The Wealthy Ironworker

Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein, and while he is usually known for his scientific contributions, did you know he had economic thoughts, too? He criticized capitalism - and so did Peter Drucker, who is one of my favorite management giants. In this podcast episode, I explore in part what each said, unpack it, and offer my thoughts. The Einstein quote - taken from "Why Socialism?" written for M...

In this podcast episode, I discuss the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act - what it is, why it is proposed, and situations that have taken place, demonstrating why it's been proposed. Here are the links I mentioned during the podcast: David Norcross, House sponsor of the bill: https://norcross.house.gov/_cache/files/d/0/d05d572d-be84-485f-b498-76426792e484/86A633DDD5FA52FE03D7B3FDF1563BF2D96F17...

There seems to be a trend in the trades: The interest is there with people exploring new, viable options for a career. The difficulty, however, often is from contractors and customers; they only want people with several years of experience, often unwilling to expand their ranks and give the inexperienced a try. I believe this must change. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podca...

Per diem, more money, the road life - whatever you've heard it called, it often turns into a trap. Many a man has sacrificed his family on the altar of the pursuit of success - only to find ruin. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me...

Far too many people - companies, customers, and others involved believe there is "apprentice work;" where they perform menial tasks, and when they graduate, those same people believe apprentices do not have enough experience! It's precisely because you didn't allow them to actually DO THE ACTUAL WORK to gain experience. What's more, many of those same people express outrage when those apprentices...

I share some of my thoughts about the romantization of the trades culturally and how the white collar world seems to have an interest in the blue collar world of today. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Un...

Tara Cristel - Co-Owner of Total Glass - comes on the podcast to discuss the financial problems in the construction industry, how subcontractors have to fight for their money, and why things need to change. To address this structural problem, she started The Subcontractor Project - which can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-subcontractor-project/ Tara's LinkedIn profile: https:/...

OSHA - the federal agency tasked with protecting American workers - has less power than you might think. Phenix Lumber - dubbed "the deadliest workplace in America" - was allowed to operate despite numerous accidents, injuries, citations, and even three deaths. I discuss some of it in this episode. This is the Washington Post article I referenced: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactiv...

As a general rule, I believe Human Resource Departments are little more than company preservation mechanisms, and I believe there are companies - management and HR departments - who seek to turn safety departments into HR departments 2.0 This is wrong, and as a safety manager myself, I strongly advocate for genuine, authentic, and intentional safety professionals who aren't just about keeping inci...

A UPS driver joins the podcast (audio only for obvious reasons) to discuss some of the things he sees and experiences at work. I am also extending an invitation to anyone who would like to be on the podcast. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at S...

In this podcast episode, I take a look at an article in ISHN (Industrial Safety and Hygiene News) referencing a 42% reduction in OSHA willful violations. The ISHN Article: https://digitaledition.ishn.com/march-2026/editorialcomments/?utm_medium=emailsend&utm_source=DG-ISHN-Industrial+Safety+%26+Hygiene+News&utm_content=BNPCD260312141_01&oly_enc_id=5511H8467678C0Z Right to Work and Redu...

In this podcast episode, I discuss labor force problems that we have made for ourselves; namely, educational stumbling blocks and disappearing entry-level jobs. I am also extending an invitation to anyone who would like to be on the podcast. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Unio...

In this podcast episode, I have a fascinating interview with Mary Fogarty, from Solidaritus Health, who discusses union-run insurance. I also extend the invitation to anyone who may want to be on the podcast. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at...

In this podcast episode, we take a look at what is happening with UPS and the Teamsters and offer some thoughts. I referenced the following articles: Supply Chain Dive: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/ups-driver-buyouts-teamsters-lawsuit-denied/812784/ Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/ups-can-offer-150000-buyouts-unionized-drivers-us-judge-rules-2026-02-23/ I also extended th...

The Wealthy Ironworker Podcast, in collaboration with Your Listener Podcast, presents a nuanced, substantive, and educational podcast focused on Socialism vs. capitalism. About John: "John Cuturilo is a counsellor, writer, and podcast host in Melbourne, Australia. He conducts therapy with a diverse range of clients and specialises in working with complex trauma and relational matters. His seeks to...

In this podcast episode, I take a look at what is going on with the Teamsters lawsuit against UPS. In the episode, I mention a couple of different sources, and they are: Teamsters Release: https://teamster.org/2026/02/teamsters-sue-ups-for-breach-of-national-contract/ Supply Chain Dive: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/ups-driver-buyouts-2026-payment-amount-lawsuit-teamsters/811911/ Important...

In this episode, we take a look at the United Auto Workers (UAW), the recent Volkswagen election/negotiation, and the American South. Much of the content came from this article on the website, which I reference frequently and you can find here: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/2024/05/02/the-positive-ripple-effects-of-the-uaw/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Unio...

So, you are thinking about joining the trades. You've heard they can make good money. But that's all you know. I take the time to discuss things in this video you need to know, but don't yet. If, after listening, you decide to pursue something else, I've saved time for you and others. If, however, after listening, you are still interested, find a registered apprenticeship program to get in. Oh, an...

In this podcast episode, I discuss 6 tips contractors can use to change not just their company's culture but also its direction. The next 10 to 15 years for construction contractors will allow us to see which ones survive and which ones thrive, depending on the steps they take today. I encourage every industry professional to assess their organizations, take the time to research, and act according...

The construction industry has had an age and experience gap for numerous years, and much of that is attributed to the actions (or inactions) of the industry itself. ANY attempt to "solve" this issue with a visa is NOT the answer; robust apprenticeships and intentional investment into the next generation is. I am adamantly opposed to ALL visas proposed for the construction industry. Here are the tw...

For the second time, Ty Tornincasa joins me on the podcast to share some financial tips as we approach the end of the year. Here's how you can get a hold of Ty (and some compliance info): Ty Tornincasa Financial Advisor 440 W. 84th. Dr. Merrillville, IN 46410 219-277-0521 Ty@tyfinancialadvisors.com www.tyfinancialadviosrs.com Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial S...

In this episode, I identify and discuss four books that I believe you should have in your library. The first book, "Managing In The Next Society," written by Peter Drucker, has a lot of wisdom and helps you understand that there are others who question the economic narrative. The second book, "23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism," written by Ha-Joon Chang, is a phenomenal work that chal...

Far too many people - especially men - identify themselves with what they do for a living. Well, I am here to tell you that you are more than that - MUCH more. Here are some important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotiona...

Noelle from Frank News joins me as we discuss labor, generational differences, and the state of things in this podcast episode.  Frank News can be found here: https://www.franknews.us/ Here are some important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www...

In the first of many episodes to come, I am joined by Ty Tornincasa, who tells us his story. Ty is a union ironworker from Ironworkers Local 1 in Chicago AND a licensed financial professional. He helps others "Live for today. Plan for tomorrow. Plan for the unexpected." Ty Tornincasa's contact information: His website: www.tyfinancialadvisors.com Email: ty@tyfinancialadvisors.com Office: 219-277-0...