Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast

In Episode 54 of the Forge Contractor Alliance podcast, Kenton and Josh tackle a difficult question for small contractors: what happens when you invest years into training someone, only for that employee to eventually leave and start their own company? The conversation digs into employee retention, trust, training, and the real investment that goes into developing people in a small trade business. When you're a small contractor, you're not simply filling positions. You're often taking someone with little experience and teaching them the trade, your systems, your standards, and eventually the business itself. But what happens when that person becomes one of your most valuable employees and decides they want to run their own show? Kenton and Josh talk openly about their own history, including how Josh originally trained Kenton in roofing before Kenton eventually went out on his own. They discuss the difference between competition and collaboration, the challenge of knowing how much to invest in an employee, and why highly capable employees can sometimes be the very people most likely to want their own business. They also explore how employers can better understand an employee's goals, why getting people involved in the business can increase retention, the risks that come with sharing too much, and why business owners can't build their entire company around one or two key employees. Ultimately, people change. Goals change. Seasons of life change. And sometimes a great employee leaving isn't something a business owner can completely prevent. The question is how you build a company that can handle it. Forge Contractor Alliance is a podcast for contractors and business owners working through the real challenges of building, leading, and growing a trade business. 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

This episode covers a little bit of everything. Josh and Kenton talk about what it really looks like to build a business, lead a team, and figure things out along the way. They get into communication, the challenges that come with growth, and the things they both know they could probably do better. They also have a pretty honest conversation about money. Saving receipts, overspending, budgeting, and the realization that sometimes you need someone else in the business to help keep the numbers on track. They talk about bringing in a CFO and how having better financial systems can change the way you make decisions and look at ROI. The conversation takes an interesting turn when they start talking about mentorship, age, and experience. Getting older doesn't automatically make someone a good mentor. They talk about the importance of self awareness, learning from experience, and actually being willing to help the next generation. Then things get a little more primal. A story about a paintball game leads into a conversation about the survival instinct and why people sometimes perform differently when they're uncomfortable or under pressure. They connect that idea back to working in the trades and how having everything too comfortable can sometimes take away some of the drive that pushes people forward. They also talk roofing, including a historic 1934 Anglican church they worked on using Enviroshake. That leads into a bigger conversation about craftsmanship, quality, volume, and the differences between how roofing is approached in Europe compared to North America. Josh and Kenton also get into architecture and product selection, especially when expensive materials like metal roofing are chosen without thinking through the engineering, safety requirements, and overall cost that come with them. On the business side, they talk about where they're taking FORGE next. Instead of jumping straight into pushing long form podcast episodes, they're looking at a softer approach built around real conversations, short form videos, and content that can naturally build an audience across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. There's also an update on the upcoming book, including the publishing process, advanced reader copies, endorsements, and recording the audiobook right in the podcast studio. To wrap things up, they talk about the upcoming team retreat, the results from a recent home show, some frustration around follow up with potential customers, and a completely unexpected partnership opportunity that could lead to something much bigger. It's a pretty honest episode about business, people, risk, growth, and figuring things out as you go. Forge is where contractors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to build stronger companies and become better leaders. 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

What happens when you stop building a business just for yourself and start thinking about what you can build for the people around you? In this episode, Chris and his partner sit down for a candid conversation about leadership, business, failure, and the evolution of what it means to build something that lasts. They talk about the lessons learned through running Ridgeline, the importance of taking ownership when things go wrong, building the right team, and creating a culture where people can grow. They also dive into Forge and the idea behind building a community that gives other business owners the support, experience, and opportunity to succeed. It’s a conversation about putting ego aside, learning from failure, and realizing that a successful business can be about a lot more than the bottom line. Forge is where contractors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to build stronger companies and become better leaders. Original theme music composed and performed by Ben Smith roduced 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

The best systems aren't the ones that look complicated. They're the ones that make complicated work feel effortless. In Episode 52, Josh and Kenton continue the conversation around building scalable businesses by exploring one idea that sits at the center of great leadership and operational excellence: simplicity. Using examples from woodworking, contracting, and business operations, they discuss why the strongest companies aren't built on people constantly putting out fires. They're built on repeatable systems, focused work, and clear responsibilities. Josh shares how Ridgeline is developing new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to simplify roles as the company grows. Rather than expecting team members to wear multiple hats all day, the goal is to create focused blocks of work where each person can concentrate on one responsibility at a time. From sales appointments to scheduling, production planning, and customer communication, every task has a place within a structured weekly rhythm designed to eliminate unnecessary distractions. The conversation dives into the hidden cost of multitasking and constant interruptions. While some people can operate in chaos, both Josh and Kenton argue that most people perform at their highest level when they're able to protect their focus. They discuss why building simple systems isn't about making work easier, it's about making excellence repeatable. Whether it's planning production schedules a week in advance, reducing operational gaps, or creating better communication between departments, simplicity becomes the foundation for consistency. They also tackle one of the more difficult leadership challenges: balancing work and family. As businesses grow and responsibilities increase, leaders have to find healthy boundaries that allow employees to prioritize both their careers and their families without sacrificing productivity. The discussion emphasizes creating company rhythms that support healthy home lives while still protecting the focused work that allows the business to thrive. Episode 52 is a practical conversation for contractors, business owners, and leaders who want to build organizations that scale without becoming chaotic. Great businesses aren't built by adding complexity. They're built by simplifying it. Forge is where contractors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to build stronger companies and become better leaders. 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

Every business owner dreams about growth, but growth has a way of exposing the weaknesses you didn't know were there. In Episode 51, Josh and Kenton discuss what it really means to build a company that can scale, inspired by Jim Collins' Good to Great and the lessons that have become especially relevant as Ridgeline Roofing and Gott Energy work through their merger. The conversation centers around one of the book's most important principles: first who, then what. Before strategy, before vision, before expansion, the right people have to be in the right seats. Josh reflects on how rereading Good to Great years later has completely changed his perspective on leadership, accountability, and what it takes to become a Level 5 leader. From there, they dive into the realities of leading a merger between two growing companies. While the opportunities are exciting, so are the challenges. Legal structures, shareholder decisions, operational systems, branding, and maintaining cash flow all compete for attention at the same time. Josh shares how difficult it can be balancing long-term vision with the day-to-day responsibility of keeping production moving during the busiest season of the year. The episode also explores how AI is helping streamline operations by creating meaningful KPIs, improving scheduling efficiency, and building standard operating procedures that give teams more ownership while allowing leadership to focus on growth. Rather than simply filling a calendar, Josh explains why strategically scheduling crews, resources, and projects creates healthier businesses and stronger results. Kenton brings the conversation back to leadership and culture, reminding listeners that as companies grow, communication between the office and the field becomes increasingly important. Larger organizations naturally gain efficiencies, but without intentional leadership they can also lose the connection that made them successful in the first place. Whether you're running a contracting business, leading a growing team, or simply trying to become a better leader, Episode 51 is a practical discussion on scaling the right way by building strong people, simple systems, and a culture that can grow for years to come. Forge is where contractors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to build stronger companies and become better leaders. 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

Instead of teaching a framework or breaking down a business principle, we're inviting you into a real conversation that was happening behind the scenes. As Ridgeline Roofing & Solar and Gott Energy explore what a future together could look like, Josh and Joel sit down to work through the questions every growing company eventually faces. How do you scale without losing focus? When does a great opportunity become a distraction? How do you structure leadership so people spend their time in their unique abilities instead of getting buried in day-to-day operations? Throughout this episode, we unpack topics like mergers and acquisitions, executive team structure, delegation, recruiting top talent, organizational design, residential versus commercial markets, First Nations opportunities, and the importance of building systems that can truly scale. This isn't a polished success story. It's a transparent look at the messy, strategic conversations that happen before big decisions are made. If you're building a company, leading a growing team, or wrestling with competing opportunities, this episode will give you an honest look at how experienced business leaders think through complexity before committing to a path forward. Residential, commercial and industrial growth • Building companies that last Forge is where contractors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to build stronger companies and become better leaders. 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

Hiring can grow your company, but hiring the wrong people can quietly destroy the culture you've worked so hard to build. Forge Contractor Alliance, Josh, Kenton, and the team share honest stories from years of building companies, making hiring mistakes, and learning what truly matters when bringing people into your organization. From the dangers of hiring out of desperation to the importance of values, culture, working interviews, probation periods, and even knowing when it's time for someone to move on, this conversation dives deep into the realities every contractor faces. The crew discusses why urgent hiring almost always leads to long-term pain and why culture matters more than skill alone. They share how a single bad hire can impact an entire team, the importance of clear job descriptions and expectations, and why working interviews and probation periods can help both employers and employees determine whether the fit is right. The conversation also explores the reality that some employees are meant for a season, and why handling those transitions well benefits everyone involved. Throughout the episode, the team reflects on the balance between investing in people and maintaining healthy boundaries, building a company that people genuinely want to be part of, and the lessons learned from decades of mistakes, successes, and difficult conversations. Whether you're hiring your first employee or leading a growing team, this episode offers practical wisdom and candid experiences to help you build a stronger business and a healthier culture. 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

Hiring is one of the hardest and most important responsibilities a business owner faces. In this episode of Forge, Josh, Joel, and the team dive into the realities of recruiting, hiring, and developing great people. They discuss why experienced hires don't always work out, the value of hiring for character and culture over technical skill, and how building a strong team often starts with finding people who share your values. The conversation explores everything from referrals and networking to AI-powered hiring tools, diversity in the workplace, and the challenges of scaling a company into new markets. Most importantly, they discuss why successful businesses are built on more than profit, they're built on people, community, and creating opportunities for others. Whether you're hiring your first employee or building a team of fifty, this episode offers practical insights into finding the right people and creating a culture where they can thrive. 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

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 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

Hiring people is easy. Hiring the right people is one of the hardest things a business owner will ever learn how to do. In this episode of the Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast, the conversation goes deep into the realities of hiring, leadership, company culture, and the long term impact people have on a business. The crew unpacks the difference between simply filling a role versus intentionally building a team, and why understanding yourself as a leader is often more important than understanding the resume sitting across the table. The discussion explores how hiring changes as a company grows, from the early days of building a small tight knit crew, to scaling teams and attracting people who can complement weaknesses, strengthen culture, and help move a company forward long term. They talk openly about the lessons learned through failed hires, losing valuable employees, building trust, and the importance of aligning people with core values rather than just technical skill alone. A major focus throughout the episode is the idea that businesses are built around people, not just systems. Whether it’s hiring apprentices, office staff, experienced tradespeople, or future leaders, the conversation highlights how personality, teachability, humility, work ethic, and culture fit often matter more than what’s written on paper. The crew also dives into how company reputation, social media presence, networking, and internal referrals all play a massive role in attracting quality people in today’s market. There’s also an honest discussion around leadership growth itself. The episode touches on the reality that employees do not always stay forever, and how business owners need to learn to lead with an open hand while still creating environments people genuinely want to be part of. From mentorship and growth opportunities to creating clear expectations and defining company values, the conversation offers a grounded look into what building a strong team actually looks like behind the scenes. 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 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

What happens when entrepreneurs stop fearing AI and start learning how to use it properly? In this episode of the Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast, Josh sits down with Tim Joyce of Nooma Logic to talk about the real world impact of AI and automation in business, especially for contractors, entrepreneurs, and growing teams. From streamlining repetitive admin work to improving customer communication and giving business owners their time back, this conversation dives into the opportunities, risks, and realities of adopting AI in today’s world. The discussion covers everything from automation workflows and CRM integration to security concerns, team onboarding, productivity, and why many businesses are already falling behind by ignoring these tools. Tim also shares insight from working with companies across industries, including large organizations and First Nations development groups, while Josh opens up about Ridgeline’s own journey implementing automation into day to day operations. This episode is not about replacing people. It’s about empowering teams, reducing friction, creating better systems, and allowing people to focus on the work they are actually good at. If you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, manager, or business owner curious about AI but unsure where to start, this is a grounded and practical conversation worth listening to. 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

In this episode of the Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast, Josh sits down with Kalen Blake, the creative behind Ridgeline’s media and a key driver of the company’s growth over the past year. Kalen shares his path from working multiple jobs at a young age, to building and scaling an e-commerce business, to running a brick-and-mortar operation that generated millions in revenue before the age of 21. From importing products across international markets to navigating the realities of ownership, this conversation breaks down what it actually takes to build something from nothing. At its core, this episode focuses on finding where you operate best and how that decision shapes everything. Josh and Kalen dig into the transition from entrepreneurship to stepping into a defined role within a team, and how clarity, structure, and the right environment can unlock a higher level of performance, creativity, and long-term growth without burnout. A major theme throughout is the role of social media in modern business. Not the polished, corporate version, but real, consistent, and human content that builds trust, drives leads, and connects you directly to your community. Kalen shares why business owners need to stop overthinking content and start showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable. This is a conversation about alignment, growth, and building something meaningful, whether you are leading from the front or creating behind the scenes. If you are a contractor, business owner, or someone trying to figure out your next move, this one will resonate. 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

In this episode of the Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast, Kenton Friesen of Friesen Contracting and Josh Eisworth of Ridgeline Roofing and Solar sit down to unpack something every trades business struggles with but few truly dial in, training and recruiting. This is not a surface level conversation. It is a real and honest look at what it actually takes to build a team from the ground up, especially in an industry where formal training systems are almost nonexistent and most people are expected to figure it out on the job. They dig into the tension between productivity and development, the constant pull between getting the job done today and investing in someone who might make you ten times more efficient tomorrow. Josh shares recent experiences intentionally pulling new hires out of the normal crew environment to train them one on one, allowing them to fail, slow things down, and actually learn the trade. It is inefficient in the short term. Jobs take longer, mistakes cost money, and production dips. But the payoff is clear. Guys become capable, confident, and productive far faster than the traditional shadow and carry material approach. Kenton brings decades of experience into the conversation and reflects on what it means to train not just workers, but men. This goes beyond skill and into character, work ethic, and professionalism. Together, they explore why hiring experienced tradesmen often does not work the way you would expect, and why so many of the best long term team members are built from scratch. Culture, mindset, and attitude consistently outweigh experience, especially in a trade like roofing where standards vary widely from company to company. The conversation also moves into recruiting, because you cannot talk about training without talking about who you are bringing in. From the unpredictability of hiring to improving vetting systems and rethinking where to find the right people, they break down what it means to increase your odds in an industry known for high turnover. There is no perfect formula, and both Kenton and Josh admit they have been wrong many times when judging who would succeed and who would not. At its core, this episode is about playing the long game. It is about understanding that the fastest way to build a strong and reliable team often looks slower on the surface. It is about being willing to sacrifice short term output to multiply long term capacity. And it is about recognizing that the real win in this business is not just the roofs you install, but the people you build along the way. If you are a contractor trying to grow, dealing with turnover, or looking to build a stronger and more capable crew, this conversation will challenge how you think about training, recruiting, and leadership. 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 #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #newpodcast #youtubecreator #youtubepodcast #contentcreator #viralcontent #growonyoutube #youtubegrowth #youtubemarketing #videomarketing #contentstrategy #socialmediatips #digitalcreator #creatoreconomy #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #startup #businessmindset #businessgrowth #successmindset #successhabits #selfimprovement #selfgrowth #personaldevelopment #mindsetmatters #growthmindset #levelup #discipline #motivationdaily #inspirationdaily #hustlehard #workethic #stayfocused #ambition #goals #goalsetting #dreambig #takeaction #consistency #selfmastery #highperformance #peakperformance #mentality #resilience #mentalstrength #confidence #selfbelief

Welcome back to the Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast. Josh Eisworth from Ridgeline Roofing and Kenton from Kenton Friesen Contracting. Two contractors in the trenches every day, on the tools, in the books, working with crews, customers, and everything that comes with running a business. This podcast is just an extension of that, real conversations about what we’re actually dealing with. In this episode, we get into communication, what it looks like inside a growing company, where it starts to break down, and how different teams handle it in completely different ways. From switching platforms and trying to integrate crews, to realizing not everyone communicates the same or even wants to, there’s a lot here that we’re actively working through. We talk about repetition as a leader, setting clear expectations, and the balance between over communicating and not saying enough. There is also a big focus on conflict, when to avoid it, when to lean into it, and how to handle it without letting emotion take over. Because the reality is, most issues in business do not come from bad intent, they come from miscommunication. We also touch on team dynamics, public versus private communication, and how the wrong message in the wrong setting can create bigger problems than it should. Plus a bit of real life context, spring in Northern BC, unpredictable weather, and how that chaos mirrors running a business this time of year. Like always, this is not theory. It is what we are dealing with right now, figuring it out as we go. 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

In this episode of Forge, Kenton sits down with Chris Wiebe to unpack a side of business most contractors avoid the numbers. From hard lessons in financial blind spots to the reality of growing too fast without control, this conversation digs into what actually drives a healthy company. They break down the difference between revenue and real profit, why operational strength matters more than hustle, and how small mistakes in pricing or planning can quietly sink a business. Chris brings a systems driven perspective from years of scaling companies, while Kenton shares real stories from the field including moments where the numbers did not lie, even when it hurt. This episode is about more than spreadsheets. It is about thinking clearly, making better decisions, and building something that actually lasts. If you are running a business, planning to grow, or just trying to figure out where your money is really going this one matters. 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

In this episode of the Forge Contractor Podcast, Kenton sits down with Joel for a real and practical conversation about people pleasing. What it is, where it comes from, and how it slowly starts running your life if you’re not careful. What starts as a strength, being perceptive, caring about people, wanting to do a great job, can quietly turn into a burden. The hard truth is that a lot of us aren’t reacting to reality. We’re reacting to what we think people might be thinking about us. And those imagined expectations begin to shape everything. Your schedule, your pricing, your stress, even how you show up at home. One of the biggest shifts talked about in this episode is realizing how much pressure is self-created. Not by customers, not by employees, but by the words we say and the commitments we make too quickly. When you slow down, ask better questions, and stop boxing yourself in, things start to change. There’s more margin, more clarity, and honestly just more peace. But this goes deeper than business. This is internal work. There’s a discipline required to stop letting your mind run wild with scenarios that aren’t even real. To catch yourself before you spiral. To accept that not everyone is going to think well of you, and that’s okay. That might be the hardest part for a lot of people listening. The conversation also gets really practical. Talking through quoting jobs, setting timelines, dealing with demanding customers, and learning to pause before you commit. Simple shifts, but they carry a lot of weight. A big takeaway from this one is how much your words matter. What you say sets expectations. And a lot of the stress we carry is tied directly to things we didn’t have to promise in the first place. At the end of the day, this isn’t about becoming someone who doesn’t care. It’s about caring in a healthier way. Serving people well without being controlled by them. It’s not an overnight fix. But it is a direction. If you’ve ever felt that constant pressure to keep everyone happy, this conversation will feel familiar. And it might just help you start putting some of that weight down. 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

In this episode, Josh and Kenton sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about something a lot of contractors think they understand, but most have never actually worked through what makes a business truly saleable. Speaking from their experience in Prince George, they unpack the gap between what owners believe they’ve built and what someone would actually pay for. The conversation quickly gets honest. Most small businesses are not really businesses, they are jobs built around one person. The relationships, the reputation, the decision making all sit with the owner. When that person steps away, there is often very little left. It is a tough realization, but one that almost every trades business owner will face at some point. They dig into the difference between building something around yourself versus building something that can stand on its own. A lot of companies have strong revenue and years of history, but without systems, structure, and a team that can operate without the owner, that value does not transfer. Buyers are not just looking at numbers, they are asking what happens when you are gone. Throughout the episode, they share real stories from their own market. Companies that shut down after decades. Others that were handed off and quickly fell apart. And a few that made it work through intentional succession, strong teams, and the right people stepping in. The common thread is simple. If you are not planning for an exit, you are likely planning to close, whether you realize it or not. They also touch on the bigger picture. There are more business owners than ever approaching retirement, and at the same time the world feels uncertain. Markets are shifting, economies are unpredictable, and there are more sellers than buyers in many industries. It raises an important question. If you wanted to sell tomorrow, would your business actually be ready. This episode is not about theory. It is about reality and hard conversations. Whether you plan to sell, pass it on, or just run your company for as long as you can, this is a look at what you are really building and what will be left when you step away. 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

In this episode of Forge, Josh and Kenton explore what it really looks like to build a business around the work you actually love. As the demands of leadership grow, so does the pressure to fit into a predefined version of what a CEO “should” be. But the reality is far less rigid. For many builders and entrepreneurs, the path forward isn’t about stepping away from the work that brings energy and clarity, it’s about learning how to structure your time so you can stay in it. The conversation unpacks the tension between productivity and burnout, and how easily leaders can find themselves stuck in roles that drain them rather than drive them. Josh shares his evolving approach to designing a weekly rhythm that allows him to stay on the tools, lead his team, and still carve out space for high-level thinking. Throughout the episode, they dig into the importance of understanding your own wiring as a leader. From how you process ideas, to where you find clarity, to what actually makes you effective day to day, the conversation highlights how self-awareness plays a critical role in long-term success. They also reflect on how forcing yourself into roles that don’t fit can create unnecessary stress, while leaning into your strengths can dramatically increase both output and satisfaction. At its core, this episode is about rejecting one-size-fits-all leadership advice and instead building a rhythm that aligns with your strengths, your season, and your responsibilities. It’s a conversation about freedom, ownership, and the ongoing process of figuring out what actually works. 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

In this follow-up episode of Forge, Josh and Kenton continue the conversation about failure, resilience, and the long road of learning that comes with building a business. After reflecting on the collapse of Kenton’s early real estate momentum in the previous episode, the discussion turns toward what came after. The years that followed were not defined by a single event, but by the slower and often more difficult process of rebuilding confidence, culture, and leadership from the inside out. Kenton shares how the internal impact of that season lingered longer than the external circumstances. Even as the company continued to operate and grow from the outside, the weight of that earlier failure shaped the way he made decisions, interacted with his team, and carried the responsibility of leadership. Josh and Kenton explore how pride, fear, and lost confidence can quietly isolate leaders at the very moment when they need their people the most. They discuss the surprising reality that many team members are often willing to rally around a struggling leader, but only if they’re allowed into the process. The conversation also turns toward the nature of risk. Entrepreneurs often celebrate bold moves and big swings, but fewer people talk openly about the emotional resilience required when those swings miss. Kenton reflects on how early success created a sense of certainty that later setbacks challenged, forcing him to develop a deeper understanding of resilience and self-awareness. Throughout the episode, the discussion moves beyond business tactics and into the mindset required to continue moving forward. Josh and Kenton talk about the difference between regret and bitterness, why honest post-mortems matter, and how leaders can learn to separate criticism of their role from criticism of their identity. They also reflect on the importance of creating environments where others can take risks without fear of catastrophic failure, whether in business, leadership, or even parenting. This episode is ultimately about growth through adversity, and the quiet maturity that develops when leaders learn to analyze failure without being defined by it. 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

In this episode of Forge, Josh and Kenton dive into a deeply personal story from Kenton’s early years in business. In his twenties, Kenton was heavily involved in real estate investing, building momentum with multiple properties, partnerships, and ambitious development projects. It was a time marked by optimism, energy, and the feeling that anything was possible. Deals were working, banks were lending, and every step forward seemed to open another opportunity. But life has a way of testing even the most confident seasons. Within a short period of time, several major events collided. A large development project in northern Alberta fell apart at the last moment. Seven rental units over half of his portfolio, suddenly became vacant at the same time. At home, Kenton and his wife were navigating the emotional weight of losing two grandparents within weeks of each other while also expecting their first child. What had once felt like unstoppable momentum quickly turned into overwhelming pressure. Faced with that perfect storm, panic set in. Instead of leaning on his partners and the relationships he had built, Kenton made decisions in isolation, fire-selling properties and stepping away from opportunities that, in hindsight, could have changed the trajectory of his life. The lesson wasn’t just about business strategy. It was about pride, communication, and the weight leaders sometimes place on their own shoulders. Throughout the conversation, Josh and Kenton reflect on the tension many entrepreneurs experience: the instinct to shoulder responsibility alone versus the humility required to ask for help. They explore how assumptions about what others are willing or able to do can quietly shape the decisions we make in moments of stress. They also discuss how failure affects different personalities. For someone used to succeeding, a major setback can cut deeper and take longer to recover from. The optimism and confidence that fuel early success can also make failure feel like a defining moment rather than simply part of the journey. This episode is not about dwelling on the past, but about understanding how pivotal moments shape the way we lead, take risks, and build trust moving forward. It’s a conversation about leadership under pressure, the importance of honest dialogue with partners, and the long process of rebuilding confidence after a major setback. 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