Jodi Laking - Work Smart Canada

Podcast: Local Grit – Hamilton Small Business Stories
Guest: Jodi Laking, Founder of Work Smart Canada

Starting a business in the trades can be rewarding — but it also comes with real challenges, especially for entrepreneurs navigating self-employment in Hamilton, Ontario. In this episode of Local Grit, a hyperlocal Hamilton small business podcast, host Alex Hobcraft sits down with Jodi Laking of Work Smart Canada to talk about entrepreneurship, business coaching, and how tradespeople can build sustainable, profitable businesses.

This conversation is especially relevant for Hamilton-based trades entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and anyone considering self-employment in Ontario.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

In this episode, Jodi shares practical insights drawn from years of working with entrepreneurs and trades-based business owners across Ontario. Topics include:

• What it really takes to start a trades business in Hamilton

• Why entrepreneurship looks different for skilled tradespeople

• Common mistakes new business owners make — and how to avoid them

• How coaching and structured planning can reduce risk

• The mindset shift required to move from “worker” to “business owner”

How to Start a Trades Business in Hamilton

Hamilton has a strong demand for skilled trades, but many tradespeople underestimate the business side of self-employment. Jodi explains that technical skill alone isn’t enough — successful trades businesses need systems, pricing strategies, and clear goals.

Key considerations for Hamilton trades entrepreneurs include:

• Understanding local market demand

• Setting realistic pricing that reflects time, overhead, and expertise

• Managing cash flow and seasonal work

• Building repeat clients within neighbourhoods like Locke St, Kirkendall, and downtown Hamilton

Why Business Coaching Matters for Trades Entrepreneurs

Many tradespeople start businesses out of necessity — not because they planned to become entrepreneurs. Jodi discusses how business coaching helps bridge that gap by providing:

• Accountability and clarity

• Financial planning support

• Strategic decision-making tools

• Confidence in business growth decisions

For Hamilton entrepreneurs, having a coach can mean the difference between surviving month to month and building a long-term business.

Self-Employment in Ontario: Challenges & Opportunities

Self-employment offers freedom, but it also brings responsibility. Jodi highlights common challenges faced by self-employed tradespeople, including:

• Burnout from doing everything alone

• Difficulty separating personal and business finances

• Lack of long-term planning

• Fear of hiring or scaling

She also emphasizes the opportunities Ontario offers for skilled trades businesses—especially in growing cities like Hamilton.

Practical Advice for First-Time Entrepreneurs

Jodi’s advice for anyone starting a business in the trades:

• Treat your business like a business from day one

• Seek mentorship or coaching early

• Don’t undervalue your work

• Build systems before you scale

These lessons apply not only to trades but to any Hamilton small business owner navigating entrepreneurship.

Episode Chapters & Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Coaching

  01:13 The Start Smart Trades and Business Blueprint

  04:23 Navigating Competition in the Trades

  06:15 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Skills

  08:14 Success Stories in the Trades

  11:18 Support Systems for Entrepreneurs

  12:04 Understanding the Disconnect in Support

  18:46 The Growth Collective: A Support Community

  24:22 Productivity and Time Management Tools

  31:05 The Importance of Exit Strategies

  37:08 Final Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About the Guest: Jodi Laking – Work Smart Canada

Jodi Laking is the founder of Work Smart Canada, where she helps entrepreneurs and tradespeople develop practical business strategies, improve operations, and build confidence as business owners. Her work focuses on empowering self-employed professionals to grow sustainable businesses without burnout.

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