Blue-Collar BS

We figured, hey it’s the 4th of July. Let’s skip the heavy stuff and just talk food, fireworks, and all the random things that make this holiday what it is.

This week, we're keeping it light because it's the 4th of July and nobody needs a lecture while they're flipping burgers or chasing kids around the backyard. We’re talking backyard games, cookout must haves, fireworks chaos, and all the weird traditions that somehow make this ho...

We’ve always wanted to hear it straight from the source so this week, we brought in a real Gen Zer (and Steve’s daughter) to break down what it’s actually like to be young and working today.

This one’s personal and eyevopening. We’re joined by Kayla, Steve’s high school aged daughter, who’s already on her third job and has plenty to say about what’s working (and what’s not) in the workplace. From bad bosses to “walk of shame” exits,...

We knew Stefanie Couch was gonna bring the heat when she showed up in her pink hat and yep, she delivered. We’re talking branding in the trades, leading teams across generations, and how to stand out without selling out.

She grew up in a family lumber yard, crushed it in the corporate world, and now she runs her own agency helping construction companies fix what’s not working usually starting with their marketing (or lack of it). St...

We're not here to sugarcoat it—some of the worst dumpster fires we see in business start at the top. And we know, because we’ve either helped put them out or accidentally started a few ourselves.

This episode came out of a real conversation about leadership gone sideways—owners jumping in to save the day when what they really need to do is get out of the way.  From a 6:15 a.m. client text to job site chaos that didn’t need to h...

We weren’t ready for the energy Precious L. Williams brought into this episode—and honestly, we needed it. From sales rooms to stages, she’s the kind of speaker who doesn’t just hold attention—she demands it.

Precious doesn’t play it safe—and that’s exactly why we wanted her on. She’s built her brand by saying what most people won’t, and in this episode, she’s dropping truth about what it really takes to stand out, whether you're in...

If you’re leading a team right now and feeling like every decision could make or break the future—you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of younger leaders who are staring down uncertainty and aren’t sure which move to make next. We’ve both been there, and in this conversation, we’re digging into how to handle the pressure without freezing or freaking out.

It’s easy to lead when everything’s steady. But what about when the ...

Today’s guest, Ryan Redding, didn’t hold back — we got into how AI, customer experience, and smart leadership are rewriting the rules for trades businesses.

Ryan shared how he accidentally found his way into marketing for the trades and how that detour turned into building Levergy, a digital marketing agency focused on helping home service companies grow smarter and stronger. Ryan’s journey wasn’t traditional — it was built on real-...

We’ve both looked at our to-do lists and thought, “Yeah… not today.” The harder the task, the easier it is to avoid. Let’s talk about why that happens—and what to do when procrastination starts running the show.

We’ve all been there—staring at a task we know we should handle but keep pushing to the bottom of the pile. In this episode, we talk about why we do that and what to do instead. 

James Clear might call it habit formation...

We’ve all wasted time chasing jobs that go nowhere—or worse, driving across town for something we could’ve solved with one look. That’s why when James Hatfield showed us how LiveSwitch works, it felt like the most obvious tool every crew should be using.

James Hatfield isn’t your average tech guy—he calls himself a high-tech redneck, and once you hear his story, you’ll get why. From painting houses and power washing driveways to lea...

When your team isn’t clear on what success looks like, it usually means expectations weren’t defined early on. Whether it’s a new hire just starting out or a long-time employee unsure about how to move up, we’ve seen how unclear expectations can lead to frustration—for everyone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create clear, realistic pathways for growth, accountability, and performance, without overcomplicating the proc...

Ever had an employee who’s great at their job but completely struggles when promoted to a leadership role? We've been there too. In this episode, we’re joined by Talmar Anderson to talk about why hiring and leadership often go sideways — and what you can do to fix it.

Hiring the right people isn’t just about filling seats — it’s about building a solid team that can grow with your business. In this episode, Talmar Anderson, CEO of Bo...

Ever told your team it’s been a great year — only to leave some employees wondering why they’re not getting a raise? We break down how that misstep can crush morale and what leaders can do to fix it.

We break down a real-world scenario where leaders gave hourly employees a raise but blindsided their salaried team with nothing but an email. The result? Chaos, frustration, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

If you’ve ever struggl...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in the construction industry? Coty Fournier didn’t take the usual path — and that’s exactly what made her stand out.

In this episode, we sit down with Coty Fournier, a seasoned construction professional with decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Coty's journey didn’t follow the typical route — no family ties in the trades, no early passion for construction — ...

Branding in the trades? Most people don’t think about it, but it matters way more than you realize. From rusted-out work trucks to outdated websites, we’re digging into why your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s the first thing customers and potential employees notice before you even step on the job.

Branding isn’t just for corporate types in fancy suits. If you're in the trades, your brand is what tells people you’re the real deal. That...

How someone goes from selling suits to running a successful water treatment company? John Atlee did just that, and his journey is anything but typical.

When John took a chance on a job at Water Doctors, he had no idea it would turn into his lifelong career. Fast-forward to today, and he owns the company, turning his passion for clean water into a thriving business. But his success didn’t come without challenges—hiring the right team...

What happens when you bring someone in at top dollar, and now they expect more? It’s a situation plenty of business owners find themselves in—paying a premium upfront to secure talent, only to realize there’s nowhere left to go when raise season rolls around.

Wage expectations can be a minefield, especially when you’ve hired someone at the top of their pay range from day one. Maybe it was out of necessity, maybe you needed to lock t...

Hiring and retaining great employees isn’t just about pay—it’s about strategy. Steve Van Remortel shares how small and midsize businesses can finally solve their talent challenges with My Talent Planner.

The hiring struggle is real, but what if the issue isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of strategy? We talk with Steve Van Remortel, founder of My Talent Planner, to break down what businesses get wrong when it comes to recruitment, ...

The debate over remote work vs. in-office is heating up in 2025. Are companies making the right call, or are they driving away top talent? We’re diving into the real impact of trust, flexibility, and wages in today’s workforce.

We’ve all heard the debate—should people be in the office, or can they be just as effective working remotely? The answer isn’t that simple. Today, we’re talking about what really builds trust between employer...

Mike White isn’t your typical HR leader—he’s the kind of guy who’s more focused on solving problems than following a rulebook. As the founder of Secchi, Mike has made it his mission to help manufacturing leaders simplify their processes, recognize their people, and cut through the noise.

What’s it really like to lead in today’s manufacturing world? If you’re a frontline supervisor or managing a team, you’ve probably felt the pressur...