Blue is the New White Podcast

Rich Ortega is the founder of On The Rock Services, but he doesn’t just run a business — he leads with intention.

In this episode, Rich breaks down what it means to build a culture, set a standard, and lead with purpose in the skilled trades. From coaching his team to staying disciplined as an owner, this conversation covers w...

Join me in a raw and real conversation with Greg Christensen, host of CMMS Radio, as we dive into why genuine win-win situations are so elusive in business. Greg shares insights into maintaining integrity, navigating the complexities of rapid growth, and staying focused on adding real value.

Whether you're leading teams, managing facilities, or scaling a busi...

Luke Lunkenheimer is living proof that you can rewrite your story.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, he opens up about battling addiction, facing prison, and finding salvation in sales not just as a career, but as a purpose.

This one hits hard.

Luke doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, the hustle, or the pressure. But he shows how discipline, mindset, and real human connection can turn everything around.

🎯 If you’re in the trades, ...

This week, I sat down with Shell Mendelson, an ADHD Career Coach with a powerful story and even stronger mission.

We talked about what it’s like to discover your neurodivergence later in life, how that changes everything, and why blue-collar careers could be the ideal match for people with ADHD.

...

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Ryan Englin returns with a powerful reminder: leadership isn’t about control, it’s about connection.

We talk about what it really means to care for your team, why emotional intelligence is the future of skilled trades leadership, and how to build a business peopl...

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Josh Zolin sits down with Ken Rusk, entrepreneur and author of Blue Collar Cash, to unpack the realities of building a fulfilling and financially free life through the trades.

Ken talks about hiring thousands of employees, discovering what motivates people, and ...

Blue Is The New White #191.1

This week’s Blue Is The New White recap shines a spotlight on Dave Consulo, Profit Coach and Trainer at BDR.

In this clip, Dave breaks down the real power behind high-performing teams in the trades: mindset. It’s not just about tools, tasks, or time. It's about the way your people

Blue Is The New White #191

This week on Blue Is The New White, I welcome Dave Consulo. Profit Coach, Trainer, and former technician who brings a unique perspective to business growth in the trades. With years in the field and now in front of teams across the country, Dave explains how true profitability begins with understanding, coaching, and clear communication. If you're a leader in the skil...

Blue Is The New White Podcast: Episode #190.1

The skilled trades industry is desperate for workers, yet women remain underrepresented. Why?

Amy O’Grady, Executive Director of Women in HVACR, joined Blue Is The New White to discuss: 

✅ The biggest barriers keeping women from the trades

✅ How company culture plays a bigger role than you think

✅ Why recruitment strategies need to change

✅ Real-world success stories of women thriving i...

Blue Is The New White #190

The skilled trades are changing, and women are playing a crucial role in that evolution.

On this episode of Blue Is The New White, Amy O’Grady, Executive Director of Women in HVACR, shares how businesses can challenge outdated hiring practices, create a more...

Blue Is The New White #189.1

The best leaders don’t just manage, they coach.

In this episode recap, we revisit an incredible conversation with Jason E. Brooks, a hospitality profitability expert who understands the real secret to leadership: creating a culture of ownership.

Blue Is The New White #189

🔥 Great leaders aren’t just managers. They’re COACHES.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Jason E. Brooks reveals why business owners must embrace coaching as the...

Blue Is The New White #188.1

Kurt Stenberg’s entrepreneurial journey is built on ideas—but not just any ideas. The kind that spark innovation, drive growth, and build businesses.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of how to turn ideas into action—this episode is for you.

🎧 Full episode is available now wherever you get your podca...

Blue Is The New White #188

The hardest lesson every entrepreneur must learn? Letting go of control.

This week on Blue Is The New White, Kurt Stenberg (Cochrane Tree Care, Atmos Tree, Arborist Blueprint Podcast) shares what it really takes to grow a business while keeping your team engaged and your customers loyal.

📌 What You’ll Learn:

• How to build a team that believes in your vision
• Why emotional connection drives business su...

Blue Is The New White #187.1

🛎️ Recap of my conversation with Joel Worthington, CFE from last weeks podcast

I highly suggest giving this episode a listen. This is just a sample of the insight and wisdom Joel has to bring to the table 👇

✔ The power of full ownership – If you’re blaming the economy, the industry, or your team—you’re already losing.
✔ Leaders build trust before they build systems – People follow people, not proces...

Blue Is The New White #187

Leadership isn’t about titles or power—it’s about earning trust, driving results, and taking responsibility.

This week, I sit down with Joel Worthington, President of Mr. Electric

⚡ In The Episode: 

🔵 Why leadership = influence + achievement

🔵 The one mindset shift that separates great leaders from bad ones

🔵 Why trust & competency matter more than authority

🔵 The power of full ownership—no excuses,...

Blue Is The New White Podcast: Episode #186.1

This week, we recap our latest episode with Eddie Hightower of Caliber Collision on Blue Is The New White.

🚀 Key Takeaways:

🔵 Why skilled trades offer unmatched career freedom and security.

🔵 How apprenticeships transform lives and create opportunities. 

🔵 The importance of connecting people and ideas for lasting impact.

The trades are more essential now than ever

📢 Don’t forget to...

Blue Is The New White #186

Imagine a career that offers freedom, security, and skills no one can ever take away. That’s the power of the skilled trades 🔧. The irony is that you ask most people why they push their kids or students into a college degree, they say it's for job security 🤔

In the latest episode of Blue Is The New White, Eddie Hightower, of Caliber Collision, shares his insights into why skilled trades are the key to ...

Blue Is The New White #185.1

What’s the key to a thriving business? For Rick Miller, it’s all about people, culture, and finding joy in the process.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Rick Miller, founder and CEO of RLM Hospitality, shares his unique approach to:

• Building strong teams and identifying top talent.
• Creating a culture where laughter, authenticity, and collaboration thrive.
• Balancing operational efficiency...