Podcast interview with Chris Lalomia for Matthew Efird’s “Market Mavericks” show

Key Takeaways

– Chris Lalomia runs The Trusted Toolbox (https://thetrustedtoolbox.com/), a handyman/remodeling business, and hosts the Small Business Safari podcast
– He emphasizes the importance of consistent training, knowing your numbers, and having systems in place to scale a service business
– Chris advocates for networking, mentorship, and mastermind groups as key drivers of business growth and personal development
– He’s working on transitioning to a more strategic role by hiring a GM to run day-to-day operations in Atlanta

Topics

Chris’s Background and Businesses

– Originally from Michigan with a master’s in mechanical engineering
– Started The Trusted Toolbox in 2008 during the recession
– Currently runs:
– The Trusted Toolbox (handyman/remodeling) in Atlanta and Athens
– Home Service Institute (training program, currently on hold)
– Small Business Safari podcast
– President of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Atlanta chapter

Business Creation and Early Challenges

– Started with a business plan, but underestimated labor costs
– Initially priced too low due to economic pressures ($540/day vs current $890/day)
– Learned the importance of knowing numbers and not buying business through low pricing
– Focused on process improvement and small jobs to build customer base

Business Pivots and Growth

– Realized he was in the training business, not just handyman work
– Shifted focus to consistently training team members
– Changed his “why” from making money to creating impact and legacy
– Now impacts 38 families through employment

Team Building and Culture

– 5000 sq ft office space with training room as focal point
– Bi-weekly team meetings (24/year) focusing on:
1. Customer service
2. Operational processes
3. Technical skills/new tools
– Emphasis on making meetings engaging for hands-on learners

A special episode of “The Family Table” featuring guest Brandt Akin discussing fatherhood, faith, and raising boys.

Key Takeaways

– Intentional parenting involves leveraging everyday moments to teach values and build character
– Unstructured time is crucial for children’s development and problem-solving skills
– Preparing children for life’s challenges is more important than removing obstacles from their path
– Investing in marriage and maintaining date nights is vital for family health

Topics

Family Structure and Traditions

– Brandt is married to Morgan for 12 years with three boys: Luke (8), Will (6), and Eli (3)
– Annual “adventure days” during spring break: scavenger hunts, varied activities catering to each child’s interests
– Camping in the backyard as a memorable family bonding experience

Fatherhood and Masculinity

– Emphasis on preparing boys for manhood in a culture lacking clear rites of passage
– Weekly meetings planned for ages 13-18 to discuss faith, manhood, and following Jesus
– Focus on teaching respect for women, especially modeling through the treatment of their mother

Parenting Strategies

– “Figure it out” philosophy encourages independence and problem-solving
– Unstructured playtime is crucial for building resilience and creativity
– Celebrating milestones (e.g., Student of the Month) to reinforce positive behaviors
– Teaching responsibility through pet ownership (e.g., Luke’s lizard care experience)

Navigating Work-Life Pull

– Struggles with balancing pastoral duties and family time
– Strategies: putting the phone away when home, embracing children’s excitement upon arrival
– “Guys night” when mom is out, maintaining weekly date nights with spouse

Recommended Resources

– “The Intentional Father” book highly praised for parenting guidance
– “The Disciplines of a Godly Family” by Kent Hughes for structuring family life
– “Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs for marriage insights
– Paul David Tripp’s book on marriage (formerly “What Did You Expect?”)

Advice for Parents

– Trust in your capability as the parent God chose for your child
– Don’t wish away difficult seasons; embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
– Be a person of integrity and teach children the importance of trustworthiness

Podcast interview with Steve Graves (https://www.stephenrgraves.com/) on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and work-life integration. He’s offered our audience a free copy of his new book Flourishing (https://steve-graves.myshopify.com/collections/catalog/products/flourishing-ebook).

Key Takeaways

– Steve Graves is a multi-faceted leader: author, CEO coach, business owner, and ministry supporter
– Emphasizes the importance of objective business evaluation, understanding business lifecycle stages, and creating a “composite scorecard” for life
– Advocates for compressed learning through relationships, reading, and application to accelerate growth
– Stresses the value of developing a strong organizational culture as a key business asset

Topics

Steve Graves’ Background and Current Roles

– Author with a weekly blog on faith, leadership, and strategy
– Coaches CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs across industries for 3-4 decades
– Owns multiple companies acquired over the years
– Maintains involvement with global ministry nonprofits annually
– Family man: married with 3 adult children and 5 (soon 6) grandchildren

Business Evaluation and Investment Criteria

– Looks for natural “tailwinds” in the business (e.g., customers, offering, finances, people, product/service)
– Emphasizes the importance of a viable financial model and economic formula
– Considers the leader’s suitability for the business’s current and next stage
– Objectifies investment decisions beyond personal relationships

Business Lifecycle Stages

1. Zero to One: Idea to launch, testing business theory
2. One to Five: Initial growth, organizational development, market validation
3. Five to Five Hundred: Scaling, competing effectively, significant market presence

Work-Life Integration

– Rejects “work-life balance” in favor of a “composite scorecard of life”
– Stresses the importance of performing well across all life roles (e.g., spouse, parent, professional)
– Advocates for identifying God-given assignments vs. mere opportunities
– Emphasizes the need to say “no,” “not now,” or “not yet” to maintain focus

Learning and Growth

– Recommends compressing learning through relationships, reading, and podcasts
– Suggests putting new knowledge into immediate application
– Emphasizes deep personal formation work alongside skill acquisition

Organizational Culture

– Views strong culture as a critical business asset (e.g., Chick-fil-A)
– Stresses the importance of defining and living out organizational values
– Encourages leaders to regularly evaluate if the company truly operates by its stated values

Next Steps

– Listeners to check out CornerstoneCo.com for more information on Steve’s work and Cornerstone Plus offering