In this episode of Optics in Action, host Ryan Weiss sits down with Chris Murphy, owner of Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating, and Air, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey. Chris shares insights from his rapid growth in the trades industry, the importance of balancing people and processes, and the evolution of leadership values. From creating core company values to managing change within a growing team, Chris offers advice for business owners and young professionals entering the trades. Tune in for actionable leadership insights that bridge the gap between customer service and technical expertise.

Chris emphasizes the importance of creating structured processes but ensuring they are backed by the right people. Without proper buy-in and consistent execution, even the best processes can fail.

Blue Bear’s core values were crafted from identifying the most common frustrations among team members. Chris highlights how defining values based on employee experiences creates a stronger, more unified team.

Chris encourages young professionals entering the trades to prioritize work ethic and discipline. These foundational qualities can accelerate success in an industry that still holds incredible opportunities for growth and stability.

Join Ryan Weiss on Optics in Action as he sits down with Ryan Pollyniak, a cloud transformation executive at Western Computers. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities businesses face during ERP and CRM system implementations. The conversation highlights the balance between technological solutions and effective change management, helping teams adopt new systems without resistance. Discover key strategies for driving successful digital transformation by focusing on people, processes, and long-term growth.

Episode Highlights:

Effective Change Management: Proactive communication and transparency are vital to ensure smooth transitions and prevent internal resistance during system implementations.

User Adoption and Process Integration: Aligning ERP/CRM solutions with user needs and avoiding overly complex customizations helps increase adoption and overall system effectiveness.

Selecting the Right Technology: When choosing new systems, it's essential to look beyond features and focus on long-term supportability, security, and scalability.

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Forrest Durr, COO and integrator at Sexton Lawn and Landscape, to dive deep into the critical role of an integrator in the success of businesses. Forrest shares insights from his personal journey as a "closet integrator" and explains how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its key components—people, process, and structure—allow leaders to implement visions effectively across industries. Tune in for valuable lessons on change management, optimizing processes, and finding the right balance between visionary ideas and grounded execution.

Clayton Stenson is the founder of Unity Guide, an organization focused on helping EOS integrators & visionaries to be more successful together!

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Bryce Wuori, co-founder and CEO of Pavewise, a revolutionary technology company changing the construction industry. Bryce shares his journey as a third-generation construction professional and explains how Pavewise is solving long-standing industry challenges, such as weather-related delays and compliance issues, through real-time data and predictive analytics. Discover how this innovative platform is helping construction firms save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency while navigating the complexities of the field. Tune in for insights on the future of construction technology and how embracing change can bring success.

Pavewise's technology provides site-specific weather data, helping construction firms anticipate weather conditions and make informed decisions that minimize delays and maximize efficiency.

Bryce developed Pavewise to address common issues like weather-related delays and compliance logging, which were major challenges in his own construction career. The platform now automates these tasks, saving time and resources for users.

By moving away from pen-and-paper methods, Pavewise offers a modern, digital solution that helps contractors and project managers optimize scheduling, track compliance, and avoid costly downtime.

Bryce discusses the challenges of introducing new technology in an industry known for sticking to traditional methods. Despite initial hesitancy, once users experience the efficiency and time-saving benefits of Pavewise, adoption becomes easier.

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Jeremy Owens, founder of US Construction Zone and a third-generation construction professional. Jeremy shares his passion for building a legacy that extends beyond the daily grind. We explore his journey from running a family-owned business, Three Generations Improvements, to launching a unique platform that connects and educates construction professionals. From leadership challenges to addressing mental health in the construction industry, Jeremy offers insights on the critical intersection of people and processes in a fast-evolving field. Tune in to hear how Jeremy navigates industry complexities, fosters meaningful networks, and advocates for change, all while juggling multiple businesses and family life.

Jeremy Owens focuses on creating a lasting legacy, aiming for more than just financial success. His passion lies in making a positive impact in both his family and the construction industry.

Initially developed as a "LinkedIn for construction," US Construction Zone has evolved into an educational and networking platform for industry professionals, fostering meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing.

Success in construction depends on balancing well-structured processes with strong people skills. Jeremy emphasizes the need for clear communication and collaboration across teams to achieve project goals.

Jeremy addresses the critical issue of mental health in the construction industry, advocating for open discussions and support systems to tackle high rates of substance abuse and mental health challenges.

In this insightful episode of OPTICS™ in Action, host Ryan Weiss interviews Andy Pace, the founder of the Green Design Center and a leading voice in the healthy home movement. Andy shares his transformative journey from a traditional career in construction to becoming a passionate advocate for non-toxic, environmentally conscious building practices.

The conversation begins with Andy recounting a pivotal moment in his career—an incident involving toxic coatings that nearly cost him everything. This experience drove him to question the safety of commonly used building materials and ultimately inspired him to create the Green Design Center, a business dedicated to providing safer, sustainable alternatives.

Ryan and Andy explore the nuances of green design, discussing how true sustainability goes beyond environmental impact to consider the health and well-being of building occupants. Andy emphasizes the importance of consumer education, highlighting the hidden dangers in everyday building materials and the need for greater transparency in the industry.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges of balancing sustainability with human health and learn practical tips for making safer, healthier choices in their own homes or businesses. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or simply interested in creating a healthier living environment, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

In this episode of OPTIC(S)™ in Action host Ryan Weiss interviews Allan Draper, an entrepreneur managing a portfolio of 28 diverse businesses, including pest control, software, product companies, a law firm, and more. Draper shares his passion for the startup phase of businesses and the importance of people and processes in scaling operations.

He emphasizes the significance of hiring skilled operational partners, maintaining core values, and adapting practices to different market needs while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Draper also highlights the value of understanding the "why" behind processes, fostering a culture of feedback, and openly addressing failures to drive growth and improvement. Both Weiss and Draper agree on the importance of learning from failures and maintaining transparency to build stronger connections and credibility within their teams. Draper concludes by inviting listeners to connect with him on social media or through his website, where he offers free 15-minute consultation calls.