In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Tommy Holstein, CEO of Solid Ground STL, about the challenges and rewards of leading a construction and foundation repair company. Tommy explains why attention to detail, honesty with customers, and strong internal culture are essential in an industry where trust and safety matter most.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, growing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards as a business scales. Tommy also discusses the importance of educating homeowners, standing behind your work, and making decisions that protect both people and property.

Solid Ground STL
https://www.solidgroundstl.com

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How to build trust in high-stakes construction services
• Why quality foundations start with strong leadership
• The role of education and transparency with customers
• How to lead teams in physically demanding, technical work
• What it takes to grow a trade business responsibly
• Why long-term reputation matters more than short-term wins

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny welcome Kathy Denton from Berger Hardware, who shares her extensive experience in the door hardware industry. Kathy discusses her journey from being a client to working at Berger Hardware for over 32 years. She highlights the transition to their new location in Encinitas, the unique showroom experience, and the importance of building relationships with clients and contractors. Kathy also explains how they guide homeowners and contractors through the selection process, the impact of technology on hardware, and the value of their job walk services. The conversation emphasizes the commitment to customer service and the personal touch that sets Berger Hardware apart from larger retailers.

The conversation explores how Berger Hardware balances tradition with innovation, stays responsive to contractor needs, and remains a trusted resource for builders, remodelers, and skilled trades professionals. Kathy also shares lessons on customer service, communication, and consistency that apply across every trade business.

Berger Hardware Inc.
https://www.bergerhardwareinc.com

VISIT US: 579 Westlake St., Encinitas , CA 92024

Get Directions

SERVING AREA: Del Mar, CA 92014, La Mesa, CA, La Jolla, CA, San Diego, CA, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and surrounding areas

CONTACT US: (619) 268-1885

BERGER HARDWARE INC. is a Proud Sponsor of The Trades Podcast!

What You Will Learn

• Why supplier relationships matter in the trades
• How product knowledge supports jobsite success
• The role of customer service in construction supply
• How trust is built through consistency and reliability
• Why hardware selection impacts project quality
• How Berger Hardware supports contractors every day

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Berger Hardware and Kathy Denton

02:51 Kathy's Journey with Berger Hardware

05:34 Transitioning to the Encinitas Location

08:43 The New Showroom Experience

11:31 Building Relationships with Clients and Contractors

14:21 Memorable Moments at Berger Hardware

17:24 The Importance of Customer Service

20:07 Navigating Client Needs and Choices

23:00 Unique Design Choices in Hardware

25:54 Problem Solving for Clients

28:44 Crafting Unique Solutions for Home Design

36:27 Embracing Technology in Home Security

42:42 Understanding Security Features and Options

47:37 The Importance of Job Walks in Remodeling

54:21 Custom Solutions vs. Off-the-Shelf Products

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.

You will hear Greg discuss the value of dependable technicians, the impact of treating customers with respect, and the importance of offering a broad skill set that covers everything from repairs to installations. Greg also dives into the realities of running a growing service business and the dedication it takes to keep quality high.

Huge Handyman SD
https://www.HugeHandymanSD.com

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• The mindset behind building a dependable handyman business
• How to earn customer trust through communication and quality
• Why offering a wide range of services boosts business growth
• What it means to lead a team with purpose and high standards
• How to balance business challenges with long-term vision
• The key habits that keep customers loyal and referring

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Huge Handyman

01:46 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

05:37 Key Performance Indicators and Business Management

11:45 Sales Strategies and Team Dynamics

17:52 Customer Engagement and Marketing Techniques

23:46 Utilizing Technology for Business Efficiency

28:08 Embracing Technology in Construction

36:23 Strategic Growth and Team Development

45:44 Networking and Future Opportunities

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.