Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Business

Andy Bassett and Elliot Bassett
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management

Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Businesses shines a spotlight on the trades and the people who power them. You’ll walk away from each episode with ideas and strategies to build a business that’s here to stay. We are here to tell real stories from the small businesses of America. Whether it’s through our hosts or through conversations with business owners like you, we are here to talk about overcoming obstacles, creating remarkable projects, and building companies designed to last. From navigating labor challenges and market shifts to leading teams and innovating with new tools, these are the real stories of resilience in action. Hosts Elliot Bassett and Andy Bassett guide the discussion, bringing curiosity and practical insight to uncover what makes these businesses thrive. If you’re a builder, maker, or doer – you’ll find strategies, inspiration, and hard-won lessons to help you protect what you’ve built and create a lasting legacy.

  1. 2d ago

    S1E28 | Why This Electrician Trains His Team to Leave — On Purpose feat. Scott Vogeli

    Most contractors spend years trying to keep their best employees from leaving. Scott Vogeli believes that's the wrong goal. As the Owner of Modern Edison Electric, Scott has created a business model that intentionally develops experienced journeymen into future business owners. Instead of fearing employee turnover, he treats it as part of a long-term system for recruiting, leadership development, and sustainable growth. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Scott to discuss the operating principles behind Modern Edison—from building a "franchise on payroll" model and creating predictable marketing systems to developing the Safe Home Method that helped transform his company from a general electrical contractor into a specialized business with a clear mission. Whether you're an electrician, contractor, trades business owner, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, hiring, marketing, specialization, and building a company that can grow beyond the owner. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - Why Scott intentionally prepares journeymen to become future business owners - How the "franchise on payroll" model gives electricians ownership without ownership - Why predictable marketing systems outperform relying only on referrals - How specializing in electrical fire prevention helped Modern Edison grow from approximately $40K–$50K months to around $200K months - The hiring philosophy that treats recruiting and employee turnover as a repeatable business system - Why hiring the right assistant became one of the biggest growth accelerators in Scott's business - How creating systems—not just hiring people—allowed Modern Edison to scale ABOUT THE GUEST Scott Vogeli is the Owner of Modern Edison Electric, an electrical contracting company specializing in electrical fire prevention through its Safe Home Method. Scott also helps contractors build stronger businesses through marketing systems, operational structure, leadership development, and long-term career pathways for skilled tradespeople. Website https://modernedisonelectric.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvogeli/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. STAY CONNECTED & FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Learn more and grab a copy of Andy Bassett's book: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for weekly conversations with contractors, founders, operators, and trades leaders building real businesses. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Scott's journey into the electrical trade 02:23 The service call that changed everything 05:05 Building the Safe Home Method 09:10 Why predictable marketing beats referrals 11:34 Building a predictable marketing engine 14:33 The "Franchise on Payroll" model 18:17 Why Scott trains employees to leave 21:22 Freedom through accountability and KPIs 25:00 Coaching contractors and building systems 30:30 The first hire that gave Scott his time back 33:40 The long-term vision for Modern Edison 36:00 Final thoughts We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  2. Jul 14

    S1E27 | John Malecki: Why Great Tradespeople Stay Stuck Self-Employed

    Most trades business owners don't struggle because they lack skill. They struggle because they become great at the craft—but never build the systems, leadership, and business knowledge needed to grow beyond themselves. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot Bassett sit down with former NFL offensive lineman, entrepreneur, and YouTube creator John Malecki to talk about what it really takes to stop being self-employed and start building a business that scales. John shares how he went from getting cut by NFL teams to building one of the most recognizable woodworking brands on YouTube before expanding into a successful media business, generating more than 250 million long-form views and over $5 million in revenue across content, products, sponsorships, and backend offers. The conversation goes far beyond content creation. It's about learning faster, investing in yourself, building systems, and understanding why consistency beats perfection. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why so many trades business owners stay self-employed instead of building a real businessThe coaching investment that changed John's trajectory as an entrepreneurWhy your business problems probably aren't as unique as you thinkHow being yourself builds trust long before customers ever buyWhy reps—not perfection—are the fastest path to long-term growthWhether you're a contractor, trades business owner, founder, or creator, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. ABOUT THE GUEST John Malecki is a former NFL offensive lineman turned entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and founder of John Malecki Media. Over the past decade, he has built multiple YouTube channels generating more than 250 million long-form views and over $5 million in revenue through advertising, sponsorships, products, and backend offers. Today, he helps founders build content systems that drive real business growth while continuing to educate and inspire builders, makers, and entrepreneurs through his content. Website: https://www.johnmalecki.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-malecki-0959b424/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed  ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. STAY CONNECTED & FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Learn more and grab a copy of Andy Bassett's book: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/  Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, and trades leaders building real businesses. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:00 John's Journey from the NFL to Entrepreneurship 04:02 Starting a Business with No Roadmap 08:31 Why Great Tradespeople Stay Self-Employed 09:34 The $511 Coaching Investment 11:36 Learning Faster Through Community 12:37 Business Is Like Watching Game Film 15:22 Why People Buy You Before They Buy Your Product 19:17 Be Yourself on Camera 22:02 Why Reps Matter More Than Perfection 27:52 You Don't Need Greatness Early 31:16 Betting Big on the Next Stage 36:08 What's Next for John Malecki 39:43 You Can't Lose If You Don't Quit We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  3. Jul 7

    S1E26 | I Never Applied for a Promotion—Now I Own the Company

    What does it take to go from operating heavy equipment to owning the company? Steven A. Koch II never chased promotions. He started at PSC Construction as a heavy equipment operator and earned new opportunities by consistently creating value, helping the people around him, and doing great work every day. Years later, he purchased the very company where he started and now serves as its President and Chief Executive Officer. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Steven to discuss leadership, business ownership, company culture, workforce development, and what it really takes to build a construction company that people are proud to be part of. Whether you're leading a crew, growing a construction business, or thinking about buying a company someday, this conversation offers practical lessons from someone who's lived every step of the journey. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why earning trust creates more opportunities than chasing promotions.How Steven went from heavy equipment operator to business owner and CEO.Why surrounding yourself with the right advisors is essential when buying a business.Why the best compliment an employee can give an owner is bringing their friends and family to work with them.Why teaching, communication, and trust are the foundation of effective leadership. ABOUT THE GUEST Steven A. Koch II is the President and Chief Executive Officer of PSC Construction, Inc., a Nebraska-based heavy civil contractor specializing in site preparation, underground utilities, excavation, and industrial construction throughout the Midwest. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-a-koch-ii-67b95916/ Website https://psccompanies.com/ WATCH MORE BUILDERS, MAKERS, DOERS ▶ Subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, business owners, and industry leaders. STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Website https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST Elliot Bassett President & Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:01 Steven's background in construction 00:05 From heavy equipment operator to leadership 00:08 Learning to lead people instead of equipment 00:12 Running operations at PSC Construction 00:14 Buying the company 00:20 Growing the Business 00:21 Building a people-first culture 00:23 Developing future leaders 00:25 A memorable construction project 00:27 The biggest challenges in construction 00:29 Why Steven loves the construction industry 00:30 The future of the skilled trades 00:32 Closing thoughts We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  4. Jun 17

    S1E25 | A Safety Program on Paper Is Worse Than None feat. Jesse Phillips

    Most contractors think safety problems happen because they don't have enough policies. Jesse Phillips sees a different problem. The companies that struggle most often aren't missing safety programs. They have safety programs nobody follows. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Jesse Phillips, Director of Safety at Ellerbrock-Norris, to discuss what actually creates safer jobsites, stronger accountability, and better business outcomes. The conversation goes beyond OSHA, PPE, and compliance requirements and gets to the real issue: operational discipline. If your company has policies on paper but struggles with execution in the field, this episode will hit close to home. IN THIS EPISODE Why paperwork creates false confidenceThe leadership mistake most safety programs makeWhat data centers are forcing contractors to learnWhy experienced crews become the highest-risk crewsThe hidden cost behind preventable incidentsThe accountability gap hiding inside most safety programs WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR  ContractorsConstruction company ownersTrade business operatorsProject managersField leadersSafety professionalsOperations leaders GUEST INFORMATION Jesse Phillips, CHST Director of Safety Ellerbrock-Norris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-phillips-chst-755672265/  Website: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/  Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/  CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Jesse Phillips and Safety Leadership 01:34 How Construction Safety Has Changed 02:32 Why Safety Programs Fail Without Enforcement 04:14 The Data Center Effect on Construction Safety 07:22 Documentation Doesn't Create Accountability 11:07 What Jesse Looks For on Every Jobsite 13:00 The Real Danger of Complacency 14:05 Why Corrective Actions Matter 17:11 Safety Culture Takes Time to Build 20:18 What Contractors Get Wrong About OSHA 27:40 The Wildest Safety Stories Jesse Has Seen 30:16 Final Lessons for Contractors We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  5. Jun 2

    S1E24 | The Real Construction Labor Problem Nobody Wants to Fix feat. Bo Jones

    Most business owners already know hiring is difficult. What fewer people realize is how deep the skilled labor pipeline problem actually goes. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot Bassett sit down with Bo Jones — Founder and CEO of Tru-Built Construction and founder of CareerPathway.com — to talk about the future of the trades, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and why students are disconnected from real career opportunities long before graduation. Bo shares how Tru-Built Construction grew from small remodeling jobs during college into large commercial and multifamily projects, what surviving the 2008 housing crash taught him, and why he built CareerPathway.com after seeing firsthand how broken the workforce connection gap had become. This episode covers: Why the skilled trades labor shortage keeps getting worseThe reality of entrepreneurship during economic downturnsWhy students are struggling to find career directionHow AI may shift interest back toward blue-collar industriesWhat construction companies are facing with labor and permitting todayGuest Information: Bo Jones Founder / CEO, Tru-Built Construction and CareerPathway.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-jones/ Websites: https://tru-built.net/ https://www.careerpathway.com/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ellerbrock-norris/  Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book  Connect with the Hosts: Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu/  Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu/  🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:01 How Tru-Built Construction Started 00:02 From College Side Jobs to Commercial Construction 00:04 Becoming an Entrepreneur by Accident 00:06 Surviving the 2008 Housing Crash 00:07 Why the Trades Labor Shortage Is Getting Worse 00:10 The Reality of Business Ownership 00:14 Why CareerPathway.com Was Created 00:17 Building a Career Discovery Platform 00:20 Connecting Students With Real Opportunities 00:24 AI and the Future of Skilled Trades 00:27 Growing CareerPathway.com Across the Country 00:32 Construction Growth, Housing, and Permitting 00:36 Why the Trades Are Losing Young People We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  6. May 19

    S1E23 | Why Profit Has to Come First in a Trades Business with Mike Michalowicz

    Most business owners were taught the same formula: Revenue minus expenses equals profit. Mike Michalowicz believes that formula is one of the biggest reasons entrepreneurs stay stuck financially. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy Bassett and Elliot Bassett sit down with Mike Michalowicz to talk about profit protection, owner psychology, operational discipline, and why so many businesses work hard without actually building financial resiliency. This conversation matters because a lot of trades businesses are generating revenue while still operating too close to the edge. Mike explains why profit cannot be treated as whatever is left over, and how taking profit first forces owners to confront pricing problems, overspending, weak marketing, and operational inefficiencies before they become bigger risks. In this episode: Why “Revenue - Expenses = Profit” creates behavioral problems for ownersHow Profit First exposes what is actually broken inside a businessWhy ordinary trades businesses often have the biggest opportunity to stand outWhat ambitious employees are really looking for from leadershipHow customer experience can outperform expensive marketing Guest: Mike Michalowicz Co-Founder, Entrepreneur https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/ https://mikemichalowicz.com/ ▶ Subscribe for more conversations with builders, makers, and doers solving real business problems in construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book Connect with the Hosts Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Chapters: 00:00 — Why So Many Entrepreneurs Stay Financially Stuck 02:35 — The Problem With the Traditional Profit Formula 04:05 — Profit First Exposes What’s Actually Broken 07:30 — Can Profit First Still Support Growth? 10:40 — Why Employees Do Not Care About Your Revenue Goal 16:35 — Open Books and Quarterly Profit Distributions 18:30 — The Truth About Ambitious Employees 22:00 — The HVAC Company That Replaced Ads With Experience 24:00 — Why Ordinary Businesses Have the Biggest Opportunity We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  7. May 13

    S1E22 | Why Aaron Gunderson Is Buying Trades Businesses Instead of Tech Companies

    Most trades businesses are still built around a few key people. The owner knows everything. The foreman keeps jobs moving. The systems live in someone’s head. And eventually growth starts creating pressure instead of freedom. That’s a big reason Aaron Gunderson started buying trades businesses. Aaron is the CEO of Bison, a company that acquires and operates businesses across landscaping, roofing, irrigation, and other trades-related industries. In this conversation, he breaks down what actually makes a trades company valuable, why keeping good people matters more than perfect systems, and where many operators quietly get stuck as they grow. This episode matters because a lot of trades businesses are running into the same challenges: Scaling without structure. Keeping key employees. Building systems while still running jobs every day. Trying to grow without losing what made the business work in the first place. In this episode, you’ll learn: What Aaron Gunderson looks for when evaluating trades businesses for acquisition Why key employees are often more valuable than equipment or assets How growing companies create opportunities that keep strong people from leaving Why many trades companies struggle with systems, marketing, and operational structure Practical ways AI is already helping operators improve efficiency and decision-making If you own, lead, or are trying to grow a construction, landscaping, roofing, or specialty trades business, this conversation will feel practical, familiar, and immediately relevant. ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book Connect with the Hosts Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why Aaron Gunderson buys businesses 02:10 – From rental properties to acquisitions 05:00 – Why Bison focused on trades companies 08:15 – What makes a trades business valuable 11:00 – How acquisitions are evaluated 14:05 – The challenge of keeping key people 19:10 – Biggest problems in the trades today 21:25 – Why employees leave to start competitors 26:00 – Marketing and AI for trades businesses 29:15 – Using AI to improve operations 31:00 – Building companies that scale long term 34:10 – Leadership, communication, and growth We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  8. May 5

    S1E21 | How Stahla Scaled an Overlooked Niche with Sales, Systems, and Focus feat. Grant Stahla

    Some businesses look simple from the outside. Then you hear what it actually takes to build one. Grant Stahla built Stahla Services in a niche most people would overlook: premium mobile restroom trailers, shower trailers, and temporary site support.  But the real story is not about trailers.  It is about capital pressure, sales discipline, hiring the right people, managing seasonality, using vendors well, and building a business that can keep growing without losing what makes it work. In this episode, Andy and Elliot sit down with Grant to talk through the lessons behind more than a decade of building, struggling, adjusting, and scaling. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why a narrow niche can become a serious growth advantage - How Stahla went from brand-first marketing to a real sales system - Why the right leadership hire can expose the gap you did not know you had - How creative contracting helps manage seasonality and protect overhead - Why AI should strengthen the business without damaging the customer experience If you own, lead, or help run a trades business, this episode will hit home. ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts     • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn     https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book     https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book Connect with the Hosts Andy Bassett     CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris     https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett     President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris     https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Builders, Makers, Doers     01:20 - What Stahla Services does today     03:35 - Serving job sites nationwide     04:35 - Starting the business in college     07:35 - Finding opportunity in an overlooked niche     10:25 - Early challenges and capital pressure     13:15 - The sales system they were missing     16:25 - Hiring the leader they needed     22:20 - Why people became the biggest win     26:15 - Building culture with a remote team     30:20 - Why vendors matter more than owners think     31:55 - Creative contracting and seasonal growth     33:35 - What Grant is building next     35:30 - AI infrastructure without AI slop     40:00 - Staying focused on what customers value We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

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Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Businesses shines a spotlight on the trades and the people who power them. You’ll walk away from each episode with ideas and strategies to build a business that’s here to stay. We are here to tell real stories from the small businesses of America. Whether it’s through our hosts or through conversations with business owners like you, we are here to talk about overcoming obstacles, creating remarkable projects, and building companies designed to last. From navigating labor challenges and market shifts to leading teams and innovating with new tools, these are the real stories of resilience in action. Hosts Elliot Bassett and Andy Bassett guide the discussion, bringing curiosity and practical insight to uncover what makes these businesses thrive. If you’re a builder, maker, or doer – you’ll find strategies, inspiration, and hard-won lessons to help you protect what you’ve built and create a lasting legacy.

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