In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris shares how PHP Commercial Painting built lasting partnerships that fuel millions of dollars in annual work. He breaks down what separates successful contractors from struggling ones — from reading every line of a contract to owning mistakes and overcommunicating with clients.

John also talks about the power of answering every phone call, building trust on the jobsite, and investing in relationships that bring long-term growth. Whether you’re a small business owner or a trades professional, this episode will change how you think about communication, accountability, and customer relationships in construction.

John Morris breaks down what really keeps people employed—and what quietly gets them shown the door. From arriving prepared (bring your tools!) to becoming coachable, asking for feedback, and proving value beyond your wage, John shares how average workers become leaders. He also challenges managers to give clear reasons when letting someone go so people can improve. If you want to keep your job, grow your pay, and earn trust, this one’s your blueprint.

When a third-party inspection uncovers the wrong exterior paint on a major project, John owns the mistake—then turns it into a leadership and systems lesson. In this episode, he walks through how a costly error (≈$40,000) became a catalyst for stronger processes, clearer checkpoints, and a culture where everyone asks “why.” You’ll hear how he chose accountability over insurance, worked nights with the crew to make it right, and doubled down on daily logistics huddles, peer-to-peer mentorship, and team standards that win jobs repeatedly.

Highlights

• Turning failure into process improvements

• Building accountability and spec-check checkpoints

• Teaching teams to ask “why” and bring solutions

• Replicating what top crews do right

• Burnout, self-care, and trusting your team

If you lead people—in construction or anywhere—this is a blueprint for owning problems and coming back stronger.