Blue Collar StartUp: Recent Episodes
Michael Nelson
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Joe Cerrone, owner of Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, to explore what it really takes to scale a second-generation trades business. Tune in as they share lessons in leadership, hiring, delegation, software systems, and how to grow a company that can thrive without your constant presence.
Learn more about Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and their work across the Capital Region on their website https://cerroneplumbinghvac.com/.
Check out our new Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! www.patreon.com/c/BlueCollarStartUp
0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
0:29 What’s New with Daigle Cleaning Systems
1:25 Business Growth and Constant Change
2:13 Remembering a Mentor and Working Until the End
3:00 Sponsor Acknowledgments
3:39 Guest Introduction: Joe Cerrone
4:15 From CrossFit to Career Growth
5:00 Taking Over a 40-Year Family Business
5:24 Early Days: One Van, Three People
6:01 From Installer to Owner: Learning Every Role
7:01 Building the Second Van and the Fear of Scaling
8:22 The Cost of Growth and 24-Hour Service
9:58 Hiring and Delegation Challenges
11:02 Learning When to Add Office Staff
12:18 Moving from Storage Units to Office Ownership
13:17 Balancing Liabilities vs. Revenue Growth
15:08 Learning to Delegate and Manage a Team
17:05 Training from Scratch and Building Loyalty
20:15 Investing in the Right Software Systems
23:33 Transitioning to New Management Tools
25:40 Staying Organized and Prioritizing Tasks
28:34 Working On the Business, Not In It
30:36 Recruiting and Growing the Next Generation
33:36 Keys to Scaling: Patience and Organization
36:07 Looking Ahead: Expansion into Saratoga Region
38:09 Patreon Launch Announcement
39:23 Episode Wrap-Up and Sponsor Thanks
40:05 Closing Remarks
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster catch up with returning guest Brad Lewis, executive director of the Troy Community Land Bank. Tune in as Brad shares his seasonal work strategies, real estate investments, cash flow insights, and more!
Learn how Brad bought a house for $100 here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/housing/2021/04/20/troy-foreclosed-properties-open-house
Learn more about Brad and the Troy Community Land Bank on their website troycommunitylandbank.org or follow their Facebook page.
0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
0:49 Chicken Coop Struggles in the Rain
2:37 Sponsor Acknowledgments
3:25 Guest Introduction: Brad Lewis
4:15 Boston Marathon and Running Passion
5:54 Balancing Family and Work
7:14 From Trades to Real Estate
8:12 COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
10:10 Troy Community Land Bank Executive Director Role
11:25 Scaling Down Landscaping Operations
13:13 Entrepreneurial Journey Reflections
14:58 Troy Community Land Bank’s Mission
16:55 Property Acquisition and Rehab Process
18:34 Investing in Local Contractors
20:53 Building Sales and Community Impact
22:20 Land Bank Financial Model
27:48 Seasonal Work Strategies
29:32 Opportunities in Property Auctions
33:39 Nonprofit Cash Flow Challenges
36:22 Cash Flow Management Tips
40:56 Where to Learn More About the Troy Community Land Bank
42:24 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk with Cameron Carson, founder of Franbassador. Cameron shares how he built a window cleaning company from just $50 into a 13-unit franchise system, eventually selling it for a major multiple. They discuss the power of door knocking, the challenges of scaling, why franchising is exploding in home services, and how Franbassador helps businesses expand and thrive.
Learn more about Cameron and Franbassador at franbassador.io.
0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
2:35 Guest Introduction: Cameron Carson
3:27 Starting a Window Cleaning Company with $50
5:15 Door Knocking and Early Growth Strategies
7:34 The “Five-Around” Sales Method
11:44 Why Franchising Beat Multiple Locations
13:52 Scaling Challenges and Competitor Insights
17:11 Selling a Franchise System and Multiples
20:29 Helping Businesses Franchise with Franbassador
23:21 Franchising as a Legacy Plan for Owners
28:36 Industry Trends and the “Silver Tsunami”
31:04 Private Equity in Home Services
33:41 Buying Power and Expansion Through Franchising
37:05 How Franbassador Supports Franchisors
40:19 Benefits of Buying a Franchise vs. Starting Alone
44:28 Financing Options for Franchise Buyers
48:30 Franchise Growth Stories (Crumbl, Rolling Suds, etc.)
50:23 The Cost and Process of Franchising
55:16 Operations Manuals and Franchise Support
59:15 Licensing vs. Franchising – Legal Pitfalls
1:01:32 Where to Learn More About Franbassador
In this mini episode of the Blue Collar Startup podcast, host Mike Nelson shares a short but powerful message for business owners who may be questioning whether to keep going. Drawing from a recent conversation with a fellow entrepreneur, Mike talks about the struggles many face after five years in business, why perseverance matters, and how you might be closer to success than you think.
Listen to Blue Collar Startup now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Rumble and YouTube.
00:00 Welcome & quick update from Mike
00:30 A friend’s call about closing his business
01:15 The struggle of making it past year five
02:10 Why the hardest part is already behind you
02:50 Remembering bad days and bouncing back
03:15 The “Three Feet from Diamonds” story
04:00 Encouragement to persevere and not give up
04:30 Closing thoughts & sponsor thank you
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson talks with DT Tobiason, founder of West Coast Renewables, a Washington-based company transforming grease trap pumping, cooking oil recycling, and commercial kitchen plumbing. DT shares how he grew from a shop vac in a pickup to a 24-employee operation serving the Pacific Northwest. They cover scaling challenges, disposal costs, employee recruitment, and how turning kitchen waste into biodiesel feedstock keeps both restaurants and the environment running clean.
Learn more about West Coast Renewables at wcrenewables.com.
0:42 Host introduction
1:41 Guest intro: DT Tobiason, West Coast Renewables
2:00 From shop vac to first pump truck
3:18 Turning grease waste into biodiesel feedstock
4:58 Building revenue streams to offset costs
6:00 Early days and Seattle’s local-first culture
8:38 Overcoming growth and hiring challenges
10:15 Disposal costs and rebranding hurdles
11:32 Building a strong, competitive team culture
13:26 Recruiting talent and holding accountability
16:32 Sales and marketing strategies over the years
18:32 Expansion into Oregon and Idaho
21:13 Why restaurants need grease trap services
24:17 Educating restaurant owners and managers
25:08 Technology and equipment upgrades
31:10 Adding drain cleaning and plumbing services
33:01 Service agreements vs. long-term contracts
43:16 The role of a CFO in scaling operations
47:47 DT’s advice for blue collar startups
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jason and Stacy Spector to explore how growth mindset, resilience, and mindset coaching can transform students, athletes, and blue-collar workers alike. Tune in as they share personal stories from wrestling and education, practical strategies for leadership in the trades, and how mindset shifts can help businesses overcome hiring and training challenges.
Learn more about Jason and Stacy’s work with Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com.
0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson opens the show, Derek absent
0:29 Sponsor Shoutouts and Trade School Support
1:35 Guest Introduction: Jason & Stacy Spector join the podcast
2:23 Origins of Sweethearts & Heroes and Anti-Bullying Movement
3:38 Jason’s Personal Bullying Story and Wrestling Transformation
7:56 Teaching, Coaching, and Creating Positive School Culture
10:36 Transition into Mindset Coaching & Certification Background
12:27 Negative Self-Talk, Self-Doubt, and Student Athletes
15:00 Breathwork, Performance, and Mental Health Awareness
18:22 Wrestling, Growth Mindset, and Building Resilience
22:00 Competing at the College Level and Lessons Learned
25:00 Applying the “3 E’s” Process to Sports and Business
28:07 Growth Mindset in the Trades: Training New Hires
31:06 The Devin Story: Belonging, Esteem, and Wrestling Breakthrough
35:00 Maslow’s Hierarchy, Workforce Belonging & Leadership
38:10 Importance of Clear, Granular Communication for Teams
41:01 Reframing: Winning, Learning, and Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
45:00 Process-Based Focus and Avoiding Outcome-Driven Identity
53:57 Parenting, Youth Sports Culture, and Growth Mindset Lessons
58:45 Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety in Business
1:03:39 Three Levels of Growth Mindset: Reframing, Process, and Neuroplasticity
1:05:00 Using “Good” as a Self-Talk Reframe in Business and Life
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Buttenham, co-founder and CEO of Reins. Tune in as they discuss how his company helps blue-collar contractors offer equity incentives, his journey from working in his father’s contracting business to addressing the "silver tsunami" of aging business owners needing succession plans, and more!
Learn more about Reins at myreins.com.
0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
1:29 Guest Introduction: Chris Buttenham, Co-founder and CEO of Reins
2:23 Overview of Reins: Helping Contractors Offer Equity Incentives
2:53 Alternative Equity Incentives vs. Traditional Employee Ownership
3:49 Benefits of Aligning Employee and Business Goals
4:10 Shoutout to Sponsors Supporting Trade School Programs
5:42 Chris’s Background: Working for His Father’s Contracting Business
6:18 First Startup: AI Tool for Employee Queries (2015–2021)
6:52 Inspiration for Reins: Addressing Succession Challenges
7:59 The "Silver Tsunami" and Small Business Succession Plans
9:46 Why Reins? Helping Owners Pass the Reins
11:10 Importance of Small Businesses to the U.S. Economy
11:53 Common Use Cases: The "Late Promise" and Long-Term Incentives
13:32 Recruiting Key Employees with Equity Incentives
15:12 Tax Implications of Traditional vs. Alternative Equity
18:28 Simplifying Equity Incentives with Reins’ Framework
20:00 Reins’ Technology: Easy-to-Use Software for Owners and Employees
22:17 Ideal Business Size for Reins: 10–15+ Employees
23:06 Working with Businesses That Have Existing Profit-Sharing Plans
28:07 Example of Incentives: Profit-Sharing Pool and Personal Milestones
37:08 How to Connect with Reins and Access Free Resources
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally from Hudson Valley Community College. They discuss the college’s trade-focused programs, the importance of lifelong learning, partnerships with industry leaders like Global Foundries, opportunities for students in high-demand fields, and more!
Learn more about Hudson Valley Community College at hvcc.edu.
0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
1:52 Guest Introduction Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally
2:31 Discussion of Robotic Arms and RPI Partnership
3:59 Student Support Resources and SUNY Reconnect Program
5:05 Campus Aesthetics and History
6:57 Founding as Hudson Valley Technical College for Veterans
8:19 Questar STEM High School and P-TECH Programs
9:55 Educational Opportunity Center and Non-Accredited Classes
11:33 Robotics in Manufacturing and Mechatronics Programs
14:16 Global Foundries Partnership and Technician Training
17:06 Enrollment Trends and High Demand for Trade Programs
19:57 FAA-Approved Aircraft Maintenance Program
22:39 Welding, Non-Destructive Testing, and High-Demand Careers
24:44 Job Placement Success in Trade Programs
27:22 Scholarship Opportunities and Industry Support
31:14 Challenges of Modern Automotive Repair
35:52 Future Trends and Lifelong Learning in Trades
37:20 Second Careers and Overcoming Instant Gratification Mindset
46:47 Enrollment Process for New Students
50:07 Campus Life and Student Support Services
50:58 Episode Conclusion
In this solo episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media shares a quick, practical process for turning a simple 5-minute video into a polished blog post using AI tools like Otter.ai, ChatGPT, and Opus Clips. He explains how to save time, create multiple pieces of content from one recording, and boost your SEO without breaking the bank.
0:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar Startup
0:15 Common challenge: Needing a blog but lacking time or writing skills
0:45 Step 1 – Record a quick video on your phone
1:43 Step 2 – Transcribe the video with Otter.ai
2:03 Step 3 – Export transcription and upload to ChatGPT or Grok
2:22 Prompting AI to create a 600+ word blog for SEO
3:22 Editing and refining your AI-generated blog
4:14 SEO benefits of consistent written and video content
4:52 Creating short video clips with Opus Clips
5:14 Affordable, repeatable content creation for under $100/month
5:45 Why AI can be a helpful tool in your marketing toolkit
6:30 Call to action: Subscribe, review, and help reach #1 blue collar podcast spot
6:43 Sponsor shoutouts and thank-yous
7:19 How to connect with the show and submit topic ideas
Dive into an engaging conversation with Warren County Sheriff Jim Lafarr on The Blue Collar Startup Podcast! Discover why policing is a true blue-collar trade, requiring grit, stamina, and smarts, and hear gripping insights into the daily challenges of keeping Warren County safe. Learn about the physical and mental demands of the job and the surprising parallels between running a sheriff’s office and a small business. Plus, get practical advice for young adults eyeing a career in law enforcement—no college degree needed, just hard work and heart. Tune in for an unfiltered look at the brotherhood, sisterhood, and adrenaline-fueled life behind the badge!
To learn more about opportunities with the Warren County Sheriff's Office or to connect with Sheriff Jim LaFarr, contact the office at 518-743-2501 and ask to speak with him directly.
1:45 Sheriff Jim LaFarr introduced.
2:00 LaFarr shares law enforcement background.
3:00 Sheriff’s office business challenges discussed.
4:04 Early career aspirations shared.
4:35 Civil service exam process explained.
5:39 Sheriff’s multifaceted roles described.
6:42 Law enforcement as blue-collar trade.
8:17 Advice for aspiring officers given.
10:13 Recruitment challenges discussed.
11:56 Law enforcement benefits highlighted.
13:53 Physical agility test details shared.
15:50 Daily police work excitement described.
20:00 Discreet crime management for safety.
22:29 Sheriff’s office rank structure explained.
24:49 Competitive salaries, benefits detailed.
27:43 Education reimbursement benefits discussed.
28:06 Specialization opportunities in sheriff’s office.
29:36 Marine patrol challenges highlighted.
33:00 Downsides of law enforcement discussed.
35:00 Physical fitness in policing addressed.
37:20 Communication, de-escalation skills emphasized.
40:23 Road rage incidents discussed.
42:56 Sheriff’s personal restraint example shared.
43:20 Officer decompression strategies discussed.
44:47 Jiu-jitsu training for officers mentioned.
47:01 Sheriff’s son’s career inspiration shared.
50:00 Episode wrap-up, sponsor thanks.
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Thomas Abbott of True Rinse. Tune in as they discuss creating a niche bin cleaning and pressure washing business, transitioning from municipal work, building a solo operation with a custom trailer rig, and more!
Learn more about True Rinse at truerinse.us.
0:15 Introduction
0:20 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
1:17 Guest Introduction: Thomas Abbott of True Rinse
1:43 Overview of True Rinse: Pressure Washing and Bin Cleaning
2:31 How True Rinse’s Bin Cleaning Process Works
3:24 Creating a Niche Market for Bin Cleaning
4:17 Starting with Bin Cleaning Before Expanding Services
5:53 Educating Customers About Bin Cleaning Services
7:33 Target Customers: HOAs, Elderly, and Garage Owners
10:08 Thomas’s Background: Municipal Work with City of Troy
12:53 Transition from Municipal Job to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
14:19 Operating Solo and Future Hiring Plans
15:00 Custom-Designed Trailer Rig for Bin Cleaning
17:03 Subscription-Based Pricing Model
24:02 Ramp-Up Period and Advertising Strategies
30:25 Using Jobber Software for Client Management
36:50 Future Growth and Overcoming Obstacles
45:00 Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Just Do It
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media sits down with Mike Zayachek of Zayachek Mechanical. Tune in as they discuss starting a business from a pickup truck and a trailer, growing to 147 employees, navigating cash flow challenges, and building a loyal team through training and mentorship in the power generation and industrial maintenance industry.
Learn more about Zayachek Mechanical at www.zayachek.com.
0:15 Introduction
0:32 Guest Introduction
1:04 Zayachek as a Case Study
1:53 Starting in a Barn
4:25 Left Job to Start in 2004
5:34 Customer Trust for Stability
6:08 Lean Startup: Truck, Trailer, Five Employees
8:20 Initial Services: Mills, Plants, Millwright
9:56 Current Work: Rigging, Welding, Maintenance
11:58 Growth: 5 to 147 Employees
12:49 Early Cash Flow Challenges
13:32 Mentorship for Business Skills
15:00 Recession-Proof Growth
19:20 Talent Retention: Training, Benefits
21:09 Welder Compensation
22:38 24/7 Schedules for Deadlines
25:00 Certifications and Training
28:52 Consulting for Coaching and Safety
31:55 Employee Training Investment
46:49 Advice for New Owners: Stay Lean
In this solo "Marketing Minute" episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media advises blue collar business owners to avoid starting a Facebook business page too soon and instead leverage personal profiles for better engagement and lead generation. He shares practical tips on transitioning to a business page later and maintaining an active social media presence to build credibility.
0:00 Intro and welcome to the Marketing Minute
0:15 Common mistake: Starting a Facebook business page too soon
0:45 Why business pages get less organic reach
2:00 The algorithm difference: personal vs. business profiles
2:45 Using your personal profile to promote your business
4:15 When to start a business page
5:00 Hiring social media help
5:45 Consistent posting for credibility
6:30 How customers research your business
8:12 Sponsor shoutouts and closing
In this Blueprint episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Derek Foster and Mike Nelson dive into grassroots marketing. Listen in as they explore cost-effective, high-impact ways for small business owners to spread the word about their services—from vehicle wraps and yard signs to leveraging your personal network and overcoming the fear of rejection.
0:14 Podcast Introduction
0:30 What Is Grassroots Marketing?
2:23 Community-Based Tactics: Yard Signs, Wraps, Referrals
3:08 Brand Recognition and Consistency
5:07 Sales Before Marketing
9:00 Fear of Rejection and Mental Barriers
11:38 Leveraging Your Network to Build Business
14:42 Learning from Rejection
17:40 Creative, Low-Cost Ideas That Work
19:13 Final Advice: Hustle and Ask
20:05 Outro and Where to Connect
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems sit down with Ryan Galusha of Galusha & Sons. Listen in as they discuss carrying a third-generation business into the future, mentorship, workforce development, and keeping a legacy alive in the ever-changing world of construction.
Learn more about Galusha & Sons at galushaandsons.com.
0:15 Intro and welcome
0:49 Meet Ryan Galusha of Galusha & Sons
1:20 What Galusha & Sons does today
2:09 How the family business began
3:44 Being third-generation: opportunity and pressure
6:56 Why Ryan had to earn his spot from the outside
8:44 Lessons from working at DA Collins
11:08 Earning respect in a family business
13:23 Ryan’s current role as General Manager
15:54 Balancing field and office work
17:03 Supporting team leadership without micromanaging
20:00 Keeping up with tech and regulation changes
21:48 Safety, training, and working with Catamount Consulting
23:49 Leadership growth and life skills through outside training
27:38 Finding and developing new talent
30:00 Why fewer young people choose the trades
33:44 Labor shortages and unexpected talent sources
36:17 Attitude over experience: the key to success
37:03 Ryan’s biggest challenge leading the next generation
39:01 Building trust and alignment with the team
41:26 The future of Galusha & Sons
43:07 How they expanded into logging
46:03 Why the trades still offer unmatched opportunity
47:13 Where to find Galusha & Sons
48:30 Sponsor shoutouts and closing
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media sits down with Scott McKenna of Catamount Consulting to dive deep into the topic of emotional intelligence (EQ). Tune in as they discuss how EQ impacts leadership, team dynamics, hiring, company culture, and long-term success in business and life.
Learn more about Scott and Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com.
0:15 Intro
0:43 Introducing Scott McKenna
1:20 What is EQ?
3:18 Self-Awareness and Emotional Growth
5:26 Coachable vs. Unfireable
7:24 EQ in Schools and the Trades
10:00 Skills vs. Attitude in Hiring
13:23 Company Culture and EQ
17:42 Psychological Safety at Work
21:11 Investing in Emotional Intelligence
22:46 What EQ Looks Like on the Job
24:54 EQ Reduces Chaos and Firefighting
27:43 Extreme Ownership and Team Trust
33:44 Efficient Leadership through EQ
34:40 How to Train EQ in Organizations
36:36 Teaching Self-Awareness and Composure
41:11 How to Build Empathy
47:29 Guardian vs. Warrior Leadership
54:01 The FORM Method for Better Communication
55:29 Final Thoughts on Emotional Intelligence
56:43 Book Recommendations and Wrap-Up
59:57 Sponsor Acknowledgments and Closing Thoughts
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems have an honest conversation about what it really takes to build and grow a business. Listen in as they share lessons from their own business journeys, discuss the importance of building a strong team and being a strong leader, how success is a never-ending project, and more!
Find Blue Collar StartUp on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rumble and connect with us today at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com.
0:15 Introduction
1:29 How Long It Really Takes to Build a Business
3:19 Derek’s 15-Year Business Journey
5:00 Starting Without Corporate Experience
6:27 The Never-Ending Project of Growth
8:14 The Myth of “Set It and Forget It” Success
10:00 Quitting the Day Job
12:15 Competing in a Crowded Industry
13:32 Growth Milestones: 0 to 50+ Employees
15:04 Building Culture and Processes
17:31 Delegation and Leadership Evolution
19:03 Education, Certification, and Self-Improvement
21:32 Defining Good Management
28:24 Providing Resources and Getting Out of the Way
30:09 Learning From Mistakes and Documenting Solutions
33:18 The Importance of Hiring the Right People
35:06 Employee Recognition and Internal Growth Paths
37:30 Recruiting and Meeting Talent Halfway
39:03 Creating Career Roadmaps and Aligning Pay
41:01 Perceptions of Hard Work
44:52 Advice for Startups and Final Thoughts
47:13 Thank You to Our Sponsors
This is a special crossover episode with our sister show, Buying Local, on Blue Collar Startup! In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Terry Hubbard of Peak Environmental about innovative landscape construction and eco-friendly practices. Tune in as they discuss robotic mowers, sustainable services, opportunities in the landscape industry, and more!
Find Blue Collar StartUp on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rumble and connect with us today at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com.
Learn more about Terry and Peak Environmental at peakec.com.
0:15 Introduction
0:28 Mike and Derek’s Banter
1:56 Introduction of Guest Terry Hubbard
2:01 Overview of Peak Environmental
2:16 The Evolution of the Landscape Industry
5:02 Introduction to Robotic Mowers (Mobots)
6:38 Terry’s Journey to Eco-Friendly Practices
8:41 Shift to Organic Lawn Care
9:41 Environmental Impact of Traditional Lawn Care
12:39 Strategies for Sustainable Landscaping
13:50 Transition to Electric Equipment
16:13 Benefits of Robotic Mowers
17:31 Industry Pressures and Automation
20:00 Strategy Behind Green Care Services
23:07 Terry’s Approach to Business Strategy
26:01 Power of Peer Groups
47:22 Advice for Entering the Landscape Industry
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute. Tune in as they explore the booming RV industry, technician training programs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and much more!
Learn more about Curt and the RV Technical Institute at rvti.org.
0:15 Introduction
0:33 Derek’s Tooth Story
2:07 Introduction of Guest Curt Hemmeler
3:10 Overview of the RV Industry
5:51 RV Technical Institute’s Training Programs
9:25 Curt’s Background
11:12 Building the Institute
13:23 Growth and Impact
15:00 Technician Shortage
18:42 Skills Taught
21:37 Entrepreneurial Opportunities
27:28 Skill Transferability
29:46 Level 1 Training Details
37:55 Challenges for the Institute
52:41 Outro and Sponsor Acknowledgments
In this new episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems have a conversation about what it means to be unhireable. Tune is as they explore how problem-solving, initiative, and adaptability make employees indispensable, offering insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and dedicated team members in the trades to achieve career growth and potential ownership opportunities.
0:16 Introducing the Episode and Hosts
1:35 Defining "Unemployable"
1:46 Introducing the Concept of Being "Unfireable"
2:56 Discussing the Importance of Learning to Follow Before Leading
5:00 Exploring Career Paths: Entrepreneurship vs. Employee Growth
6:36 How Stressful Events Highlight Top Performers
7:56 Importance of After-Action Reports and Debriefs
10:00 Qualities of an "Unfireable" Employee
11:41 Emphasizing Problem-Solving Skills
13:47 Using Technology (AI, Google, YouTube) to Find Solutions
15:45 Problem-Solving as the Core of Business Operations
17:30 Encouraging Employee Initiative and Feedback
20:08 Creating an Environment for Employee Freedom and Innovation
23:16 Learning Through Experience vs. the School of Hard Knocks
26:08 Reformatting the Podcast to Include Employee Perspectives
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems, sit down with Chris and Noah Manzella of BradManz Landscaping. Tune in as they discuss being honest with your clients to maintain trust, the importance of cold calling, having confidence in networking scenarios, and much more!
0:15 Intro
0:40 Welcoming Chris and Noah Manzella
2:53 Getting Clients in the Door
5:22 Word of Mouth vs Putting Yourself Out There
10:38 Leveraging Your Network
15:04 The Cost to Get a Customer
17:54 “We Don’t Answer RFPs”
21:52 Building a Reputation and a Client Base
23:14 Cold Calling is Not Dead
25:30 Be Creative with Getting in Front of People
27:33 The Farmer Salesman vs the Hunter Salesman
30:52 Door Hangers
32:14 Response Time is Key
34:20 The 25-4-2 System
36:46 Marketing Comes Later
38:15 Industry Groups & Face-to-Face Communication
47:28 Ask Questions!
52:12 Parting Thoughts
53:18 Outro
In this Blueprint episode of Blue Collar StartUp, host Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems chats with Carrie Kirvin, now with MP: Wired for HR, about payroll and HR solutions for small businesses. At the time of this recording, Carrie was with Paychex, where she helped entrepreneurs save time, manage cash flow, and stay compliant through services like payroll outsourcing, workers’ compensation, and 401(k) plans.
0:14 Podcast Introduction
0:38 Guest Introduction: Carrie Kirvin, formerly of Paychex
1:10 About Paychex and Its Services
2:55 Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll for Small Businesses
4:40 When to Consider Outsourcing Payroll
6:00 Company Size and Paychex Services
7:00 Process of Setting Up Payroll with Paychex
10:03 Transitioning from Another Payroll Provider
11:09 Human Resources Services and Compliance
13:24 Employee Retention Tax Credits
15:00 Workers’ Compensation and Payroll Integration
18:56 Paychex and NYSIF Partnership for Workers’ Comp
20:00 Retirement Planning and 401(k) Services
20:50 New York State 401(k) Mandate
22:00 Keeping Clients Informed on Regulatory Changes
23:50 Contact Information for Carrie Kirvin
24:10 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar Start Up, hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems are joined by Scott McKenna and Stacy Spector of Catamount Consulting. Tune in as they explore workforce development challenges, the role of entrepreneurship in attracting young talent to the trades, the importance of emotional intelligence, and much more!
0:15 Intro
0:51 Introducing Scott and Stacy
3:11 Workforce Development Challenges and Entrepreneurship
9:29 Pros and Cons of Encouraging Entrepreneurship
14:42 Need for Coaching and Mentorship
19:23 Proactive Recruitment and Education
26:24 Challenges of Entrepreneurship
30:55 Emotional Intelligence in Workforce Development
38:55 Handling Failure and Growth Mindset
43:46 “Unemployable” Entrepreneurs and Ownership Models
48:57 Employee Engagement and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
54:51 Closing Thoughts
55:06 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar Start Up, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Kendra Hart, president at Martin Electric. Listen in as they discuss experimentation within business growth, the experiences of being a young woman in construction, setting up your team for success, and much more!
0:15 Introduction
2:22 Meet Kendra Hart
3:20 The History of Martin Electric
6:35 Thriving Under Pressure
8:42 Utilizing her Accounting Degree
9:44 Getting Certifications and Using Local Resources
12:22 The Hard Hat Wall
13:14 The Current Scope of the Business
16:06 Valuing what you Created
16:57 Onboarding and Training Processes
19:17 Starting Pay Rates and Benefits
20:24 Schools Not Promoting the Trades
22:12 Trades are for People who Learn Differently
23:23 Managing 20 People at Once
25:24 Leadership Training
26:29 Bring your People to Conferences
28:29 Time Management
29:41 What does Growth Look Like?
31:37 Changes in Structure
32:36 The Original Principles are Still in Place
34:00 Don’t Worry about What Other People Think
37:15 Just Do It
38:31 Hiring Process
40:40 Establishing a Better Interview Process
43:05 Parting Knowledge
44:02 Where to Find Kendra and Martin Electric
45:03 Closing Thoughts
45:58 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your host Derek Foster (Daigle Cleaning Services) sits down with returning guest, Josh Jewett of Cole’s Collision. Tune in to learn about the creation of a process – Indicators of when a process may be necessary, how to pivot with change, monitoring the process and adjusting with feedback, prioritizing tasks, setting standards, and outcomes!
Want to connect with Blue Collar StartUp? Reach out to us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
00:55 - The systemic approach and finding efficiency
02:34 - Red flag indicators leading to process creation
04:45 - Pivoting with change and how to address it
06:36 - Monitoring the process and receiving feedback
10:38 - Prioritizing tasks and setting standards
15:40 - Where is the line between process creation and micromanaging?
19:12 - Managing deviations and differences
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson (Five Towers Media) and Derek Foster (Daigle Cleaning Services) interview Mike Munter and Alex Dominguez of Munter Enterprises. Tune in to hear them discuss choosing to pursue the trades after trying out college, going into a construction job with no experience, passing down skills to younger workers, and much more!
Want to connect with Blue Collar StartUp? Reach out to us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Jack Miller and Dan Pratt of Jack Miller Contractors. Join them as they discuss the building science mindset, innovation in the construction field, team growth and the processes behind it, and much more!
1:01 Thanking Sponsors
2:12 Introducing Dan and Jack
4:35 Building Science Mindset
6:21 Changing Technologies
7:32 The Costs of Building
9:45 The Structure of Jack Miller Contractors
11:39 Jack Finding his Spark
12:56 Learning Build Science
14:49 Taking a Leap
16:28 Having Employees vs Working Alone
17:51 Letting Go of Control
20:26 Giving your Team Room to Grow
24:06 Employee Meetings
25:20 Indicating Process Breaks
26:06 Documenting Systems
29:28 Knowledge Transfer
31:40 Looking for Passion in Interviews
34:51 Branded Company Clothing37:20 How did Jack and Dan Meet
38:55 The Last Interview Step
41:20 The Importance of Strong Company Values
42:34 Learning to Say “No”
44:46 Overcoming Challenges
45:49 One Piece of Advice
47:40 The Key to Success
48:58 Where to Find Jack Miller Contractors
50:00 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Mason Lord, co-owner and founder of Hudson Valley Preservation and Trades Up. Tune in as they talk about giving kids hands-on experience with tools, handling the stress of building a business, and much more!
0:15 Introduction
2:38 New Sponsors
3:53 Introducing Mason Lord
8:30 Local & National Goals
10:50 Inspiring Stories
13:09 For Profit vs Nonprofit
15:08 Starting a Construction Business
25:32 Factory Build vs Modular Homes
27:25 Facing Challenges
29:55 Dealing with Stress
31:36 Mentors
33:44 Podcasts that Mason Listens to
35:34 Morning Routine
39:15 Getting Kids Hands Dirty
43:10 Upcoming Events
47:33 Where to Find Trades Up & Hudson Valley Preservation
48:28 One Piece of Advice
50:48 Closing Thoughts
51:15 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, we're mixing things up a bit. When the podcast first launched, we released a series of professional tips called Blue Collar Blueprints. These previously exclusive episodes contain valuable insights that we’re excited to share with you! In addition to our regular interview episodes, we’ll be bringing these Blueprints to our listeners as well.
This episode features an introduction by Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and questions from Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Services. Today’s focus is on Ryan and Thomas Farnan from Northwestern Mutual. Tune in as they discuss personalizing financial plans for every person, not having a minimum limit their clients need to put in to start, and much more!
0:15 Podcast Introduction
0:50 Episode Introduction
5:25 Blue Collar Blueprints: The Farnan Brothers
5:46 Introducing Ryan and Thomas Farnan
6:20 Working with Small Business Owners
7:50 Saving to Start your own Business
8:45 Strategies for Business Owners are Personalized
10:23 Retirement
11:40 Age Level
13:24 What’s the Minimum Amount you can Start With?
18:18 Generational Differences in Saving Money
19:26 One Piece of Advice for Everyone Watching
20:40 Market Outlooks
21:43 How to reach Thomas and Ryan
22:30 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Services interview Nick Schkrioba, sales consultant with the professional employer organization, Peoplease. Listen in as they talk about workers comp models, maintaining a high retention rate, modern software, and much more!
Want to connect with Nick and learn more about Peoplease? You can reach him via email at nschkrioba@peoplease.com or by phone at (941)224-8981
0:16 Introduction
1:42 Introducing Nick Schkrioba
3:24 Nick’s Background
4:09 Dedication to Sales
6:38 What is a Professional Employer Organization
11:08 Main Industries
13:28 Hiring & Firing
18:56 Worker’s Comp Stories
20:02 Preventative Measures
25:50 Locations of Most PEO Clients
27:07 Payroll and Modern Software
30:18 Looking for People to Help
32:11 75,000 Employees and 3,000 Clients Nationwide
34:40 Smallest Businesses Peoplease Works With
36:36 If It's Not Broke, Don't Fix It
39:10 Getting Connected Locally
40:21 Benefits and Coverage
43:33 401K
45:47 One Thing about Peoplease
46:54 Where to find Nick and Peoplease
47:40 Closing Thoughts
49:34 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Matt Whitbeck, owner of Whitbeck Construction. Listen in as they explore the experiences of a first-generation business owner, the challenges of growing faster than one can access education and resources, maximizing the lifespan of construction projects, and much more!0:16 Introduction0:59 Who is Matt Whitbeck?7:33 The Freedom to do Charitable Events8:29 Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition10:30 Transferring Knowledge to the Younger Generation11:02 First Generation Business13:22 How Matt got Started24:25 Matt’s Biggest Challenges 26:08 The Search for Knowledge28:29 Digging for Information32:09 This Old House36:12 Sustainability and the Lab Build41:30 Working on Buildings from 100+ Years Ago42:48 You Decide Your Own Fate45:40 Where to Find Matt and Whitbeck Construction46:38 Outro
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Services interview William Day, assistant project manager at Jersen Construction. Tune in as they explore strategies to incentivize careers in the trades for future workers, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, the business development side of a construction company, and much more!
Get in touch with William via email at wday@jersen.com
Want to connect with Blue Collar StartUp? Reach out to us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
1:24 Derek is Off Screen Today
1:47 Introducing William Day
3:07 What is Jersen Construction?
4:01 The Nanotech Fabrication Facility
5:40 Concrete Pouring
7:20 Prep Time for a Concrete Pour
9:53 William’s Background
14:32 Military Testing and Boot Camp
19:08 What does a Typical Day Look Like?
21:43 Routines or the Lack Thereof
25:29 The Business Development Side
28:09 Managing Multiple Projects at a Time
29:26 Day-to-day Challenges
32:09 Supply Shortages
34:18 What is Project Management to William?
35:43 Software
37:11 Outlooks on the Current Labour Market
41:28 Supply and Demand
42:28 The Stigma of Construction Trades
45:27 Incentivizing the Trades in the Future
47:50 Everyone Knows Everyone
49:54 What does William do when he’s not Working
52:53 One Piece of Advice
54:23 Where to Find William and Jersen Construction
55:02 Closing Statements and Thanking Sponsors
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Services interview Shaw DuBourg, owner of Symmetric Electric. Tune in as they discuss the challenges of starting an electric company in a new state, navigating the market, the benefits of being part of a union, the importance of patience when launching a business, and much more!
Want to connect with Blue Collar StartUp? Reach out to us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
1:07 Introducing Shaw DuBourg
2:40 The Contrast Between a Big Business and Someone Just Starting
5:50 Shaw’s Background
6:48 Contractors During Katrina
10:15 Moving to New York
12:50 Ending up in Fort Edward
14:50 The Challenges that Come with Opening Up Shop
16:12 Not Putting Pressure on Himself to Get Results
17:37 New York State Taxes and Insurance
18:46 South Dakota Residency
21:29 Finding Business in the Upstate Market
27:04 Accumulating Tools
32:49 Struggles of Constant Repetition
36:17 Looking to the Future
40:42 Starting with Residential Work
42:42 Daily Structure
44:09 The Ivy League Method
46:25 Being in a Union
49:09 Learn While you Earn
52:22 One Piece of Advice Shaw would give
55:11 Where to Find Shaw
56:00 Closing Thoughts
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson (Five Towers Media) and Derek Foster (Daigle Cleaning Services) interview Matthew and Pete of Rifenburg Construction. Tune in to hear them discuss teamwork in the workplace, connecting with young people to grow the blue collar workforce, large scale project logistics, and much more!
Want to connect with Blue Collar StartUp? Reach out to us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
0:16 Opening Statements
1:20 Introducing Pete LaFarr and Matthew Scott
5:32 Rifenburg Company Divisions
7:44 Rebuilding Efforts
9:54 Matthew and Pete's Background before Rifenburg
16:16 Pulling Matthew into the Office
18:51 Union or Non-Union?
21:16 The MVP Process
29:35 Re-enforcing Values
33:00 Looking at the Blue Collar Workforce
39:12 The Logistics of Large Scale Projects
46:42 Planning Time
49:45 70 Years in Business
51:31 Pride
52:35 One Piece of Advice from Pete and Matthew
55:06 Where to Find Rifenburg?
56:40 Thanking our Sponsors
58:02 Closing Thoughts
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson (Five Towers Media) and Derek Foster (Daigle Cleaning Services) interview Nick and Kayla, owners of Trojan Home Services. Tune in to hear them discuss being self-taught, working full time while starting a new business, balancing out work with your partner, and much more!
0:50 Introducing Nick and Kayla
2:26 Painting and Home Services
3:44 The Journey to Start Trojan Home Services
4:24 Taking the Leap
7:28 First Big Job
9:11 Overnights
10:21 Drumming up Business
13:58 Google Business Marketing
17:43 Being Self-Taught
18:27 Learning to Paint
20:08 The Power of Networking
23:02 Biggest Challenges
25:02 Balancing Each Other Out
26:26 Making a Logo & Website
30:16 Getting out into the World
35:20 Transitioning into your own Business
41:28 Overcoming Fears
45:37 Looking Forward to the Future
49:49 One Piece of Advice
53:47 Other Podcasts
54:55 Where to Reach Nick and Kayla
55:55 Thanking Sponsors and Closing Thoughts
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems, interview CEO of Peak Advisory Jakob Kirschner. Tune in to hear them discuss the importance of having good data in accounting, how the size of a small business can affect their finances, and much more!
We want to showcase your blue collar business! Connect with us at hardhat.bcsu@gmail.com
0:16 Opening Introductions
1:16 Introducing Jakob
3:44 Moving to Colorado from Germany
5:51 Being a Fractional CFO
8:00 Budgeting
9:50 Hiring a CPA in the Future
10:30 The Connection between Business Operations and Finances
13:22 Challenges with Bookkeeping Quality
17:10 Approaching $500k Businesses vs 2M Businesses
21:32 Pushing for ACH
22:32 Getting the Money Sooner
25:16 Labour Costs
28:41 The Mercedes Factory
30:27 Adapting to Bookkeeping Softwares
31:01 Utilizing AI
34:00 Having a Plan in Place
35:52 Morning Routines
39:45 A Piece of Advice
40:14 Where to Find Jakob
43:11 Thanks to our Sponsors
44:14 Closing Thoughts
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, host Mike Nelson interviews Scott Lawler, Chief Estimator at LeChase Construction. Tune in to hear about why Scott wanted to be an estimator, how school shaped his career path, finding construction opportunities, and more!
Contact Scott at Scott.Lawler@lechase.com with any questions or inquiries you might have.
0:15 Opening Thoughts
0:53 Introducing Scott Lawler
3:44 20 Years with LeChase
5:50 Retention Rates
7:42 Bending the 9-5 Structure
11:26 Construction is Essential
12:55 Estimate Conversations
14:58 Why HVCC?
23:33 Sales and Estimating
32:54 Finding Opportunities
40:08 Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition
44:42 Workforce Retirement and Opportunity
46:22 Where to Find Scott
47:19 Reaching out to LeChase
In this episode, your hosts Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems interview Devon Camenga of Camenga Construction for a second time. Devon goes into depth about his experiences balancing new and old customers, transitioning from the education field, how he takes on apprentices, and more!
0:18 Reintroducing Devon Camenga
2:21 Handyman vs General Contractor
4:50 All Phases of Construction
5:47 Searching for an Apprentice
7:52 Devon’s Son
10:51 Educational Routes & Certifications
14:26 Good Contractors are Booked Out
16:39 From Education to Construction
19:11 The Transitional Period
21:46 Devon’s Goals for the Year
24:07 Taking Care of your Customers
26:00 Not Getting Underbid
27:49 One Job at a Time
29:45 Childhood Experiences
31:22 Insurance
35:05 Handling Expenses
40:58 Studying Market Trends
47:30 Making Money as a Business
51:17 Having a Good Work Ethic
52:50 Devon’s Advice
54:38 Where to find Devon?
58:57 Closing Thoughts
In this episode, your hosts Michael Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems talk with Kaydance about her experience going to the BOCES program in Saratoga, how she landed her job in South Dakota right out of trade school, her family's collision shop, and more!
0:42 Introducing Kaydance
1:20 The BOCES Collision Program
3:04 Why choose this path?
3:58 Kaydance’s parent’s shop
5:44 After graduation
7:45 How well were you prepared?
8:43 The cost of trade school
10:23 Average income
11:12 Long-term plan
12:30 Kaydance’s biggest challenges
12:04 Weekly schedule and utilizing the shop
15:12 Cold weather
16:46 One piece of advice
18:19 Being at school during the pandemic
19:32 Closing thoughts
In this episode, your hosts Michael Nelson of Five Towers Media and Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems talk about their expectations and goals for the Blue Collar StartUp Podcast in 2025 and talk more about Derek’s experience starting a business from scratch.
0:15 Excitement for 2025
1:03 Opening thoughts
5:28 Inspiring news from podcast listeners
6:40 First goal of 2025
8:29 More 2025 goals
9:51 Associate General Contractors and Curtis Lumber
12:10 The size of Daigle Cleaning Systems and how to handle it
19:55 Growing a business
21:47 Being a leader in uncharted territory
24:45 How does Michael approach setting goals
30:09 Derek’s decision to launch his business
33:32 Why cleaning?
34:58 Closing thoughts
Your hosts Derek Foster from Daigle Cleaning Systems and Michael Nelson from Five Towers Media sit down with Scott McKenna and Stacy Spector from Catamount Consulting. Learn more about Catamount Consulting on their website https://catamountconsultingllc.com
Our Hosts, Derek Foster and Michael Nelson, chat with Mike Muscolino of AMC Construction & Management.
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Joe Cerrone of Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning!
Joe is the second person to head the operations of Cerrone, after his father... What advances did he bring to the business? What's stayed the same? What did he learn along the way? Listen to this episode to hear the answers, plus much more!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - What Was That?
00:37 - Show Begins: What’s New at the Farm?
03:30 - Goat Lawn Care
04:41 - Doubling in Size Every Three Years?!
06:02 - Joe Cerrone: A History
07:54 - Coming a Long Way
09:11 - Plumbing is for Plumbers!
10:13 - Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning: Entering the Next Generation
12:42 - The Right Way to Scale: It’s All About the Details!
14:39 - Taking the Reins
17:48 - What Changes… And What Stays the Same
19:34 - The Value of the Paper Trail
20:37 - Keep That Product in Stock!
21:58 - A Structured Focus
23:53 - Teachers: The Most Valuable Resource… If They’re Willing!
25:40 - Net Fencing Sure is Frustrating!
26:49 - Becoming an Owner Isn’t Easy!
27:52 - What’s Happening with Work Ethic? Stay Off the Phone!
30:19 - AI as a Professionalism Tool
32:37 - iPads for Technicians: Pull up Data, Record Video, and More!
33:42 - Document EVERYTHING!
34:14 - A Day in the Life of Joe Cerrone: Quality Checking Champ!
36:12 - Curing the “Hey Mike” Disease: Train and Let Your People Problem-Solve
38:46 - Papas Can’t Sleep!
40:15 - The Biggest Challenge… Is the Unending Flow of Challenges!
43:45 - Joe’s Advice: Blue Collar Work Isn’t Easy, but It’s Worth It!
45:32 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!
46:09 - Mike’s Social Media Cycle: Install, Uninstall, Install…
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk with Mike Colvett and Casey Cornell of Cornell's Auto Parts!
Cornell's is doing something very special... They boast the claim that their auto operation is heavily recycling-based, reusing car oil, parts, metal, carpeting, and more from their cars! How is this possible? How did they get started doing this? Hear the answers to those questions and many more by listening to this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:00 - Introductions: Greenfield Center is Beautiful!
01:12 - Podcast Happy Hour: Tinney’s Tavern Reopens!
02:14 - Thanks, DTGC! Shoutout to Fierro’s!
03:44 - Cornell’s Auto Parts… Not a Junkyard!
05:32 - Second-Generation
06:46 - A Growing Business: From One Employee to 40
07:52 - Insurance by Day, Construction by Night
08:44 - Cracking Open a Cold One with the Boys
09:18 - Hiring: A Tough Decision, But an Important One
13:39 - New Cars Don’t Make Money… Parts and Service Does!
14:49 - A High-Tech, Organized Operation
17:13 - Frustration Hires a GM
19:32 - Strange Noises
20:04 - The Cornell Network: What Collaboration Can Do
24:32 - Mike the Sales Trainer
25:44 - Leave All-Nighters to the Young!
26:41 - EVERYTHING Gets Recycled: Oil, Gas, Parts, and More!
29:30 - Car-Crushin’: Go Watch Pulp Fiction!
31:42 - Finding the Right People
33:29 - Career Hagglers Are Scary!
35:27 - The Part-Cleaning Process
37:49 - There is No Typical Day at Cornell’s!
38:55 - A Versatile, Reliable Staff
41:04 - Happy Holidays
41:49 - Outside of Work… Is More Work? The Pricemaster
44:50 - Snowmobiling, Drag Racing, Pizzamaking, and More!
47:15 - Five Towers Client Appreciation at Dancing Grain!
48:20 - What’s Next?
50:13 - Keeping the Business Fun
52:58 - Close at 5, Go Home at Midnight
53:33 - The Key to Success… Is Patience!
55:29 - How to Get in Touch
56:07 - Is Greenfield Sheep or Cow Country?
57:06 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group and MLB Construction!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Josh Brown and Zach Moore of Brown Design & Construction!
Both of them have other full-time jobs that they still take part in... And yet, the side hustle they started up out of curiosity has taken off like wildfire! What's their secret to success? How do they balance work responsibilities? What's their training? Find out the answers by tuning in to this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:00 - Show Starts
01:11 - Flippin’ Like a Burger-Man
03:47 - The Corporate Life… Just One Thing? No Thanks!
05:43 - Back to Construction: Everybody Needs a Contractor!
08:18 - The Sickness of Not Saying No
09:32 - Trade Training… Is on the Job!
11:15 - Howdy, Partner: Two Sides of the Same Coin
15:03 - Social Media Tells a Story… So Tell a Good One!
16:39 - Every Piece of the Puzzle: Quality Systems
20:03 - Processes Take Time to Implement
20:44 - The One and Only Chad Beatty!
21:18 - Visuals Make a Difference
23:41 - Creative Projects are the Best!
24:26 - The Biggest Side Hustle Going
26:20 - Insurance Interactions
28:45 - Self-Employed vs. Business Owner
30:01 - The Trades Mean BIG Money!
33:56 - “He’s a Welder”
36:25 - Job Placement is Askew: Think About Those Degrees!
39:27 - Don’t Be Scared to Be Scared: Go All In
41:55 - How to Get in Touch: browndesignandconstruction.com
442:26 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group and MLB Construction!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Zay DuPree, the one-man mastermind behind DuPree Heating & Cooling!
When people think of a one-man operation, they typically picture an old dude with a beat up truck and a couple fans in the truck bed... But Zay couldn't be further from that vision. Fully insured and thoroughly professional, Zay proudly stands by the quality of his process and results. If you need HVAC work done, Zay is the best one-man band in town!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Show Starts
01:09 - An Introduction to Zay DuPree
02:17 - Getting Started… Thanks to YouTube?!
05:25 - Shoutout to the Blue Collar College!
06:15 - A Man of Many Hats
07:13 - The First Step… Was a Leap
10:10 - Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
12:49 - Let the Equipment Tell You
14:24 - Sales & Marketing: The Achilles’ Heel
16:40 - Feeling the Seal on the Deal
18:02 - The Value of Learning
19:07 - The Heartiest Crumbs: Big Business is a VERY Sloppy Eater!
22:16 - Answering the Call
24:06 - The Man with the Plan
27:18 - HVAC Becomes a Passion
29:33 - A Day in the Life of Zay DuPree: From Dawn ’til Dusk
31:27 - Learning to Let People Down
32:40 - A Scheduling Dream
35:29 - Bet on the Long Game
39:34 - Reach Out: A Learning Opportunity
41:12 - He’s Got Folders!
41:40 - Be the Means to Their End
43:49 - I’m Going Digital… But Not Completely Digital
45:51 - If You’re Thinking About It… Do It!
49:33 - How to Get in Touch
50:00 - Shoutout to Michaels Group, MLB Construction, HVCC, and BOCES!
51:09 - Take Your Social Media Seriously!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Rachel McDermott, the second-generation proprietor of Dancing Grain Farm Brewery!
Dancing Grain runs a special operation - fully family-owned, they source every ingredient that goes into their brews at their own farm, without using any pesticides... This is as Blue Collar as it gets! Listen to this episode to hear their incredible story - recorded on site!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - “On the Farm” with Mike Nelson: Bokashi Greens
01:38 - Mushrooms Will Save the World!
03:42 - The Show Begins: An Introduction to Dancing Grain’s Own Rachel
05:15 - Let’s Go to the Hop
06:16 - Wild vs. Domesticated Hops
09:29 - Anatomy of a Brew
11:49 - Dog Attack!
12:26 - Sheep Yield
13:25 - Sourcing Every Single Ingredient!
15:05 - A Pesticide-Free Operation
21:15 - The First Generation’s Story
25:14 - Finding Her Way Back Home
27:53 - Building a Brewery: It Takes Serious Skill!
30:45 - Knitting Together the Supply Chain
34:12 - The Name “Dancing Grain”
35:05 - April 8th: Total Dankness Makes its Debut
37:18 - Bar-ley Hopping
39:07 - There is No Day-to-Day
40:26 - Tiny Farms… Prop Up a Big Society
41:56 - Something Very Special
43:51 - Doing Better Than the Farmers’ Markets
44:39 - Do Something You LOVE
48:24 - How to Get in Touch: dancinggrain.com
49:00 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Paul Lachar, owner and mason at Top Course Masonry!
The whole family's in on this foundational construction dream... But there's no dysfunction here. Paul and his crew have served the region with pride for over 20 years, and there's no end in sight! Listen to this episode to hear about his experience, how he keeps the family in harmony, how he got back to school after an injury, and more!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Mike’s Feeling Well Again!
01:47 - An Introduction to Paul, and Top Course Masonry
02:55 - A History You Can Count On
05:01 - Finding the Best Solution for You
06:37 - Resolving an Issue… Truly
07:37 - A Family Business
10:13 - Welcome Back
11:12 - A Little Bit of Everything
12:22 - 100% On-the-Job
13:39 - Make Your Choice
15:19 - No TV Drama Here!
16:51 - Mike’s No Mason… But He Does His Best!
19:50 - Paul’s Biggest Challenge: Finding a Balance
22:35 - Picking and Choosing
25:14 - Maintaining the Work-Life Balance
27:49 - What’s Next: The Offsite Location
28:51 - It’s Your Choice
30:12 - The One-Hour Radius
30:54 - A Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood
33:11 - Small World!
34:25 - An Injury Provides an Opportunity: Back to School
36:09 - Knowledge is Power… But it’s All About How You Use It!
38:07 - Paul’s Advice: Don’t Ever Quit!
40:00 - Stick it Out: Hardships Just Make You Stronger!
41:38 - How to Get in Touch
43:17 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Michael Turcotte, proprietor of Turn Cycle Solutions!
Michael built and grew his New Hampshire-based business with the usual hard work and hiring team members to cover his own weaknesses... But he also made the unique decision to hire people with similar strengths to his own. Why would he replace his own strengths with a costly employee, and how did this decision help his business grow? Listen to this episode, and you just might find out!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:36 - The Scoop on Turn Cycle Solutions
02:22 - From Grandma’s Breezeway to 18 Trucks!
07:33 - The Hiring Process: Covering Your Weaknesses
10:30 - Letting Go of Your Strengths
12:59 - The Employee Pipeline: Weird & Wacky
16:59 - Balancing Family and Business
20:41 - Cleaning Up a Mess
21:42 - Dad: The Cut-Up
22:58 - Patience is the Word
24:34 - Keeping Positive
29:10 - A Typical Day
32:24 - Mike’s Key Advice: Go Do What You’re Good At
33:45 - Human vs. Machine
36:13 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Dean Leber, a top leadership consultant at The Leaders Group!
The corporate world is full of bloated questions - "What's the difference between a mission and vision statement?" and "How do I empower my employees to become good leaders?" These questions seem jejune on the surface, but Dean has real, authentic answers to them that can help you, your team, and your business. Listen to this episode to find out how!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Opening Statements
00:56 - 75-Hard… 113 Days
01:45 - An Introduction to Dean Leber
03:20 - Lebership
04:49 - The Definition (and Importance) of a Mission
07:38 - Unify, Inspire, Move
08:35 - The Less Corporate, the Better!
11:32 - How Long Should a Mission Statement Be?
13:10 - Revisiting the Mission: Whenever It’s Relevant
15:16 - Culture is: Values, and Action
17:08 - Reaching Your People: The Intrinsic Method
19:31 - The Five Towers Interview Process: Unicorn Wrangling
21:16 - Structure: Developing and Empowering Leaders
23:39 - Balancing Risks: Aim Small, Miss Small
27:19 - Good Leaders Ask Questions
28:45 - Addressing Failure: Meter Your Expectations
31:16 - Mike Demands Sheep Talk
32:48 - Read Philosophy: Dean Recommends Stoics
34:12 - How to Get in Touch: grow@theleaders.group
34:58 - Mike Biffed It
35:28 - Staying Young: Diet, Exercise, and Learning
36:57 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Manzela, co-owner of BradManz Landscaping! Chris has been working since he was only 14 years old, but he's progressed a long way since then - from $3.75 an hour bussing tables to owning his own business and a massive football fan cave, Chris' steps forward have not been small! What's his secret? Listen to this episode, and you just might find out!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introductions
01:32 - Whoa! New Sound Effects!
02:11 - An Introduction to BradManz Landscaping
04:26 - Getting Started… At 14?!
06:16 - Food Service Wages… Thankfully Have Changed!
07:04 - Picking (and Losing) a Partner
08:05 - Chris Can Do It: Getting a Degree
10:39 - Brickman!
11:35 - Managing Over Maintenance
14:21 - The Beginning of BradManz
15:08 - Matching a Spirit of Generosity
16:54 - Where’s the Work Ethic? Lazy Podcasters!
20:54 - Broadcasting from the Bills Sanctuary
21:16 - Building a Business: It Always Starts Small! Go Above and Beyond!
24:51 - Do You Know, and Do You Care?
26:39 - Shoutout to The Town Tinker!
27:48 - Valorous Volunteerism: Shoutout to Ronald McDonald House!
31:09 - Competition is a GOOD Thing! Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!
36:59 - Take Care of Your Unicorns!
40:44 - A Day in the Life of Chris
43:47 - A Well-Oiled Gearshift
48:13 - Communication is Paramount!
49:31 - Pay Your Bills!
51:58 - Chris’ (Incorrect) Prediction for the Big Game
52:51 - How to Get in Touch: bradmanzlandscaping.com
54:11 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Dimitri Skrinik, the Project Manager at MODS National!
Dimitri's had an exciting journey, between emigrating from Moldova, leveraging internships into running his own blue collar business... And then leaving it to manage construction projects using shipping containers! Why did he choose Project Management over business ownership? What have his experiences taught him? Hear the answers, his story, and more here, in this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Where IS the Dirty South?
01:24 - An Introduction to Dimitri Skrinik
04:17 - Why Construction? Thanks, Dad
06:35 - Discipline: The Ups and Downs
09:04 - Purpose Through Religion
10:40 - The Wild West That is… Shipping Containers!
13:45 - That Start-Up Feeling
15:03 - Balancing Gigs: There’s Always a Solution!
16:39 - The Moldovan Advantage
18:20 - Get Out of Your Own Way!
20:14 - Controlled Chaos: The Drifting Method
22:22 - Dimitri’s Business: Taking (and Returning) the Reins
26:57 - Working with Family isn’t Easy!
27:59 - Owning a Business is Great… If You Can Handle It!
32:38 - Entrepreneurship Means Marketing & Salesmanship: No Matter the Business!
35:01 - There’s No Such Thing as an Accidental Cowboy: Horses are Scary, Man!
37:41 - Keep Getting Better: Dimitri’s FunHouse
40:05 - Dimitri’s Advice: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Enter the Trades!
41:15 - How to Get in Touch
42:03 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brendan Manning, the Vice President of Education & Environment at AGC New York!
The AGC (Associated General Contractors) specializes in discovering and solving the problems caused by federal and state legislation that pertain to the trades, and informing and working with local tradespeople based on that information. Whether it's by focusing on the legal side, directly training local business owners, or partnering with local organizations, the AGC is a fantastic Blue Collar advocate! Listen to this episode to learn more about their important mission!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introductions: Happy Holidays!
02:36 - Associated General Contractors of New York State: What Is It?
04:41 - A Proactive, Reactive Organization: Weighing Potential Consequences of Policies
09:01 - Bills: Separating the Valuable from the Crazy
10:08 - A Better Way to Build: The Power of Computer Modeling
11:26 - Mike’s Chicken Mansion: A Perfect Example
13:25 - Nurturing the Budding Blue Collars: The Education Side of the AGC
17:20 - Which Training to Do in Person, and Which You Can Do Online
18:36 - Gaining Members During COVID: The Zoom Method
19:54 - Affordable Programming: Funds Scholarships!
21:45 - The Value of Schooling: Give Kids Options!
23:14 - Shoutout to BOCES!
23:51 - Don’t Go to College as a Statistic!
25:37 - What Goes Into Running a Business: Stephanie’s Story
29:18 - Cooperation to Improve Competition: P2P Networks
31:46 - Building Capacity for Natural Diversity
33:11 - Business Owner, Tradesman? Either Way, AGC can Help!
34:20 - Membership Options
36:22 - Suicide Awareness
37:33 - Joint Operations: Partnering with NESCA
40:33 - A Brief History of Brendan Manning: Banking, Software, Y2K, and More
42:19 - Brendan’s Key Piece of Advice: Find a Good, Specialized Attorney and Accountant!
44:07 - How to Get in Touch
44:49 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brent Flavin and David Johnson, co-founder & CEO, and Sales VP respectively of BoomNation!
Finding workers and finding work - that's the biggest challenge the trades are facing. BoomNation breaks through the drawbacks of job boards, combining effective professional services with a fun and personal user experience. If you breathe Blue and want to work Blue, BoomNation is your solution!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introductions: Welcome to BoomNation!
04:00 - Not a Recruiter, Not a Forum: A Community
08:37 - Facilitating the Connection: Cutting Through the Noise of a Typical Job Board
10:58 - 90 Days, 98-Million Users Reached!
12:11 - Professional and Fun: All in One
16:40 - Helping Not Just Employees, But Employers, Too!
18:24 - 92% Application Dropoff Rate?! How BoomNation Fixes It
22:11 - The Upsides of a Union… Without the Downsides
23:54 - Derek Arrives, Thumbs Appear
24:40 - Getting Into the Trades: Never Too Early, Never Too Late!
27:17 - Getting (And Staying) In the Trades
30:56 - See a Need, Fill a Need: The BoomNation Origin Story
36:34 - From Passive Project to Top App
38:10 - A Great Project Starts With a Great Team!
39:30 - You Want Quality? Pay For It…
43:45 - …But Pay Alone Isn’t Enough! Be Responsive!
46:40 - How to Get in Touch
47:28 - Shoutout to MLB Construction and Michaels Group!
48:15 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Terrence Musto and Robert Manasier - the creator of Fabbro Industries, and the business mentor that helped him do it! From a humble start building custom bikes to running his own professional fabrication shop, Terrence's business is a stunning example of the kind of value a business mentor like Robert can provide. Want to learn how to take that idea of yours to the next level? Listen to this episode to get a few clues!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:00:15 - Introductions
00:02:13 - “Fix it in Post”? NO!
00:03:21 - Fabbro Industries: From Motorbikes to Machines
00:07:05 - The Demise of Apprenticeships
00:08:05 - What is a Fabricator?
00:11:14 - Riding Your Own Bike: Living the Dream
00:13:26 - Earning Approval: A Multi-Step Process
00:18:42 - Meeting Manasier: Taking the Motor Out of Motorbike
00:20:54 - Good ol’ New York State: Michael and his Cycles
00:22:01 - Building the Business: Outmaneuvering the Metrics
00:25:53 - Private Enterprise Beats the State Every Time!
00:29:28 - Blabbing About Beards
00:31:02 - The Incubator: Build Out that Beachhead!
00:35:42 - A Clear Pathway to Success: The Output DOES Matter!
00:37:29 - The Play Entrepreneur… You Need More Than Just an Idea! Be Coachable!
00:41:19 - Both Parties Need Accountability! Mike’s School Story
00:42:35 - A Structured Cohort: Alpacas vs. Llamas
00:45:38 - Bob’s First Business… Started at Age 13?! “But Do You Have a Job?”
00:47:14 - The Biggest Challenge: Predicting the Future, Planning for Failures
00:50:26 - Entering Production: There’s Lots of Factors You Haven’t Considered!
00:54:12 - Finding Highly-Skilled Employees Isn’t Easy!
00:55:10 - When Close Enough, Isn’t
00:56:48 - Mike the Ne’er-Do-Weld
00:57:39 - How to Get in Touch: And One Last Story
00:59:53 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB Construction!
01:00:31 - A Sneak Peek for Next Episode!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Doug Ford and Pam Stott, two employees of Curtis Lumber who specialize in workforce development! It's all anyone can talk about now: "Where are all the young workers?" "What will happen to the trades in ten years?" If Doug and Pam have anything to say about it, things will only get better - they're dedicated to educating people across the state about their options, and the wonderful truths about Blue Collar work - it's not "a backup job", it's skilled, profitable, fulfilling, and essential!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Show Begins
01:16 - Introductions
02:56 - Fix that Mic!
03:33 - All About Tupper and Saranac Lake
05:40 - Combatting Workforce Development Challenges
09:17 - The Blue Guarantee
11:23 - Overcoming the College Expectation
12:45 - Too Much Work? The “Real” Job Stigma
15:30 - COVID Helped Grow the Trades?!
16:52 - Stability, Benefits, Safety: The Trades Have Evolved!
18:08 - The Organization Grows
20:18 - Working with the Government
22:43 - Striking Against Stereotypes: Love for the Locals
26:27 - A Decades-Old Stereotype: When Will it Pass?
29:26 - The Education Pipeline
31:48 - Scary Statistics: Where is Everybody?
33:31 - Show Your Support! What You Can Do to Help
35:49 - Branching Out: Taking the Mission Further
37:42 - How to Get in Touch
38:26 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jared Davis and Samuel Stork - teacher and graduate respectively from WSWHE BOCES! They've got programs in dozens of different subjects for kids and adults alike, but one particular strength of their offerings is the Blue Collar menu! Horticulture, heavy equipment operation, welding, automotive - whatever your shade of blue, BOCES has a program for you!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introductions: Love That Blue Collar Coffee!
02:06 - Greetings From WSWHE
03:30 - This Week at BOCES
05:12 - Well to Do About Welding
06:13 - Heavy Equipment Training!
08:34 - A Stork’s Journey: Working Day TWO After Graduation!
11:42 - A Little Bit of Everything
13:16 - Is College On the Table?
14:56 - Class During COVID
15:53 - What Makes Us Blue?
18:41 - A Blue Collar Teacher’s Job: Keep Those Kids’ Fingers and Toes Intact!
20:47 - The BOCES Advantage: Those Skills Last a Lifetime!
21:53 - No Fringe Benefits for You!
22:26 - Hundreds of Partners, Hundreds of Opportunities!
24:09 - Placement Metrics… 50% Job Market, 50% Military!
25:38 - How to Get In Touch
26:27 - Is BOCES Right for You?.. YES!
27:32 - Working Towards the Future: Young People DO Want to Work!
28:39 - Adult Learning Options
30:47 - Visit the Website: https://www.wswheboces.org/
31:27 - CTE Works
33:24 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Kelsey Martin and Craig Dittl, two project managers from MLB Construction! They work with all kinds of people, from experienced Boomers to green Gen Zs, and no matter what the project, they keep the team and clients happy and get things done! What's their secret? Listen to this episode and find out!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:00:15 - Introductions
00:02:13 - Who is Kelsey Martin?
00:04:32 - Who is Craig Dittl?
00:05:30 - Project Planning: Try to Get it Right Early, But Always Be Ready to Adapt!
00:06:55 - Project Engineers: All About Tasks!
00:09:21 - Lawyer, Accountant, and Therapist: All Rolled Into One!
00:11:06 - Estimation Takes Coordination
00:13:03 - Budget Boss
00:14:11 - Discovering MLB: The Right Balance
00:20:12 - Thriving with Challenges
00:21:25 - Looking Back: Kelsey’s History
00:24:30 - Success is Doing What You Say You Will!
00:26:01 - Directness: Know When (and When Not) To Use It!
00:30:32 - Different Generations: Same Team
00:36:06 - Relationships Matter… With EVERYONE You Work With!
00:38:15 - YouTube Learning: Free and Fast!
00:40:19 - The Network Queen (and a Chloe Cameo!)
00:44:58 - Networking Advice: Prepare Beforehand!
00:46:13 - A Stink Bug Attacks!
00:46:36 - Networking Advice: Give Yourself Time!
00:48:20 - Repeat Business: Take Care of Them, They’ll Take Care of You!
00:50:03 - Just a Phone Call Away: Email is for Chumps!
00:53:54 - Don’t Fear the Learning Curve!
00:55:55 - Is Blue Right for You? Time Management Tips
00:57:38 - Confidence Comes with Time!
01:00:43 - Go that Extra Mile!
01:01:56 - How to Get in Touch: mlbind.com
01:03:27 - Mass Retirement is Imminent! Take Advantage of It!
01:05:06 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster talk to Ben Rieth, co-founder and operator of Daigle Fire Solutions! While his business is literally based around fire prevention, his stories make it clear that every businessman needs to know how to deal with tough situations in the same way! There's plenty of tips for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: Derek is the Main Host!
02:52 - What is Daigle Fire Solutions?
05:35 - Coming to DFS: A Risk Worth Taking
08:08 - Starting Your Own Business: Ben’s Story
10:07 - The Boss Steps In: How Involved Should You Be?
15:04 - Putting the Pro in Processes
16:59 - Under Pressure: A Fire Solution
18:08 - A Day in the Life of Ben Rieth
19:59 - Mistakes Don’t Matter: Reactions and Results Do!
22:00 - Problem-Solvers: Will You Pull the Cart, or Ride in It?
23:48 - Make a Decision: Stagnation Kills Everything
25:09 - A Skilled Juggler Has a Cool Hand… And a Great Team!
27:32 - The Mental Transition
30:04 - Acquiring New Clients… Go Talk to People!
33:33 - Marketing Generates the Leads… YOU Keep Them!
34:43 - The College Curse: Don’t Doubt Yourself! You CAN Do It!
37:04 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Morgan Pellitteri, the man behind TechSmart Inspections! While he worked white collar and with other employees in the past, Morgan rededicated himself to a new calling - running an entire home inspection operation himself! What made him make the change? How has he achieved success? Listen to this episode and find out!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Off-Tangent
00:49 - Show Begins: Mike Needs His Sleep!
02:35 - An Introduction to Morgan Pellitteri
03:54 - From Corporate to Crepes to Inspection
07:55 - The Sales Component
09:37 - Call Morgan, Maybe?
11:04 - Starting Small: It’s All About Communication!
13:05 - The Next Steps: Cold-Calling Strategies
16:12 - You’re Not for Everybody: A Story About Drawing the Line
21:04 - The Real Estate Boom… When Will it End?
23:14 - A One-Man Operation
25:55 - A Day in the Life
27:27 - One-Note Arnold
28:16 - Exercise and Meditation: The Benefits of Sober Living
29:46 - Work to Live
31:15 - The Next Generation: Shoutout to Edon, Jawid, Jonathan and Tim!
33:56 - Inspect = Protect
36:37 - Morgan’s Advice: Keep Learning!
38:47 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview four students at the Blue Collar College - Tim, Jonathan, Jawid and Edon! Their incredible stories showcase the strength of the Blue Collar spirit - between preserving heritage, community values, working hard to chase those dreams, and even acts of genuine heroism, the future for the next generation of Blue Collar workers is looking bright!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Be Careful with Gas Fires!
01:32 - Live from the Welding Room!
03:05 - Introductions: We’ve Got a Full Room!
08:46 - Honda Gang!
09:11 - Time Keeps on Slippin’
10:11 - Chasing the Dream
14:56 - Restoration Takes Dedication!
16:12 - Honda Gang Strikes Again!
17:23 - Blue Collar Gives Back
19:31 - Escaping a Fire… And Saving a Family!
24:54 - No Stranger to Danger
26:41 - An Incredible Community
27:47 - Gaining Experience, and Seeing Opportunity
31:28 - Security and Opportunity: Blue Collar’s Where It’s At!
35:42 - Attracting Talent: Show Some Support, and Respect!
38:50 - Owning a Shop Isn’t for Everyone… But What a Ride!
41:38 - A Creative Battering Ram to the Experience Wall
43:45 - Bringing the Modern and the Classic Together
47:44 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview three Blue Collar superstars - Amanda Triolo, Brian Correll, and Luke Scarcelli of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Grasshopper has been all the buzz - or rather, chirp - on the scene lately as their marvelous marketing, terrific teamwork and stellar service take the community by storm! What's the secret to their raid growth and success? We have some of the answers for you here in this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
01:00 - Shoutout to Michaels Group: And Our Mission
02:29 - Introductions: The Grasshopper Team
06:58 - A Grasshopper Hops Forward
12:57 - A Sudden Swarm of Happy Hoppers
13:57 - Glory Be to Gary Grasshopper
14:49 - Business Ain’t for Babies!
17:18 - Carving Through COVID
19:23 - Everything Has a Solution!
20:24 - Keep Calm and Carry On
22:33 - Cultivating Culture and Valuing Values
29:47 - Inform and Educate: Do No Disservice
31:39 - Why Does It Matter? Sharing a Vision
34:22 - The Vision Board: Pipe the Perspective
35:57 - Employee-Focus Isn’t Just for Higher-Ups!
37:30 - Started from the Bottom… Now We’re Here
38:55 - Maintaining Morale
43:02 - Game Time
47:20 - Shoutout to Dean Leber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmleber/
47:55 - Throttled Marketing
51:25 - Keep Those Customers!
54:45 - GrassLARPer
56:06 - How to Get in Touch: Amanda@gograsshopper.com
56:41 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Jim Dawsey, the President of MLB Construction Services, LLC! Jim's come a long way in his life, from minimum-wage drudgery in a February rainstorm to running a premier multi-million dollar company! He learned no small amount of methods, strategies and secrets along the way... And if you listen to this episode, you just might learn a few for yourself!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Blue Collar Insider: Learning from Mistakes
01:48 - The Show Begins
02:57 - An Introduction to Jim Dawsey and the World of Construction
05:13 - A History You Can Count On: Jim’s Journey
09:39 - Taking the Next Step
11:33 - The Role Sharpens: Finding the Niche
13:11 - Sawing for Saratoga, and Driving With No Hands
14:27 - Learning on the Job: Experts Have a Lot to Give!
15:26 - Transitions: One Successful, One Not
18:52 - My Old Man
20:05 - Take it from Jim: Relationships are EVERYTHING!
23:38 - What’s Hot and What’s Not
25:26 - Jim’s Biggest Challenge: Adapting to the Economy
27:59 - Don’t Fly Out of Albany for a While!
28:51 - Forecasting and Planning
30:56 - Jim’s Biggest Mistake: Working with a Developer
35:11 - Chloe Speaks! And the Secret to Jim’s Success
37:05 - The Next Ownership Team
38:26 - What Role Does College Play?
39:58 - A Day in the Life of Jim Dawsey… Starts at 4:00 AM!
41:27 - A Coffee Conversation
43:57 - Jim’s on Drums, Mike’s Son’s on Guitar… This Editor’s on Bass! The Blue Collar Band
45:31 - Jim’s Key Piece of Advice: Through the Ups and Downs, Never Lose Your Passion!
48:37 - How to Get in Touch: Social Media’s the Way!
49:26 - Closing Remarks: Thanks for the Gift Bags!
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview the triple threat team of Juan, Jason, and Matt from Argyle's Hunt Companies! They've handled construction for some major players locally, but they didn't just stumble into the trust of those big league clients - they earned it! Have a listen to this episode and find out how!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
01:26 - An Introduction to Hunt Companies
03:45 - The Beginning: McDonald’s and You
06:06 - Director of Operations: Welcome to Argyle
08:02 - Matt: The Future
09:06 - Commercial vs. Residential Work
11:14 - The Record is Seven!
13:15 - Small, Focused Teams: The Ups and Downs of COVID
16:39 - Onboarding: A Constant Process (Shoutout to BOCES!)
19:14 - Experience Ain’t Cheap! Don’t Be Afraid to Train!
22:15 - Cultivating Culture
24:41 - Trickle-Down Culture: It Starts at the Top!
28:12 - Showing Support
30:16 - Kinks in the Supply Chain… Won’t Get Better Anytime Soon!
34:42 - Why Haven’t Costs Gone Back Down?
38:48 - Good Relationships… Are Based on Trust!
41:37 - Multi-Layered Profit-Earning: Waste Not!
43:26 - Advice to the Next Generation: Find Out What You Like to Do!
47:27 - How to Get in Touch
49:04 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Mike McGrath, the head honcho at 1-800-Paint-Job! Mike overcame plenty of struggles to get where he is, and faces more every day... But no challenge is too great for a Blue Collar worker! Hear about his struggles and successes here, in this stellar episode!
This episode was recorded on-location at The Eden Center for Integrative Care: https://www.theedencarecenter.com/
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction
02:15 - The Turning Point
03:44 - A Portrait of the Future
06:01 - A Changing Market
08:25 - The Equipment Plan: No Plan!
10:04 - Finding Help: Quality over Quantity, Build a Culture!
13:07 - Billing Blues: Email’s Got Issues!
15:45 - The Biggest Challenge: Recruiting!
18:41 - Do You Have What it Takes? Coping with Failure
21:03 - Help Comes to Those Who Ask… Reach Out, Make Friends!
25:30 - From Plebeian to Paint-Master
26:59 - There’s More to Business Than the Sale
27:46 - Self-Education is INCREDIBLY EASY Now… So Do It!
29:17 - The Mike McGrath Story: Overcoming Addiction and Achieving Success
32:22 - Discipline… The Most Valuable Skill of All
34:23 - The Other Half: Making Hard Decisions
35:16 - You’ve Got to De-Stress!.. Healthily
36:30 - McGrath in the Morning: Routing Out the Routines
37:48 - Awesome Audiobooks
40:36 - Money vs. Time: Time is ALWAYS More Important!
42:10 - Wise is the Man With the Home Library
44:02 - The 1-800-Paint-Job Value
45:08 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to The Eden Center and Michaels Group!
In this episode, our hosts Mike and Derek interview Taylor Hopeck, the Client Coordinator at Witt Construction! Her story perfectly showcases that sometimes, you choose the Blue Collar life... And sometimes, it chooses you!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction and Shoutouts
03:06 - Who is Taylor Hopeck?
04:48 - Supply Chain? More Like Supply Pain!
05:24 - Team and Client Coordination: How Taylor Handles It…
07:34 - … And How Derek Handles It
09:15 - Finding a Home in Home-Building
12:48 - Social Media: A Powerful Tool!
14:55 - A Day in the Life of Taylor Hopeck
16:43 - Field Experience is SO Important!
17:24 - From Being Green to Making Green
19:38 - Taylor’s Advice: It Never Hurts to Try! Knowledge is Power!
22:20 - Workforce Development: What Witt’s Working On
25:23 - When Email Becomes Snail Mail
27:57 - When Do You Need Taylor?.. Right Away!
32:33 - Keeping Your Free Time Free
34:53 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson partners with Derek Foster to interview Derek's right-hand man at Daigle Cleaning systems, Eric Myers! Eric demonstrates the importance of segmenting and coordinating your team - with the right people, your business can soar!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: Shoutout to Michaels Group!
01:55 - An Introduction to Eric Myers
02:34 - When Eric Met Derek
04:22 - Translating Military Experience to the Private Sector
09:53 - Blue Collar Job Security: Can’t Replace a Roofer with a Robot!
11:48 - Onboarding with Daigle Cleaning Systems
15:48 - Keep Moving Forward
16:54 - Splitting Management Duties Successfully
19:18 - Letting Go of the Reins
21:13 - Traction, Integraters & Implementers
24:37 - Derek Lets Go
25:49 - Who’s Really Accountable?
28:17 - Eric’s Biggest Challenge: Dealing with Defensives
30:15 - Overcoming the Hiring Problem: The Daigle Solution
34:16 - The Daigle Cleaning Academy
35:16 - Eric’s Advice
36:32 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, Mike and Derek interview Bruce Hoffman, the Work-Based Learning & Placement Coorindator at WSWHE BOCES! We and our kids have all had those classes that we just didn't want to take and asked the question "Why do I have to learn Trigonometry?" Bruce works hard to make sure his classes are the exact opposite - everything students learn from BOCES has a specific and real purpose! Give this episode a listen and find out just what kind of value BOCES has - not just for your kids, but also for you!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction
01:38 - What Does Bruce Hoffman Do at BOCES?
05:15 - Workforce, Workforce, Workforce!
06:11 - Hands-On Learning
08:40 - What Happened to Wood & Metal Shop? Mike’s Experience
12:02 - Shoutout to Dr. Turina Parker!
12:44 - The BOCES Stigma: Moving Past It
14:44 - The Intern
16:54 - From BOCES to Bank: Placement Opportunities
19:12 - Getting Started with BOCES
23:38 - Setting Kids Up for Success: The BOCES Difference
25:15 - Running Out of Room
27:20 - Funding the Adult Programs
28:35 - Shoutout to Michaels Group, and All of Our Sponsors!
29:43 - Sponsoring BOCES Helps So Much, Too!
31:02 - BOCES Graduation: What it Looks Like
32:09 - Working with Home-Schoolers
33:07 - Reaching Students: How BCS Plans to Help
35:57 - How You Can Help
38:01 - The Typical Day of a BOCES Student
39:29 - Why Do I Need to Learn Trigonometry?
41:16 - Women in the Trades: BOCES’ Latest Initiative
42:46 - How to Get in Touch
44:23 - Drop Us Some Questions and Comments! hardhat@bluecollarstartup.io
In this episode, our visionary founder Derek Foster interviews Terry Hubbard, the founder, CEO and Sales Manager at Peak Environmental: Landscape Construction & Management Services! Terry's been working in his field since he was only 16 years old, and has grown his business to a multi-team unit with 25 employees, and room for more! How did he do it? What practices have led to his success? Derek learns the answers here, in this stellar episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: Old Mike Nelson’s On the Farm!
00:46 - A Brief History of Terry Hubbard: Starting His Business at… 16?!
03:03 - The Next Step: Straight Out of School
04:34 - When it All Clicks
08:48 - Building a Solid Footing
10:20 - Overcoming Challenges
13:21 - Six Distinct Crews, 25 Employees!
15:52 - Shoutout to Luke Michaels and the Michaels Group!
16:19 - Training the New Blood: New Tools and New Tricks
19:42 - The Value of Proper Onboarding
21:46 - If You’re Not Training Your Employees… You’re Still Paying For It!
23:01 - Making Business a Game… Makes Profits Consistent, and Employees Dedicated!
28:17 - Where’s the Work Ethic?.. It’s Right There! Respect Your Team, and They’ll Work Hard For You!
30:53 - The Value of College… It’s Right for Some, But Not All!
32:00 - You ARE Good Enough!
33:08 - A Day in the Life of Terry Hubbard
35:14 - Meditation and Cryotherapy
36:01 - Terry’s Key Piece of Advice: Hire People Who Are Better Than You!
39:21 - Admitting You’re Not the Right Person for the Job
41:18 - Terry’s Day-to-Day Role: Sales Manager… For Now
43:13 - The Traction Model
45:31 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster have a chat with Vince LaTerra, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you live in Saratoga, you've heard of these guys, and there's a lot of advice this successful businessman has to offer in this episode! What is it? You'll have to listen to find out!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: A Friendly Update
01:26 - Training Babies to Sleep
02:36 - Mike’s Son Locks Him Out
04:20 - It’s Time for the Show - With Vince LaTerra, Project Manager!
06:37 - 12 Jobs at Once?!
07:23 - Specialized Software? No Way! Notebook and Pencil!
09:08 - Determining Priorities
10:36 - Everything is a Problem
13:13 - Antics in the Attic
15:32 - Why Construction?
17:12 - Doing Right by Retention
19:18 - Getting the Train Back on Track
21:34 - The Resources You Should Have!
23:33 - Sourcing Staff
26:31 - The Bonacio Path: From Greenhorn to Construction Champ
28:15 - The Traits to Look For
30:13 - The Generation War
31:55 - Learning From the (Noisy) Old Guard… And Your Mistakes!
36:17 - Vince’s Secret to Success: Consistency!
37:18 - Manager and Salesman: Can the Roles Coexist?
39:00 - The 40 Under 40 Award, and the Shaken & Stirred Event
41:35 - Vince’s One Key Piece of Advice: Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses!
42:50 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Ivan Bell, the main man behind IBS Septic & Drain! He's got a lot to say about balancing home life and family life, giving 110%... And, most importantly, loving what you do!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: The Rise of Ivan Bell
01:30 - Ivan’s Advice: Just Go Forward! Don’t Give Up and Carve Your Own Path!
02:42 - Seizing an Opportunity: Every Day is a (Fun) Battle!
04:09 - I Dig It, Man!
06:49 - Making the Change: From a One-Man Show to 20 Employees!
09:15 - Ivan’s Biggest Challenge: Balancing Work and Family
10:24 - The Family Business
12:52 - The Money Will Come
15:56 - When is it Time to Let Others Pick Up Some Slack?
18:24 - The Secret to Success: Love What You Do!
19:13 - Everything to Everyone… Great Album, But Not a Great Life Strategy!
22:54 - Shoutout to Warren Tire!
25:00 - Adversity Absolutely WILL Come! Be Ready!
26:39 - Respecting Your Employees is Important!
27:45 - Retirement? No Way!
29:48 - Say I’m the Man… What’s the Plan?
31:06 - Keep Your Heart in it… And Keep Going!
32:08 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jim Countryman - the assistant professor of Applied Technologies at Hudson Valley Community College; AKA, The Blue Collar College! We know, we know - we've often said college isn't for everybody... But with amazing programs like Jim's, you can learn Blue Collar skills from start to finish - like automotive mechanics, aviation mechanics, HVAC, electrical engineering, and much, much more! Get the inside scoop on HVCC's stellar, affordable offerings for any and all students here, in this informative episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
00:15 - Introduction: Who We Are, and What We Do
01:12 - Shoutout to Matthew Perry!
02:27 - An Introduction to Jim Countryman
05:08 - HVCC’s Amazing Programs: Aviation & Auto Mechanics, HVAC, Electrical Construction, and More!
06:13 - Enrollment is Through the Roof! How Wait-Listing Works
08:57 - A Complete Associate’s Degree… For $10,000?! And it Buys You so Much More!
12:00 - The All-or-Nothing Mentality… Time Management is a Bigger Challenge Than You Might Think!
14:46 - Trades Take Skill and Dedication: It’s Not an Easy, Free Ride!
16:31 - From Zero to Hero: No Prerequisites Required! You Don’t Even Need to Know What a Ratchet is!
18:30 - Determining Mechanical Ability… Surprises Galore!
20:34 - Metal Shop: A Thing of the Past? How STEM Made Trades-Learning Harder to Access
23:53 - Is The Blue Collar College Right for You? Don’t be Afraid to Try!
27:14 - Following the Path to Success… Time Flies, Put in Your 100%!
29:09 - Partnering With Local Employers: 100% Job Placement?!
33:33 - It’s Not About THE Trade… It’s About A Trade!
36:03 - Stigmas are Human Nature… But Opportunity is Not Exclusive to One Side! Do Your Homework!
38:25 - The Evolution of Trades Skills: So Much is Computerized Now!
39:29 - Got my Two-Year Degree… What’s Next?
42:31 - 120 Hours of Instruction: 20 Hours of Lectures, 100 Hours of Hands-On Practice!
44:23 - Perception is Not Necessarily Reality… We All Make Mistakes!
46:01 - Jim’s Key Piece of Advice: Talk With Experienced People!
47:26 - Crawling Out From Under the Social Media Rock: Have Real Conversations!
49:28 - How to Get in Touch With The Blue Collar College
51:15 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Paul Lambert, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you're from Saratoga Springs or Rome, New York, you know these guys - but if not, don't worry! We'll fill you in on everything you need to know about Bonacio Construction and Paul Lambert here, in this stellar episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Paul Lambert - Bonacio Construction
00:15 - Introduction
01:35 - Who is Paul Lambert?
02:40 - What is Bonacio Construction? Where are They Based?
03:52 - What Does Bonacio Do?
07:33 - What’s Sonny Bonacio Like?
09:36 - How Paul Got his Start in the Trades
10:48 - Shoutout to Luke Michaels!
12:12 - Climbing the Ladder
16:14 - Problem-Solving: Every Blue Collar Job is This!
17:13 - Bonacio’s Structure and Systems… Are Relatively New!
20:10 - Tracking Time
21:42 - Hiring: Back in the Day vs. Now… Expectations and Priorities Have Changed!
24:10 - Two Kinds of People: Hard Workers, We Want You!
28:31 - Working Your Way Up… It’s Hard to be Patient Nowadays!
30:48 - Dangling the Carrot… Looking Ahead, Giving Motivation
34:31 - Workforce Development: School’s Not For Everyone, Get Out There and Work!
37:09 - Keep a Low Barrier to Entry: Train the New Workforce!
39:15 - From Your Best Employee to Your Best Subcontractor
41:19 - Retaining Your Workers
43:52 - Paul’s Secret to Success: Never Stop Climbing the Ladder! Keep Setting Goals!
46:00 - Looking at the Calendar
48:12 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our Host Mike Nelson and Visionary Founder Derek Foster interview Dustin Manny, the main man behind Manny Topsoil and Gravel! Dustin is all about working hard and doing the job right, and he tells us all about his methods, beliefs and styles right here in this episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Ryan van Amburgh - Career Jam
00:15 - Hello, Newspaper Truck! And a Snag in the Brewery
03:08 - There’s Always an Issue…
04:18 - Welcome, Dustin!.. Finally!
06:08 - An Introduction to Dustin Manny
09:07 - Hard Work is Easier When You’re Working for Yourself!
11:37 - Making the Jump to Self-Employment
15:43 - Does the Economy and Real Estate Market Affect Dustin’s Business?.. NO!
17:05 - The Challenges of Growth: Trucks Ain’t Cheap!
21:03 - A Two-Employee Business… Two is Plenty!
22:36 - Vacation, Have to Get Away… Slows Down Business, Though!
24:30 - From One Guy in a Truck to a Massive Company…
25:30 - … If You Can Get a Truck!
26:39 - Dustin’s Secret to Success: Hard Work!
28:57 - Working Blue Collar, You Don’t Need a Workout Regimen!
29:51 - Hey, Shit Happens!
33:29 - Time With the Kids… Blue Collar’s Big Downside
36:04 - Mike’s Kids Smash his Televisions
37:17 - College Isn’t for Everyone! There’s so Much Opportunity in Blue Collar Work!
42:09 - Routine? Nah! Up, Eat, and Go!
43:14 - Mike Nelson, (Semi) Professional Podcaster
44:01 - Dustin’s Marketing Secret: Diversify, Try New Things!
45:15 - Turn Off Your Damned Phone!
46:41 - What’s Hot? CDL Drivers, and Hard Workers of All Kinds!
48:32 - Dustin’s Key Piece of Advice: Pick Your Niche, and Master it!
49:49 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk to Ryan van Amburgh, the co-founder of Career Jam! His organization helps youths realize their potential and find the career pathways that are right for them, along with fostering development of the Blue Collar labor force and helping local companies find their next generation of workers!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Ryan van Amburgh - Career Jam
00:16 - Introduction
01:27 - What is Career Jam?
03:18 - Kids Entering the Trades
07:19 - Shoutout to RASP Incorporated and LISSMAC!
10:03 - What Does the Labor Force Look Like?
13:16 - Having a Hand in Workforce Development
15:30 - The Role of Our Schools in Workforce Development
20:56 - Career Pathways: Paving the Way
25:56 - Why is Workforce Development so Splintered Between Groups?
30:19 - The Labor Pinch… Ryan Saw it Coming!
33:39 - Upcoming Career Jam Events
36:33 - How Can My Business Support Career Jam?
39:16 - Impressing Visitors is So Rewarding!
44:42 - Ryan’s #1 Hiring Tip: Collaborate at the Sources!
46:14 - Career Jam 2054: What’s Next?
47:42 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
50:24 - Send Your Questions to hardhat@bluecollarstartup.io
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Tom Shanley, a Daigle Cleaning Systems franchisee from Westchester, New York! They discuss the many benefits of franchising - including streamlined processes, scalable goalsetting, and more! Take a listen and find out how both Derek and Tom made Daigle Cleaning Systems great!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Tom Shanley - Daigle Cleaning Systems of Westchester
00:15 - Introduction
01:20 - The Blue Collar Timeline: From Side Hustle to Franchise
06:46 - Introducing… Tom Shanley!
09:33 - Only One Full-Time Job and a Side Hustle? LAZY!
11:21 - The Power of a Franchise
13:35 - The DOS
14:55 - Picking a Cleaning Franchise… Daigle Was the Best!
16:25 - Why Franchise?..
19:19 - … To Benefit From the Experience of Others!
21:20 - Switching to Daigle: Low Buy-In, High Scalability!
24:29 - Sales vs. Operations: Which Background is More Important?
27:10 - Goal For Next Year: Double the Revenue!
29:05 - Kitchens are Filthy! Hood Cleaning is Necessary!
30:32 - Daily Routines: Plan Your Time as Efficiently as You Can!
32:00 - Tom’s One Key Piece of Advice: Do a Great Job!
33:40 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brad Lewis, the hard-working owner of Lewis Lawn Care & Masonry! He started at a very young age without even having a car to take him between clients; but he grew his "side hustle" into a successful business with hard work and dedication! Take a listen and find out how!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Brad Lewis - Lewis Lawn Care & Masonry
00:00:15 - Introduction: Marketing with “Money” Mike Nelson
00:02:25 - A Brief Overview of Brad Lewis: Master Mason, Handy Hardscaper!
00:04:42 - Starting Young: Want a New Skateboard? Get Mowin’!
00:07:04 - Learning From (and Teaching) Sub-Contractors… Way up High!
00:08:52 - Securing Equipment… Without a Car!
00:11:45 - Working Within Walking Distance
00:13:24 - Running the Mile
00:15:46 - Pathetic Pay Entering White Collar… Screw It! Blue All the Way!
00:18:22 - Tutoring Economics… But Teaching? No Way! Brad’s a Machine!
00:20:30 - Sleep is for the WEAK! Work, Learn, and Work Some More!
00:23:14 - Back to the Present: Home and Apartment Rehabbing with the Crew
00:26:59 - Doing Nothing?.. No Way! FIRE Movement Counter-Intuitive?
00:31:30 - Restoring Busted-Up Homes: “Be a Good Steward”
00:34:45 - Don’t Be Afraid of Your Employees Spreading Their Wings - Support It!
00:40:01 - Finding Customers: The Single Most Important Part of Business!
00:44:12 - The Future… Let it Come! You Can’t Plan For the Unknown!
00:46:27 - Lawnwork?.. Not Worth It! Get a Goat!
00:50:20 - “Foster Freedom”: Value Your Workers and Their Families!
00:53:17 - Brad’s #1 Piece of Advice: Spread Your Work Out, Don’t Try to “Burn a Year”!
00:56:40 - The 5:30 AM Riser: Get Emails Out of the Way and Plan Your Day!
00:58:20 - Closing Remarks: Masonry, Not Masonary! hardhat@bluecollarstartup.io
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Mark Miller - his old boss, and the main man behind Performance Industrial! They talk about the struggles early businesses face and how they overcame them, Mark's well-studied practices and methods, and even how Mark overcame a complete relabeling and brand change! You won't want to miss this informative episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Mark Miller - Performance Industrial
00:16 - Introduction
00:48 - A Brief History of Mark Miller: Trucking Right Out of High School!
03:51 - Getting Dirty with Americlean: You’ve Got to Have a Plan!
04:56 - The E-Myth: A Revelation! Plan it Smart and the Stress Melts Away!
09:08 - Is Consulting Worth It? Yes - If You Really Learn From It!
12:03 - There’s So Much to Learn: So Learn the Right Stuff!
13:57 - Mike’s Claim to Fame: Being Fired by Mark?!
16:27 - Are You Meant to Work For Someone Else? Find Out!
17:56 - Hiring? Don’t Use Indeed - Go to Sandy’s Clam Bar!
18:33 - From Americlean to Performance Industrial: Why the Rebrand?
20:22 - Every Company is a Performance: From Front Stage to Back!
22:34 - Shifting Focus: What to Consider
26:12 - Building a Company: All About Personal Communication, Before AND After the Internet!
29:08 - Marketing is Powerful… But to a Greenhorn, Selling is So Much More!
31:08 - The Golden Phrase: Make it Happen!
33:42 - The Button: “I’ll Make it Happen!”
34:46 - Mark’s Biggest Challenge… Himself! If You Don’t Become Better, You Become Bitter!
36:13 - Mark’s Biggest Mistake: Hiring the Wrong People! Make Choices Carefully, At Work and at Home!
37:37 - Work Ethic: It’s Easy to Criticize, But Everyone is Motivated Differently!
41:24 - Things Have Changed… But For the Better! There’s Nothing Wrong With Safety and Life Balance!
41:59 - The Value of College: Very Dependent! Think it Over First!
43:52 - School Teaches You the Core Skills… But Nothing About Entrepreneurship or Salesmanship!
45:31 - Not Going to College Doesn’t Mean Burger-Flipping! Make Your Own Success!
47:23 - Mark’s Key Piece of Advice: Connect With Other Business Owners! Success Leaves Clues!
50:01 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Luke Michaels, the main man behind Michaels Group Homes! His third-generation business has undergone a lot of trials and changes throughout the years, and Derek and Mike can definitely relate - find out just what they went through by giving this episode a listen!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Luke Michaels - Michaels Home Group
00:16 - Introduction
02:51 - Three Generations of Michaels Group Homes!
06:03 - When Life Gives You Lemons…
06:51 - Whiny Moments: Don’t Ever Let Monday Ruin Your Sunday!
08:44 - Seizing an Opportunity: Nothing Wrong With It!
11:21 - Living Up to the Legacy… Best Not to Think About It!
13:44 - Stick to the Process; But Update It When Necessary!
17:00 - Applying Economics to Homebuilding
19:38 - Luke’s Biggest Challenge: Dealing With the Development Red Tape!
23:02 - Some Excellent Advice: If You Can, Work for Yourself!
28:01 - Preparing For the Market Stabilization
31:03 - Youth Opportunities
36:28 - Only Let Your Organization Grow as Big as You Can Keep it Running Smoothly!
40:45 - Is College Right For You? Yes: IF You Have a Plan!
43:04 - Living With a Psychologist
43:46 - Routines Help Keep You Grounded: Mike Loves Podcasts!
46:35 - Luke’s Favorite Podcasts: Joe Rogan, and Doughboys!
47:31 - Our Goal: To Reach, Connect and Aid Current and Future Tradespeople!
49:19 - Tech Jobs: Sexy, But Not Necessarily Secure! Trades Can Be Recession-Proof!
51:45 - There’s a Lot of Opportunity Locally! No Inattentive National Builders Here!
52:33 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Anthony Caruso, the main man behind Caruso Builders of New York! They discuss Anthony's start at 20 years of age, how he grew his business to work on multi-million dollar homes, how his company dealt with the COVID crisis and the labor shortage, and more in this in-depth episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Anthony Caruso - Caruso Home Builders
00:16 - Introduction
00:56 - A Brief History of Anthony Caruso and Caruso Builders
05:09 - Before Construction: When it Was Time to Go Blue
08:56 - Starting Blue at 20: Blue and Green!
09:54 - Employees and Subcontractors: Who Does Which Job?
11:37 - What Goes Into a Three-Million Dollar Home: Come Visit the Blue Collar Mansion!
14:18 - Bunker-Buildin’: Hope For the Best, But Prepare For the Worst!
16:18 - The COVID Hurdle: Changed Many Lives, For Better or Worse!
18:15 - Expanding Slowly, But Surely
21:17 - Speculating Land: A Not-Often-Offered Advantage that Caruso Builders Offers!
22:28 - Scoping Out Customers: You Shouldn’t Do Business With Everyone!
25:39 - Tradesman Shortages… May Only Get Worse! Those Who Remain Will Control the Market!
28:12 - Average Ages: The Blue-Collar Market is Strongest in the 40s and 50s!
30:14 - The Caruso Secret: No Hesitation! No Surrender!
32:13 - Routines & Obligations: Not Much Free Time!
34:48 - What Time is Okay to Text? “Scheduled Send” is a Fantastic Innovation for Night Owls and Early Birds!
36:58 - Editor’s Note: I Can Verify That He Really Does Do This.
37:23 - Work Ethic, Where Have You Gone? How Are People Making Things Work Without It?
40:12 - Goal-Setting and Scaling: Planning Ahead
42:54 - Anthony’s One Key Piece of Advice: Never Give Up! Plan For Success and You’ll Have It!
43:44 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Tom Brizzell, the main man behind Custom Craft Builders of Brunswick! They discuss Tom's zen-like approach towards his business, the challenges he faced starting both his business and his family in his twenties, and more in this in-depth episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Tom Brizzell - Custom Craft Builders LLC
00:16 - Introduction: Mike’s Crazy Cider
01:31 - A Brief History of Tom Brizzell and Custom Craft Builders
03:35 - A Learning Experience: A Mistake You Learn From is No Mistake!
06:16 - Starting in Your 20s… Talk About Stressful!
06:40 - Owning Your Own Business Does NOT Equal More Free Time (At Least at First)!
08:12 - Working After (or Before) Hours… The Perspective Change Can Make a World of Difference!
10:17 - Tom’s Biggest Mistake: Hiring Friends!
14:33 - The Big Challenge Today: The Economy, and Explaining it to Customers!
17:58 - The Secret to Tom’s Success… Going With the Flow!
19:23 - Succeeding Without Marketing… Your Work Must Be TOP NOTCH to Speak for Itself!
20:37 - Stacking Jobs: How Many is Too Many? It Depends on What Role You Play!
22:00 - Be the “Icing on the Cake”
24:15 - “Today is Going to Suck”: Prepare for Adversity!
26:01 - Work Ethic and the Shifting Expectations of Society
29:55 - From Working for Someone to Working for Yourself: A Difficult Transition!
32:23 - College is Good… If You Know Why You’re Going!
34:35 - Tom’s Routine: Strict Planning Works for Some, But Not Tom!
35:51 - Tom’s One Key Piece of Advice: Don’t Give Up!
36:40 - What Keeps Tom Going?.. Loving What He Does!
37:27 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matt Phelps, the owner of Metabolic Fitness! They discuss how Matt got started, the stellar programs the facilities offer, and more in this informative episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Matt Phelps - Metabolic Fitness
00:16 - Introduction
02:03 - A Brief History of Matt Phelps and Metabolic Fitness
07:03 - Derek Training with Matt… In a Warehouse in Schenectady?!
08:13 - How Can Physical Fitness Play a Role in Your Success?
09:59 - Metabolic’s Class Structuring: Don’t “Find a Time”, MAKE the Time!
14:05 - Careful Scheduling: The Key to Success
16:24 - Nutrition: A Misunderstood and Surprisingly Simple Component of Fitness!
18:23 - How Personalized Should Nutrition Be?
19:47 - Intermittent Fasting: Just a Means to an End!
20:40 - Metabolic’s Coaches: Not Just Exercise, but Diet, Too!
21:20 - What’s Next for Metabolic?
23:20 - How Does Metabolic Scale so Quickly? With the Right People!
25:24 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Vince Laurenzo from Quick Response Restoration! Vince's story really hammers home that sometimes, working in a Blue Collar field chooses you, and it's up to you whether you answer the call with your own hard work and dedication!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!
Vince Laurenzo - Veteran-Made Woodworks
00:15 - Introduction
01:17 - What Does Quick Response Do?
02:06 - What Does Vince Lorenzo Do?
02:35 - Taking Over the Family Business
03:43 - Vince’s Original Sales Role: Why He Left
05:14 - Why is Restoration Consolidating? And How Does Quick Response Fight Back?
06:55 - What Does Vince Do With the Extra Time in His Day?
08:05 - Challenges of Entering a Family Business
09:54 - Working the Business as a Youth, VS. Now: Experience Matters!
13:25 - Seal-Coating Prices: Should’ve Bought From Vince When He Was 16!
14:14 - Mike and Derek’s Recommendation: Listen to Andy Frisella, Too!
15:25 - How to Succeed in a Saturated Market: A Personalized Touch!
18:00 - Fridge Magnets: Stainless Steel Has Ruined Everything!
18:17 - Derek’s Personal Guarantee: Quick Response Does GREAT Work!
19:14 - Radio Advertising: Still a Successful Marketing Method!
21:36 - How to Manage FIFTY Employees: Treat Them Right!
22:45 - Daigle’s HR Department: Once You Reach a Certain Size, You NEED One!
23:36 - Hiring For Blue Collar Trades… Very Difficult!
24:20 - Darn You, Salt Life! Vacations Be Damned!
25:49 - Where Does Quick Response Find Talent?.. Indeed, and Employee Recommendations! (For Now)
26:58 - Mike’s Farm: Now Has a Brand New Pig, Penelope! She’s a Princess!
28:19 - COVID’s Contribution to the Labor Shortage: How Did it Change So Much?..
29:32 - … But a Big Shift is Likely Coming!
31:07 - The Next Steps For Quick Response: Big Growth Incoming!
32:40 - New Office Location: Where Could it Be?
33:17 - Vince’s Key to Success: Hard Work! That’s It!
34:25 - A Typical Day in Vince’s Life: Being On Call is No Joke!
36:09 - Working in Restoration, You See it All! Stranger Than Fiction!
37:10 - How to Get in Touch With Quick Response: Give Them a Call!
38:20 - How Vince Achieves Work-Life Balance… He Doesn’t!
39:40 - Being On-Call Isn’t Just for Restoration! MARKETING EMERGENCIES!
40:37 - The Trade-Off: Employees and Bosses Alike Have Their Own Sets of Problems!
41:45 - Contractors… Better Book in Advance, Because There’s a LONG Wait!
43:26 - Does the Economic Slump Affect Daigle?.. Only A Little!
44:07 - Calling Back Customers: A Surprisingly Effective Strategy!
44:25 - Quick Response’s Unique Situation: Recession-Proof!
45:07 - Mike’s Other Podcast: Faces of Veterans! Check it Out!
46:04 - College: Go For the Right Reasons, or Don’t Go at All!
49:16 - Shotgunning Beers, Yee-Haw!
49:49 - Closing Remarks
In this Episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Anthony Guadagnino, owner and operator of Veteran-Made Woodworks! Anthony shares some great stories about past successes - and failures - and discusses his workman's philosophy in this brand new episode!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Anthony Guadagnino - Veteran-Made Woodworks
00:16 - Introduction: We’re on the Scene!
01:54 - A Basic Overview of Anthony Guadagnino
03:24 - A Basic Overview of Veteran-Made Woodworks
06:22 - His Greatest Customers: Patriots of all Kinds!
07:49 - Business Profits: Not for Vacations, But Building the Business Bigger!
09:12 - Chain of Command: Comes Natural to Veterans… Not Always to Civilians!
11:03 - Sentimental Pieces Deserve the Strictest Quality Control!
12:07 - Mike & Derek Take a Look at a Flamethrower
15:18 - Your First Employees: The Hurdle of Hiring Help
18:18 - A Very Special Customer, and a Very Special Night
19:57 - More Special Customers
21:09 - Training Your Next Competitor: Keep Your Eyes Peeled!
23:05 - Anthony’s Biggest Mistake: Overworking!
25:29 - Maintaining Health = Maintaining Success: Make the Time!
26:51 - Upcoming Content: Stay Tuned!
28:20 - The Value of Toughness: Physical AND Mental!
30:55 - Mental Toughness: Patience, Critical Thinking, Empathy… Keep a Level Head!
33:41 - Motivation vs. Discipline: One Depends on Your Emotions, One Doesn’t!
36:01 - Getting Excited Over Gas Being $3.89 a Gallon… Take Whatever Wins You Can!
38:10 - Derek Foster: Super-Sonic Machine! Speeding up Your Processes
39:39 - Being Able to Say No: When to Say When?
40:52 - Early on, Say Yes, Get the Money in!.. Later, Know Your Business’ Limits!
42:56 - Looking Back… Be Proud of How Far You’ve Come!
45:00 - The Logos: Creating Them Like a Tattoo!
46:18 - Lighting Cigars With a Blowtorch!.. And Some Brand Recommendations
47:35 - Anthony’s One Final Piece of Advice: Do What You Can Yourself, but Don’t be Afraid to Outsource!
49:52 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch With Veteran-Made Woodworks
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Patrick Farnan from Next Level Finishes! Patrick really hit it home for us that running a successful business doesn't need to wait - it can start as soon as you're willing to put the time and work in!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Patrick Farnan - Next Level Finishes
00:16 - Introduction
01:21 - The First Six Months: Making the Transition and Learning From Your Mistakes
05:51 - The Moment: A Failure That Opens Your Eyes
08:20 - Starting (and Running) Your Own Business is Not Easy!
10:01 - The “Stepping Stone” - How to Approach Your Mentor
13:39 - Farnan’s Most Important Tip - Be Prepared For Anything!
14:37 - When Is It Time to Transition From Side Gig to Full-Time?
16:40 - Can a Finance Degree Help With Bookkeeping Operations?
18:37 - The Biggest Roadblock: Dealing With Naysayers (Inside Your Circle and Out!)
22:22: - College: Weigh the Cost and Benefits to You Carefully!
23:30 - Work Ethic: Where Has it Gone?
26:20 - Secret to Success: Hard Work, a Support System… And a Little Luck!
27:32 - Hiring: It’s Important to Learn How to Treat Your Workers!
30:36 - Mobile Phones: Boon to Consumers, Bane to Business Owners!
31:46 - Morning Routines
33:31 - What’s Next?
35:05 - Closing Thoughts & Contact Info
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matthew Perry from the Auto-Body Program at Hudson Valley Community College! Matt highlights for us that there need not always be a line between a college degree and trade schooling; sometimes, you can have both!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Matthew Perry - Hudson Valley Community College
00:16 - Introduction
07:13 - HVCC’s Auto-Body Program: What it Offers and Where It Can Take You
15:41 - Who Can Benefit From the Program? Anybody!
19:28 - Evolving Car Technology: Keeping Up With the Times
25:49 - Student Success: An Uplifting Track Record!
30:39 - Hailstorms: A (Car) Roofer’s Best Friend
32:46 - A Golden Chance: Come in Early, Stay Longer, Work Smart, and Make a Mint!
36:15 - Work is What You Make of It!
38:05 - Enrollment: Easy Options Galore!
40:39 - How to Know if Auto-Body Would Be a Good Career Path For You
42:24 - How to Get in Touch and Closing Thoughts
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matt DeFazio from DeFazio's Pizza in Troy and Albany! This episode really highlights that starting with an already-successful business is one thing, but it's what you (and your team) put into it that can make it grow... Or let it crash and burn!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Matt DeFazio - DeFazio's Pizza
00:16 - Introductions
06:25 - DeFazio’s Scale; Past, Present and Future
12:24 - Rising From Hidden Gem to Famous Diamond
16:23 - His Biggest Challenge - Not Finding Workers, But Dealing With Them!
23:00 - Business Owners - Not Out Golfing All Day!
26:12 - Name-Drop of the AWESOME Editor
26:31 - DeFazio’s Biggest Struggle - Online Ordering!
32:05 - The Secret to DeFazio’s Success: Hard Work, But Also Cutting Yourself Some Slack!
36:14 - The Importance of Work Ethic and Common Sense Scheduling
40:04 - DeFazio’s Coaching Experience: How It Helped Him Run His Business, Too!
42:36 - Owning a Business - A Constant, Validating Challenge
45:20 - DeFazio’s “Barstool” Reviewer Score - Sky High! Delicious Food Galore!
51:05 - Final Piece of Advice, and How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jennifer Lawrence from SEAT Center! Jennifer makes it clear for us that with the right training and support, anyone can succeed!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
Social Enterprise And Training (SEAT) Center - Jennifer Lawrence
00:16 - Introduction
03:15 - SEAT Center’s Origin Story
06:18 - Finding Your SEAT: How to Engage With the Center
13:49 - Staffing Opportunities
20:26 - The Success of SEAT’s Graduates
24:15 - Saying Yes: The Key to Success
29:48 - Key Advice - Have a Plan For Your Business’ Scale
32:36 - The Power of No: Know When to Say When!
33:40 - SEAT’s Plans For the Future
38:44 - Mental Toughness Training: Develop Your Strengths!
44:52 - Morning Routines
48:10 - Socializing and Human Limitations
52:16 - The Scope and Format of Planning: Pick Ways That Work For You!
55:28 - Final Piece of Advice and How to Get in Touch With SEAT
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Mike Robyck and Matt Roberts from MR² Construction Services! They make it clear for us that no matter what your background or how you start up, you can make your business shine with enough work - and a little luck!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
Mike Robyck & Matt Roberts - MR² Construction Services
00:16 - Introductions
05:20 - What Motivated Them To Start Their Business?
11:50 - Managing Employees: Strategies and Complications
13:56 - Strategizing the Expansion of a Business
18:55 - Finding the Right People For the Job
22:16 - Commercial Break
22:41 - Rags to Riches: Doing What It Takes
26:36 - Adapting to Stress
30:12 - The MR2 Process: Structure is Crucial!
34:10 - Recreation: Mike and Matt’s Hobbies
39:32 - MR2’s Secret to Success
42:44 - Thoughts on Work Ethic
43:38 - MR2’s Final Piece of Advice
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Randy Rowe from Farrell Brothers Plumbing & Heating! Randy makes it clear for us that running a franchise (or two) can be in the cards for anyone who's willing to put the work in!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
Randy Rowe - Farrell Brothers Plumbing & Heating
00:16 - Introductions
05:56 - Randy’s Franchises: What the Value Is
13:41 - Adding Businesses: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
16:50 - Randy’s Biggest Challenge: Finding Workers!
21:43 - Randy’s Daily Routine
23:48 - Commercial Break
24:25 - Randy’s Thoughts on Work Ethic: It Can Be Taught!
26:18 - A Fifty-Year-Old Toilet?
27:08 - College: Is It the Right Choice?
28:59 - Business-Planning and Goal-Setting: Retirement’s a Long Way Off!
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Bryan Berry from Color Code Painting! Bryan makes it clear for us that no amount of adversity is insurmountable as long as you're willing to put your nose to the grindstone and work towards your goals!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
Bryan Berry - Color Code Painting
00:16 - Introduction
03:58 - Achieving the Balance: The Fine Line Between Complacency and Valuing Yourself and Your Accomplishments
05:55 - Color Code Painting - From an Apprenticeship to an Award-Winning Business
11:57 - The Pivotal Moment: When it Was Time For Bryan to Work For Himself Full-Time
17:02 - Bryan's Time in Prison: A Transformative Experience
25:11 - Your Biggest Obstacle in Business... Can Be Yourself!
30:36 - Commercial Break
31:00 - Bryan's Tips & Tricks: How to Keep Yourself (and Your Workers) Motivated
43:14 - Bryan's Secrets to Success!
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Dr. Turina Parker from New York BOCES! Dr. Parker makes it clear for us that properly directed education is the best route towards success - whatever you happen to study!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
New York BOCES - Dr. Turina Parker
Check it out at: https://www.boces.org/
00:16 - Introduction
01:30 - BOCES' Approach to Adult Learning: Technical Trades Galore!
06:04 - BOCES' Approach to Child Learning: Getting Excited About Learning!
09:14 - Derek Steps In!
09:53 - The Student Stigma Against BOCES: How Baseless It Really Is!
13:15 - Women in the Trades: What BOCES Is Doing About It
18:54 - List of What Trade Learning BOCES Offers
20:33 - How Do I Know if BOCES Is Right For Me, My Child, or My Business?
22:22 - Commercial Break
23:01 - Overcoming Barriers: How BOCES Makes Itself Known and Available
27:03 - Women in the Trades Part 2: Measured Success and Aspirations
29:23 - Student-Focused Learning: Individualizing the Experience
33:13 - How to Get in Touch With BOCES
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Matt Smith from Ace Home Inspections! Matt makes it clear for us that the best thing about blue-collar businesses is the motivation that goes behind them - if you believe, you can achieve!
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become blue collar business owners.
Ace Home Inspections - Matt Smith
00:17 - Introduction
01:19 - Interview Begins
02:48 - Prospective Homeowners Should Want to Be Informed
09:41 - Derek Foster Refuses to Visually Cameo But Is With Us in Spirit
10:03 - Ace’s Success, And How Difficult Founding and Running a Business Can be
16:33 - What Made Matt Decide to Start His Business
19:17 - Extra Help Matt Hired, and the Reasons Why
24:45 - Commercial Break
25:13 - Interview Recommences; Matt Refuses To Leave, Mike Reveals His Favorite Timelord
25:36 - Matt Talks Metrics: What to Keep an Eye on
31:55 - Work Ethic
33:12 - College Education
40:33 - Daily Routine
43:29 - Matt’s Number-One Tip For Success
44:58 - Closer: How to Get In Touch With Mike and Ace Home Inspections
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Josh Jewett from Cole’s Collision... Some really great stories here on growing a business from zero to 90 employees, with multiple locations and more! Definitely a must-hear episode!
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/MUCmeTQGtIg
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
01:17 - No Choice But to Be a Car Guy
01:50 - Hudson Valley Mechanical Course...
04:09 - ... It’s a Unique Program
06:26 - Starting a Lifelong Career
14:45 - Cat Food and Crackers
17:29 - A Hailstorm: A Saving Grace
21:09 - Networking... Is Working!
24:00 - Growth Through Acquisition
26:55 - When Things Go South…
28:40 - Trying to Grow a Business; Not Kill a Business!
30:43 - Quadrupling the Business
37:16 - Growing or Dying
37:53 - Biggest Challenge
42:20 - Mini Companies Inside Your Company
45:22 - Certifications
47:22 - The Mosaic Basic Things You Need as a Solid Employee
47:38 - Apprentice Program
In this episode, our Host Mike Nelson interviews Jamie Magur from Troy Grooming Company. Jamie really highlighted for us that no matter what your story is, no matter where the road has taken you... You CAN start over, and you CAN be successful!
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2WP4Pc8Jp4I
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Troy Grooming Company - Jamie Magur
01:19 - Barbershops are on the Return!
01:56 - Cutting Hair in the Garage
02:56 - “It’s in the Family”
03:13 - Uncle Tony Disrupting the Game
05:38 - Keep You Coming Back
08:31 - You Pay for the Company, and Get the Haircut for Free!
08:57 - What it Takes to Run a Barbershop in the Current Environment
11:36 - “...Learn a Trade on YouTube…”
15:14 - Biggest Challenge - Starting Over
23:25 - The Resurgence of Many Trades in the Last 5 to 10 Years: Barbers, Butchers, and More
24:25 - Why He Went to College
29:30 - Work Ethic
30:44 - What the Younger Generation is Looking For
32:32 - Going Backwards
34:16 - Morning Routines
36:27 - Goal-Setting and Planning?
39:38 - Giving Back... And the "Curse Jar"
41:08 - One Piece of Advice
42:21 - If You Love it... Stick With it!
42:35 - College is Not the Only Way
46:01 - How to Get in Touch
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Devon Camenga from Camenga Construction. Devon really highlights how to go from no-hustle to side-hustle, and then how to turn that side-hustle into your full-time gig! Big secret to success here? We'll give you a hint: Reputation.
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Show Notes:
02:53 - Who is Camenga Construction, and What Do They Do?
05:12 - The Difference in Demand Between Now, and Just 5 Years Ago
11:23 - Young Blue Collar Labor Force
14:18 - Soloprenuer!
14:47 - Looking For an Apprentice.
16:40 - Making the Jump from Educator to Full-Time Contractor...
18:57 - ... It's a Scary Leap.
21:04 - Your Reputation is EVERYTHING!
22:14 - You Have to Know How to Network
24:21 - The Plight of the Adirondack Contractor
27:58 - Mentors Along the Way
30:15 - Secret to Success
32:11 - State of Blue Collar Industries
44:26 - Things to Consider - Trade School IS an Option!
47:06 - Mental Toughness...
49:01 One Bad Job
In this episode, Mike interviews Derek Foster: co-founder of Blue Collar StartUp, president of Daigle Cleaning Systems, and CEO of DCS Franchises. Derek has grown a commercial cleaning and janitorial business from his side hustle to a thriving multi-million dollar business with over 100 employees! In this podcast, Derek fills us in on how he got started, going from side hustle to full time, and what it takes to grow a successful business in the janitorial industry.
Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast.
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
Learn more about Blue Collar StartUp at https://bluecollarstartup.io/
Show Notes:
04:13 - Work Ethic
06:50 - Side Hustle Start Up
10:05 - Creating Process
11:13 - Everyone Sucks Sometime
13:46 - When Mistakes Happen, You Have Two Choices
25:05 - State of the Blue Collar Industries
29:41 - From Chaos... Comes Opportunity
31:29 - Patience - It Goes a Long Way!
32:14 - Biggest Challenge Derek Ever Faced
33:00 - Wake-Up Call
37:10 - Will vs Skill
37:22 - What Would he do Differently, if he Could Do it Again?
38:34 - Mentors Along the Way
44:01 - Secret to Success
In our first episode, Derek Foster and Mike Nelson discuss what the podcast is about, who it is for, and what is behind it all.
We (MIke) did make a couple mistakes while recording, so our audio is a little off on this one... We also discovered that Mike should not be allowed to chew gum during recording! As the title says though: "You gotta' start somewhere", and we look forward to improving the quality of the recording as we go.