Today we’d like to introduce you to Christene Marie.
Hi Christene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never set out to build a brand—certainly not one with a podcast, a newsletter, and a community.
But I grew up deeply rooted in legacy.
I’m the fourth generation in my family’s home services business started in 1922, and for most of my life, I watched my dad shoulder the weight of running it alone. He carried it all so so well, but also with a quiet isolation and pressure that often comes with being the “only one” at the top – as are so many other owners and operators. I didn’t have language for it then, but after years of partnering with him along with my brother and running my own business, I learned knew something was missing: connection, collaboration, and the kind of community that not only sharpens you, but celebrates you along the way.
Nearly everything changed when my brother and I stepped in as partners. With more eyes on the data, more hands in the business, and more voices around the table, the company doubled. That season affirmed what I now carry into every part of my businesses since: relationship drives growth.
Now, as I prepare to take the company into its fourth generation, I realize I need community just as much as my dad and so many others do. Craft & Calling was born out of that realization. It’s a space for tradespeople—owners, operators, field leaders, and legacy builders—to gather and grow. It’s a place where we can talk shop, share wins, and elevate the quiet yet steady craftsmanship and integrity that so often go unseen.
At the heart of it all is legacy. Whether you’re scaling what you’ve spent years building or preparing to pass the torch to the next generation, Craft & Calling is about honoring the work and the people behind it.
Because no one builds anything meaningful alone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge for any founder is the person staring back at them in the mirror.
Not an enemy exactly, but definitely the gatekeeper. The one who can hold things back through fear, ego, perfectionism… a n d the one with the keys to unlock everything: our prowess, potential, and the potency of our purpose.
For me, the more I’ve done the inner work of becoming who I was uniquely created to be, the more clarity, peace, and momentum I’ve experienced.
Effectively, he more wind seems to blow behind my efforts.
The truth is: I’m building Craft & Calling while still running a business, preparing to take over my family’s legacy, and navigating all the normal pressures of “life”.
I’m learning in real time. And instead of hiding the challenges, I’ve chosen to spotlight them. That’s actually what fuels our conversations in the community: how to lead with integrity, how to grow a business without losing yourself, how to ask for help instead giving into shame. The moments I stop seeking perfection and take joy in not having it all figured out, everything gets more exciting.. Ego evaporates, and curiosity takes the lead.
Second, there’s time: always the elusive struggle. We’re all stretched thin. But what I’m learning is that time is actually not the true barrier that I thought it was. I was recently on a podcast where I shared this idea, and the host said something that stuck with me: “It’s not a time issue—it’s a worthiness issue. If they believe they’re worthy, they’ll invest in themselves.” That stopped me in my tracks.
So now, I’m realizing I’m not just inviting people into a community. I’m inviting them to believe they’re worthy of one. That they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported.
And that’s a battle I’ll keep showing up for.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Craft & Calling?
Craft & Calling is more than a podcast or a newsletter; it’s a movement built around three core pillars: connection, collaboration, and celebration.
But we’re different than most other communities, and frankly – one that appears to be the antithesis the typical tradesperson at first blush.
It’s the kind that sharpens you and celebrates you. Where you’re seen for both your skill and your soul. Where you don’t “get to” go at it alone anymore – and I use the phrase “get to” very intentionally. It’s actually easier to go at it alone.
Because in community, you can’t hide. You can’t shell out excuses. And you also are held to a higher standard.
And here’s what I love.
What also makes us different from other spaces for trades professionals is that we’re community-led. Everyone at the table has something to offer—professionally and personally. I don’t believe in hidden wisdom or “waiting your turn.” This isn’t a lecture; it’s a locker room. A team. Everyone plays. We intentionally create the space for real stories, hard-earned lessons, and likewise the real, gritty insights rooted in truth. It’s time to get back on the field.
I’m always asking: How can we make each other better? That might mean sharing what went wrong. That might mean celebrating a big win. But we believe in celebrating both, because both matter. Our community is rooted in the neuroscience of momentum—dopamine and confidence are built through reflection, reinforcement, and shared encouragement. That’s what we give each other, every week.
What I bring to the table is a legacy. I’m part of a 100-year-old family business in painting and finishing, and I’ve also worked alongside the leadership team that scales a service company from $35M to $65M in under two years. I’ve watched trades businesses be bought and sold. I’ve walked with founders through their first million-dollar year. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. And I am so excited to create a space where we talk about all of it.
That’s where The C&C Report comes in: a weekly newsletter written by me + the community, packed with tools, insights, and stories for owners and operators in the trades.
Then there’s The Craft & The Calling podcast, where we feature real voices building legacy from the ground up.
And finally, there’s The Craft & Calling Community, our private group that functions as a gathering place for those ready to give and receive. Because too often, trades professionals are the givers. This is a space where they get to receive.
What I’m most proud of? That we’re building something human. Something legacy-worthy. And we’re just getting started.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that alignment beats achievement every time. For years, I chased the metrics of success—growth, visibility, revenue—only to realize that if those things cost me my peace or my integrity, they’re not true success.
I’ve learned that doing the inner work first changes everything. When you’re clear on who you are and what matters most, your decisions, your brand, and your leadership all flow from that center. That clarity doesn’t just build stronger businesses—it builds a life you actually want to live.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christenemarie_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christene.theknowingagency
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christenemarie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristeneMarie_Knowing
