Shed Geek Podcast

STEEL KINGS: Reflections on 2025-Moving into 2026

• Shed Geek Podcast • Season 5 • Episode 110

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A cold morning, a prayer tent, and 50 turkeys handed out on Xenia Avenue set the tone for a raw, grateful conversation about work, purpose, and the post-frame craft. We open up about burnout and recovery, then connect that honesty to practical steps any shed, steel, or pole barn pro can use to grow in 2026. If you’ve ever felt spread thin by sales, installs, family schedules, and the weight of expectations, this one meets you where you are and hands you a plan.

We share why community service sharpened our focus, how the “honesty tour” became a daily operating system, and where industry alliances create real leverage. The National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) is a door we’re walking through together: educational series starting in January, a focused run-up to the NFBA Expo in Oklahoma City, and on-the-ground conversations with builders, suppliers, and innovators. Expect clear takes on tools that reduce friction—IdeaRoom for 3D configuration, SmartBuild for takeoffs, smarter CRM follow-ups, local SEO that actually moves the needle, and simple content systems that capture trust before the first phone call.

We also spotlight mental health with the 988 Lifeline and a straightforward reminder to reach out if you’re struggling. The trades are demanding, winter is real, and you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone. Our commitment for 2026 is firm: do more of what works, cut what doesn’t, and repeat until it sticks. If you’re ready to turn gratitude into momentum, map your top three wins from 2025, three habits you’ll double down on, and three misses you’ll retire—and tell someone so it counts.

If this conversation fuels you, follow the show, subscribe on YouTube, and share it with a builder who needs a nudge. Send us your questions for the upcoming Q&A series—your challenge might be someone else’s breakthrough.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.

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This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: J Money LLC

Intro:

Hey, this is Joel Oney at J Money in the heart of the Buckeye State. And I want to personally welcome you to today's episode of the Steel Kings podcast with my good friends Jared Ledford and Eric Olson, better known as the Steel Kings. Be sure to check out JMoneyllc.com for financing solutions for your buildings. And now let's get back to the Steel Kings podcast.

Jared:

What I'll tell you, dude, is I am beyond excited. I am Jared. It is time to get motivated about your business. It's time for some personal development. It's time to get out and shake it out of you with people. I can tell you, man, the Steel Kings are doing what one thing.

Eric:

I mean, if I can say one statement about the test, is that people need to wrap it out?

Jared:

You gotta get out of your communities, everybody, and do something good for somebody else to make it feel better. Alright, guys, what's going on? It's Eric and Jared, and we are the Steel Kings. Welcome back to another episode of the podcast. We are excited to be with you, brother. Eric, man, what's going on, man? How are you? Cold. Yep. It's getting to be that kind of year, bro. Uh that time of the year. Busy. 49 degrees outside. Somehow we keep staying busy, bro. I'm not really sure what's up with that. I thought, I thought this time of the year, you guys are going to be seeing this shortly after Thanksgiving. So hope you guys had a happy and safe uh Thanksgiving with your families. Let me get this out of the way at the onset. We are sponsored by the team over at J Money. If you guys need your financing for your pools, your backyard sheds, your metal buildings, they are the special list, the specialist to get to. Contact Joel and the team over at J Money. They will get you the financing for your project. Man, Cal order management guys. We talked to Tristan.

Eric:

Oh God.

Jared:

Man, I was just thinking. We had such a good conversation with Tristan. We're gonna get him back in here probably in the next couple of months for a demo. We're gonna show that, show that to you guys live. Um, but man, contact the guys over at Cal. I'm getting some good feedback from them. I really love Tristan and the team there, they are doing some really special things. VersaBend is always thank you to the team there, Wendell and his team. If you are in need of a tubular steel bending uh component machine, that's the one you want to check out. It does it all for you. It's one smooth process, it'll do it all. VersaBend at Cold Spring Enterprises and always Defined SEO. Check them out for specialty websites, marketing, whatever you need. The guys at Defined SEO will help you out. I'm just sitting here going through these ads and thinking, man, this is episode number 40 for the Steel Kings, bro.

Eric:

And I'm 40 years old.

Jared:

40 years old, you turned 40 years old in August. Um I can tell you, 40 is a nice round number. It's been a good, good run, and we can't wait to bring you guys exciting content. Get episode 50, 60, 70, however many you guys will listen to us on. But I can tell you, man, coming off Thanksgiving, um, it makes me very reminiscent of you know all the things. Uh, you know, obviously Thanksgiving's turkey and food and all that and football. But man, I'll tell you, I'm really, really thankful for everyone listening to the podcast right now. Really thankful for the team at J Money, Cal, VersaBend, Defined, the team at Shed Geek. Uh, really thankful for those partners and friends that we've really gotten to know well over this last year and really looking forward to what we're gonna do together in 2026. So I'm getting a little bit emotional and uh stumbling over my words a little bit to start, but I'll tell you, it's an exciting day, man. We've uh we it's been a while since you and I have been on here together without a guest. So we talked to Carly. Um, since the last time we did a podcast together by ourselves, we talked to Carly, we talked about burnout, we talked about staying focused in your business. We visited with Dan and the team at Idea Room. Man, we're so thankful for those guys. Idea room is great. If you guys are in need of a 3D configurator for your metal buildings or pole barns, check out the team at Idea Room. Um, and then we talked to Al. Last week, uh, we talked to Al and uh talked about LinkedIn and how LinkedIn can work for your business. I think we're gonna get Al back in here to talk about AI implementation for those of you that are excited about uh the AI and artificial intelligence piece. Um, Al has a lot of great and uh a lot of great viewpoints on that as well. So I think we're gonna get him back in here for that. Um, but that kind of catches us up, dude. What have what have you been up to? I know this is weird. So we're recording this um November the 20th, so it's actually a week from Thanksgiving, and you guys are unfortunately will not get this content for probably uh second week December or something like that, second or third week in December. And uh so we have to be kind of forward thinking about where we're at when this episode launches. But Eric, you did something really exciting this morning. I want you to share that with everybody.

Eric:

Oh man, I've been, you know, I've been doing that. You guys know I've been in that missionary apprentice school and part of it, which is already something I already do, which is go help. I love Good Shepherd. We've got a building down there that represents Dayton Barns, but we passed out today on Zenia Avenue. If you pull out, I don't know if you want to share the pictures, it's on the post that's on there. You don't have to, but yeah, bro.

Jared:

We'll get the pictures uploaded to Deanna. We'll get some pictures. Okay, yeah.

Eric:

So you guys can see what we're doing. Heather and I went down there, we set up a prayer tent, and basically um, we handed out over 50 turkeys, 300-pack lunches right there at the at the Good Shepherd Ministries down there on Zeny Avenue. Yep. Um, and I'll tell you what, the people in need are never, it's never a shortage of people in need. I think the laborers are the few ones. And so, man, it was so good. We prayed for so like honestly, Heather and I, and as a strength building for the couple, yeah. Um, you know, it's good. She's hearing me, I think, upstairs talk about this, but um it's good to go there to give time away, and we and we fed a lot of people. I mean, there were people literally crying. There was a person who cried because they got a turkey a week early, and they don't have to stress about how to buy a $30 turkey.

Jared:

You know, someone gave it someone gave it to $30 turkey, man, like $40 or $50 turkey. Those turkeys are expensive, man. What the guys are doing, what the guys are doing at Good Shepherd is really crazy in a good way. I mean, they are really fostering a lot of growth in human beings. And talk about getting out in the community and doing something good for somebody else. It'll make that's like literally all they do. It's literally what they do. I mean, that should be their motto, their calling card. Um, very impressed by what you're doing over there, brother. I mean, it is it is it is an extreme. Yeah, we got to get Sean on here. Sean's the is he the executive director. Is that his title, a good shepherd? Something like that.

Eric:

Something like that, right? Yes, like top, whatever the top. I don't know how nonprofits work. They're yeah, I think it's executive, the executive director, yeah. Dude, he is like the king of the lost voice. Yeah, you know, he is like he's like Rufio. Yeah, you know, and it's you know, if you guys know Hook the movie, I'm like, not that people that are, you know, but they're wild, you know, they're it's they're like wild, and then they get tamed, and then they give their time away to others that need it, and then and then it straightens them out. Um it's all got it. It's a cool, it's a cool um, it's hard to leave. You know, you get in your truck with a seat warmer, and you and you go through Gold Star Chili to get a chili cheese cone, and you're like and you in your mind you just feel you just feel selfish, honestly.

Jared:

Well, I can tell you that's where my mind goes for today's conversation. We were talking a little bit beforehand. You're staying busy doing the things you're doing. I'm obviously I feel like sometimes you had a big week too. I it's been a huge week, man. And I'll tell you, dude, it's humbling, right? So those of you that know me know I, you know, probably a politician at heart, honestly. I can probably go into politics right now and do well. I just you are in politics. I am in politics. I am I am tech I am actually an elected official now, so I got people that's correct. My name was on a ballot. I got elected to city council in Brookville, where I live, and I am super proud and thankful for that. Um, if you guys want to follow what I do in the community, check me out on Facebook. I have my own kind of community leader, entrepreneur type page where I'm gonna share content from the Steel Kings, I'm gonna share content from Dayton Barns and Five Rivers, and I'm also gonna share content from what I'm out doing in the community. And I wanted to be the kind of guy that didn't just say go out in your community and do something good for somebody else to make you feel better. I wanted to be the guy that goes out in the community and does something better for somebody else because it makes me feel better. And I can relate to what you just said, Eric, on a really masterful level. It's hard to leave somewhere like Good Shepherd if you feel so called and motivated to be there and be in that moment and share that with those people and be of service. Um, I think that when you really give yourself to somebody else, even if it's just moments and time, it's very rewarding and fulfilling, man. It just makes you feel good. And I think that so many people these days have problems with time management. I know I do. I mean, I'll be the first one to tell you, I am busier than a one-armed man in a wallpaper factory most of the time. Okay. I uh I have a million different things going on. I've got three kids that keep me buttoned up and up against the wall most of the time with basketball, soccer, dance, cheerleading, you name it. They're in every activity, volleyball, um, you know, and now with city council, and obviously, you know how busy we are with the barns and Dayton Barns and Five Rivers Pole Barns, and we're starting to dip our toes into all these different avenues. And Eric and I, I think we've talked about this a couple times. Eric and I are becoming the people that we want to that we really longed to be in our lives, and that's come from like hard work and dedication. We've both struggled with substance abuse in the past, and then we've talked about this you know briefly. Eric really hasn't Eric did a little bit of his testimony, he did a like a 35-minute for you guys. So if you haven't watched that, go back and watch it. I've been pretty open with you guys. I struggled with alcohol for a long time. Alcohol was my vice, it was my go-to. Now I find satisfaction in getting out and doing the things that make me feel good and think make me make me feel whole in different ways. I mean, bro, that's what being thankful is all about. Like, I'm you know, I'm reflecting on this after Thanksgiving. You guys are gonna get this on Thanksgiving, but know from my heart, it's November the 20th, and I'm feeling very grateful to be here in this moment with Eric and be talking to the audience that we have. And I want you to remember, even on your worst days, there's something going on and being bright tomorrow. I'm telling you, if you're having a bad day, listen to my voice and hear what I'm saying. Believe me, Eric and I have both been on. I mean, I want to say this, I know for a fact you'd say it. I was on death's door knocking, I was headed that direction in a hurry with my foot on the gas pedal and no seatbelt, full steam ahead, brother. And I know you were too. And you know, looking at it now, November the 20th, 2025, I am beyond measured grateful for where I'm at. Isn't it? I mean, seriously.

Eric:

And not everyone's gonna come with you. So when you change, it's for the inside, for the greater good. To some people, you'll never change. That's right. No matter what, no matter what, it's like it doesn't even matter. And I think that that a lot of people say bye to the people, say bye to the people who keep you keep you in their thoughts of in the same spot.

Jared:

A lot of people, man, like worry too much about what other people have to think. You know, I I've talked about the honesty tour. I'm still on the honesty tour. I never really stopped. It's like the it's like the Rolling Stones, right? Yeah, actually, we're like on season three, almost four at this point, brother. Um, I just keep telling it like it is, even when it hurts. You know, there comes times in everybody's lives where they have to grow up or fail. And I think that people cross that bridge and that road at different points in their lives. I was 33 years old, depressed, drinking too much alcohol, not really focused on my future. And all the, you know, three or four years later, with the help of a friend like Eric and motivation from teammates like we have at Dayton Barns and friends at Five Rivers Pole Barns and all the friends in the industry who have been great. This industry changed my life. And I say that, and I'm not being facetious, and I'm not being, you know, I don't want you to think that I'm being disingenuous because I'm not. I really feel like sheds and metal buildings specifically changed my life. And now sheds and metal buildings are gonna give Eric and I a platform to talk to pole barn people. We've really found a love and a desire, you know. Bro, we were super lucky, honestly. Um, you guys are gonna be getting an episode. We're actually recording it tomorrow, November the 21st. Um, we're gonna be interviewing the president, I believe the president and the marketing director for the National Frame Builders Association. And let me tell you something. That's an organization. If you are even considering getting into the poll barn space or post frame, give those people a call, brother. I can tell you. Um, Eric and I had a good time hanging out with Morgan and the team at NFBA. That was that was a great that was a great meeting, man.

Eric:

I honestly they rock, man. I mean, we are blessed, we were blessed to be able to have some sort of you know how there's the doors. We talked about the doors, right? We're talking about open doors. Like, man, what an open door. The NFBA is right down the road, um, happens to be people that we already do business with that know us, and so we was we were able to speak the language and we know Dayton, the Dayton area.

Jared:

Yep, yep.

Eric:

Um, they don't have a podcast dedicated for the pole barn industry. Yep, um, they don't have um uh people who can who are doing so you've got many parts to the industry, but it's like the part we're bringing is almost every aspect because it's web development, it's CRM, it's we build the barns, we sell the barns, we talk about the barns, um, and now we're going just to be you know kind of happy go lucky guys, and uh we've got a booth space. Rob, I'm just plugging it. We got a Steel Kings booth space right next to Defyned SEO. So we'll kind of be working in conjunction there. And Velocity360 is gonna be there with us. It's just open door after open door. There's been little friction.

Jared:

I want to I want to talk about something. This is something that I've kept with me. I don't think I talked to you about this because I think you stepped, I think you stepped out to use the bathroom. Um, and I actually meant to give you one of these because I got two of them. Um and Morgan, you know, Morgan and I at uh the NFBA um kind of had a connection over these poker chips. I saw these poker chips sitting on the table there. And what it is, is it's the Mechanical Contractors Association of America has started a suicide and crisis lifeline. And, you know, on a day when I'm feeling kind of reflective and I'm thinking about my journey and I'm thinking about Eric's journey. Um, I thought these poker chips were just a cool reminder of if you're struggling with any kind of mental health, anything like that, and I know that that's not usually what we talk about here, but you know, reach out to a friend, a family member, a coworker, anybody. Um she told me a story of someone that they lost to uh to a suicide, unfortunately. And you know, it was a very like I wasn't there to hear that story, but it impacted me, and I wanted to share that because it meant something to me. And I was thinking about that meeting and how it kind of ended, and I thought these poker chips were cool. So if you guys have a chance, check out the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. I honestly don't know much about the organization. I'm just gonna be honest with you. I just got the poker chips from Morgan and NFBA, but I did get you one, Eric, because I thought it'd be cool to carry these. I've been wearing it. 988. Yep, 988. I'm not really sure. I well, actually, I think she said that's how many people, how many people in the mechanical contractor industry commit suicide in a certain amount of time. I think that's what it is. I think that's what it is. Let me I'm actually gonna look it up right now because I it means a lot to me to get it right. Um, 988 Lifeline. If you need an emotional support at the 988 Suicide, uh check out 988lifeline.org. I believe that's the right, I believe that's the right tag for this particular poker chip. But it meant something to me today. I was thinking of that, and uh, I'm thankful for that meeting because I I think that that relationship with NFBA will be very impactful, not just for the Steel Kings, but also for the people who are listening to this. I think that they're an organization who isn't gonna be a sponsor, isn't gonna be somebody who uh you know comes on here and reps a bunch of nonsense. It's gonna be strictly we went in there, had a great meeting with them, they saw the value in what we can do for them, and they saw the value, and we see the value in what they can do for us, obviously. They've invited Eric to participate in some webinars. Eric's gonna be doing some trainings. So, if you are in the poll barn space, definitely check out NFBA for that because if you want to see more of Eric talking more about business than just life and interviewing people, um, Eric's a great teacher. Eric has a master's degree. He was a he was a teacher for how many years? Five years, six years?

Eric:

Five years and yep, five years.

Jared:

Five years. So Eric was a teacher for five years. Eric has a has a heart to be um educating people on whatever it is that Eric I mean, and Eric has so many talents, right? You know, Eric could probably teach you about a number of different things, you know. I know if I have a baseball question, I go to Eric, right? Eric's gonna be an encyclopedia of baseball knowledge. Eric knows inside and out metal buildings, sheds, pole barns, you name it. Um, but I can tell you he really wants to talk to people specifically about marketing, SEO content, getting out there. Um, so I I just I don't know. That was just on my mind. As soon as I as soon as I said Morgan's name, I remembered that's poker chip, and I wanted to bring that up. So I got that for you, brother, the next time I see you. Um I'm really looking forward to what we're gonna be doing. So we kind of let the cat out of the bag a few weeks ago, but we're going to be putting together a series. So we want you to get excited about NFBA because one of the reasons we're excited about NFBA is we're gonna be doing the expo in February in Oklahoma City. Uh, let me go into my bag of tricks here and because I've got so much going on. Uh NFBA will be in Oklahoma City. Uh save the date February 25th through the 27th, right there. OK C save the date. If you are planning a winter, late winter trip, um, this is going to be plain community friendly. Oklahoma City is beautiful. I think they're looking for different activities to entice our audience um to get out there. Um Oklahoma City is a little bit different. It's off the beaten path, right? It's not Knoxville. It's not Grand Rapids. It's not Branson. Um, but Oklahoma City is a beautiful city, man. And if you haven't been there and you're considering a trip, that's the one you want to make for post-frame. If you're considering a trip for pole barns, um, you know, it it's it's a big deal. I mean, Eric, you went last year, brother. It was awesome.

Eric:

Um, it was awesome, and but it wasn't as cool as the shed show.

Jared:

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Eric:

But the that's just because we know now that we've got a booth and some media, I think we're gonna make it a point. Me and you for sure, gonna go to every booth and get to know every company that's there, uh, because you know, we want to bring them on our podcast. Yeah, and so we want to definitely go to the to the two or three pole barn shows. I just didn't know anybody, that's probably what I really meant to say. Was that I just I went with Heather, we went, we knew, you know, obviously we stopped by Idea Room seen uh Heather, um not Heather, but uh Dan and Jordan, and then we saw J Money, Joel there, our studio sponsor, and um and Graber was there. I met Jason Sapp there. So, but that was pretty much it, and then we went out to eat, of course, at the Chop House, because that's Tim's favorite restaurant in Knoxville. Yeah, shout out Tim.

Jared:

Shout out Tim Chop House, Chop House for the win.

Eric:

We gotta go that's a banging restaurant.

Jared:

We got to do something different the next time we're with Tim because he actually came to Dayton and took another group of guys out from Five Rivers and took them to Chop House in Dayton. And uh man, I mean, I'll tell you, we have been again, I'm focusing on this thankful piece. I'm sitting here playing with this poker chip. I'm thankful to be here in this moment with you on this podcast and talking about all of our friends. I mean, seriously, like what a good year we've had, brother. I mean, it's one of those and my phone and watch are blowing up with not friends, you know. If you gotta watch it a phone, you get these phone calls that say screening call now. Oh, the phone screens for you, so it's like you have your own personal receptionist. I I'm just beyond grateful today, and I don't understand. And I told Eric this before we got on the call, and again, this is a pull back the curtain episode. I think you guys are getting it. We're loose today. Um, but I don't feel very good either. Like I feel bad today for the first time in a long time. Um, with everything going on with um, and maybe that's why I'm reflective today. I don't know. I think you know, I think I want to be real with you guys more than you even understand. And I think I want to be I wanna I want you to be able to look at us and relate to us because we're just like you. There's nothing really that special about Eric and Jared. You know, we're selling metal buildings, we're living our lives, we've got our own personal dilemmas and dramas we deal with on a personal basis, but somehow we still get together for these podcasts and we love each other like brothers. And I just want you guys to know from the bottom of my heart, as Helen saw my heart today. If you guys are struggling with something, reach out to somebody because I know that I was in that position, and I'm thinking about the way I felt when I was in that position, and I didn't have the right friends around me at that time, and if I wouldn't have had one specific friend, um, I probably probably would have had a lot different outcome. So I'm very thankful um for that. And I don't know, man. Cheer me up, Eric. I'm not feeling good today, dude. I am just I'm sitting there.

Eric:

Well I'm over here trying to coordinate. I got all the dude. Let me let me let me throw this one. I know I'm rap at us, rap at us. My phone is going off. You're saying it's like making it happen. Um so there's this event that came that went on called Field of Faith. They're trying to do I don't and it's kind of over now because it's like you know, cold outside, basically. And um, but bro, you know, you know, you have this idea that like you throw an event and you want to get people involved, and then you want people to want to come back, but then but then they all want to come back. So they did they put on this uh kind of neighborhood slash community event called the Field of Faith, and it was in Preble Shawnee. They used the football stadium there, and so they just basically have yeah, and you did it. Brookville's done movie nights on the football field, you know, that kind of type of deal where they get the community together, they just basically borrow the space. Well, they put on this huge church service basically. It was like 350 people went, and it was like maybe a month ago, bro. The side effect of it is you know, we have so our the church I got to has a bus route. Yep, so we've got four like 16 passenger vans, we have a short bus that fits 25, and we have a full-blown, like normal school bus that's like 26 rows deep. And so every Wednesday night, every Thursday, every Sunday morning, the bus route goes to Hamilton, Franklin, Carlisle, and then we've got this new one in Preble Shoney, because that's where the thing is. Bro, I am just getting blown up. I've got kids. I am too, bro. I am screwing. No, no, I'm just getting blown up by kids, like high school kids are probably texting in the middle of school. Hey, can you put me in the put me on the route tonight? I'm like, and I just keep getting home later and later and later. It's not good. And I'm getting home like tonight. I'm gonna be home after midnight, but dude, it's totally worth it, dude.

Jared:

And um it's 2.30. Just to again, a big peek behind the curtain, right? It's 2 30 p.m. even. And my phone's going off because my girls are getting out of school. They get out of school at 2.27. And for whatever reason, they don't they don't know what the plan is today. So I'm trying to fill them in. And again, I think I'm I think I'm peeling the curtain back a little bit today because I'm in my I'm in my head a little bit about all the things that are coming up.

Eric:

Bro, it's cold and it's rainy, and you got Thanksgiving coming, dude. Thanksgiving's stressful, bro.

Jared:

Yeah, I'm saying it because I'm saying it not because I'm overwhelmed by it. As a matter of fact, it motivates me to do better tomorrow. But what I will tell you is I cannot stress this enough. We all carry baggage and burden, and I really where I'm gonna get out and do good in my community today is community through this mic. And I'm really gonna stress to you, you have to be able to self-reflect. I'm gonna jump back to some of the things we talked about with Carly about burnout and feeling defeated and things like that. You have to be able to rise above it, and you are perfectly capable. If you don't hear it from anybody else other than me, I can tell you if you're feeling some sort of way, you don't even have to know me. My email is right there, and I will be of service to you. I do not want anybody struggling this time of the year through Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you feel some sort of way and you don't have anybody else to talk to, not that I'm gonna be better than a nine-eight than the 988 lifeline.org. But if you want somebody in this industry, if you're struggling with your sales, if you're struggling with your marketing, if you're struggling with your processes, let the Steel Kings help you out. And I'm not saying that call us, our numbers are on the website. Check out our website. Like, if you want to listen to podcasts, great. If you don't, don't. But at the same time, don't hesitate to reach out to somebody who's got their hand out to you. And I've got my hand out to you. I'm feeling I'm feeling led to say that right now because I mean it from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul and my core, right? I feel it today. I'm in I'm in my field. So we've got, dude, I got totally sidetracked. We've got a we've got an agreement with NFBA. And when I say agreement, it's not anything in writing, it's just we're gonna put together a series of episodes starting in January, probably the first or second week you'll start getting those. Um, so just in a couple of weeks from the time you'll hear this, we're gonna start curating episodes specifically related to pole barns and related to the NFBA trade show coming up in February that we were talking about. That's where I lost my train of thought because I got the got the coin out. So we're gonna have Idea Room back on, we're gonna go through the 3D design, we're gonna show you how idea room to smart build works. We're gonna try to get smart build on here. We're talking to Graber Post, we're talking to Randy Chafee, we're talking to a lot of people in the industry. So, if you haven't heard of Randy, check out Building Winds Live, he does another podcast. Um Randy and I have become fast friends. I can't wait for Eric to meet Randy. He's well, you did meet Randy, you met him at the at the role forming show, right?

Eric:

Yeah, he was in the booth neck. He was in a vertical drag. He's just doing a podcast right next to him.

Jared:

Yeah, he's busy.

Eric:

He's heard a lot heard a lot of good things about him.

Jared:

Randy's awesome. Um, and I have to, and again, some time with the guy. I guess it's just one of those things, like it's all on the time with a guy. Yeah, Wes. So I bet a lot of you guys know who Wes is. Wes is Randy's partner. He had a heart attack last week. Like, I was just on the phone with this guy doing a podcast a couple weeks ago. He had like a major, major heart attack. And I can tell you, he I don't know how well or how not well he's doing, but I can tell you if you're a praying type of person, which I know a lot of people on this that on the that are listening to us right now pray, pray for Wes because he is a really good guy. Um, Wes Wyatt, he's the founder of IEureka, he's the host of a couple of different podcasts, he helps Randy out. Uh, he's really having a hard time. And uh I want to send, I want to send my thoughts and prayers and wishes out to him right now because this is a hard time of the year to be going through major health problems. And I can only imagine based on what's been put out through social media channels and different things. Um you know, the older we get, Eric talked about being 40. I'm 30, be 30, I was 35, uh, 37, 37 this year, 88, whatever that is. Yeah, I mean, you know, the older we get, the more I worry about. I'm not in the best of shape as it is. Um, so when I hear things like, you know, somebody that I knew and somebody that I've talked to many times having a heart attack like that out of the blue, it's like, oh, you know, Eric exercises. Eric goes to the gym at least. I I don't yesterday. I don't do the I don't do the gym. I don't do that. It's just not my thing. I drink too many Red Bulls, I work too long, I sit too long. Um, I don't know why I'm in this mood today. I really don't, man. But I think it's more or less I'm really trying to be self-reflective because it's that time of the year, and I want to challenge you all to be self-reflective because when you hear this, it's gonna be getting time to be into January. I mean, we're right around the corner from 2026. Eric and I are sitting here November 20th. We're you know, six weeks away, five weeks away from a new year. So, what are you gonna do in 2026 to do better than you did in 2025? And if you had a really good 2025, how are you gonna carry that momentum into 2026? You know, I mean that's what I'm sitting here thinking about, and I'm challenging y'all to think about it too. Because I think if we can all get into one accord together as a group, the listeners, the Steel Kings, Shed Geek, whoever we can get into one accord to be in agreement and say 2026 is gonna be the best year or else. We need to get t-shirts made to say that. 2026 is the best year, or else. We're motivating ourselves right now in this moment. We're gonna be self-reflective, we're gonna look at ourselves and we're gonna say, This is what we did wrong, or what we did right in 2025. What we did wrong, we're kicking to the curb. What we did right, we're gonna do that over and over and over again on repeat, and we're gonna do it until we can't do it anymore, and then we're gonna get back up and do it one more time, right? I mean, I think that's what the yeah, yeah. I mean, now I'm actually kind of coming out of it a little bit. I'm actually motivating myself through this conversation of being self-reflective, talk it out, man. Trying to make myself feel better. I can tell you, we would not be where we're at without some really, really strong relationships and personal development over the last five years, not just the two of us, but with everybody else. And I just want to be an advocate for what's worked for me. Um, what's worked for me is self-reflection, owning up to my mistakes, and making it better the next day. Period. That's it. You can only do what you can do. And once things happen, you have to own it. I'm so busy anymore, dude. I miss half the things. I miss half the things. I'm trying to let AI do for me to make myself more efficient. Half the time, AI screws it up, and I look like a fool. And I can tell you, I very rarely miss anymore. I very rarely make mistakes because I'm very, very focused. But what I can tell you is that focus sometimes will drive you crazy, dude. It'll make you tired. Like, I haven't had a day, I have not had a day where I felt like this in a long time, and I was glad that we stuck to get out the way. We were putting it out. Like Eric and I were gonna do it yesterday. We both got busy. We had several meetings yesterday. My goodness, we were just busier than we could ever be, and grateful and thankful that we're busy because that's a good thing. But I can tell you, it makes you prioritize what you have to do and the things that you like to do, like the podcast. Like, we do this for fun, we do this just to talk to you guys. We're not doing this for money. Heck, we don't make a dime off this show. We don't. That's the truth. All the sponsorships and stuff, we're not making a dollar off that. None of it's revenue. So, I mean, just so you guys know, if you guys really enjoy this podcast, go help one of our friends out. That'd make me feel good. It would be good to get a call from Joel or from Wendell or from Tristan or from Jeff or from Shannon or any of these partners that we've worked with, Dan along the way, James, any of these guys that we've worked with, that would make me feel good. Okay. We do we get just enough in our advertising to cover basic production on the on the podcast. That's it. Um, I do all the social media, I do the website. Um, what you're seeing is Facebook. Yeah, check us out on Facebook. Give us a follow. Go to YouTube for goodness, you know, for goodness sakes, get on our YouTube. We care about it. Um, Shannon has been such an advocate for us that we felt like it was necessary to be a good advocate for ourselves and get out there and brand ourselves. Uh, Facebook's moving along, man. We're moving right along on the followers. YouTube is a little slower. Um, I know our audience, a lot of y'all are playing, and that's okay. Heck, continue to listen to us on your on your platform with the Shed Geek. Um, and we're gonna continue to get you the content that you guys are really seem to enjoy. And I can tell you, that's one thing. I you know, we've said this a couple of times. Very thankful for you all, too. Um, you were so gracious to us at the Shed Expo. We're looking forward to NFBA because we want to see some more friends out there, I can tell you. I was blown away by the reception at the role forming show. I was blown away and Gary, team at Shieldwall, what great people they are. You know, I can't just get you know, I can't forget about who has served us before. Um, but we're really looking forward to the NFBA show in Oklahoma City, man. It's gonna be a good time.

Eric:

We already got the hotels book, bro.

Jared:

Yeah, it's like right around the corner. We're gonna be there. And you know, we get to go hang out with Jeff. You guys have seen Jeff. What a what an impact Jeff's had on us this year. Um, what a nice guy, what a genuinely nice guy. And I feel like he's finally getting the come up ins that's due to him. He's been such a good guy to us, um, really going beyond measure. And his team, you know, his whole team, and uh, you know, he's become a teammate of ours. And I'm thankful for that. And I would challenge you, you know, we're right at that stopping point. I'm gonna I'm gonna tie this somewhat depressing episode of the Steel Kings podcast. I mean, I hope you guys didn't take it as a depressing episode. I really want you to listen to my voice and hear the I mean, really, I mean, right? I mean, I don't I don't want you to feel blue, but like I'm emotional today. I'm emotional today about what's ahead because it's so exciting, it's almost overwhelming. And I just want to be in one accord with my best friend, and I want to be going into 2026 with a like mind and shared vision with the people that are enjoying our content. If you like our content, please email me. I would so enjoy an email that says, Man, and I've gotten them. That's the thing. We've gotten emails and messages, and they make you feel good. If you want to get out in your community and do something good for somebody else, do it for me. I'll be selfish for a minute, I'll ask you. You know, if you're feeling good about the podcast, drop us an email, Jared at the Steel Kings, Eric at the Steel Kings. If you like what we're doing, tell us. If you don't like what we're doing, tell us what we can do better. Um, we're gonna start questioning answers in 2026. That's one thing to get excited about.

Eric:

You know, you know who we need to interview? We need to we need to have we need to have Louisiana guy.

Jared:

Yeah, Rontrell. We're gonna get we need to get Rontrell on the show. Okay, I'm gonna give a shout-out to him. We I owed you a shout-out, brother. I owed him a shout-out. Eric, thank you for that, man. Yeah, what a nice guy. He man, Rontrell. If you made it through this whole episode, brother, drop me an email. We got to get you on here. What an impressive guy that guy is. He could be a Steel King. We need to bring him on as an honorary Steel King. Boy, is he not something else. He we need to bring him on. Rontrell, you this is your call to act.

Eric:

It's funny when you meet someone who is doing the exact same thing as you at on at a different place. You never talked about it, and you're like, Oh, this is my friend. Because yeah, I know everything he thought of as he was doing it.

Jared:

Yeah, I immediately connected with that guy. He went a different avenue, right? He went the Instagram avenue, he's got a huge man, huge social media following. Okay, huge social media following. He is a plugged-in guy. I mean, his videos are funny and fun, and the video content is good. He's selling sheds and metal buildings. He is a huge, huge, huge advocate for the Steel Kings. And what I can tell you is he's a success story. I love hearing that. If you're having a good time selling sheds and metal buildings, drop us an email. We'll get you on here with us. I want to hear it. I want you to I want you to be proud of what you're doing. You know what?

Eric:

Hey, you know what, you know what would be cool, bro? You want to be cool? Like maybe the last show of 2025. Let's get on some dealer. Let's just get on like four dealers in other areas. Like, let's get on um you're motivating me. Like, let's get the shed chicks.

Jared:

Yeah.

Eric:

And from Florida, let's get the for lack of a better way of saying it, I don't even know. Um, you know what I'm talking about. Let's hear this.

Jared:

What's ironic is so let me just preface this again. It's November the 20th. You're gonna hear this the second or if you're a dealer, message us. If you saw Melbourne, if you're a deal, if you're a dealer, yeah. We want to get you on it. Let's get a variety show. We want to get a QA going for sure. So I'm gonna call to action here at the end of the episode.

Eric:

Just making this up, Jared. Sorry about that.

Jared:

No, no, bro. We're heading in the right direction for 2026. What I wanted to end the show with was send us your questions. We'd love to answer your questions. I can tell you we get them and we answer them, and then we don't really go over them on the show, which is kind of stupid on our part, honestly. We need to do a better job of getting those questions out because that question might be helping another listener, and that's What we want to do. If you have a question for us, drop us an email. Jared at the Steel Kings, Eric at the Steel Kings. I can tell you, dude, what a time to be alive in 2025. I can tell you. I know that the world doesn't seem to be in the best of shape at times, but remember who the real leader of the world is. Remember who created it all. Okay. Remember that. And take solace in the fact that one day we'll all be together. Right? In grace and in peace. And regardless of what your situation is. You've got friends in the Steel Kings. If you're listening to us, you're a friend of ours. You're a listener. We take that very seriously. We take it to heart. Enjoy your Christmas. Okay? Because you're going to hear this maybe a week or two before Christmas. Be thankful for your family, your friends, your colleagues. Take advantage of the situation that you're in. Anything else from you, brother? Yeah, that's right. Let's do a little Taibo on the way out, man. I can tell you. I can tell you. We're hoping that the Reds will do better.

Eric:

Oh, yeah. We're talking about, hey, we're talking about picking up Kyle Schwarber.

Jared:

Pickup. What a pickup. The Bengals, the Reds. Oh my gosh. We'll just forget about it. I can tell you, get up in your community to do something good for something you like. We're gonna do this every week, I think. We are the Steel Kings. And we will be back at you with another episode of the Steel Kings podcast next week. Of J Money. Call Versabend to find CEO for everything, and we will talk at you soon. Peace out, guys, later on.

Outro:

Before you go, the J Money team wants to thank you for listening to today's Steel Kings podcast. Remember, money is king, and if you need a financing option on your portable woodsheds or steel buildings, we are here to help. Just check us out at jmoneyllc.com for more information. And don't forget to catch the next episode of the Steel Kings Podcast and have a great day.