This conversation with Kory Ballard was one of those episodes that sticks with you.

We’ve had Kory on The Kid Contractor Podcast before, and he always brings the heat—but this one hit different. It wasn’t just about business, blades, or branding (though we talked a lot about that). It was about leadership, boundaries, relationships, and the grind it takes to grow something big—and the cost that can come with it.

Early on, we got into something that seems small but is actually massive: being specific. Kory shared examples from his own companies—Ballard Inc. and PerfiCut—where a lack of clarity led to confusion and missed expectations. “Make it look good,” doesn’t cut it anymore. “Be nice to the customer,” is too vague. Define what good looks like. Be clear on what a win is for your team. As a leader, if you’re not specific, you’re setting your people up to miss the mark. I needed that reminder.

We also dove into the story behind Ballard Inc.’s success—26 years in the making, fro...