The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation
The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business InnovationFor trades business owners and their teams ready to grow together. We share stories, strategies, and proven insights to help you lead better, work smarter, and build the career you want—no matter where you're starting from.Hosted by Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane. With engaging conversations, real-life success stories, and actionable advice, each episode is crafted to inspire growth and innovation. From overcoming business challenges to fostering leadership skills and building thriving companies.
Episode 80: Next Gen in Charge: Kids Taking on the Family Business
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into the complexities of having an owner’s kids join the family business. They explore the dynamics from the kids’ perspectives, no matter their age and what it means for the future of the business. They also break down how this affects other employees and the overall company culture.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
The Trades...
Episode 79: Stuck at $3 Million: Breaking Through the Chaos Ceiling
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane explore why companies often hit a wall of chaos around the $3M mark and what owners can do to regain control. They emphasize the importance of stepping back regularly, at least quarterly, to assess where bottlenecks are forming and what new systems or role separations are needed. They share personal experiences of being pulled back into the daily chaos when processes aren’t updated.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as w...
Episode 78: Mixing Family and Business: What Works (and What Doesn't)
This conversation explores the complexities of integrating family members into a business, focusing on the dynamics of management roles, the importance of clear communication, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. The speakers share insights on establishing expectations, the value of experience, and the potential challenges that arise when family and business intersect.
Note: For best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
The Trades Accelerator:
Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
Facebook Group: Th...
Episode 77: From Desk to Field: Fixing the Breakdown in Team Communication
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges faced by organizations when there is a disparity in workload between office staff and field experts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey, exploring processes, and fostering communication and collaboration among teams. The discussion highlights the need for curiosity in problem-solving and the significance of evaluating workloads to ensure efficiency and support for all employees.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our ho...
Episode 76: Honest Conversations that Drive Success in Your Business
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the complexities of managing employees who may no longer fit their roles as a company grows. They emphasize the importance of having honest conversations about career aspirations, the potential need for transitions, and the consequences of avoiding difficult discussions. The dialogue highlights the necessity of feedback, growth, and creating clear timelines to ensure both the company and the employee can navigate changes effectively.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our so...
Episode 75: From Hire to Higher Performance: Creating a Sustainable Workforce
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges of managing a growing workforce, particularly in the context of hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of structured onboarding processes, creating a positive company culture, and learning from employee turnover. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective management practices and continuous self-reflection to build a sustainable workforce.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social me...
Episode 74: Beyond the Promotion: Secrets to Mentoring New Managers
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the complexities and challenges of promoting employees from within an organization. They explore the importance of communication, curiosity, and mentorship in ensuring that newly promoted managers succeed in their roles. The discussion highlights common mistakes made by new managers, the need for honest conversations, and the significance of continuous growth and support in leadership roles.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
Episode 73: When Dispatch and Field Collide: Resolving Conflict For a Stronger Operation
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges between the field and office. They explore strategies for resolution, the importance of understanding roles, and the necessity of collaboration. The conversation also addresses the reality of unresolvable conflicts and the tough decisions that may need to be made for the success of the business.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
The Trades Accelerator:
Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
Episode 72: Revenue Rising, Profits Stalling: The Business Balancing Act
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges business owners face when experiencing revenue growth without corresponding increases in profitability. They explore the importance of understanding financial metrics, the impact of owner involvement on profitability, and the necessity of empowering employees with financial knowledge to improve overall business efficiency.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
The Trades Accelerator:
Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
Fa...
Episode 71: How To Adapt When Your Business Expands Beyond Your Expertise
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges faced by business owners when their companies outgrow them. They share personal experiences and insights on recognizing the signs of growth, the importance of strategic thinking, and the value of seeking support from others. The discussion emphasizes self-awareness and the need for business leaders to step back and evaluate their operations to ensure continued success.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social me...
Episode 70: Leading With Compassion: Understanding Employee Emotions During Transitions
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into the emotional aspects of leadership and employee support, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the feelings of employees during times of change. They highlight the need for leaders to be present and attentive to their team's emotional needs.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
The Trades Accelerator:
Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
Episode 69: Why Working With Family Isn't Just 'Business Casual'
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the complexities of family dynamics in business. They emphasize the importance of clear expectations, open communication, and understanding career paths for family members involved in the business. The discussion highlights the need for accountability and the challenges of navigating personal relationships within a professional setting. They advocate for proactive conversations to ensure alignment and prevent conflicts that could arise from misunderstandings or unspoken expectations.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our...
Episode 68: Why Raising Your Rates Is a Psychological Game
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into an open and real conversation about pricing, worth, and the psychology of knowing your value, from both the employee and business owner point of view. They explore how each role approaches pay and pricing differently, and how that disconnect often leads to undercharging, under-earning, or staying stuck at the same rate longer than you should.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media ac...
Episode 67: Empowering Leadership With Solutions Not Problems
In this episode, we dive into the real importance of bringing solutions, not just problems, to leadership. We're talking about why it’s absolutely okay to raise issues, leaders need to know what’s going on, but how powerful it is when you also come prepared with ideas to help resolve them. Instead of simply passing the problem up the chain, lets explore how being part of the solution builds trust, strengthens communication, and elevates you as a leader in any role.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this...
Episode 66: The Pivot Point: When to Double Down vs. When to Change Direction
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the critical moments when businesses need to pivot or make significant changes. They explore various aspects such as operational adjustments, employee feedback, and the balance between marketing expenditures and financial health. The importance of data-driven decision-making and open communication within teams is emphasized as essential for successful business management.
Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:
Episode 65: Growing Your Confidence: What Happens When You Push Yourself
In this episode, we sit down and talk openly about confidence and what it really takes to build it. Confidence doesn’t show up on its own. It grows when you step into something new, try it for the first time, and learn as you go. We share our own experiences of feeling unsure, jumping in anyway, and realizing later that those early messy attempts were actually the moments that shaped us the most. From starting the podcast to walking into networking rooms where we didn’t know a soul, every step helped us grow into stronger, more grou...
Episode 64: When Words Match Actions: How Accountability Builds Trust
In this episode, we talk honestly about accountability and why it’s one of the biggest struggles inside trades companies. Many owners and managers avoid holding their team to clear expectations, and that hesitation slowly wears down performance, culture, and trust. We’ve been there ourselves. We know what it feels like to avoid a tough conversation, and we know the relief that comes when everyone understands what’s expected. We share stories from leading a large team and how accountability helped us keep the right people and support the ones who wanted to grow.
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Episode 63: Why Every Business Needs an On-Site: Getting Unfiltered Insight
In this episode, we talk about what really happens during an on-site visit and why it’s one of the most eye-opening things you can do for your business. We walk through how we prepare, what we look for, and how each visit is completely different depending on the company’s size, structure, and challenges. Whether it’s talking with owners, meeting with managers, or sitting down with frontline staff, these visits reveal what’s working and where things are getting stuck.
We also share what happens after the v...
Episode 62: Inside the Grind: How We Kept a 24/7 Trades Business Moving
In this episode, we open up about what our days actually looked like when we were running a 24/7 trades business. From early mornings spent reviewing reports to late-night Slack check-ins, the pace was steady and nonstop. We talk about how having structure and rhythm helped us stay sane, how walking the floor kept us connected, and why being visible as leaders made all the difference.
We also share what it took to balance strategy and the daily grind—because every day came with a mix of planning, problem-solving, and people management. So...
Episode 61: The Magic After the Event: Turning Ideas Into Action
In this episode, we talk about what it takes to get value out of masterminds and events. It's easy to show up, take notes, and get inspired, but the hard work starts when you go home. We share stories from our own experiences, including an impromptu mastermind that turned into two full days of collaboration, laughter, and problem-solving with business owners from all kinds of industries. It was a reminder that the best insights come from open conversations, curiosity, and a willingness to share what works (and what doesn't).
We also...
Episode 60: The Importance of the 4th Quarter: How You Finish Determines How You Start
In this episode, we talk about why the 4th quarter is one of the most important times for any business. As the year winds down and the holidays approach, it’s easy to lose focus—but Q4 is where real leaders double down. We share how using this time to review what worked, tighten up your budget, and plan for next year can keep your business strong and steady. Dana walks through her “life in quarters” approach, explaining how thinking in three-month blocks helps her stay organized and always a step ahead.
We als...
Episode 59: You Got the Promotion—Now What?: Making the Shift from Peer to Boss
In this episode, we talk about one of the hardest transitions at work—going from being part of the crew to leading it. Getting promoted is exciting, but it can also feel awkward when you’re suddenly managing the same people you used to grab lunch with or joke around with. We share real experiences about how we handled that shift, how to set new boundaries without making it weird, and how being honest and clear can help everyone adjust faster.
We also talk about what owners and leaders can do to supp...
Episode 58: Spotting High Potential: How to Identify Future Leaders on Your Team
In this episode, we talk about how to spot employees who could grow into strong leaders—even the ones who might seem like a challenge at first. We share examples of finding people who are open to feedback and willing to grow, and why the loudest voice or the longest tenure doesn’t always make the best manager. We break down what to watch for when you’re looking across your team to see who’s ready for the next step.
We also get into the common mistakes managers make, like promoting your best technici...
Episode 57: From Installer to Industry Leader: How Ergun Aral Built a $3M Window Treatment Business
In this episode, we sit down with Ergun Aral, owner of Best Buy Window Treatments in Florida, to hear his remarkable journey from immigrating to the U.S. to running a successful trades business. Ergun shares how long days of hard work led him into the window treatment industry, how he grew from an independent installer into a Costco-preferred vendor, and what it means to build a company that creates opportunities for others. His story highlights the grit and perseverance it takes to thrive in the trades while never losing sight of people and purpose.
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Episode 56: Stop Spinning, Start Scaling: The Operator’s Role
We know visionaries create the big ideas, and doers make them happen—but without someone in between, businesses often stall. That’s where we believe operators step in. In this episode, we share our experience of how operators bring order to daily chaos, keep teams accountable, and give owners the space to lead without getting pulled into every single decision. From revenues growing without profits to projects that never get finished, we talk about the clear signs that show when an operator is needed to keep momentum moving forward.
We also shar...
Episode 55: Being a Badass: Turning Struggles into Strength
In this episode, we talk openly about what it really means to “be a badass” in business and leadership. For us, it isn’t just about toughness—it’s about how our personal struggles, life experiences, and even past trauma shaped the way we problem-solve, lead, and connect with others. We share how learning to read people, stay calm under pressure, and follow through on our word became skills we didn’t just pick up in school, but through lived experience.
We also explore how being strong doesn’t have to mean being har...
Episode 54: Core Items to Running a Business: Numbers, People, and Processes
Running a business can easily slide into chaos without the right structure in place. In this episode of The Trades Accelerator, Dana and Melanie share the core items that kept their company running strong and helped them grow into a place people wanted to stay and thrive. From budgets and daily number tracking to onboarding, accountability, and quarterly planning, they walk through the tools and systems that created real stability and long-term results.
You’ll hear stories of what worked, what failed, and the small but steady st...
Episode 53: Staying Relevant on Trends: Why It Matters for Your Career
In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing world of business and the trades. We share how paying attention to shifts in customer needs, industry changes, and new opportunities has helped us adapt and continue to grow. From leadership lessons to branding, customer service, and team development, we open up about the moments that taught us the value of keeping our eyes open to what’s happening around us.
We also highlight the power of learning together. Staying relevant isn’t something we can do...
Episode 52: The Power of Podcasts: Free Insights That Move You Forward
In this episode, we talk about one of our favorite tools for learning and growth—podcasts. From business insights to personal development, podcasts have become a daily part of our lives. They’ve been like free coaching sessions, helping us shift our mindset, find inspiration, and pick up strategies we can actually use in real life.
We share the shows that left the biggest impact on us, why certain voices stick, and how those lessons found their way into the way we lead, grow, and even think about challenges. Whether you’re dri...
Episode 51: The Versatile Employee: Cross-Training for Career Growth
In this episode, we dig into what it really means to be a versatile employee. We share stories of saying yes to new opportunities, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and how cross-training can make you both more valuable to your team and more secure in your career. From customer service to dispatch, and even jumping between divisions, we talk about how flexibility builds confidence and keeps doors open that might otherwise stay closed.
We also look at it from the employer’s side—why having cross-trained team members matters for stability, growth, and building a supp...
Episode 50: Passion & Progress: Building Businesses from the Heart with Jennifer Gardner
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Gardner, the heart and mind behind Organized Joy. From her beginnings as an extremely shy single mom to building multiple successful businesses, Jennifer’s story is packed with moments where curiosity, intuition, and genuine connection changed everything. She shares how a chance night out at Topgolf—where she unknowingly walked into a hiring event—sparked an unexpected journey into networking, relationship building, and eventually, professional organizing.
We talk about the lessons she’s learned from starting businesses without a blueprint, the power of...
Episode 49: Ask Better Questions: Street-Smart Lessons from Mike Seidl
What does it really take to build a business from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Seidi of REI Capital Guys, a serial entrepreneur who’s built—and sold—multiple companies, starting with nothing but grit, hustle, and a credit card. From working out of a basement to doing multimillion-dollar deals, Mike walks us through what it means to figure things out as you go, ask the right people for help, and trust your ability to learn what you don’t know.
We talk about starting with zer...
Episode 48: Stop Reacting, Start Planning: Field Ops That Actually Work
In this episode, we dive into what it really looks like to build better systems for your field teams. We share how one missed ice machine spiraled into a bigger realization—that our team needed more than hustle and good intentions. They needed clear processes, better tools, and leaders who actually listened. From checklists to communication shifts, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and why the smallest changes often make the biggest difference.
We also talk about how building better field operations isn’t just about systems—it’s about peop...
Episode 47: Thoughtful Service: Showing Up for Clients With Heart
In this episode, we talk about what real customer service looks like when it’s done with heart. From sending a simple thank-you card to bringing a soda to a hot job site, we share the small, intentional touches that helped our team build trust and long-term relationships with clients. These aren’t huge gestures—they’re thoughtful habits that became part of how we do business.
We also share how we trained our team to care deeply, communicate clearly, and go above and beyond without burning out. From rewarding kindness on the job to b...
Episode 46: Hiring with Intention: Making Interviews Count
In this episode, we flip the script and talk about interviewing from the manager’s seat. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or rebuilding a team, how you show up in the interview says just as much about your business as the candidate’s resume does. We get into the nitty-gritty: from prepping for interviews and creating a solid first impression, to what questions to ask and how to spot a good fit (even if they’re a little nervous).
We also talk about why communication matters before, during, and afte...
Episode 45: Vendor Talks: The Conversations That Can Save Your Business
In this episode, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked—vendor relationships. When things go sideways in the supply chain, the quality of your vendor partnerships can make or break your business. We share real examples from the field, like how regular meetings with suppliers helped us stay ahead during shortages and why vendor support isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust, clear communication, and showing up.
We also talk about co-op programs, shared marketing dollars, and how the “trade gossip” you pick up at the counter might be more valuab...
Episode 44: The Right Way to Expand: Adding Services Without the Chaos
In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to add a new service to your business—and why it’s not just about saying yes to opportunity. Expanding can be exciting, but if you don’t plan ahead, it can also stretch your team too thin, confuse your customers, and cost more than it brings in. We share what questions to ask before you move forward, what roles and systems need to be in place, and how to avoid rushing a rollout just because demand looks good on the surface.
We a...
Episode 43: Not Just Another Candidate: How to Leave a Lasting Impression
In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to stand out in a job interview. It’s not about having all the right answers—it’s about showing up prepared, present, and clear on who you are and what you’re looking for. We talk about the small details that make a big impact, from what you wear to how you follow up, and why confidence, eye contact, and good questions still go a long way.
We also dig into why interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just try...
Episode 42: Jennifer Bagley on AI: This Isn’t the Future—It’s Right Now
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bagley, Founder & CEO of CI Web Group, to talk about how fast technology is changing—and what business owners need to do now to keep up. Jennifer breaks down what AI integration really means, why your current website might not be ready, and the practical steps leaders should take today. It’s not about fear—it’s about being first.
We also dig into how search, customer behavior, and automation are shifting, and how that impacts everything from your marketing to your team’s workflow...
Episode 41: Start Small, Win Big: How Daily Goals Drive Real Progress
In this episode, we dig into what “winning the day” actually means. It’s a phrase we throw around, but when no one defines it, people end up guessing. That leads to confusion, burnout, and a lot of busy work that doesn’t move things forward. We talk about how setting clear daily wins helps the whole team—from leadership to the front lines—understand what a good day really looks like.
We also talk about how things like communication, structure, and personal habits play a role. This isn’t about perfection—it’...
