Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode, our visionary founder Derek Foster interviews Terry Hubbard, the founder, CEO and Sales Manager at Peak Environmental: Landscape Construction & Management Services! Terry's been working in his field since he was only 16 years old, and has grown his business to a multi-team unit with 25 employees, and room for more! How did he do it? What practices have led to his success?...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster have a chat with Vince LaTerra, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you live in Saratoga, you've heard of these guys, and there's a lot of advice this successful businessman has to offer in this episode! What is it? You'll have to listen to find out! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: T...

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Ivan Bell, the main man behind IBS Septic & Drain! He's got a lot to say about balancing home life and family life, giving 110%... And, most importantly, loving what you do! 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...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jim Countryman - the assistant professor of Applied Technologies at Hudson Valley Community College; AKA, The Blue Collar College! We know, we know - we've often said college isn't for everybody... But with amazing programs like Jim's, you can learn Blue Collar skills from start to finish - like automotive mechanics, avi...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Paul Lambert, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you're from Saratoga Springs or Rome, New York, you know these guys - but if not, don't worry! We'll fill you in on everything you need to know about Bonacio Construction and Paul Lambert here, in this stellar episode! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podca...

In this episode, our Host Mike Nelson and Visionary Founder Derek Foster interview Dustin Manny, the main man behind Manny Topsoil and Gravel! Dustin is all about working hard and doing the job right, and he tells us all about his methods, beliefs and styles right here in this episode! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of B...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk to Ryan van Amburgh, the co-founder of Career Jam! His organization helps youths realize their potential and find the career pathways that are right for them, along with fostering development of the Blue Collar labor force and helping local companies find their next generation of workers! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Tom Shanley, a Daigle Cleaning Systems franchisee from Westchester, New York! They discuss the many benefits of franchising - including streamlined processes, scalable goalsetting, and more! Take a listen and find out how both Derek and Tom made Daigle Cleaning Systems great! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission...

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brad Lewis, the hard-working owner of Lewis Lawn Care & Masonry! He started at a very young age without even having a car to take him between clients; but he grew his "side hustle" into a successful business with hard work and dedication! Take a listen and find out how! Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast! Our Mission is...

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...