The Catalyst for the Trades
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The Catalyst for the Trades
From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership
What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins host Jennifer Bagley to share what really happens behind the scenes of explosive growth in the home services industry. Dana gets candid about her journey transitioning from global retail brands to running a legacy trades company with her brother. Discover high-leverage moves—budgeting, process-building, and accountability—that transformed their business. Dana also reveals why job descriptions, SOPs, and KPIs aren’t just “corporate red tape,” but the secret sauce that separates thriving teams from those just getting by.
Plus, hear about Dana’s passion project, the Audara Collective—a supportive space for women leaders in the trades—and how podcasting, networking, and continuous learning power lasting success. If you’re a home service entrepreneur navigating family dynamics, thinking about leveling up with outside expertise, or simply wanting a blueprint for financial discipline and real leadership, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introductions
00:33 - How Dana and Jennifer Met: Women in Home Services
02:00 - Building & Growing a Legacy Trades Business (from $12M to $20M)
04:18 - Why Budgeting & Numbers Matter More Than You Think
06:36 - Bringing Retail Mindset to Trades: Business by the Numbers
10:12 - Establishing Accountability, SOPs & Culture
13:04 - Family Dynamics: Coming into the Business & Earning Credibility
16:04 - Legacy Teams vs. Newcomers—Managing the Transition
18:21 - What Makes a Great Company Culture (and How to Spot Its Loss)
20:34 - When to Seek Help & Set Next-Level Goals
22:19 - What Opus and Gold Does for Trades Businesses
25:16 - Family in the Business: Holding Loved Ones Accountable
27:57 - Adapting to Technology, Automation, and Lean Teams
29:18 - The Audara Collective: Elevating Women in Home Services
35:30 - CEO “Warp Zones” and Balancing Family & Business
39:07 - Dana’s Podcast: The Trades Accelerator
41:21 - How Dana’s Projects and Podcasts Complement Each Other
42:15 - Keys to True Change: Consistency, Repetition, and Community
44:03 - Dana’s Final Advice: Leverage Your Minutes for Growth
45:21 - Connect with Dana & Opus and Gold
Guest Details:
Dana Staszkiewicz
Co-founder, Opus and Gold
Founder, Audara Collective | Host, The Trades Accelerator Podcast
Background: Dana Staszkiewicz transitioned from a career in global retail and supply chain to help grow her family’s home services business to $20M. Now, through Opus and Gold, she helps other trades businesses scale with strong financial systems, accountability, and leadership. She also founded the Audara Collective to support women in home service leadership.
Relevant Links:
- Opus and Gold
- The Trades Accelerator Podcast
- Audara Collective
- CI Web Group
- Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
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