Aaron's journey from curious kindergartener disassembling radios to becoming Sherman Buildings' trusted mechanic reveals how natural inclinations can shape extraordinary careers. During our conversation, he opens up about harnessing his ADHD as a professional advantage, allowing him to pivot seamlessly between urgent demands while maintaining his characteristic positivity and problem-solving mindset.

What truly stands out is Aaron's evolution in stress management. "Now I can explain what I'm stressed about and I can release it," he shares, highlighting how clear communication has transformed both his work and relationships. This thoughtful approach extends to leadership, where he emphasizes the crucial importance of explaining the "why" behind requests rather than simply issuing directives.

The interview takes delightful turns through Y2K preparations, MacGyver-worthy repair stories, and a viral video that garnered over 7 million views. Throughout these experiences, Aaron reveals the values that have guided his 17-year tenure: organization, adaptability, and a refreshing perspective on mistakes. "Tomorrow can be a complete reset for you," he reminds us, embodying the resilience that defines effective leadership.

Perhaps most touching are the moments of recognition that have shaped his development. From a high school teacher who understood his unique learning style to company founder Andrew acknowledging his efforts to maintain an organized workspace, Aaron demonstrates how small moments of appreciation create lasting impact. His story serves as a powerful reminder that leadership happens at all levels and often looks nothing like traditional management.

Join us for this conversation that proves leadership lessons emerge in the most unexpected places—even under the hood of a truck or in a meticulously organized mechanic shop. Have you discovered how your natural tendencies might be your greatest professional strength?

0:00 Introduction to Aaron

3:40 From Kindergarten to Mechanic

7:53 Handling Stress and Communication

11:40 Y2K Prep and Time Machine Thoughts

16:09 Problem Solving and Positivity

19:31 Teaching Styles and Recognition

23:43 Organized Spaces and Life Lessons

25:14 Wedding Plans and Closing Thoughts

Meet Jess, the first female guest on "That's What She Said," who brings refreshing insights from her journey in the construction industry. Starting as an overhead door installer and now working in sales at Sherman Buildings, Jess embodies the perfect blend of hands-on experience and strategic thinking.

Her story challenges conventional wisdom in multiple ways. Despite the common belief that couples shouldn't work together, Jess thrived working alongside her husband in door installation. "I actually loved it," she shares, explaining how their strong communication skills allowed them to maintain healthy boundaries between work and home life. This partnership became a foundation for her confidence, with her husband's unwavering belief in her capabilities supporting her through physically demanding tasks and challenging weather conditions.

What makes Jess particularly compelling is her communication style—direct yet approachable, organized yet flexible. She attributes some of her leadership skills to early experiences in Girl Scouts, where she learned to approach strangers and overcome fears. Now, she brings this confidence to her professional life, speaking up in meetings and presenting information clearly. Her desk, color-coded and meticulously organized, reflects her methodical approach to work and problem-solving.

Perhaps most powerful is her message to other women considering construction careers: "They can do it. Women can do the same thing guys can." This isn't empty encouragement—it comes from someone who has installed heavy glass panels during blizzards and found creative solutions to physical challenges. Jess represents the changing face of construction, demonstrating that determination, support systems, and clear communication can break through traditional barriers. Her journey reminds us that sometimes our greatest strengths are the ones others see in us first, even when we don't recognize them in ourselves.

0:00 Introduction to That's What She Said

2:00 Jess's Role and Transition at Sherman

4:47 Working with Spouse in Construction

8:27 Experience Installing Overhead Doors

10:51 Communication Style and Leadership Approach

13:12 Women's Place in Construction Industry

Ever wondered what it's like to build a family business that spans generations? Steve Kelling, CEO of Sherman Buildings, pulls back the curtain on fifty years of leadership in a refreshingly candid conversation that defies typical business advice.

With disarming honesty, Steve describes himself as "lazy" and "always looking for an opportunity to delegate rather than do" – yet this counterintuitive approach reveals the heart of effective leadership. His philosophy centers on building for tomorrow rather than obsessing over today's perfection. "I don't care if we make money or things go perfect today," he explains. "It's about learning and preparing for the next step, for tomorrow."

The conversation delves into how Sherman Buildings has evolved from a male-dominated workplace with cigarette-burned keyboards to a diverse company where women have transformed both operations and culture. Steve's perspective on customer relationships is equally enlightening – rather than promising perfection, he advises clients to "judge us by how we respond to mistakes, how we fix them, how we take care of them." This approach has created a business where family members, friends, and employees genuinely want to participate.

Perhaps most fascinating is Steve's unique relationship with stress. "The only reason I know stress exists is because I've witnessed other people endure it," he shares, offering a perspective that questions our fundamental assumptions about business pressure. His reflection on how becoming a grandparent softened his temperament reveals how personal growth shapes leadership style over time.

Whether you're running a family business, leading a team, or simply curious about sustainable success, this conversation offers valuable insights on building something that truly lasts. Visit thatswhatsheshedlive.com to continue the leadership conversation and explore opportunities to share your own experiences on the show.

Leadership lessons often emerge from unexpected places, and in this engaging conversation with Andrew Walsh, we discover wisdom from the lumber yard at Sherman Buildings. Andrew, who works in the mechanic shop preparing materials for construction crews, shares his practical approach to leadership, teamwork, and finding joy in daily responsibilities.

What does leadership look like when your job involves counting lumber and preparing materials? For Andrew, it's about understanding that everyone has their unique style of working. "I'll give you hands-on learning...but I'm going to kind of let you figure it out," he explains, recognizing that whether it's Dave's "perfect, immaculate" approach or Derek's more free-form method, different styles can achieve the same quality results. This inclusive leadership philosophy creates space for individuality while maintaining standards—a lesson applicable far beyond the lumber yard.

The conversation takes delightful turns as Andrew shares his strategy for staying productive during busy periods (noise-canceling earbuds and motivational music), reveals what would make him haunt the mechanic shop as a ghost ("just to mess with Aaron"), and recounts the hilariously embarrassing tale of getting multiple pieces of equipment stuck. His supervisor's calm reaction—"just don't get the biggest piece of equipment stuck, because that's what we're going to use to pull it out"—exemplifies the good-humored, solution-focused culture at Sherman. We also learn about Andrew's community involvement, which earned him the prestigious "Shermie Award" for volunteer service, demonstrating how workplace values extend beyond job descriptions.

Whether you're managing a team, seeking practical leadership insights, or simply enjoy authentic workplace stories, you'll find something valuable in Andrew's down-to-earth wisdom. Share your own leadership experiences or workplace stories with us at thatswhatsheshedlive—we'd love to continue the conversation!

What happens when you build a business by deliberately running toward the things that scare you most? Andrew Kelling, founder of Sherman Buildings and my father, reveals the counterintuitive philosophy that turned a small construction company into a multi-generational family business spanning nearly five decades.

From his humble beginnings in dairy farming to taking a leap of faith at age 30, Andrew shares the pivotal moments that shaped both his company and his life philosophy. "If I don't try something now, in a few more years I'll be too scared to try it," he explains, capturing the urgency that drove him to pursue construction despite having no formal training. This willingness to confront fears rather than avoid them became the cornerstone of his approach to business and personal growth.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Andrew reveals how the company slogan "Erect to Protect" connects to his most profound childhood memory—his petite mother physically protecting him from his father's anger. This emotional foundation of protection extends through everything from the buildings they construct to the family business they've built together, now employing his children and grandchildren.

His refreshing business philosophy contradicts conventional wisdom about entrepreneurial ego. "The reason many small businesses fail is they think they have to be the smartest and the best," Andrew observes. "I continually want to look for people who are better than I am." This humility, combined with remarkable persistence (knocking on ten doors during a recession before getting his first roofing job), offers valuable lessons for any business owner or entrepreneur.

Whether you're building a business, contemplating a career change, or simply interested in how confronting fears can lead to unexpected success, this intimate father-daughter conversation reveals timeless wisdom about courage, family legacy, and why sometimes the best path forward is directly through what scares you most.

Leadership isn't built in boardrooms—sometimes it's constructed right alongside pole barns and treehouses. Meet Isaac Maser, who at just 19 became Sherman Buildings' youngest foreman in history before taking over as crew manager five years later. His leadership philosophy began taking shape during homeschool lessons where "go outside and build stuff" was literally part of the math curriculum, complete with blueprint drawings and material lists.

"Without goals, we are lost souls," Isaac shares—a quote he crafted himself that perfectly captures his approach to both life and leadership. While most young adults are still finding their footing, Isaac was already married at 18, buying a house, and embracing the uncomfortable challenges that forge exceptional leaders. As he puts it, the toughest experiences—from relocating away from everyone he knew to managing crews of seasoned builders—became his greatest teachers.

What makes Isaac's leadership approach so effective is his perfect balance of genuine care and unflinching honesty. He sees people's potential and believes part of caring means respectfully pointing out areas for growth. When asked how new crew members earn respect, his answer is refreshingly simple: "Listen." And when faced with a crew that wouldn't stop complaining? Rather than lecture them, he offered each person $100 to go a day without complaints—a creative solution that not only worked immediately but continued working weeks later as team members became more self-aware.

From falling off a roof into snow banks (turning into an impromptu game) to navigating the transition from building physical structures to managing people and emergencies, Isaac's journey reveals how true leadership is built through relationships, resilience, and the courage to step up when challenges arise. As his mother always told him, "You can either roll with the big dogs or sit on the porch"—words that still echo in his mind whenever he faces difficult decisions. For anyone looking to strengthen their leadership foundation, Isaac's story provides both blueprint and building materials.

What happens when you follow your instincts into unexpected territory? Beth Kelling's journey from bartender to construction leadership at her family's company challenges conventional career paths and redefines what leadership looks like in a male-dominated industry.

Beth's leadership awakening began with a simple search for positivity that led her to Simon Sinek's philosophies. Though she had no plans to leave bartending, something about leadership concepts captivated her, as if preparing her for an opportunity she couldn't yet see. When her nephew Deven eventually offered her a role at Sherman Buildings, it was the culmination of a purpose that had been quietly developing for years.

The family dynamic between Beth and Deven reveals powerful lessons about mutual inspiration. Their candid conversation explores how watching each other handle difficult situations pushes both to be better leaders. As Deven explains, true leadership isn't about controlling every aspect of the business but coordinating people effectively and trusting them to excel. Beth's natural ability to connect with people proved more valuable than technical construction knowledge.

At the heart of their leadership philosophy lies a profound understanding that relationships matter as much as the physical structures they build. Sherman Buildings now provides the three basic human needs – shelter through their construction, food via their truck, and clothing through their apparel line – but Beth argues the fourth essential is connection. "Just like teachers make sure kids aren't lonely at school, it's a leader's job to ensure adults aren't lonely at work." This compassionate approach has created a company culture described as both "healthy" and "kick-ass" – perhaps the ultimate achievement for any business.

Ready to discover how emotional intelligence can transform your workplace? Listen now to explore how purpose overcomes fear, how relationships drive performance, and how family businesses can thrive through authentic leadership.