In this high-impact episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Connor Scribner, Co-Founder and President of Trinity Valley Plumbing, to uncover how a former competitor turned close ally used 15+ years of construction experience to redefine the trades through clear communication, elite execution, and fearless leadership.
From managing labor costs and language barriers to building a culture that retains top talent in a labor-short industry, Connor shares hard-earned lessons in estimating, project delivery, employee development, and mentorship.
This conversation is a masterclass for anyone in construction, business ownership, or skilled trades, and a compelling reminder that relationships, resilience, and clarity always win.
🔑 Five Highlights from the Episode:
1️⃣ 📣 Communication Wins Jobs: How Trinity Valley Plumbing separates from the competition through elite execution and proactive communication.
2️⃣ 🔧 Recession-Proof Strategy: Why focusing on essential trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical builds a durable business foundation.
3️⃣ 🧠 Mentorship & Leadership: How Connor finds growth through mentors and builds future leaders inside his team.
4️⃣ 👷♂️ Building Culture: Daily check-ins, value-driven leadership, and team accountability drive both retention and results.
5️⃣ ⚖️ Balance & Legacy: The importance of family time, personal development, and keeping your word—especially when no one is watching.
⏱ Timestamped Summary:
💼 00:00 Connor Scribner shares 15 years of construction experience, focusing on honest communication, estimating, and building trusted relationships.
💼 22:47 From college disconnection to construction passion, Connor reflects on finding purpose, design-build dreams, and a 10-year marriage.
💼 38:08 His experience during crisis moments at Matrix helped him identify the skilled trade labor gap and inspired the creation of Trinity Valley Plumbing.
💼 58:38 Connor discusses the power of mentorship, networking, and solving challenges with supportive people in both business and life.
💼 01:11:28 The future of trades: Connor’s call to action for those who want to learn, lead, and grow in high-demand skilled professions.
💼 01:28:37 Insight into estimating, labor allocation, and combining business acumen with technical knowledge for operational success.
💼 01:38:56 Using technology and systems to prioritize well-being and achieve better work-life balance for the team.
🤣 01:51:33 Wild stories from construction sites and firefighting shifts, plus a challenge to take bold risks and bet on your network.
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