Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 2: Derek Foster (Daigle Cleaning Systems)
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
896
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 37: Grasshopper Heating & Cooling: Handling Explosive Growth in a Short Time
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
263
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 16: Vince Laurenzo (Quick Response)
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
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 13: Matthew Perry (HVCC)
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
142
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 17: Matt Phelps (Metabolic Fitness)
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
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 15: Anthony Guadagnino (Veteran-Made Woodworks)
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
73
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 9: Randy Rowe (Farrell Bros.)
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!
94
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 4: Jamie Magur (Troy Grooming Company)
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
93
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 46: Advocating for the Trades - AGC NYS
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!
81
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Blue Collar Startup - Episode 5: Josh Jewett (Cole's Collision)
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
82
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 36: Jim Dawsey - Decades of Trials and Triumphs
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!
77
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 1: You Gotta' Start Somewhere
In our first episode, Derek Foster and Mike Nelson discuss what the podcast is about, who it is for, and what's 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.
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:
00:38 - Derek Gives us the Run-Down on Blue Collar StartUp
01:55 - Huge Opportunity
02:28 - What We Know to be True...
03:56 - Tech is Sexy!
04:48 - Derek's Favorite Show
05:51 - The Idea...
06:58 - The Blue Collar Blueprint
09:16 - Application of Knowledge
10:14 - Putting it Out There!
99
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 19: Anthony Caruso (Caruso Builders)
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
52
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 38: Heartbreak, Heroes, and the HVCC Community
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
56
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 18: Tom Brizzell (Custom Craft Builders)
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
45
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 45: Revolutionizing Workforce Development with BoomNation
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
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 3: Devon Camenga (Camenga Construction)
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
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 7: Dr. Turina Parker (NY BOCES)
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
77
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 12: Matt DeFazio (DeFazio's Pizza)
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
51
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 8: Bryan Berry (Color Code Painting)
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!
72
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 11: Jennifer Lawrence (SEAT Center)
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
51
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 42: Lifelong Skills to Pay the Bills from WSWHE BOCES
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!
45
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 6: Matt Smith (Ace Home Inspections)
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
70
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 14: Patrick Farnan (Next Level Finishes)
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
45
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Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 10: Mike Robyck & Matt Roberts (MR² Construction)
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
52
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