Recruiting in construction has long been a reactionary task, something business owners only deal with when a key worker quits or a new contract requires more manpower. But what if recruiting wasn’t just HR’s problem? What if it was a strategic growth function, just like sales?
In this eye-opening episode of Titans of the Trades, Ryan Englin chats with John Nieuwenburg, Founder of W5 Coaching. John has spent over 20 years coaching business owners, many of them in the trades, and he’s seen a pattern. Contractors wait until they’re desperate to hire. Then they scramble, post a generic job ad, and hope for the best. Sound familiar?
Instead, John urges business owners to think ahead and build a bench. Don’t wait until you need someone to start looking. Form relationships with good people now, even if they’re not ready to jump ship yet. If you know that the best candidates are currently employed, your job is to stay top of mind until the moment they’re ready to move.
Job Ads That Work Like Sales Copy
According to John, most job ads are a snoozefest. “Wanted: Plumber” doesn’t speak to why someone wants to leave their current job. But a headline like “Tired of Working for a Bad Boss?” gets attention. That’s the marketing angle. Speak to pain points. Sell the why, not just the job description.
John’s advice: write your job ad like a sales page. Give 10 reasons someone should want to work for you. Highlight lifestyle benefits. Talk about your team, your leadership, your culture. These are the things that make people leave, or stay, in construction.
Why 50% of New Hires Don’t Work Out
John reveals another uncomfortable truth: half of all new hires don’t work out. And it’s not because they lack skills. It’s about fit, culture, and mindset. Worse, contractors often keep bad hires because they stopped recruiting after filling the seat.
If you always have potential candidates in the pipeline, it’s easier to make tough decisions. You gain leverage. The employee no longer has all the power because you have options too.
What Happens If You Leave for 3 Months?
Imagine walking away from your business for three months. What would happen? If the idea terrifies you, John says you don’t own a business; you own a job. The most valuable businesses are self-managing. They can run without you.
And if you’re thinking about selling someday, you’ll want that structure in place. Otherwise, you’ll get stuck with an earn-out agreement and a new boss calling the shots.
This Isn’t Woo-Woo Coaching – It’s a Wake-Up Call
This episode challenges long-held beliefs in construction leadership. It’s not about filling roles. It’s about building a resilient business that thrives with or without you.
Curious what else John has to say about culture, legacy, and the real reason behind your staffing issues?
Listen to the full episode and rethink how you lead, hire, and build for the future.
Connect With John:
Website: https://w5coaching.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-coach-canada/
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