The Deconstruction Podcast | Hard Work, Character & No Excuses

This week, we sit down with Lincoln Phelps, owner of Exceptional Carpentry in Edmonton, Alberta — a one-man powerhouse pulling in numbers most crews can’t match. Lincoln shares his raw perspective on the trades: why integrity and urgency are everything, how he built a thriving construction business during COVID, and why excuses about “the economy” are just noise.

He dives into topics most contractors avoid — pricing confidence, client respect, and how efficiency and character directly drive income. This one’s packed with real-world lessons every tradesperson should hear.

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⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & a client email that says it all
01:30 – Meet Lincoln: from production carpenter to business owner
05:40 – How the economy doesn’t define your success
07:40 – Integrity, urgency, and the character gap in the trades
10:40 – Why systems and efficiency separate winners from complainers
16:30 – Pricing, profit margins, and saying “no” to bad deals
25:40 – Creating your own economy (and your reputation)
28:20 – How Lincoln uses Jobtable to simplify and save time
33:40 – Standing firm on pricing and client respect
47:00 – Marketing without ads — word of mouth and Instagram strategy
55:00 – Real talk on collaboration, competition, and authenticity
1:03:00 – Family, homeschooling, and raising kids with discipline
1:17:40 – Final advice: character determines your value

What is The Deconstruction Podcast?

Construction isn’t just about building—it’s about breaking things down to make them better. The Deconstruction Podcast dives deep into the untold stories, insider insights, and success strategies that shape the construction industry. Hosted by the founders of Jobtable, we tackle topics that matter most to contractors and entrepreneurs, sharing actionable advice and interviewing industry leaders who’ve paved the way to success. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, spark new ideas, or stay ahead in the game, this podcast is your ultimate tool for construction and entrepreneurship.