Blue Collar StartUp

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 of 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 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 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! 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 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! 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 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