Blue Collar StartUp EP87: Growing a Successful Business from Scratch with Mike Zayachek

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media sits down with Mike Zayachek of Zayachek Mechanical. Tune in as they discuss starting a business from a pickup truck and a trailer, growing to 147 employees, navigating cash flow challenges, and building a loyal team through training and mentorship in the power generation and industrial maintenance industry.

Learn more about Zayachek Mechanical at www.zayachek.com.

0:15 Introduction
0:32 Guest Introduction
1:04 Zayachek as a Case Study
1:53 Starting in a Barn
4:25 Left Job to Start in 2004
5:34 Customer Trust for Stability
6:08 Lean Startup: Truck, Trailer, Five Employees
8:20 Initial Services: Mills, Plants, Millwright
9:56 Current Work: Rigging, Welding, Maintenance
11:58 Growth: 5 to 147 Employees
12:49 Early Cash Flow Challenges
13:32 Mentorship for Business Skills
15:00 Recession-Proof Growth
19:20 Talent Retention: Training, Benefits
21:09 Welder Compensation
22:38 24/7 Schedules for Deadlines
25:00 Certifications and Training
28:52 Consulting for Coaching and Safety
31:55 Employee Training Investment
46:49 Advice for New Owners: Stay Lean