Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Vince Laurenzo from Quick Response Restoration! Vince's story really hammers home that sometimes, working in a Blue Collar field chooses you, and it's up to you whether you answer the call with your own hard work and dedication!

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!

Vince Laurenzo - Veteran-Made Woodworks

00:15 - Introduction

01:17 - What Does Quick Response Do?

02:06 - What Does Vince Lorenzo Do?

02:35 - Taking Over the Family Business

03:43 - Vince’s Original Sales Role: Why He Left

05:14 - Why is Restoration Consolidating? And How Does Quick Response Fight Back?

06:55 - What Does Vince Do With the Extra Time in His Day?

08:05 - Challenges of Entering a Family Business

09:54 - Working the Business as a Youth, VS. Now: Experience Matters!

13:25 - Seal-Coating Prices: Should’ve Bought From Vince When He Was 16!

14:14 - Mike and Derek’s Recommendation: Listen to Andy Frisella, Too!

15:25 - How to Succeed in a Saturated Market: A Personalized Touch!

18:00 - Fridge Magnets: Stainless Steel Has Ruined Everything!

18:17 - Derek’s Personal Guarantee: Quick Response Does GREAT Work!

19:14 - Radio Advertising: Still a Successful Marketing Method!

21:36 - How to Manage FIFTY Employees: Treat Them Right!

22:45 - Daigle’s HR Department: Once You Reach a Certain Size, You NEED One!

23:36 - Hiring For Blue Collar Trades… Very Difficult!

24:20 - Darn You, Salt Life! Vacations Be Damned!

25:49 - Where Does Quick Response Find Talent?.. Indeed, and Employee Recommendations! (For Now)

26:58 - Mike’s Farm: Now Has a Brand New Pig, Penelope! She’s a Princess!

28:19 - COVID’s Contribution to the Labor Shortage: How Did it Change So Much?..

29:32 - … But a Big Shift is Likely Coming!

31:07 - The Next Steps For Quick Response: Big Growth Incoming!

32:40 - New Office Location: Where Could it Be?

33:17 - Vince’s Key to Success: Hard Work! That’s It!

34:25 - A Typical Day in Vince’s Life: Being On Call is No Joke!

36:09 - Working in Restoration, You See it All! Stranger Than Fiction!

37:10 - How to Get in Touch With Quick Response: Give Them a Call!

38:20 - How Vince Achieves Work-Life Balance… He Doesn’t!

39:40 - Being On-Call Isn’t Just for Restoration! MARKETING EMERGENCIES!

40:37 - The Trade-Off: Employees and Bosses Alike Have Their Own Sets of Problems!

41:45 - Contractors… Better Book in Advance, Because There’s a LONG Wait!

43:26 - Does the Economic Slump Affect Daigle?.. Only A Little!

44:07 - Calling Back Customers: A Surprisingly Effective Strategy!

44:25 - Quick Response’s Unique Situation: Recession-Proof!

45:07 - Mike’s Other Podcast: Faces of Veterans! Check it Out!

46:04 - College: Go For the Right Reasons, or Don’t Go at All!

49:16 - Shotgunning Beers, Yee-Haw!

49:49 - Closing Remarks

In this Episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Anthony Guadagnino, owner and operator of Veteran-Made Woodworks! Anthony shares some great stories about past successes - and failures - and discusses his workman's philosophy in this brand new 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.

Anthony Guadagnino - Veteran-Made Woodworks

00:16 - Introduction: We’re on the Scene!

01:54 - A Basic Overview of Anthony Guadagnino

03:24 - A Basic Overview of Veteran-Made Woodworks

06:22 - His Greatest Customers: Patriots of all Kinds!

07:49 - Business Profits: Not for Vacations, But Building the Business Bigger!

09:12 - Chain of Command: Comes Natural to Veterans… Not Always to Civilians!

11:03 - Sentimental Pieces Deserve the Strictest Quality Control!

12:07 - Mike & Derek Take a Look at a Flamethrower

15:18 - Your First Employees: The Hurdle of Hiring Help

18:18 - A Very Special Customer, and a Very Special Night

19:57 - More Special Customers

21:09 - Training Your Next Competitor: Keep Your Eyes Peeled!

23:05 - Anthony’s Biggest Mistake: Overworking!

25:29 - Maintaining Health = Maintaining Success: Make the Time!

26:51 - Upcoming Content: Stay Tuned!

28:20 - The Value of Toughness: Physical AND Mental!

30:55 - Mental Toughness: Patience, Critical Thinking, Empathy… Keep a Level Head!

33:41 - Motivation vs. Discipline: One Depends on Your Emotions, One Doesn’t!

36:01 - Getting Excited Over Gas Being $3.89 a Gallon… Take Whatever Wins You Can!

38:10 - Derek Foster: Super-Sonic Machine! Speeding up Your Processes

39:39 - Being Able to Say No: When to Say When?

40:52 - Early on, Say Yes, Get the Money in!.. Later, Know Your Business’ Limits!

42:56 - Looking Back… Be Proud of How Far You’ve Come!

45:00 - The Logos: Creating Them Like a Tattoo!

46:18 - Lighting Cigars With a Blowtorch!.. And Some Brand Recommendations

47:35 - Anthony’s One Final Piece of Advice: Do What You Can Yourself, but Don’t be Afraid to Outsource!

49:52 - Closing Remarks: How to Get in Touch With Veteran-Made Woodworks

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Patrick Farnan from Next Level Finishes! Patrick really hit it home for us that running a successful business doesn't need to wait - it can start as soon as you're willing to put the time and work in!

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.

Patrick Farnan - Next Level Finishes

00:16 - Introduction

01:21 - The First Six Months: Making the Transition and Learning From Your Mistakes

05:51 - The Moment: A Failure That Opens Your Eyes

08:20 - Starting (and Running) Your Own Business is Not Easy!

10:01 - The “Stepping Stone” - How to Approach Your Mentor

13:39 - Farnan’s Most Important Tip - Be Prepared For Anything!

14:37 - When Is It Time to Transition From Side Gig to Full-Time?

16:40 - Can a Finance Degree Help With Bookkeeping Operations?

18:37 - The Biggest Roadblock: Dealing With Naysayers (Inside Your Circle and Out!)

22:22: - College: Weigh the Cost and Benefits to You Carefully!

23:30 - Work Ethic: Where Has it Gone?

26:20 - Secret to Success: Hard Work, a Support System… And a Little Luck!

27:32 - Hiring: It’s Important to Learn How to Treat Your Workers!

30:36 - Mobile Phones: Boon to Consumers, Bane to Business Owners!

31:46 - Morning Routines

33:31 - What’s Next?

35:05 - Closing Thoughts & Contact Info

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matthew Perry from the Auto-Body Program at Hudson Valley Community College! Matt highlights for us that there need not always be a line between a college degree and trade schooling; sometimes, you can have both!

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.

Matthew Perry - Hudson Valley Community College

00:16 - Introduction

07:13 - HVCC’s Auto-Body Program: What it Offers and Where It Can Take You

15:41 - Who Can Benefit From the Program? Anybody!

19:28 - Evolving Car Technology: Keeping Up With the Times

25:49 - Student Success: An Uplifting Track Record!

30:39 - Hailstorms: A (Car) Roofer’s Best Friend

32:46 - A Golden Chance: Come in Early, Stay Longer, Work Smart, and Make a Mint!

36:15 - Work is What You Make of It!

38:05 - Enrollment: Easy Options Galore!

40:39 - How to Know if Auto-Body Would Be a Good Career Path For You

42:24 - How to Get in Touch and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matt DeFazio from DeFazio's Pizza of Troy and Albany! This episode really highlights that starting with an already-successful business is one thing, but it's what you (and your team) put into it that can make it grow... Or let it crash and burn!

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.

Matt DeFazio - DeFazio's Pizza

00:16 - Introductions

06:25 - DeFazio’s Scale; Past, Present and Future

12:24 - Rising From Hidden Gem to Famous Diamond

16:23 - His Biggest Challenge - Not Finding Workers, But Dealing With Them!

23:00 - Business Owners - Not Out Golfing All Day!

26:12 - Name-Drop of the AWESOME Editor

26:31 - DeFazio’s Biggest Struggle - Online Ordering!

32:05 - The Secret to DeFazio’s Success: Hard Work, But Also Cutting Yourself Some Slack!

36:14 - The Importance of Work Ethic and Common Sense Scheduling

40:04 - DeFazio’s Coaching Experience: How It Helped Him Run His Business, Too!

42:36 - Owning a Business - A Constant, Validating Challenge

45:20 - DeFazio’s “Barstool” Reviewer Score - Sky High! Delicious Food Galore!

51:05 - Final Piece of Advice, and How to Get in Touch

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jennifer Lawrence from SEAT Center! Jennifer makes it clear for us that with the right training and support, anyone can succeed!

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.

Social Enterprise And Training (SEAT) Center - Jennifer Lawrence

00:16 - Introduction

03:15 - SEAT Center’s Origin Story

06:18 - Finding Your SEAT: How to Engage With the Center

13:49 - Staffing Opportunities

20:26 - The Success of SEAT’s Graduates

24:15 - Saying Yes: The Key to Success

29:48 - Key Advice - Have a Plan For Your Business’ Scale

32:36 - The Power of No: Know When to Say When!

33:40 - SEAT’s Plans For the Future

38:44 - Mental Toughness Training: Develop Your Strengths!

44:52 - Morning Routines

48:10 - Socializing and Human Limitations

52:16 - The Scope and Format of Planning: Pick Ways That Work For You!

55:28 - Final Piece of Advice and How to Get in Touch With SEAT

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Mike Robyck and Matt Roberts from MR² Construction Services! They make it clear for us that no matter what your background or how you start up, you can make your business shine with enough work - and a little luck!

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.

Mike Robyck & Matt Roberts - MR² Construction Services

00:16 - Introductions

05:20 - What Motivated Them To Start Their Business?

11:50 - Managing Employees: Strategies and Complications

13:56 - Strategizing the Expansion of a Business

18:55 - Finding the Right People For the Job

22:16 - Commercial Break

22:41 - Rags to Riches: Doing What It Takes

26:36 - Adapting to Stress

30:12 - The MR2 Process: Structure is Crucial!

34:10 - Recreation: Mike and Matt’s Hobbies

39:32 - MR2’s Secret to Success

42:44 - Thoughts on Work Ethic

43:38 - MR2’s Final Piece of Advice

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Randy Rowe from Farrell Brothers Plumbing & Heating! Randy makes it clear for us that running a franchise (or two) can be in the cards for anyone who's willing to put the work in!

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.

Randy Rowe - Farrell Brothers Plumbing & Heating

00:16 - Introductions

05:56 - Randy’s Franchises: What the Value Is

13:41 - Adding Businesses: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

16:50 - Randy’s Biggest Challenge: Finding Workers!

21:43 - Randy’s Daily Routine

23:48 - Commercial Break

24:25 - Randy’s Thoughts on Work Ethic: It Can Be Taught!

26:18 - A Fifty-Year-Old Toilet?

27:08 - College: Is It the Right Choice?

28:59 - Business-Planning and Goal-Setting: Retirement’s a Long Way Off!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Bryan Berry from Color Code Painting! Bryan makes it clear for us that no amount of adversity is insurmountable as long as you're willing to put your nose to the grindstone and work towards your goals!

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.

Bryan Berry - Color Code Painting

00:16 - Introduction

03:58 - Achieving the Balance: The Fine Line Between Complacency and Valuing Yourself and Your Accomplishments

05:55 - Color Code Painting - From an Apprenticeship to an Award-Winning Business

11:57 - The Pivotal Moment: When it Was Time For Bryan to Work For Himself Full-Time

17:02 - Bryan's Time in Prison: A Transformative Experience

25:11 - Your Biggest Obstacle in Business... Can Be Yourself!

30:36 - Commercial Break

31:00 - Bryan's Tips & Tricks: How to Keep Yourself (and Your Workers) Motivated

43:14 - Bryan's Secrets to Success!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Dr. Turina Parker from New York BOCES! Dr. Parker makes it clear for us that properly directed education is the best route towards success - whatever you happen to study!

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.

New York BOCES - Dr. Turina Parker

Check it out at: https://www.boces.org/

00:16 - Introduction

01:30 - BOCES' Approach to Adult Learning: Technical Trades Galore!

06:04 - BOCES' Approach to Child Learning: Getting Excited About Learning!

09:14 - Derek Steps In!

09:53 - The Student Stigma Against BOCES: How Baseless It Really Is!

13:15 - Women in the Trades: What BOCES Is Doing About It

18:54 - List of What Trade Learning BOCES Offers

20:33 - How Do I Know if BOCES Is Right For Me, My Child, or My Business?

22:22 - Commercial Break

23:01 - Overcoming Barriers: How BOCES Makes Itself Known and Available

27:03 - Women in the Trades Part 2: Measured Success and Aspirations

29:23 - Student-Focused Learning: Individualizing the Experience

33:13 - How to Get in Touch With BOCES