EP21: Setting a Global Standard for Designers through the Certified Remodeling Designer (CRD) Program with Erin Dougherty

EP24: What Great Hiring Looks Like in the Trades with Ethan Bickley

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance sits down with Ethan Bickley, President and CEO of The Blue Collar Recruiter & Virtual Trade School, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing contractors today: finding, hiring, and keeping skilled tradespeople. Ethan shares how his background in the Army, private security, operations, and recruiting shaped his approach to helping blue-collar companies build stronger teams. Bob and Ethan dig into why so many home improvement companies struggle with hiring, from weak job posts and slow follow-up to unclear pay ranges, poor onboarding, and lack of consistent sourcing. Ethan explains why contractors need to move quickly when they find a strong candidate, how benefits and compensation affect recruiting, and why “hope is not a strategy” when it comes to building a labor pipeline. They also discuss the future of the trades, the renewed interest in trade careers, and Ethan’s virtual trade school designed to help train, vet, and place new workers in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and other skilled trades. The takeaway? If remodelers want to grow, take on more work, and protect their reputation, they need to treat hiring like a core business system—not something they only think about when they’re desperate. Chapters: 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction Bob welcomes Ethan Bickley of The Blue Collar Recruiter and introduces the conversation around recruiting in the trades. 00:49 — Ethan’s Background: Army, Security & Career Transition Ethan shares his path from the Army and private security into business, leadership, and recruiting. 03:01 — Why Contractors Are Turning Down Work Bob and Ethan discuss how labor shortages are forcing companies to pass on jobs because they cannot staff them. 04:30 — When Hiring Feels Impossible Ethan talks about contractors feeling stuck after trying job posts, pay changes, and other hiring tactics without success. 05:52 — Why Niche Recruiting Matters They discuss the value of working with someone who understands the trades, the language, and the warning signs to look for. 08:05 — What’s Missing in Hiring Systems Ethan breaks down common hiring mistakes, including weak job descriptions, missing pay ranges, and overly long vetting processes. 13:29 — Hire Slow, Fire Fast? Finding the Right Balance Bob and Ethan discuss how quickly companies should move when hiring, and why the right pace depends on the role. 17:46 — Retention Matters More Than Ever Ethan explains why keeping strong employees is critical when skilled candidates are hard to find. 21:45 — Onboarding, Training & Company Culture They talk about how poor onboarding, unclear expectations, and organizational issues can push good people away. 26:07 — Pay, Benefits, Career Path & Culture Bob asks what matters most to candidates, and Ethan explains why compensation and benefits are often the biggest factors. 28:57 — Where Companies Lose Good Candidates Ethan shares why slow follow-up is one of the fastest ways to lose strong applicants to competitors. 32:53 — How to Build a Stronger Hiring Process Ethan outlines practical ways contractors can improve recruiting, including better job posts, faster calls, and clearer screening. 37:21 — Why Some Companies Always Have Candidates They discuss why consistent sourcing and having someone dedicated to recruiting makes a major difference. 40:14 — The Future of the Labor Shortage Ethan shares his thoughts on whether the skilled labor shortage may improve over the next five to ten years. 43:02 — Ethan’s Virtual Trade School Ethan explains how his virtual trade school helps train, vet, and prepare candidates for trade careers. 49:18 — How Contractors Can Prepare for the Future Bob and Ethan discuss how companies can get ahead of labor challenges by sourcing consistently and planning for growth. 51:51 — Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Bob thanks Ethan for sharing his recruiting insights and closes the episode.

EP23: Build the Team, Build the Business With The Culture Formula

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance tackles a topic that’s often overlooked but critical to long-term success: company culture. He breaks down why culture isn’t just “fluffy HR talk,” but the foundation behind strong teams, better project outcomes, and a more profitable remodeling business. From reducing turnover to improving client experiences, Bob explains how culture impacts every part of your operation. Bob shares real-world stories and practical strategies remodelers can implement right away—like creating meaningful core values, building consistency in leadership, recognizing team wins, and developing clear growth paths for employees. The takeaway? When you invest in your people and build a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and communication, you don’t just create a better workplace—you build a business that attracts great clients, retains top talent, and stands the test of time.

EP22: AI in Remodeling: Friend or Fad? with Bob Vance

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance dives into the big question remodelers are asking right now: Is AI a friend or just another passing fad? He breaks down what artificial intelligence actually is, how it’s already shaping marketing, and why it should be viewed as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for your craftsmanship or experience. Bob shares practical ways remodelers can begin using AI to brainstorm content, improve SEO insights, streamline communication, and repurpose marketing assets, all while keeping their brand voice and human touch intact. The takeaway? AI may be a powerful tool, but the craftsmanship, leadership, and trust you bring to the table are what truly drive long-term success.

EP21: Setting a Global Standard for Designers through the Certified Remodeling Designer (CRD) Program with Erin Dougherty

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance sits down with Erin Dougherty, co-owner of Distinctive Design+Build+Remodel in Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore her transition from a decade-long career in TV news production to leadership in the remodeling industry. Erin shares how early exposure to historic home restoration shaped her passion, how she navigated a career shift after time as a stay-at-home mom, and how she and her husband built a full-service business rooted in professionalism, trust, and strong client relationships. The conversation also highlights the importance of industry standards and certifications through NARI, with Erin explaining why rigorous credentials matter for both contractors and homeowners. She offers insights on managing remodeling projects with care, comparing them to surgery on a lived-in home, setting clear expectations around cost and timing, integrating design and construction from the start, and leveraging peer networks to elevate the industry. The episode closes with Erin’s optimistic outlook for the future and her encouragement for the next generation to consider the skilled trades as a rewarding and impactful career path.

EP20: Solving the Construction Labor Shortage with Skilled Trades Training and Talent Placement with Heather Luhn

In this episode of Home Remodeler Toolbox, host Bob Vance talks with Heather Luhn, Associate Vice President at the Home Builders Institute (HBI), about one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges: workforce development. Heather breaks down how HBI, the nonprofit workforce training arm of the NAHB, prepares individuals for careers in the trades through programs like Job Corps, military transition training, free HBI Academies in major metros, school curriculum licensing, and hands-on training inside correctional facilities to support second chances. Heather also shares powerful leadership insights on building trust with employees, developing teams around their strengths, and why business owners must invest more intentionally in their people. The conversation wraps with a moving story of an HBI graduate who returned years later as a journeyman electrician to inspire others to choose a different path, reminding builders why workforce investment, leadership, and opportunity matter now more than ever. This episode is a must-listen for remodelers, builders, and business owners who care about leadership, workforce solutions, and building a stronger future for the trades.