Raising The Grade

Eric
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to a podcast that celebrates the visionaries and trailblazers of the hardscape and landscaping industry in the vibrant Phoenix Metro Valley. Each episode delves into the stories of industry leaders who are redefining landscapes and elevating the standard of excellence in their craft. But we don’t stop there—we also spotlight dynamic businesses and inspiring personalities from diverse fields who are “raising the grade,” offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply someone with a passion for transformation, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and elevate your vision.

  1. 12/30/2025

    Built on a Strong Foundation: Leadership Lessons from Valley Wide Painting Pros

    In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Dave Walls, owner of Valley Wide Painting Pros, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, faith, and service. From touring the country as a professional drummer to building one of the Valley’s most trusted painting and flooring companies, Dave’s story is rooted in purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to community. We talk about how Dave turned his passion for ministry into motivation for business, the lessons he learned launching West Valley Garage Coatings, and why he ultimately expanded into painting to serve more people. Dave breaks down the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic flooring, how delegation and trust have shaped his leadership, and the critical role of mentorship and faith in building a sustainable business. Whether you're running a crew or just getting started, this episode offers relatable lessons on building with intention and staying grounded. Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction to Dave Walls and Valley Wide Painting Pros  3:10 – Arizona native roots and early ambitions  4:52 – Why Dave started in the flooring business  6:06 – Delegation, leadership, and building trust  8:33 – Business before Valley Wide Painting Pros  10:16 – Transitioning from music teacher to contractor  11:04 – What is polyaspartic flooring and how is it different from epoxy?  14:25 – Slip resistance, durability, and application use  18:05 – The importance of prep work in both painting and flooring  20:08 – Helping customers choose the right materials  21:34 – Partnerships, networking, and building relationships  24:01 – Hard lessons: being busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable  25:00 – Growth goals and scaling crews with the right structure  27:12 – Why flooring is more scalable than painting  30:11 – Challenges of interior painting in lived-in homes  33:40 – Balancing profitability and marketing strategy  36:01 – Serving a niche market with purpose  39:00 – Dave’s faith journey and ministry background  44:02 – The moment everything changed  47:00 – Discipleship, leadership, and investing in people  50:03 – Dave’s vision for ministry and life beyond business  55:02 – Final thoughts and closing remarks If you’re building a business rooted in purpose—or seeking a better way to balance work, faith, and leadership—this episode with Dave Walls is a must-listen. His transparency, clarity, and personal transformation are a powerful example of what happens when your identity is built on something unshakable. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Connect with Dave Walls:  Instagram: @ValleyWidePaintingPros  Website: www.vwpaintingpros.com Promo: Visit this link and mention today’s podcast for 10% off all services, including interior/exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, and epoxy flooring. #PaintingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FaithInBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #EpoxyFlooring #PolyasparticCoatings #ValleyWidePaintingPros #LeadershipJourney #ServiceBasedBusiness #RaisingTheGrade Send us a text

    56 min

  2. 05/21/2025

    Wired for Success: The Journey from Employee to Lighting Supply Leader

    In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Michael Borgeson, founder of Sonoran Lighting Supply, to explore the business of lighting, the value of relationships, and what it takes to build trust in a tight-knit industry. From growing up in a small California town to launching one of Arizona’s most respected lighting supply companies, Mike shares how his work ethic, industry experience, and commitment to doing things the right way have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. We dive deep into how Sonoran Lighting Supply became more than just a distributor—offering hands-on support, custom lighting designs, and full specification services to contractors across Arizona. Mike opens up about what it’s like to break into the wholesale space without massive funding, how he builds meaningful relationships with his customers, and the challenges of scaling without sacrificing quality. Plus, we explore his side venture in excavation, his vision for S3 Design Services, and the balance of family, faith, and business. This is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to grow with integrity. Key Moments: 0:00 – Meet Mike and the origins of Sonoran Lighting Supply  1:16 – Early influences, family values, and learning from his father  3:04 – Why Mike left corporate to bet on himself  6:11 – Lessons from working in the lighting industry  9:32 – Starting Sonoran Lighting Supply and launching during uncertainty  11:05 – Challenges of wholesaling and breaking into tight-knit contractor networks  14:31 – Why design support makes the difference  17:01 – Outdoor audio, strip lighting, and tech innovations  21:48 – Common lighting mistakes and how to educate homeowners  26:01 – Managing expectations and working within budget  29:15 – The value of brass fixtures vs aluminum  32:06 – What makes Sonoran Lighting different  35:02 – Scaling, hiring, and preserving company culture  39:00 – Supporting local and serving with integrity  40:01 – The story behind S3: Specification Support Services  44:12 – Lighting design, wiring schematics, and real-time engineering  47:03 – Future plans, e-commerce goals, and staying personal  50:01 – Balancing business with family and buying back your time  52:06 – Launching Paydirt Services and starting a second business  54:00 – Mike’s unexpected path and future aspirations  57:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and living intentionally If you're in the trades or building something that matters, Mike’s story will resonate. His approach to business—rooted in service, transparency, and craftsmanship—offers a blueprint for building something meaningful. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Connect with Michael Borgeson: Instagram: @lightingwholesaler Website: lightingwholesaler.com LinkedIn: Michael Borgeson & Sonoran Lighting Supply Promo: Mention this podcast to receive personalized support, custom design services, and exclusive lighting system solutions for your next project. #LightingDesign #OutdoorLighting #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusiness #FaithInBusiness #RaisingTheGrade #LightingContractors #Tradesmen #ArizonaBusiness #LeadershipJourney Send us a text

    1h 1m

  3. 05/07/2025

    How Faith, Family, and Grit Built Dino Turf Cleaning

    In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Anthony Vickman, founder of Dino Turf Cleaning, to talk about entrepreneurship, work ethic, and how turf cleaning became his unexpected path to success. From growing up in a family carpet cleaning business to scaling and selling a wedding rental company, Anthony’s journey is marked by hard work, intentionality, and faith. We dive into how Dino Turf was built from the ground up—literally—and how Anthony has turned a one-man operation into a growing company with multiple trucks and a vision for national expansion. Along the way, we discuss the challenges of building with family, finding the right people, staying grounded in your purpose, and why hiring your first employee can be the biggest leap in business. Whether you're a solo operator or looking to grow your service business, this episode offers relatable insight and honest perspective from someone in the trenches. Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction to Anthony Vickman and Dino Turf  2:21 – How Anthony and Eric first connected  4:52 – Early work ethic and learning from his father’s carpet cleaning business  6:01 – Getting serious about business through structure and leadership  8:13 – Scaling challenges and mindset shifts  10:27 – Running a wedding rental company with his wife  13:01 – Lessons learned from selling their first business  15:04 – Starting Dino Turf and transferring carpet skills to turf  17:00 – Finding the right tools and building a process  19:02 – Letting go of control and trusting employees  21:00 – Buying back time and learning to delegate  23:34 – Why turf cleaning is essential maintenance  25:09 – Dino Shield and Dino Odor Extinction Treatment explained  28:03 – Expanding Dino Turf across Arizona and beyond  30:14 – Why Tucson is a strategic next step  34:22 – Faith, family, and finding balance in business  39:04 – Letting go of anxiety and trusting God  42:01 – The difference between contentment and complacency  45:02 – Final thoughts and Dino Turf takeaway If you’re building a service-based business or navigating the transition from operator to owner, Anthony’s story is a must-listen. His honesty about the highs and lows, plus his faith-driven mindset, offers powerful takeaways for entrepreneurs ready to grow with purpose. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Connect with Anthony Vickman: Instagram: @dinoturfcleaning Website: www.dinoturfcare.com Promo: Mention this podcast and receive a $98 discount on your turf cleaning #TurfCleaning #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusiness #RaisingTheGrade #LeadershipJourney #FaithInBusiness #TurfCare #SmallBusinessOwner #ArizonaBusiness #WorkLifeBalance Send us a text

    45 min

  4. 03/27/2025

    Breaking Barriers: Gerise's Journey from Teacher to Industry Leader

    In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Gerise Montoya, an experienced professional in the construction industry and an advocate for workforce development and training. Gerise shares her journey from the field to the office, discussing how she built her career by seizing opportunities and pushing through challenges. Her passion for empowering others is evident as she dives into strategies for training, mentorship, and leadership within the construction sector. We discuss the importance of workforce development in an industry that is constantly evolving, as well as the need to create opportunities for women and minorities. Gerise emphasizes how technology, adaptability, and a proactive mindset are essential in staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the needs of modern projects. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with insights on how to build a successful career while uplifting others along the way. Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction to Gerise Montoya and Her Journey  3:30 – From Field Work to Office Leadership: Career Transition  8:15 – Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Construction  12:45 – The Importance of Workforce Development and Training  17:20 – Navigating Industry Changes and Staying Relevant  21:50 – Building Leadership Skills and Empowering Others  27:10 – Creating Mentorship Opportunities in Construction  32:30 – Utilizing Technology to Bridge Knowledge Gaps  37:00 – Building Diverse Teams and Inclusive Environments  42:45 – Strategies for Retaining Skilled Workers  48:15 – How to Inspire the Next Generation of Construction Leaders  52:30 – Tips for Women Looking to Enter the Industry  56:45 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Professionals  59:00 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action If you’re passionate about construction, leadership, or creating opportunities within your industry, this episode is a must-listen. Gerise’s dedication to empowering others and her insights on workforce development offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make an impact. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Connect with Gerise Montoya: Instagram: @GeriseMontoya LinkedIn: Gerise Montoya Website: www.RaisingTheGrade.com #ConstructionLeadership #WomenInConstruction #WorkforceDevelopment #Mentorship #LeadershipSkills #RaisingTheGrade #IndustryGrowth #BuildingSuccess #InspireChange #ProfessionalDevelopment Send us a text

    1 hr

  5. 03/20/2025

    Human Connection and Quality Design: Transforming the Hardscape Industry

    This week on Raising the Grade, we sit down with Megan Pratt, Hardscapes Sales Manager at Superlite, a division of Oldcastle APG. Megan's journey from the power sports industry to leading the charge at Belgard is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her passion for training, the evolution of hardscape design trends, and how Belgard is making waves in the Arizona market by emphasizing innovation and quality. Megan shares her unique perspective as a woman thriving in a male-dominated industry, the importance of building human connections, and how leveraging new technologies like AI and 3D renderings will shape the future of outdoor living. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or hardscape enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to elevate your craft and set yourself apart from the competition. Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction and Greeting Megan Pratt  0:17 – Who is Megan Pratt? Background and Career Journey  1:07 – Transition from Power Sports to Hardscapes  2:26 – Joining Old Castle and Belgard  3:57 – The Role of Training in the Hardscape Industry  5:09 – Supporting Contractors and Building Relationships  6:45 – The Importance of Being a Resource, Not Just a Manufacturer  8:23 – Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry  10:01 – Design Trends for 2025: Large Formats and Tone-on-Tone  12:40 – New Products: Instadeck and Composite Decking  14:53 – AI and Technology Shaping the Future of Hardscaping  17:11 – Challenges in the Hardscape Industry and Addressing Misconceptions  20:01 – Setting Realistic Expectations for Clients and Contractors  23:18 – Elevating Your Business: Competing with Design, Not Just Price  25:27 – Human Connection in Business: The Key to Lasting Relationships  28:33 – Best Practices for Contractors to Stand Out  30:15 – Understanding Color Variations and Production Challenges  32:11 – The Importance of Setting Client Expectations  34:30 – Final Thoughts and Megan's Message to the Industry If you’re passionate about hardscape design or running a construction business, this episode is a must-watch. Megan’s dedication to quality and connection offers valuable lessons for anyone in the field. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Connect with Megan Pratt & Belgard: Website: Belgard.comInstagram: @Belgard_ArizonaLinkedIn: Megan Pratt#RaisingTheGrade #HardscapeDesign #Belgard #OutdoorLiving #ConstructionIndustry #ContractorTips #LandscapeTrends #DesignInnovation #TrainingAndSupport #CustomerConnection Send us a text

    36 min

  6. 03/13/2025

    Ground Up Careers: Transforming the Construction Industry from Within

    In this episode of Raising the Grade, we dive deep into the real challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry—focusing on workforce development, training, and innovative recruitment solutions. Join us as we explore how small, local construction companies can overcome the persistent workforce shortages that have long plagued the industry. We discuss the importance of proactive planning, the role of technology in streamlining operations, and the power of building strong, employee-centric cultures that not only attract but also retain top talent. Our conversation covers everything from the pitfalls of reactive management to the benefits of investing in on-the-job training and creating clear career paths. Whether you’re a contractor, business owner, or aspiring tradesperson, you'll gain actionable insights and inspiring ideas to help your business thrive in today’s competitive market. Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction to the challenges of workforce management in construction 6:00 – The critical need for training and development in small shops 12:00 – Innovative recruitment models and leveraging technology 20:00 – The importance of local community engagement for sustainable growth 28:00 – Strategies to shift from reactive to proactive management 35:00 – Building an employee-centric, future-focused construction business If you’re ready to transform your company from the ground up and create a better future for the industry, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who’s looking to make a real impact in construction. Connect with Ground Up Careers and learn more about how we’re helping businesses thrive: Website: www.groundupcareers.com Instagram: @groundupcareers LinkedIn: Ground Up Careers #ConstructionIndustry #WorkforceDevelopment #TrainingAndDevelopment #InnovativeRecruitment #GroundUpCareers #ConstructionManagement #EmployeeCentric #ProactivePlanning #IndustryGrowth #RaisingTheGrade Send us a text

    57 min

  7. 03/12/2025

    Mastering the Trade: Lessons from a Tile Industry Expert

    This week on Raising the Grade, we sit down with Steve Meyer from LATICRETE, a company at the forefront of tile installation materials and innovation. Steve shares his unique journey into the industry, from growing up with a chemist father who pioneered coatings and underlayments to developing expertise in concrete chemistry, tile installation, and coatings. We cover game-changing advancements in the trade, including the evolution of setting materials, polymer-modified thinset, and AI-driven technology in construction. Steve breaks down the importance of proper installation techniques, common job site failures, and how LATICRETE helps contractors with education, training programs, and system warranties to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re a tile contractor, business owner, or someone passionate about quality construction, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your work. Key Moments: 0:00 – Who is Steve Meyer? His journey into the tile industry  4:20 – The evolution of tile installation & modern advancements  9:35 – Common job site failures & how to avoid them  14:50 – Why full system warranties are critical for contractors  20:25 – Training programs & educational resources from LATICRETE  27:40 – AI & technology shaping the future of construction  35:15 – Best LATICRETE products for durability & efficiency  42:00 – Why business skills are just as important as trade skills  48:00 – How to access free training through LATICRETE University If you’re looking to stay ahead in the tile and construction industry, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! 📩 Connect with Steve Meyer & LATICRETE:  🔗 Website: Laticrete.com 📸 Instagram: @LaticreteSteve 📍 LinkedIn: Steve Meyer 📚 LATICRETE University: Free Online Training 📞 Contact Steve Meyer  📍 Technical Sales Representative, Arizona  📲 Cell: +1.203.800.5621 LATICRETE International, Inc. | Globally Proven Construction Solutions #TileInstallation #LATICRETE #ConstructionTech #AIinConstruction #TileContractors #HomeImprovement #FlooringExperts #BuildingBetter #AvoidTileFailures #RaisingTheGrade Send us a text

    50 min

  8. 02/26/2025

    The Truth About Pool Construction: What Every Builder Should Know

    This week on Raising the Grade Podcast, we sit down with Matt Sharp, Regional Sales Manager at PebbleTec, to dive deep into the pool construction industry, the importance of quality craftsmanship, and what sets PebbleTec apart from the competition. Matt shares his incredible journey from pool repair technician to business owner and now a leader in the pool finishing industry. We explore the challenges of running a construction business, the lessons learned from on-the-job experience, and why education is key to raising industry standards. From pool tile selection to water chemistry insights, Matt breaks down why material quality and proper installation techniques matter, the most common mistakes builders make, and how PebbleTec ensures superior finishes. Whether you’re a pool builder, contractor, or homeowner, this episode is packed with valuable insights into what it really takes to build a high-quality, long-lasting pool. Key Moments: 0:30 – Who is Matt Sharp? 9:40 – The unexpected path to the pool industry 18:20 – Starting and scaling a pool service & repair business 27:15 – The transition into pool remodeling and building 36:00 – Challenges of running a business during COVID 45:20 – The importance of education and proper installation techniques 52:00 – What sets PebbleTec apart from the competition? 1:01:30 – The future of pool construction Watch the full episode on YouTube! (Link in bio) 📩 Connect with Matt Sharp & PebbleTec: 🔗 Website: https://www.pebbletec.com 📸 Instagram: @PebbleTecOfficial 📍 LinkedIn: Matt Sharp #PoolConstruction #PebbleTec #LuxuryPools #ConstructionBusiness #PoolDesign #HomeImprovement #SwimmingPools #BuildingBetter #PoolRemodeling #Entrepreneurship #RaisingTheGrade Send us a text

    53 min
See All (25)

About

Welcome to a podcast that celebrates the visionaries and trailblazers of the hardscape and landscaping industry in the vibrant Phoenix Metro Valley. Each episode delves into the stories of industry leaders who are redefining landscapes and elevating the standard of excellence in their craft. But we don’t stop there—we also spotlight dynamic businesses and inspiring personalities from diverse fields who are “raising the grade,” offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply someone with a passion for transformation, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and elevate your vision.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Raising The Grade
  • Show Website
    Raising The Grade