Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Dimitri Skrinik, the Project Manager at MODS National!

Dimitri's had an exciting journey, between emigrating from Moldova, leveraging internships into running his own blue collar business... And then leaving it to manage construction projects using shipping containers! Why did he choose Project Management over business ownership? What have his experiences taught him? Hear the answers, his story, and more here, in this episode!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Where IS the Dirty South?

01:24 - An Introduction to Dimitri Skrinik

04:17 - Why Construction? Thanks, Dad

06:35 - Discipline: The Ups and Downs

09:04 - Purpose Through Religion

10:40 - The Wild West That is… Shipping Containers!

13:45 - That Start-Up Feeling

15:03 - Balancing Gigs: There’s Always a Solution!

16:39 - The Moldovan Advantage

18:20 - Get Out of Your Own Way!

20:14 - Controlled Chaos: The Drifting Method

22:22 - Dimitri’s Business: Taking (and Returning) the Reins

26:57 - Working with Family isn’t Easy!

27:59 - Owning a Business is Great… If You Can Handle It!

32:38 - Entrepreneurship Means Marketing & Salesmanship: No Matter the Business!

35:01 - There’s No Such Thing as an Accidental Cowboy: Horses are Scary, Man!

37:41 - Keep Getting Better: Dimitri’s FunHouse

40:05 - Dimitri’s Advice: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Enter the Trades!

41:15 - How to Get in Touch

42:03 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brendan Manning, the Vice President of Education & Environment at AGC New York!

The AGC (Associated General Contractors) specializes in discovering and solving the problems caused by federal and state legislation that pertain to the trades, and informing and working with local tradespeople based on that information. Whether it's by focusing on the legal side, directly training local business owners, or partnering with local organizations, the AGC is a fantastic Blue Collar advocate! Listen to this episode to learn more about their important mission!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Introductions: Happy Holidays!

02:36 - Associated General Contractors of New York State: What Is It?

04:41 - A Proactive, Reactive Organization: Weighing Potential Consequences of Policies

09:01 - Bills: Separating the Valuable from the Crazy

10:08 - A Better Way to Build: The Power of Computer Modeling

11:26 - Mike’s Chicken Mansion: A Perfect Example

13:25 - Nurturing the Budding Blue Collars: The Education Side of the AGC

17:20 - Which Training to Do in Person, and Which You Can Do Online

18:36 - Gaining Members During COVID: The Zoom Method

19:54 - Affordable Programming: Funds Scholarships!

21:45 - The Value of Schooling: Give Kids Options!

23:14 - Shoutout to BOCES!

23:51 - Don’t Go to College as a Statistic!

25:37 - What Goes Into Running a Business: Stephanie’s Story

29:18 - Cooperation to Improve Competition: P2P Networks

31:46 - Building Capacity for Natural Diversity

33:11 - Business Owner, Tradesman? Either Way, AGC can Help!

34:20 - Membership Options

36:22 - Suicide Awareness

37:33 - Joint Operations: Partnering with NESCA

40:33 - A Brief History of Brendan Manning: Banking, Software, Y2K, and More

42:19 - Brendan’s Key Piece of Advice: Find a Good, Specialized Attorney and Accountant!

44:07 - How to Get in Touch

44:49 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB and Michaels Group!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brent Flavin and David Johnson, co-founder & CEO, and Sales VP respectively of BoomNation!

Finding workers and finding work - that's the biggest challenge the trades are facing. BoomNation breaks through the drawbacks of job boards, combining effective professional services with a fun and personal user experience. If you breathe Blue and want to work Blue, BoomNation is your solution!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Introductions: Welcome to BoomNation!

04:00 - Not a Recruiter, Not a Forum: A Community

08:37 - Facilitating the Connection: Cutting Through the Noise of a Typical Job Board

10:58 - 90 Days, 98-Million Users Reached!

12:11 - Professional and Fun: All in One

16:40 - Helping Not Just Employees, But Employers, Too!

18:24 - 92% Application Dropoff Rate?! How BoomNation Fixes It

22:11 - The Upsides of a Union… Without the Downsides

23:54 - Derek Arrives, Thumbs Appear

24:40 - Getting Into the Trades: Never Too Early, Never Too Late!

27:17 - Getting (And Staying) In the Trades

30:56 - See a Need, Fill a Need: The BoomNation Origin Story

36:34 - From Passive Project to Top App

38:10 - A Great Project Starts With a Great Team!

39:30 - You Want Quality? Pay For It…

43:45 - …But Pay Alone Isn’t Enough! Be Responsive!

46:40 - How to Get in Touch

47:28 - Shoutout to MLB Construction and Michaels Group!

48:15 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Terrence Musto and Robert Manasier - the creator of Fabbro Industries, and the business mentor that helped him do it! From a humble start building custom bikes to running his own professional fabrication shop, Terrence's business is a stunning example of the kind of value a business mentor like Robert can provide. Want to learn how to take that idea of yours to the next level? Listen to this episode to get a few clues!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:00:15 - Introductions

00:02:13 - “Fix it in Post”? NO!

00:03:21 - Fabbro Industries: From Motorbikes to Machines

00:07:05 - The Demise of Apprenticeships

00:08:05 - What is a Fabricator?

00:11:14 - Riding Your Own Bike: Living the Dream

00:13:26 - Earning Approval: A Multi-Step Process

00:18:42 - Meeting Manasier: Taking the Motor Out of Motorbike

00:20:54 - Good ol’ New York State: Michael and his Cycles

00:22:01 - Building the Business: Outmaneuvering the Metrics

00:25:53 - Private Enterprise Beats the State Every Time!

00:29:28 - Blabbing About Beards

00:31:02 - The Incubator: Build Out that Beachhead!

00:35:42 - A Clear Pathway to Success: The Output DOES Matter!

00:37:29 - The Play Entrepreneur… You Need More Than Just an Idea! Be Coachable!

00:41:19 - Both Parties Need Accountability! Mike’s School Story

00:42:35 - A Structured Cohort: Alpacas vs. Llamas

00:45:38 - Bob’s First Business… Started at Age 13?! “But Do You Have a Job?”

00:47:14 - The Biggest Challenge: Predicting the Future, Planning for Failures

00:50:26 - Entering Production: There’s Lots of Factors You Haven’t Considered!

00:54:12 - Finding Highly-Skilled Employees Isn’t Easy!

00:55:10 - When Close Enough, Isn’t

00:56:48 - Mike the Ne’er-Do-Weld

00:57:39 - How to Get in Touch: And One Last Story

00:59:53 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to MLB Construction!

01:00:31 - A Sneak Peek for Next Episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Doug Ford and Pam Stott, two employees of Curtis Lumber who specialize in workforce development! It's all anyone can talk about now: "Where are all the young workers?" "What will happen to the trades in ten years?" If Doug and Pam have anything to say about it, things will only get better - they're dedicated to educating people across the state about their options, and the wonderful truths about Blue Collar work - it's not "a backup job", it's skilled, profitable, fulfilling, and essential!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Show Begins

01:16 - Introductions

02:56 - Fix that Mic!

03:33 - All About Tupper and Saranac Lake

05:40 - Combatting Workforce Development Challenges

09:17 - The Blue Guarantee

11:23 - Overcoming the College Expectation

12:45 - Too Much Work? The “Real” Job Stigma

15:30 - COVID Helped Grow the Trades?!

16:52 - Stability, Benefits, Safety: The Trades Have Evolved!

18:08 - The Organization Grows

20:18 - Working with the Government

22:43 - Striking Against Stereotypes: Love for the Locals

26:27 - A Decades-Old Stereotype: When Will it Pass?

29:26 - The Education Pipeline

31:48 - Scary Statistics: Where is Everybody?

33:31 - Show Your Support! What You Can Do to Help

35:49 - Branching Out: Taking the Mission Further

37:42 - How to Get in Touch

38:26 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jared Davis and Samuel Stork - teacher and graduate respectively from WSWHE BOCES! They've got programs in dozens of different subjects for kids and adults alike, but one particular strength of their offerings is the Blue Collar menu! Horticulture, heavy equipment operation, welding, automotive - whatever your shade of blue, BOCES has a program for you!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Introductions: Love That Blue Collar Coffee!

02:06 - Greetings From WSWHE

03:30 - This Week at BOCES

05:12 - Well to Do About Welding

06:13 - Heavy Equipment Training!

08:34 - A Stork’s Journey: Working Day TWO After Graduation!

11:42 - A Little Bit of Everything

13:16 - Is College On the Table?

14:56 - Class During COVID

15:53 - What Makes Us Blue?

18:41 - A Blue Collar Teacher’s Job: Keep Those Kids’ Fingers and Toes Intact!

20:47 - The BOCES Advantage: Those Skills Last a Lifetime!

21:53 - No Fringe Benefits for You!

22:26 - Hundreds of Partners, Hundreds of Opportunities!

24:09 - Placement Metrics… 50% Job Market, 50% Military!

25:38 - How to Get In Touch

26:27 - Is BOCES Right for You?.. YES!

27:32 - Working Towards the Future: Young People DO Want to Work!

28:39 - Adult Learning Options

30:47 - Visit the Website: https://www.wswheboces.org/

31:27 - CTE Works

33:24 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to Michaels Group!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Kelsey Martin and Craig Dittl, two project managers from MLB Construction! They work with all kinds of people, from experienced Boomers to green Gen Zs, and no matter what the project, they keep the team and clients happy and get things done! What's their secret? Listen to this episode and find out!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:00:15 - Introductions

00:02:13 - Who is Kelsey Martin?

00:04:32 - Who is Craig Dittl?

00:05:30 - Project Planning: Try to Get it Right Early, But Always Be Ready to Adapt!

00:06:55 - Project Engineers: All About Tasks!

00:09:21 - Lawyer, Accountant, and Therapist: All Rolled Into One!

00:11:06 - Estimation Takes Coordination

00:13:03 - Budget Boss

00:14:11 - Discovering MLB: The Right Balance

00:20:12 - Thriving with Challenges

00:21:25 - Looking Back: Kelsey’s History

00:24:30 - Success is Doing What You Say You Will!

00:26:01 - Directness: Know When (and When Not) To Use It!

00:30:32 - Different Generations: Same Team

00:36:06 - Relationships Matter… With EVERYONE You Work With!

00:38:15 - YouTube Learning: Free and Fast!

00:40:19 - The Network Queen (and a Chloe Cameo!)

00:44:58 - Networking Advice: Prepare Beforehand!

00:46:13 - A Stink Bug Attacks!

00:46:36 - Networking Advice: Give Yourself Time!

00:48:20 - Repeat Business: Take Care of Them, They’ll Take Care of You!

00:50:03 - Just a Phone Call Away: Email is for Chumps!

00:53:54 - Don’t Fear the Learning Curve!

00:55:55 - Is Blue Right for You? Time Management Tips

00:57:38 - Confidence Comes with Time!

01:00:43 - Go that Extra Mile!

01:01:56 - How to Get in Touch: mlbind.com

01:03:27 - Mass Retirement is Imminent! Take Advantage of It!

01:05:06 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster talk to Ben Rieth, co-founder and operator of Daigle Fire Solutions! While his business is literally based around fire prevention, his stories make it clear that every businessman needs to know how to deal with tough situations in the same way! There's plenty of tips for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in this episode!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Introduction: Derek is the Main Host!

02:52 - What is Daigle Fire Solutions?

05:35 - Coming to DFS: A Risk Worth Taking

08:08 - Starting Your Own Business: Ben’s Story

10:07 - The Boss Steps In: How Involved Should You Be?

15:04 - Putting the Pro in Processes

16:59 - Under Pressure: A Fire Solution

18:08 - A Day in the Life of Ben Rieth

19:59 - Mistakes Don’t Matter: Reactions and Results Do!

22:00 - Problem-Solvers: Will You Pull the Cart, or Ride in It?

23:48 - Make a Decision: Stagnation Kills Everything

25:09 - A Skilled Juggler Has a Cool Hand… And a Great Team!

27:32 - The Mental Transition

30:04 - Acquiring New Clients… Go Talk to People!

33:33 - Marketing Generates the Leads… YOU Keep Them!

34:43 - The College Curse: Don’t Doubt Yourself! You CAN Do It!

37:04 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Morgan Pellitteri, the man behind TechSmart Inspections! While he worked white collar and with other employees in the past, Morgan rededicated himself to a new calling - running an entire home inspection operation himself! What made him make the change? How has he achieved success? Listen to this episode and find out!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Off-Tangent

00:49 - Show Begins: Mike Needs His Sleep!

02:35 - An Introduction to Morgan Pellitteri

03:54 - From Corporate to Crepes to Inspection

07:55 - The Sales Component

09:37 - Call Morgan, Maybe?

11:04 - Starting Small: It’s All About Communication!

13:05 - The Next Steps: Cold-Calling Strategies

16:12 - You’re Not for Everybody: A Story About Drawing the Line

21:04 - The Real Estate Boom… When Will it End?

23:14 - A One-Man Operation

25:55 - A Day in the Life

27:27 - One-Note Arnold

28:16 - Exercise and Meditation: The Benefits of Sober Living

29:46 - Work to Live

31:15 - The Next Generation: Shoutout to Edon, Jawid, Jonathan and Tim!

33:56 - Inspect = Protect

36:37 - Morgan’s Advice: Keep Learning!

38:47 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview four students at the Blue Collar College - Tim, Jonathan, Jawid and Edon! Their incredible stories showcase the strength of the Blue Collar spirit - between preserving heritage, community values, working hard to chase those dreams, and even acts of genuine heroism, the future for the next generation of Blue Collar workers is looking bright!

Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp, the podcast!

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners!

00:15 - Be Careful with Gas Fires!

01:32 - Live from the Welding Room!

03:05 - Introductions: We’ve Got a Full Room!

08:46 - Honda Gang!

09:11 - Time Keeps on Slippin’

10:11 - Chasing the Dream

14:56 - Restoration Takes Dedication!

16:12 - Honda Gang Strikes Again!

17:23 - Blue Collar Gives Back

19:31 - Escaping a Fire… And Saving a Family!

24:54 - No Stranger to Danger

26:41 - An Incredible Community

27:47 - Gaining Experience, and Seeing Opportunity

31:28 - Security and Opportunity: Blue Collar’s Where It’s At!

35:42 - Attracting Talent: Show Some Support, and Respect!

38:50 - Owning a Shop Isn’t for Everyone… But What a Ride!

41:38 - A Creative Battering Ram to the Experience Wall

43:45 - Bringing the Modern and the Classic Together

47:44 - Closing Remarks