In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler sit down with Cody Cessna, founder of CO Eyewear, to talk about his journey from working as a lineman to building a fast-growing safety eyewear brand designed for tradespeople.
Cody shares how he spotted a major gap in the market, hand-built the first pair of safety sunglasses, and grew CO Eyewear through innovation, affordability, and social media. We dig into his entrepreneurial path, the realities of balancing family life with business, and the importance of creating practical, reliable gear for blue collar workers.
If you’re in the trades, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just looking for motivation to chase your idea, this conversation is packed with insights on business growth, work-life balance, and the power of loving what you do.
👉 Don’t miss this episode—especially if you care about safety, innovation, and opportunity in the trades.
Find their safety glasses here
🎙️ Key Takeaways
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Innovation starts with solving a problem you’ve lived.
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Affordability and practicality matter most in blue collar safety gear.
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Social media can fuel business growth for small brands.
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Balancing work and family is a constant challenge for entrepreneurs.
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Loving what you do makes the grind worth it.
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Opportunities are everywhere in the trades if you’re willing to build
⏱️ Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction to Cody and CO Eyewear
(02:44) - Identifying the Need for Safety Eyewear
(05:38) - The Journey of Building a Business
(08:10) - Innovations in Safety Eyewear
(10:56) - The Importance of Affordability and Accessibility
(13:37) - Balancing Work and Family Life
(16:21) - The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
(19:03) - Lessons from Trade Experience
(22:02) - Opportunities in Blue Collar Work
(32:40) - Work-Life Balance in Trade Jobs
(35:55) - Transitioning from Physical Labor to Business
(38:14) - Product Development and Customer Needs
(48:14) - Understanding Lineman Rodeos
(50:33) - Crazy Job Site Stories
(52:46) - Finding Joy in Work and Life
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