Marriage and business make for a volatile mix, as Sy and Sara Kirby candidly reveal in this vulnerable exploration of conflict communication and emotional safety. After nearly a decade of working side-by-side in their blue-collar business, they've weathered storms that would sink many relationships – and emerged with hard-won wisdom about keeping both enterprises afloat.

The couple pulls back the curtain on their evolution from "loud and fast" arguments in early marriage to more methodical disagreements now, sharing how they've created systems that work for their opposite communication styles. Sy, the emotional pursuer who wants to resolve issues immediately, has learned to give space to Sara, who needs time to process before engaging. Their bathroom has become neutral territory for these crucial conversations, away from kids and distractions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their practical approach to preventing work-home bleedthrough. "When you work with your spouse," Sara explains, "all the problems at home are still problems when you go to the office, and all the problems at work are still problems at home." Their solution? Creating dedicated spaces where business talk is off-limits, allowing them to fully engage as spouses and parents.

Perhaps most powerfully, they share their weekly "marriage calendar check" strategy and challenge listeners to use the "pause button" technique during heated moments. By acknowledging that feelings are never wrong while recognizing that emotions can lead you down unhelpful paths, they've developed a framework for resolving conflicts without destroying what matters most.

Whether you work with your spouse or simply struggle with keeping work stress from damaging your relationship, this raw, honest conversation offers both comfort and practical tools to strengthen your connection during life's inevitable conflicts.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

The delicate dance between entrepreneurship and marriage takes center stage in this heartfelt conversation with Sy and Sara Kirby. The couple opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a construction business while raising a family and nurturing their relationship.

From the beginning, their different approaches were evident - Sy focused on scaling the business to eight figures while Sara concentrated on managing day-to-day operations and stability. This natural tension between visionary thinking and practical execution created both friction and balance, ultimately strengthening their partnership through honest communication.

The Kirbys don't pretend to have it all figured out. With refreshing candor, they admit to costly mistakes like prioritizing growth over systems, getting "hot-headed" about early success, and learning the hard way about proper accounting controls. Their transparency about these struggles provides valuable lessons for listeners facing similar challenges in their own businesses.

A profound shift occurred when Sy reconsidered what legacy truly means. Inspired by industry leader Herb Sargent's wisdom that "legacy is not about what you build and leave, it's about what you build and leave in people," he began prioritizing his presence with his children and investing in his employees' personal growth. This people-first approach transformed both his leadership style and family life.

The episode concludes with a practical challenge for couples in business together: dedicate 20 minutes to discussing your five-year vision, both personally and professionally. Write down five goals, agree on priorities, and identify small steps to move forward together. By posting these goals somewhere visible, you create daily reminders of what you're working toward beyond the immediate demands of your business.

Ready to strengthen both your business and relationship? Subscribe to the Blue Collar Business Podcast for more authentic conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, and building a life that supports your vision rather than consumes it.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Have you ever wondered if there's a more stable revenue stream waiting for your blue collar business? In this eye-opening episode, Eric Knellinger, president of US Federal Contractor Registration, reveals the largely untapped world of federal government contracts and how they can transform small businesses in the trades.

Did you know that 23% of all federal contracts MUST be awarded to small businesses? That's billions of dollars in potential work for companies just like yours. Eric shares the inspiring story of how personal tragedy led him to create USFCR, and how his company has since helped countless contractors navigate the complex world of government procurement.

The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for blue collar businesses to access this market. Eric explains the registration process, how to market effectively to procurement officers, and the game-changing concept of "teaming" with other small businesses to bid on larger contracts. He addresses the common barriers holding contractors back, from lack of capital to fear of complex paperwork, and outlines clear solutions for each.

What sets this episode apart is the actionable advice for businesses at every stage. Whether you're a "Chuck in a truck" just starting out or an established contractor looking to diversify revenue streams, you'll gain insights into how federal contracts can provide stability and growth opportunities. Eric's passion for helping small businesses succeed shines through as he challenges listeners to ask themselves, "What's next?" and consider federal contracting as their answer.

For Blue Collar Business Podcast listeners, Eric offers an exclusive opportunity: mention this episode when contacting USFCR to receive a free market analysis and coaching session, a $1,200 value that could map out your path to federal contracts. Visit USFCR.com today to learn how your business can tap into the world of government contracting and take your operation to the next level.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Time—the ultimate non-renewable resource. For blue collar business owners juggling family life with entrepreneurial demands, time management isn't just a productivity hack—it's survival.

In this raw and revealing second installment of our Date Night series, my wife Sara and I pull back the curtain on how we manage the constant tug-of-war between business and family time. From our hectic 5:30am wake-ups to the delicate dance of bedtime routines, we share an unfiltered look at what keeps our wheels turning while trying to preserve our most important relationship.

"Prioritize the moment" became our unexpected mantra during one particularly stressful exchange, and it's transformed how we approach each day. We candidly discuss those times when the business completely engulfed our marriage, like during a challenging partnership dissolution while simultaneously building our home and raising young children. These crucibles taught us painful but necessary lessons about what truly matters.

The mental shift from "work mode" to "family mode" is something I still struggle with daily. Those 5-10 minutes in the driveway before walking through the door have become a sacred transition time. Meanwhile, Sara shares her perspective on handling the overwhelming mental load when there's always something else demanding attention.

Our Sunday evening calendar check has revolutionized how we function as a team. This simple practice ensures family events get priority scheduling before business commitments hit the calendar, preventing the resentment that builds when important personal moments are forgotten or dismissed.

Whether you're building a business with your spouse or simply trying to maintain a healthy relationship while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams, this conversation offers both practical strategies and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in the struggle. Join us as we share what we've learned about protecting, sharing, and maximizing our most precious resource—time together.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Sy Kirby takes a deeply personal turn in this episode, inviting his business partner and wife of 11 years, Sara, to kick off a special four-part series on the challenges of marriage in entrepreneurship. Their raw conversation offers an intimate glimpse into how blue-collar business owners can protect their most important partnership while building something extraordinary together.

The couple doesn't hold back as they share their journey from newlyweds to business partners, raising three children. "Being married in business can be extremely tough," Sy admits early on, setting the tone for their transparent discussion about prioritizing intimacy when the business constantly demands attention. Sara reveals how their understanding of connection has evolved: "At the beginning, intimacy was just very physical... now it's the emotional intimacy, the connection that we share, and it's just a much deeper thing."

Their conversation tackles head-on the unique challenge of working together professionally while maintaining their personal bond. "When you close down the office and come home, you are still with that same person," Sara explains, describing the delicate balance of switching contexts. The Kirbys share practical strategies they've developed, including their "48-hour rule" for physical intimacy and the importance of brief, intentional check-ins during hectic periods.

Perhaps most powerfully, they discuss the breaking points that nearly derailed them and the commitment that kept them together. "Divorce is not on the table," Sara shares about their foundational agreement. "It's not an option for us." This commitment allowed them to push through difficult seasons, especially when rediscovering their faith provided a new framework for their partnership.

Whether you're already in business with your spouse or considering this path, this episode offers both cautionary wisdom and practical hope. The Kirbys' journey proves that with intentional effort, the right priorities, and a lot of grace, you can build both a thriving business and a fulfilling marriage, even when the same person sits across from you at the dinner table and the conference room.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

If you're tired of spinning your wheels, worn down from the same routine, or just feeling mentally buried, this episode is built for you. We’ve stitched together the best answers from multiple guests who all responded to one honest question: what do you say to the blue collar worker who’s sick of being stuck in the mud? The responses are real, hard-earned, and brutally honest.

You’ll hear from folks who’ve been in the ditch, started from nothing, and fought their way up. Some are running companies now, some are still grinding it out, but every one of them knows what it feels like to hit a wall. Whether it’s money problems, burnout, home stress, or the pressure of leading a team, they’ve all had to dig deep and keep pushing. This isn’t fluff. It’s straight from the heart of the construction industry and other blue-collar trades.

They talk about what helped them push through - finding mentors, being willing to start at the bottom, staying moldable, and learning fast. There’s advice on managing teams, taking pride in your work, and chasing opportunity when it shows up, even if it feels uncomfortable. You’ll hear how some of these guests faced down business failure, self-doubt, and the emotional weight that comes with responsibility, and how they kept going anyway.

If you’re a laborer, foreman, or owner and you’re feeling stuck, this episode brings you the words you didn’t know you needed. It’s the kind of real-world impact that comes from experience, not textbooks. No gimmicks. Just solid business advice, personal lessons, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this fight.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

The most successful construction business owners know a secret that others learn the hard way: understanding cash flow is the difference between thriving and barely surviving. In this powerful conversation with Scott Peper, CEO of Mobilization Funding, we unpack why so many blue-collar businesses show healthy profits on paper but struggle with empty bank accounts in reality.

Scott brings thirteen years of experience financing specialty contractors and analyzing thousands of construction cash flows to explain why the construction industry faces uniquely challenging cash flow cycles. He walks us through the perfect storm that occurs when expenses accelerate while payments drag, and delivers a masterclass on the critical difference between margin and markup that every contractor must understand.

You'll discover why adding a 10% overhead allowance and 10% profit can actually leave you with negative cash flow during project execution once retainage is factored in. We also explore why commercial construction projects create such intense cash flow pressure and how to prepare your business before taking that next big job.

The heart of our discussion focuses on practical solutions: finding industry-specific financial professionals, implementing proper reporting systems, building redundancy in your crews, and most importantly, giving yourself grace during the growth process. Scott shares the profound advice to "treat your business like a baby," prioritizing its needs and protecting its growth without expecting immediate returns.

Whether you're just starting out or working to scale your blue-collar business, this episode provides the framework and information you need to make better financial decisions. Stop guessing about your numbers and start building the foundation that will support your business for years to come.

Ready to gain control of your cash flow and transform your business? Hit subscribe, share this episode with a fellow contractor who needs this wisdom, and implement these strategies to build a financially sound future.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

This week on the Blue Collar Business Podcast, I’m bringing you something a little different—a live Q&A session straight from TikTok and YouTube. I took your real, raw questions and gave honest answers based on what I’ve lived and learned in the trenches. We hit on everything from scaling family-run excavation businesses to figuring out margins, systems, and when it’s time to get out of the machine and into the office.

If you’re maxed out on labor but still hungry to grow, I break down how to lean on inside accounting, use your P&Ls to make smart calls, and build training systems that let you step back without losing control. We also get into bidding commercial jobs, navigating that jump from residential, and using tools like PlanSwift to help you compete and win in this space.

I opened up about some of the tough stuff too—like communicating with your spouse when the business grind starts to weigh on your home life. It's not easy, but if you’re building something that matters, those conversations matter just as much as any estimate or invoice.

This episode is packed with the kind of blue-collar business advice I wish I had years ago. It’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s all about helping you find clarity in the chaos. If you missed the live, here’s your shot to catch up—and if you’ve got questions of your own, send ‘em in at bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Ever finished a job perfectly, only to wait weeks or months to actually get paid for it? For blue collar businesses, cash flow isn't just an accounting concept—it's the lifeblood that keeps crews working, equipment running, and families fed.

In this revealing conversation, tech entrepreneur Joe Kaye shares how his journey from corporate boardrooms to blue collar solutions began when he nearly purchased a trades business himself. During due diligence, he discovered a universal pain point across the $657 billion trades industry: inefficient invoicing processes creating cash flow nightmares. This revelation sparked the creation of Procured, a veteran-built mobile invoicing platform specifically designed for smaller trades businesses.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Joe's recognition that existing software solutions have failed the trades. "The smaller businesses have been forgotten," he explains, as most platforms are prohibitively expensive and needlessly complex. Procured takes a different approach—simple mobile workflows that let field teams create professional invoices on-site, integrated with QuickBooks, without exposing sensitive financial information.

The episode also explores the demographic shifts transforming the trades, with retiring baby boomers creating both challenges and opportunities. We're witnessing private equity firms actively purchasing plumbing, HVAC, and other trades businesses, consolidating them into larger entities—a trend that underscores the long-term value and stability of these essential services. As Joe notes, "Robots aren't coming to replace plumbers or fix septic tanks anytime soon."

Whether you're an established contractor struggling with administrative bottlenecks or a growing trades business looking to scale operations efficiently, this conversation offers practical insights on using technology appropriately to solve real-world problems. As Joe reminds us, success ultimately comes down to personal initiative: "Make it a great day or don't. The choice is yours."

Ready to transform how your business handles payments? Reach out to Joseph at [email protected] to learn how Procured can help your business invoice faster and get paid sooner.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Mark Zweig takes us on a remarkable journey through his multiple years in architecture, engineering, and construction, sharing candid insights about the industry that few are willing to discuss.

From his early career in architecture firms to founding the Zweig Group (now in its 37th year), Mark reveals how his experience across multiple disciplines gave him unique perspective on the construction ecosystem. The conversation delves into his transition to design-build contracting and property development in Northwest Arkansas, where his team revolutionized downtown Fayetteville through high-quality renovations.

Perhaps most valuable are Mark's practical strategies for building a sustainable contracting business. He emphasizes maintaining an in-house carpentry crew as the backbone of operations, paying them consistently regardless of weather conditions, and developing strong relationships with reliable subcontractors. His approach to subcontractor management is refreshingly straightforward: avoid hard dollar bidding and pay immediately upon receiving invoices.

The discussion tackles the challenging relationship between clients, contractors, and engineers that plagues the industry. As Mark explains, "Developers hate soft costs" and "they think all contractors are criminals" – perceptions that create unnecessary friction on projects. He offers advice for navigating these challenges, stressing the importance of reaching a point where contractors can be selective about their clients.

Looking forward, Mark shares his thoughts on the growth potential of Northwest Arkansas while addressing challenges like infrastructure limitations and anti-development sentiment. He closes with an optimistic outlook for skilled trades, asserting that, unlike many white-collar professions, trade skills cannot be replaced by AI and offer both financial and personal satisfaction.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!