Redefining WTF in the Workplace with Dave MacDonald

In this episode of The TradeMarke Podcast, Sarah Ghirardo and Eric Thomas are joined by Dave MacDonald, founder of the Better Together Group, to talk about one of the most important (and most overlooked) aspects of growing a successful trades business: hiring and managing people who actually give a damn.

Dave shares his no-fluff philosophy—WTF: Work hard, Tell the truth, Finish the job—a mantra that’s guided his leadership for over two decades and helped over 6,000 workers find purpose-driven employment. If you're struggling with team accountability, dealing with burnout, or feeling stuck in “wimp junction” (a term you won’t forget), this episode will hit home.

Together, we explore:

• How trades business owners accidentally build underperforming teams

• The psychological toll of avoiding tough conversations—and how to overcome it

• Why firing everyone and starting over isn't a strategy (but Dave’s done it…)

• The three I’s of leadership: Intensity, Integrity, and Intentionality

• How personal relationships—especially with your spouse—can make you a better boss

• The power of peer groups and why every business owner needs one

Plus, Dave offers some raw advice on how to stop sugarcoating performance issues and start building a team that actually finishes the job—even when you don’t.

Whether you’re a trades leader with 50 employees or still wearing every hat in the business, this episode is packed with wisdom, grit, and hard-earned leadership lessons.