What if school isn’t the path… but success still is?In this episode, I sit down with Jack and Lucy from Thomas & Co. to talk about building a life in the trades by going against the grain.Jack opens up about struggling in school, not fitting the academic system, and how he turned that into fuel to build a successful business in the construction industry. This is a real conversation about finding your lane when the traditional route doesn’t work.Lucy’s story flips another stereotype on its head. She went straight from school into a joinery apprenticeship and is now working hands-on in a male-dominated industry as a female joiner. No shortcuts, no excuses… just skill, graft, and consistency.Together, they share what it’s really like running a business as a couple in the trades. The pressures, the dynamics, the support, and how they’ve made it work without losing themselves in the process.We also get into: • Why the trades are still overlooked as a career path • The truth about apprenticeships vs university • Social media and building a brand in construction • Mental health in the trades and handling pressure • Inspiring the next generation to pick up toolsThis is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit the system… and decided to build their own instead.🎙️ Full episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast available now on all platforms. Episode Sponsored by Monarch ! www.monarchpainting.co.uk Chapters00:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Trades04:28 Education and Its Impact on Career Choices10:56 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade17:46 The Importance of Support in Relationships23:55 The Dynamics of Working as a Couple29:45 Passion and Commitment in the Trade41:38 The Dynamics of Working Together as a Couple46:09 Navigating Challenges in a Joint Business48:39 Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace50:54 Building a Supportive Community54:49 The Importance of Quality in Craftsmanship01:00:01 Adapting to Modern Techniques and Materials01:04:02 Understanding Client Expectations and Trust01:09:09 The Role of Gender in the Trades01:13:56 Confronting Bias and Misconceptions in the Industry01:16:08 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trades01:18:19 The Importance of Support and Community01:20:33 The Reality of Friendship and Support01:22:38 The Journey to Success and Recognition01:24:18 Building a Business with Integrity01:27:43 Customer Relationships and Expectations01:29:58 The Passion Behind the Craft01:33:17 Encouraging Women in the Trades01:35:05 Mentorship and Guidance for Future Generations01:38:57 The Value of Real-World Experience01:41:25 Challenging Academic Norms01:43:24 The Lifelong Skills of Trades01:46:08 Mental Health in the Construction Industry01:50:50 The Human Element in Business01:55:22 Navigating School Challenges and Parental Support01:57:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma02:02:17 Supporting Young Creators and Mental Health02:03:36 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness02:07:21 Embracing Change and Career Transitions02:13:35 The Value of Hard Work and Resilience02:20:54 Empowering the Next Generation in Trades