Learning from Roofing Contractors: The Importance of Community and Teamwork
December 8, 2023
As I Meet Roofing Contractors Nationwide, I'm Always Amazed by Their Stories.
They've started their own businesses and faced tough times with so much courage. Their experiences show us that working together makes us stronger.
Sharing and Working Together Makes Us Stronger
I started to really grow in my personal and work life around 2017. This was when I began to talk openly in small groups, sharing ideas and problems. Being honest and open in these groups helped me find new ways to do better in business and understand myself more.
Being True to Yourself
The biggest change in my life was learning to be my true self. This wasn't just about feeling good personally; it was about encouraging others to find their true selves too. I started telling people about the power of finding a group, a mentor, or a community that shares your goals and values.
The Arena: A Place for Leaders to Grow
Together with Joseph Hughes from Contractor Dynamics, we started a community called
The Arena
. It quickly became a place where people with different levels of business success could come together. But what's really special about The Arena is the people – leaders who want to do great things for their teams and communities.
Insights from the Best of Success Conference
Recently, we attended the
Best of Success Conference
in Frisco, Texas. It was an enlightening experience, packed with valuable insights and great for relationship building. We had impromptu client dinners, received fantastic feedback, and listened to roofers from across the country about their experiences and struggles. Highlighting that they aren’t just out there chasing leads, but the relationships and consultative support they need to reach the next level of growth. It's amazing to not only hear about their successes, but also give space to voice frustrations and offer help where we can.
Leadership in Every Part of Life
Being a good leader is about more than just business. It's about being a better family member, partner, and person in your community. In The Arena, we focus on this kind of leadership. It's about growing, being open, and celebrating many successes. We build a support system that helps everyone keep learning and sharing.
Sharing and Helping Each Other
I encourage you to find your group, ask for help when needed, and be open and honest. Share what you know and your successes. Think about giving more than receiving. By sharing, we make our own lives richer and help make the world a better place. We all have things to teach and share, and it's important to pass this on to others.
Conclusion: Growing Together
As we go through life, let's remember how important it is to work together and be real leaders. It's not just about doing well in business; it's about creating a place where everyone can do well, learn, and give back. By finding your group and being your true self, you can change your life and make a big difference in the lives of others.
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August 7, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Brad Dalton, the artist and founder behind Clay and Spirit and New Creation Pottery. Brad’s mission? To handcraft deeply personal, faith-filled gifts that speak to the soul using clay as his canvas and spirit as his guide. Inspired by a calling from God and the enduring encouragement of his late friend John Ruhlin, Brad creates “living artifacts” pottery pieces that celebrate love, legacy, and personal affirmation. Each creation begins with a story, shaped by heartfelt words from the giver, and ends as a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured reminder of connection. Brad opens up about his artistic journey, how he rediscovered clay in college, and how he turned a creative spark into a ministry of healing, encouragement, and faith. From his workshop to homes across the country, Brad’s gifts are transforming hearts one vessel at a time. Key Moments: 00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 03:03 Brad's Early Creative Memories 06:06 The Role of Faith in Life & Art 13:40 Meeting John Ruhlin & The Artifact Mug 21:32 John Ruhlin's Legacy and Spirit 27:33 The Creative Process of the Artifact Mug 31:46 Meaningful Gifting and Emotional Impact 37:35 Clay and Spirit: Integrating Faith & Art 41:41 Being a Pure Vessel & Recovering Wonder 45:44 The Spiritual Foundations 51:00 Advice for Artists & Meaningful Giving 56:06 Leaving a Legacy of Love 01:00:06 Dreams, Loss, and RC Street Racing 01:04:11 Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts 01:11:11 Closing Remarks & Podcast Wrap Up Connect with Brad Dalton: 🌐 Instagram: / clay_and_spirit 👉 Facebook: / brad.dalton.56 🌐 LinkedIn: / brad-dalton-421886197 🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com 📸 Instagram: / bigfish.benny 👉 Facebook: / fisherbenny 🌐 LinkedIn: / fisherbenny Watch the full episode now and subscribe to The Big Fish Cares Podcast for more conversations that matter!

July 29, 2025
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting Benny Fisher, entrepreneur and Visionary Navigator, joins Eric McKenna on The Eric McKenna Project Podcast #386 for an in-depth conversation about the future of business, technology, and personal growth. In this episode, Benny shares his journey from building and exiting Big Fish Contracting , one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies, to guiding entrepreneurs toward alignment, creativity, and sustainable success. He and Eric dive into the big questions every business leader should be thinking about: What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI and automation will reshape the future of work and entrepreneurship Why real human connection is becoming the most valuable currency in a digital world The role of curiosity, creativity, and free will in unlocking your potential Lessons from scaling and successfully exiting Big Fish Contracting Why transparency, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the keys to future-ready businesses Why This Episode Matters As a founder or visionary leader, navigating the future means more than just keeping up with technology—it’s about creating space to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow without losing yourself . Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about where the world is heading, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think bigger, and embrace the changes coming your way. 📺 Watch the full conversation now and explore Benny’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work.

August 7, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Brad Dalton, the artist and founder behind Clay and Spirit and New Creation Pottery. Brad’s mission? To handcraft deeply personal, faith-filled gifts that speak to the soul using clay as his canvas and spirit as his guide. Inspired by a calling from God and the enduring encouragement of his late friend John Ruhlin, Brad creates “living artifacts” pottery pieces that celebrate love, legacy, and personal affirmation. Each creation begins with a story, shaped by heartfelt words from the giver, and ends as a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured reminder of connection. Brad opens up about his artistic journey, how he rediscovered clay in college, and how he turned a creative spark into a ministry of healing, encouragement, and faith. From his workshop to homes across the country, Brad’s gifts are transforming hearts one vessel at a time. Key Moments: 00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 03:03 Brad's Early Creative Memories 06:06 The Role of Faith in Life & Art 13:40 Meeting John Ruhlin & The Artifact Mug 21:32 John Ruhlin's Legacy and Spirit 27:33 The Creative Process of the Artifact Mug 31:46 Meaningful Gifting and Emotional Impact 37:35 Clay and Spirit: Integrating Faith & Art 41:41 Being a Pure Vessel & Recovering Wonder 45:44 The Spiritual Foundations 51:00 Advice for Artists & Meaningful Giving 56:06 Leaving a Legacy of Love 01:00:06 Dreams, Loss, and RC Street Racing 01:04:11 Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts 01:11:11 Closing Remarks & Podcast Wrap Up Connect with Brad Dalton: 🌐 Instagram: / clay_and_spirit 👉 Facebook: / brad.dalton.56 🌐 LinkedIn: / brad-dalton-421886197 🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com 📸 Instagram: / bigfish.benny 👉 Facebook: / fisherbenny 🌐 LinkedIn: / fisherbenny Watch the full episode now and subscribe to The Big Fish Cares Podcast for more conversations that matter!

July 29, 2025
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting Benny Fisher, entrepreneur and Visionary Navigator, joins Eric McKenna on The Eric McKenna Project Podcast #386 for an in-depth conversation about the future of business, technology, and personal growth. In this episode, Benny shares his journey from building and exiting Big Fish Contracting , one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies, to guiding entrepreneurs toward alignment, creativity, and sustainable success. He and Eric dive into the big questions every business leader should be thinking about: What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI and automation will reshape the future of work and entrepreneurship Why real human connection is becoming the most valuable currency in a digital world The role of curiosity, creativity, and free will in unlocking your potential Lessons from scaling and successfully exiting Big Fish Contracting Why transparency, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the keys to future-ready businesses Why This Episode Matters As a founder or visionary leader, navigating the future means more than just keeping up with technology—it’s about creating space to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow without losing yourself . Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about where the world is heading, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think bigger, and embrace the changes coming your way. 📺 Watch the full conversation now and explore Benny’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work.

June 17, 2025
I’m Nes, Benny’s Marketing Director, and usually the person behind the scenes helping bring all the brand content to life. But this week, I stepped out from behind the laptop and into the room. I flew into Pittsburgh to work with Benny in person for the first time since August. We had content to plan, creative to shape, and new ideas to bring to life. But what I didn’t expect was to walk into a moment that would stay with me long after the cameras stopped rolling. That afternoon, Jeff Hancher walked onto set to record an episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast. I knew Jeff’s background. His leadership coaching, his military service, his Fortune 500 success. But I didn’t know the story behind all that. Not the way he told it. From the moment he sat down, something shifted in the room. He spoke with a depth and clarity that made everything else fade into the background. He talked about growing up in poverty. About watching his mom cut her medication in half just to make it last. About holding her during seizures. About wondering if he’d ever escape the weight of where he came from. And he didn’t just say it. He felt it. So did we. I’ve worked on podcasts before, but this was my first time in the room as one was being recorded. I thought I’d be focused on angles, lighting, social content. But instead, I found myself locked into every word. There were moments when I had actual goosebumps. You could hear it in the silence, in the weight of the pauses. It was real. And it was rare. But Jeff didn’t just speak about struggle. He spoke about leadership with a kind of intentionality that stuck with me. He talked about the power of culture. How the environment we create can either crush people or call them into something greater. He talked about feedback, mentorship, and what it means to show up for others with strength and softness. He told stories of mentors who taught him how to lead. Not just in theory, but in practice. Who helped him find his voice, carry himself with confidence, and rise without forgetting where he came from. And when he talked about losing his mother — the heartbreak, the timing, the unraveling that almost followed — it didn’t feel like a story. It felt like grief in real time. And then came the turning point. One leader stepped in and refused to let him quit. That moment hit me. Hard. It reminded me why I do this work. Why stories matter. Why leadership, when done right, isn’t just about strategy. It’s about people. Jeff’s new book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, goes even deeper into these lessons. It’s a book about leadership, yes. But also about healing, purpose, and what it means to lead from experience, not ego. If you’ve ever felt unseen, unsure, or like your story disqualifies you, listen to this episode. Then read Jeff’s book. Let it remind you that some of the most powerful leaders are the ones who had to fight their way forward and chose to bring others with them. �55356;�57241; Watch the full episode with Jeff Hancher on The Big Fish Cares Podcast Now available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. �55357;�56536; Grab Jeff’s book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, here → https://www.firmfeedbackbook.com/ And if you ever get the chance to be in the room—take it. Some stories deserve to be felt up close.

May 22, 2025
Discover how creative strategist Elayna Snyder uses “artistic noticing” to unlock creative flow and build confidence in business and life. This post explores simple daily practices for noticing inspiration, trusting your perspective, and turning your differences into strengths. Featuring insights from The Big Fish Cares Podcast, you’ll learn how to break old patterns and reconnect with your creative self. Listen to the full conversation and find more creative resources inside.