Surging Forward Podcast - A Podcast Devoted To The Working Class

In this Episode I was actually on the Road and was able to answer a question that I posted on Facebook. I simply asked what are some of the biggest Hurdles that you feel keep you from succeeding in the Trades or on your job. There was a Large response over many of the groups that I am in. All of which I will address in future episodes. The one that seemed to be the biggest hurdle was how to gain more knowledge so you can grow and become successful.   So this episode which is my first episode recorded while on the road will show you the many ways where you can Gain the knowledge needed to Keep you Surging Forward. As usual I look forward to your comments. If you enjoy this podcast please feel free to leave a comment below, share with a friend and also visit or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ We also have a You tube page where you can watch the actual podcast visit us at https://www.youtube.com/user/surgingforward Looking to network and get personal training visit us on face book cli

It has been a busy week for me this week. I had the opportunity to go over to the UK and inspect some Industrial equipment. I have had many tell me "wow", that is really cool you must have had a great time. Others, have asked me how I fit that into my busy schedule.  As I was thinking about this, I realized that I really didn't have enough time to get done what I needed to do, because there is only 24 hrs in a day. Sometimes we wish there were more hours, but I am sure we would use those up also. Of the 24 hours we also have to sleep at least 6 to 8 hours or more, so that even gives us less time.               As I speak to  many people whether an apprentice in the trades, or a project manager in the office, everyone seems to simply be maintaining and always running behind. Many times it seems we tend to always just be putting out small fires, when dealing with issues that arise, the problem is that there are so many and we never catch up. This really seems to increase during the holidays as many times peop

  Are you simply going along for the ride or are you driving the car?  Which choice will take you where you want to go?  Last week on Episode 68 we spoke about “Turning a Negative Into a Positive” and we are going to continue speaking about this, in this week’s episode “Deal With It”. In the construction trade we work ourselves out of a job.  If you haven’t been laid off it may very well happen in the future; because this is just the nature of our job.  Should we slow down our work to make the job last longer? No, because then the boss will not be making any money and if he isn’t making any money he will not be able to keep us working, so we have the same result.  We should always be planning our future so that we can deal with the unexpected turns in life.  We talk about safety on the job all the time; be alert, be prepared, look around and know what’s going on around you.  We need to do this in our careers also.  We have to always be looking for that opportunity.  When working in the Trades you need to un

  You may be wondering about the strange title I chose for this week episode. Why talk about a negative so close to Thanksgiving.Yes it is that time and to be truthful many of you may not think you have much to be thankful about. Lets be real It seems too many other things control our lives including our jobs schedule, our boss, our family, even things we have to get done for a good cause.  Many people put on the face of being thankful but are really hurting and just wish for once that someone would just listen to them. That is the reason for the title. I want to talk how you can take a negative a turn it to a positive.  I  have always tried to be honest when sharing with my students when teaching the Apprenticeship. I don’t sugar coat things and say crazy things like once you get your Journeyman's card life will be easy. That’s not how it is at all.  Many of you listening know good and well how hard the trades are.  I would like to share with you actually two stories and both are true and both are about th

Are You Going in the Right Direction – Sometimes as leaders we tend to feel alone and that no one understands the stress that we have. I would like to address this by wrapping up the past six episodes in our series on the Six Basic Human Needs.     By understanding how to apply each of the Six Basic Human Needs we will learn to see how looking out for the needs of others, your own needs as a leader will be met.   We will see how when motivating others to succeed, we will succeed as well. Basic Need Number One was discussed in Episode 61 “A False Sense of Security”.  We talked about Certainty and Comfort.  Leaders guide those under them to get training that may benefit their career this will give their workers more self-confidence instead of the feeling of helplessness.  You as a leader may be the only positive voice speaking into their lives. Basic Need Number Two was discussed in Episode 62 “Changing the Mundane”. We talked about Variety. Leaders provide a break from the mundane by becoming more creative

Contribution, this is number six in our series on the Six Basic Human Needs. Contribution, what does it mean?  Why is it one of the six basic human needs that we all have? We all have dreams and aspirations.  When we were young maybe we wanted to go to the stars or even become the president.  But what are you good at?  What is it that you can do naturally?  We look around us and try to do what others do, but what is your special skill?  Using that skill, that talent, is your contribution.  A contribution is using our talents to make this world a better place.  Contribution gives us a sense of value and worth.  It is the knowledge that we are making a difference in someone’s life. There is a Bible parable about “Talents”.  Summarized it is about a master that gives out some talents to his workers before he leaves on a trip.  When he returns, he calls his workers unto himself and wants to see how they used the talents he gave them.  What contribution did they make?  Two of the workers doubled their talents. 

Growth, this is number five in our series on The Six Basic Human Needs We have all been in a place where we want to quit, but growing is vital in order to avoid the risk of failing to keep “Surging Forward”. We have all heard and even the Bible states to be content.  But being content does not mean becoming stagnant.  Growth or continuing to improve yourself also does not mean having to be better than everyone else.  Around the world many say we are different, but in many ways we are very much the same.  We all have a desire to grow.  But sometimes we don’t know how to grow or we are fearful of the unknown.  Sometimes we don’t know who to trust.  Trust is a big factor in growth, but we all fear getting hurt or burned by someone we care about.  That goes back to the “Love Connection”.  But we need to make a choice to grow.  If we don’t make a choice to grow, we can become like standing water.  Standing water becomes stagnant.  It starts to smell.  Mosquito larvae and bad stuff begin to breed. This can happen

The Love Connection, this is number four in our series on the Six Basic Human Needs Remember the song, “What’s Love Got to do With It.  Loves got everything to do with it.  We all have this deep down desire to be loved, but many people go out looking for love just like another song says “… In All the Wrong Places”.  They have that roaming eye, that desire to be with someone when they don’t even know who they are.  That one night stand, satisfaction for about 10 – 15 minutes and then it wears off and they feel that sense of loneliness and the pain that it didn’t work out again. In scripture Jesus states that the greatest commandment is to love.  Not talking about a sexual or romantic love, but the true deep love.  But before you can be loved and cared for, you have to put yourself out there and be vulnerable.  It is called the “Servant Attitude” of taking that first step.  When you do for other people, they will be thankful and have a sense of love or being cared for.  It starts from you.  We need to do for

Significance – “The Need to Feel Important” this is number three in our series on the Six Basic Human Needs.  If we search deep down in our hearts, we all have the need to feel important.    We are not talking about being the President of the United States or a famous football player or the lead speaker at an event.  But just in our family, around friends, at work or wherever, we want to feel important.  When we are constantly comparing ourselves to someone else we start failing, because we are trying to live someone else’s life.  We need to find our special gift.  Find out what you enjoy doing and bring others along. Often you hear people saying “I deserve” or “I need a raise” or “I have to have more money”.  It is not the responsibility of someone else to take care of your needs.  It is up to you to make “choices”.  If someone else is making choices for you then you are not going to feel significant.  We need to make our own decisions.  If we want a raise because we don’t have enough money, then we need t

Variety - “Changing the Mundane” this is number two in our series on the Six Basic Human Needs.  We need to have variety in our lives.  We don’t want to just keep doing the same thing over and over.  If we just keep doing the same thing everyday, day in and day out this can lead to being stuck in a rut and feeling like you are not making a difference with people.  Without variety you can get burned out.  It can lead to lead to drinking or even taking drugs to try to escape. We need to have some kind of variety in our lives, something to break up the mundane.  Most of us work a five day work week, but we need sometime, evenings or better yet set aside one day a week to do something that is not work.  Go on a vacation and enjoy yourself.  We may think that we are too busy providing for our families to take some time off, but you need a break to re-energize yourself.  Need to find some quality time to spend with family and friends so that your world is not all just about work.  No matter your age we all need t

This is the first of a six part series in which I will be talking about The six basis needs that we all need and how we can start the process to stay in a positive circle.  Life can be tough and have many ups and downs, just having a place to go where you can find comfort in a tough situation can make all the difference. The only way that this can be done comes back to us, we have to make a choice, join me as I discuss how you can begin your  own journey. Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward If you enjoy this podcast please share with a friend and also visit or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ We also have a You tube page where you can watch the actual podcast visit us at https://www.youtube.com/user/surgingforward Looking to network and get personal training visit us on face book click here Follow us on twitter click here Follow us on Instagram. Contractor and Tradesman courses visit our website at www.surgingforward.com [maxbutton id="2" ] [maxbutton id="1" ]

Many of us come up with that great idea that can make something easier. Yet most of us do not really do anything about it. In today's episode of the Surging Forward podcast you will here the story of how a simple tradesman that works hard every day took a simple idea and made an actual working product that he than got into selling at his local retailer. Find out how he was able to take his ideas to reality and make a product that every electrician can use as well as any other trade that uses a simple Fish Tape.  Learn how you can make you dream a reality. Links for the Reel Deal Fish Tape Adapter https://www.facebook.com/fishtapeadapter/ Links for Tradesman courses www.surgingforward.com Visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/

In this Podcast Episode I talk about the question that many ask, "Should I give a two weeks notice?" In the discussion I will address the pros and cons as to how giving a two weeks notice or choosing not to give a notice can affect your reputation in the field as well as later on in life. Electricians, HAVC tech, Plumbers and many tradesman face these issues as well as those in other careers.  How do you handle them as a worker, Project Manager, Foreman, or other Manger can mean the difference in that next great opportunity.   Many look at the issues of today and fail to look at what the consequences of our choices we make will affect our future down the road.  I look forward to your comments and your stories as we share the 4 reasons why you should always give a notice before quitting. Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward If you enjoy this podcast please share with a friend and also visit or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ We also have a You tube page where you can watch the actual

Find the Drive within you that can help you succeed. In this episode I was able to interview Ryan Jackson.  Ryan shares his story about how he was able to become successful and about how to be the best a what you do. Ryan brings a passion and a drive from his experience. This experience shows us how to use the negativity that is given in life and turn it into a drive that helps you become  the best you can be.  Find out how you can step up to the challenge and overcome some of the many issues that you may encounter in life. Do you have a story about your success contact us and I look forward to your comments. Here are some of the links from the show. Ryan Jackson Electrical Training www.ryanjacksonelectrical.com Ryan Jackson Facebook link Surging Forward Facebook link www.surgingforward.com [maxbutton id="2" ]  [maxbutton id="1" ]

Many times things happen in our lives that are not in our control. Some of the situations we can see coming down the road and some we cannot. Many time we cannot even prepare for the disaster that may be looming ahead. The most important key to being able to Surging Forward during and after is to keep hope alive. I also means not being taken advantage of and knowing who is there to help and who is there to take advantage of a bad situation. Dont be a victim after a disaster. Keep your mind sharp and stay focuses. This too will pass and there are good people always to help you out. Join me in todays episode as I talk about the Trades and rebuilding after. Hurricane Harvey. Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward. All Tradesman check out this facebook page that was created by a Tradesman looking out for others, to get the latest on how you can help Hurricane Harvey Reconstruction  

You ever have one of those days where things just seem to be against you? everywhere you turn something happens or there is a new problem rising to the surface.  How we react to these circumstances, many which are beyond our control, is a choice that we must make each and every time. Making the wrong choice can cause a domino effect in which the fires never seem to end. Making the right choice can Keep you Surging Forward to achieve your goals based on your decisions, not what others do. Other people influence or lives in so many negative ways without us even realizing the damage being done to our own reputations due to allowing the circumstances around us to affect the way we react toward others.  Many times you may never know an opportunity that may have been lost. Serving your customers as a contractor, whether you are an electrician, HVAC technician, Plumber, or any other tradesman or career you are in can be a challenging job in it self. Learning how to deal with each situation in its own way will allo

Ever want to have that feeling of accomplishment? How do you get there? What to do when you get there? In this episode I will be talking about the 4 ways to achieve the dreams, goals and success that you dream of or want to achieve. You have to keep these 4 steps in your circle of think before you can even think of reaching your success. You can achieve your goals and you aspirations by simply taking the step.          We all have dreams, goals,    as well as things we want to accomplish. Help understand you reasons for that and you will make it through any issues that may stand in your way.  Enjoy the podcast and I look forward to your comments. This message is great for Tradesman, Project managers, Foreman, or any other person wanting to grow their career. If you enjoy this podcast please share with a friend and also visit or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ We also have a You tube page where you can watch the actual podcast visit us at https://www.youtube.com/user/surgingforward

We have all heard those words from somebody that is actually Bold enough to say "I'm Always Right. How arrogant is that really. That is what many people actually think you have to be in order to be a good leader.This is so far from the truth. In this weeks episode I am going to address some of these hard facts that many don't want to discuss because they think it makes them a weaker person if they do not know everything. I look forward to you comments about this episode drop us a line on Face book at the link below. Please feel free to pass the episode along a nd show your peers how to Keep Surging Forward by subscribing to this podcast. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and Remember to Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward. Looking for Training for your Tradesman CEU's or start your own Contracting Business www.surgingforward.com Join us on Face Book click here  Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram [maxbutton id="2" ]     [maxbutton id="1" ]  

We are often angry when we find out that someone has not been honest with us and we find out they were not telling the whole truth. As I suspect most of us would be very offended. It may also cause a rift in the relationship with that individual.  This weeks episode I talk about 3 things big questions that we should ask ourselves. The way you answer these questions will define as to how you will be able to Keep Surging Forward. In order to Keep Surging Forward and become a good leader it is important that we understand that many times Honesty may mean different things to different people, and may no always be truth. Join me today for this weeks episode as I share the 3 questions and some insights that will help you make your own choice. Looking for Training for your Tradesman CEU's or start your own Contracting Business www.surgingforward.com Join us on Face Book click here  Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram  

Sometimes the Passion need to Keep Surging Forward requires that you must dig deep down to find the passion needed to overcome the struggles that will come on the road ahead. My friends the struggle will come, it is how you handle them that will define you as a leader. We all here the words never quit, but those are just words, when the storms come in life will you just rum for shelter or will you face it head on. You see every time you run away you are that much further from your dreams. Today is a great Interview with David Rubalcava of the Awaken the Leader Podcast. Join me today as we dig deep to find your Passion. Check Out the Awaken the Leader website at www.awakentheleaderinside.com Thank you for checking us out and if you enjoy the podcast leave us a review on ITunes simply slick below [maxbutton id="1" ]                        [maxbutton id="2" ]