In this episode of The Marshmallow Cast, we get brutally honest about what it really takes to succeed in the trades—and why so many people get stuck being “marshmallows.”

With more people than ever trying to enter HVAC, electrical, and skilled trades (often as a second career), we break down the uncomfortable truths no one tells you:

• Why getting into the trades often means taking steps backward before moving forward
• Why sales—not tools—separates average tradespeople from top earners
• The real reason people struggle after trade school
• What the most successful people in the trades actually do differently
• Why communication, organization, and presentation matter more than technical skill alone
• And why “just wanting to tinker” won’t change your life

We also talk about age, mindset, career paths, money, and the mistake of following the crowd instead of trusting your path. If you’re thinking about getting into the trades—or you’re already in and wondering why you’ve hit a ceiling—this episode is your reality check.

This one’s not sugar-coated. No fluff. No marshmallows.

If you’re the owner, your business should reflect your personality, your standards, and your dream — not a mashup of everyone else’s opinions.

In this episode, Bruce talks about why so many businesses fail: owners let other people steer the ship. Customers, employees, “mentors,” coaches, family, even social media… everyone has an opinion. But a business can’t have a clear personality if a million voices are running it.

We also dig into why business personality matters: people buy emotionally, teams perform better when they believe in the company, and hiring the wrong “fit” creates chaos. Bruce shares a powerful story about how seeing someone cheat at golf turned out to be a warning sign for how they’d behave in business.

The takeaway: trust your gut, build systems your way, and stop being a marshmallow.

Episode Title: Why Businesses Fail & How to Survive the Storm

Hosts: Parker Gammon & Bruce Gammon

Episode Number: 001

Release Date: March 10, 2025

Description: Welcome to The Marshmallow Podcast with Parker and Bruce Gammon! In this episode, we dive into the hard-hitting truths of why businesses fail and how to survive when everything seems to be crashing down. From personal experiences of running HVAC and electrical businesses to facing a million-dollar debt crisis, we share our journey of resilience, strategic decision-making, and the power of never giving up.

Topics include:

• What it means to be a "marshmallow eater" (from Be Like Amazon)
• The struggles of running a home services business
• Facing financial collapse and turning things around
• The importance of transparency with employees and customers
• How pricing, training, and marketing impact business success
• Learning from industry mentors and business books
• The value of relationships in business growth
• Bootstrapping your way out of failure

If you're a tradesperson, small business owner, or entrepreneur looking for real-world advice and inspiration, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Be Like Amazon – Roy H. Williams
• The E-Myth – Michael Gerber
• How to Own the Hearts of Money & Loyalty – Craig Arthur
• Advice from industry mentors like Al Levi, Ken Goodrich, Ellen Rohr

Follow & Connect: 🚀 Want to be part of the Marshmallow community? Join our upcoming Facebook group! (Details coming soon.)

💬 Have a question or feedback? Stay tuned for contact info in future episodes!

🔗 Share this episode with fellow business owners and let’s build a stronger industry together!