S2 E82 - How to Recruit Top-Tier Tradesmen in 2026

<p>In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry talk with Meghan Ritchie of Trustal Recruiting about hiring for locally owned home services companies. Meghan shares her background from marketing agency work to becoming a GM in Atlanta, managing 26 trucks, and explains how recruiting should be treated like marketing: budget a consistent percentage of projected revenue, stay focused year-round, and proactively pursue passive candidates. She stresses pre-hire preparation—clear job descriptions, defining success, and having a training/onboarding plan—to ensure recruiting ROI and reduce turnover. The conversation covers moving fast to hire, competing in a tight labor market, generational expectations around work-life balance and schedule transparency, and benefits like PTO and affordable health options, while noting pay must match market rates. Meghan outlines onboarding best practices, the importance of culture and “why,” and how to reach her at trustalrecruiting.com.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Welcome And Cheers</p><p>00:41 Trades To Business Skills</p><p>01:57 Meet Meghan Ritchie</p><p>05:33 Recruiting Mindset Shift</p><p>07:07 Prehire Strategy And ROI</p><p>11:48 Talent Shortage Reality</p><p>14:43 Always Be Recruiting</p><p>16:53 Fractional Recruiters And Speed</p><p>21:38 Generational Worklife Balance</p><p>23:58 Benefits Pay And Packages</p><p>29:37 Bad Job Descriptions</p><p>32:46 Onboarding That Retains</p><p>40:35 Culture And The Why</p><p>44:09 How To Reach Trustal</p><p>47:27 Wrap Up And Disclaimers</p><p><br></p><p>Contact Meghan Ritchie at: </p><p>Website: https://trustalrecruiting.com/ </p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustalrecruiting</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582990086280 </p><p>Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Trustal_Recruiting </p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustal_recruiting/ </p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trustal_recruiting </p><p><br></p><p>Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Foundation Rescue Supply Link:</p><p>https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Contractors Kick Ass!</p><p>Podcast Store Link:</p><p>https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1</p><p><br></p><p>The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours</p>