Joe opens up about his darkest period in junior high when relentless bullying pushed him toward dangerous friendships and thoughts of self-harm. Just when isolation seemed complete, Jay entered his life - a popular, confident kid who saw past the social dynamics that defined Joe as an outcast. This raw conversation explores how one person's willingness to extend genuine friendship can literally save a life, offering stability and hope when everything else feels broken.

BIG IDEA

"I truly believe that at my lowest point at that time, that's when Jay really came into to be a part of my life and his family and really kind of brought back like hope or fun or you know, whatever as a kid."

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Joe shares the raw story of how childhood bullying forged an unshakeable determination to prove doubters wrong, leading him to ignore every professional advisor and buy into Northern Air against unanimous expert advice. What started as a partnership arrangement became a strategic acquisition that grew the company five times its original size within just a few years. This is the candid account of how past pain can fuel future success, and why sometimes the riskiest decisions yield the greatest rewards.

BIG IDEA

"I looked at them and said, are you telling me not to do something? And I really just was like, no, I'm gonna do it and I'm gonna show you all that I can do it and I'm gonna do it better than you ever thought that anyone could do it."

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Joe refused to become an employee and instead negotiated a partnership deal that eventually led to full ownership of Northern Air, hammering out the details during late-night conversations in high school football bleachers with his future business partner. The transition from solo entrepreneur to company owner brought unexpected challenges as Joe grappled with the profound responsibility of leading a team and the weight of decisions that affect not just his own future, but the livelihoods of employees and their families. This conversation explores the psychological burden of business ownership and the commitment to creating the best possible workplace in their community.

BIG IDEA

The responsibility that's on you for the people that work for the company, for the reputation of the company and for the longevity and the legacy that the company's going to leave behind weighs on business owners in ways that people don't see.

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Joe transformed his HVAC company from six to twenty employees by confronting a fundamental truth about entrepreneurial psychology: the tension between wanting to skip steps and learning essential lessons the hard way. This conversation explores the mental shift from fearing your first hire to actively seeking team expansion, and why some people are simply unemployable once they've tasted true ownership. The discussion reveals how providential relationships and honest self-awareness about personal limitations can become the foundation for unexpected business partnerships and sustainable growth.

BIG IDEA

I would make a terrible employee because I always think I can do it better, I always think I have the better way, and I'm usually not too shy about sharing that.

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Joe shares his journey from being a solo plumber trapped by fear and scarcity thinking to acquiring Northern Air and building a real team. He opens up about the mental barriers that kept him stuck doing all the work himself, even with part-time help, and how the opportunity to partner with an established company shifted his entire approach to growth. This conversation explores the psychological challenges of scaling a service business and the moment when everything changed.

BIG IDEA

"I was to a point with my original, my first company to where it I still couldn't grow even though I had a couple of part-time helpers. I was the one like in the trenches still doing all the work."

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Hiring his first employee forced Joe to rethink his work-life balance, productivity, and leadership style, revealing unexpected benefits and tough lessons about growth. The shift from solo operator to mentor and manager opened new doors for connection and efficiency, while also highlighting the challenge of finding and keeping good people. Tune in for a genuine look at the human side of building a business in the trades.

THE BIG IDEA
Bringing in your first employee isn’t just about getting help—it’s a catalyst for personal and professional transformation that reshapes how you lead, learn, and connect with others.

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DESCRIPTION

Joe and Melissa explore the emotional and practical challenges of scaling a small business, from Joe’s struggle to hire his first employee to the invaluable role their children played in the journey. This candid conversation reveals the tension between control and growth, and the importance of family in building a legacy. Perfect for entrepreneurs navigating the leap from solo to team.

BIG IDEA

Joe opens up about the overwhelming responsibility of hiring his first employee, grappling with relinquishing control while ensuring others’ livelihoods.

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Joe and Melissa Bates overcame their son Ian’s dyslexia by tailoring homeschooling to his needs, using tools like red transparency sheets and embracing his passion for manuals. They leaned on mentors and community support to navigate challenges in parenting and marriage. Their journey highlights how creative problem-solving and intentional relationships foster resilience and family strength.

BIG IDEA

Their story weaves a tactile, heartfelt exploration of how intentional relationships and creative problem-solving can unlock potential in children and strengthen family bonds, offering listeners a profound perspective on resilience and connection.

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