Shows
Success Secrets and StoriesLeaders Thrive When They Ask Better Questions Of Their DataSend a textWhat if the most powerful analytics tool in your organization is the data you already collect? Greg and I dive into the mindset shift leaders need to make statistics useful: start with clear definitions, ask sharper questions, and turn simple datasets—like power bills and budgets—into fast, confident decisions. Along the way, we unpack a laugh-out-loud “seasonal days” misread, then translate it into a serious lesson about literacy, control, and focusing on variables you can actually change.We trace a bigger story too: how newspapers lost ground by comparing themselves only to peers...
2026-02-2027 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesOwnership Beats Oversight: A Practical Path To Trust And On‑Time WorkSend a textEver feel like you’re carrying your team’s deadlines on your back? We dive into a real story from a manufacturing floor where late, incomplete reports were wrecking schedules, burning out a supervisor, and eroding trust. The fix wasn’t louder emails or tighter control—it was Management by Responsibility, a practical way to turn fuzzy expectations into clear, co-created agreements that people actually keep.Join John and Greg as they walk through Maria’s shift from micromanaging to facilitating ownership. First came clarity: a defined purpose for the weekly report, explicit q...
2026-02-1418 min
Contractor GuysThe Contractor Guys with Special Guest, Jim Fairbanks of Air American Heating and Air ConditioningGreg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo are back with more laughs and cool-headed conversation, joined once again by Jim Fairbanks of Air American Heating and Air Conditioning. Expect plenty of playful back-and-forth, hot-and-cold commentary, and straight answers as Greg, Gary, and Jim dive deep into everything air conditioning and heating. Originally aired: October 9, 1996How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Some information presented as fact may have changed since the time of re...
2026-02-1146 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesScott Adams Lessons For Real-World LeadershipSend a textOffice life can feel like a maze of meetings, vague goals, and energy-sucking routines—and that’s exactly why Scott Adams’ ideas still hit home. Join John and Greg as they unpack the practical playbook behind the humor and explore how to turn everyday skills, smarter systems, and a sharper mindset into real career momentum.We start with talent stacking, the underrated strategy of combining ordinary abilities into a rare and valuable mix. You’ll hear how a winding path—from hands-on technical work to leadership and communication—can add up to a distinctiv...
2026-02-0613 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesOwnership Builds People, Control Breaks CultureSend a textFeeling like the bottleneck at work? We break down a simple, human framework that helps supervisors stop rescuing and start leading, so teams think, anticipate, and own results. Drawing on Management by Responsibility (MBR), we share practical shifts that move you from control to genuine ownership without losing standards or speed.Greg and John start with the supervisor trap—why well-intentioned fixes lead to late nights, frustrated teams, and stalled growth. Then we reframe leadership around voluntary responsibility, showing how better questions spark better thinking: “What outcomes are you aiming for?” and “What do...
2026-01-3018 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesWhat Happens When Innovation Serves People, Not ProcessesSend a textWhat if your tech stack made people feel more capable, more connected, and more heard? We dive into a people-first playbook for leaders, educators, and builders who want technology to amplify human potential rather than squeeze it into a workflow. From high-fidelity remote collaboration that makes distributed teams feel in the room to mobile video that turns solo field work into instant teamwork, John and Greg share practical stories that reveal how the right tools can boost confidence, speed problem-solving, and strengthen trust.We break down the leadership habits that make adoption...
2026-01-2319 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys Greg & Barry with Special Guest, Ken Ward of Design MasonryThe Contractor Guys featuring Greg Powell and Barry McKeever bring knowledge, laughs, and real-world construction talk together in one can’t-miss show. With plenty of great banter and insider insight, Greg and Barry break down the building world in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. This episode welcomes special guest Ken Ward of Design Masonry, sharing expert perspective and stories from the field. Listeners can test their skills with construction trivia for prizes by calling in with the correct answers, all while enjoying great music along the way. Smart, fun...
2026-01-1928 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys, Greg and Gary Discuss Topics of the Day.The Contractor Guys blog is where smart building talk meets nonstop fun. Hosted by Greg Powell and Gary Crovo, the show features real conversations with real listeners, taking calls, answering questions, and giving away prizes along the way. Alongside practical insights and expert advice, Greg and Gary keep things loose with plenty of banter, laughs, and personality. The soundtrack? Classic songs by the Beatles, played in honor of Britain’s legendary rock and roll bands. It’s informative, entertaining, and never boring, just the way a great contractor show should be. Originally aired: June 13, 1996How...
2026-01-0958 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesAI-Powered Retention: Practical Playbook For ManagersSend a textRetention is changing fast, and so are the tools leaders can use to keep people engaged, growing, and proud to stay. We explore how supervisors and managers can blend real human coaching with smart AI insights to protect high performers, prevent burnout, and turn feedback into visible progress. The conversation starts with why people leave—stalled growth, weak communication, unfair loads, and unclear rewards—then moves into a practical framework that any manager can start using this week.Greg and I map clear job levels and competencies, show how to craft individual grow...
2026-01-0922 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Hidden Skill Of Leadership: Friendship As Emotional ResilienceSend a textLeadership shouldn’t feel like a solo climb. When pressure builds and decisions stack up, the difference between burning out and bouncing back is often a small circle of real friends who listen, challenge, and show up. We explore how to go beyond likes and contacts to build genuine connection that strengthens emotional resilience and makes you a better leader and a better human.Greg and I unpack why “more networking” isn’t the answer if it stays shallow. You’ll hear a candid audit of contacts vs. close friends, a simple cadence fo...
2026-01-0224 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesCulture Is What You DoSend a textCulture isn’t a poster on the wall; it’s the behavior people feel every day. We unpack how leadership at all levels turns values into action, why true empowerment requires daily coaching, and how identity and mission shape whether a job becomes a source of pride or just a paycheck. Through candid stories—earning a vice president title the hard way, and a bracing town hall where new owners announced a site closure—we explore what happens when culture aligns and when it collapses under pressure.Greg and I walk through a practi...
2025-12-2624 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesTrust First, Bias Last: The Real Work Of Inclusive LeadershipSend a textEver watched a meeting get hijacked by the loudest voice and wondered what real inclusion would look like instead? We unpack the concrete moves that turn leadership ideals into daily practice: listening before speaking, setting fair norms, inviting quieter voices, and designing systems that help everyone contribute at full capacity—whether your team is in-office, remote, or somewhere in between.We start by redefining inclusion beyond diversity metrics and get into the manager habits that actually shift culture: humility over ego, curiosity over certainty, and openness over optics. Greg shares how moving hi...
2025-12-1920 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Hidden Cost Of Leadership: LonelinessSend a textEver felt the room get quieter the moment your title got louder? John and Greg unpacking the hidden epidemic of leadership loneliness—why it shows up, how it quietly shapes decisions and culture, and the practical moves that bring leaders back into real connection without sacrificing authority.We start with the masks leaders are taught to wear: projecting certainty, playing it cool on camera, and carrying confidential decisions alone. From early supervision lessons to high-stakes executive calls, we trace how distance builds, especially in remote and hybrid settings where spontaneity disappears and “alwa...
2025-12-1220 minContractor GuysContractor Guys with Special Guest, Ray Faz of Catalina PoolsGet ready for another lively round with The Contractor Guys, hosted by Greg Powell, Kurt Bohmer, and Barry McKeever. This week, the crew welcomes special guest Ray Faz of Catalina Pools, who dives into the latest trends, challenges, and stories from the world of pool design and construction.The phone lines stay hot with plenty of call-ins, bringing real questions, real characters, and real laughs. And of course, the guys keep the energy rolling with sharp wit, good-natured ribbing, and the kind of industry smarts only seasoned contractors can deliver.Don’t...
2025-12-0952 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesLessons I Wish I Knew Before Managing A TeamSend a textPromotions feel like arrival, but the real journey starts when the title lands and the gap between managing tasks and leading people becomes painfully clear. The guys unpack "What we wish we knew before stepping up!" How credibility is earned in action, why clarity beats complexity, and how to build trust that survives crises, change, and long weeks.John shares a defining story from the plant floor—a fire, a split-second decision, and the moment a young supervisor became a leader in his team’s eyes. Greg takes us into the n...
2025-12-0519 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesFrom Five-Year Plans To Flexible Goals: The Quiet Edge of High PerformingSend a textPredicting the future won’t make your team faster, but building a plan you can adapt will. John and Greg dive into strategic vision that survives uncertainty by shifting the spotlight from rigid five-year promises to flexible execution, concrete process goals, and review rhythms that actually move the needle. Along the way, we compare outcome goals to process goals, show how quarterly and monthly check-ins create momentum, and explain why ambitious targets outperform vague intentions when they’re framed with SMART criteria and measured through meaningful KPIs.We share practical tools leaders can...
2025-11-2122 minContractor GuysContractor Guys Christmas special. Gary Interviews Greg Powell & Tim "The Tilemann" Goldrick It’s a special Christmas episode of The Contractor Guys! Greg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo are back, with Gary turning the tables to interview Greg about how he got started in HVACR. Tim “The Tileman” Goldrick also calls in to chat about tile and add some holiday fun. And, enjoy a lineup of rarely heard Christmas music! Originally broadcast December 20, 1999How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Some information presented as fact may...
2025-11-1239 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesReady to Lead - OK - Prove it, Show me your resume! Part 1Send a textPromotions rarely hinge on perfect reports—they hinge on proof that you grow people, steer outcomes, and communicate when it counts. John and greg open with a simple shift that changes everything: start with WIIFM—the listener’s “what’s in it for me”—and build leadership from the audience’s needs, not your talking points. From there, we map the real hiring filters (degrees, certifications, years of experience, capital projects, budget responsibility), how applicant tracking systems screen you in or out, and why “potential” without preparation keeps you parked.We get practical about the...
2025-10-2423 minContractor GuysGreg and Brenden Discuss Life on MarsGreg Powell and Brenden Cassidy take the mic (while Gary’s away) for a classic open-mic Contractor Guys episode filled with laughs, real talk, and a few out-of-this-world tangents... literally, life on Mars! Greg juggles real-time air conditioning calls, dropping practical tips, quick fixes, and maintenance hacks, all while fielding some unforgettable calls from colorful characters. With Steve Miller tunes spinning between stories, this one’s pure Contractor Guys gold, laid-back, funny, and surprisingly insightful.Originally aired: July 8, 1996How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and...
2025-10-1539 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesWhy Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool Might Be JoySend a textEver wondered why some workplaces seem to hum with energy while others feel like productivity graveyards? The answer might surprise you. Leadership experts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell unpack the fascinating connection between workplace joy and bottom-line results in this eye-opening conversation.Backed by compelling research, they reveal that companies fostering workplace happiness see 21% higher profitability than their competitors. This isn't just feel-good fluff—it's neuroscience. When we experience joy, our brains release dopamine, enhancing memory, learning, and creative problem-solving. Perhaps most shocking: when researchers asked 15,000 professionals where they got their best id...
2025-10-1023 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys with special guest, Charlie Robinson of Charlie's InteriorsThe Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo welcome special guest Charlie Robinson of Charlie’s Interiors, a kitchen and bath remodeling expert. Get ready to be informed and entertained as they dive into Charlie’s insights. Plus, don’t miss the fun phone callers who keep things lively with their questions and comments, all delivered with Greg and Gary’s signature humor and style.This podcast is an archive from the radio show that aired originally on December 7, 1995.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All co...
2025-10-0734 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Human Side of Change: Building Organizational ResilienceSend a textResistance to change isn't a sign of defiance—it's often a signal of deep engagement. Join John and Greg discussing this revelation that stands at the heart of our exploration into organizational transformation, where we unpack why 70% of change initiatives fail and what the successful 30% do differently.Drawing from cutting-edge psychological research, we reveal how people develop what experts call a "moral force" around existing processes, believing the current way isn't just familiar but morally correct. This explains the passionate opposition many leaders encounter when implementing change. The breakthrough comes in reframing th...
2025-10-0319 minContractor GuysContractor Guys - Caller Stories, Cool Air, and Contractor TalkGreg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo are back with another laid-back, open-mic episode, just the two of them, plenty of laughs, and straight talk. Greg fields air conditioning calls, sharing practical tips and maintenance hacks while trading stories with some colorful, unexpected callers. Add in classic Roger Miller tracks throughout, and you’ve got the perfect mix of insight and entertainment. This is the Contractor Guys at their best, don’t miss it!Originally aired on June 21, 1996How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and gues...
2025-09-1743 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Kurt Palmer Talk Sports and Plumbing On this episode of Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Kurt Palmer of Kurt Palmer Plumbing bring their trademark banter, revisiting Super Bowl XXIX and the unforgettable bet that has Barry McKeever paying up by standing on a street corner in a dress. Along the way, they take live call-in questions on plumbing and dive into a lively discussion of local high school sports, making for an episode that is equal parts fun and information. Originally aired on: February 3, 1995Link to highlights of Superbowl XXIX - San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego ChargersHow di...
2025-09-1051 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Hidden Power of KPIs: Metrics That Drive Business SuccessSend a textEver been blindsided during a performance review when your boss asks about KPIs you didn't even know existed? You're not alone. The world of Key Performance Indicators can seem mysterious and intimidating, but mastering these metrics is essential for leadership success.In this revealing discussion, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell demystify the often misunderstood concept of KPIs. They break down exactly what these quantifiable measurements are and why they matter: driving performance improvements, enabling data-driven decisions, and ensuring your daily work aligns with broader organizational goals. Far from being abstract corporate...
2025-09-0525 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesStop Playing the Blame Game: How MBR Changes OrganizationsSend a textAccountability transforms organizations, but creating a culture where everyone takes genuine ownership is challenging. In this thought-provoking discussion, John and Greg break down Management by Responsibility (MBR) - the leadership philosophy that revolutionizes how teams approach challenges and results.At its core, MBR hinges on a powerful premise: individuals are 100% responsible for their experiences and reactions to life events. This isn't about blame, but about embracing the freedom that comes with taking full ownership. We explore the three foundational pillars that make MBR work: internalizing personal responsibility, empowering others to own their...
2025-08-2921 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesHire Smart, Onboard SmarterSend a textFinding and developing the right talent is perhaps the most consequential responsibility any leader faces. Yet many managers approach hiring with minimal preparation, relying on gut instinct rather than proven methodology. This episode John and Greg dive deep into the structured approach that separates successful hiring managers from the rest.We begin by examining the critical foundation of any successful hire: properly defining the role. This means going beyond dusty job descriptions to analyze current needs, determine specific goals, and identify essential competencies. As we discuss, alignment with stakeholders across your organization...
2025-08-2225 minContractor GuysContractor Guys - Greg Keeping Things Cool!Greg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo are back in another no-frills, open-mic episode… just the two of them, plenty of laughs, and real talk. From air conditioning tips and maintenance hacks to quirky and unexpected caller stories, nothing is off-limits. They’ll even spin some tunes from obscure country and western artist you’ve probably never heard, plus a little classic groove sprinkled in. It’s informative, it’s entertaining, and it’s the Contractor Guys at their absolute best. Don’t miss it! Originally aired on April 25, 1996 How did you like the show...
2025-08-2041 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesBreaking Bread, Breaking Barriers: How True Teams FormSend a textThe secret to exceptional team performance isn't found in buzzwords or corporate jargon—it's built through intentional leadership strategies that foster genuine connection. John and Greg dive deep into what truly makes teams work, beyond the superficial activities that many organizations mistake for real team building.Henry Ford's wisdom frames our discussion: "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." This progression represents the journey every leader must navigate, transforming groups of individuals into cohesive units that achieve remarkable results. We explore practical approaches that work across sp...
2025-08-1620 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesProblem-Solving Skills: Your Resume's Secret WeaponSend a textStruggling to make your resume stand out? The secret might be hiding in your problem-solving skills.In this revealing episode, John and Greg dive deep into how effectively showcasing your problem-solving abilities can transform your job search prospects. Drawing from an insightful article on Indeed.com, we break down exactly what employers are looking for when they scan resumes for solution-oriented candidates.Problem-solving isn't just one skill—it's a constellation of abilities including critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and technical expertise. We explore how to demonstrate these qualities throughout your resume an...
2025-08-0816 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys with Special Guest Steve Decker of Pacific Coast RoofingGreg Powell and Gary “The Caveman” Crovo are joined by roofing expert Steve Decker for an episode that’s both entertaining and educational. Steve shares his roofing know-how while Greg and Gary add their usual offbeat insights. It’s a lively discussion full of laughs and solid roofing advice… don’t miss it!Originally aired on January 22, 1997How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Some information presented as fact may have changed since the ti...
2025-08-0540 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Art of Work: Sharing Jeff Goins' Path to Meaningful WorkSend a textWhat does it truly mean to find your calling in life? In this thought-provoking conversation, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell delve into Jeff Goins' bestselling book "The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do" to uncover the seven-stage journey toward meaningful work.Forget the misconception that finding your purpose requires a perfectly mapped five-year plan. Jeff Goins reveals that discovering your calling is more about embarking on a winding path with unexpected turns and revelations. The hosts break down the essential stages: awareness (recognizing...
2025-08-0123 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesStress Relievers: Practical Tips from the Mayo ClinicSend a textFeeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. Stress has become our constant companion, but it doesn't have to control your life. Drawing from the respected research of the Mayo Clinic, John and Greg dive into evidence-based approaches to stress management that actually work.The body-mind connection is powerful, and physical activity stands as perhaps the most effective stress reliever available to us. Even simple movements—walking, biking, or housework—trigger endorphin release that can transform your mental state. What you eat matters too. We break down the Mayo Clinic's nutritional guidance for stress management, emph...
2025-07-2519 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesPromote from Within: The Leadership Secret You're MissingSend a textWhat separates exceptional leaders from merely competent managers? The answer lies in how they approach the growth and development of those they lead. Join John and Greg as they explore the heart of leadership's responsibility, to lend the helping hand to those on your team. Servant leadership flips traditional leadership models on their head by focusing not on the leader's advancement, but on nurturing the potential in every team member. As Sir Richard Branson wisely notes, "Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don't want to...
2025-07-2021 min