Every contractor I know has a few hard-earned scars from the school of experience. In this business, lessons usually come with a price — a missed opportunity, a technician who wasn’t the right fit or a great employee who walked out the door because you didn’t invest in them the way you should have.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on some of those tough lessons that I’ve heard about from talking to contractors and what they’ve earned from them. We’ve all seen it: Recruiting top-notch people in the trades is harder than ever. The demand is there. The work is there. But the workforce? That’s where we’re feeling the squeeze. And it’s not going away anytime soon.
The old ways — waiting for résumés, posting a job and hoping someone bites — just don’t cut it anymore. They probably haven’t for a while. The best candidates out there aren’t browsing job boards. They’re out in the field, working hard, often content where they are — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to the right opportunity.
That’s one of the big takeaways from the stories we’ve run recently: recruiting isn’t a reaction. It’s a habit. It’s a mindset. It’s something that has to be baked into your business every single day. Whether it’s talking to someone at the supply counter, staying visible on social media or simply creating a culture your techs brag about to their buddies — every little touchpoint matters.
Another lesson that hits home: Retention is your secret weapon. You want to recruit better? Start by keeping the great people you already have. I’ve seen companies with half the resources of their competitors become magnets for talent simply because they treat their team like gold. They invest in training. They offer a real path forward. They build a culture people want to be part of.
And let’s not forget speed. If you’re lucky enough to get a solid candidate in front of you, move fast. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard from shop owners who had a great interview — and then lost the hire because they waited too long to follow up. In today’s market, slow equals no.
Most of you didn’t get into the trades to be professional recruiters. You wanted to solve problems, build things and deliver great work. But if you want your businesses to grow — and if you want this industry to thrive — you’ve got to embrace the human side of the job too.
It’s not easy. But the good stuff rarely is.
Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep sharing. And let’s keep building workplaces that raise the bar — not just for your customers, but for the people who make it all happen.
Enjoy this issue!
