Send us a text

In this heartfelt conversation, Sam Byler dons his patriotic Uncle Sam attire as he and Shannon Latham discuss the monumental hurricane relief efforts that have occupied the shed industry for the past nine months. What began as an emergency response to Hurricane Helene has evolved into a remarkable story of American generosity and cooperation across political and geographical boundaries.

Sam shares the extraordinary journey of coordinating hundreds of shed donations from companies throughout the country, with deliveries spanning from North Carolina to Florida. "The people from the shed industry alone is in the hundreds—different dealers, rent-to-own companies, manufacturers, haulers, you name it," Sam reflects, still amazed at the scope of participation. Most touching are his stories of the "little people" whose small but consistent donations formed the backbone of the effort, alongside anonymous companies who donated generously without seeking recognition.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as both hosts explore the tension between sharing good deeds and appearing self-promotional. They grapple with biblical principles around giving, concluding that sharing stories of generosity can inspire others when the motive is pure. "Your story is important to other people," Shannon emphasizes, encouraging listeners to share their experiences on future podcast episodes.

Their discussion deepens further when examining how disaster relief became an unexpected form of ministry. "We can become so polarized in what we think is the right thing to do that we totally miss what should be done," Sam observes, noting how they essentially "took church to people" who couldn't attend traditional services. This sparks Shannon to share his vision for "Church of Pod," a potential new podcast ministry reaching people outside traditional church settings.

As the relief efforts conclude with a final push and celebrations on July 4th, both men reflect on how this experience has transformed the shed industry, creating lifelong friendships and demonstrating the power of practical compassion. Their conversation reminds us that when Americans set aside differences and work together, extraordinary things happen through ordinary people.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

Shed Challenger
Cardinal Leasing
Cardinal Manufacturing

Send us a text

The digital landscape is transforming the shed industry, separating businesses that thrive from those that merely survive. This revealing conversation dives into the conservative nature of the shed business and how resistance to technological change is causing some companies to miss opportunities they never even know existed.

When a shed business lacks proper digital infrastructure, it's like "building a beautiful lot with 140 pristine buildings sitting in a cornfield where no one can see it for 100 miles." The podcast team breaks down this powerful analogy, explaining how even multi-million dollar companies operating without proper digital tracking are flying blind when it comes to understanding their true marketing ROI.

The discussion moves beyond theory into practical applications, comparing digital marketing tools to the physical equipment needed to run a shed business. Just as you wouldn't try to haul multiple sheds with an underpowered truck, you shouldn't expect maximum results without the proper digital framework. The hosts share real examples of clients who initially resisted implementing websites, CRM systems, and lead tracking tools, only to eventually embrace these technologies once they understood their value.

Particularly fascinating is the exploration of how businesses can develop graduated marketing strategies that solve specific problems rather than taking a "kitchen sink" approach. Through consultative conversations, shed companies can identify their unique challenges – whether it's lead generation, customer relationship management, post-sale follow-up, or strategic growth planning – and implement targeted solutions that deliver measurable returns.

Ready to stop losing customers to competitors with stronger digital presences? Visit ShedGeek.com to discover how the right digital strategy can help your shed business capture opportunities you're currently missing.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

NewFound Solutions
Solar Blaster Fans
Shed Hub
Shed Suite
IdentiGrow

Send us a text

Ever wonder what drives someone to build not just structures, but a life of purpose? This episode pulls back the curtain on Eric Olson's remarkable journey from tornado cleanup to founding Dayton Barns, now a thriving multi-location metal building business.

Eric takes us through the pivotal moment when devastation in his backyard sparked an unexpected business opportunity. What began with fallen trees and woodworking evolved into a shed business, then expanded to metal buildings and pole barns shipped nationwide. With disarming honesty, he reveals how learning happened through challenges—managing people, solving complex problems, and creating solutions when none existed.

But this isn't just about business growth. The heart of Eric's story lies in how success enables purpose. We journey with him through his work with Good Shepherd Ministries, where he now leads Bible studies in the same neighborhood where he once made destructive choices. His powerful testimony continues with the recent Riverfront Revival event in Miamisburg that brought hundreds together for healing and hope.

The technological side shines too as Eric demonstrates the design tools that make Dayton Barns and Five Rivers Pole Barns accessible to customers everywhere. From specialized software that simplifies ordering to financing solutions through J Money that allow customers to own buildings with no money down, he's removed barriers to ownership.

Ready to meet the Steel Kings at an upcoming event? Mark your calendar for the Steel Roll Form show in September, where they'll host a podcast booth and record live episodes.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: J Money LLC

Shed Hub
Mobeno Solar Solutions

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when marketing experts obsessed with the shed industry get together at 5 AM? This episode pulls back the curtain on the personalities and principles driving Shed Geek Marketing, revealing candid insights about what it takes to succeed in an industry that often resists change.

The conversation weaves between deeply personal reflections and practical business wisdom. Shannon and Dylan discuss how their shared traits (from Uncrustable habits to perfectionist tendencies) have shaped their approach to business, while marketing expert Cord explains the concept of "digital scaffolding" - the critical digital infrastructure shed businesses need but often don't realize they're missing.

What separates this episode from typical business discussions is its raw honesty. The team openly addresses the challenges of being transparent in an industry where, as one respected industry leader told them, "people will cut your throat and watch you bleed." Their response? A marketing philosophy built on month-to-month agreements where results speak louder than contracts, and education comes before sales pitches.

For shed dealers and manufacturers, the insights are invaluable. The team unpacks why the shed industry lags behind others in marketing sophistication, how its necessary geographic fragmentation creates unique challenges, and why even successful businesses may be leaving significant growth opportunities on the table by ignoring digital marketing strategies.

Whether you're a shed business owner looking to grow, a marketing professional seeking inspiration, or simply enjoy authentic conversations between passionate professionals, this episode delivers meaningful takeaways wrapped in entertaining dialogue. Listen now to understand why evolution in this traditional industry isn't just possible - it's essential.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

LuxGuard
Making Sales Simple
Digital Shed Builder
Calculate Business Services
iFAB

Send us a text

What happens when two metal building dealers pull back the curtain on their real lives? This episode takes a refreshingly candid approach as Jared and Eric share what actually drives them beyond business.

The conversation kicks off with Jared explaining how he found unexpected motivation from "Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal" on Netflix. Watching Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson rebuild the Reebok brand sparked a reflection on his own entrepreneurial journey from shed lot newbie to industry voice. Rather than keeping business and personal separate, the hosts weave them together, demonstrating how passion fuels sustainable success regardless of your industry.

In a rare glimpse behind the operational curtain, listeners get to witness Jared craft a complex building quote in real-time for a 60×120 structure in Choctaw, Oklahoma. The multi-step process showcases exactly how pricing decisions get made and highlights why responsive customer service matters more than ever during uncertain economic times. As steel tariffs drive prices up 50% industry-wide, the hosts predict customers will increasingly prioritize reputable dealers over bargain-basement pricing.

Perhaps the most significant revelation is the Steel Kings' expansion into pole barns after years of consideration. With concrete regulations tightening in Ohio (now requiring 32-inch footers throughout entire structures) and prices skyrocketing, pole barns present a strategic alternative that many customers find attractive. This business pivot comes alongside Jared's personal transformation – his 18-month sobriety journey that has redirected energy back into growing the business.

Want a glimpse of what successful dealers discuss when they think no one's listening? This episode delivers exactly that while reminding you that behind every business are real people battling real challenges. Subscribe now and join the conversation about where the industry is heading next.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: J Money LLC

Realwork Labs
Shed Geek Marketing

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when a rent-to-own customer stops paying? Or what legal pitfalls could be lurking in your contracts? The shed industry faces unique legal challenges that can make or break your business.

Attorney Nick Garrard joins us to share his 12 years of legal expertise in the rent-to-own shed industry. What began as a single case in 2012 has grown into a specialized practice serving shed businesses across the country. Nick breaks down the most common legal issues he encounters—from the dangers of "bootleg contracts" to the murky concept of "breach of peace" during repossessions.

We dive deep into the evolving role of the National Shed Rental Association (NSRA), which is transforming from simply hosting an annual conference to becoming a year-round membership organization with educational resources, legal guidance, and industry standards. This change represents the shed industry's maturation and growing need for professional development and accountability.

Perhaps most valuable is Nick's practical advice on state-specific contract requirements. Using a contract designed for one state in another jurisdiction could invalidate your entire agreement—potentially forcing you to surrender ownership of sheds to customers who've barely paid. Similarly, Nick explains why referring to rent-to-own transactions as "financing" creates serious legal complications during bankruptcy proceedings.

Whether you're a manufacturer, dealer, or rent-to-own provider, this episode delivers crucial insights to protect your business from costly legal mistakes. Join us in Knoxville this September for the NSRA conference to learn more, or connect directly with Nick at WilkinsPatterson.com for specialized guidance.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

Shed Hub
Shed Suite
Shed Geek Marketing
Identigrow
CAL

Send us a text

Steel tariffs have officially arrived, and their impact is already reverberating throughout the metal building industry. In this candid conversation, Jared and Eric dive deep into how these economic changes are reshaping business practices, pricing structures, and customer relationships.

The duo shares real-world examples of how some dealers are responding to economic pressure with questionable tactics – from hidden contract clauses that allow price changes after deposit to refusing to disclose manufacturer information until after payment. One particularly alarming story involves a customer who nearly fell victim to a bait-and-switch scheme until discovering the fine print allowed the company to arbitrarily increase prices after commitment.

"The quality of the industry will rise if everyone gets together and says we have to be better," Jared emphasizes, highlighting how economic challenges might ultimately strengthen the industry by rewarding transparency and ethical business practices. Both hosts stress the importance of due diligence for customers and integrity for dealers during this transitional period.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Jared reveals a surprising TikTok shop experience where a customer purchased a $30,000 building with a single tap without speaking to anyone – demonstrating both the opportunities and pitfalls of evolving sales channels. This leads to a thoughtful discussion about trust, consumer behavior, and adapting to changing market conditions.

Whether you're a metal building professional navigating tariff impacts or a potential customer wondering how these changes affect your building purchase, this episode delivers the straight talk and practical wisdom you need. Connect with us at jared@thesteelkings.com or eric@thesteelkings.com – we'd love to hear your experiences in this changing industry landscape.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: J Money LLC

Mobeno Solar Solutions
Shed Hub

Send us a text

The shed industry stands at a pivotal moment where traditional operations meet modern technology challenges. In this insightful conversation with Tristan from Customer Aligned Logistics, we dive deep into how their CAL system is revolutionizing order management for shed and steel building businesses.

Having evolved from a farm delivery company to a specialized shed industry solution provider, Tristan brings a unique perspective on combining practical business know-how with technological innovation. What truly stands out is CAL's completely rebuilt interface designed specifically for shed businesses – creating a clean, streamlined experience that eliminates unnecessary complications and focuses only on what matters.

The heart of our discussion centers around CAL's three distinct product tiers (Transaction Hub, CAL Central, and CAL Complete), each tailored to different business needs rather than revenue brackets. This approach fundamentally changes how shed businesses can adopt technology, allowing them to start small with essential tools and scale up as needed. For steel building dealers in particular, the Transaction Hub solves a specific pain point by simplifying the process of moving from configurator designs to contracts.

Perhaps most valuable for industry veterans is our candid conversation about succession planning. Many shed business owners approaching retirement age need to consider how their operations will transfer to the next generation or potential buyers. Implementing the right systems today creates tangible business value that extends beyond current ownership.

Whether you're looking to modernize your operations, improve your sales process, or prepare your business for future transitions, this episode offers practical insights from someone who truly understands the unique challenges of the shed industry. Connect with Tristan at calcanhelp.com to continue the conversation about your business needs.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.

To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.

To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.

This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

Digital Shed Builder
Calculated Business Services
iFAB
NewFound Solutions
Solar Blaster