Don't take this the wrong way but it's a good thing I don't talk to Brad Hanna regularly because I would get nothing done. I've never had a short conversation with Brad. He's interesting, intelligent, experienced, insightful and it's a 90 minute conversation every time we get on the phone. And if you're already following him on instagram, you know exactly what I'm talking about. He's speaking the truth whether you like it or not and we all need some of that now and again.

An enthusiasm to learn, the work ethic to apply those teachings and a positive energy to push through the tough lessons are all steps along the journey into mud and dust. Kristi Slade is taking her 16 years of experience and eagerness to share and be a one stop shop support team. Kristi has been an incredible supporter of me and the Flatbutts podcast since before it was hatched and I'm so grateful to be able to tell her story. You can find her @kristi_slade_ on Instagram.

How do we get more people into the trades? It's a problem we've been dealing with since I got into the industry in 2006. But if we've been dealing with for nearly 2 decades, why haven't we solved it? I talk to Chris Hussey from Conestoga College about the failures of past efforts to get more people in the trades and where we should go from here to make it better.

Striking out on your own and starting a business in drywall, or any trade, is both exciting and common because of the nature of the industry. But before you go launching your business you need to stop for a second and ask yourself, "How do you run a business the right way?" I've made plenty of mistakes but Lori Curtis, my accountant, has helped me dig myself out of those holes and position me for business and financial security going forward. Take a listen and you'll learn something.

Did you ever think of drywall as a career? Me neither. But Stephano @the_taper_guy on Instagram has been doing it for 2 decades and sits down with me to share how he got into the industry and what it takes to make it in the industry. Stephano is someone I've been lucky enough to get to know over the past year and he was so generous with his time and insights on not just this episode but the whole idea behind the Flatbutts Podcast.