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. 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.

    29 min

  2. 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.

    29 min

  3. 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.

    27 min

  4. 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.

    38 min

  5. 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.

    29 min

  6. Mar 31

    From Chaos to Clarity: Fixing Your Business Backend

    If your business has a graveyard of unused apps and software subscriptions… you’re not alone. In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Kaela Hargis of Maverick Ops to unpack why technology keeps failing trades businesses—and why the problem isn’t the tools. Kaela shares how a lack of structure, unclear processes, and poor delegation are the real culprits behind inefficiency, burnout, and wasted money. From diagnosing operational breakdowns to building scalable systems, this episode is packed with practical insights for contractors and service-based business owners ready to stop spinning their wheels and start building smarter. What You’ll Learn: Why buying more software won’t fix broken processes What an “app graveyard” is—and how to avoid one The difference between delegation vs. task dumping How to identify what’s actually broken in your business Why structure must come before technology How to prepare your business to scale without chaos Simple first steps to gain clarity and reduce overwhelm Key Quote “You can’t automate chaos. You just make it faster.” - Kaela Hargis, Maverick Ops (7:02) 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.

    30 min

  7. Mar 17

    Season 2, Episode 3: Building from the Ground Up with Savi Flooring & Tile

    In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah White and Lindsay Lord sit down with Bob and Jessica from Savi Flooring & Tile to talk about one of the most important—yet often underestimated—design decisions in any home: flooring. From hardwood and tile to outdoor pavers and turf, the materials beneath our feet shape the entire look and feel of a space. Bob shares how Savi works closely with builders to manage budgets, takeoffs, timelines, and labor coordination, while Jessica explains how she helps homeowners and designers bring their vision to life in the showroom. Together, they explore the craftsmanship, planning, and collaboration required to make flooring selections that not only look great but also perform well for a homeowner’s lifestyle. In this episode, they discuss: • Why flooring is the foundation of home design • Helping homeowners choose materials based on lifestyle and durability • Current flooring and tile trends, including the shift from gray to warmer tones • How builder collaboration and pre-planning keep projects on track • Avoiding budget overruns during the selection process • Outdoor installations like pavers, turf, and pool tile • The importance of clear communication between builders, designers, and suppliers From classic patterns like herringbone to modern outdoor living spaces, this conversation highlights the expertise and coordination behind the surfaces we walk on every day. Key Quote: “Flooring is like the little black dress of a home—you build everything else around it.”— Jessica Carrodus, Savi Designer Listen & Subscribe: New episodes drop every 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.

    26 min

  8. Feb 24

    Trade Talk (Season 2, Ep. 2) - From She Shed to Show: The Mini Reno Pilot

    What happens when a “she shed” turns into a full-blown filmed renovation? In this episode of Trade Talk, we flip the script as Erin moves from co-host to guest to break down the pilot episode of Mini Reno, Contractors Connect’s new renovation series. Joined by Stephanie Wisdom, General Contractor and co-owner of Exterior Jacks, the group walks through how a simple need for office space evolved into a dining room transformation — and a brand-new show concept. From backyard setbacks and attic dormer debates to framing walls and filming retakes, this episode is a real, behind-the-scenes look at: How Mini Reno was born Why the she shed didn’t make the cut The decision to convert a dining room into a built-in office Lessons learned filming a pilot episode What it’s like earning your GC license and leading your first filmed renovation Why highlighting women in construction matters This wasn’t just a renovation — it was a proof of concept. And it’s opening the door for more women in the trades to step into the spotlight. Key Quote: “Once I have an idea, it’s going to happen.” - Erin Bakker, Homeowner & Host of Mini Renos Listen & Subscribe: New episodes drop every 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.

    25 min
See All (40)

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.

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