Blue-Collar BS

We did something a little different this week a crossover with Erin and Lori from BROADcast for Manufacturers. We tackled how fear based leadership and economic uncertainty are gutting decision-making, hiring, and trust across the shop floor. We dug into why leaders freezing up or worse, constantly changing course is killing morale and productivity. A recent Russell Reynolds report gave us a solid...

We’re talking with Jacob Emery, a guy who went from digging trenches at $9 an hour to running the company and that’s just half the story. Jacob’s not just leading R & R Pipeline in central Ohio, he’s also building a culture that challenges the old-school, cutthroat mindset in the trades. What really hit us was the moment someone looked him in the eye and asked, “What the hell are you doing wit...

We’ve known George for nearly a decade, and what stands out most is his ability to connect with people across industries, titles, and generations. This episode is packed with helpful tips on how he’s learned to lead by listening, adapting, and meeting people where they are. Our longtime friend George McCaughan is joining us this week to talk about how to lead people across generations from union g...

We figured, hey it’s the 4th of July. Let’s skip the heavy stuff and just talk food, fireworks, and all the random things that make this holiday what it is. This week, we're keeping it light because it's the 4th of July and nobody needs a lecture while they're flipping burgers or chasing kids around the backyard. We’re talking backyard games, cookout must haves, fireworks chaos, and all the weird...

We’ve always wanted to hear it straight from the source so this week, we brought in a real Gen Zer (and Steve’s daughter) to break down what it’s actually like to be young and working today. This one’s personal and eyevopening. We’re joined by Kayla, Steve’s high school aged daughter, who’s already on her third job and has plenty to say about what’s working (and what’s not) in the workplace. From...

We knew Stefanie Couch was gonna bring the heat when she showed up in her pink hat and yep, she delivered. We’re talking branding in the trades, leading teams across generations, and how to stand out without selling out. She grew up in a family lumber yard, crushed it in the corporate world, and now she runs her own agency helping construction companies fix what’s not working usually starting with...

We're not here to sugarcoat it—some of the worst dumpster fires we see in business start at the top. And we know, because we’ve either helped put them out or accidentally started a few ourselves. This episode came out of a real conversation about leadership gone sideways—owners jumping in to save the day when what they really need to do is get out of the way.  From a 6:15 a.m. client text to...

We weren’t ready for the energy Precious L. Williams brought into this episode—and honestly, we needed it. From sales rooms to stages, she’s the kind of speaker who doesn’t just hold attention—she demands it. Precious doesn’t play it safe—and that’s exactly why we wanted her on. She’s built her brand by saying what most people won’t, and in this episode, she’s dropping truth about what it really t...

If you’re leading a team right now and feeling like every decision could make or break the future—you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of younger leaders who are staring down uncertainty and aren’t sure which move to make next. We’ve both been there, and in this conversation, we’re digging into how to handle the pressure without freezing or freaking out. It’s easy to lead when everythin...

Today’s guest, Ryan Redding, didn’t hold back — we got into how AI, customer experience, and smart leadership are rewriting the rules for trades businesses. Ryan shared how he accidentally found his way into marketing for the trades and how that detour turned into building Levergy, a digital marketing agency focused on helping home service companies grow smarter and stronger. Ryan’s journey wasn’t...

We’ve both looked at our to-do lists and thought, “Yeah… not today.” The harder the task, the easier it is to avoid. Let’s talk about why that happens—and what to do when procrastination starts running the show. We’ve all been there—staring at a task we know we should handle but keep pushing to the bottom of the pile. In this episode, we talk about why we do that and what to do instead.  Jame...

We’ve all wasted time chasing jobs that go nowhere—or worse, driving across town for something we could’ve solved with one look. That’s why when James Hatfield showed us how LiveSwitch works, it felt like the most obvious tool every crew should be using. James Hatfield isn’t your average tech guy—he calls himself a high-tech redneck, and once you hear his story, you’ll get why. From painting house...

When your team isn’t clear on what success looks like, it usually means expectations weren’t defined early on. Whether it’s a new hire just starting out or a long-time employee unsure about how to move up, we’ve seen how unclear expectations can lead to frustration—for everyone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create clear, realistic pathways for growth, accountability, and performance...

Ever had an employee who’s great at their job but completely struggles when promoted to a leadership role? We've been there too. In this episode, we’re joined by Talmar Anderson to talk about why hiring and leadership often go sideways — and what you can do to fix it. Hiring the right people isn’t just about filling seats — it’s about building a solid team that can grow with your business. In this...

Ever told your team it’s been a great year — only to leave some employees wondering why they’re not getting a raise? We break down how that misstep can crush morale and what leaders can do to fix it. We break down a real-world scenario where leaders gave hourly employees a raise but blindsided their salaried team with nothing but an email. The result? Chaos, frustration, and a whole lot of unanswe...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in the construction industry? Coty Fournier didn’t take the usual path — and that’s exactly what made her stand out. In this episode, we sit down with Coty Fournier, a seasoned construction professional with decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Coty's journey didn’t follow the typical route — no family ties in the trades,...

Branding in the trades? Most people don’t think about it, but it matters way more than you realize. From rusted-out work trucks to outdated websites, we’re digging into why your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s the first thing customers and potential employees notice before you even step on the job. Branding isn’t just for corporate types in fancy suits. If you're in the trades, your brand is what tel...

How someone goes from selling suits to running a successful water treatment company? John Atlee did just that, and his journey is anything but typical. When John took a chance on a job at Water Doctors, he had no idea it would turn into his lifelong career. Fast-forward to today, and he owns the company, turning his passion for clean water into a thriving business. But his success didn’t come with...

What happens when you bring someone in at top dollar, and now they expect more? It’s a situation plenty of business owners find themselves in—paying a premium upfront to secure talent, only to realize there’s nowhere left to go when raise season rolls around. Wage expectations can be a minefield, especially when you’ve hired someone at the top of their pay range from day one. Maybe it was out of n...

Hiring and retaining great employees isn’t just about pay—it’s about strategy. Steve Van Remortel shares how small and midsize businesses can finally solve their talent challenges with My Talent Planner. The hiring struggle is real, but what if the issue isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of strategy? We talk with Steve Van Remortel, founder of My Talent Planner, to break down what businesses get...

The debate over remote work vs. in-office is heating up in 2025. Are companies making the right call, or are they driving away top talent? We’re diving into the real impact of trust, flexibility, and wages in today’s workforce. We’ve all heard the debate—should people be in the office, or can they be just as effective working remotely? The answer isn’t that simple. Today, we’re talking about what...

Mike White isn’t your typical HR leader—he’s the kind of guy who’s more focused on solving problems than following a rulebook. As the founder of Secchi, Mike has made it his mission to help manufacturing leaders simplify their processes, recognize their people, and cut through the noise. What’s it really like to lead in today’s manufacturing world? If you’re a frontline supervisor or managing a te...

It’s 2025, and it’s time to rethink how the words we use every day impact our work and relationships. Let’s dive into the language that holds us back—like “try,” “we’ll see,” and “it’s fine”—and how to replace it with something that drives real accountability and results. Welcome to a new year and a new opportunity to fine-tune your communication. The words you choose can either build trust or bre...

What happens when we completely rethink how manufacturing and logistics get staffed? Patrick Dippel joins us to share how Veryable is shaking up the game with on-demand labor solutions built for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s challenges. We all know the old way of doing things in manufacturing doesn’t always work anymore. The younger workforce demands flexibility, businesses need to stay competi...

Let’s get real: the skilled trades need a serious boost, and today we’re diving into how Mark Hedstrom is making waves with the Skilled Careers Coalition. The skilled trades industry is facing a major challenge: not enough young talent to fill the gap left by retiring workers. That’s where Mark the Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, comes in. With decades of experience in nonprof...