In this episode, the Forge team welcomes Chris into the conversation for the first time. Chris steps in by sharing an unfinished, vulnerable moment from his leadership journey, reflecting on one of the most difficult decisions he’s faced: stepping away from a business partnership.

Chris opens up about how, over time, he became convinced that staying would limit not only his own growth, but the growth of his partners as well. What he intended as an invitation to discern the future together was communicated poorly and received as a declaration that he was leaving.

That gap exposed immaturity in his communication and leadership, creating confusion and emotional strain for everyone involved. Rather than rushing the decision, the partners took time to process it together. Each ultimately received their own confirmation that the separation was both right and timely. For Chris, one of the clearest indicators that the decision was rooted in faith rather than ego was the unity he experienced at home.

His wife was fully on board, bringing peace to what could have been a deeply divisive season. The conversation expands into the unique weight of leadership transitions when you’re not just changing jobs, but stepping away from something you helped build. Partnerships carry shared history, equity, identity, and responsibility.

Even when growth is the goal, letting go can feel like tearing something apart without certainty of how it will land. The group reflects on how real growth often requires disruption. Entrepreneurs tend to grow through pressure, and while Chris can now see things he would handle differently, he trusted that the challenge itself would force growth for everyone involved.

Central to that trust was his decision to fully release control, removing his influence so others could step into leadership without his shadow. They also acknowledge how nearly impossible it is to communicate a partnership separation without triggering emotion. From both sides of similar experiences, the hosts note how easily insecurity, self-doubt, and fear can overpower even the most thoughtful intentions.

The episode closes not with bitterness, but gratitude. Despite imperfect communication and real tension, Chris expresses thankfulness for where relationships stand today, recognizing that clarity, healing, and growth often only come after the hardest decisions are made.

Original theme music composed and performed by - Ben Smith

Produced by - Seth Steward Productions

Co-produced by - Kalen Wookey

Website: ⁠https://forgealliance.ca/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797⁠

X: ⁠https://x.com/forge_ca⁠ (@Forge_CA) / X

In this episode of the Forge Contractor Podcast, the conversation turns into a direct and honest debrief of the Ridgeline Roofing and Solar AGM, and why it marked a real turning point for the company. Coming right off the pruning discussion, Josh and Kenton walk through what made this AGM different. Not just inspiring, but actually useful.

After years of learning the hard way, they reflect on the discipline of building a real agenda, facilitating for outcomes, and setting clear expectations.

The result was a meeting that created alignment, momentum, and ownership instead of fatigue. A major part of the conversation centers on the value of outside perspective. Bringing in an external chair through Forge removed internal politics, kept the meeting focused, and allowed hard questions to be asked and answered.

Josh and Kenton explore why this kind of structure matters, and why AGM facilitation may be one of the most practical services Forge can offer contractors. The episode digs into what separates a good meeting from a productive one: action, accountability, and follow-through.

They share the concrete outcomes that came out of the AGM, from early budgeting work and procedures to clearly defined ownership and stewardship agreements. No one was dragged into responsibility. People stepped into it. They also talk candidly about where the meeting exposed gaps.

When tough questions were asked, the lack of clear metrics and ownership became obvious. Marketing spend without clear ROI, shared responsibilities without clear owners, and the need for better tracking and better information in the room. That naturally leads into a deeper discussion on North Star metrics. Josh and Kenton unpack why revenue alone isn’t enough, why volume can hide unhealthy businesses, and why they’re leaning toward value per square as a clearer signal of financial health.

They wrestle with how to honor cultural wins without masking financial reality, landing on a practical balance between financial clarity and cultural celebration. A clear theme emerges for 2026: stewardship. Stewarding finances, operations, assets, and people with intention. One story in particular highlights what stewardship looks like in practice, resisting the urge to force solutions and instead allowing ownership, learning, and leadership to develop.

The episode closes by returning to Ridgeline’s core identity: brotherhood. Building young men, work ethic, and fortitude through the trades. Josh and Kenton reflect on the tension between investing in people and maintaining financial health, and why both are required to build something that lasts. This is a grounded, practical conversation about leadership, accountability, and what it really looks like to run a healthy company.

Original theme music composed and performed by - Ben Smith

Produced by - Seth Steward Productions

Co-produced by - Kalen Wookey

Website: ⁠https://forgealliance.ca/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797⁠

X: ⁠https://x.com/forge_ca⁠ (@Forge_CA) / X

In this episode of the Forge Contractor Podcast, the conversation becomes a year-end reflection centered on one defining idea: real growth comes from pruning, not piling on. What begins as a thought about revisiting the AGM quickly shifts into a deeper discussion about 2025 as a season of cutting back so the right things can grow.

Josh and Kenton talk candidly about what pruning has looked like at Ridgeline. Saying no to work that isn’t healthy, even when it’s emotionally difficult. Letting people go, hiring slower, and choosing values, mindset, and culture fit over raw talent. Moving away from transactional approaches to labor and toward a team built on trust, buy-in, and shared standards.

The conversation expands to the future of the trades and why craftsmanship and human skill aren’t disappearing anytime soon. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, Josh and Kenton argue that real-world problem solving and hands-on experience will only become more valuable. A central theme throughout the episode is brotherhood and accountability through Forge.

They reflect on why the group exists, the importance of having peers who can speak honestly without being entangled in day-to-day operations, and why keeping the podcast free from financial pressure helps preserve integrity and intention.

The episode closes with optimism for 2026, gratitude for the listeners, and thanks to Seth Steward Productions and Kalen Wookey for their continued support behind the scenes. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who would appreciate it and help grow the Forge community.

Original theme music composed and performed by: Ben Smith

Produced by: Seth Steward Productions

Co-produced by: Kalen Wookey Website: ⁠https://forgealliance.ca/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797⁠

X: ⁠https://x.com/forge_ca⁠ (@Forge_CA) / X