Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Mark Miller - his old boss, and the main man behind Performance Industrial! They talk about the struggles early businesses face and how they overcame them, Mark's well-studied practices and methods, and even how Mark overcame a complete relabeling and brand change! You won't want to miss this informative episode! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Luke Michaels, the main man behind Michaels Group Homes! His third-generation business has undergone a lot of trials and changes throughout the years, and Derek and Mike can definitely relate - find out just what they went through by giving this episode a listen! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: To...

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 Miss...

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 g...

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 bus...

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 developm...

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 busines...

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 businesse...

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 Coll...

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 gr...

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 t...

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 Co...

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 showca...

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 business...

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 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...

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! Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/MUCmeTQGtIg Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast. Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue...

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! Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2WP4Pc8Jp4I Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp the podcast. Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and de...

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 Blu...

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 wh...

In our first episode, Derek Foster and Mike Nelson discuss what the podcast is about, who it is for, and what is 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...