Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster explore how robotics and automation are being used in real-world trade businesses to solve labor challenges, improve efficiency, and deliver better results. From commercial cleaning to healthcare facilities, we break down what the technology actually does, where it works best, and why robots are becoming tools—not replacements—on the modern jobsite.

Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-robots-help-146011099

00:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar Startup

01:30 Snowstorms, winter work, and life in the trades

03:10 The real cost of vacations for business owners

04:40 Setting up the episode: robotics in the trades

06:00 Derek’s background and growth of Daigle Cleaning Systems

08:20 Introducing robotics and automation in cleaning

10:45 Business acquisition and scaling during COVID

13:30 How cleaning robots actually work (mapping & programming)

16:45 What robots can and cannot replace

19:10 Safety, sensors, and robots working around people

21:30 Productivity gains and reallocating human labor

24:00 Using robotics to open doors with new clients

26:20 ROI, cost savings, and efficiency benefits

28:45 Where robotics works best: healthcare, offices, schools

31:15 Residential vs. commercial cleaning differences

34:00 Franchising, systems, and avoiding costly mistakes

36:30 Labor shortages and the future of automation

39:00 Industry standards, certifications, and audits

44:20 Advice for business owners considering robotics

50:09 Episode wrap-up and sponsor acknowledgments

In Episode 106 of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Bob Caldarella of ClearFocus Robotics to talk real-world autonomous robots in the trades, how “mop bots,” delivery bots, and disinfection robots are taking over repetitive, dangerous, or mundane tasks in cleaning, healthcare, landscaping, and facilities, delivering ROI in under a year while creating higher-skilled jobs and happier customers.

Connect with Bob Caldarella and ClearFocus Robotics at clearfocusrobotics.com or on LinkedIn.

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

00:00 Opening 

00:15 Intro & Derek back from ISSA Vegas  

02:17 Sponsor love & kids-in-trades donations  

03:08 Guest: Meet Bob Caldarella – ClearFocus Robotics  

04:04 What “front-of-house” real-work robotics means  

06:05 Blue-collar tie-in & workflow pain points  

10:01 Mowing robots vs. mop bots  

11:15 Yelp horror stories & customer satisfaction math  

14:19 Derek: 2x - 5x weekly vacuuming, zero extra labor  

15:18 Other robot categories (secure delivery, heavy transport, UVC)  

17:36 Hospital blood-sample runs: 75 miles/week automated  

20:10 Bob’s journey from ATM manufacturing to life-saving robotics  

22:43 Adoption fears & union concerns  

25:38 When should you even look at robotics?  

30:25 The $1M workman’s-comp cart push waiting to happen  

33:32 Derek on finally pulling the trigger  

34:02 How to spot a quality commercial robot  

37:47 Where robotics is headed in the next 5 years  

40:30 It’s about better outcomes, not fewer people  

42:13 Where to find ClearFocus + main show wrap  

43:20 Patreon tease & sponsor thanks  

44:06 Outro “keep hustling”

In Episode 105, Mike and Derek break down Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant for blue-collar workers and deliver a practical 6-step blueprint to start and grow a profitable trade business while still keeping your day job. From validating your idea and staying lean to knowing exactly when to quit and how to avoid the classic rookie mistakes, this is the no-BS roadmap thousands of tradespeople have been waiting for.

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

00:00 Intro & banter – who’s the new MC?

02:05 The skilled-trades workforce crisis: 2.2 million leaving every year

06:04 Shout-out to sponsors & how the show gives back to BOCES programs

07:42 Introducing Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant (E to S to B to I)

09:23 Derek’s origin story – from construction laborer to business owner

14:02 Step 1: Validate your idea (research, competitors, test with friends/family)

19:07 Step 2: Build a financial safety net (keep the full-time job, save 3-6 months)

24:43 Why rushing without a cushion destroys decision-making (Mike’s story)

28:07 Track revenue & expenses from day one (even if you hate bookkeeping)

31:25 Step 3: Start lean – no big equipment or truck purchases until you have paying clients

36:33 Turn vehicles from liabilities into rolling billboards

41:30 Sell without spending on marketing – networking beats ads in the beginning

46:13 Step 4: Manage your time (evenings/weekends, power lists, boundaries)

50:56 Pay-time vs non-pay-time & the Pareto principle for tradespeople

54:21 Patreon tease: Step 5 (when to go full-time) & Step 6 (common mistakes)

55:10 Outro & sponsor thank-you

56:05 Episode ends

In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike and Derek sit down with three general managers from pavement preservation giant Suit-Kote, John Debiew, Darin Smith, and Brennan Bezon. Tune in as they discuss their blue-collar journeys from laborers to leaders, reveal the rewards of keeping roads safe and taxpayer dollars saved, and offer hard-earned advice for anyone eyeing a fulfilling career in the trades.

To learn more about John, Darin, and Brennan and about Suit-Kote, visit the company's website at suit-kote.com, to explore career opportunities, services, and reach out to their team.

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

00:00 Intro banter

02:06 John introduces himself and Suit-Kote’s 104-year history

04:18 Darin shares 23-year rise from laborer to GM

05:36 Brennan explains lowboys and logistics background

06:19 Guests discuss education paths (high school, college, trade)

08:51 John on civil engineering degree and seasonal construction

10:49 Day-to-day: on-season vs. off-season operations

13:36 Plans change daily; “figure it out” mentality

14:37 Suit-Kote’s core: pavement preservation & vertical integration

16:26 Regional GM responsibilities and shared specialty crews

18:32 How all three climbed internally through people & culture

22:05 Retention: exit interviews, internal interviews, leadership training

25:19 Hiring entry-level: eagerness, character over competency

28:12 Obstacles: long hours, weather, equipment gremlins

29:59 Reward: seeing taxpayer savings and safer roads

32:10 Cold-in-place recycling: reuse existing road in one pass

36:33 One piece of advice: find what makes you tick, give 100%

39:56 Where to find Suit-Kote: suit-kote.com

40:41 Main episode wrap-up and sponsor thanks

41:37 Final outro

In Episode 103 of Blue Collar Startup, Mike and Derek welcome back Pam Stott and Doug Ford from the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. Tune in as they tackle shifting stigmas, counselor workshops, job shadowing, and plans to franchise their model nationwide with help from education firm 1080. Also learn about the November 19th mixer at Rivers Casino—networking, updates, and a high-stakes 200-ticket raffle ($5K/$3K/$2K prizes).

You can connect with the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition at nctwc.org or follow them on LinkedIn and X.

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

00:00 Halloween intros & pumpkin talk  

00:34 Sponsor shoutouts & BOCES donations  

02:21 Pam & Doug return; Curtis Lumber backstory  

04:19 Coalition origins & nonprofit milestone  

06:17 Elementary toolbox builds (2nd grade+)  

11:20 Middle-school dodecahedron & STEM ties  

13:41 High-school site visits & Meet the Builder  

15:29 Shop class memories & stigma shift  

17:14 Alex Dominguez success story  

22:49 Job shadowing & internship matchmaking  

26:28 Girls’ summer camp (week 1 basic, week 2 advanced)  

30:15 Matt Litvak praise & builder volunteers  

35:19 Counselor workshops & speed-trading  

42:47 Scaling nationally via LBM dealers & 1080  

46:14 November 19 mixer at Rivers Casino  

47:12 $100 raffle (200 tickets, $20K pot)  

51:50 Website & socials; closing thanks

In Episode 102 of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster welcome back operational excellence expert Bill Tansey. Bill breaks down key pillars like daily operations, problem-solving, and the eight wastes, offering practical tools to eliminate inefficiency and ensure consistent execution in trades like construction and manufacturing.

You can connect with Bill Tansey at theopexshop.com, [email protected], or on LinkedIn at William (Bill) Tansey Jr.

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

00:00:15 Welcome to Blue Collar Startup

00:00:29 Hosts introduce themselves

00:01:15 Hunting season talk

00:02:08 Sponsor shoutouts

00:02:48 Patreon announcement

00:03:07 Introducing guest Bill Tansey

00:04:02 What The Op Shop does

00:05:41 Hands-on vs. traditional consulting

00:08:14 Bill's career background

00:10:48 Companies worked for (Boston Scientific, Danaher, GE)

00:14:28 Five pillars of operational excellence

00:18:30 Biggest challenges in midsize businesses

00:21:22 Overcoming challenges with value stream mapping

00:23:37 The eight wastes explained

00:27:46 Applicability across industries

00:30:20 Signs to reach out for help

00:33:09 How to contact Bill

00:34:22 Episode wrap-up and sponsors

00:35:03 Closing remarks

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, Derek Foster interviews Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies, who shares his journey from insurance brokering to building a digital OSHA compliance platform that streamlines safety training and reduces risks for blue-collar businesses. Eric discusses compliance challenges, insurance cost impacts, and a $5 million claim highlighting the need for proactive safety measures.

You can connect with Eric and Safety Team Technologies at oursafetyteam.com to explore their platform or schedule a demo.

Support Blue Collar Startup and access exclusive content on our Patreon! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink

00:00 Introduction and opening

00:37 Co-host absence and guest introduction

01:09 Eric introduces his background and Safety Team Technologies

03:17 Transition to insurance brokering and OSHA expertise

05:07 Founding Safety Team Technologies and software development

07:27 Challenges of implementing safety programs

08:10 Digital solutions for safety training and compliance

09:25 Mobile app features and gamified safety quizzes

10:15 Impact on reducing insurance claims and costs

11:32 Customizing safety content for specific industries

13:34 Challenges in building the Safety Team platform

15:30 Growth through client referrals and national reach

16:51 Future plans for organic business growth

18:33 Explaining workers’ compensation experience modification

20:49 Consequences of claims on insurance premiums

22:56 Onboarding process for new clients

26:17 Craziest insurance claim: a $5 million roofing incident

30:51 Advice for new business owners on safety compliance

32:33 Using technology like ChatGPT for safety programs

40:14 How to connect with Safety Team Technologies

41:49 Closing remarks and call to action

In Episode 100 of Blue Collar Startup, Mike and Derek sit down with Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction for a candid look at his 35-year journey from framing homes to building one of the region’s most influential development companies. From humble beginnings to transforming the landscape of Saratoga, Sonny shares lessons on growth, grit, and staying persistent when the stakes are high.

You can connect with Sonny and Bonacio Construction at bonacio.com or by following the company on social media.

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

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Winter prep and farm life

02:05 The broken plow story

03:35 Sponsor shoutouts & episode milestone

04:15 Introducing Sonny

05:30 Bonacio Construction: the early days

07:20 Word-of-mouth growth and “never say no”

09:35 Expanding to larger-scale commercial work

11:05 Surviving downturns & banking relationships

12:40 Pressure, risk, and staying calm under fire

14:12 “Leading the market instead of chasing it”

16:03 From subcontractor to GC to developer

17:55 How they landed major clients

19:14 Saratoga’s evolution over decades

21:30 Front-and-center projects & public pressure

24:41 Building true downtown communities

27:45 Landmark Price Chopper transformation

30:31 Legacy building and next generation leadership

33:58 Passion vs. planning: what really matters

In this new episode of Blue Collar StartUp, join hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster as they interview guest Mack Story, a former Marine, manufacturing veteran, author, and leadership expert. Tune in as they explore Mack's journey from factory worker to leadership consultant, emphasizing character development over competency, lean principles, personal growth, and building high-impact teams in blue-collar industries.

You can find Mack at bluecollarleadership.com, via his podcast "Blue Collar Leadership" or by phone at (334)728-4143.

Check out our new 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

00:15 Hosts welcome listeners and introduce themselves.

01:29 Introduction of guest Mack Story.

02:05 Mack shares his blue-collar background in manufacturing.

06:15 Mack's military service and passion for personal reset.

09:09 Mack promotes free book previews at bluecollarleadership.com/download.

11:05 Advice for young listeners on career paths and passion.

17:47 Validation of youth's reading ability despite assumptions.

19:38 Unpacking character vs. competency in hiring and firing.

25:06 Advice on developing team character as a leader.

29:54 Promotion of book "Blue Collar Leadership: Leading from the Front Lines".

40:00 Reflection on firing always due to character.

50:07 Where to find Mack and his resources.

53:02 Accessibility and handling calls.

54:46 Upcoming event announcement.

56:31 Episode wrap-up and thanks to sponsors.

58:15 Final hustle encouragement.

01:12:15 Outro greetings.

In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Joe Cerrone, owner of Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, to explore what it really takes to scale a second-generation trades business. Tune in as they share lessons in leadership, hiring, delegation, software systems, and how to grow a company that can thrive without your constant presence.

Learn more about Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and their work across the Capital Region on their website https://cerroneplumbinghvac.com/.

Check out our new Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! www.patreon.com/c/BlueCollarStartUp

0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

0:29 What’s New with Daigle Cleaning Systems

1:25 Business Growth and Constant Change

2:13 Remembering a Mentor and Working Until the End

3:00 Sponsor Acknowledgments

3:39 Guest Introduction: Joe Cerrone

4:15 From CrossFit to Career Growth

5:00 Taking Over a 40-Year Family Business

5:24 Early Days: One Van, Three People

6:01 From Installer to Owner: Learning Every Role

7:01 Building the Second Van and the Fear of Scaling

8:22 The Cost of Growth and 24-Hour Service

9:58 Hiring and Delegation Challenges

11:02 Learning When to Add Office Staff

12:18 Moving from Storage Units to Office Ownership

13:17 Balancing Liabilities vs. Revenue Growth

15:08 Learning to Delegate and Manage a Team

17:05 Training from Scratch and Building Loyalty

20:15 Investing in the Right Software Systems

23:33 Transitioning to New Management Tools

25:40 Staying Organized and Prioritizing Tasks

28:34 Working On the Business, Not In It

30:36 Recruiting and Growing the Next Generation

33:36 Keys to Scaling: Patience and Organization

36:07 Looking Ahead: Expansion into Saratoga Region

38:09 Patreon Launch Announcement

39:23 Episode Wrap-Up and Sponsor Thanks

40:05 Closing Remarks