Learnings and Missteps - podcast cover

Learnings and Missteps

The Learnings and Missteps Podcast is about unconventional roads to success and the life lessons learned along the way.

You will find a library of interviews packed with actionable take aways that you can apply as you progress on your career path.

Through these interviews you will learn about the buttons you can push to be a better leader, launch a business, and build your influence.


Find yourself in their stories and know that your path is still ahead of you.

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Episodes

The Goal Calabosession #5

Jesse & Thomas Lamay are at again talking about engaging with the Trades, constraints and making construction better for everyone involved. Oh Yeah and they talk about The Goal also ;-) Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills: https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are In...

Dec 18, 20221 hr 56 min

The Goal Calabosession #4

Thomas and I are back at it again with collab session number four, and it's kind of like our really good friend, Mr. Davis Hambrick said, the entire conversation is. Framed around the, the goal, and then we just kind of keep veering off and getting into deeper subjects, like super deep, highly intellectual subjects like booger, flicking, I know it sounds goofy, but there is a serious tone to the whole idea. You're gonna have to listen to catch that one. we also jump into constraint management an...

Nov 26, 20221 hr 38 min

The Pros and Cons of Giving Up Your Dream to Pursue a Different Career Path with Rolando Sanchez

Have you ever wondered, “Damn, where would I be now if I didn’t give up on my dream?” You’re not the only one. Betraying yourself by fearing rejection, or even fearing success, is a hard pill to swallow. Join me as I talk with Rolando Sanchez, Performance Evaluator at Field Verified and former baseball coach and scout, about his journey to entering the trades and how he turned his fear of rejection into success and fulfillment. After college, Rolando became a high school substitute teacher and p...

Nov 06, 202253 min

Finding Drive and Career Satisfaction Through Ironworking with Kasia Sznel

Some of us find it impossible to feel driven and excited by traditional careers… that’s why it’s important to explore all types of career paths, especially in the trades! Join me as I chat with Kasia Sznel, Structural Ironworker at NYC Locals 40 & 361, about how becoming an ironworker changed her life and gave her purpose and drive in her career. Kasia didn’t know about the ironworking profession until she was 24, and didn’t consider ironworking as a viable career for women until she was 27,...

Oct 24, 202254 min

The Goal Calabosession #3

Thomas Lamay brings it again. This time addressing the subject of masculinity and actions we can take to improve mental wellness in the construction Industry. Plus we finally talk about the infamous Herby and bottle necks. connect with Thomas at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaslamay/ Engage with a community of Industry Professionals focused on expanding their leadership skills: https://www.depthbuilder.com/a/2147560101/25qqpH4D Coupon Code JESSE catch the previous videos of this conversation ...

Oct 16, 20222 hr 29 min

Mental Health Breaks, Switching Jobs, & Inspiring the Next Generation with Aaron Gibson

There’s a lot of room for improvement in demonstrating care and appreciation for people in the trades. Tradespeople change lives! As a tradesperson, you have the opportunity to help develop other people by sharing the knowledge you’ve gained. Though, it’s a lot harder to help others when you aren’t taking the time to help yourself. Join me in this episode as I talk with HVAC pro, Aaron Gibson, about the importance of mental health breaks, the pains of frequently switching jobs, and how we can in...

Oct 06, 202252 min

The Goal Calabosession #2

This is the second installment, the second issue, the second recording with Mr. Thomas Lamay on our collab O session over the goal. So far, the feedback on the first one has been amazing, and I kind of knew like, yeah, it's long. This one's almost as long, But it's so packed with his stories of how he applied, what he was learning, like in the moment. He makes references to his journal that he was keeping as he was going along, building this project in San Francisco and jotting down what he was ...

Sep 29, 20221 hr 56 min

The Goal Calabosession #1

Oh man, this one has been a long time coming. the seed was planted by Thomas Thomas. Lamay If you don't know Mr. Thomas Lamay you're gonna get to know him, uh, super deep intellect, excitement around systems thinking and the theory of constraints. Uh, the seed was planted back when Felipe and I were recording the collab sessions on the lean builder. He dropped a little comment on the chat and we went ahead and challenged him to go ahead. Jump in and record a collabo session of the goal. And I do...

Sep 15, 20222 hr 27 min

Lessons Learned From Rapid Business Growth & Letting go of Employees with Michael Bauman

Struggles, we all face them. In school, in work, in our personal lives, and in our relationships. If we use the lessons we learn from the struggles we face to inspire the rest of our choices, there’s no saying what we can’t achieve. Join me in this episode as I speak with landscaper, entrepreneur, and opportunist, Michael Bauman, about the lessons he’s learned from starting a business, the dangers of achieving rapid business growth, and how he’s recovering after recently firing several valuable ...

Sep 08, 202251 min

From Working in the Oil Field to VP of Sales with Jennifer Longoria

Struggles, we all face them. In school, in work, in our personal lives, and in our relationships. If we use the lessons we learn from the struggles we face to inspire the rest of our choices, there’s no saying what we can’t achieve. Join me in this episode as I speak with Jennifer Longoria, VP of Sales, about her uniquely challenging life and how she got inspired to climb the corporate ladder of the construction industry. Jennifer and I actually grew up together and after living two very differe...

Aug 27, 20221 hr 5 min

Becoming a More Impactful, Self-Aware, People-First Business Leader with Chris Gutkes of Island Elevator

Personal development is a huge part of anyone’s career, even for those in the trades industry. Self-awareness, empathy, honesty, and communication are key factors to being an effective leader, business owner, and most importantly, becoming the best version of yourself. Join me in this episode as I speak with Chris Gutkes, President of Island Elevator, a people-first company offering the most comprehensive selection of elevator products and services on Long Island, NY. As a 4th generation elevato...

Aug 11, 202256 min

This Carpenter Designed Innovative, Functional Clothing for Tradespeople (& It’s CHANGING the Industry) with Pete Zeppetella

Being a little too careless on the job site or not having the proper gear can mean big consequences… or at the very least, a major reality check! In this episode, I speak with Pete Zeppetella, a licensed journeyman carpenter and CEO of Zepps Gear. Before getting into the trades, Pete actually dreamed of being a clothing designer. Fortunately for him, his passion for clothing later collided with his carpentry profession. This lead him to start a company that produces innovative, high-functioning,...

Aug 01, 20221 hr 9 min

Overcoming Doubt to Become President of Iron Workers 197 with Carole Raftrey

One thing the trades industry needs more of is support. Support for one another’s success, support for a better work/life balance, support in achieving goals and promotions, and frankly, more support for women. In this episode, I welcome Carole Raftrey, a 30-year iron worker based in New York City and President of Iron Workers 197. Carole has experienced a regretful misstep that many of us don’t talk about, but she’s here to shed light on that misstep and share the empowering lesson she learned ...

Jul 14, 202252 min

Finding Your Niche in the Trades, Growing Strategically, & Keeping a Business Alive During a Recession with Angela Gardner

If one thing’s certain about working in a non-traditional role, it’s that you’ll never retire without a learning and misstep. Thankfully, we have people like Angela Gardner to empower women to build non-traditional careers, despite how dirty or unconventional it might be, and to create supportive communities for women in the trades so they can truly thrive. In this episode, I welcome Angela Gardner, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Hill Electric Company, Co-Host of the Women Tal...

Jul 02, 202250 min

Making the Construction Industry a Better Place for Women with Christi Powell

In a world that’s so demanding and fast-paced, it’s important that we slow down and connect with ourselves and each other. That’s the main lesson this week’s guest has learned (and is still learning) along her career path. In this episode, I welcome Christi Powell, Co-Founder of Women Confidence Builders, WBE-certified Sales Representative for 84 Lumber, and co-host of the Women Talk Construction podcast. After working in male-dominated industries for 27 years, once she started working in in the...

Jun 15, 20221 hr 17 min

How a NYC Finance Executive is Making a Difference in the Trades Community with Michael Fina

With the recent influx of technology and digital innovation, every business in every industry has the opportunity to become more efficient, sustainable, and optimize their processes. People in the trades are no exception! So, what happens when you mix digital innovation, financial education, and the trades? Here’s a hint… it involves SUCCESS. In this episode, I welcome Michael Fina, a New York City native who for the past 15 years has been working with LendingClub, a union-founded bank, and The ...

Jun 03, 202245 min

Changing the Narrative About Minorities and Women in Construction with Demetria Bivens

Female and minority contractors need more representation, compensation, and respect in their industry. There’s no doubt about it! But how do we make that happen? This week’s guest is a prime example of that mission coming to life. In this episode, I welcome Demetria Bivens, Managing Member at dlb Consultants and Senior Executive Director of Business Development for DFW Airport Texas. Demetria is on a mission to change the narrative around minority contractors and bring more respect and recogniti...

May 20, 202237 min

From Guitars to Workforce Development with Gabriel Garcia

Gabriel Garcia shares some the recruiting secrets Marek uses to engage High School students in accessing fruitful careers. With early dreams as a Rockstar he found an environment he would thrive in on the jobsite. Understanding the value of giving back to the community, Gabriel took a leadership role as the Build Competition Rockstar with Texas Construction Careers Initiative.

May 05, 202242 min

Why Tradespeople Need To, Above All, Build People with Edward A. Rivera

As professionals in the trade industry, we have the power to do more than just pour concrete, weld metal structures, or build an elevator car… we have the power to build people and create a sense of depth, or deeper meaning, in our industry. In this episode, I welcome Edward A. Rivera, also known as Your Elevator Pal. Ed is a Modernization/Construction Foremen, but beyond that, he’s a content creator who’s passionate about sharing his love for his profession with the world via LinkedIn. Listen i...

Apr 12, 20221 hr 1 min

This One’s for the Gals: Empowering Girls to Join the Construction Industry with Stephanie Hajducek

This one’s for the gals out there! From the construction industry to the petro-chemical industry, women have the power to find success, empowerment, and fulfillment in industry careers. Whether you know what you want to do after high school, you can’t figure it out, or you’re an adult who wants to pivot in your career path, this week’s guest may be able to guide you in the right direction. In this episode, we welcome Stephanie Hajducek, a Project Engineer, Design Lead, and Founder of This One’s ...

Mar 25, 202254 min

Are STEM Magnet Schools the key to Construction Education of the Future? with Kate Gause

We’ve all heard about the importance of integrating more STEM into children’s education, but could STEM magnet schools be the future of education in America and around the globe? Is it the best way to get more women into the trades and construction industry? In this episode, we welcome Kate Gause, a Project Engineer at ISEC, Inc. Kate attended Construction Careers Academy High School, a magnet school that focuses on educating teenagers about construction management, engineering, architecture, an...

Mar 13, 20221 hr

Avoiding Job Site Conflict, Investing in Your Employees, & Leadership Development for Tradespeople with Brad Andersen

What are the best ways to avoid job site conflict? Why is it important to invest in your employees? What if there was a leadership and professional development course created by tradespeople for tradespeople? Well, get ready because this week’s guest has tons of insights on job site management and being a leader… PLUS, he’s creating that leadership development course we all need! In this episode, we have our first insulator on the show, Brad Andersen! Brad is an entrepreneur and mechanical insul...

Feb 25, 202254 min

Laying the Foundation for a Meaningful Life and Career with Walker Lott and Davis Hambrick

We need to bring love and meaning back into the construction industry. Like a relationship, if your life and your career are built on a strong foundation of love, care, and compassion, it’s going to take something tremendous to tear you down. So, how can we start pouring these elements into the foundation of the construction industry? In this episode, we have Walker Lott and Davis Hambrick, two young construction professionals and co-hosts of The Laying Foundations Podcast, a podcast about choos...

Feb 09, 20221 hr 10 min

How to Support and Grow the Trades Workforce with Christopher Brenchley of Rock the Trades

Although there’s an immense lack of skilled tradespeople, there’s still tremendous investment going into our nation’s infrastructure. It’s great that the US has the money to improve infrastructure, but if you don’t have the people to do the work, it can’t be done. That’s why Rock the Trades was born. In this episode, we have Christopher Brenchley, CEO and Co-Founder of Surehand, the skills-first hiring platform that instantly matches industrial employers with best-fit tradespeople. Chris is also...

Jan 27, 202258 min

How to Not Be a “Starving Artist” & Go Full-Time as a Metal Artist with Barbie The Welder

We’ve all heard the term “starving artist” … In fact, it’s a phenomenon that often deters creatives from pursuing their talents and turning them into a career. Today’s guest has completely busted the “starving artist” archetype to smithereens and turned her passion into a lucrative full-time career. In this episode, I speak with Barbie The Welder, an incredible sculptor, author, and skilled trades advocate who is “irreverently creating art for happiness”. Barbie has overcome so much in her life,...

Jan 12, 20221 hr 5 min

Transforming the Trade Industry Through Collaboration, Humanity, and Resilience with Henry Nutt

When we cross the finish line together, we can celebrate together. Teams that don’t recognize that are painfully missing out on the beauty of collaboration and humanity. At the end of the day, you can choose to make your work painful or you can choose to make it collaborative, creative, and rewarding. So, which will you choose? In this episode, I speak with Henry Nutt, a well-known speaker and industry influencer who’s passionate about transforming the construction industry through collaboration...

Dec 30, 20211 hr 8 min

James Gable on Developing Soft Skills: The Power of Communication and Optimism in Leadership

As professionals in construction, we often focus too much on hard skills, or the specific knowledge and capabilities we need to complete the job. Too often, we forget about soft skills, like communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Both are needed to be successful in your career, so let’s dive into the power of developing soft skills in construction. In this episode, we have James Gable, Host of The Uncommon Communicator Podcast. For most of his life, James was an industrial contractor. In fac...

Dec 15, 20211 hr 5 min

Josh Zolin on The Value of Skilled Trades for the Youth Today

Blue is the New White: The Value of Skilled Trades for the Youth Today Do you know the value of skilled trades for you as a young person and society at large? The skilled trades industry has many opportunities and possibilities that can lead you to some of the most lucrative jobs out there and a fat check. In this episode, we have Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment Service, speaker, and the author of Blue is the New White . He had previously worked as a stuntman in Hollywood before he quit ...

Dec 01, 20211 hr 2 min

Bringing Back the Trades with Steve Turner

Wouldn’t it be great to bring back the honor in the trades and eliminate the stigma surrounding the sector? Now is the time to change the narrative about the trades and bring back the deserved honor to the industry. In this episode, we have Steve Turner, a custom upholstery small business owner and the founder of Bring Back the Trades organization. Steve came to the realization that the closer he got to retirement, the higher the risk of him closing down his business became a reality due to the ...

Nov 17, 20211 hr 3 min

Lisa Payan: Finding Complete Fulfillment as a Woman in Construction

What does it take to find a fulfilling career that makes you completely happy? Finding a career or owning a business that fulfills you even when things get difficult should be an ultimate goal. In this episode, we have Lisa Payan, the owner of Mastermind Plumbing in San Antonio Texas, a mother, and a community contributor. Lisa left her accounting career and incidentally fell into plumbing which she has gone on to own a business in. She describes the work she does with Lone Star Construction Tra...

Nov 04, 20211 hr
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