meaningful change has to start with you Stop waiting for circumstances to change. Be the change. Stay hungry.

    Stop Complaining and Start Changing — No One Is Coming to Save You - Episode 133

  6. Aug 27

    Step Up or Step Out: Building a Team That Performs | Episode 132

    John Morris is raising the standard at PHP Commercial Painting—and not everyone is going to make the cut. In Episode 132 of Workforce Skills, John talks about what he saw firsthand while visiting jobs with Maryanne, who is being trained for a superintendent role as PHP prepares to expand into Salt Lake City. The biggest problem wasn’t technology, estimating, sales, or a lack of work. It was performance in the field. With PHP bidding roughly $8 million in work each week, John says the company can’t afford employees who do the bare minimum, wait to be told what to do, or force their teammates to carry the load. He contrasts that mentality with leaders like Larry Wilson, who develops painters, builds crews, finishes projects ahead of schedule, and creates the next generation of leaders. John also discusses PHP’s push toward higher standards across the entire company—from digital systems and GC communication to uniforms, safety training, accountability, quality control, and employee development. He explains why top performers can earn raises, guaranteed salaries, greater responsibility, and opportunities to grow with the company. As PHP prepares for Utah expansion, new leadership positions, and the creation of a board of directors, John’s message is clear: the company is growing, expectations are rising, and everyone has a choice—step up or step out. If you’re a painter who takes pride in your work, wants to grow, and is looking for a company that rewards performance, John has another message for you: come prove it.

    Step Up or Step Out: Building a Team That Performs | Episode 132

  7. Aug 20

    From Prison to Leadership: Larry Wilson’s Story of Work, Growth & Redemption | Episode 131

    Larry Wilson walked into PHP Commercial Painting nearly five years ago fresh out of prison, without tools, without a car, and with everything to prove. Today, he’s a working superintendent, trainer, mentor, and one of the hardest-working people John Morris has ever employed. In Episode 131 of Workforce Skills, John sits down with Larry to talk about the journey that took him from riding the bus to work and grinding through 78 straight days on the job to leading crews of 15 painters and finishing major projects ahead of schedule. Larry shares why he refuses to tolerate excuses, how he trains new painters, and why being willing to learn can matter more than having 20 years of experience. They discuss accountability, taking criticism without making excuses, maintaining professional standards, and what separates employees who grow from those who never make it. But Larry’s story goes far beyond painting. After years of incarceration and addiction, Larry made the decision to leave his old life behind. He spent years focused on working, rebuilding himself, reconnecting with his children, and creating a life where he says he finally understands what it means to be truly free. Now, he’s passing that opportunity forward—training employees coming out of New Freedom, mentoring men living in PHP’s halfway house, developing future leaders, and even watching his own daughter build a career within the company. His message to anyone trying to change their life is simple: PUSH — Pray Until Something Happens. Look in the mirror. Tell yourself you can be better. Keep moving forward. And don’t look back. In this episode: Larry’s journey from prison to working superintendent Working 78 consecutive days when he first started Why work ethic beats experience Training painters and developing future leaders Finishing major projects ahead of schedule Taking criticism without making excuses Accountability and protecting the entire team Rebuilding relationships with family Sobriety, freedom, and leaving the past behind Mentoring people coming out of incarceration Building PHP’s culture through leadership The difference between employees who learn and employees who “know it all” PHP Commercial Painting’s upcoming Utah expansion Larry’s PUSH philosophy: Pray Until Something Happens Stay hungry. Keep pushing.

    From Prison to Leadership: Larry Wilson’s Story of Work, Growth & Redemption | Episode 131

  8. Aug 13

    Stop Waiting for a Handout — Earn It, Build It, Own It - Episode 130

    In Episode 130 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John shares the mindset that’s driving PHP Commercial Painting’s expansion into Utah and why success is built—not given. From growing the company into a new state to building leaders from within, John explains why systems, culture, accountability, and relentless effort matter more than excuses. He opens up about his own journey from homelessness and financial struggles to building a thriving business, his weight-loss transformation after knee replacement surgery, and the habits that changed his life. This episode covers: Why PHP is expanding to Utah and how they’re protecting their company culture Building a “beast mode” mentality for work and life The importance of earning opportunities instead of expecting handouts Why health is one of the greatest investments you can make Creating systems that allow a company to scale Using technology and quality control to outperform the competition Hiring people who embrace accountability and continuous improvement If you’re an entrepreneur, tradesperson, leader, or someone looking for motivation to level up, this episode is a reminder that success starts with personal responsibility and consistent action. Stay hungry. Keep grinding. Earn your future.

    Stop Waiting for a Handout — Earn It, Build It, Own It - Episode 130
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About

Welcome to "Workforce Skills with John Morris," the essential podcast for anyone looking to thrive in their career and life. Join John Morris, a seasoned employer with a track record of hiring and training top-notch teams, as he dives deep into the critical skills needed in today’s dynamic workforce. Each episode, John shares insights on fundamental topics such as Basic Communication & Employability Skills, ensuring you can articulate your ideas effectively and stand out in the job market. We delve into Personal Preparedness, both for work and life, helping you navigate professional challenges with confidence and personal integrity. Appearance matters – and we're not just talking about dress codes. Personal Appearance & Presentation of Oneself goes beyond the surface, exploring how to present your best self in various professional scenarios. Social Support Networks are pivotal, and our discussions provide strategies for building and maintaining these essential connections. Workplace Relationships can be complex, especially when navigating sensitive issues like sexual situations. John provides guidance on handling these with professionalism and respect. The serious consequences of Workplace Drug Usage are also addressed, offering perspectives on maintaining a drug-free and safe work environment. Financial health is as important as professional growth. That's why Budgeting for Success is a key topic, helping you manage your finances for long-term stability. Social Decorum & Company Representation takes a look at how to uphold your company’s values and your personal brand in social settings. The power of collaboration is undeniable. Working in a Team Environment is dissected to enhance your cooperative skills. Lastly, Practicing Career Professionalism is a cornerstone of our discussions, ensuring you embody the qualities of a respected professional. Special guests, including successful business owners and individuals transformed by John's training, share their stories and tips, offering a diverse range of perspectives. "Workforce Skills with John Morris" isn't just a podcast; it's your partner in building a fulfilling career and a balanced life. Tune in and transform your professional journey today!

Information

  • Creator
    John Morris
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Workforce Skills with John Morris
  • Show Website
    Workforce Skills with John Morris

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