The Unseen Potential of Blue Collar Professions

Let's set the record straight - college isn't your only ticket to success. Steve visited his daughters class for career day. And he learned a lot in that hour.

Steve was excited to give a  perspective to the students who 100% all thought they have to go to college to earn a good living.

We also talk about how getting buy in from the parents to encourage their kids that the trades could be an option for them if they are interested in going that route. This will be a crucial in changing the way the trades are viewed.

We also talk about how shows like "Dirty Jobs" helped expose the value of blue collar work.  Who wants to see Mike Rowe on BCBS??

Highlights

2:44 - The surprising truth that kids still think they have to go to college to make a decent living. 

6:11 - Let’s give kids all the options. Including going into the trades. Steve proves that kids actually want to know more about it as he found out through his career day visit.

14:48 - Not being the smartest person in any room is key to life and business success.  

10:47 - People love seeing how things are really made. Brad shares how amazed his wife was visiting a mine in Greece. Everyone should have the opportunity to see how things are really made. 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Brick by Brick: The Journey of a Young Construction Entrepreneur

Listen in as we chat with Patrick Robertson, owner and founder of Momentous Building Enterprises Corp, who shares his unique insights into the construction industry. Patrick is a young entrepreneur with a knack for high-end remodeling, particularly in the historic homes of New York. In our conversation, he speaks about his journey of starting his own company and the hurdles he has had to overcome. We also touch on the importance of building strong relationships with clients and his dedication to providing the best service.

We also talk about the importance of setting aside ego, being open to learning from others, and being open to new perspectives to progress and achieve goals. Patrick's humble and open-minded attitude shines through as he considers the possibility of inviting someone younger and more experienced into his business. 

Highlights

7:18 - Working as a young child actually allowed for Patricks experience to build and being allowed to do jobs that would normally require a lot of experience are actually what allowed Patrick to start his business at an early age. 

13:00 - How to gain respect as a younger leader. 

14:48 - Not being the smartest person in any room is key to life and business success.  

21:31 - Why anyone in construction needs to be using a change order in their business? 

21:00 - Patrick and Brad discuss the way GenZ’s were raised has a huge impact on how they show up in the workplace. 

Contact Us:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Patrick Robertson

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Profit Over Distress: A Look into the Profit First Philosophy

Is your business thriving, or are you merely surviving in a self-employed job disguise? Let's explore the fundamental differences between owning a business and having a job, as we delve into Mike Michalowic’s book "Profit First". This seminal work is a game-changer for small business owners,showing us  how to manage cash flow effectively, while emphasizing the importance of robust financial systems. Sit tight as we deep dive into what makes a business bankable, and why owning a business doesn’t have to mean constant worry about finances.

What if the profitability of your business lay in the narrowness of your focus? We're going to talk about the underestimated power of a niche focus and how it can potentially maximize your profit margins. Instead of being a generalist, we will discuss the merits of tailoring your business to your local area. Additionally, we'll address some practical aspects of business operations, such as timely invoicing and billing, and their impact on cash flow. Let's revolutionize the way we do business, together.

Highlights

2:32 - Being honest with yourself on if your are truly running a business or a glorified employee. And the idea of being bankable. 

6:08 - Profit First and the basic concepts of how it can transform your business. 

9:13 - Understand where you are spending the most time and is it costing you $$$$

12:17 Brad and Steve reflecting on Past Struggles and Growth in their own business journey.

Mentioned-

Article - How to tell if you have a business or a job 

Book - Profit First 

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Unleashing the Potential of Automation with Millennial Engineer Ian Rush

Are you geared up for a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of automation in the manufacturing world? We chat with Ian Rush, a millennial engineer about his journey – from his early days in engineering to navigating the switch to the assembly line, all while dealing with the rise of automation and its impact on the supply chain hustle.

We're talking about the importance of staying humble, showing respect, and building solid relationships, even when you're knee-deep in uncharted territory. Ian talks about how he tackled new roles and is able to navigate operators, stakeholders, and managers. All while keeping projects in scope and on time.

How is automation affecting manufacturing? Ian breaks it down and how it can make life easier, the skills you need to bring to the table, and the real value that operators bring to the mix. Picture a world where automation kicks out the boring stuff, amps up managerial skills, and shines a spotlight on understanding cycle times for a slick operation.

Highlights

5:23 - How sometimes your dreams are not what you really want and being ok with letting them go. 

6:29 - Don’t let your title stop you from learning from everyone on the team.

15:50 - How building rapport can get buy in when things change in a company.

20:25 - Automation doesn’t take away jobs but removes the boring and mundane task and allows people to enjoy their work more.

Contact your host

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Bridging the Gap: Creating a Gen Z-friendly Work Culture

A must-hear for employers, our conversation extends beyond the usual corporate-speak as we delve into the nuts and bolts of creating a work culture that welcomes Gen Z-ers. 

Listen in as Brad and Steve, tackle the myths and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace. The discussion kicks off with stories about the challenges and funny mishaps faced by young employees in their day-to-day work life. We explore the importance of setting expectations and providing proper onboarding and training for the younger generations. Plus, we dissect an article that highlights the need for companies to adapt to Gen Z if they wish to remain successful.

In the second part of our discussion, we explore how employers can shatter their preconceived expectations of younger workers. We stress the significance of a flexible working environment, like allowing employees to start their shift at 10am to help actually boost productivity and focus.

We also emphasize the importance of welcoming and encouraging employee input to create buy-in and progress. Lastly, we stress the need for introspection when considering the generational differences that have shaped the modern workplace. So, tune in and find out how to turn 'lazy and entitled' young employees into rock stars.

Highlights:

2:00 - Steve shares real-life examples of GenZ employees not using common sense.

7:41 - Steve's advice to companies on how to set expectations even when it comes to common sense. Brad also shares how to get buy-in from Senior Employees who might otherwise be annoyed with training the younger generation.

10:41 - Does it really take a year for a new employee to catch on? Brad challenges you to take another look at this way of thinking. 

15:34 - Steve challenges everyone to think about their part in creating the next generation. If look at how raised them it might make us more understanding. 

Mentioned

Article- Turning lazy and entitled employees into rock stars. 

Connect with the hosts: 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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From Tradesman to Tech Whiz: Revolutionizing Communication in the Construction Industry with Ron Nussbaum

Join us as we reconnect with millennial tradesman turned tech whiz, Ron Nussbaum. Ron shares his unique journey from the construction industry to technology, launching his own business aimed at solving communication issues in the trades. 

You'll hear how his innovative solution bridges the generational gap, facilitating communication between contractors, project managers, and customers, making it user-friendly for even the least tech-savvy individuals. Listen to how his business launch unfolded, his favorite moments, and the hurdles he encountered along the way.

Highlights:

3:15 - Update about the launch of BuilderComs and how they keep improving the app. 

10:59 - How the different generations are responding to Ron’s app. 

18:39 - How some contractors are using the app for their subcontractors. While that wasn’t the intended use of the app it works amazingly well for communication between subcontractors about projects.  

22:45 - Where Ron sees the company going over the next 12 months. 

Contact your host

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Cross-generational Insights on Work, Life, and Mental Health

We delve into the complexities of managing a multigenerational workforce, discussing how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and now Alpha each approach work, life, and mental health differently.

This episode highlights a survey of 2000 people created by Wiley, revealing stark differences in how each generation views mental health and its impact on work performance. 

The hosts argue that there is nuance in all these matters and even if data from a survey says one thing, it might necessarily be true. The discussion further explores the importance of trust and fulfillment at work, the negotiation of worker's rights  we reveal the bold move by the United Auto Workers to negotiate a 32-hour work week, and the ripple effects it might have on the industry. 

As well as issues between generations an creating a culture of trust.

Highlights:

4:42 - Where different generations stand in how they feel about mental health in the workplace.  

9:50 - Lack of trust in the workplace and Brad’s experience with helping change one of his former workplaces to create systems to prevent lack of trust and blame. 

12:53 - The surprsing stats around which generation values fulfillment over money at work. 

16:24 - What the United Auto Workers Union is suggesting to create more work life balance. 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Exploring Blue Collar Life: From Farm to Foundry with Jason Haines

Jason Haines shares how his journey from working on his grandpa's farm to thriving at a bustling foundry brings a warm sense of nostalgia, a spark of camaraderie that we believe resonates deeply within the blue-collar community.

Building on the growth of the manufacturing industry over the past decade, Jason provides an incredibly insightful look into the evolving dynamics between the older and younger generations. Trade schools are the bridge, their role increasing in importance as we strive to make the industry more appealing to Gen Zers. 

Highlights:

3:25 - Jason’s start into blue-collar work and how sometimes you need to try things before you decide they will work for you. 

8:31 - How showing respect and doing little things as a leader will make your team work together better. 

6:05 - How not promoting trade school is also impacting the future of blue-collar work.

10:39 - How you should always learn to network even within niche industries. 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Jason Haines

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Generational Attitudes and Blue Collar Work

Brace yourself as we discuss generational attitudes towards blue-collar work and expose the harsh truth of the cultural stigma that's been plaguing the industry. 

We delve into how Baby Boomer generation, having enjoyed the fruits of their labor in factories and skilled trades, handed down advice to the succeeding generations which ironically led to a significant workforce gap in the trades today. 

From discussing the high prices for services due to a lack of skilled workers to addressing the generational divide in work attitudes, this episode is packed with insightful discussions and hard-hitting truths about the state of the blue-collar industry. Tune in and let's challenge the status quo together!

Highlights:

1:02 - An article about the cultural stigma that’s having a disturbing effect on the generational handoff is the subject of the episode. 

3:24 - Addressing the issue of how Boomers communicated blue collar work and the impacts it’s now having on the entire future workforce. 

6:05 - How not promoting trade school is also impacting the future of blue collar work.

8:38 - The issues of how Boomers vs. younger generations view working 40 hours and work in general. 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Revolutionizing the Workforce with a Fresh Perspective

Ever feel like the generational gap in the workforce is too vast to bridge? Join us as we sit down with an inspiring mother-son duo, Jamie and Gavin White, who are reshaping the dynamics of work and education across generations. 

Jamie, a vibrant leader and founder of Believe Crew, shares her unusual journey of 'un-parenting' her son Gavin to support his career pathway, while Gavin offers a fresh perspective on the trades as a young worker who chose to step away from academics and dive into the workforce at an early age. 

Gavin, who left school to start working at a young age, gives us insight into his life in the trades. He shares how he started working with his grandfather, moved on to work with his uncle, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. 

Highlights:

7:59 - Gavin’s journey into unschooling.

14:08 - GenZ’s aren’t all about technology they actually enjoy having meaningful conversations.

22:32 - Maybe it’s time to reconsider allowing kids to experiment out in the real world. 

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Jamie White:

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