Blue-Collar BS

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...

Ever feel like your negative thoughts are dictating your daily actions and outcomes? This episode dives into how different generations manage their "head trash" and offers actionable insights to shift your mindset from negative to positive. We explore the concept of "head trash" and how it affects workers across different generations. Also discussed are the impacts of negative self-talk on beliefs...

Have you ever struggled with sales or wondered how to adapt to the changing landscape? In this episode of we dive into the evolving world of industrial and sales landscapes, turning challenges into opportunities. We chat with Nick Loise, a seasoned sales professional who shares some of his best tactics and insights. Most of us need to sell in some capacity, whether it's ourselves or a product. Thi...

Are you still struggling to understand Gen’Zs? We came across an article, "Generational Shift: Gen Z's Impact on the Future of Work," from Stanford that might help close the gap for you.  We show how this upcoming generation integrates technology at work to their expectations for work-life balance and the importance they place on authenticity and trust from employers. With firsthand insights,...

In every industry, there are noticeable gaps that beg for solutions, yet many hesitate to act. Ann Ensenbach defied this trend by founding AAPEX Group, aiming to fill industry gaps and revive the Gold Standard. AAPEX is more than a manufacturing company; it's a hub of educational empowerment and skill advancement. Through scholarships and training, particularly in engineering and automation, the c...

🎈🎊🥳Welcome to the 100th episode of the BCBS podcast!  In this milestone episode, we reflect on the journey we’ve embarked on, reaching out to voices from various facets of the blue-collar industry and sharing their unique perspectives and stories. We reflect on the profound impact our journey has had, not just on us as hosts, but on our listeners, the blue-collar community, and the network...

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the American economy, integral in weaving the fabric of our everyday lives by ensuring the delivery of goods across the nation. Recent shifts due to economic, generational, and technological changes have brought both challenges and transformative opportunities to the forefront. Today we delve deep into these topics with Pam Polyak, a third-genera...

Welcome back to another episode of Blue Collar BS, where we delve deep intoworkforce dynamics across various generations. Today, we're exploring real-world challenges and solutions in maintaining a thriving blue-collar workforce amidst changing generational values and expectations. Brad, shares a compelling story about a recent board meeting scenario involving a family-owned business navigating th...

Ever wonder what happens to all that unwanted furniture and how to keep it out of the landfills? Our guest, Max Johnson, has the expertise to either find new homes for furniture and other large home items or recycle them through his company, JDog Junk Removal and Hauling. Max is, a Gen X veteran with over two decades of military experience who caught the entrepreneurial bug and now serves his comm...

We're all about diving deep into the hiring game. We're here to arm you with all the tips and tricks for acing those interviews. We're big on prepping meticulously and honing in on those behavioral and situational questions that get to the core of a candidate's skills. Ever heard of the STAR method? We're all about it. It's our go-to for figuring out how candidates handle real-world situations. Pl...

Today’s guest is Jonathan Synovic, who shares extensive knowledge and passion for youth success in the trades. Having grown up in a family focused on volunteerism, Jonathan's commitment to giving back drives his advocacy for vocational training and the trades. Jonathan discusses the cultural shift away from hands-on training within the trades, where generational gaps have led to a disconnect in tr...

In this episode, we dive deep into the "Get It, Want It, Capacity" hiring model. We discuss the importance of understanding whether potential hires truly "get it" in terms of understanding the job demands and culture, whether they "want it" in the sense of genuine motivation, and whether they have the "capacity" to handle the job requirements. We share real-world scenarios and valuable insights on...

In the latest episode of the BCBS podcast, we sat down with the entrepreneurial powerhouse Mark Knudsen, who shared his journey from PE teacher to successful business owner. Mark's insight into hiring, coaching, and the importance of work-life balance is truly inspiring. Here are some highlights from the episode: - Mark's background in branding and how it led him to the world of business. - The ev...

Ever find yourself navigating the nuances of communicating with Gen Z employees rather than Gen X colleagues? On today's show, we explore the profound impact that different words can have on various age groups, particularly in communication and marketing. We delve into the intricacies of action words tailored for Gen X and Gen Z, underscoring the critical importance of more linguistic precision in...

Ever crossed paths with a top chef? In this episode, we sit down with Alan Bennett, a culinary maestro with a background in microbiology, sales, consultancy, and the food industry. Alan joins us to share his invaluable insights on mentorship and business growth within the restaurant scene. Join us for a hearty discussion as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of mentoring young talent, navig...

Have you ever wondered why someone in the blue collar space might seek out a business coach? One of the fundamental reasons highlighted in this episode is the need for an outside perspective and influence in businesses that often have a limited support staff and a flat organizational structure. This lack of external perspective can lead to challenges in various areas such as pricing, profitability...

Explore the Evolution of the Construction Industry with Matt Vetter. His insights show the transformative journey of construction and the evolving perceptions of blue-collar labor. One of the striking aspects of the conversation was the discussion of generational differences and how they impact work in the construction industry. This opened the door to discussing the cultural shift within the cons...

In this episode we examine the contrasting job markets for white-collar and blue-collar workers as highlighted by a Forbes article. We discuss the recent job report that shows a surge in blue-collar opportunities while white-collar professionals face a significant slowdown, with technology roles down by 55% and banking vacancies falling by more than 40%.  We also touch on the evolving percept...