Blue-Collar BS

The Myth of Unmanageable Gen Z Employees Why does the majority of management label Gen Z as the most challenging generation to work with?  We are not buying into the buzz that Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage in the workplace. We passionately challenge a Resume Builder article that claims an astonishing 74-75% of managers find Gen Z the most difficult generation to manage.  Are...

Encouraging Techs to Problem Solve Join us for Part Two with Daniel and Garrett, where we debunk common misconceptions and redefine the meaning of work. Listen in as Daniel, discusses his fierce drive to prove naysayers wrong, and his dedication to building a thriving team and business. We also share some of our best practices when it comes to recruitment - from assessing basic posture and knowled...

Bridging the Generation Gap with Trivia and Slang Ready for a test of wits and nostalgia? Brace yourselves as Steve and Brad, embark on a hilarious game of Mind the Gap on our latest episode of Blue Collar BS. It's trivia time as Steve tests Brad's knowledge about TV shows, films, pop culture, unique headlines, and slang through the generations. With topics ranging from Wayne and Garth to Rocky, w...

Building Trust and Community Across Generations What happens when a millennial boss and a Gen Z employee tackle the complex issue of generational differences in the workplace? Join us for a great conversation with Daniel Felt, a savvy millennial business leader from Kura Home, and his Operations Manager, Garrett Olsen, who rides the line between millennial and Gen Z. Daniel shares his unique appro...

Reframing Blue Collar Work Get ready to shatter some myths about blue collar jobs and the labor market as Brad and Steve reveal the truth behind some of the negative perceptions of Blue Collar work. We have a discussion on the generational work styles and how they are revolutionizing the industry, calling out to employers to rethink their strategies to attract and retain the modern workforce. In t...

How to make a difference and take action We had an incredible conversation with Andrew Brown, CEO and founder of Toolfetch, who shared his moving story of how witnessing the heroism of tradespeople during 9/11 led him to give back to the blue collar community. Andrew's passion for empowering the younger generation to explore careers in the skilled trades industry shines through as we discuss the i...

Discover how to build a stronger, more unified team and create a productive work environment with our special guest, Dr. Jim Bohn. Drawing from his experience as a former multi-national organization employee and his deep understanding of human behavior, Dr. Bohn shares insights on team dynamics, generational work ethics, and the importance of communication within teams. You'll learn how to bridge...

Let's Talk about Automation and Blue Collar Work Brad and Steve are solo this week talking about a topic that everyone is on everyones mind. They cover the different ways automation is affecting blue-collar jobs, including the potential role of unions in protecting workers' rights. The conversation also addresses the infrastructure challenges of transitioning to green materials and electric cars....

James Boretti, a safety professional has been bringing profitability and safety in unique ways for decades. This episode discusses how adapting to your team can create engagement, thinking young and embracing technology, and recognizing safety problems to improve production. James talks about the importance of adapting to the current workforce and trends to create engagement among employees. As a...

How to not give up even when you hear multiple No's Jim Michlig is is technically a millennial but identifies with characteristics of other generations because of his upbringing. He works for a school district to build relationships with businesses to work with students and build their resumes and toolboxes to prepare them for the real world. Jim gives some great advice if your looking to make maj...

Taking Risks and being uncomfortable Chris Seider fits in with the millennial generation unapologetically. He watched his dad work his way up from the lowest rung on the ladder to the very top gaining respect every step of the way. With this in mind, Chris wanted to create a name for himself. He has experience in various industries with the meat of his experience in safety. As a leader, Chris’s go...

An electrician and a Ted x Speaker Josh Page owns three electrical contractor companies located in Massachusetts. He loves being able to serve, whether it's helping people find contractors to helping fix things for others. Josh talks about why he wrote the Book "What Does Your Daddy Do?" and how he accidentally became a public speaker. Episode Highlights: 07:28 - How Josh went from thinking he wou...

Hard work and being willing to buck the system. Craig Sorbo is a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. He walks through his early decision to buck the trend of getting a four year degree. He talks through his experience of becoming a very successful car salesman and eventually running a dealership. Why not proclaiming to be the smartest person in the room has helped him get buy in and accept...

Why we all need an education about benefits. Ben Zang has had a varied career. For the last 10 years he has helped small businesses leverage benefits as a way to capture talent. Ben, Brad and Steve talk about why its important to start bringing on talent from different generations specifically as it relates to benefits, but also to make sure that we have a strong work force as boomers retire. Epis...

Why Wisdom is so important for the next generation. Bob Doll has spent the last 30 years in the aggregate industry. He is currently the Regional Sales Manager for Durex Products. He credits his father for many of things he has learned as well helping create direction early on his life. He is solution oriented and always looking for ways to make a process better. He truly believe that the Boomers n...

Megan Tzanoukakis started her career in accounting, but was ready for change. Opportunity came her way through Sussex IM. However, the position was not in the accounting field. She started out in Operations and is now the Vice President of Supply Chain. Megan talks to Brad & Steve about change, how the generations need to work together and understand each other, the future of manufacturing and...

We are excited to Welcome our first GenZ guest Eric Thompson. Eric walks us through how he got into the Blue Collar industry. How he always had an interest in taking things apart and seeing how things worked. He worked in machining and designing in his high school robotics program. This is what created his interest in engineering which led him to get his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering....

Using the strength of each generation with Bridgette Wiggins Bridgette Wiggins has had a varied career from teaching to a project management. She's handled up to 40 large corporate projects to running an office solo. She is now the Vice President of JMJ Construction. Bridgette is passionate about using each generations gifts to be able to work as a team. This episode focuses on Bridgettes experien...

Stop taking a Blanket Approach to training with Christopher Zuzick There is a movement happening around what's required to keep future generations engaged and growing in the Blue Collar Space. Training your team is a not a one size fits all approach. One the biggest questions you need to ask yourself as a leader is " What value I am brining to my employees?" Brad, Steve and Christopher also talk a...

Treating your employees as good as you treat your customers with Tim Luetzow The demand for a new way of doing things is underway and it all revolves around how companies look at their employees. By understanding what the new generation of employees are looking for and being open to it companies can foster longer term relationships with their staff. Brad and Steve talk with Tim Luetzow about his a...

How to make Blue Collar work appealing to GenZ and beyond Paul Van Metre interest in machining started with a Formula SAE competition. He loved the industry so much that he started a machine shop with his friends. He sold that company and developed web based ERP, MES and QMS system called ProShop. He now sells ProShop to companies around the world. He's passionate about brining the next generation...

Changing the perception of the trades with Matt Guse Matt Guse has been part of creating a new legacy of manufacturing. MRS Machining is one of the top ten machine shops in the country. Matt is continuing what his father started with educating the next generation of machinists through offering internships and equipment to a local high school trade program. This episode focuses on how educating the...

Making Training and Education Accessible for Everyone with Corey Berrier There are several initiatives underway to help blue-collar workers get the training and education they need to compete in today's economy. By understanding the challenges faced by blue-collar workers, we can help them build a better future for themselves and their families. In this episode, Steve and Brad are joined by Corey...

Bringing the trades into the 21st Century In this episode, Brad & Steve talk with Ron about how he got into the trades. Ron talks about his drive and ambition when he left the Marines and how it served him well in creating a decade career in the trades. They discuss how you can truly make a career in the trades and how companies should be authentic in attracting the Gen Z generation. Ron highl...

A Blue Collar Journey with Scott Clark This is a great episode for anyone who is thinking about entering or who is already in the blue-collar space and wants to hear from someone who has been impacted by the show. Scott shares his story of how he found the show and what it has meant to him over the years. He also talks about how the show has helped him in his personal life, which allows for contin...