Blue-Collar BS

Joining the family business isn’t always a given, but Kyle Davies shares how he found his path and the lessons that shaped him along the way. Kyle Davies, General Manager of W.E. Davies and Sons Remodeling, talks about his unique journey into the family business, a company that's been a cornerstone of Madison, Wisconsin, for nearly 50 years. Kyle didn't jump into the business right away; he explor...

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been awarded the 2024 Small Business Owners Community Podcast of the Year! This recognition is a huge milestone, and we’re beyond grateful for your support along the way. Thank you to everyone who tunes in and engages with us—you’ve truly made this journey worthwhile. Thanks to you, what began as an idea back in 2019 has grown into a podcast reaching listeners in...

A positive employee experience is crucial for business success, and it all begins with leadership. Meg Schmitz joins us to share insights on how business owners can drive a thriving work culture by staying in tune with their employees’ needs. Drawing from her expertise in franchising, Meg explains why the focus should be on employee retention and engagement, and how it leads to better customer sat...

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most overused and ineffective approaches to employee recognition—pizza parties. While they’ve become a common way to acknowledge hard work, they often miss the mark and fail to make a lasting impact. Employee recognition should go beyond superficial gestures and focus on creating meaningful connections with the team. There’s a big difference between re...

Welding education is experiencing a resurgence, with students more eager than ever to learn the trade. Matt Scott, a welding instructor from Portland Community College, shares his 30+ years of experience in training the next generation of welders and explains how the pandemic has reshaped both student engagement and the industry itself. In this episode, Matt talks about the post-pandemic shift in...

Hey there, and thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Blue Collar BS Podcast! We’re hitting that end-of-the-year grind, talking about the challenges of reaching goals when the holidays and vacation days are taking up your calendar. Today, we’re diving into strategies to help you stay focused and finish the year strong. As the holiday season rolls in, it’s easy for focus to slip and for tea...

First off, we want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you. Whether you're tuning in for the laughs, the stories, or the no-nonsense advice, your commitment to the show means the world to us. You've been the backbone of our success, and we couldn’t have made it this far without your support, engagement, and feedback. We value the time you spend with us every week, and we truly resp...

Hey everyone, Brad and Steve here for another episode of Blue Collar BS! Today, we’re diving into the world of selling—focusing on how to position your business in a crowded market and stay top of mind for your clients. We tackle the big topic of positioning your business for success. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, or in manufacturing, we’re seeing a lot of businesses struggle with adaptin...

In today's episode, Steve and I had an amazing conversation with Nick Packard, a passionate entrepreneur and marketing genius who's shaking up the blue-collar industry with his out-of-the-box ideas. We kicked things off by diving into Nick's journey from becoming internet-famous with his "Pass Me a Beer" videos to launching unconventional marketing campaigns like picklefarts.com and Hats for the H...

Welcome Back, Everyone! In today’s episode, Steve and I dive into how you can transform negativity in your workplace into opportunities for growth and innovation. We’re here to share some game-changing strategies that can help any blue-collar business owner turn challenges into catalysts for positive change. Here’s What We Cover: Embracing Technology: We discuss how Bob Dietz and Sons are setting...

Are you prepared for the financial unknowns of your business’s future? Discover the key elements to ensure a smooth transition. In this episode of Blue Collar BS, we welcome Greg DeSimone, an unconventional CPA who emphasizes the value of family-owned businesses being transferable.  With a focus on transition planning, Greg shares his perspective on growing a business, building a reliable tea...

How can today's business leaders effectively manage a multi-generational workforce to boost engagement, break stereotypes, and foster success? In this episode we dive into the challenges and opportunities of leading a multi-generational workforce. We discuss the common stereotypes that hamper workplace harmony and provide actionable strategies to create an inclusive, high-performing business envir...

Is it possible for experienced boomers to re-enter the workforce successfully after owning a business? Discover how Mark Weber did just that! In this episode we welcome back Mark Weber, a seasoned boomer who transitioned from leadership roles to becoming an individual contributor. Mark shares his unique journey, offering valuable insights into generational dynamics in the workforce, the importance...

How can active listening and empathy bridge generational gaps and transform team dynamics in the workplace? In this episode delve into the intricate dynamics of multigenerational teams in today's workforce. We discuss the pitfalls and triumphs of integrating diverse generational perspectives and how empathy and active listening can change the game.  We share real-life examples from their prof...

What crucial advice do legal experts have for business owners navigating the complexities of new financial regulations and generational transitions? In this episode of we are joined by guest Elisa Ruer, a Gen X attorney, to discuss the importance of legal counsel in business operations, especially in light of new financial reporting laws and the challenges of generational ownership transitions. El...

How can businesses boost employee engagement and combat the staggering $8.9 trillion lost annually to disengaged workers? In this episode, we dissect a Fox Business article on how companies are beefing up "emotional salary" to address today's disengaged workforce. We discuss the difference between unengaged and actively disengaged employees, and brainstorm solutions. We emphasize the importance of...

How can a business effectively navigate a major move while maintaining its workforce and culture? Stacia Hobson shares her experiences and insights on this topic. In this episode, Stacia Hobson discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving her business from Illinois to Mississippi. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, celebrating milestones, and adapting to the new community's c...

What can Harrie Schoots' journey in the textile industry teach us about the evolving nature of craftsmanship, the impact of e-commerce, and the importance of self-sufficiency? Harrie Schoots brings decades of experience and insight into the textile industry, highlighting craftsmanship's technical complexities and essential role.  Growing up in a generation that valued hard work and humility,...

How can understanding communication styles and dynamic leadership practices revolutionize the blue-collar workplace? In every podcast episode of the Blue Collar BS, we tackle pressing issues in the blue-collar world, debunking myths and revealing insights.  In this episode, we sit down with Brian Hendricks, a millennial CEO, bestselling author, and expert in leadership and communication, who...

Is involving parents in Gen Z's job interviews impacting their independence and future work performance? In this episode, we delve into the surprising trend of Gen Z candidates bringing their parents to job interviews.  We analyze a Forbes article discussing how almost 30% of Gen Zers involve their parents in the hiring process and debate the implications of this behavior for both the candida...

How does owning the property where a business operates affect the business's ability to adapt and succeed overall? Tom McCrossin, a real estate business owner who specializes in acquiring and revamping industrial properties for blue-collar businesses, joins the conversation. This episode touches on various leasing options, tenant responsibilities, and the importance of choosing the right real esta...

Curious about how today's workforce can redefine the blue-collar industry and attract talent by challenging norms and embracing technology? In this episode, we interview, Ryan Englin, and dive into the importance of highlighting the human element within trades to appeal to potential employees.  We explore the evolving behaviors and preferences of younger generations entering the trades and ho...

How can a father-son dynamic in a blue-collar business navigate modern technological advancements while maintaining traditional values? In this episode of Blue Collar BS we delve into the fascinating world of blue-collar business through the experiences of Les and Asher O'Hara. With Les being a seasoned entrepreneur and his son Asher bringing fresh, tech-savvy insights, they share their journey of...

Why Should Strategic Planning Be Treated Like Gospa in Your Business?  Tune in to learn how to transform your company's strategic planning process into a powerful, results-driven initiative that everyone on your team supports and understands. We break down the critical components of effective strategic planning through their structured approach known as GOSPA. We discuss the importance of ali...

What if the key to success wasn't a four-year degree, but a different path entirely? In this episode of BCBS, we delve into a thought-provoking question while celebrating seven years since the start of our business journey. And of course, it wouldn’t be a BCBS episode without Steve and Brad's signature banter and friendly ribbing. They introduce Jake Hall, also known as the "Manufacturing Millenni...