The Void

40 Episodes
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By: The Void

Welcome to The Void. We are a show dedicated to filling the void between being an employee and becoming self-employed, between working for somebody else and working for yourself. We're going to be bringing on some guests that are fairly new into their self-employment journey, but that are in greatly different fields than we're in, so we can dive in and discuss the struggles that they faced and how they overcame those to help inspire and encourage you guys to do it as well

A Break from Business - Should kids have phones in school?
#210
Last Friday at 1:00 PM

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss a little AI, and then get a little heated debate going about whether or not kids should have their phones with them in school. Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to...


Evaluate Performance, Make Adjustments and Improve. Core Episode #9 Re-Examination
#209
09/05/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 9th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They discuss why it is so important to constantly be evaluating your own personal performance, not to mention your team's performance. Looking for anywhere you can improve; sales, communication, billing, the list is endless. Always be looking to make your business better!! Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app...


Wake Up, Do Work, Repeat- Core Episode #8 Re-Examination
#208
08/29/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 8th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They go over why it is so important to have a routine. Don’t rest on your accomplishment of getting the business open! It’s time to work, you’ve done the hard part, now get after it! Link to the Admirals commencement speech https://youtu.be/pxBQLFLei70 Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https...


Community Involvement - Core Episode #7 Re-Examination
#207
08/22/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 7th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They discuss why it is so important to be involved in your local community. Not just from the standpoint that it’s free advertising, but how we as business owners have an obligation to help. Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Tr...


Systems and Process - Core Episode #6 Re-Examination
#206
08/15/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 6th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They discuss the difference between a sole-proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp and which one could be right for you. They go over how to pay yourself, and what to set aside for taxes, the importance of discussing situations with an attorney or accountant. Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us...


The Void #205 - Systems and Process - Core Episode #5 Re-Examination
#205
08/08/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 5th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They discuss the importance of Accounting, learning quickbooks, banking, and how all 3 of these things need to work together to create a picture of where you are at in your business. Before you even start. Not ready for a full blown CRM, this is a great option. Build jobs, bids, and invoice straight from the app. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by...


Systems and Process - Core Episode #4 Re-Examination
#204
07/23/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 4th Core Episode from 3 years ago. They discuss the importance of running flat rate pricing through a Pricebook so that you can understand the value of having a consistent price structure and how it not only benefits the business but the employees as well. They break down CRM softwares and how they work together with your Pricebook. Come to Vegas and learn the ins and outs of marketing, not to mention, it's a great freaking time. Get you tickets for the 2025 Vegas Event here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events Not ready...


Business Finance Preparation-Core Episode #3 Re-Examination
#203
07/18/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 3rdCore Episode from 3 years ago. They re-evaluate why it is so important to have a plan when it comes to preparing your business finances before you start your business. Have everything you can think of on a list and then budget those items so that you know how much it’s going to take to open your doors. Your plan could make or break you. Come to Vegas and learn the ins and outs of marketing, not to mention, it's a great freaking time. Get you tickets for the 2025 Vegas Ev...


Personal Finance Preparation-Core Episode #2 Re-Examination
#202
07/11/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 2nd Core Episode from 3 years ago. They re-evaluate why it is so important to have a plan when it comes to preparing your personal finances before you start your business. Get rid of credit card debt, re-evaluate your car loans. How to get alone or have money set aside for when you need it. Your plan could make or break you. Come to Vegas and learn the ins and outs of marketing, not to mention, it's a great freaking time. Get you tickets for the 2025 Vegas Event here: https://tradewinsconsulting...


Your Vision - Core Episode #1 Re-Examination
#201
07/04/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at the 1st Core Episode from 3 years ago. They re-evaluate why it is so important to have a clear vision for your company, for your future. Without a vision for what your business is, there is no pathway to follow, there are no goals to strive to. It is the most underrated aspect of starting your own business. Come to Vegas and learn the ins and outs of marketing, not to mention, it's a great freaking time. Get you tickets for the 2025 Vegas Event here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events Not ready for...


WOW
#200
06/27/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David look back at what it’s taken to get through 200 shows. The parody it has when it comes to business. As always, a lot of laughs along the way. Get you tickets for the 2025 Vegas Event here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@Mitc...


Myth-Work Life Balance
#199
06/20/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss how work life balance and how we view it, is not for the successful. Success takes a different mindset as far as life and work and what should be prioritized. As always, a lot of laughs along the way. Link to video of a proud black man telling the truth. I could find the full version, but this section is great. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKhglMHu5WV/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA== TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app...


You are your reputation
#198
06/13/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why it's important to have a good track record, whether it’s business, or how you treat people. Your past actions do say a lot about who you really are and whether what you say is the truth. As always , a lot of laughs along the way. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel...


Being Around the Right People
#197
06/06/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David are joined by a current Trade Wins member Tristan Lanz and explore why it's important to be around the right people. They discuss Tristan's business, how he views marketing, how he was able to break out of his shell, along with other things that help make him successful. As always a lot of laughs along the way. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you...


Creating Fans
#196
05/30/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why it is so important to create fans of your business, people that are in your corner. Sales can be entertainment, when people are fans of you they buy, they tell their friends and family. As always a lot of laughs along the way. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to em...


Dollars Vs. Dimes
#195
05/23/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why it is so important to prioritize time over money. Don’t drive 30 minutes to your favorite supply house when the one that charges an extra 50 cents is right down the road. You don’t have to stock 20k worth of parts in your shop, that could be wasted money. Focus! As always a lot of laughs along the way. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com...


Setting Boundaries
#194
05/16/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss why it is so important to set boundaries in your business and in your personal life. From employees to spouses they go over it all. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can...


Try Something New
#193
05/09/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss the benefits of forcing yourself to try and maybe suck at something new. It’s impossible to learn new things if you’re afraid to even try. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wi...


Engaging Content
#192
05/02/2025

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss what it takes to make engaging content for social media so that you can use it to generate work and stay top of mind for homeowners that will eventually need service. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to chec...


Setting Standards
#191
04/25/2025

In this episode, Setting Standards for behavior goes for employees and kids, but they aren’t that different. David and Mitch get into handling unruly neighbors and how to set good examples and standards for everyone including yourself. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your b...


Money Gets Tight
#190
04/18/2025

In this episode, What do you do when money gets tight in your business? Mitch and Dave discuss what to do, how to handle it, and how to be prepared for it. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer busi...


Weaponized Incompetence
#189
04/11/2025

In this episode, Weaponized incompetence is a manipulative tactic where someone pretends to be incapable of doing something to get others to do it for them. Dave and Mitch discuss what it actually looks like in the real world. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you star...


Insurance Audits
#188
04/04/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch explain why it is so important to be prepared for the insurance audits that you WILL get every year. Also the advantages to overpaying throughout the year. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newe...


Ambiguity
#187
03/28/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; ambiguity. What does it take to be open to whatever challenge or hurdle comes your way. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newe...


Providing Value
#186
03/21/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch talk about how important it is to provide value right out of the gate when dealing with customers, prospective hires and even community groups when pushing your services. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your...


Accountability
#185
03/14/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss what accountability really means and why there seems to be a lack of it in this country right now. If you can’t be accountable nobody will ever take you seriously or feel like they can count on you. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade...


Benefits
#184
03/07/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss what it’s like, and how to handle employee benefits. It isn’t nearly as complicated as young business owners think it is. If you want to have the best team possible you have to give your employees everything they need. As always a lot of laughs along the way. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check ou...


All In
#183
02/26/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch discuss what it takes to make a business really work. You have to be all in. Being fully committed to anything you do is vital to its success. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Digital ticket for the Kansas City Event here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/digital-event-tickets Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like...


First Hires
#182
02/21/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch have a special guest Dan Bianchi from Dandy Plumbing Solutions and a current Trade Wins member. They discuss what it takes to hire that 1st employee along with an array of business topics. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch and David, you...


Employees
#181
02/14/2025

In this episode, Dave and Mitch go over what it takes to get great employees and how to retain them. It's not just about great pay and benefits, it’s about culture and giving employees a great place to want to come and work. It’s about having a safe place within your workplace. As always a lot of laughs along the way. Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sh...


Equity vs. Equality
#180
02/07/2025

In this episode, Mitch and Dave discuss Equity vs. Equality and what it really is. Some political talk. What vacation was like. How it all relates to business. Finally the recording of Mitch getting told he’s an idiot by a 911 dispatcher! As always a lot of laughs along the way. Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like more insight from Mitch...


Distractions
#179
01/24/2025

In this episode, Mitch and Dave discuss what it takes to avoid distractions that pull attention and focus away from your business and your personal life. Being able to push out distractions is a major key to being successful. They discuss how to make yourself better and more adaptable in those situations. As always a few laughs along the way. Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy th...


Adaptability
#178
01/17/2025

In this episode, Mitch and Dave discuss what it takes to adapt to difficult situations in business and in your personal life. Being able to pivot at the drop of hat when a wrench is thrown into your plans is a major key to being successful. They discuss how to make yourself better and more adaptable in those situations. As always a few laughs along the way. Tickets for the event in Kansas City here: https://tradewinsconsulting.com/events If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks fo...


Leadership
#177
01/10/2025

In this episode, Mitch and Dave dive into what it takes to be a great leader. Don’t be a manager, be someone your employees want to follow. Great examples in this episode of how to be a great leader. Laugh with Dave and Mitch as they make fun of each other's last names. Wrap up with a little of them making fun of people's virtue signalling. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you’d like m...


Tough Decisions
#176
01/03/2025

In this episode, Mitch and Dave dive into why it is necessary to make difficult decisions for the health of your business. Sometimes you have to fire people you don’t want to, in order for the business to be put above everything else and in a place to be successful. Enjoy a little follow-up on Mitch’s stolen Jeep and learn about the difficulties cops deal with and how it’s out of their hands sometimes. To wrap up this episode, find out why it’s not too late to plan for 2025. If you have questions you’d like us to answ...


New Year New Me?...
#175
12/27/2024

In this episode, Mitch and Dave dive into the topic of New Year’s resolutions and the importance of setting them carefully. They discuss the common pitfalls of overcommitting, setting unrealistic goals, and focusing on trends instead of meaningful change. With practical tips and personal insights, they explore how to create resolutions that are intentional, achievable, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re aiming for a big transformation or small, steady improvements, this episode will help you approach the new year with clarity and purpose. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email...


The Stolen Jeep
#174
12/20/2024

In this episode, Mitch shares a personal story about his wife’s Jeep was stolen and the surprising lessons they both learned from the experience. From the initial shock and frustration to navigating the aftermath, Mitch reflects on how they handled the situation and what it taught them about patience, resilience, and even humor in tough moments. Join Mitch and Dave as they dive into the story, unpack the emotions behind it, and explore how unexpected challenges can bring perspective and growth. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@Mitc...


Confrontational Conversations
#173
12/13/2024

In this episode, Mitch and Dave tackle the challenge of having confrontational conversations and why learning to handle them is essential for growth and connection. They break down how to approach tough topics with honesty and respect, balance emotion with clarity, and navigate disagreements without damaging relationships. Whether it’s addressing a workplace issue, resolving a conflict with a friend, or standing up for yourself, they share practical tips for turning confrontations into meaningful, productive conversations. Tune in for insights on how to face difficult discussions with confidence and purpose. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, plea...


How to Apologize
#172
12/06/2024

In this episode, Mitch and Dave explore the art of apologizing and why it’s such a crucial skill in both personal and professional life. They discuss what makes an apology genuine, how to take responsibility without excuses, and the importance of listening to those you’ve wronged. Whether it’s repairing relationships, earning trust, or simply owning up to your mistakes, they share tips and stories to help you apologize with sincerity and grow from the experience. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the power of a heartfelt 'I’m sorry.' If you have questions you’d like us to...


Getting through tough times
#171
11/29/2024

In this episode, Mitch and Dave dive into the challenges businesses face during tough times and what it takes to push through. They share insights on staying resilient, making smart decisions, and finding creative solutions when the odds feel stacked against you. From tightening budgets to motivating a team during uncertainty, they explore the mindset and strategies that help businesses weather the storm. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or part of a team, this episode offers practical advice to help you navigate difficult times and come out stronger on the other side. If you have questions you’d like us...