Angie McKuin is the Business Development Manager at PMS, Inc., a custom steel fabrication company serving industrial and agricultural businesses. She is a fourth-generation employee of the family business.

Family businesses face a unique challenge to honor long-standing legacies while evolving for future growth. Balancing tradition with innovation can feel like a gamble. How can the next generation bring new perspectives without disrupting what already works?

Fourth-generation employee Angie McKuin has brought diverse viewpoints and a customer-first mindset to her family’s industrial business. She emphasizes the importance of improving internal culture through enhanced employee benefits, fostering a family-like work environment, and embracing technology to double production capacity. By maintaining the company’s service-based mission while innovating for the future, Angie has created intentional change.

In this week’s episode of Industry Edge, Michelle Keckler chats with Angie McKuin, Business Development Manager at PMS, Inc., about blending legacy and leadership in a fourth-generation business. Angie discusses the value of patience in driving lasting change, how she learned to navigate a male-dominated industry, and the importance of building a strong internal culture.

Heather Stone, PhD, MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Practical PhD, a leadership consultancy that helps CEOs and their second-in-command executives build effective, scalable partnerships. As a four-time company president, two-time business owner, and award-winning instructor, she created the Getting the Right Hand Right leadership training program, which offers frameworks for executives to structure, measure, and manage the COO or VP role. Heather is the co-author of the upcoming book The Problem of Togetherness and the author of Getting the Right Hand Right.

Many business owners reach a point where they know they need support at the top, but hiring a second-in-command can feel risky, even threatening. Questions of identity, trust, and control hinder the decision, and leaders often misstep. How can you structure and manage a second-in-command role to strengthen your leadership?

Leadership strategist Heather Stone has developed a five-part RIGHT framework — responsibilities, interaction, governance, heads-up, time/place — to help leaders clarify expectations and build high-functioning partnerships. Rather than viewing delegation as relinquishing responsibility, she encourages leaders to reframe it as managing risk wisely, urging them to define their goals before hiring. The key trait in any right-hand leader is a genuine commitment to helping the CEO execute their vision.

Tune in to this episode of Industry Edge as Danielle Neely chats with Heather Stone, PhD, MBA, Founder and CEO of Practical PhD, about building effective second-in-command relationships for CEOs. Heather explains how to create clear role structures, time your hire appropriately, and customize the role to your growth stage.

Pete Hayes is the Branch Manager of The Hayes Company’s Nashville branch, Hayes Insulation, which provides insulation solutions for builders and homeowners. Before launching Hayes Insulation, he worked in the automotive industry at Nissan Motor Corporation. With eight years of experience in construction and a lifetime of exposure to his family’s business, Pete specializes in small business development.

Starting and scaling a construction business can be daunting, especially when facing the pressures of a family legacy, leadership, and limited resources. Many first-time entrepreneurs in this space struggle with burnout, maintaining cash flow, and building a team that shares their vision and values. How can you transform a family-owned business into a reputable operation while staying true to your principles?

After missing a crucial family milestone, construction professional Pete Hayes left the corporate sector to return to his roots and scale his family’s business. Throughout the process of launching a new franchise location, he learned the importance of hiring based on values, not just skills, and creating a workplace where employees feel seen and invested. Pete also encourages business owners to maintain transparency with customers and employees, delegate intentionally, and mentor team members to reflect the company’s vision.

Join Michelle Keckler in this episode of Industry Edge as she hosts Pete Hayes, Branch Manager of Hayes Insulation, to discuss his process for building a family franchise business from the ground up. Pete talks about balancing growth with culture, customer service strategies, and how to manage delayed payments from customers.

Israel Woodson is the Founder and CEO of HydroCare Cleaning and Restoration, an independent company specializing in commercial tile restoration, residential floor cleaning, and water removal services. He grew up immersed in the flooring and construction industries through his father's business. After nearly a decade of owning a retail business, Israel founded HydroCare in 2011.

Many business owners underestimate how much cleanliness impacts their reputation and customer retention. A smelly bathroom, streaky floors, or dusty corners can quietly drive customers away without a word. How can you ensure your commercial space leaves a lasting impression in the areas that matter most?

According to cleaning and restoration expert Israel Woodson, cleanliness is more than aesthetic appearances; it’s a critical component of the customer experience. Commercial businesses should prioritize areas like restrooms and entryways, as these often form a guest’s first impression and can make or break their decision to return. Israel encourages moving away from outdated cleaning methods in favor of advanced tools and deep cleaning techniques that target overlooked spaces like corners and high-traffic zones. When in-house efforts fall short of expectations, hiring a cleaning company that recognizes your needs can help create a welcoming environment that supports business growth.

In this episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely hosts Israel Woodson, the Founder and CEO of HydroCare, to discuss building customer trust through service excellence. Israel talks about how he balances his personal and professional life, why commercial businesses turn to professional cleaning companies, and how to build trust and long-term relationships with commercial customers.

Charles Scott is an executive mentor who helps individuals achieve ambitious goals while crafting meaningful lives. After a 14-year career at Intel Corporation, he co-founded the non-profit Team See Possibilities, which offers scholarships and mentoring to college students with vision impairment. Charles also developed an executive workshop titled “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?,” which he delivered to thousands of CEOs and senior executives across North America. His endurance challenges have been featured in media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, FOX News, National Geographic, and Outside Magazine.

Many high-achieving professionals struggle with maintaining their physical and emotional health while reaching new heights. They often sacrifice family time, vitality, and well-being to pursue career goals, only to find themselves burned out and disconnected. How can you merge personal fulfillment with professional achievement?

Executive mentor and endurance adventurer Charles Scott encourages professionals to shift from striving for a work-life balance to achieving a work-life blend. This involves investing in multiple forms of wealth, including material, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Understanding this concept isn’t the same as implementing it, so Charles suggests leveraging mentors, peer groups, and consistent practice to bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior.

In today’s episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely sits down with executive mentor Charles Scott to talk about building a purpose-driven life without sacrificing professional goals. Charles explains the parallels between endurance challenges and leadership, how to integrate intentional living and stress management practices into your daily life, and how to shift your mindset on rest and productivity.

Justin Kelly is the Owner of Fifth & Broad, a media production company. He is also the Deacon of Audio Visual at Edgefield Church. Before founding Fifth & Broad, Justin was an Audio Technician at Bryan College and Westwood Baptist Church and the Director of Visual Content at South Street Co.

In industries like manufacturing, construction, and distribution, standing out in a crowded market can feel impossible, especially when your work isn’t flashy or glamorous. Websites and brochures alone often fall short of building the kind of trust that closes deals and attracts talent. How can businesses in gritty, hands-on industries showcase their value in a way that’s authentic and compelling?

As an expert in high-end video and photography, Justin Kelly advises leveraging visual storytelling to create emotional connections. Showcasing real people — like technicians, line workers, or supervisors — on camera helps humanize a brand and makes it more relatable. Rather than producing stock footage, Justin encourages businesses to invest in short, intentional video segments that highlight team members, work environments, and company values. A well-guided, low-stress production process can help even the most camera-shy individuals shine on screen.

In today’s episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely interviews Justin Kelly, the Owner of Fifth & Broad, about using video to build trust and drive business results. Justin shares how authentic storytelling can transform brand perception, discusses common video marketing mistakes, and why every business has a story worth conveying.

Reggie D. Ford is the Founder and President of RoseCrete Wealth Management, a financial services company for high-net-worth clients. He is also a Wellness and Resilience Architect at RoseCrete Wellness Company, where he works with corporate teams, educational institutions, and sports organizations to foster cultures of mental wellness and peak performance. As an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and mental health advocate, Reggie is the author of Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction (PTSD), and his insights have been recognized in Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30.

Many people appear to have it all together — successful careers, stable relationships, and a seemingly perfect life — yet behind closed doors, they silently struggle with mental health challenges. Unresolved trauma, stress, and emotional burdens can lead to breaking points that aren’t always visible to others. How can you navigate these hidden struggles and find support without feeling isolated or ashamed?

As a fierce advocate for mental health, Reggie D. Ford maintains that individuals must express vulnerability and seek support to overcome adversity. Rather than suppressing your emotions, developing resilience requires processing them in a healthy way. Reggie suggests beginning by identifying a trusted person — whether a friend, family member, or professional — to open up about your challenges. Professionals in leadership roles should foster workplace cultures that go beyond mental health awareness and actively support employees through policies that encourage psychological safety, open dialogue, and genuine empathy.

Join Danielle Neely in this episode of Industry Edge as she interviews Reggie D. Ford, the Founder and President of RoseCrete Wealth Management, about prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being. Reggie talks about the role of trauma-informed care in leadership, how to cultivate psychologically safe environments, and actions you can take to begin your healing journey.

Jason Sain is the Founder of 1 Degree Consulting, a consulting company for the construction industry. Through 1 Degree Consulting, he implements small, incremental changes that lead to significant improvements in the lives of individuals within the construction sector. With 25 years of experience in construction leadership, Jason has served as Executive Vice President, VP, and COO of various construction firms, managing projects ranging from $1 million to $250 million.

Navigating the construction industry requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. How can construction leaders balance innovation with consistency while keeping their teams engaged and motivated?

With decades of experience in the construction industry, Jason Sain has developed a system for guiding businesses toward operational excellence. The four p’s framework — people, processes, projects, and profits — offers a structured approach to identifying inefficiencies and driving meaningful change. Jason maintains that building trust with employees fosters effective transformation and innovation; leaders must engage their teams, communicate openly, and demonstrate that changes are in their best interest. By streamlining processes, aligning employees with optimal roles, optimizing projects for efficiency, and maintaining a clear focus on profitability, construction companies can foster sustainable growth and create a positive impact on their workforce.

In this episode of Industry Edge, Michelle Keckler hosts Jason Sain, the Founder of 1 Degree Consulting, to discuss catalyzing incremental changes in construction organizations. Jason explains why he calls himself a “Construction Sherpa,” the importance of developing core values for your company, and the technology and innovation challenges he faced while in executive roles.