Understanding Financial Literacy in the Trades: Insights from Tony McClellan of Hollywood Decks

Making It in the Trades // Harvey Jesso The Maritime Carpenter

Stop Handing Kids a Broom: Harvey Jesso on Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople Short Episode Description In this episode of the Four Man Podcast, we sit down with Harvey Jesso, better known as The Maritime Carpenter, to talk about what it really takes to get young people excited about the trades — and how contractors, teachers, and business owners can help them stick with it. Full Show Notes Harvey Jesso has lived the trades from every angle. He grew up around construction, stepped onto his first jobsite as a kid, started his first business at 18, worked in brutal conditions in the Yukon, and eventually built multiple companies under the Maritime name, including carpentry, electrical, kitchens, and cleaning. But this episode is about more than Harvey’s story. It is about how the trades actually grow. Harvey talks with Noah, Ken, and Adam about what young people need when they first step onto a jobsite, why the first experience matters so much, and why the old-school “just grab a broom and stay out of the way” approach might be pushing good people away before they ever get started. The big takeaway: if you want young people to love the trades, let them safely experience the work. Let them use the tools. Let them feel the pride of saying, “I helped build that.” The crew also gets into business ownership, building a workforce pipeline, the difference between Canadian Red Seal certification and the U.S. approach to carpentry, and the challenge of helping students see what their future could look like in the trades. This one is packed with real talk for contractors, teachers, students, parents, and anyone who cares about the future of skilled trades. In This Episode * How Harvey got started on a construction site at 10 years old * Why family background helps, but is not required to succeed in the trades * How a good first jobsite experience can change someone’s career path * Why yelling, ego, and bad jobsite culture scare young people away * How Harvey built multiple companies by finding needs and the right people * What he looks for when hiring young workers * Why contractors should invest in students before bad habits form * How to make young people feel useful on a jobsite * Why “just sweep up” is not enough to keep students excited * The 46-year-old banker from Brazil who changed careers into carpentry * The difference between Red Seal certification in Canada and carpentry in the U.S. * Why students need a vision for what the trades can provide * Harvey’s advice for young people who want to make it in the industry Suggested Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold Open: Stop Handing Kids a Broom Harvey explains why giving young people real tools, real instruction, and real responsibility can change how they see the trades. 01:00 — Meet Harvey Jesso, The Maritime Carpenter Noah introduces Harvey and explains why one dinner at JLC Live made it obvious he needed to be on the podcast. 03:00 — Starting on a Jobsite at 10 Years Old Harvey shares how he first got interested in construction by showing up at a jobsite as a kid and asking to help. 07:00 — Why the First Jobsite Experience Matters The crew talks about the difference between a good mentor and the old-school screaming foreman approach. 10:00 — Building Businesses by Finding the Right People Harvey explains how Maritime Electrical started and why knowing someone’s work ethic can lead to a new opportunity. 13:00 — Maritime Carpentry, Kitchens, Electrical, and Clean Crew Harvey walks through how his businesses grew and how social media helped build trust before a meeting ever happened. 16:00 — What Young Workers Need on the Jobsite Harvey shares what he looks for in young people and why ambition, showing up, and attitude matter. 19:00 — Let Them Feel Like They Built Something The conversation hits the heart of the episode: young people need to feel useful, trusted, and proud of the work. 22:00 — Adam Joins and the Wedding-Day Podcast Moment Adam jumps in, and Harvey casually reveals that his daughter’s wedding is happening that same day. 24:00 — Be Teachable, Be On Time, Be Positive, Give Your Best Effort Adam shares the core values his program teaches young people before they enter the workforce. 26:00 — It’s Never Too Late to Start Over Harvey tells the story of a 46-year-old banker from Brazil who left banking behind to pursue carpentry. 29:00 — Meaningful Work and Why the Trades Are Different Noah connects the conversation to students and adults who are tired of work that does not feel meaningful. 32:00 — Building Your Own Workforce Pipeline Harvey explains why he takes chances on younger workers now in hopes they return later as skilled tradespeople. 35:00 — Red Seal, Licensing, and the U.S. vs. Canada Difference The crew compares the Canadian Red Seal system with the looser path into carpentry in the United States. 38:00 — Helping Students See the Future Adam talks about casting a vision for young people and helping them understand what a career in the trades can actually provide. 41:00 — Harvey’s Advice for Young People Harvey closes with simple but powerful advice: ask questions, stay positive, take your time, and listen. Best Quote Pulls “Don’t just hand them a broom and a garbage bag. Let them safely use the tools. Let them feel like they helped build something.” “If you can get them to the site, you’re already doing something right.” “The atmosphere matters. You don’t just want them to like carpentry — you want them to like being around it.” “It doesn’t matter how old you are. If you want to do it, just do it.” “Take your time. Don’t rush it. Ask questions and listen.” Guest Harvey Jesso Known as The Maritime Carpenter, Harvey is a carpenter, business owner, and trades advocate based in Canada. He owns multiple businesses under the Maritime name and is passionate about bringing young people into the trades through real jobsite experience, mentorship, and opportunity.  keywords Trades, Carpentry, Business Scaling, Youth Employment, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development Mentioned in This Episode JLC Live Conference - https://jlclive.com/ Maritime Carpentry - https://maritimecarpentry.com/ Maritime Electrical - https://maritimeelectrical.com/ Maritime Kitchens - https://maritimekitchens.com/ LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/harveyjesso Instagram - https://instagram.com/maritimecarpentry * The Maritime Carpenter * Maritime Carpentry * Maritime Electrical * Maritime Kitchens * Maritime Clean Crew * JLC Live * Red Seal certification * Workforce development * Carpentry education * Young people entering the trades

The Shop Class Showdown: How Shop Teachers Are Getting Industry to Invest in Students

This special episode of the FourMan Podcast brings together shop teachers from across the country to recap the first-ever Shop Class Showdown — a friendly competition that started as a joke and turned into something much bigger. Noah is joined by Gregg Helmich, Josh Jacobs, and Bobby Miller to talk about how teachers are building industry partnerships, bringing tools and materials into their classrooms, and creating real opportunities for students. From trade shows like IBS, IWF, JLC, and World of Concrete, to advisory boards, playhouse competitions, social media, and direct outreach, this conversation is all about one question: How do we get more companies connected to the next generation of builders, makers, and tradespeople? Gregg shares how he brought in over $100,000 for his program and why gratitude matters whether the donation is $10 or $25,000. Josh talks about the power of simply asking companies for support and how student-built projects can lead directly to internships. Bobby shares how industry partnerships helped grow his program and why companies should care about what is happening inside shop classrooms. What started as a competition turned into a bigger reminder: when industry supports shop class, students win. Show Notes In this special episode, we talk about: * How the Shop Class Showdown started as a joke and became a real movement * Why shop teachers need industry partners, not just classroom budgets * Gregg Helmich bringing in over $100,000 in support for his program * The importance of gratitude when building long-term partnerships * Why tool companies should care about the first tools students use * How social media helps shop teachers connect with brands, contractors, and other educators * What Josh Jacobs learned from watching another teacher ask companies directly for support * Why trade shows like IBS, JLC, IWF, and World of Concrete matter for shop teachers * Bobby Miller’s experience building industry support in cabinetry and woodworking * How advisory boards can grow from a few people into a powerful network of industry partners * The Parade of Playhouses and how student projects can lead to real internships and job offers * Why companies should see shop students as future employees, future customers, and future leaders * How teachers can make their programs visible so businesses know how to help Featured Guests Gregg Helmich — Trades educator and industry partnership powerhouse Josh Jacobs — Shop teacher helping connect students with builders through hands-on projects Bobby Miller — Woodshop and cabinetry teacher focused on industry partnerships and student opportunity Noah Hughes — Host of the FourMan Podcast and carpentry teacher at Caroline High School

James Robinson // There Are Multiple Paths Not Just Swinging a Hammer

Building Trades and Life Skills with James: From Skipping College to Running a Nonprofit and Remodeling Business Discover James’s inspiring journey from a young kid helping his grandfather to leading successful exterior remodeling and nonprofit initiatives. Learn how practical skills, work ethic, and community service can shape a meaningful career in the trades. In this episode: * How James’s early experiences in the trades sparked a lifelong passion * The importance of work ethic, punctuality, and soft skills in business success * The role of nonprofits as a pathway for young people to gain real-world skills * Building a successful remodeling company amidst a booming housing market * The lessons learned from disaster relief efforts after hurricanes * Tips for students: essential skills for thriving in trades and entrepreneurship * The importance of budgeting, understanding profit margins, and teaching business acumen * The value of surround yourself with great people and develop a team-oriented mindset * How HGTV influences perceptions of construction and practical realities vs. media portrayals Timestamps: 00:40 - Introducing James and his background in trades and community service 04:04 - How James’s grandfather influenced his entry into trades 07:15 - James’s start in disaster response and community projects 09:50 - Connecting nonprofits with trade education for youth 11:13 - Advice for students to stay engaged in high school and develop life skills 12:40 - Common pitfalls for trade business owners relating to budgeting and profit 15:24 - The origins of Fred Exteriors and its focus on exterior remodeling 17:23 - Why James chose exterior remodeling over restoration or new construction 18:01 - James’s five-year vision for his business 21:02 - Teaching soft skills and professionalism to young tradespeople 23:16 - How to present the value of construction work to clients 24:40 - Media influence of HGTV vs. reality in construction costs 26:48 - The benefits of young people acquiring skills early in life 28:35 - James’s hypothetical class: Life skills and integrity over technical skills only Resources & Links: *  516 Project  [https://516project.org/] * Fred Exteriors  [https://fredxteriors.com/] Connect with James: * Instagram @jamesbuidshope Additional notes: James’s story underscores the power of hard work, community engagement, and practical skills in creating diverse career opportunities beyond traditional college paths. His insights highlight the value of soft skills, entrepreneurship, and mentorship for the next generation.

Understanding Financial Literacy in the Trades: Insights from Tony McClellan of Hollywood Decks

Most tradespeople struggle with managing their finances — but what if mastering money could transform your business and your life? Tony McClellan, founder of Hollywood Decks and a finance expert, reveals how understanding your numbers is the secret to longevity and growth in the construction industry. If you're tired of watching good skills go to waste because of financial mistakes, this episode is your game-changer.Discover the critical reasons why so many builders go out of business in just a few years and how a solid grasp of finance can turn that around. Tony shares why industry success isn’t just about craftsmanship—but about mastering the business side, including pricing strategies, cash flow management, and setting up the right legal protections like LLCs. We break down practical tips on how to start with simple business accounts, when to grow into LLCs, and how to protect yourself from costly liabilities.You'll also hear inspiring stories of seasoned pros who’ve navigated crises like market crashes and even COVID, using their financial knowledge to adapt and thrive. The conversation dives into how young tradespeople and students can get started in business, find mentors, and leverage social media to build powerful networks. Plus, Tony offers his top book recommendations to fast-track your learning, and honest takes on the pitfalls of some popular financial coaching.This episode isn't just for business owners—it's perfect for anyone in the trades who wants to build a lasting career without the financial stress. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, understanding the money game is your ticket to freedom, security, and success. Tune in now and turn your skills into a sustainable legacy—because mastering money isn’t optional, it’s essential.Tony McClellan is a seasoned finance professional turned construction industry mentor, known for helping tradespeople bridge the gap between craft and commerce and avoid the financial traps that threaten small businesses.If you're committed to building a career that lasts, this episode is your essential financial blueprint. Hit play and start redefining what success means in your trade!

Never Stop Learning with Jake Carter

In this episode, Jake Carter shares insights on continuous learning in construction, soft skills development, and innovative workforce programs. Discover practical advice for aspiring tradespeople and educators aiming to foster growth and collaboration in the industry. construction, trades education, continuous learning, workforce development, soft skills, high performance building, Habitat for Humanity, mentorship, career growth