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Hello Priscilla
The other day, a client asked me, after seeing my Facebook posts about gardening, tying flies, meal planning, and running a busy consulting practice, “How do you have time to do it all?” The truth is, I don’t. What people see online is just the highlight reel. And to be fair, I don’t live your life. I don’t run a contracting business, I don’t have kids, and my days look different than yours. But we all have our own set of challenges: maybe it’s raising kids, caring for aging parents, serving on community boards, or just keeping up with the everyday demands of running a business. None of us actually has the time to “do it all.” The real question is how we choose what gets done, and what doesn’t.
And speaking of shifting priorities — September always feels like a turning point. The long days of summer projects, vacations, and scattered schedules give way to a different kind of energy. Kids head back to school, jobsites ramp up for fall pushes, and even our community calendars seem to fill up faster. In this month’s NEWS section, I’ve pulled together resources and opportunities to help you reset, refocus, and make the most of the season ahead.
Happy September!
Your Partner in Success,
Priscilla
MAJOR NEWS: See you in Orlando!
I’m excited to share that I’ll be speaking at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2026 in Orlando, FL! (That's right - the freakin' SuperBowl of Builders Shows!!!) My session, Profitable Processes: Repeatable Systems to Grow Profits, Build Teams, and Work Lean, will dive into the practical systems contractors can use to streamline their businesses and free up time for what matters most. Registration is open - get your tickets now for the best hotels, rates, and options — hope to see you there!
MORE NEWS!
Notice something different?
Yeah, I might have rearranged the furniture and given Blazing Trails Coaching a little makeover.
Why, you might ask? Because a logo should do more than sit pretty on a page — it should represent the work you actually do.
For me, that means Boots on the Ground. My new logo reflects the hands-on approach I bring to every job site and every coaching session. It’s about being present where the real work happens, not just talking about it from a distance.
It also connects back to my mission: helping contractors grow profits, build strong teams, and run lean, sustainable businesses that leave a lasting legacy in their communities. Every time I see this new mark, I’m reminded of that purpose — and the pride I take in walking alongside my clients as they build.
Like it? Send Dave Harford some love! He's been my amazing Graphic Designer for 17 years!
Here's some NEWS you can use!
🤝 NETWORKING
Local HBRA and AGC events are kicking off again after the summer slowdown — a good time to reconnect with peers and meet potential trade partners.
MaineBiz Outstanding Women in Business
September 10 | Halo at the Point, 20 Van Aken Way, Portland, ME
Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine) is being honored!
September 11 | Nonesuch Golf Course
They are still accepting individual and group players, as well as sponsors!
September 17, 2025 | 8:00 AM–12:30 PM | Concord, NH
A gathering of planners, architects, engineers, and development pros exploring trends like deconstruction, construction waste circularity, and energy efficiency. Includes breakfast and pending CEUs with AIA and APA.
September 25, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Auburn, ME
A relaxed, in-person event for young professionals and sponsors in the Maine construction industry—great for building new relationships and tapping into the next generation of leadership
October 14th | 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM | Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch
Priscilla will be presenting "Living Company Values & Accountability"
📚 EDUCATION
October 8th | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Hancock Lumber, 95 York Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Learn how to avoid falls in construction work at HBRAME's hands-on Fall Prevention Training.
SafetyWorks! (Maine): Ongoing free training and workplace consultations designed to help contractors identify and reduce hazards, comply with safety standards, and strengthen job site protocols. Includes mobile demos like the “Fall Protection Truck” and support through the Construction Safety Alliance of Maine
Contact me to bring this training to your organization!
Look ahead to winter training opportunities now - my fall/winter schedule is booking quickly!
💡 WISDOM
“The real skill isn’t doing everything — it’s deciding what gets done, what gets dropped, and what gets handed off.” (From this month’s Notes & Blog on R.E.A.D.)
A classic on process improvement and bottleneck thinking. Written as a novel, it drives home how flow, not just hard work, determines profits and growth.
👷♀️ SUPPORT
; This week is Construction Suicide Prevention Week (Sept 8–12) — a critical time to raise awareness and support mental health in our industry.
AGC Maine – Building Wellbeing for ME: Mental Health Summit
September 30, 2025 | Oakland, ME
A timely summit addressing mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry—critical support as workloads and stress levels change heading into fall.
Seasonal Safety Reminder: Shorter daylight hours and slicker conditions can increase jobsite hazards. Daily site walkthroughs, better lighting, and quick cleanups keep crews safe and projects on track.
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