As 2025 wraps up, Titans of the Trades host Ryan Englin takes a step back to reflect on a year that reshaped how the trades operate and what it means to lead in this changing landscape. From new frameworks to future-focused conversations, this episode challenges every construction leader to think bigger, act bolder, and lead better.
The Year That Changed Everything
This year marked a milestone, Episode 100, and with it, the launch of the Choice Framework. Ryan describes it as a blueprint for becoming an employer of choice, a company that skilled workers actively seek out, not just a place that offers a paycheck.
For decades, the trades have been “stuck in their ways,” resistant to change. But as Ryan points out, real growth comes from those willing to evolve. The Choice Framework is Core Matters’ way of helping business owners make that shift by focusing on leadership, engagement, and culture as the foundation for business success.
The Engagement Crisis No One Can Afford to Ignore
One of the most powerful insights from the episode is the cost of employee disengagement. Using data from Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace, Ryan breaks it down: disengaged employees are costing U.S. companies 8.4% of GDP.
In construction terms, that’s millions in lost productivity, safety issues, and rework. For a $100M company, that’s roughly $8.4M in lost value. Money that could be fueling growth instead of being burned by inefficiency.
The good news? Disengagement isn’t permanent. It’s a leadership opportunity. And Ryan’s message is clear: you have control over this problem, and it starts with equipping your managers with empathy and better tools.
The Shifting Value of Work
Ryan also touches on the role of AI in today’s workforce. While many white-collar professionals are worried about automation, the trades may be entering a golden era. As he puts it, “the cost of knowledge is going to zero,” but the value of doing is rising.
This shift underscores why blue collar leadership must evolve. Not only to attract the next generation of workers but to elevate the profession itself.
A Call to Lead the Change
Looking ahead to 2026, Ryan calls on trade leaders to stop waiting for someone else to fix the labor crisis. Private equity pressures, low bids, and delayed projects may be shaping the landscape, but they don’t have to define your future.
The solution lies in training, engagement, and leadership. Companies that invest in their people today will be the ones that thrive tomorrow.
And that’s Ryan’s mission for the new year: to share more tools, insights, and solo episodes designed to help you move the needle. One step at a time.
If you’re ready to build a business that top talent wants to join and customers can’t stop talking about, this episode is your roadmap for what’s next.
Connect With Ryan:
Website: https://corematters.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/
Titans of the Trades: https://www.linkedin.com/company/titans-of-the-trades/
Episode 100: https://corematters.com/podcast/becoming-the-employer-everyone-wants/
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