In this episode of Forge, Josh and Kenton dive into a deeply personal story from Kenton’s early years in business. In his twenties, Kenton was heavily involved in real estate investing, building momentum with multiple properties, partnerships, and ambitious development projects.

It was a time marked by optimism, energy, and the feeling that anything was possible. Deals were working, banks were lending, and every step forward seemed to open another opportunity.

But life has a way of testing even the most confident seasons.

Within a short period of time, several major events collided. A large development project in northern Alberta fell apart at the last moment. Seven rental units over half of his portfolio, suddenly became vacant at the same time.

At home, Kenton and his wife were navigating the emotional weight of losing two grandparents within weeks of each other while also expecting their first child. What had once felt like unstoppable momentum quickly turned into overwhelming pressure.

Faced with that perfect storm, panic set in. Instead of leaning on his partners and the relationships he had built, Kenton made decisions in isolation, fire-selling properties and stepping away from opportunities that, in hindsight, could have changed the trajectory of his life.

The lesson wasn’t just about business strategy. It was about pride, communication, and the weight leaders sometimes place on their own shoulders.

Throughout the conversation, Josh and Kenton reflect on the tension many entrepreneurs experience: the instinct to shoulder responsibility alone versus the humility required to ask for help. They explore how assumptions about what others are willing or able to do can quietly shape the decisions we make in moments of stress.

They also discuss how failure affects different personalities. For someone used to succeeding, a major setback can cut deeper and take longer to recover from. The optimism and confidence that fuel early success can also make failure feel like a defining moment rather than simply part of the journey.

This episode is not about dwelling on the past, but about understanding how pivotal moments shape the way we lead, take risks, and build trust moving forward. It’s a conversation about leadership under pressure, the importance of honest dialogue with partners, and the long process of rebuilding confidence after a major setback.

Original theme music composed and performed by: Ben Smith

Produced by: Seth Steward Productions

Co produced by: Kalen Wookey

Website: https://forgealliance.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797

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In this long-distance episode of the Forge Podcast, Josh and Chris sit down nearly 800 kilometers apart and do what they’ve done for almost two decades challenge each other. What starts as a simple catch-up turns into a raw reflection on friendship, ego, business, faith, and the question that keeps surfacing in both of their lives why do we really do this?

They rewind to the beginning dating roommates, early impressions, quiet competition, and the arrogance that often hides inside young entrepreneurs trying to prove themselves. Roofing didn’t sound like much of a career. Egos were big. Perspectives were narrow. But time, hardship, and business have a way of refining people.

What grew out of that rough start became a deep friendship built mostly in the trenches of entrepreneurship long conversations about risk, leadership, family, pressure, and the weight of responsibility. A defining chapter in their story was the Pay It Forward build, a dream to rally contractors together to build a home for a family in need. No TV cameras. No spotlight.

Just tradespeople proving they are more than a stereotype. The project took years. It tested patience, partnerships, and perseverance. It nearly fell apart more than once. But it also revealed something powerful when purpose is clear, people show up.

From there, the conversation shifts into something deeper how do you take your personal why and translate it into an entire organization? How do you build a company that is not just chasing revenue but forming people?

They reflect on ideas from Good to Great by Jim Collins, leadership principles popularized by Simon Sinek, and even the scale of purpose driven vision seen in entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, but bring it back down to the trades, to real crews, real payroll, and real pressure. They wrestle with uncomfortable questions. Is money enough?

Why does entrepreneurship feel so lonely? Why do some teams buy into vision and others just clock in? Are we building companies or are our companies building us? This is not a polished leadership talk. It is two friends shaped by twenty years of shared experience admitting they are still figuring it out.

Still evolving. Still asking why they get out of bed every morning. If you are in the trades, leading a team, building something from nothing, or quietly questioning whether the grind is worth it, this episode will feel personal.

Original theme music composed and performed by Ben Smith

Produced by Seth Steward Productions

Co produced by Kalen Wookey

Website https://forgealliance.ca/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797

X https://x.com/forge_ca @Forge_CA

This episode is raw and real. We unpack what it is like to sit at the table with another fast growing company and seriously explore a full fledged joint venture in a brand new market. Valuations. Ownership splits. Hard conversations. Big vision. Even bigger responsibility.

We just walked out of a meeting that felt like a dream come true. But here is what stood out. There was no greed in the room. Instead of asking how do I win, the question was how do we all win. We talk about why collaboration over competition is the future, and what it actually takes to blend two companies, two trades, and two cultures into something unified.

Roofing and solar under one vision. Shared systems. Shared leadership. Shared risk. Building something that goes beyond profit and creates real impact in the communities we serve. We break down the balancing act of scaling without losing focus on your core business. The operational realities of training roofing and solar teams to create real efficiency.

The importance of alignment in values and why that matters more than the opportunity itself. And the nerves that come with jumping off the diving board before you know how deep the water is. We also dive into leadership growth, travel, and personal development. Why expanding your comfort zone, even socially, sharpens you as a business owner.

From lessons learned at the International Roofing Expo to conversations around solar innovation, roofing systems, and the future of integrated trades, this episode captures a pivotal moment in real time. This is not just about merging businesses. It is about merging vision.

We are stepping into a season where collaboration becomes the norm, not the exception, and we are bringing you along for the ride. If you are building, scaling, or considering partnership at any level, this one is for you.

Original theme music composed and performed by Ben Smith

Produced by Seth Steward Productions

Co produced by Kalen Wookey

Website https://forgealliance.ca/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797

X https://x.com/forge_ca @Forge_CA