Blue Collar StartUp - Episode 48: From Scraping to Scaping

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Manzela, co-owner of BradManz Landscaping! Chris has been working since he was only 14 years old, but he's progressed a long way since then - from $3.75 an hour bussing tables to owning his own business and a massive football fan cave, Chris' steps forward have not been small! What's his secret? Listen to this episode, and you just might find out!Show more

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!
Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Introductions
01:32 - Whoa! New Sound Effects!
02:11 - An Introduction to BradManz Landscaping
04:26 - Getting Started… At 14?!
06:16 - Food Service Wages… Thankfully Have Changed!
07:04 - Picking (and Losing) a Partner
08:05 - Chris Can Do It: Getting a Degree
10:39 - Brickman!
11:35 - Managing Over Maintenance
14:21 - The Beginning of BradManz
15:08 - Matching a Spirit of Generosity
16:54 - Where’s the Work Ethic? Lazy Podcasters!
20:54 - Broadcasting from the Bills Sanctuary
21:16 - Building a Business: It Always Starts Small! Go Above and Beyond!
24:51 - Do You Know, and Do You Care?
26:39 - Shoutout to The Town Tinker!
27:48 - Valorous Volunteerism: Shoutout to Ronald McDonald House!
31:09 - Competition is a GOOD Thing! Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!
36:59 - Take Care of Your Unicorns!
40:44 - A Day in the Life of Chris
43:47 - A Well-Oiled Gearshift
48:13 - Communication is Paramount!
49:31 - Pay Your Bills!
51:58 - Chris’ (Incorrect) Prediction for the Big Game
52:51 - How to Get in Touch: bradmanzlandscaping.com
54:11 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!