Blue-Collar BS

Ever considered buying a business with no prior ownership experience?  This conversation uncovers the remarkable path one entrepreneur took to acquiring a manufacturing company with a 35-year legacy. Unlock the secrets to thriving in traditional industries as a millennial with the awe-inspiring journey of Tato Corcoran. Her tale is a masterclass in adaptability, from working in the tech space...

Join us as we explore the world of intrapreneurship, where innovation thrives within the established boundaries of existing companies. Listen in as we share stories and insights about employees embodying the entrepreneurial spirit to drive change and take risks, all without stepping outside their company's walls. Steve recounts his experience at one of the companies where he was able be an intrapr...

Unlock the secret to boosting your team's engagement and productivity with insights from John Hibbs of CoEfficient (our first guest from the UK) as we dissect the profound impact of purpose in the workplace. Discover how a clear understanding of the 'why' behind your business can lead to transformative results, bridging the generational divide and fostering a culture of enthusiastic, goal-aligned...

Brad and Steve engage in a candid discussion, tearing down myths that hold back blue collar businesses. They explore the common pitfalls of business owners and the critical elements for business success - from getting clarity on what the business truly does to the significance of core values and the impact of authentic leadership.  But it's not all doom and gloom! They also shed light on the...

Generational Shifts in Work Ethic and Wealth with Nate Fair Nate Fair, the Zillenniall financial guru, brings us knowledge of the evolving journey from boomers to Gen Z.  Together, we tackle the pressing question of what defines ambition and progress in today's career landscape. Nate's unique insights shine a light on financial independence, revealing how each generation's approach can shift...

Brad gets personal, recounting his transformative encounter with a second-generation business owner whose business met its end amidst a union strike. This story isn't just a cautionary tale; it's the kindling that ignited Brad's dedication to helping business owners navigate the complex decisions that can make or break their legacy.  Brad gives shares his tips on how to approach the transitio...

Uncovering the Influences on Generational Work Ethics We had an interesting conversation with James Mann a millennial who identifies with the values of older generations; James brings a unique perspective to the table.  We explore the various factors, such as upbringing, that can influence one's work ethic and challenge the stereotype that millennials are inherently lazy.  James shares a...

Decoding the Unique Needs of the Gen X Workforce GenX is usually the least talked about generation so we thought we would look at what unique benefits this generation seeks, like support for caregiving for aging parents and managing menopause.  Drawing on a thoughtful article by Rebecca M Knight, we delve into the importance of these benefits in attracting and retaining top talent, and the co...

Harnessing Neuroscience for Business Breakthroughs Listen in as we unpack the world of neuroscience and language with our guest, Dave Goodall. Dave shares his journey into this fascinating field and how he helps blue-collar workers navigate their thoughts to maximize productivity. You'll discover how neuroscience can be used to combat negative thinking patterns and create powerful mindset shifts....

The Unseen Potential of Blue Collar Professions Let's set the record straight - college isn't your only ticket to success. Steve visited his daughters class for career day. And he learned a lot in that hour. Steve was excited to give a  perspective to the students who 100% all thought they have to go to college to earn a good living. We also talk about how getting buy in from the parents to e...

Brick by Brick: The Journey of a Young Construction Entrepreneur Listen in as we chat with Patrick Robertson, owner and founder of Momentous Building Enterprises Corp, who shares his unique insights into the construction industry. Patrick is a young entrepreneur with a knack for high-end remodeling, particularly in the historic homes of New York. In our conversation, he speaks about his journey of...

Profit Over Distress: A Look into the Profit First Philosophy Is your business thriving, or are you merely surviving in a self-employed job disguise? Let's explore the fundamental differences between owning a business and having a job, as we delve into Mike Michalowic’s book "Profit First". This seminal work is a game-changer for small business owners,showing us  how to manage cash flow effec...

Unleashing the Potential of Automation with Millennial Engineer Ian Rush Are you geared up for a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of automation in the manufacturing world? We chat with Ian Rush, a millennial engineer about his journey – from his early days in engineering to navigating the switch to the assembly line, all while dealing with the rise of automation and its impact on the supply chain...

Bridging the Gap: Creating a Gen Z-friendly Work Culture A must-hear for employers, our conversation extends beyond the usual corporate-speak as we delve into the nuts and bolts of creating a work culture that welcomes Gen Z-ers.  Listen in as Brad and Steve, tackle the myths and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace. The discussion kicks off with stories about the challenges and funny...

From Tradesman to Tech Whiz: Revolutionizing Communication in the Construction Industry with Ron Nussbaum Join us as we reconnect with millennial tradesman turned tech whiz, Ron Nussbaum. Ron shares his unique journey from the construction industry to technology, launching his own business aimed at solving communication issues in the trades.  You'll hear how his innovative solution bridges th...

Cross-generational Insights on Work, Life, and Mental Health We delve into the complexities of managing a multigenerational workforce, discussing how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and now Alpha each approach work, life, and mental health differently. This episode highlights a survey of 2000 people created by Wiley, revealing stark differences in how each generation views mental health and its...

Exploring Blue Collar Life: From Farm to Foundry with Jason Haines Jason Haines shares how his journey from working on his grandpa's farm to thriving at a bustling foundry brings a warm sense of nostalgia, a spark of camaraderie that we believe resonates deeply within the blue-collar community. Building on the growth of the manufacturing industry over the past decade, Jason provides an incredibly...

Generational Attitudes and Blue Collar Work Brace yourself as we discuss generational attitudes towards blue-collar work and expose the harsh truth of the cultural stigma that's been plaguing the industry.  We delve into how Baby Boomer generation, having enjoyed the fruits of their labor in factories and skilled trades, handed down advice to the succeeding generations which ironically led to...

Revolutionizing the Workforce with a Fresh Perspective Ever feel like the generational gap in the workforce is too vast to bridge? Join us as we sit down with an inspiring mother-son duo, Jamie and Gavin White, who are reshaping the dynamics of work and education across generations.  Jamie, a vibrant leader and founder of Believe Crew, shares her unusual journey of 'un-parenting' her son Gavi...

Transformative Journeys in Construction: Insights from Steve Doyle Brad gets to interview Steve and find out more about what makes him tick. Steve is a man with a wealth of expertise in construction, engineering, and corporate business. Offering snippets from his early days in construction and how those lessons have been instrumental in working with his clients today. Steve's approach to mentoring...

Revolutionizing Blue-Collar Education Exceptional guest Dave Hataj, owner of Edgerton Gear, joins us to share his inspiring journey, from his humble beginnings as a journeyman machinist to leading a successful family business. Although he never thought would be his path in life.  Dave’s Craftsman with Character program is an unconventional educational model, tailored for students who flourish...

Innovation and Adaptation: Navigating the Modern Workforce Prepare to learn why upskilling and training in the modern workforce is so important. By the end of this chat, we know you'll understand why reluctance towards adopting new technologies is a mindset that desperately needs a shift. This isn't just about tech; it's about optimizing your work efficiency and effectiveness. We dig into the nece...

Imagine having a plan, a solid team, and the perfect tools to accomplish a goal. Part two of this interview takes you through that journey, exploring the intricacies of managing expectations between the client and the contractor.  We delve into the importance of equipping the next generation of technicians with good habits, a thirst for learning and a strong understanding of the importance of...

Exploring Wage Stagnation, Income Inequality, and their Impact on the Blue-Collar Workforce Brad and Steve, dissect the far-reaching effects of wage inflation and stagnation, pointing out how it goes beyond just the pocket, affecting growth and causing friction for business owners. We also shed light on the surprising social issue that degree holders might earn less than their non-degree counterpa...

The Importance of Understanding "Why" We're welcoming back our favorite Canadian, Alex Pauls, to the Blue Collar BS podcast and you don't want to miss it. Alex, an experienced electrician, will not only give us some entertaining stories, but he also shares a ton of valuable lessons when he worked out in the field. We share valuable insights aimed at keeping blue collar businesses thriving across g...