Blue Collar StartUp

In episode 127 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Michael Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Bill Tansey to discuss bringing structure to a chaotic business and defining the real root of your operational fires. They dive into the critical differences between just being busy and actually being productive, and how to know when wearing every hat becomes a liability instead of a hustle.

You can connect with Bill Tansey Jr. on LinkedIn, visit his website at theopexshop.com, or email him directly at [email protected].

0:00 Introduction & Welcome 

2:49 Introducing Bill Tansey & The OpEx Shop 

5:02 What to do when "everything feels like it's on fire" 

7:35 Defining the performance gap in your business 

10:22 The importance of proper problem definition 

12:56 Common examples of small business chaos 

14:00 When does wearing every hat become a liability? 

16:13 Quantifying the risk of doing everything yourself 

18:34 Are you running a business or being self-employed? 

20:57 The 3 types of motion: Rotation, Vibration, Translation 

23:43 Moving things from point A to point B 

26:18 Falling out of your personal operating system 

28:40 The "Automate or Delegate" mindset 

31:20 Bringing structure to a company with none 

33:41 Setting success metrics for standard roles 

36:42 The biggest mistake owners make when getting organized 

39:49 Leading your team vs. doing the work yourself 

43:41 Where to find Bill Tansey 

45:20 Wrapping up the main episode

In episode 126 of Blue Collar StartUp, Derek and Mike break down what marketing actually looks like when you’re starting a blue-collar business, from building a simple website to leveraging personal social media for real leads. Listen in as they discuss what’s worth your time, what’s a waste of money, and how to grow your visibility without overcomplicating the process.

For exclusive content, bonus segments, and deeper dives, check out the Blue Collar StartUp Patreon. https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Intro and welcome

2:37 New episode formats and updates

5:14 Kicking off the marketing conversation

7:32 Why a simple website matters first

9:58 Avoiding common beginner marketing mistakes

12:26 Google Business Profile importance

14:52 Setting up email and basic infrastructure

17:18 Why personal social media beats business pages

19:44 The reality of Facebook reach

22:10 Choosing the right platforms

24:36 Understanding your target audience

27:02 Social media strategy pitfalls

29:28 Transition into AI and marketing changes

31:54 How AI is impacting search and discovery

34:20 Adapting to new marketing trends

36:46 Simplifying your overall strategy

40:12 Key takeaways for business owners

47:11 Episode wrap-up

In episode 125 of Blue Collar StartUp, guest host Stacy Spector sits down with Sarah Patrie to explore her journey from growing up in a construction family to becoming Executive Director of PCI Northeast, highlighting the power of mentorship, industry involvement, and embracing nontraditional career paths. They dive into workforce development, innovation in concrete, and the critical role of relationships and associations in long-term success in the trades.

You can find Sarah Patrie and learn more about PCI Northeast at pci.org and by following her on LinkedIn.

Discover more in-depth trades business insights and exclusive Patreon-only segments by subscribing to our Patreon for just $5/month.

https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Intro to Women in Trades format

2:40 Meet Sarah Patrie

5:20 Growing up in construction

8:00 Discovering engineering and BOCES impact

10:40 Clarkson decision and education path

13:20 First role at D.A. Collins

16:00 Early career challenges and mindset

18:40 Transition into AGC

21:20 Policy, advocacy, and DC experience

24:00 Power of networking in trades

26:40 Moving into PCI Northeast

29:20 Workforce development challenges

32:00 Educating the next generation

34:40 Telling the story of construction

37:20 Passion for the industry

40:00 Lightning round and personality

42:30 Wrap-up and key takeaways

44:55 End of episode

In episode 124 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike and Derek chat with Codey Gandy of Echelon Front as he breaks down what real leadership looks like in the trades, and why most people get it wrong. From extreme ownership to building strong relationships, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to grow a team or business.

You can find Codey Gandy and learn more about his work at Echelon Front on their website at echelonfront.com or connect with him on Instagram @codey.gandy.

For exclusive content and deeper blue-collar insights, subscribe to our Patreon. 

https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Intro and welcome

2:00 Mission behind the show and scholarships

4:10 Introducing Codey Gandy

4:40 Codey’s background and Echelon Front overview

6:00 Experiential leadership training explained

7:30 Why stress reveals true leadership traits

9:00 The problem with traditional training

10:30 Sustainability and long-term leadership growth

11:30 What “extreme ownership” actually means

13:00 Leadership vs authority

14:30 Applying ownership as an employee

16:00 Real impact of extreme ownership in business

17:30 Fixing underperforming team members

19:00 Why relationships matter in leadership

21:00 Transitioning from worker to leader

23:00 Why most leaders are set up to fail

25:00 Learning leadership before promotion

30:00 Leadership applications

40:00 Advanced leadership mindset shifts

48:00 Final thoughts and shift to Patreon segment

In episode 123 of Blue Collar Startup, host Derek Foster welcomes back guest Josh Jewett for an in-depth conversation on his path from a Hudson Valley Community College auto-body student to owning Lazzaro’s Autobody and acquiring a second shop in Saratoga—all within six months. Josh shares hard-won lessons on perfectionism, implementing shop processes, mentoring his team, continuing education, and the mindset required to scale a blue-collar business.  

Connect with Josh by emailing him at [email protected] and check out Lazzaro’s Autobody in Green Island and Saratoga Springs, New York, or on their website at lazzarosautobody.com.

Subscribe to our Patreon for a full bonus Q&A with Josh and exclusive Blue Collar insights after every episode. 

https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

00:00 Welcome to Blue Collar Startup  

00:29 New episode formats, sponsors & Patreon reminder  

03:28 Introducing returning guest Josh Jewett

04:21 Josh’s early spark for cars and Hudson Valley Community College  

08:09 From technician to business owner: when the goal shifted  

09:58 The perfectionist mindset that drives Josh  

12:32 Advice for young tradespeople: self-education & YouTube  

18:31 Owning Lazzaro’s Autobody – one year in  

20:27 Taking over a 50-year shop: first-year challenges & observation  

24:43 Creating & rolling out new processes with the team  

29:33 How processes built culture & staff retention  

32:29 What Josh looks for when hiring today  

35:06 iCar training, continuing education & staying sharp  

38:54 Future vision: becoming the go-to shop for anything on wheels  

41:42 How Josh bought a second shop in Saratoga in just six months  

42:08 Introducing Patreon exclusive segment, and episode closure 

In episode 122 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Michael Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with  Richard Ruzzo, who shares how he built Shepherd Communication & Security from a small telecom contracting operation into a growing commercial security company by refocusing the business, embracing enterprise thinking, and betting on the right people. He talks about losing a major revenue stream, rebuilding from the ground up, and the lessons every trade business owner should learn.

You can learn more about Richard Ruzzo and Shepherd Communication & Security at shepherdcny.com.

Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Intro

0:15 Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp

1:04 Business owner group therapy

2:15 Help us grow the show

4:28 Patreon and business growth insights

5:36 Introducing Richard Ruzzo

6:14 What Shepherd Communication & Security does

8:03 Why security and low-voltage work is still a trade

11:58 Growing the company to 34 employees

13:11 Why trades can outperform traditional college paths

16:13 The garage business that sparked the idea

17:28 Landing their first telecom contract

18:36 Building the Shepherd brand

19:30 Why relying on one client is dangerous

20:45 Lifestyle business vs enterprise business

23:03 Rethinking the entire company strategy

24:38 Losing a major revenue stream

27:06 The people who helped transform the company

32:00 Landing a project 10x bigger than anything before

35:06 How Shepherd decides which services to offer

41:57 Why security matters more than ever today

43:00 Final thoughts and where to find Shepherd

In episode 121 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Jim Sasko, founder and president of Teakwood Builders, to discuss his 30-year journey from a hands-on 26-year-old carpenter to leading a premier design-build firm specializing in luxury homes. Jim shares hard-earned lessons on saying no, building strong company culture, and focusing on exceptional client experiences and team development.

Connect with Jim Sasko and Teakwood Builders at teakwoodbuilders.com, or find Jim on LinkedIn.

Discover more in-depth trades business insights and exclusive Patreon-only segments by subscribing to our Patreon for just $5/month.

https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar StartUp

0:40 Shoutout to sponsors

1:25 Introducing guest Jim Sasko and Teakwood Builders overview

2:00 Explaining design-build remodeling and luxury custom building

3:45 Celebrating 30 years in business and Jim's origin story

5:00 Early hands-on days, learning the craft, and organic growth

7:30 Transitioning from fieldwork to project management and scaling

9:20 Evolving from general remodeling to luxury-level projects organically

11:50 Lessons learned from overcommitting

14:00 Knowing when to say no to projects

16:30 Building a true "company" vs. personal business

19:00 Implementing systems, processes, EOS, and leadership team development

22:30 Proving the systems work

24:50 Material/labor price escalation and long sales cycles

27:00 Overcoming staffing hurdles in recent years

30:00 Upside-down org chart and production-first mindset

33:30 Secrets to long-term employee retention

36:00 How to connect with Jim and Teakwood 

In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike sits down with Rick Engelhardt of Peckham Industries to talk about discipline, leadership, safety culture, and what it takes to help drive a 100-year-old construction company forward. Rick shares how consistency, intentional leadership development, and strategic focus directly impact growth and the bottom line.

To connect with Rick and learn more about Peckham Industries, visit their website at peckham.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive Blue Collar bonus content and exclusive podcast segments.

https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:15 Mike welcomes listeners to Blue Collar StartUp

0:45 Mike explains he is hosting solo

1:07 An overview of the new episode formats 

2:54 A reminder to check out the Patreon

3:41 Discussing how the show raises money to help kids in trade programs

4:05 Shoutouts to current sponsors

5:00 Guest Rick Engelhardt is welcomed

5:45 Rick discusses his early career

6:01 An overview of Peckham Industries' operations

7:03 Highlighting Peckham Industries' 100-year anniversary

8:21 Rick explains his role as a plant manager

10:36 Insight into how architects are pushing the status quo

11:53 Rick details his daily routine

20:24 How Rick's parents helped instill his discipline and consistency

26:13 Bringing in Catamount Consulting to help leaders

36:49 Heavy capital investments Peckham has made recently

42:47 Rick shares his favorite strategy for breaking down relationship barriers

46:11 How listeners can connect with Rick 

In episode 119 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Michael Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with William Day, project manager at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. William returns to the show to break down his transition from field construction to owner’s project manager for a regional healthcare network, overseeing capital projects across multiple hospitals. From high-end builds to fast-track commercial projects, he shares how every stop in his career sharpened his leadership and commitment to quality.

Connect with William Day on his LinkedIn or learn more about Bassett Medical Center at bassett.org/locations/bassett-medical-center.

Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Show intro and Derek’s major life update

2:15 New episode formats, Patreon, and listener engagement

4:10 Sponsors and the tools & tuition mission

5:13 Introducing William Day and his new role

6:30 What an owner’s project manager does in healthcare

8:00 Capital planning, compliance, and prioritizing hospital projects

9:45 The scale of Bassett Healthcare’s multi-county network

11:15 Why hospitals are building in-house construction teams

12:30 Bidding process and selecting specialized contractors

14:00 Managing surgeons and stakeholders during construction

15:45 William’s path: English degree to Marine Corps to construction

18:00 Lessons from residential, millwork, and fast-track builds

20:00 The trade-off: 90-minute commute vs. family life

21:30 Career paths in the trades beyond swinging a hammer

23:30 What each job taught him: quality, speed, scale

27:30 Teaching construction management and mentoring the next generation

32:00 Opportunities inside healthcare facilities (200+ trades roles)

38:30 Saying “yes,” figuring it out, and the six-week imaging room turnaround

In episode 118 of Blue Collar StartUp, Derek and Mike are joined by Bill Tansey Jr. to break down why systems and documented processes are the difference between a business that grows smoothly and one that constantly feels stuck in chaos. From SOPs and accountability to building repeatable success, we cover how structure actually creates freedom for owners and teams.

Learn more about Bill and the OpEx Shop and connect with him at theopexshop.com.

Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

0:00 Introduction and why process matters

2:28 The chaos stage most businesses hit when growing

5:04 What “operational excellence” actually means

7:22 Why SOPs don’t kill culture (they protect it)

9:45 The danger of tribal knowledge

12:10 What happens when the owner is the system

14:38 How to start documenting processes the right way

17:06 “Policies vs procedures vs work instructions” explained

19:34 The simplest way to identify what to systemize first

22:05 Training employees without constant hand-holding

24:46 How to get buy-in from the team

27:18 Why accountability is impossible without clarity

30:02 What scaling looks like when processes are in place

32:44 Common mistakes when building SOPs

35:20 Tools and formats that actually work

37:48 How a process creates freedom for leadership

40:15 Advice for business owners starting from scratch

42:10 Wrap-up and final takeaway