Marcus Sheridan’s Guide to Building a Skilled Trades Brand That Stands Out

Marcus Sheridan’s Guide to Building a Skilled Trades Brand That Stands Out

Author: Andrew Brown June 4, 2025 Duration: 51:56

Want more leads in the trades? Marcus Sheridan joins host Andrew Brown to talk self-service tools, pricing estimators, and trusted brand building strategies.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with marketing expert, speaker, and former pool contractor Marcus Sheridan to break down what it really takes to build a trusted brand in the skilled trades today.

They cover everything from using AI in the trades industry to designing self-service sales tools that boost conversions. If you’re in carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or any other blue collar business, this episode is a roadmap to standing out—and staying relevant—in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you're a new contractor or a seasoned tradesperson looking to grow your brand, you’ll walk away with clear, tactical advice you can use right now.

IN THIS EPISODE:

● (02:10) – “Just a Pool Guy”: Why the trades get overlooked—and how Marcus flipped the script.

● (11:45) – AI in the Trades: Why blue collar work isn’t going anywhere—and how AI helps, not hurts.

● (23:30) – Pricing Estimator Tools: Why every contractor website needs one (and how it converts).

● (35:55) – The 4 Pillars of Brand Trust: Say, show, sell, and be human.

● (43:40) – Self-Service Sales Tools: How to let customers educate themselves (and love you for it).

● (51:20) – Building a Personal Brand: Why people follow you before they follow your business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

● A trusted brand in the trades starts with saying what others won’t—and showing how you do it.

● Self-service sales tools increase lead volume and improve customer experience.

● AI in the trades industry isn’t replacing you—it’s giving you time back.

● A simple pricing estimator for contractors can triple your conversions with the same traffic.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Marcus Sheridan is the author of They Ask, You Answer and The Visual Sale, and a partner at Impact, a marketing and sales consultancy. He’s also the co-founder of River Pools, once a small local pool company that became the most trafficked swimming pool website in the world. A longtime advocate for trusted brand building, Marcus now helps contractors and tradespeople scale their companies using video, content marketing, and disruptive strategies rooted in transparency.

KEYWORDS:

Trusted Brand Building, Self-Service Sales Tools, Pricing Estimator for Contractors, AI in Trades Industry, Blue Collar Business Marketing

Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Marcus Sheridan, Andrew Brown, Impact, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Contractors, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Advocacy

RESOURCES:

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/

Website: https://marcussheridan.com/


SUPPORT THE SHOW:

If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolbox

Every dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.


There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
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