Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview three Blue Collar superstars - Amanda Triolo, Brian Correll, and Luke Scarcelli of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Grasshopper has been all the buzz - or rather, chirp - on the scene lately as their marvelous marketing, terrific teamwork and stellar service take the community by storm! What's the secret to their raid growth and success? We have some of the answers for you 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!

01:00 - Shoutout to Michaels Group: And Our Mission

02:29 - Introductions: The Grasshopper Team

06:58 - A Grasshopper Hops Forward

12:57 - A Sudden Swarm of Happy Hoppers

13:57 - Glory Be to Gary Grasshopper

14:49 - Business Ain’t for Babies!

17:18 - Carving Through COVID

19:23 - Everything Has a Solution!

20:24 - Keep Calm and Carry On

22:33 - Cultivating Culture and Valuing Values

29:47 - Inform and Educate: Do No Disservice

31:39 - Why Does It Matter? Sharing a Vision

34:22 - The Vision Board: Pipe the Perspective

35:57 - Employee-Focus Isn’t Just for Higher-Ups!

37:30 - Started from the Bottom… Now We’re Here

38:55 - Maintaining Morale

43:02 - Game Time

47:20 - Shoutout to Dean Leber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmleber/

47:55 - Throttled Marketing

51:25 - Keep Those Customers!

54:45 - GrassLARPer

56:06 - How to Get in Touch: [email protected]

56:41 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Jim Dawsey, the President of MLB Construction Services, LLC! Jim's come a long way in his life, from minimum-wage drudgery in a February rainstorm to running a premier multi-million dollar company! He learned no small amount of methods, strategies and secrets along the way... And if you listen to this episode, you just might learn a few for yourself!

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 - Blue Collar Insider: Learning from Mistakes

01:48 - The Show Begins

02:57 - An Introduction to Jim Dawsey and the World of Construction

05:13 - A History You Can Count On: Jim’s Journey

09:39 - Taking the Next Step

11:33 - The Role Sharpens: Finding the Niche

13:11 - Sawing for Saratoga, and Driving With No Hands

14:27 - Learning on the Job: Experts Have a Lot to Give!

15:26 - Transitions: One Successful, One Not

18:52 - My Old Man

20:05 - Take it from Jim: Relationships are EVERYTHING!

23:38 - What’s Hot and What’s Not

25:26 - Jim’s Biggest Challenge: Adapting to the Economy

27:59 - Don’t Fly Out of Albany for a While!

28:51 - Forecasting and Planning

30:56 - Jim’s Biggest Mistake: Working with a Developer

35:11 - Chloe Speaks! And the Secret to Jim’s Success

37:05 - The Next Ownership Team

38:26 - What Role Does College Play?

39:58 - A Day in the Life of Jim Dawsey… Starts at 4:00 AM!

41:27 - A Coffee Conversation

43:57 - Jim’s on Drums, Mike’s Son’s on Guitar… This Editor’s on Bass! The Blue Collar Band

45:31 - Jim’s Key Piece of Advice: Through the Ups and Downs, Never Lose Your Passion!

48:37 - How to Get in Touch: Social Media’s the Way!

49:26 - Closing Remarks: Thanks for the Gift Bags!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview the triple threat team of Juan, Jason, and Matt from Argyle's Hunt Companies! They've handled construction for some major players locally, but they didn't just stumble into the trust of those big league clients - they earned it! Have a listen to this episode and find out how!

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!

01:26 - An Introduction to Hunt Companies

03:45 - The Beginning: McDonald’s and You

06:06 - Director of Operations: Welcome to Argyle

08:02 - Matt: The Future

09:06 - Commercial vs. Residential Work

11:14 - The Record is Seven!

13:15 - Small, Focused Teams: The Ups and Downs of COVID

16:39 - Onboarding: A Constant Process (Shoutout to BOCES!)

19:14 - Experience Ain’t Cheap! Don’t Be Afraid to Train!

22:15 - Cultivating Culture

24:41 - Trickle-Down Culture: It Starts at the Top!

28:12 - Showing Support

30:16 - Kinks in the Supply Chain… Won’t Get Better Anytime Soon!

34:42 - Why Haven’t Costs Gone Back Down?

38:48 - Good Relationships… Are Based on Trust!

41:37 - Multi-Layered Profit-Earning: Waste Not!

43:26 - Advice to the Next Generation: Find Out What You Like to Do!

47:27 - How to Get in Touch

49:04 - Closing Remarks

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Mike McGrath, the head honcho at 1-800-Paint-Job! Mike overcame plenty of struggles to get where he is, and faces more every day... But no challenge is too great for a Blue Collar worker! Hear about his struggles and successes here, in this stellar episode!

This episode was recorded on-location at The Eden Center for Integrative Care: https://www.theedencarecenter.com/

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

02:15 - The Turning Point

03:44 - A Portrait of the Future

06:01 - A Changing Market

08:25 - The Equipment Plan: No Plan!

10:04 - Finding Help: Quality over Quantity, Build a Culture!

13:07 - Billing Blues: Email’s Got Issues!

15:45 - The Biggest Challenge: Recruiting!

18:41 - Do You Have What it Takes? Coping with Failure

21:03 - Help Comes to Those Who Ask… Reach Out, Make Friends!

25:30 - From Plebeian to Paint-Master

26:59 - There’s More to Business Than the Sale

27:46 - Self-Education is INCREDIBLY EASY Now… So Do It!

29:17 - The Mike McGrath Story: Overcoming Addiction and Achieving Success

32:22 - Discipline… The Most Valuable Skill of All

34:23 - The Other Half: Making Hard Decisions

35:16 - You’ve Got to De-Stress!.. Healthily

36:30 - McGrath in the Morning: Routing Out the Routines

37:48 - Awesome Audiobooks

40:36 - Money vs. Time: Time is ALWAYS More Important!

42:10 - Wise is the Man With the Home Library

44:02 - The 1-800-Paint-Job Value

45:08 - Closing Remarks: Shoutout to The Eden Center and Michaels Group!

In this episode, our hosts Mike and Derek interview Taylor Hopeck, the Client Coordinator at Witt Construction! Her story perfectly showcases that sometimes, you choose the Blue Collar life... And sometimes, it chooses 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 - Introduction and Shoutouts

03:06 - Who is Taylor Hopeck?

04:48 - Supply Chain? More Like Supply Pain!

05:24 - Team and Client Coordination: How Taylor Handles It…

07:34 - … And How Derek Handles It

09:15 - Finding a Home in Home-Building

12:48 - Social Media: A Powerful Tool!

14:55 - A Day in the Life of Taylor Hopeck

16:43 - Field Experience is SO Important!

17:24 - From Being Green to Making Green

19:38 - Taylor’s Advice: It Never Hurts to Try! Knowledge is Power!

22:20 - Workforce Development: What Witt’s Working On

25:23 - When Email Becomes Snail Mail

27:57 - When Do You Need Taylor?.. Right Away!

32:33 - Keeping Your Free Time Free

34:53 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch

In this episode, Mike and Derek interview Bruce Hoffmann, the Work-Based Learning & Placement Coorindator at WSWHE BOCES! We and our kids have all had those classes that we just didn't want to take and asked the question "Why do I have to learn Trigonometry?" Bruce works hard to make sure his classes are the exact opposite - everything students learn from BOCES has a specific and real purpose! Give this episode a listen and find out just what kind of value BOCES has - not just for your kids, but also 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 - Introduction

01:38 - What Does Bruce Hoffmann Do at BOCES?

05:15 - Workforce, Workforce, Workforce!

06:11 - Hands-On Learning

08:40 - What Happened to Wood & Metal Shop? Mike’s Experience

12:02 - Shoutout to Dr. Turina Parker!

12:44 - The BOCES Stigma: Moving Past It

14:44 - The Intern

16:54 - From BOCES to Bank: Placement Opportunities

19:12 - Getting Started with BOCES

23:38 - Setting Kids Up for Success: The BOCES Difference

25:15 - Running Out of Room

27:20 - Funding the Adult Programs

28:35 - Shoutout to Michaels Group, and All of Our Sponsors!

29:43 - Sponsoring BOCES Helps So Much, Too!

31:02 - BOCES Graduation: What it Looks Like

32:09 - Working with Home-Schoolers

33:07 - Reaching Students: How BCS Plans to Help

35:57 - How You Can Help

38:01 - The Typical Day of a BOCES Student

39:29 - Why Do I Need to Learn Trigonometry?

41:16 - Women in the Trades: BOCES’ Latest Initiative

42:46 - How to Get in Touch

44:23 - Drop Us Some Questions and Comments! [email protected]

In this episode, our visionary founder Derek Foster interviews Terry Hubbard, the founder, CEO and Sales Manager at Peak Environmental: Landscape Construction & Management Services! Terry's been working in his field since he was only 16 years old, and has grown his business to a multi-team unit with 25 employees, and room for more! How did he do it? What practices have led to his success? Derek learns the answers here, in this stellar 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: Old Mike Nelson’s On the Farm!

00:46 - A Brief History of Terry Hubbard: Starting His Business at… 16?!

03:03 - The Next Step: Straight Out of School

04:34 - When it All Clicks

08:48 - Building a Solid Footing

10:20 - Overcoming Challenges

13:21 - Six Distinct Crews, 25 Employees!

15:52 - Shoutout to Luke Michaels and the Michaels Group!

16:19 - Training the New Blood: New Tools and New Tricks

19:42 - The Value of Proper Onboarding

21:46 - If You’re Not Training Your Employees… You’re Still Paying For It!

23:01 - Making Business a Game… Makes Profits Consistent, and Employees Dedicated!

28:17 - Where’s the Work Ethic?.. It’s Right There! Respect Your Team, and They’ll Work Hard For You!

30:53 - The Value of College… It’s Right for Some, But Not All!

32:00 - You ARE Good Enough!

33:08 - A Day in the Life of Terry Hubbard

35:14 - Meditation and Cryotherapy

36:01 - Terry’s Key Piece of Advice: Hire People Who Are Better Than You!

39:21 - Admitting You’re Not the Right Person for the Job

41:18 - Terry’s Day-to-Day Role: Sales Manager… For Now

43:13 - The Traction Model

45:31 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster have a chat with Vince LaTerra, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you live in Saratoga, you've heard of these guys, and there's a lot of advice this successful businessman has to offer in this episode! What is it? You'll have to listen to 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 - Introduction: A Friendly Update

01:26 - Training Babies to Sleep

02:36 - Mike’s Son Locks Him Out

04:20 - It’s Time for the Show - With Vince LaTerra, Project Manager!

06:37 - 12 Jobs at Once?!

07:23 - Specialized Software? No Way! Notebook and Pencil!

09:08 - Determining Priorities

10:36 - Everything is a Problem

13:13 - Antics in the Attic

15:32 - Why Construction?

17:12 - Doing Right by Retention

19:18 - Getting the Train Back on Track

21:34 - The Resources You Should Have!

23:33 - Sourcing Staff

26:31 - The Bonacio Path: From Greenhorn to Construction Champ

28:15 - The Traits to Look For

30:13 - The Generation War

31:55 - Learning From the (Noisy) Old Guard… And Your Mistakes!

36:17 - Vince’s Secret to Success: Consistency!

37:18 - Manager and Salesman: Can the Roles Coexist?

39:00 - The 40 Under 40 Award, and the Shaken & Stirred Event

41:35 - Vince’s One Key Piece of Advice: Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses!

42:50 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Ivan Bell, the main man behind IBS Septic & Drain! He's got a lot to say about balancing home life and family life, giving 110%... And, most importantly, loving what you do!

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: The Rise of Ivan Bell

01:30 - Ivan’s Advice: Just Go Forward! Don’t Give Up and Carve Your Own Path!

02:42 - Seizing an Opportunity: Every Day is a (Fun) Battle!

04:09 - I Dig It, Man!

06:49 - Making the Change: From a One-Man Show to 20 Employees!

09:15 - Ivan’s Biggest Challenge: Balancing Work and Family

10:24 - The Family Business

12:52 - The Money Will Come

15:56 - When is it Time to Let Others Pick Up Some Slack?

18:24 - The Secret to Success: Love What You Do!

19:13 - Everything to Everyone… Great Album, But Not a Great Life Strategy!

22:54 - Shoutout to Warren Tire!

25:00 - Adversity Absolutely WILL Come! Be Ready!

26:39 - Respecting Your Employees is Important!

27:45 - Retirement? No Way!

29:48 - Say I’m the Man… What’s the Plan?

31:06 - Keep Your Heart in it… And Keep Going!

32:08 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jim Countryman - the assistant professor of Applied Technologies at Hudson Valley Community College; AKA, The Blue Collar College! We know, we know - we've often said college isn't for everybody... But with amazing programs like Jim's, you can learn Blue Collar skills from start to finish - like automotive mechanics, aviation mechanics, HVAC, electrical engineering, and much, much more! Get the inside scoop on HVCC's stellar, affordable offerings for any and all students here, in this informative 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: Who We Are, and What We Do

01:12 - Shoutout to Matthew Perry!

02:27 - An Introduction to Jim Countryman

05:08 - HVCC’s Amazing Programs: Aviation & Auto Mechanics, HVAC, Electrical Construction, and More!

06:13 - Enrollment is Through the Roof! How Wait-Listing Works

08:57 - A Complete Associate’s Degree… For $10,000?! And it Buys You so Much More!

12:00 - The All-or-Nothing Mentality… Time Management is a Bigger Challenge Than You Might Think!

14:46 - Trades Take Skill and Dedication: It’s Not an Easy, Free Ride!

16:31 - From Zero to Hero: No Prerequisites Required! You Don’t Even Need to Know What a Ratchet is!

18:30 - Determining Mechanical Ability… Surprises Galore!

20:34 - Metal Shop: A Thing of the Past? How STEM Made Trades-Learning Harder to Access

23:53 - Is The Blue Collar College Right for You? Don’t be Afraid to Try!

27:14 - Following the Path to Success… Time Flies, Put in Your 100%!

29:09 - Partnering With Local Employers: 100% Job Placement?!

33:33 - It’s Not About THE Trade… It’s About A Trade!

36:03 - Stigmas are Human Nature… But Opportunity is Not Exclusive to One Side! Do Your Homework!

38:25 - The Evolution of Trades Skills: So Much is Computerized Now!

39:29 - Got my Two-Year Degree… What’s Next?

42:31 - 120 Hours of Instruction: 20 Hours of Lectures, 100 Hours of Hands-On Practice!

44:23 - Perception is Not Necessarily Reality… We All Make Mistakes!

46:01 - Jim’s Key Piece of Advice: Talk With Experienced People!

47:26 - Crawling Out From Under the Social Media Rock: Have Real Conversations!

49:28 - How to Get in Touch With The Blue Collar College

51:15 - Closing Remarks