Blue-Collar BS

Welcome Back, Everyone! In today’s episode, Steve and I dive into how you can transform negativity in your workplace into opportunities for growth and innovation. We’re here to share some game-changing strategies that can help any blue-collar business owner turn challenges into catalysts for positive change.

Here’s What We Cover:

1. Embracing Technology:

• We discuss how Bob Dietz and Sons are setting new standards by using technology to attract and engage a younger workforce. There’s a lot to learn from their approach!

1. Making Incremental Changes:

• We talk about the importance of small, consistent changes in your business practices. These incremental steps can lead to significant improvements over time, without overwhelming you or your team.

1. Crafting Appealing Job Ads:

• We share insights on how to create job ads that really speak to younger workers by focusing on what makes your company culture and benefits unique.

1. Flexibility in Work Schedules:

• We explore how flexible scheduling, like four-day workweeks, can boost job satisfaction and keep your team happy and motivated.

1. Utilizing Social Media:

• Learn why letting your team use social media to showcase your business culture can attract tech-savvy talent and refresh your company’s image.

Join Our Community: Don’t just listen—get involved! Subscribe to "Blue Collar BS," and don’t forget to like, share, rate, and review. Your feedback helps us grow and improve, and we love seeing your comments and suggestions. For more insights and discussions, reach out directly to Steve or me through our official contact channels. Let’s keep strengthening blue-collar businesses together!

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Are you prepared for the financial unknowns of your business’s future? Discover the key elements to ensure a smooth transition.

In this episode of Blue Collar BS, we welcome Greg DeSimone, an unconventional CPA who emphasizes the value of family-owned businesses being transferable. 

With a focus on transition planning, Greg shares his perspective on growing a business, building a reliable team, and the importance of market analysis.

Greg delves deep into the importance of early transition planning, shedding light on why it’s crucial to understand your business’s market value and how to ensure a seamless future transition. 

With anecdotes from his career and a relatable personal story, he helps us to think strategically about the future of our businesses. We discuss the realities of retiring in place, the significance of industry benchmarks, and how to foster a transferable business.

This episode is a must-listen for business owners seeking to ensure their hard work and dedication today translates into a sustainable and lucrative future. 

Highlights:

The Business Trilogy: Greg introduces the three vital components that make a business valuable and transferable—growth, infrastructure, and documented processes.

Early Planning is Crucial: Highlight the importance of beginning transition discussions years ahead to align with retirement goals and ensure business readiness.

Scars as Assets: Greg shares how business failures and scars can be instrumental in learning and adapting, making businesses resilient and ready for future challenges.

Valuation and Market Comparison: Why understanding the market value of the business and comparing industry standards is crucial for strategic decisions.

Generation Differences: The evolving mindset of Gen X business owners compared to Boomers, highlighting the focus on immediate family benefits over long-term inheritance.

What other topics would you like for us to discuss? Please email either Brad or Steve with your ideas. 

We would appreciate it if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us to reach even more people!

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How can today's business leaders effectively manage a multi-generational workforce to boost engagement, break stereotypes, and foster success?

In this episode we dive into the challenges and opportunities of leading a multi-generational workforce. We discuss the common stereotypes that hamper workplace harmony and provide actionable strategies to create an inclusive, high-performing business environment. 

By leveraging individual strengths and breaking down age-related biases, leaders can transform “lazy” workers into rockstars and turn disengaged employees into valued team members.

By focusing on these key areas, this episode aims to equip business leaders with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of a diverse workforce and drive collective success.

Thanks for listening to today’s episode! If you enjoyed it, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. If you know someone who would benefit from this episode please share it! 

For more updates and insights, follow us on LinkedIn. 

Highlights:

Breaking Multi-Generational Stereotypes: We talk through the common myths associated with different generations—boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—and how these stereotypes can be detrimental. We stress the importance of seeing each employee as an individual with unique strengths and potential.

Engaging Disengaged Employees:Through insights from a Gallup poll, Brad and Steve discuss the root causes of employee disengagement and share strategies to re-engage and motivate staff. We emphasize the role of open communication and setting clear expectations in fostering a supportive work environment.

Promoting Trades and Apprenticeships: Recognizing the often-overlooked achievements of students entering trades and apprenticeships, the we advocate for celebrating these career paths just as enthusiastically as traditional academic routes.

Leadership and Cultural Change: Effective leadership is crucial for creating a positive workplace culture. The episode explores how leaders can adapt their communication styles, be more supportive, and set a collaborative tone to ensure a cohesive team dynamic.

Inclusive Growth Opportunities: Encouraging businesses to publicize and celebrate new hires and interns, we illustrate how recognizing young talent can inspire and motivate the entire workforce and contribute to a culture of growth and inclusivity.

By focusing on these key areas, this episode aims to equip business leaders with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of a diverse workforce and drive collective success.

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Is it possible for experienced boomers to re-enter the workforce successfully after owning a business? Discover how Mark Weber did just that!

In this episode we welcome back Mark Weber, a seasoned boomer who transitioned from leadership roles to becoming an individual contributor. Mark shares his unique journey, offering valuable insights into generational dynamics in the workforce, the importance of knowledge transfer, and the challenges older generations face when seeking new roles.

Highlights:

Generational Urgency: Mark reveals that different generations have varied senses of urgency when it comes to work tasks. While older generations thrive on a high-strung approach, millennials and Gen Z often manage tasks with a more relaxed attitude.

Struggles of Overqualification: Despite extensive experience, Mark experienced significant hurdles in finding employment due to being "overqualified." His story sheds light on the flawed perceptions hiring managers have about seasoned professionals.

Adapting to New Roles: Transitioning from a leadership role to an individual contributor wasn't easy for Mark. He discusses the challenges of letting go of control and adjusting to taking direction from younger colleagues.

Networking and Personal Connections:Mark highlights the power of networking and personal connections over traditional job applications. His eventual job offer came from a casual conversation on a golf course.

Advice for Employers: Mark urges young entrepreneurs and business owners to reconsider the untapped potential of experienced workers. He emphasizes that older employees bring a wealth of knowledge and a genuine desire to contribute without aspiring for high-ranking positions.

YouTube Ventures: Beyond his professional life, Mark shares his passion for cooking and his unique "Bigfoot Grandpa" YouTube channel, showing that pursuing personal interests can provide balance and joy even amid career challenges.

What other topics would you like for us to discuss? Please email either Brad or Steve with your ideas. 

We would appreciate it you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us to reach even more people!

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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How can active listening and empathy bridge generational gaps and transform team dynamics in the workplace?

In this episode delve into the intricate dynamics of multigenerational teams in today's workforce. We discuss the pitfalls and triumphs of integrating diverse generational perspectives and how empathy and active listening can change the game. 

We share real-life examples from their professional experiences, highlighting the shift from autocratic leadership to a more collaborative and inclusive approach. We discuss tools and techniques to enhance team performance and the importance of setting clear expectations. 

Highlights:

1. Active Listening: Discover the importance of active listening in fostering team collaboration and empathy, crucial for bridging generational gaps.
2. Respect Across Generations: Learn how different generations perceive respect and how adapting to these views can enhance team dynamics.
3. Leadership Styles: Explore the transition from autocratic leadership to more collaborative approaches, emphasizing facilitation over dictation.
4. Setting Clear Expectations: Understand the role of clear expectations and permission-forgiveness boundaries in guiding teams towards achieving common goals.
5. Empathy in the Workplace: Gain insights into the importance of empathy, not just in understanding emotional states but in driving tactical business decisions.

What other topics would you like for us to discuss? Please email either Brad or Steve with your ideas. 

We would appreciate it you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us to reach even more people!

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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What crucial advice do legal experts have for business owners navigating the complexities of new financial regulations and generational transitions?

In this episode of we are joined by guest Elisa Ruer, a Gen X attorney, to discuss the importance of legal counsel in business operations, especially in light of new financial reporting laws and the challenges of generational ownership transitions.

Elisa Ruer shares her expertise on the Beneficial Ownership Interest act, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting to FinCEN. She also highlights the risks of neglecting legal review, particularly for franchise owners, and shares insights on the differing perspectives of baby boomers and Gen X parents regarding the transfer of family businesses to their children.

Highlights:

• Navigating New Regulations: Elisa Ruer breaks down the implications of the Beneficial Ownership Interest act, stressing the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of non-compliance for business owners.
• Generational Shifts in Business: The episode explores the contrasting attitudes of baby boomers and Gen X parents towards passing on their businesses to their children, highlighting the need for clear communication and planning.
• The Importance of Legal Counsel: Elisa emphasizes the critical role of legal experts in helping business owners navigate complex financial and legal matters, using the analogy of not attempting a root canal without a dentist.
• Avoiding Costly Mistakes: We discuss real-life examples of the significant financial and personal risks that can result from failing to seek proper legal protection in business dealings.
• Empowering Entrepreneurs: Blue Collar B's podcast aims to dispel myths and redefine work across generations, providing valuable insights and advice to support the ongoing industrial revolution in the US.

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How can businesses boost employee engagement and combat the staggering $8.9 trillion lost annually to disengaged workers?

In this episode, we dissect a Fox Business article on how companies are beefing up "emotional salary" to address today's disengaged workforce. We discuss the difference between unengaged and actively disengaged employees, and brainstorm solutions.

We emphasize the importance of leadership actively engaging with employees through regular in-person conversations and interactions. We discuss implementing incremental advancement opportunities and clear expectations to provide a sense of purpose and community at work. The challenge is to try and benchmark financials and consider what small changes could have a big impact on engagement and profitability.

Highlights:

• Leadership Must Engage: Effective leaders need to regularly interact with employees in-person to build relationships and a sense of community. An example shared would be having management walk around to prevent leaders from only showing up when there are problems.
• Clear Expectations and Advancement: Implementing incremental advancement opportunities tied to small pay bumps provides clear expectations for employees to develop skills and see a growth path. This drives engagement.
• Purpose Matters Most: While perks and benefits are nice, providing a clear mission, vision and values that leadership exemplifies is most important for employee engagement. People need to feel part of something bigger.
• Benchmark Your Engagement Cost: We challenge you to compare your Q2 financials to industry benchmarks. With disengagement costing $8.9 trillion annually, even small companies are likely losing hundreds of thousands a year.
• Small Changes Drive Profits: Courageous companies willing to make small, incremental changes to boost engagement will see a profound impact on culture, innovation and bottom-line profitability. The co-hosts urge businesses to take action.

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How can a business effectively navigate a major move while maintaining its workforce and culture? Stacia Hobson shares her experiences and insights on this topic.

In this episode, Stacia Hobson discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving her business from Illinois to Mississippi. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, celebrating milestones, and adapting to the new community's culture during the transition.

Stacia also shares valuable insights on the evolving workforce demographics and the need for specific investments in workforce training and development. She highlights the significance of assessing cultural fit during the hiring process and the role of intuition in evaluating applicants' suitability.

Highlights:

• Navigating Business Moves: Stacia's experience relocating her business underscores the importance of thorough planning, clear communication, and the value of hiring a site selection consultant to navigate grants, labor, and community viability.
• Workforce Development: Investing in workforce training and development is crucial for long-term success. Stacia discusses the need for workforce development colleges to support company needs and the importance of diversity and knowledge transfer within the workforce.
• Interviewing Insights: Stacia shares her innovative approach to the application process, focusing on applicants' hobbies and outside interests to gauge their skill sets, priorities, and cultural fit within the organization.
• Adapting to Community Culture: When making a move, evaluating and adapting to the new community's culture is essential for successful recruitment and engagement. Stacia advises on the importance of becoming known in the community and building trust.
• Generational Communication: Stacia offers observations on generational communication preferences, noting that younger individuals prefer texting while older ones prefer phone calls, highlighting the need for adaptability in communication strategies.

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What can Harrie Schoots' journey in the textile industry teach us about the evolving nature of craftsmanship, the impact of e-commerce, and the importance of self-sufficiency?

Harrie Schoots brings decades of experience and insight into the textile industry, highlighting craftsmanship's technical complexities and essential role. 

Growing up in a generation that valued hard work and humility, Harrie navigated the industry’s shift due to e-commerce and the aging workforce. In this episode, he emphasizes the significance of attracting younger talent and the contributions of educational institutions and even draws connections between the art of textile production and making sourdough bread. This conversation sheds light on perseverance, adaptability, and the push for innovation in a traditional industry.

Highlights:

1. Navigating Industry Shifts: Harrie Schoots discusses the significant impacts of e-commerce and technological advancements on the textile industry, stressing the need for technical and transferable skills to stay relevant.
2. Generational Transition: Addressing the challenge of an aging workforce, Harrie underscores the importance of drawing younger generations into textile craftsmanship through innovative internship programs and educational support.
3. Craftsmanship and Humility: Learn from Harrie’s experiences growing up in an era that prized practical goals and humility and how these values continue to influence his approach to industry challenges.
4. Supporting the Industry: Discover how organizations such as NC State College of Textiles and AATCC offer scholarships and collaborate with educational institutions to rejuvenate the textile sector and fill critical skill gaps.
5. The Sourdough Connection: Delve into the intriguing parallels Harrie draws between the science of making sourdough bread and the technical processes in textile production, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and practical skills.
6. Responding to Crisis: Hear about the efforts made by factories to produce essential items like masks and surgical gowns during the shutdown, and the subsequent challenges posed by cheaper alternatives from abroad.

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How can understanding communication styles and dynamic leadership practices revolutionize the blue-collar workplace?

In every podcast episode of the Blue Collar BS, we tackle pressing issues in the blue-collar world, debunking myths and revealing insights. 

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Hendricks, a millennial CEO, bestselling author, and expert in leadership and communication, who discusses how to meet the challengetoday’sday’s diverse workplaces through effective communication and dynamic leadership.

Brian Hendricks shares his journey from aspiring broadcaster to CEO, detailing how his experiences in coaching and counseling have shaped his leadership approach. 

Through dynamic communication methods and“the "echo”back" technique, Brian offers actionable advice for seasoned business owners about effective leadership and communication styles. 

The episode emphasizes the need for leaders to adjust their approaches to better connect with team members and foster an environment where employees feel heard and valued.

Highlights:

• Communication as a Tool for Connection: Brian discusses the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles in the workplace. By utilizing dynamic communication processes, leaders can better connect and engage with their team members.
• Echo Back Technique: Hendricks introduces“the "echo”back" method, which ensures clarity and understanding in communications, helping solidify the team's expectations and tasks.
• Adapting Leadership Styles: Brian stresses the need for leaders to be versatile, adjusting their leadership style to meet the unique needs and strengths of their team members, instead of expecting the team to adapt to them.
• Setting Agreeable Expectations: Effective leadership involves setting clear and agreeable expectations, which, when combined with honest feedback mechanisms like 360-degree surveys, leads to a more open and communicative workplace.
• Valuing Employee Contributions: Brian underscores that employees need to feel valued and understand the impact, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and reducing turnover.

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