Ruction Nation

Dick Frost is a blue-collar worker, equipment operator, and content creator who has built a loyal following by showing the unfiltered reality of life in the trades. Whether he's running a vac truck in the oilfield or operating heavy equipment on a highway crew, Dick represents the grit, discipline, and work ethic that keep industries moving. What sets him apart isn't just the work he does,...

Joey Brown is a Project Manager and construction content creator best known for his viral comedy skits that bring the everyday realities of the construction industry to life. Through relatable humor, Joey has built a loyal following by highlighting the personalities, challenges, and communication breakdowns that occur between project managers, superintendents, architects, subcontractors, owners, a...

For most people, the Bering Sea is something they only see on television. For Mr. Fishen, it's been his workplace, his livelihood, and a way of life. In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Fishen, a seasoned commercial fisherman who has spent years working the unforgiving waters of Alaska's Bering Sea. From battling powerful storms and freezing temperatures to chasing some of the world'...

In this episode of Ruction Nation, we sit down with Zach Grandstaff, Project Manager at H2O Fire Protection, to talk about what it really takes to deliver complete fire protection systems from start to finish. From sprinkler development and system design to coordination, installation, inspections, service, and repairs, H2O Fire Protection covers every phase of the process. Zach shares insight into...

Pete Cohen is a Senior Project Manager with GPRS, specializing in ground penetrating radar technology and subsurface scanning for the construction industry. With extensive experience helping teams detect and map what lies beneath the surface before excavation or construction begins, Pete plays a key role in improving jobsite safety, efficiency, and project planning. Beyond his technical expertise,...

In this episode of Ruction Nation , we sit down with Ashley Staley, a structural steel welder who’s as sharp as she is skilled. Ashley’s journey started in FFA, where she first built the foundation of hard work, discipline, and hands-on learning that would carry her into the welding world. Today, she’s making her mark in the shop, earning respect not just for her precision and work ethic, but for...

Logan Sharp is a seasoned tradesman whose career spans some of the toughest and most demanding corners of the industry. From his early days working sleigh rides and logging operations, to turning wrenches as a diesel mechanic to superintendent, and now an owners rep. Logan built his foundation the hard way, through long hours, physical work, and hands-on problem solving. Over the years, he’s expan...

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Armstrong, aka Blue-Collar Code , an HVAC tech with over 20 years in the trade, to talk about what it really takes to build a life and career in the blue-collar world. Bobby shares his journey from rock bottom to a successful career arc and the lessons he learned along the way. He talks about discipline, dependability, and doing every job like it’s your own...

In this special episode of Ruction Nation , Cody and Nick switch things up and put each other in the hot seat for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow in your career. From facing early struggles and feeling like the “young, green guy,” to dealing with the pressure that comes with promotions and responsibility. They break down the humbling role pride plays in your ca...

Big Mike is a seasoned tradesman who’s spent years working in the toughest environments the blue-collar world has to offer. From starting out in irrigation to building a career in welding and iron work, Mike’s journey is built on hard lessons, long days, and a commitment to mastering the craft. In this episode, Big Mike dives into the realities of working in the trades and why being a “one-trick p...

Justin Quinn is a Field Supervisor at CAI, a company known for delivering cabinetry and stone countertops with precision and consistency. With a career built on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and leadership, Justin brings a unique background to the construction world—one built under pressure. Before stepping into Multi- family builds, Justin spent the majority of his career in live entertainment,...

Ryan Knodel is a seasoned plumber and trades professional with years of real-world experience working in residential, commercial, and property management environments. From late-night emergency calls to large-scale system planning, Ryan has seen every side of the trades. The chaos, the craft, and the character it builds. Beyond plumbing, Ryan brings insight into warranty management and the operati...

The Blonde Welder is more than a tradeswoman — she’s a storyteller forged in steel, sweat, and hard-earned lessons. From field welding to hopefully getting into fine art, her journey cuts through the polished myths of the trades and exposes the raw realities rarely talked about: unsafe job sites, the gap between school and the field, and the quiet pressure placed on women in male-dominated industr...

Jim Ernster is a construction and operations leader who has quite literally built his career across America. Starting out as a hands-on carpenter, Jim worked his way through the trades into project management, executive leadership, and national operations, earning every step through experience on real jobsites, not shortcuts. Over the course of his career, Jim has helped build projects in nearly e...

Rudy Chavez is a living example that second chances are earned, not given. After spending time in the Department of Corrections, Rudy returned to the trade he’s known for over four decades—plumbing. Forty years in the trenches taught him more than how to fix broken lines; it taught him about pressure, responsibility, and what happens when you ignore problems instead of addressing them head-on. Lif...

Jake Teet is a journeyman electrician, problem-solver, devoted husband, and proud dad who believes in the power of going the extra mile. After years on the jobsite diagnosing tough electrical issues, Jake discovered something bigger than tools, wires, and troubleshooting— mindset is everything. On the podcast, Jake shares the lessons he’s learned from early mornings, late-night callouts, raising k...

On this episode of Ruction Nation , we sit down with the powerhouse family behind On The Spot Firestop — a company built from nothing by founder Gilbert Herrera , who turned grit, hustle, and heart into a generational legacy. What started as Gilbert’s determination to provide for his family has grown into a thriving firestop company that now employs multiple family members and creates career oppor...

From the roar of engines to the rumble of heavy equipment, Lance Hiser has always lived life in the fast lane. As a skilled operator for a dirt-working company, Lance brings precision, grit, and pride to every job — shaping the ground beneath his feet and the path ahead with the same steady hands. But Lance’s story is more than just horsepower and hard hats. What began as a childhood fascination w...

Drew Gillespie is a mechanical foreman and man of unwavering faith. Known in the field by his nicknames “Pookie” and “Rojo,” Drew’s journey hasn’t been easy — it’s been forged through long hours, high heat, and hard lessons. From the jobsite to the church pew, he’s learned that real strength comes from more than muscle or metal — it’s built through faith, humility, and perseverance. On The Rojo Re...

Jeff Boden isn’t your average plumber. From tearing up snowmobile tracks in his racing days to helping shape the skyline with his craftsmanship, Jeff brings speed, precision, and grit to everything he does. Known for his relentless work ethic and hands-on approach, he’s built a reputation for turning blueprints into reality — one pipe, one project, and one skyline at a time.

Kevin Russell is a seasoned Project Surveyor with years of experience mapping, measuring, and keeping massive construction projects on track. In this episode we cover many topics, for example he shares his experiences while on the Olmstead Dam project, one of the largest and most ambitious inland waterway projects in the U.S. Beyond the technical side of surveying, Kevin is known for bringing humo...

Ricardo Ramirez is a co-owner of a successful waterproofing and restoration company, a tradesman who got hooked on the potential to make money at a young age, and a firm believer in showing up reliably every single day. From learning the ropes on job sites to building a thriving business, Ricardo knows what it takes to turn hard work into lasting success. On The Reliable Grind, he shares his journ...

Jose Fregoso is proof that hard work and determination can break down barriers. Growing up, he faced the challenge of learning English while navigating a new culture, but instead of letting that hold him back, he made it his driving force. Through persistence, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic, Jose not only mastered the language but also learned the importance of speaking up to create oppo...

Nick Rems is a Framing Superintendent who brings more than just construction expertise to the job site—he brings leadership rooted in understanding people. With a background in Political Science, Nick has developed a unique perspective on communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which he applies daily in leading crews and building strong project outcomes. Beyond the blueprints, Nick is passio...

Mario Ortega is the proud owner of Eagle Flooring , a company built on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to quality. Beyond running a successful business, Mario is passionate about personal growth, health, and the importance of family. With a vision to retire by 45, he’s focused on building not just a company, but a legacy that gives him the freedom to prioritize what matters most — his healt...