Power Women of the Trades: Weekly Podcast Empowering Women In the Trades Industry

Hosted by Power Women of the Trades

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171

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Hosted by Cassie Pound and Leslie Harpole "Power Women of the Trades" is a powerful force, leading dynamic businesses and disrupting traditional norms. This podcast is all about breaking barriers and changing the game. Our podcast guests will feature some of today's most successful female entrepreneurs and owners in the trades- and feature other advocates of this initiative as well! Because if there’s one thing we know for sure: female-led entrepreneurship drives change on multiple levels!

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60 recent

June 10, 202628 min

From Startup to Standout with Kelli Evans Part 2

In part two of this conversation, Kelli Evans joins Cassie and Kailee to dive deeper into leadership, team culture, and what it really means to serve people from the inside out. Kelli opens up about speaking life into your team, meeting people where they are, and why creating a culture where employees feel safe to be themselves changes everything. The conversation gets personal as Kelli reflects on overcoming self-doubt, breaking cycles, and learning not to let anyone take your confidence. From handling a high-pressure day with 90 calls on the board to requiring her leadership team to actually take time off, Kelli brings the kind of real, unfiltered insight you can only get from someone who has truly been in the trenches. If you have ever questioned whether you belong in a leadership seat, this episode is for you.

June 5, 202626 min

From Startup to Standout with Kelli Evans Part 1

This week on Power Women of the Trades, we're sitting down with Kelli Evans — the OG employee who's truly done it all. From answering phone calls from under a boat to becoming the Director of Operations, Kelli has seen this company from every angle.In part one of our conversation, we get into imposter syndrome, why culture matters just as much in the field as it does in the office, and the very real emotions that come with watching something you helped build actually grow.

June 5, 20266 min

Growth Looks Good on You

In this solo episode, Kailee reflects on her word for 2026: growth. She looks back on her journey from social media and community coordinator to marketing director, and shares an honest reminder that growth is rarely comfortable. Kailee encourages listeners to embrace the moments that feel stretching or overwhelming, because those are the exact moments that shape you into the leader you are meant to become. She closes with a challenge: write down five goals for the rest of the year that push you outside your comfort zone and commit to showing up, even when it is hard.

June 5, 202624 min

Power Women Replay with Katie Biddle

In this episode of Power Women of the Trades, hosts Cassie and Heather chat with Katie Biddle of Call Dad. Katie shares her incredible journey from dropping out of college to becoming the Head of Marketing for a fast-growing HVAC company. The conversation dives into the unique challenges of scaling a business in the trades, including the struggle to delegate and the importance of a diverse marketing strategy. Katie provides an inside look at Dad University, her company's rigorous apprenticeship program, and how a focus on customer experience shapes their entire operation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, growth, and building a strong brand in the trade industry.

June 5, 202640 min

Power Women Replay with Paige Knowles

This week we are bringing you a throwback! Featuring Paige Knowles ("All Trades Paige"), a young technician, author, and advocate dedicated to promoting trade careers. Paige shares her unique path into the industry, starting as a straight-A student who chose a high school plumbing program, where a supportive instructor became a crucial mentor. She dives into how she successfully balances her career as a commercial HVAC technician with her primary mission as an advocate. Hear how she leveraged her skills to author and illustrate her own childrens books (like Let’s Replace a Showerhead) to introduce basic home skills and career awareness to children early.Are you ready to support the next generation of tradeswomen and men? Listen now to hear Paige's full story, to learn more about her books and advocacy work. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread the word about the incredible opportunities waiting in the trades!Interested in purchasing any of Paige's books? Check the links below! 1) https://www.amazon.com/Plumber-Paige-Snake-Drain-Bathroom/dp/B0CP41QXK3/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/130-6725520-6356810?pd_rd_w=iHRGy&content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_r=T4CXE0NG4AVRTZ59XWZR&pd_rd_wg=n8MAB&pd_rd_r=3937627a-0969-42c2-8103-e9680913fc13&pd_rd_i=B0CP41QXK3&psc=12) https://www.amazon.com/Plumber-Paige-Running-toilet-Bathroom/dp/B0B7QDFV12/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/130-6725520-6356810?pd_rd_w=ypYuo&content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_r=JPYMW6RSECBX7G9R2MYZ&pd_rd_wg=ZR4ou&pd_rd_r=a85ef599-8e08-4142-a422-002b5685e96e&pd_rd_i=B0B7QDFV12&psc=13) https://www.amazon.com/Plumber-Paige-Lets-Replace-Shower/dp/B09BYDSSZJ/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_2/130-6725520-6356810?pd_rd_w=OjV0K&content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_r=EKGX0AMW2WCPV5GNGAA9&pd_rd_wg=01OTC&pd_rd_r=63c3c400-fa8c-4af6-898e-dc50ff3532ab&pd_rd_i=B09BYDSSZJ&psc=1

June 5, 202628 min

Building a Team That Grows With You With Alyssa Rogers Part 2

In this second part of our conversation with Alyssa Rogers on Power Women of the Trades, Alyssa and the team dive into the shifting priorities of today’s workforce, noting that many employees now value time with family and personal support over simple raises. By focusing on intentional one-on-ones that prioritize the person over their performance, Alyssa ensures her team feels like individuals rather than just numbers. They also discuss the necessity of standing firm on an in-office culture, arguing that the spontaneous collaboration and relationships built in person are what truly sustain a high-growth environment.The discussion also tackles the reality of being a vocal female entrepreneur on social media. While transparency can be risky, Cassie and Alyssa agree that showing up authentically draws in loyal customers who want to support real people. They emphasize that while growth is hard, putting management in place early and celebrating every small win with tools like an office gong keeps the team focused and motivated.By getting back to the basics of human decency and open-door policies, these leaders are navigating the complexities of scaling a business without losing their soul.

June 5, 202621 min

Building a Team that Grows with You with Alyssa Rogers

On this episode of Power Women of the Trades, Cassie and Kailee sit down with Alyssa Rogers, the co-owner of Rogers Heating and Cooling. Based in South Boston, Virginia, Alyssa shares her fascinating journey of leaving a structured career in corporate America to help grow a family business from just two employees to a team of forty.She discusses the steep learning curve of managing both marketing and finance while navigating the transition from a "one man in a truck" operation to a multi-million dollar company. Alyssa also explains her specific method for building a core team by focusing on the personal, professional, and financial goals of every employee. The conversation explores the evolution of leadership, the "identity crisis" that comes with delegating tasks, and the reality of why the team members who help you start a business are not always the ones who stay for the entire journey.

June 5, 202618 min

From Corporate to COO: Scaling Fast & Leading Fearlessly with Jessica Passmore Part 2

In this compelling conclusion to our two-part conversation with Jessica Passmore, we explore the vital transition from a "doer" to a strategic leader in a rapidly growing trades business. Jessica shares her expertise on building formal training pipelines for new hires and the importance of helping team members navigate the "red tape" of state licensing and testing. The discussion highlights the "identity crisis" high achievers often face when moving from hands-on tasks to managing an incredible leadership team. We also get a look at the future of her operations as they expand into new trades and plan for additional locations. Throughout the episode, Jessica encourages women to embrace the growth opportunities within the industry and lead with boldness. Tune in now to catch the final part of this inspiring interview!

June 5, 202621 min

From Corporate to COO: Scaling Fast & Leading Fearlessly with Jessica Passmore

In this episode of Power Women of the Trades, hosts Cassie and Kailee sit down with Jessica Passmore, the COO of Harts Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC in Tacoma, Washington. Jessica shares her fascinating transition from a high-level corporate background to leading a fast-paced trades company that has grown to 130 employees under her guidance. The conversation highlights the rise of female leadership within Harts and how a diverse management team has strengthened the company's culture and operational success. Jessica also dives into the importance of industry groups like Nexstar and the impact of the Harts Academy, a program designed to build highly skilled tradespeople from the ground up. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how "trying fast and failing fast" can lead to massive growth in the home services industry.

June 5, 202623 min

From New Construction to Next Level Growth with Lauren Martin Part 2

In the second part of their conversation with Lauren Martin of Seaside Plumbing, Cassie and Kailee explore the immense opportunities for women entering the skilled trades and the power of building a diverse, empathetic workforce. Lauren discusses how female technicians often create a unique sense of comfort for homeowners, helping to break down traditional barriers and stereotypes in the industry. The episode highlights the "heartfelt service" culture at Seaside Plumbing, where Lauren prioritizes community involvement and nonprofit work through the Seaside Toolbox Academy. The trio also dives into the lighthearted side of business, sharing stories about using "sexy plumber" calendars for marketing and the bold strategy required to add new service trades. Kailee and Lauren swap insights on balancing the books as an accountant while maintaining a generous spirit toward local charities and youth outreach. This episode serves as an inspiring look at how staying true to your personal values can drive both professional growth and deep community impact.