Trade Talk: The Podcast of Contractors Connect

Beespoke Consulting
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Trade Talk, the official podcast of Contractors Connect—where the building industry comes to connect, collaborate, and grow. Each episode features real conversations with contractors, builders, vendors, and industry pros across the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you’re on the jobsite or in the office, tune in for insights, stories, and strategies that move the industry forward.

  1. 6d ago

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 16) - You’ve Got Mail: Email Marketing That Actually Works with Liz Wilcox

    Liz Wilcox is back, and this time we’re skipping the Survivor stories and going straight to what she does best: email marketing. In Part Two of our conversation with the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz breaks down how businesses can use email to build real relationships, stay top of mind and, yes, actually make money. And no, you don’t need a massive list or a perfectly polished newsletter to make it work. Liz shares why she recommends emailing about once a week, why getting replies may matter more than obsessing over subject lines, and why your emails should sound like an actual human wrote them. We also get into the practical stuff: what to send, how to grow your list, how to turn subscribers into customers, and what your onboarding sequence should look like. For contractors and local service businesses wondering, “But what would I even email about?” Liz has answers. Think client stories, industry updates, availability, helpful expertise and what she calls the “hand raiser,” a simple email designed to identify the people who may already be ready to buy. Then we switch gears to Liz’s newest chapter with Smart Passive Income and talk about another revenue opportunity business owners may be overlooking: digital products. And somehow, before the conversation is over, Liz has Sarah planning a downloadable party guide. In this episode: • Why you don’t need a huge email list to get results• What to send and how often to send it • How to grow your list and turn subscribers into customers• Simple email strategies for contractors and service businesses • How digital products can create an additional revenue stream Plus, a surprise guest appearance from a very vocal chicken. Ready to stop treating email like an afterthought and start using it as a real business tool? Hit play. Connect with Liz:Visit LizWilcox.com and look for the hot pink button to grab her free email marketing resources, including an onboarding sequence, newsletter samples and 52 subject lines. Trade Talk is powered by Contractors Connect, where construction pros connect, share and grow. Be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with your crew.

  2. Sep 24

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 14) - Super Women Cry Too: The Power of Being Human

    Rosa Santiago Zimmerman is back on Trade Talk—and she has a lot to share. Sarah sits down with Rosa, founder of RSZ Design & Development and the creator of Build with Rosa, to talk about the next chapter of her work, including the launch of her new women-led media platform, Superwomen Cry Too. Built around honest conversations about vulnerability, pressure, leadership, and the expectations women place on themselves, Superwomen Cry Too challenges the idea that strong women always have to have it all together. Rosa shares why real connection requires taking down the walls we build around ourselves—and why sometimes the strongest thing a leader can do is take off the cape. That message also offers a preview of what Rosa will bring to the stage as the capstone speaker at the 2026 Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit. Without giving too much away, Rosa talks about learning to lead without carrying everything alone, setting boundaries without guilt, and creating a workplace where people come first. Sarah and Rosa also get practical, discussing calendar blocking, protecting your time, rethinking the traditional Monday meeting, and why being constantly available doesn’t necessarily make you a better leader. Plus, Rosa shares what’s next for Build with Rosa, the possibility of bringing Rosita’s Design Adventures to life through animation, and even where she might head for her next solo adventure. In this episode: The story behind Rosa’s new Superwomen Cry Too platform Why vulnerability and real connection matter The pressure to be “Superwoman” Learning to take the cape off without feeling guilty How Rosa has changed as a leader Why boundaries are essential in business and life Creating a people-first workplace culture Rosa’s approach to meetings, calendars and protecting focused work What’s next for Build with Rosa and Rosita’s Design Adventures A preview of Rosa’s message at the Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit Connect with Rosa Follow along with Rosa and everything she’s building through Build with Rosa, where she shares her work, ideas, projects, and the continued adventures of Rosita. And be sure to follow Superwomen Cry Too, Rosa’s new women-led media platform creating space for honest conversations about leadership, vulnerability, expectations, relationships, and what it really means to be a “superwoman.” Find @SuperwomenCryToo on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social platforms, with even more—including the Superwomen Cry Too podcast—on the way. You can also catch Rosa live as the Capstone Speaker at the 2026 Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit, September 10 at the Emerald Grande. Got a topic idea or feedback?  Email us at ⁠info@beespokeconsulting.com⁠ or submit them at ⁠contractors-connect.com/podcast⁠.

  3. Sep 15

    Built for More: Liz Wilcox on Survivor, Entrepreneurship & Creating Freedom

    Recorded live at the 2026 Built to Lead Summit, this episode of Trade Talk brings Sarah White and Lindsay Lord together with entrepreneur, Survivor fan favorite and Smart Passive Income owner Liz Wilcox for a conversation about taking risks, building businesses and creating a life with more freedom. Liz shares the story behind her unforgettable journey to Survivor, including how a challenge from her daughter finally pushed her to apply and how building a business that could run without her made it possible to say yes when the opportunity came. But Survivor is only part of Liz's story. She takes us back to her beginnings as an RV travel blogger, when she was building an internet business without even having internet on her phone, and explains how that eventually led her to email marketing, multiple businesses and, most recently, the acquisition of Smart Passive Income. Liz also gets candid about growing up with very little, refusing to accept that her circumstances had to determine her future, and learning to stay firm on the vision while remaining flexible on the details. In this episode, we talk about: How Liz went from RV travel blogger to email marketing entrepreneurThe business systems that allowed her to leave for SurvivorWhy she believes action matters more than waiting for confidenceHer approach to making big asks and thinking like her "future Liz"Why knowing the life you want matters more than knowing exactly how you'll get thereWhat "smart passive income" actually meansBuilding systems and automation that allow your business to operate without youWhy working less can create room for the things that matter mostLiz's acquisition of Smart Passive Income and what it means to step into a major leadership roleSimple ways to start growing your email listAnd, of course, the real story behind that viral Survivor Applebee's meltdownPlus, we put Liz's love of '90s pop culture to the test with a rapid-fire round covering NSYNC, Britney, Christina, Whitney, TLC and more. A special thank you to Ferguson Home, our Trade Talk Live sponsor, for helping us bring this conversation to the Built to Lead Summit. Whether you're building a company, considering your next big move or simply wondering what's possible when you stop accepting the version of life you've been handed, this conversation is a reminder to stay clear on where you're going and be willing to change how you get there. And we're not finished with Liz yet. She'll be back on Trade Talk soon for another conversation where we'll dive deeper into email marketing, growing your list and creating smart passive income. Connect with Trade Talk Trade Talk is powered by Contractors Connect, where construction professionals connect, share and grow. Be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with your crew.

  4. Sep 1

    Built for Growth: Leadership, People and the Future of Homebuilding

    What does it look like to build a career by staying curious, stepping outside your comfort zone and continually looking for opportunities to grow? In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah White and Lindsay Lord sit down with Emily Natalio, City Manager with D.R. Horton, to talk about her 14-year journey with the company and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Emily started with D.R. Horton as a marketing coordinator and worked her way through roles in market analysis, marketing, sales and operations before becoming a city manager overseeing everything from land development through construction, sales and warranty. But for Emily, leadership ultimately comes back to people. She shares why developing future leaders has become one of the most rewarding parts of her role, how cross-training can create stronger teams and why leaders need to stay connected to what’s actually happening in the field. Emily also shares her perspective on today’s housing market, including what she’s seeing along the Northern Gulf Coast, the challenges builders face when finding and developing great people and what today’s buyers are prioritizing when choosing a home. In this episode, we talk about: Emily’s 14-year career journey with D.R. Horton Growing into leadership and developing stronger teams Why cross-training and staying connected to the field matter Today’s housing market and where Emily is seeing growth What today’s homebuyers are prioritizing The importance of relationships in the construction industry Emily’s career is a reminder that you don’t have to have your entire path mapped out from the beginning. Stay curious, keep learning and be willing to step into opportunities that challenge you. About D.R. Horton D.R. Horton is a national homebuilder with operations across the country. Its decentralized business model allows local teams to use their knowledge of individual markets to help determine the products and communities that best meet the needs of buyers in those areas. Learn more about D.R. Horton at drhorton.com. About Contractors Connect Trade Talk is powered by Contractors Connect, the go-to networking community for professionals in the building industry. Contractors Connect brings contractors, vendors, service providers and industry leaders together to build relationships, grow their networks and strengthen the construction community. Learn more, find an upcoming meetup or become a member at contractors-connect.com. The views expressed by Emily Natalio are her own and do not necessarily represent those of her employer, D.R. Horton, an Equal Housing Opportunity Builder.:::

  5. Season 2, Episode 14 Trailer

    Superwomen Cry Too: The Strength in Being Human

    Rosa Santiago Zimmerman is back on Trade Talk—and she has a lot to share. Sarah sits down with Rosa, founder of RSZ Design & Development and the creator of Build with Rosa, to talk about the next chapter of her work, including the launch of her new women-led media platform, Superwomen Cry Too. Built around honest conversations about vulnerability, pressure, leadership, and the expectations women place on themselves, Superwomen Cry Too challenges the idea that strong women always have to have it all together. Rosa shares why real connection requires taking down the walls we build around ourselves—and why sometimes the strongest thing a leader can do is take off the cape. That message also offers a preview of what Rosa will bring to the stage as the capstone speaker at the 2026 Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit. Without giving too much away, Rosa talks about learning to lead without carrying everything alone, setting boundaries without guilt, and creating a workplace where people come first. Sarah and Rosa also get practical, discussing calendar blocking, protecting your time, rethinking the traditional Monday meeting, and why being constantly available doesn’t necessarily make you a better leader. Plus, Rosa shares what’s next for Build with Rosa, the possibility of bringing Rosita’s Design Adventures to life through animation, and even where she might head for her next solo adventure. In this episode: The story behind Rosa’s new Superwomen Cry Too platform Why vulnerability and real connection matter The pressure to be “Superwoman” Learning to take the cape off without feeling guilty How Rosa has changed as a leader Why boundaries are essential in business and life Creating a people-first workplace culture Rosa’s approach to meetings, calendars and protecting focused work What’s next for Build with Rosa and Rosita’s Design Adventures A preview of Rosa’s message at the Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit Connect with Rosa Follow along with Rosa and everything she’s building through Build with Rosa, where she shares her work, ideas, projects, and the continued adventures of Rosita. And be sure to follow Superwomen Cry Too, Rosa’s new women-led media platform creating space for honest conversations about leadership, vulnerability, expectations, relationships, and what it really means to be a “superwoman.” Find @SuperwomenCryToo on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social platforms, with even more—including the Superwomen Cry Too podcast—on the way. You can also catch Rosa live as the Capstone Speaker at the 2026 Built to Lead Women in Construction Summit, September 10 at the Emerald Grande. Got a topic idea or feedback?  Email us at info@beespokeconsulting.com or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.

  6. Aug 4

    Beyond the Policy: Protecting Your Business from Costly Mistakes

    Insurance is one of those things contractors hope they'll never need—until they do. In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah White sits down with Tina Blackwell, owner of Blackwell Insurance, to discuss the unique risks facing contractors, builders, and subcontractors in today's construction industry. As a second-generation agency owner, Tina shares how her family's business helped insure many of the Emerald Coast's earliest condominium projects and why long-term relationships have always been at the heart of their success. Drawing from decades of experience in commercial insurance and construction underwriting, Tina explains why not all insurance policies are created equal, how contractors can better protect themselves through proper coverage, and why understanding contractual risk transfer can save businesses from costly claims. She also shares real-world claim stories that illustrate just how quickly unexpected situations can turn into major financial losses. Whether you're a general contractor, subcontractor, or business owner in the trades, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you better understand your insurance, reduce risk, and build a stronger business. In this episode: - The history of Blackwell Insurance and its role in the Emerald Coast's construction boom - Why Florida's insurance market is unlike any other- Lessons learned from Hurricane Michael and rebuilding after disaster- What contractors should know about builder's risk, liability, workers' compensation, and umbrella coverage - Understanding contractual risk transfer without the legal jargon - Common insurance mistakes that can cost contractors thousands - Real claim stories that highlight the importance of proper coverage - Why documentation, audits, and communication with your insurance advisor matter - How the right insurance partner can help contractors save money while reducing risk - Whether you're reviewing your current policies or simply want to better understand how insurance protects your business, this episode offers valuable insights every contractor should hear. Connect with Blackwell Insurance To learn more or request a review of your current insurance program, contact Blackwell Insurance at 850-769-2225, email tinablackwell@blackwellinsurance.net, or visit www.blackwellinsurance.net. Tina and her team specialize in helping contractors, builders, and subcontractors find the right coverage and navigate the complexities of construction insurance with confidence. Got a topic idea or feedback? Email us at info@beespokeconsulting.com or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.

  7. Jul 21

    Building on Four Generations: Leadership, Legacy and Growth with Unlimited Surfaces

    Construction runs deep in Alex Medina's family. As a fourth-generation flooring contractor and the first woman in her family's trade, Alex has built Unlimited Surfaces into a thriving commercial flooring company while balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and raising five children. In this episode of Trade Talk, Alex shares how she expanded a family legacy that dates back to 1939, what it was like relocating her business from California to Florida, and why relationships, experience and continuous learning remain the foundation of her success. The conversation also explores the latest trends in commercial flooring, healthy building materials, leading in a traditionally male industry, and the realities of balancing business ownership with family life. Whether you're a contractor, business owner or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, resilience and building something that lasts.  In This Episode: Alex's journey as a fourth-generation flooring contractor Growing a family business that began in 1939 Expanding Unlimited Surfaces from California to Florida Building relationships and growing a business in a new market Trends shaping commercial flooring and remodeling The growing demand for healthier, low-tox building materials Why experience still matters alongside new technology Leading as a woman in the construction industry Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood and family life Advice for the next generation of business owners and contractors  Memorable Quote: "You can have it all, just not at the same time." - Alex Medina  About Our Guest: Alex Medina is the owner of Unlimited Surfaces, a fourth-generation flooring contractor specializing in commercial flooring, multifamily projects, hospitality, remodels, countertops and cabinetry. Originally based in California, Alex has expanded the business into Florida while continuing a family legacy that spans more than 85 years. As a certified woman-owned and minority-owned business, Unlimited Surfaces serves commercial and residential clients with a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative products and exceptional customer service.  Connect with Unlimited Surfaces: Website: https://unlimitedsurfacesinc.com Instagram: @unlimitedsurfacesinc Facebook: Unlimited Surfaces, Inc. Listen & Subscribe: New episodes drop every other Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show. Got a topic idea or feedback?  Email us at info@beespokeconsulting.com or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.

  8. Jul 7

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 11) - Beyond the Surface: Entrepreneurship, Stone & Second Chances

    When Angela Rissi came to America from Brazil 36 years ago with little more than a suitcase and a dream, she never imagined she would one day own a thriving countertop business on the Emerald Coast. In this inspiring episode of Trade Talk, Angela shares her remarkable journey of perseverance, reinvention, and faith. From overcoming language barriers and raising two sons as a single mother to launching Phoenix Surfaces after rebuilding both her life and career, Angela proves that some of life's greatest challenges become the foundation for our greatest successes. Her motto, "When life throws you stones, we make countertops," isn't just a clever slogan—it's the philosophy that has guided every chapter of her life. Angela also shares valuable advice for homeowners, builders, and designers on choosing the right surfaces, discusses today's biggest countertop trends, and offers encouragement for women and immigrants looking to build careers in the construction industry. In This Episode: Angela's journey from Brazil to America and why she chose to stay Starting over in a new country without speaking English The personal reinvention that led to the creation of Phoenix Surfaces Why resilience has become the foundation of her business Building a company centered on relationships and customer service Current trends in countertops, quartzite, porcelain, and full-height backsplashes Tips for homeowners selecting countertops they'll love for years What it's like being a woman in a male-dominated industry Advice for entrepreneurs who are waiting until they "feel ready" Why Angela believes her greatest accomplishment isn't her business—it's her two sons Memorable Quote: "When life throws you stones, we make countertops." - Angela Rissi  Connect with Angela Rissi & Phoenix Surfaces: Learn more about Phoenix Surfaces and their custom countertop fabrication and installation services: Website: https://www.phoenixsurfacesllc.com Facebook & Instagram: Phoenix Surfaces Listen & Subscribe: New episodes drop every other Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show. Got a topic idea or feedback?  Email us at info@beespokeconsulting.com or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.

See All (49)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Trade Talk, the official podcast of Contractors Connect—where the building industry comes to connect, collaborate, and grow. Each episode features real conversations with contractors, builders, vendors, and industry pros across the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you’re on the jobsite or in the office, tune in for insights, stories, and strategies that move the industry forward.

Information