CatalystFor the Trades

Pillar 02 · Podcast

The Catalyst for the Trades Podcast

56 conversations with the operators shaping the next decade of the trades — growth, AI, acquisitions, and leadership.

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Your Website Site Is an ADA Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

Episode 56

Your Website Site Is an ADA Lawsuit Waiting to Happen

With Jennifer Bagley

AI-powered attorneys are now filing automated ADA lawsuits, and the average settlement costs $52,000. Is your website exposed? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades…

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Last Chance to Register | The Trades Event That Builds Your $10M+ Plan | May 5-7

Episode 55

Last Chance to Register | The Trades Event That Builds Your $10M+ Plan | May 5-7

With Dana Staszkiewicz

Last Chance to Register | Climb to $10M+ | May 5-7 | Houston, Texas Are you a trades business owner stuck under $10M? This is the event that changes that. Join host Jenn…

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Climb to $10M: Inside the Workshop Event That Will Transform Your Business

Episode 54

Climb to $10M: Inside the Workshop Event That Will Transform Your Business

With Chuck Staszkiewicz

Sick of conferences that pump you up but don’t move the needle? Jennifer Bagley welcomes guest Chuck Staszkiewicz for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at Climb to $10M—t…

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AI, Leadership & Next-Level Growth: Cameron Herold’s Playbook for Contractors

Episode 53

AI, Leadership & Next-Level Growth: Cameron Herold’s Playbook for Contractors

With Cameron Herold

Most contractors are either ignoring AI or getting distracted by flashy tools they don’t actually need. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Cameron Herold, the o…

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AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor

Episode 52

AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor

With Louis Vierra

Most contractors know the feeling: you pay for leads that five other companies get, you chase calls late, and your software stack keeps growing—but not your margins.

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Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth

Episode 51

Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth

With Stephanie Allen

How do women in the trades go from underfunded marketing and clunky tech to dominating their local markets with AI and automation? In this episode of Catalyst for the Tr…

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From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI

Episode 50

From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI

With Robert Leath

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Robert Leath, founder of a thriving HVAC business, and his dedicated account executive, Vee Nett…

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What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly

Episode 49

What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly

With Laura Kelly

What does authentic leadership actually look like for women in the trades? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Laura Kelly an…

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Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future

Episode 48

Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future

With Gregg Schonhorn

How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg Schonhorn of S…

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Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting

Episode 47

Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting

With Meaghan Likes

CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarit…

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AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success

Episode 46

AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success

With Remy Skerjanz

AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside …

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Next-Level Septic Business: How Courtney Van Delden Supplee Uses AI, Automation & Data to Scale Van Delden Wastewater Systems

Episode 45

Next-Level Septic Business: How Courtney Van Delden Supplee Uses AI, Automation & Data to Scale Van Delden Wastewater Systems

With Courtney Van Delden Supplee

Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley and s…

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Command the Room & Grow Your Business: Casey Eberhart’s Blueprint for Trade Success

Episode 44

Command the Room & Grow Your Business: Casey Eberhart’s Blueprint for Trade Success

With Casey Eberhart

Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategi…

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Reinventing SEO & Web Strategy: AI Transformation with Seth Humble

Episode 43

Reinventing SEO & Web Strategy: AI Transformation with Seth Humble

With Seth Humble

AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home service busi…

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Branding That Works: Crystal Williams on Contractor Growth, Strategy & Accountability

Episode 39

Branding That Works: Crystal Williams on Contractor Growth, Strategy & Accountability

With Crystal Williams

Crystal shares battle-tested insights on branding, marketing strategy, personal accountability, and the crucial role of collaboration between contractors and their vendo…

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Beyond Products: Denise Corbin’s Winsupply HVAC Summit Empowers Contractors in Austin

Episode 42

Beyond Products: Denise Corbin’s Winsupply HVAC Summit Empowers Contractors in Austin

With Denise Corbin

Ready to break away from business as usual and spark success in a challenging market? In this episode, Denise Corbin—president of Winsupply—joins Jazmin Ramirez, guest h…

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Jazmin Ramirez: AI Marketing Strategies and Growth Insights for Contractors

Episode 41

Jazmin Ramirez: AI Marketing Strategies and Growth Insights for Contractors

With Jazmin Ramirez

What does it take to lead and grow in a fast-changing trades industry? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley interviews Jazmin Ramirez, Senior Dire…

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Victoria Schaefer Talks TACCA Live: Texas HVAC Conference, Contractor Growth & Future of the Trades

Episode 40

Victoria Schaefer Talks TACCA Live: Texas HVAC Conference, Contractor Growth & Future of the Trades

With Victoria Schaefer

Get an insider’s look at Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) and the upcoming TACCA Live HVAC industry event in Conroe, Texas. Camille Porco, our stan…

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From Zero to $22 Million: Vince Heuser’s Blueprint for Explosive Home Service Growth

Episode 38

From Zero to $22 Million: Vince Heuser’s Blueprint for Explosive Home Service Growth

With Vince Heuser

What does it really take to break free from flat growth and scale your contracting business into the millions? In this inspiring episode, Vince Heuser shares the raw jou…

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CRM Success in the Trades: Celia Church’s Guide to Data, Implementation, and Next-Level Growth

Episode 37

CRM Success in the Trades: Celia Church’s Guide to Data, Implementation, and Next-Level Growth

With Celia Church

Thinking about switching CRM platforms or struggling to get the most out of your current system? In this must-listen episode, CRM and Service Titan consultant Celia Chur…

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Smart Accounting Moves: Devin Nordgran’s Financial Strategies for Contractors

Episode 36

Smart Accounting Moves: Devin Nordgran’s Financial Strategies for Contractors

With Devin Nordgran

Know your numbers and make them work for you. In this must-hear episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Devin Nordgran, Tax Associate at Squire, to unpack real-world fin…

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Transforming Digital Marketing with AI: Chelsea Nodine’s Blueprint for Smarter Systems

Episode 35

Transforming Digital Marketing with AI: Chelsea Nodine’s Blueprint for Smarter Systems

With Chelsea Nodine

Is AI the future of digital marketing, or just another buzzword? In this episode, Chelsea Nodine—Senior Director of Digital Transformation at CI Web Group—shares the rea…

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Level Up Your Business: Billy Gregus on AI, Marketing, and Making Partnerships Work

Episode 34

Level Up Your Business: Billy Gregus on AI, Marketing, and Making Partnerships Work

With Billy Gregus

Ready to future-proof your contracting business? In this power-packed episode, Billy Gregus—owner of Integrity Refrigeration & A/C—joins Jennifer Bagley and special gues…

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Trailblazing the HVAC Industry: Brittany Doering on Community, Growth, and Conference Success

Episode 33

Trailblazing the HVAC Industry: Brittany Doering on Community, Growth, and Conference Success

With Brittany Doering

Ready to level up your HVAC business and network with the best in Texas? In this jam-packed episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Britt…

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Level Up Your Roofing Business: Joel Viera on Tech, Talent & the Western Roofing Expo

Episode 32

Level Up Your Roofing Business: Joel Viera on Tech, Talent & the Western Roofing Expo

With Joel Viera

What’s really shaping the future of roofing in 2025 & 2026? In this episode, Joel Viera of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association joins host Jennifer Bagley …

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Mike Disney on Building Trust, Recruiting Top Talent & Winning in the Trades

Episode 31

Mike Disney on Building Trust, Recruiting Top Talent & Winning in the Trades

With Mike Disney

What does it really take to scale a successful HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business today? In this episode, industry expert Mike Disney shares the hard truths and powe…

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How AI Is Transforming Call Handling: Brad Scruggs on the Future of Home Service Communication

Episode 30

How AI Is Transforming Call Handling: Brad Scruggs on the Future of Home Service Communication

With Brad Scruggs

Missed calls are costing contractors serious money, but AI is changing the game. In this episode, Brad Scruggs, President & CMO of ZyraTalk, sits down with Jennifer Bagl…

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Building Predictable Freedom: Mike Abramowitz on Systems, Scaling & Founders’ Mindset in the Trades

Episode 29

Building Predictable Freedom: Mike Abramowitz on Systems, Scaling & Founders’ Mindset in the Trades

With Mike Abramowitz

What does it really take to build a trades business that runs without you—and gives your family the freedom you dreamed of? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, h…

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Unlocking Efficiency: AI Lead Management & Automation

Episode 28

Unlocking Efficiency: AI Lead Management & Automation

With Utku “Dave” Kaynar

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley welcomes Utku “Dave” Kaynar, CEO of OnePath, to take you deep inside the future of automation, lead mana…

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Smart Decisions, Big Impact: Teasha Cable’s AI Strategies for Better Business

Episode 27

Smart Decisions, Big Impact: Teasha Cable’s AI Strategies for Better Business

With Teasha Cable

Ready to level up your decision-making and accelerate growth? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Teasha Cable—tech visionary…

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AI-Driven Success for Contractors: Lynn Wise’s Blueprint for the Future

Episode 26

AI-Driven Success for Contractors: Lynn Wise’s Blueprint for the Future

With Lynn Wise

Ready to future-proof your contracting business? AI is transforming everything from lead conversion to customer service and financial management in the trades. In this e…

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No Excuses, Just Results: Stephanie Allen’s Real-World Guide to AI, Leadership, and Rapid Growth in the Trades

Episode 25

No Excuses, Just Results: Stephanie Allen’s Real-World Guide to AI, Leadership, and Rapid Growth in the Trades

With Stephanie Allen

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Stephanie Allen, CEO of Airworks Solutions, to talk about what it takes to lead and thrive in today’s fast-c…

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From Tech to Titan: Jason Walker’s Playbook for Outshining Giants in HVAC

Episode 24

From Tech to Titan: Jason Walker’s Playbook for Outshining Giants in HVAC

With Jason Walker

What does it really take to thrive as a new HVAC business in a crowded market? Jason Walker, founder of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, pulls back the curtain on his own jou…

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From Gym Floors to HVAC Superstar: Tyler Dixon’s Leap Into Trades Sales

Episode 23

From Gym Floors to HVAC Superstar: Tyler Dixon’s Leap Into Trades Sales

With Tyler Dixon

Ready for a real-world success story that proves the trades are wide open for ambitious go-getters? On this episode of Catalyst, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkie…

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Future-Proofing Contracting: Paul Redman on Tech, AI, and the New Customer Experience

Episode 22

Future-Proofing Contracting: Paul Redman on Tech, AI, and the New Customer Experience

With Paul Redman

Is your contracting business ready for the next wave of technology? In this forward-thinking episode, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Paul Redman, C…

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Relentless Growth: Sam Wakefield’s Sales Transformation & Follow-Up Tactics for the Trades

Episode 21

Relentless Growth: Sam Wakefield’s Sales Transformation & Follow-Up Tactics for the Trades

With Sam Wakefield

Motivation means nothing if you can’t execute. In this episode, Sam Wakefield, creator of Close It Now and catalyst of transformative sales events like “Relentless: The …

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40 Years in the Trades: Raul Rodriguez on Building People-Centered, Resilient Service Companies

Episode 20

40 Years in the Trades: Raul Rodriguez on Building People-Centered, Resilient Service Companies

With Raul Rodriguez

What does it take to build a thriving, people-first business in the home services industry—and keep it growing for nearly 40 years?

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From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership

Episode 19

From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership

With Dana Staszkiewicz

What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins h…

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The Power of Choice: Why Menu Pricing Changes Everything with Danielle Putnam

Episode 18

The Power of Choice: Why Menu Pricing Changes Everything with Danielle Putnam

With Danielle Putnam

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Danielle Putnam, President of The New Flat Rate, to talk strategy, pricing, and how contractor…

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Stand Out Online: Jen McKee’s Social Media Tips for Contractors

Episode 17

Stand Out Online: Jen McKee’s Social Media Tips for Contractors

With Jen McKee

Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or a waste of time. In this episode, Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, shares what actually works for contractors tr…

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Fast-to-Cash Products and Smarter Sales with Karen Sager

Episode 16

Fast-to-Cash Products and Smarter Sales with Karen Sager

With Karen Sager

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, co-host Chuck Staszkiewicz sits down with Karen Sager, President of Micro Mesh Gutter Guards, to talk about product innovatio…

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From the Call Center to the C-Suite: Denise Swafford's Journey of Scaling Success in the Trades

Episode 15

From the Call Center to the C-Suite: Denise Swafford's Journey of Scaling Success in the Trades

With Denise Swafford

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, featuring Denise Swafford, Chief Commercial Officer at P1 Service Group. Denise shares her incredible ca…

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How a Navy Veteran Created One of New Jersey's Trusted Plumbing Brands

Episode 14

How a Navy Veteran Created One of New Jersey's Trusted Plumbing Brands

With Ray Reyes

Join us on this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades as we sit down with Ray Reyes, a former Navy veteran turned successful plumbing entrepreneur. Ray shares his inspi…

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Episode 13

Building Your Business with an Exit in Mind: Strategic Insights for Home Service Entrepreneurs

With Jennifer Bagley

In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dive deep into the strategic planning necessary for building a home service bu…

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Navigating Industry Transformation: AI, Consumer Trends, and Strategic Business Models

Episode 12

Navigating Industry Transformation: AI, Consumer Trends, and Strategic Business Models

With Darren Dixon

Join host Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group, and her guests, Darren Dixon, CEO and founder of fyxify, and George Donaldson, CEO of Fix-It Group, as they discuss the t…

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Unleashing Success: Trey McWilliams on Mastering Growth and Leadership in Home Services

Episode 11

Unleashing Success: Trey McWilliams on Mastering Growth and Leadership in Home Services

With Trey McWilliams

Join Jennifer Bagley as she hosts Trey McWilliams, CEO of McWilliams & Sons and founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services Group, in this enlightening episode of "Catalyst f…

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Mastering the Trades: Mark Evans on Building Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom

Episode 10

Mastering the Trades: Mark Evans on Building Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom

With Mark Evans

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Mark Evans, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and wealth-building…

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Building a $100M Business: George Donaldson on Scaling, Leadership, Exit Strategies in Home Services

Episode 10

Building a $100M Business: George Donaldson on Scaling, Leadership, Exit Strategies in Home Services

With George Donaldson

In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz are joined by George Donaldson, a leading figure in the home services industry…

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Adapting to Consumer Behavior: Leveraging AI and Digital Tools in the Trades

Episode 8

Adapting to Consumer Behavior: Leveraging AI and Digital Tools in the Trades

With Josh Koplin

In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden, to explore the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in…

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From Comedy to AI How Sebastian Jimenez is Revolutionizing Sales in the Trades

Episode 9

From Comedy to AI How Sebastian Jimenez is Revolutionizing Sales in the Trades

With Sebastian Jimenez

In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, we engage in an enlightening conversation with Sebastian Jimenez, CEO of Rilla. Drawing striking parallels between tech e…

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WOW Every Call: The Key to Customer Experience Excellence

Episode 6

WOW Every Call: The Key to Customer Experience Excellence

With Brigham Dickinson

What does it take to turn your customer service team into a powerhouse for growth? In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades podcast, Brigham Dickinson, founder and…

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Igniting Sales Success: Devon Murphy on Reclaiming Lost Opportunities

Episode 5

Igniting Sales Success: Devon Murphy on Reclaiming Lost Opportunities

With Devon Murphy

In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Devon Murphy, co-owner of Reignite Sales Solutions, to explore how businesses can unlock untapped potent…

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From Chaos to Clarity: How EOS Transforms Your Business

Episode 4

From Chaos to Clarity: How EOS Transforms Your Business

With Dwight Miller

In this insightful episode of The Catalyst for the Trades Podcast, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with guest Dwight Miller to dive deep into transformative strategies fo…

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Embracing Change: The Future of Leadership

Episode 3

Embracing Change: The Future of Leadership

With Mary Belden-McGrath and Eric McGrath

In this episode, Jennifer Bagley, Mary Belden-McGrath, and Eric McGrath discuss the transformative power of leadership training and the importance of adapting to change …

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Maximizing Deductions & Motivations: Year-End Tax Strategies and Team Engagement

Episode 2

Maximizing Deductions & Motivations: Year-End Tax Strategies and Team Engagement

With Erik Flegal

In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, host Chuck Staszkiewicz sits down with Erik Flegal, founder and CEO of Family Fortune Financial, to tackle some of the mo…

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Redefining the Game: The Future of Home Services

Episode 1

Redefining the Game: The Future of Home Services

With Darren Dixon

In this kickoff episode of Catalyst for the Trades, with Jennifer Bagley, Chuck Staszkiewicz and Crystal Williams, we're joined by our guest Darren Dixon, CEO and founde…

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