Habits in Motion

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Discover how organizations can foster ongoing enhancement, engage their teams, and create real momentum for growth. Mike and Jake break down practical frameworks and real-world examples to help you drive efficiency, quality, and innovation in your business.

Resource Management Chapter 12: The Jobsite Flywheel — Systems That Power Predictability

Discover how residential contractors can create a jobsite flywheel—combining teamwork, visual systems, and daily rhythms for unstoppable momentum. Mike and Jake explore real-world strategies, roleplays, and memorable stories to help you turn chaos into consistency, protect your margins, and earn client trust—starting tomorrow.

Resource Management Chapter 11: Tracking and Utilization Systems

This episode dives into the real-world costs of poor equipment tracking, explores proven systems for maximizing tool utilization, and reveals how simple habits can create a culture of accountability and pride on every crew. Mike and Jake bring stories, stats, and hands-on scenarios that help every contractor—no matter the trade—improve efficiency and morale, starting now.

Resource Management Chapter 10: Maintenance and Repair Management

Discover why maintenance is more than a checklist—it's a leadership habit that drives safety, pride, and profit. From daily walkarounds to digital tools, Mike and Jake break down the small habits that lead to lasting results. Real-world examples, practical steps, and a culture of reporting turn routine checks into team momentum.

Resource Management Chapter 9: Equipment Acquisition and Lifecycle Planning

On this episode of Habits in Motion, Mike and Jake break down the essential strategies for deciding when to buy or rent equipment. Learn how to identify your most-used gear, leverage tax benefits, and apply the 80/20 rule to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Real-world stories and actionable tips will help you fine-tune your equipment strategy for better results.

Resource Management Chapter 8: Inventory Accuracy and Usage Allocation

Discover how powerful inventory habits build trust, boost morale, and fuel efficiency across all trades. Mike and Jake share actionable systems, memorable stories, and lean strategies to transform how your team handles materials—starting tomorrow.

Resource Management Chapter 7: Inventory Control and Accessibility

Discover how intentional inventory systems can transform your jobsite, cut delays, and boost profitability. Mike and Jake break down practical strategies, real-world mishaps, and instantly usable tools to help every crew leader and contractor build trust and efficiency—starting tomorrow.

Resource Management Chapter 6: Staging and Material Flow Optimization

Today’s episode dives into the art and science of material staging in residential contracting. Mike and Jake break down how planned staging boosts efficiency, prevents profit leaks, and keeps your jobs—and crews—on track. Learn proven habits, real-world stories, and actionable tactics you can use on your next project.

Resource Management Chapter 5: Procurement Systems and Roles

Discover how top contractors eliminate chaos and deliver projects on time by mastering procurement systems, clear roles, and simple, effective staging. Mike and Jake dig into real-world strategies, memorable phrases, and proven checklists to help you set your team up for success—and keep your mornings chaos-free.

Resource Management Chapter 4: Coaching, Feedback & the Stay Interview

Explore how daily coaching, real-time feedback, and proactive leadership create high-performing, engaged teams. Mike and Jake break down proven strategies from top companies and research, sharing practical tools and stories to help you build a workplace where people want to stay and grow.

Resource Management Chapter 3 | Onboarding that Inspires Loyalty

This episode explores the powerful impact of a strong first week for new team members. Mike and Jake break down the neuroscience behind onboarding, share actionable steps, and reveal the cultural shortcuts that make newcomers feel right at home. Discover how small habits and memorable phrases can transform new hires into loyal, high-performing team players.

GM | Chapter 0: The Big Picture: everyone reads this book

Discover how mastering simple systems and understanding the big picture can transform your workday from chaos to clarity. Mike and Jake break down practical habits, real-life scenarios, and tools that make teamwork, leadership, and accountability second nature.

Resource Mangement Chapter 2 | Build a Bench

Discover why thoughtful, proactive hiring is the secret weapon for contractors facing today’s labor shortages. Mike and Jake break down the tactics top crews use to attract, assess, and keep the right people—plus how a strong hiring culture sets you apart. Get ready for actionable steps, real-life stories, and practical examples to help you build a team that cares and delivers.

Resource Management Chapter 1 | Culture Is Your Best Recruiter

This episode explores why a strong workplace culture outshines hiring tactics and job ads in attracting and keeping top talent. Mike and Jake dive into real-world examples, actionable strategies, and memorable stories that show how reputation, daily habits, and crew pride can transform your company into a magnet for the best people.

Operations Chapter 12 | Dependability Builds Trust

Dependability is the glue that holds teams together and the secret sauce behind promotions, stronger relationships, and higher earnings. In this episode, Mike and Jake break down the science, share real-world stories, and offer practical steps to help you make reliability your personal brand—on and off the job site.

Operations Chapter 11 | Efficiency is a Mindset

Efficiency isn’t about rushing—it’s about thoughtful planning, smart systems, and integrating safety and quality on every job. In this episode, Mike and Jake break down how leaders and crews can create streamlined, high-performing worksites that set the standard in any trade. Real stories and practical tips help listeners put these principles into action.

Operations Chapter 10 | Quality is in the Details

Explore how attention to detail and a culture of quality can transform your service business. Mike and Jake delve into the importance of setting standards, recognizing excellence, and leveraging feedback to build a reputation for quality.

Operations Chapter 9 | Safety First, Always

Explore the critical importance of safety in construction through leadership, accountability, and proactive habits. Mike and Jake discuss real-world scenarios and strategies to foster a safety-first culture, ensuring the well-being of workers and success of the business.

Operations Chapter 8 | Lead the Client Experience

Explore how proactive communication and personal touchpoints transform simple transactions into trusted partnerships. Mike and Jake dive into real-world scenarios, emphasizing the power of frequent interactions and personalized service in building client trust and loyalty.

Operations Chapter 7 – "Grow the Team, Grow the Dream"

Explore how developing leaders from within can transform your team dynamics and boost growth. Learn actionable strategies, hear relatable anecdotes, and discover resources to enhance leadership skills.

Operations Chapter 6 | Coach, Don’t Command

Explore the transformative shift from command-and-control leadership to a coaching mindset. Discover how this change fosters motivation, trust, and growth within teams, featuring insights from Mike and Jake.

Operations Chapter 5 | Set the Standard Early

Explore the power of setting high standards early in leadership roles. Discover how consistent expectations and role-playing scenarios enhance team performance and foster a proactive culture.

Operations Chapter 4 | Lead Yourself First

In this episode, Mike and Jake explore the essentials of self-leadership, providing young professionals with actionable strategies to define personal success, stay motivated, and achieve long-term career growth. From setting clear goals to leveraging feedback and mentorship, discover how to lead yourself before leading others.

Operations Chapter 3 | Ego, Curiosity, and Growth

Join hosts Mike and Jake as they explore the journey from ego to humility, the role of curiosity in professional growth, and the power of asking for help. Discover insights from industry leaders and practical steps to enhance your career.

Operations Chapter 2 | Master the Task: Win the Moment You’re In

Explore the essential principles of mastering your craft in residential services, focusing on reliability, personal growth, and daily excellence. Join hosts Mike Johnson and Jake Ramirez as they delve into the importance of dedication, humility, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.

Operations Chapter 1 | Own the Day: Show Up, Stand Out

In this episode, Mike and Jake explore the power of dependability, integrity, and daily excellence in the residential service industry. Learn practical tips, hear motivational stories, and discover how to elevate your career by mastering the fundamentals.

Sales | Chapter 12: 5th Gear Service – Drive Referrals Without Saying a Word

Discover how to provide unforgettable service through strategies like the “Client Delight Toolkit” and principles such as Social Currency and the Purple Cow philosophy. Learn from stories about Ritz-Carlton, Joe Girard, and innovative companies that turn routine client interactions into moments of surprise and loyalty. This episode equips you with tools to cultivate referrals and lasting relationships through extraordinary service.

Sales | Chapter 11: Integrating Sales, Operations, and Service

This episode examines how teams can foster client trust through proactive preview meetings, structured roleplays, and ongoing feedback. Hear success stories of turning anxiety into confidence with strategy, preparation, and continuous improvement. Learn actionable tips to strengthen collaboration and enhance client outcomes.

Sales | Chapter 10: Metrics and Accountability Without Pressure

Join Jake and Mike as they redefine sales accountability for residential service contractors by emphasizing customer loyalty and sustainable practices. They share role-play scenarios, actionable referral techniques, and strategies for managing seasonal demand while discussing the importance of structured sales cadences like ROAR meetings. Learn how to build better client relationships and achieve long-term success in the residential contractor industry.

Chapter 9 – Proactive Selling and OODA Loops

Mike and Jake dive into strategies for improving client relationships through the OODA Loop and roleplaying. They discuss real-world stories from industries like HVAC and home remodeling, provide techniques for overcoming objections, and showcase how proactive communication builds trust and loyalty. Tune in for practical tips and a live demonstration aimed at transforming your sales approach.

Sales | Chapter 8: The 20% Logical

Jake and Mike uncover the art of balancing emotions and logic in sales by showcasing techniques like impactful knowing and talking about how things are built to justify the price, with plenty of examples, and dynamic role-playing. They share real-life examples from industries like home renovations and HVAC, focusing on how trust, fear, and aspiration drive purchasing decisions. Listen to their live demonstrations of integrating logical justifications for effective emotional sales pitches.

Sales | Chapter 7: Creating Recurring Revenue Streams

Mike and Jake discuss how to build client loyalty and consistent revenue through maintenance services. With role-plays, strategies, and insights from experts like Bain & Company, they reveal how personalized packages and well-timed pitches can transform one-off projects into lasting business relationships.

Chapter 6: Consultative Selling Techniques

Discover how to tap into client emotions and aspirations to create meaningful connections in outdoor sales. This episode discusses leveraging phased project planning for budget alignment and celebrating milestones to foster loyalty. Real-world role-play scenarios bring these principles to life for sales success.

Sales | Chapter 5: Channel Partner Networks – Expanding Your Reach

This episode highlights how landscapers and architects, remodelers, and contractors can form powerful channel partnerships to expand their businesses. We discuss CRM tools, KPIs for success, and the art of creative outreach to unconventional partners like salon owners and pool contractors. With real-life stories and practical advice, discover how these collaborations can enhance both client trust and service offerings.

Chapter 4: The Power of Proactive Follow-Ups

Jake and Mike discuss powerful strategies for client engagement, including structured follow-up schedules, the OODA Loop framework, and engaging conversations to uncover client needs. They share real-world examples, use role-play scenarios, and offer practical tools like CRM systems to enhance client satisfaction and build long-term trust. Listen in for actionable tips to elevate your client relationships.

Chapter 3: Building Your Personal Brand in Sales

This episode unpacks the secrets behind building trust and loyalty in sales. From crafting an authentic personal brand to adopting dependable habits and creating a "referral machine," we share actionable strategies and examples to transform your approach to client relationships. Tune in for advice inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk and real-world experiences that drive value and lasting success.

Sales Chapter 2: Sustainable Selling — Planting Seeds for Lifetime Clients

In this episode, Mike and Jake discuss how sustainable selling and long-term thinking transform client relationships and business outcomes. From humorous anecdotes to the power of referrals and strategic alliances, they share actionable strategies like the "Client for Life" philosophy and the OODA Loop framework to build trust and ensure lasting success.

Sales | Chapter 1: The Art of Client-Centered Selling

This episode unpacks the essential habits for sustainable selling, from active listening to thorough preparation, all with a focus on building lasting client relationships. Discover the three key phases of the sales process and how a "first date" analogy can guide your interactions. Learn how to foster trust, maintain enthusiasm, and create long-term partnerships with every client meeting.

GM Chapter 12 | Leadership Practices for Engaged and Thriving Teams

Mike and Jake discuss the transformative role of personalized recognition, psychological safety, and aligning strategies with vision in fostering engaged and productive teams. From peer shout-outs to morning huddles and celebrating milestones, they share practical tips and stories to nurture collaboration and momentum. Learn how these approaches can drive a thriving organizational culture that aligns daily actions with long-term goals.

GM Chapter 11: Performance with Purpose – Your Company Scorecard

This episode focuses on strategies for continuous improvement, including practical tips for running weekly and monthly reviews, tracking six key metrics, and fostering constructive feedback loops. Learn how to manage tough conversations with empathy, implement performance dashboards, and use goal-setting tools to drive momentum and enhance team dynamics.

GM Chapter 10: The Operating System – Using the 7 Habits in Real Life

Mike and Jake share lessons inspired by the 7 Habits framework applied to residential services like HVAC, plumbing, and remodeling. Hear about proactive project management, setting clear goals, and fostering teamwork to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency. This episode is packed with real-life scenarios and tips for continuous improvement.

GM Chapter 9: Growth with Grit – Scaling Culture, Not Just Revenue

In this episode, we explore how aligning revenue goals with cultural values can build lasting organizational identity. From innovative compensation models to actionable leadership strategies inspired by "Sales Management. Simplified." and "The Oz Principle," discover real-world examples that showcase the power of cultural alignment in driving growth, well-being, and retention.

GM Chapter 8: Build to Last – Vision, Succession, and the Long Game

This PodioBook episode focuses on building a lasting legacy through effective leadership. Jake shares inspiring stories about fostering team passion and embedding core values, while Mike introduces strategies for balancing long-term vision with operational efficiency. Reflective exercises and actionable insights empower leaders to transform daily practices and cultivate future visionaries.

​Chapter 7: Show Me the EBITDA – Why Profit Isn't a Dirty Word

In this PodioBook Mike and Jake discuss the vital role of EBITDA in driving operational performance, offering actionable strategies for cost optimization and revenue growth. They share practical examples of improving profitability and demonstrate how to effectively communicate EBITDA's importance to team members. Learn how aligning daily efforts with financial goals can lead to sustainable success and company stability.

Chapter 6: One Year at a Time – Setting & Sticking to Annual Goals

Jake and Mike share insights into how tools like SMART goals, The 12 Week Year, and accountability systems transform both leadership and team performance. They discuss real-life examples, from chaotic mornings to thriving, goal-organized teams, emphasizing the balance between planning, flexibility, and celebrating milestones for success.

GM 4 | Measure What Matters

Mike and Jake share real-world insights into boosting team performance using success metrics, OKRs, and gamification. Learn how companies like Google perfected alignment through OKRs and how tools like scorecards and dashboards enhance transparency. This episode dives into actionable techniques, from safety to labor efficiency metrics to fostering accountability with crew feedback.

Chapter 5: Urgency Without Panic – How to Create and Keep Momentum

Mike and Jake share insights on maintaining healthy urgency, fostering proactive team cultures, and building stability through consistent routines. This episode highlights practical strategies like morning huddles, communication protocols, and structured reflections that can transform chaos into clarity and create empowered, effective teams.

GM Chapter 3 | Being Remarkable

This episode uncovers what it takes to be truly remarkable in business. From crafting experiences that spark positive word-of-mouth to leadership strategies that empower teams, we share real-life stories of client turnarounds and workplace initiatives that drive loyalty and growth. Discover how a strong culture fuels exceptional service and long-term success.

GM Chapter 2 | Leading by Example: Habits That Inspire Respect

Mike and Jake discuss the importance of active leadership in fostering collaboration and accountability. Through personal stories and actionable advice, they highlight how habits like regular check-ins, working alongside teams, and small acts of recognition can transform workplace morale and build lasting respect. Leadership is more than a title—it’s about setting the standard every day.

GM Chapter 1 | Proactive Leadership Strategies for Success

Discover the power of proactive leadership as we contrast proactive versus reactive management, share real-world cases of strategic foresight, and highlight tools for fostering a proactive team culture. Featuring Jenna's example of strategic rain planning, this episode showcases how effective measures can boost efficiency, trust, and morale in organizations.

Modern Service Mastery: The Glorious Introduction

Jake and Mike share strategies for revolutionizing service-based businesses. Hear about the BoPo model's transformative training, the Four Pillars of Service Mastery, and tips for creating habits that enhance culture and client experiences. Real-life stories and role-plays make these insights actionable for every leader.

Building Excellence in the Trades

Join Mike and Jake as they discuss how defining and maintaining quality transforms trades work into an art. From overcoming logistical challenges with innovative tools like Quality Callouts to fostering a culture of excellence through mentorship, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Discover how small details and leadership make all the difference in workmanship and client satisfaction.

Safety First Building Habits and Culture

Safety isn't just a checklist—it's a shared value that builds trust and team morale. In this episode, we discuss purposeful safety habits like peer-led "Catch and Coach" programs, motivational tools like Weekly Safety Chips, and the leadership role of foremen in turning safety conversations into opportunities for growth. Learn how prioritizing safety can transform your workplace culture.

How to Lead Without Being a Jerk: Coaching for Crew Leaders

In this episode, Mike and Jenna share actionable leadership strategies for blue-collar environments, from using the CARE framework to guide feedback to prioritizing the Four Pillars of Safety, Quality, Dependability, and Productivity. Hear stories of how coaching, proactive conversations, and mentorship drive trust, team morale, and career growth within evolving trades. Learn practical tools to apply these principles in your own work.

The 4 Pillars of Leading a Field Team

Mike and Jake discuss actionable leadership strategies focused on valuing people, clear communication, and coaching for growth. From building morale with hands-on approaches to fostering team alignment through weekly check-ins, this episode is full of practical tips for leaders in blue-collar fields. Learn how empathy, clear expectations, and recognition can enhance team performance.

Built to Lead: The Blue-Collar Leadership Series

Welcome to the Blue-Collar Leadership Series from Habits in Motion, a powerful journey into the future of leadership—where the field is the classroom and the Crew Leader is the professor. This is one of a dozen (and growing!) episodes where we show how real leaders emerge not in boardrooms, but on job sites, in shop bays, and out in the field. Each episode dives into a key leadership principle—from coaching crews and building culture to managing conflict and fueling career growth. With powerful roleplays, real-world scenarios, and lessons inspired by the greats (think John Wooden meets your jobsite), this series proves that blue-collar leadership is not only real—it’s redefining what leadership looks like. If you're ready to build a team that sticks, a culture that wins, and a career that pays really well—you’re in the right place. This movement is growing—and blue-collar leaders are out-earning, outlasting, and outsmarting traditional industries. Subscribe, watch the series, and become the leader others want to follow.