Hiring is one of the hardest parts of building a business, especially in the trades. In this episode of Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast, the crew sits down for a real conversation around hiring, leadership, work ethic, and what it actually takes to build strong teams in small business contracting.

Kenton, Josh and Joel, on the Forge Alliance team dive into their personal experiences hiring in roofing, solar, and construction businesses under the $10M mark, where owners are often still directly involved in every interview, every hire, and every difficult people decision.

The conversation explores everything from identifying teachable employees, building company culture, handling seasonal workers, and why mindset matters more than resumes. They also unpack the tension many contractors feel with younger generations entering the workforce, while challenging the common narrative that “young people just don’t want to work.”

Instead, the episode focuses on leadership responsibility, mentorship, and the opportunity business owners have to shape young workers into future leaders through accountability, teamwork, and hard work.

This episode is packed with honest stories from the jobsite, lessons learned through years of hiring mistakes and successes, and practical insight for contractors trying to build teams that actually last. If you’re a contractor, business owner, foreman, or someone responsible for building culture inside a growing company, this conversation will hit home.

This is a real conversation for contractors, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and business owners who want to build better companies, stronger teams, and healthier cultures over the long term.

No corporate scripts, no surface level business talk, just practical lessons, honest experiences, and perspectives forged through years of building businesses and leading people.

Original theme music composed and performed by Ben Smith

Produced by Seth Steward Productions

Co produced by Kalen Wookey

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