The Site Shed
The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and trade-based business owners, designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running a business.
Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast covers real-world conversations on apprenticeships, marketing, systems, technology, hiring, leadership, and more — all tailored to the trades.
Each episode features practical insights, honest lessons, and expert guests from across the industry. Whether you're a plumber, builder, electrician, landscaper, or any hands-on business owner, you'll find ideas and experiences you can apply straight away.
If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed offers tools, ideas, and perspectives to help your business move forward.
The Site Shed
Team Retention Hacks: How To Hire (And Keep) Great Team Members in 2025 | ft. Chris Koch | Ep. 462
In this episode, host Matt Jones is joined once again by Chris Koch to deep dive into company culture, recruitment, and building high-performing teams in the trades. Drawing from his experience with BDR and a recent read of Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” Chris shares why getting back to the basics—knowing your company’s mission, vision, and values—forms the bedrock of attracting and retaining top talent.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 "Readiness Unlocks Effective Learning"
05:10 "Becoming the Employer of Choice"
06:56 "Cultivating Positive Work Culture"
12:35 Effective Team Communication Goals
14:02 Aligning Incentives and Communication Strategies
17:56 Hiring and Managing Expectations
20:47 EOS Management Structure Revamp
25:01 Streamlining for Efficient Growth
27:55 Fostering Growth Through Trust
32:01 Balancing Culture and Productivity
34:08 Challenging Hiring Process Benefits
38:57 "Defining Roles Boosts Hiring Success"
41:35 Leveraging Team Networks for Recruitment
44:20 Effort Matters in Hiring Process
48:40 "Seeking Committed Business Partners"
Takeaways:
- Why “Start With Why” is more than a book title—and how it inspires staff at every level
- Culture as your #1 recruitment tool: how top firms make the team do the hiring for them
- Practical hiring hacks to avoid costly mis-hires (plus the monthly ritual that keeps your culture on point)
Matt and Chris unpack real-world strategies for becoming the “employer of choice,” from performance-based incentives to intentional hiring processes that go way beyond checking boxes. They discuss the power of clear communication, the importance of one-on-one meetings, and how a strong organizational culture turns team members into your company’s best recruiters. Plus, they offer actionable tips on structuring interviews, keeping staff engaged, and the often-overlooked value of social gatherings and regular check-ins.
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