Trade Talk: The Podcast of Contractors Connect

Beespoke Consulting

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. 3d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. Jun 23

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 10): Built to Last: Roofing Trends, Tips & Insights

    In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Mike Miller, President and General Manager of the Residential Roofing Division at Specialty Roofers, to discuss his journey from growing up in a roofing family to helping build one of the region's most respected roofing companies. Mike shares how Hurricane Ivan brought him to Northwest Florida, the lessons he's learned from decades in the industry, and how Specialty Roofers has grown from a small startup into a company serving homeowners, builders, commercial clients, and schools across the region. The conversation covers roofing trends, common builder communication challenges, maintenance tips for homeowners, and why manufacturer certifications and quality installations matter more than ever. Mike also offers practical advice for protecting homes in our coastal climate and discusses the importance of giving back to the community. In This Episode: Mike's family history in roofing and construction How Hurricane Ivan led him to Northwest Florida The founding and growth of Specialty Roofers What sets Specialty Roofers apart from competitors The importance of manufacturer certifications and warranties Roofing trends, including metal roofs and synthetic materials The promise and challenges of solar roofing products Common communication mistakes between builders and roofers Best practices for protecting homes in Florida's climate The pros and cons of spray foam insulation Roof maintenance tips every homeowner should know Specialty Roofers' community involvement and charitable initiativesRapid-fire questions with Mike Key Takeaways: Communication between builders and roofers early in the construction process can prevent costly issues later. Quality installation and manufacturer-certified products provide better long-term protection and warranty coverage. Regular inspections and maintenance can help homeowners avoid expensive repairs caused by small issues. Florida homeowners should prioritize high-quality underlayments and storm-resistant roofing systems. Community involvement remains a core part of Specialty Roofers' mission and success. Memorable Quote "Because we're such an important part of the envelope, we're protecting everything. Communication is everything." — Mike Miller Learn More To learn more about Specialty Roofers, visit:www.specialtyroofers.com To learn more about Contractors Connect and upcoming events, visit:www.contractors-connect.com

  4. Jun 9

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 9) - Relationships Over Revenue: Leadership, Growth, and Finding Your True North

    What does it take to build a successful business, lead great people, and create lasting impact in your community? In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Tony Carder, founder of TruNorth Pest Control, entrepreneur, mentor, and business coach. Tony shares the story behind launching TruNorth after helping build and sell one of the largest pest control companies in the country, and why relationships—not revenue—have become his greatest focus. The conversation explores everything from company culture and leadership to community involvement, entrepreneurship, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Tony also discusses his passion for mentoring young business owners, the lessons he's learned from decades of growing companies, and why collaboration is one of the most valuable currencies in business today. Of course, they also dive into the pest control side of the business, discussing common challenges homeowners and builders face in Florida, termite prevention strategies, and how new construction decisions can impact a home's long-term protection. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take the next step, this episode is packed with practical advice and perspective from someone who has built multiple successful businesses from the ground up. In This Episode: Tony's journey from family business to launching TruNorth Pest Control The biggest lessons he's learned as an entrepreneur Why taking care of people is the foundation of growth How mentorship and coaching are shaping the next generation of business owners Building relationships that create opportunities What makes the Emerald Coast a unique market for business growth Common termite and pest concerns for homeowners and builders Tips for protecting homes during the construction process Tony's upcoming podcast focused on people making the leap to life on the Emerald Coast Why disconnecting from technology can improve your mindset and leadership Key Quote "We're in the people business. We're not in the pest business." - Tony Carder, TruNorth Connect with TruNorth Pest Control 🌐 www.truenorthpest.com📱 Facebook: TruNorth Pest Control Connect with Contractors Connect 🌐 www.contractors-connect.com Trade Talk is powered by Contractors Connect, where construction pros connect, share, and grow.

  5. May 26

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 8) Think Like a Buyer: How Builders Can Maximize Their Business Value

    What does it really take to sell a business successfully—and why do so many deals fall apart before closing? In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Tipp Spradlin, co-owner of First Choice Business Brokers of Northwest Florida, to talk about exit strategies, business valuations, and the biggest mistakes owners make when preparing to sell. After nearly 30 years in the Air Force, Tipp transitioned into business brokerage, bringing her experience in leadership, contracting, IT, and process management into the world of buying and selling businesses. She explains how business brokers help owners prepare for a successful sale, why clean financials matter, and how thinking like a buyer years in advance can dramatically increase the value of a company. The conversation dives into common red flags buyers uncover during due diligence, why so many business owners are overly involved in day-to-day operations, and what contractors and trade businesses can do now to build a company someone else would actually want to buy. Whether you plan to sell in two years or twenty, this episode is packed with practical insight for business owners looking to build smarter, more sustainable companies. In This Episode: What a business broker actually does Why trade businesses are attractive to buyers The importance of preparing for an exit early Common deal-breakers during due diligence Why clean bookkeeping and documentation matter How to know what your business is worth The difference between buying vs. building a business Why owners should stop being the “point of failure” Key Quote: “If you don’t know what your business is worth, how do you know the decisions you’re making are making it go up or down?” – Tipp Spradlin Connect with Tipp Spradlin: First Choice Business Brokers of Northwest Florida Email: tip.spradlin@fcbb.com About Trade Talk: Trade Talk is powered by Contractors Connect and brings together builders, contractors, and industry leaders to share insights, stories, and strategies shaping the future of construction and business on the Emerald Coast. 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.

  6. May 12

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 7) Building Well: The Future of Healthier Homes

    What if the homes we build are impacting our health more than we realize? In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Bekah Wagner of Corcoran Reverie to explore the growing movement of wellness-focused construction and development. As a WELL Accredited Professional, Bekah shares how healthier building practices, smarter material choices, and intentional design can improve the way people feel, sleep, heal, and live inside their homes. From mold mitigation and natural light to EMF shielding and wellness-centered communities, this conversation dives into the future of healthier homes and why the building industry is beginning to rethink the way we build. In This Episode We Discuss: What it means to be a WELL Accredited Professional How Hurricane Michael sparked Bekah’s passion for resilient building The connection between construction, wellness, and long-term health Why natural light and ventilation matter more than people think Low-VOC materials and healthier paint choices Mold prevention and why rushing construction creates problems EMF mitigation and healthier sleep environments Wellness features gaining popularity in luxury homes The future of wellness-focused real estate and development Why collaboration across the building industry matters Key TakeawaysHealth Starts at Home Bekah explains that people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, yet most homeowners rarely consider how building materials, air quality, lighting, and moisture affect overall health. Cold plunges and saunas may be trendy, but true wellness construction begins with the structure itself — including ventilation, moisture control, material selection, and thoughtful design. One of the biggest issues in Florida construction is moisture exposure during the framing process. Bekah emphasizes the importance of allowing materials to properly dry and incorporating better waterproofing and mold mitigation practices. Simple changes like maximizing sunlight, opening windows, and incorporating plants can dramatically improve mood, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing. The wellness real estate market is projected to surpass $1 trillion globally in the coming years, signaling a major shift in consumer demand and development priorities. Rapid Fire Highlights One thing every home should have: Natural lighting Most underrated element of a healthy home: Paints and materials Overused trend in building: Stick framing in Florida One word for the future of building: Inspirational Connect with Bekah Wagner Follow Bekah Wagner on Instagram (@bekahwagner) and Facebook to learn more about wellness-focused development and healthier building practices. 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.

  7. Apr 28

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 6) - Inside IBS/KBIS: Trends, Takeaways & Trade Show Lessons Learned

    In this episode of Trade Talk, the full Beespoke Consulting team—Sarah, Erin, Lindsay, and Kelly—recaps their first experience attending the International Builders Show (IBS) in Orlando. Six weeks after the event, they sit down to break down what stood out, what surprised them, and what they’ll do differently next time. From massive, high-production booths to meaningful conversations with brands and innovators, IBS delivered both inspiration and practical insight. The team dives into standout exhibits like Kohler’s immersive setup, creative marketing wins like Daltile’s viral tote bag strategy, and emerging trends shaping the future of construction—especially the growing focus on wellness, sustainability, and smarter use of space. They also share candid lessons learned—from overpacking and under-planning to the importance of scheduling ahead and maximizing networking opportunities. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of trade show life, including long lines, missed moments (yes… the puppies), and a few funny missteps along the way. Whether you’ve attended IBS before or are considering it for the future, this episode gives a real-world look at what it’s like—and why it matters for builders, trades, and industry professionals looking to stay ahead. Key Topics Covered: First impressions of IBS and event scale Standout booths, brands, and products Marketing takeaways from top exhibitors Emerging trends: wellness, sustainability, and design innovation Networking opportunities and industry connections Lessons learned for future trade shows Behind-the-scenes moments from the team’s experience 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. Apr 14

    Connecting Communities: Inside the Growth of Live Oak Fiber

    In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Steve Smith, Founder and CRO of Live Oak Fiber, to talk about the infrastructure that’s quietly powering today’s construction industry—connectivity. From launching with a “PowerPoint and Excel deck” to serving tens of thousands of customers across the Southeast, Steve shares the story behind building a fiber network from the ground up—and why it matters more than ever for contractors, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs. They dive into: Steve’s 30+ year journey in telecommunications and what led him to start Live Oak Fiber What “greenfield” infrastructure really means and why starting from scratch matters How fiber internet impacts business growth, productivity, and competitiveness Why reliable connectivity is no longer optional for contractors and small businesses The role Live Oak Fiber plays in supporting and investing in local communities The company’s rapid growth across Florida and Georgia—and what’s next Advice for entrepreneurs on persistence, building the right team, and planning for long-term success You’ll also hear how Live Oak approaches community involvement differently—focusing on intentional, relationship-driven engagement rather than just writing checks. Whether you’re running a construction business, managing a team, or scaling your company, this episode highlights why infrastructure behind the scenes can make or break your success.  Check availability in your area at LiveOakFiber.com Key Quote “It’s always darkest before the dawn… you just have to keep going.” - Steve Smith, Live Oak Fiber (18:25) 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.

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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.

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