By John Galdo,

Starting your own business is a leap of faith—a mix of nerve and excitement combined to form a unique experience into uncharted waters. I dove into the outdoor shade solutions market headfirst armed with structural systems expertise from Williamson Trade School and plenty of ambition. I never could have imagined how the business would evolve, and how I would evolve along with it. As many entrepreneurs discover, ambition alone doesn’t pave the road to success. It’s a bumpy ride, filled with unexpected challenges.

My initial challenge? Workforce. In an industry ruled by tight timelines and strict quality control, finding skilled, dependable help was nearly impossible. I can’t count the mornings spent waiting for someone who never showed up, wondering how on earth I was going to build a reliable business without reliable help.

Everything changed when I met a representative from Carpenters Union, Local 158. This wasn’t just a conversation—it was the turning point for my business. He promised he could deliver a reliable workforce of union carpenters. Skilled, reliable, ready to tackle any project thrown their way. The union delivered, and I received a trained team of construction professionals. It was a game-changer. Not just in words but in actual, tangible results.

With a solid team by my side, suddenly our capabilities and the possibilities grew tremendously, seemingly overnight. No more frantic scrambles to find last-minute help or re-do poor installations. We elevated our service, meeting not just the basic needs but exceeding expectations, building confidence that we could deliver top-notch results consistently.

This partnership opened more doors than I could have imagined. It wasn’t just about filling labor gaps; it’s about connecting with industry leaders, landing high-profile contracts, and setting a foundation for sustained growth. It brought a sense of stability and respect that only comes when you know you can count on your team.

To my fellow entrepreneurs wrestling with QuickBooks and wondering if the profit margins will ever tip in their favor—remember, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the people you team up with. My partnership with the union carpenters wasn’t just a strategic move; it was a decision that reshaped my business and is opening doors that would have been far too heavy to open without the help of a skilled and powerful workforce.