This free, in-person session introduces the core idea behind TradeWins:
You were taught the trade. No one taught you how to run the business.
The evening combines structured learning with open discussion, focused on how real trade businesses are built, supported, and grown over time. Topics include modern marketing realities, business structure, and how systems reduce owner dependency.
Join for the first of the series “Websites, SEO & AI Search for Contractors” on Friday, March 6th, 5:00-7:00PM at Heartwork Brewing. This event is free to attend and includes two complimentary drinks. Overflow parking is available next door at the Old Colorado Steak House. Registration is required!
Program Overview
TradeWins is a local, operator-led blue-collar collective focused on helping residential contractors build stronger, more sustainable businesses. Many contractors are highly skilled at their trade, but were never taught how to intentionally build the business underneath the work. That gap often shows up later as owner dependency, stress, unclear decisions, and limited long-term options.
The Business Behind Blue-Collar Monthly Series exists to close that gap through in-person, practical conversations. These sessions are designed to help contractors understand how structure, systems, and clear operating rhythms support growth, profitability, and long-term value. This kickoff event launches the series and sets the foundation for future monthly discussions.
This series is educational, not sales-driven. It is built to create clarity, spark better decisions, and connect contractors with others facing the same challenges.
Agenda
Overview
You were taught the trade. No one taught you how to run the business. This free, in-person session starts that conversation.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Connect (Includes two complimentary drinks)
Arrive, check in, grab a drink, and connect with other residential contractors and trade professionals. This time is intentionally unstructured to allow for casual conversation before the program begins.
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Learn: The Business Behind Blue-Collar
Jay Nelson opens the evening by setting the stage for why TradeWins exists and why many contractors were taught the trade but never taught how to intentionally build the business underneath the work. This segment focuses on the difference between being busy and having a structured business, and why owner dependency is so common in the trades.
5:45 PM – 6:15 PM | Learn: Websites, SEO & AI Search for Contractors
Henry Freeman shares how homeowner search behavior is changing and the growing role AI plays in search and recommendations. This session explains why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough, what contractor websites must do to earn trust and visibility, and how clarity and structure influence which businesses homeowners choose.
6:15 PM – 6:45 PM | Learn: The System Behind the Business (BOS Explained)
Jay brings the conversation back together by connecting modern marketing realities to the business itself. This segment explains how structure, systems, clear roles, and accountability work together, with core Business Operating System concepts explained in plain language.
6:45 PM – 7:00 PM | Discuss
Open discussion, questions, and real-world conversation. Attendees connect ideas back to their own businesses, with space for continued one-on-one conversations.
Why This Series Exists
Most contractors don’t struggle because they’re bad at the work. Many are skilled, busy, and profitable. The real challenge is that very few were ever taught how to intentionally build the business underneath the work.
Structure, systems, clear numbers, and defined roles are what allow a trade business to grow without running entirely through the owner. The Business Behind Blue-Collar exists to help contractors understand and build that missing layer. This monthly series is practical, operator-led, and focused on real decisions contractors are already facing.
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