In this special Christmas Day episode of Workforce Skills, John sits down with Kenny Austin to share a powerful story of transformation, accountability, and second chances.
Kenny opens up about his journey through addiction, prison, recovery, and rebuilding his life through hard work, mentorship, and structure. From graduating the New Freedom program to rising through the ranks at PHP Commercial Painting, Kenny explains how trusting the process, asking for help, and surrounding himself with the right people changed everything.
This conversation dives into life inside a halfway house, the realities of recovery during the holidays, leadership through accountability, and what it truly means to earn a “hand up” instead of a handout. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is proof that real change is possible.
In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris delivers a blunt but necessary message as the holidays approach: slow the f* down**. From costly estimating mistakes and rushed jobsite work to emotional decisions that derail careers and lives, John explains why speed is often the enemy of success.
Drawing from real experiences in business, leadership, recovery, and workforce development, John breaks down the importance of quality over quantity, logic over emotion, and patience over pressure—especially for those rebuilding their lives after incarceration or addiction.
This episode is a reminder that real growth doesn’t happen overnight, mistakes multiply when we rush, and the best outcomes come when we take our time and do things the right way.
In this episode of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John sits down with Sarah Gehrt, a graduate of his workforce and life skills classes who once came through his reentry program after serving six years in prison.
Sarah opens up about a lifetime of addiction, the moment everything caught up with her, and what it took to finally decide, “If I want to be something different, I have to do something different.” She shares how John’s “beast mode” mindset, accountability, and real-world workforce skills helped her go from angry and resistant to applying for 60 jobs in a week, pursuing education, and rebuilding her life.
Today, Sarah is a Walden University graduate (summa cum laude), the first recipient of a full-ride Bridges Reentry scholarship, and a Student Success Advisor supporting hundreds of students. She now mentors other women coming out of incarceration, advocates for stronger vocational and soft-skills programs, and proves that your past doesn’t have to define your future.
If you’re coming out of prison, in recovery, hiring second-chance employees, or you just need a reminder that change is possible, this conversation will hit home.
In Episode 94 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris sits down with a very special guest — his wife, Lori Morris — to talk openly and honestly about what it’s really like to work together every single day.
John and Lori share the routines, boundaries, struggles, and habits that keep their marriage strong while running a fast-paced commercial painting company. From early-morning schedules and office roles to gym time, decompressing at home, and setting clear “work zones” vs “home zones,” they break down how they’ve learned to thrive both professionally and personally.
They also dive into deeper topics: addiction, sobriety, past marriages, sacrifice, misunderstandings, and why supporting each other’s goals is the foundation of their success. Lori talks about how her perception of people in recovery changed after meeting the men and women who work at PHP Commercial Painting — and how lack of support at home can derail someone’s progress.
Whether you work with your spouse, want to understand relationship dynamics in a business, or just want an honest conversation about partnership and growth, this is one of the most candid episodes yet.
The holidays aren’t easy for everyone — especially for employees struggling with loneliness, financial stress, addiction, or family issues. In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, John Morris opens up about why this season can be the most dangerous and emotionally challenging time of the year for many workers, especially those rebuilding their lives after prison, addiction, or homelessness.
John talks candidly about the realities he sees every year: people slipping back into old habits, isolating themselves, or simply getting “too far in their own head.” He explains how business owners and leaders can step up, watch for warning signs, offer support, and create a family-like culture that keeps people grounded through the holidays.
From opening his own home for Thanksgiving to encouraging employees to look out for one another, John shares practical, heartfelt examples of how leadership extends far beyond job sites, production, and profit — especially right now.
This episode is a reminder that the holidays don’t need to be perfect. They need to be supportive.
In Episode 92 of Workforce Skills, John Morris breaks down one of the most important realities in today’s business world: technology-driven change is no longer optional — it’s required for growth.
From outgrowing legacy systems like WorkGlue to implementing advanced tools like RingCentral, AI-driven estimating platforms, real-time scheduling, equipment tracking, and internal automation, John shares how PHP Commercial Painting is transforming operations at every level.
He explains why many companies stay stuck: leaders are afraid of new technology, avoid risk, and refuse to adapt. But the businesses willing to evolve — willing to automate, innovate, and modernize their systems — are the ones that scale.
This episode is a must-listen for business owners, managers, and anyone responsible for operations or technology adoption. Learn how the right tools can streamline communication, cut inefficiencies, empower employees, and change the entire direction of your company.
If you want your business to grow, you must be willing to change.
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
John sits down with Daren Strunk, COO of St. Joseph the Worker, to explore how real wraparound support—resumes, tools, transportation, soft skills, and the 90-day Workforce Villages housing program—helps people move from “a job” to “a career.” They talk budgeting and food planning under 5 dollars per meal, why soft skills drive promotions, and how employers can fill roles faster by partnering directly with community organizations. John shares how these partnerships helped PHP Commercial Painting scale from a small team to 100 employees without running ads.
Highlights:
Workforce Villages: save 80 percent for 90 days and graduate with 5,000 dollars for housing
Free resources that remove day-one barriers: boots, tools, gas cards, bus passes, interview clothing
Soft skills that employers actually promote for: communication, reliability, teamwork, leadership
A practical employer playbook: culture fit, feedback loops, and retention beyond day 22
Guest: Daren Strunk, COO, St. Joseph the Worker — theworkeraz.org
John gets real about tough personnel decisions and why “change” must be your default setting. From early-morning logistics and a single missed paint delivery that derailed a night job, to creating a true dispatch function that stops waste and saves thousands in fuel, this episode is a masterclass in operations discipline. He breaks down chain of command without ego, the value of a coachable mindset, fixing mistakes immediately, and why raises follow performance—not rent hikes. If you want to grow with a fast-moving company instead of being left behind, this one’s for you.
Key takeaways:
Create a real dispatch role to cut crisscrossing and save time and fuel
Communication beats chaos—align PMs, supers, and field crews daily
Coachable, teachable, trainable beats “experienced but stubborn”
Fix mistakes now; they cost 10x later
Promotions and raises follow production, ownership, and initiative
Grow with the company or the company will outgrow you
In Episode 81 of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John opens up about a hard day at the office—spotting relapse, acting on instinct, and balancing compassion with accountability. He talks candidly about the “three-year mark” where many people in recovery hit turbulence, what leaders can watch for, and how to build a culture that protects sobriety without abandoning second chances. You’ll hear a tough departure, a hopeful return, and a clear call to create support networks that help people stay on the path.
In this episode:
The three-year crossroads: why setbacks often cluster around it
Signs you can’t ignore—and why you should act on your gut sooner
How to address relapse while protecting your team and business
Second chances done right: re-entry, expectations, and growth
Building a social support network that actually works
Takeaway: You can’t save everyone—but you can lead with clarity, care, and timely action.
In episode 80 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris gets real about the challenges of running a business when cash flow is tight. From dealing with slow-paying general contractors to the reality of making payroll, John shares his philosophy on persistence, leadership, and why employees must always come first. He opens up about his own struggles as an employer, the importance of cutting expenses without cutting corners, and why staying positive in difficult times creates stronger leaders and stronger teams. This is a raw, honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and building a company that thrives—even when times get tough.
In this episode of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John opens up about the challenges of addiction in the workplace and the importance of accountability, sobriety, and second chances. From pickle juice pops to keep crews healthy in the Phoenix heat, to the difficult conversations around employee substance use, John shares his experiences leading by example and holding his team to higher standards.
Special guest Mike Nightingale joins the conversation, reflecting on his own journey from addiction to five years sober and his growth within PHP Commercial Painting. Together, they discuss the reality of recovery, the importance of community support, and why lasting change only happens when someone is ready to make it.
This is a raw and powerful episode about responsibility, leadership, and the fight to be stronger than addiction.
In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris talks about how to thrive during slow periods at work, the value of taking any opportunity you can get, and why being “selfish” for your own growth is the key to long-term success. From hustling side jobs to taking on work outside your comfort zone, John challenges you to focus solely on yourself and your career for the next six months — and watch how your life changes.