In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris dives into one of today’s biggest conversations — artificial intelligence. From blueprint estimating tools to ChatGPT, AI is changing the way we run businesses, write emails, and even bid jobs. But where do we draw the line between using technology and letting it think for us? John shares how he’s using AI inside PHP Commercial Painting to boost accuracy, accountability, and profit — and why the trades still need the human touch that machines can’t replace.

In this episode, John Morris shares the core mission that drives PHP Commercial Painting: “We deliver unmatched quality and craftsmanship by ensuring every detail reflects excellence, even when no one is watching.”

John opens up about a $40,000 mistake that became a turning point for the company—a lesson in accountability, pride, and doing the right thing no matter the cost. He explains how living by a mission statement, not just writing one, builds long-term trust with clients and strengthens team culture.

You’ll learn why quality matters more than cutting corners, how to turn failure into opportunity, and why every business—and person—should define and live by their own mission statement.

In this powerful episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris addresses an urgent issue: protecting women in the construction and painting industry. After a recent incident involving harassment on a job site, John shares his frustration, his commitment to justice, and how PHP Commercial Painting is responding. He emphasizes leadership, accountability, and the need for every company—large or small—to train their employees on respect and workplace conduct. This episode is a raw, emotional reminder that doing the right thing starts with action.

In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris shares how PHP Commercial Painting built lasting partnerships that fuel millions of dollars in annual work. He breaks down what separates successful contractors from struggling ones — from reading every line of a contract to owning mistakes and overcommunicating with clients.

John also talks about the power of answering every phone call, building trust on the jobsite, and investing in relationships that bring long-term growth. Whether you’re a small business owner or a trades professional, this episode will change how you think about communication, accountability, and customer relationships in construction.

John Morris breaks down what really keeps people employed—and what quietly gets them shown the door. From arriving prepared (bring your tools!) to becoming coachable, asking for feedback, and proving value beyond your wage, John shares how average workers become leaders. He also challenges managers to give clear reasons when letting someone go so people can improve. If you want to keep your job, grow your pay, and earn trust, this one’s your blueprint.

When a third-party inspection uncovers the wrong exterior paint on a major project, John owns the mistake—then turns it into a leadership and systems lesson. In this episode, he walks through how a costly error (≈$40,000) became a catalyst for stronger processes, clearer checkpoints, and a culture where everyone asks “why.” You’ll hear how he chose accountability over insurance, worked nights with the crew to make it right, and doubled down on daily logistics huddles, peer-to-peer mentorship, and team standards that win jobs repeatedly.

Highlights

• Turning failure into process improvements

• Building accountability and spec-check checkpoints

• Teaching teams to ask “why” and bring solutions

• Replicating what top crews do right

• Burnout, self-care, and trusting your team

If you lead people—in construction or anywhere—this is a blueprint for owning problems and coming back stronger.

John sits down with Jade Laws, a new team member who came home in January 2025 after 8.9 years incarcerated. In this candid conversation, Jade shares the real reentry journey—applications and offers pulled after background checks, rebuilding family relationships, and the grind of saving every dollar to move into her first apartment. She talks about skills she gained inside (MVD call center, B2B sales), why meal prep and budgeting matter, and the mindset shift that keeps her moving forward: don’t go back; one foot in front of the other. They compare men’s and women’s experiences coming home, the power of soft skills, and how employers can create real second-chance opportunities. If you’re starting over—or hiring people who are—this episode is a field guide to resilience, work ethic, and hope.

Highlights:

• Getting hired after incarceration: the real obstacles

• Building soft skills that win jobs

• Budgeting, meal prep, and avoiding “make-up” spending

• Reconnecting with family while staying focused on goals

• Why women’s reentry paths can look different—and what helps

In Episode 84, John Morris gets real about what “doing the right thing” looks like when you’re leading a growing company and a community. He shares why decisions must be logical—not emotional—when you’re responsible for the greater good, how PHP Commercial Painting became bigger than any one person, and why daily “What’s your win?” check-ins keep a large team feeling like family.

John also walks through a raw, in-the-moment story: a former employee calls while slipping back into alcohol. What follows is tough love, clear boundaries, and a concrete plan—90 days in a program, vocational training, and a guaranteed shot at a job if he does the work. This episode is about sober leadership, second chances without enabling, and building systems—halfway houses, mentors, budgeting basics—that turn “handouts” into a real hand up.

Highlights:

• Making unemotional, business-first decisions for the greater good

• Why PHP’s identity is bigger than a name

• Daily wins: the 9 a.m. Zoom that builds culture

• Tough love, treatment, and a path back to work

• The recipe for success: common sense, budgeting, and sobriety