Building Trust and Community Across Generations

What happens when a millennial boss and a Gen Z employee tackle the complex issue of generational differences in the workplace? Join us for a great conversation with Daniel Felt, a savvy millennial business leader from Kura Home, and his Operations Manager, Garrett Olsen, who rides the line between millennial and Gen Z.

Daniel shares his unique approach of delegating and letting managers run the show while delving into his efforts to inspire the next generation. On the flip side, Garrett gives us an insight into the respect he shares with Daniel, and the challenges he faces while trying to bridge the respect gap with older generations.

As we move forward, we pull back the curtain on the struggles young technicians face in trades - using Garrett's experiences. Proving your expertise in an arena ruled by seasoned tradesmen is no cakewalk for young professionals. We discuss the importance of punctuality and the rewards it can unlock. But it's not just about showing up on time - it's about building trust and weaving a community within business. Tune in for an episode filled with insightful discussions and valuable takeaways.

Highlights:

• 4:47 - As an owner the key to creating less friction in the work place is through creating mutual respect.
• 8: 22 Daniels unique take on creating a bonus structure through punctuality
• 12:26- Exploring some of the challenges a younger leader can face when managing a generation older than themselves.
• 18:07- How to equip younger employees with knowledge so they are respected with home owners.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Daniel Felt:

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Reframing Blue Collar Work

Get ready to shatter some myths about blue collar jobs and the labor market as Brad and Steve reveal the truth behind some of the negative perceptions of Blue Collar work.

We have a discussion on the generational work styles and how they are revolutionizing the industry, calling out to employers to rethink their strategies to attract and retain the modern workforce.

In the second half of the episode, we'll take a closer look at the language we use when talking about the blue collar industry. Acknowledging the absence of a term that reflects the positive aspects of these jobs, we push for a change in the narrative which impacts the perception of these professions significantly.

As we explore the crucial role of community service projects in reshaping the image of the industry, we are hopeful you'll gain a new perspective on the vital importance of blue collar jobs. We're excited to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic

Highlights:

• 7:15 - Brad and Steve discuss the discrepancies between employer expectations and reality, noting that companies often want to pay starting wages but expect experienced levels of work.
• 11:35 - Discussion of the necessity of employers providing proper direction to younger workers and acknowledging their potential.
• 14:26 -Steve and Brad discuss the term that should positively highlight blue-collar work and how this impacts the perception of the industry.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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How to make a difference and take action

We had an incredible conversation with Andrew Brown, CEO and founder of Toolfetch, who shared his moving story of how witnessing the heroism of tradespeople during 9/11 led him to give back to the blue collar community.

Andrew's passion for empowering the younger generation to explore careers in the skilled trades industry shines through as we discuss the importance of changing the messaging around college and the trades.

We explore the challenges of engaging younger generations in the trades, addressing the stigma that has been associated with these careers over time. Andrew emphasizes the value of taking the time to build up skill sets and encourages parents, guidance counselors, and teachers to be more open to trades as a career option for their children.

Highlights:

• 2:29 - Andrew's story of how he started Toolfetch how he was inspired and wanted to take action after 9/11.
• 9:20 - How to make the trades an option for the younger generation and what Andrews is doing on social media to get parents and kids interested. And how more leaders in the trades need to continue to amplify their voices about the subject.
• 19:12-Discussing how to get kids to know that college is not the only option and how being in the trades provides amazing value as well the pay being high.
• 21:36-Being clear about why you are going to college so you don't end up with debt or a degree that ends up being useless.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website: Stephendoyle.focalpointcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendoylejr/

Email: [email protected]

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn:

Email:

Andrew Brown:

Website: https://www.andrewbrown.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/

Email: [email protected]

Discover how to build a stronger, more unified team and create a productive work environment with our special guest, Dr. Jim Bohn. Drawing from his experience as a former multi-national organization employee and his deep understanding of human behavior, Dr. Bohn shares insights on team dynamics, generational work ethics, and the importance of communication within teams. You'll learn how to bridge communication gaps, foster psychological safety, and identify unique employee motivations to ensure success in your workplace!

Get ready to explore the powerful influence of blue-collar work ethic in shaping white-collar career paths, as Dr. Bone shares a heartwarming story of his father - a skilled welder - and how it impacted his own professional journey. We'll also discuss the varying perspectives on work among different generations and uncover techniques to effectively communicate with your team members, regardless of age or background. We'll delve into the importance of employee development and recognition, offering practical tips on how to motivate your team without breaking the bank.

Finally, we'll introduce the concept of cognitive apprenticeship and effectance motivation, two key strategies that can help you create a more successful team and foster a positive work environment. Whether you're a leader looking to improve team dynamics or an employee seeking better understanding and communication with your colleagues, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips that can make all the difference.

Episode highlights:

• 2:00 - Generational Work Ethic and Common Sense Dr. Bohn shares his story of his father's blue collar work ethic and how different generations view work, emphasizing the importance of communication.
• 12:00 - Effective Communication in Teams Dr. Jim Bohn and I discussed psychological safety, communication gaps, and team dynamics to achieve successful outcomes.
• 18:03 - Employee Development and Recognition Employee recognition and motivation are key to creating a productive work environment, offering value and understanding motivations.
• 25:12 - Developing Employees Without Breaking the Bank we discuss cognitive apprenticeship, workshops, customer visits, and team motivation to recognize and motivate employees.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Dr. Jim Bohn

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Let's Talk about Automation and Blue Collar Work

Brad and Steve are solo this week talking about a topic that everyone is on everyones mind.

They cover the different ways automation is affecting blue-collar jobs, including the potential role of unions in protecting workers' rights.

The conversation also addresses the infrastructure challenges of transitioning to green materials and electric cars. But don't worry, the hosts emphasize the importance of keeping blue-collar businesses strong for future generations.

With the new "Brad and Steve" component, Blue Collar B.S. keeps listeners engaged with thought-provoking conversations.

Highlights:

• 1:08-Automation and Fear of Job Displacement. Understanding where the fear is coming from and believing that you can learn new skills and take a different path. Look at it as an opportunity not a negative.
• 7:57 This transition is not just affecting Blue Collar workers, its hitting everyone in society as a whole. There will be growing pains, but things have a way of working themselves out.
• 11:45 Embracing Change and a New Show Feature.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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James Boretti, a safety professional has been bringing profitability and safety in unique ways for decades. This episode discusses how adapting to your team can create engagement, thinking young and embracing technology, and recognizing safety problems to improve production.

James talks about the importance of adapting to the current workforce and trends to create engagement among employees. As a safety professional and business owner, he has had to adapt his training practices and communication methodologies both internally and for his clients.

Episode highlights:

• 3:59 How to adapt to changing workforce. Even if it goes against what you are used to and even it might be something you are uncomfortable with.
• 8:59 Empower younger generations. It can actually bring the generations together and create a more cohesive team.
• 20:49 Maintain equipment for efficiency. And do NOT take shortcuts or use subpar parts.
• 25:57 Solve the problem, not symptom.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

Website

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James Boretti

Website

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How to not give up even when you hear multiple No's

Jim Michlig is is technically a millennial but identifies with characteristics of other generations because of his upbringing. He works for a school district to build relationships with businesses to work with students and build their resumes and toolboxes to prepare them for the real world.

Jim gives some great advice if your looking to make major changes to what your school district offers.

Episode highlights:

• 3:56- Connect Academy came about to streamline experiential learning for students to get them ready for life after high school. Connect Academy is an umbrella program for all experiential learning to find the right career path for each student.
• 11:35- We are a fast paced society, families are trying to do everything all of the time. Students are spreading themselves too thin; they can’t do it all but they don’t want to make a choice.
• 18:49- Parents have to learn how to help their students do new things. Connect Academy gives the community a place to ask their questions of the right people to figure out how to support their students in what they are passionate about.
• 26:08- The goal is to help students make informed decisions before going to college–so they don’t pay for a nursing degree only to find out they hate the work. Connect Academy provides work based learning to let students figure that out before they pay for school and helps business partners learn how to work with this generation of workers.

They are working hard to adapt with the changes of society to prepare students to be career ready.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

Website

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Jim Michlig

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Taking Risks and being uncomfortable

Chris Seider fits in with the millennial generation unapologetically. He watched his dad work his way up from the lowest rung on the ladder to the very top gaining respect every step of the way. With this in mind, Chris wanted to create a name for himself. He has experience in various industries with the meat of his experience in safety.

As a leader, Chris’s goal is to create an environment for a team that is safe for failing and learning. Team members should fill in each other’s gaps.

Episode highlights:

• 5:38 The greatest challenge when starting out is relationship building. You have to learn to present yourself as an expert right out of college when you are working with people who have been doing it for years.
• 8:29 Once you have experience, know the kids right out of college have the newest education and aren’t jaded by years of working in the industry-they are a valuable resource.
• 13:19 Continue to expand and look for new opportunities. If you aren’t feeling growing pains, you aren’t growing in your career. Take those risks!
• 16:13 Teach your children to lean into being imperfect.  Work is about personal challenge and stretching. It isn’t reasonable to never fail.
• 23:40 When things do get uncomfortable - recalibrate. Learn to fail forward. Evolve and change to be different in the future.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Chris Seider

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An electrician and a Ted x Speaker

Josh Page owns three electrical contractor companies located in Massachusetts. He loves being able to serve, whether it's helping people find contractors to helping fix things for others.

Josh talks about why he wrote the Book "What Does Your Daddy Do?" and how he accidentally became a public speaker.

Episode Highlights:

07:28 - How Josh went from thinking he would get his cosmetology license to ending up getting his master electrician license.

14:22 - Why being willing to share your story builds trust and captures the attention of people listening.

19:51 - What does your Daddy do a book written to capture the attention of third to sixth graders to plant the seed early that the trades could be an option for them.

24:25 - Some of the ways that people can get involved in showcasing how cool and fun being in the trades is.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Joshua Page

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Hard work and being willing to buck the system.

Craig Sorbo is a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. He walks through his early decision to buck the trend of getting a four year degree. He talks through his experience of becoming a very successful car salesman and eventually running a dealership.

Why not proclaiming to be the smartest person in the room has helped him get buy in and acceptance as a leader. He shares how showing up and doing the work with your team is crucial to being successful in managing any team.

Episode Highlights:

03:14 - Craig discusses his big moment when he realized getting a four year degree wasn't for him.

12:47 - Craig shares some things he did that really helped him get the respect of his team even with being one of the youngest in the dealership.

19:51 - Craigs outside of the box way of thinking when it came to running his team created true collaboration as well as opportunities for the next generation.

26:23 - Why you don't need a four year degree to become wealthy. And making sure that you have a good relationship with money.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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Craig Sorbo

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