Blue Collar StartUp

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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!

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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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