Blue Collar StartUp

In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster catch up with returning guest Brad Lewis, executive director of the Troy Community Land Bank. Tune in as Brad shares his seasonal work strategies, real estate investments, cash flow insights, and more!

Learn how Brad bought a house for $100 here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/housing/2021/04/20/troy-foreclosed-properties-open-house

Learn more about Brad and the Troy Community Land Bank on their website troycommunitylandbank.org or follow their Facebook page.

0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

0:49 Chicken Coop Struggles in the Rain

2:37 Sponsor Acknowledgments

3:25 Guest Introduction: Brad Lewis

4:15 Boston Marathon and Running Passion

5:54 Balancing Family and Work

7:14 From Trades to Real Estate

8:12 COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot

10:10 Troy Community Land Bank Executive Director Role

11:25 Scaling Down Landscaping Operations

13:13 Entrepreneurial Journey Reflections

14:58 Troy Community Land Bank’s Mission

16:55 Property Acquisition and Rehab Process

18:34 Investing in Local Contractors

20:53 Building Sales and Community Impact

22:20 Land Bank Financial Model

27:48 Seasonal Work Strategies

29:32 Opportunities in Property Auctions

33:39 Nonprofit Cash Flow Challenges

36:22 Cash Flow Management Tips

40:56 Where to Learn More About the Troy Community Land Bank

42:24 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk with Cameron Carson, founder of Franbassador. Cameron shares how he built a window cleaning company from just $50 into a 13-unit franchise system, eventually selling it for a major multiple. They discuss the power of door knocking, the challenges of scaling, why franchising is exploding in home services, and how Franbassador helps businesses expand and thrive.

Learn more about Cameron and Franbassador at franbassador.io.

0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

2:35 Guest Introduction: Cameron Carson

3:27 Starting a Window Cleaning Company with $50

5:15 Door Knocking and Early Growth Strategies

7:34 The “Five-Around” Sales Method

11:44 Why Franchising Beat Multiple Locations

13:52 Scaling Challenges and Competitor Insights

17:11 Selling a Franchise System and Multiples

20:29 Helping Businesses Franchise with Franbassador

23:21 Franchising as a Legacy Plan for Owners

28:36 Industry Trends and the “Silver Tsunami”

31:04 Private Equity in Home Services

33:41 Buying Power and Expansion Through Franchising

37:05 How Franbassador Supports Franchisors

40:19 Benefits of Buying a Franchise vs. Starting Alone

44:28 Financing Options for Franchise Buyers

48:30 Franchise Growth Stories (Crumbl, Rolling Suds, etc.)

50:23 The Cost and Process of Franchising

55:16 Operations Manuals and Franchise Support

59:15 Licensing vs. Franchising – Legal Pitfalls

1:01:32 Where to Learn More About Franbassador

In this mini episode of the Blue Collar Startup podcast, host Mike Nelson shares a short but powerful message for business owners who may be questioning whether to keep going. Drawing from a recent conversation with a fellow entrepreneur, Mike talks about the struggles many face after five years in business, why perseverance matters, and how you might be closer to success than you think.

Listen to Blue Collar Startup now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Rumble and YouTube.

00:00 Welcome & quick update from Mike

00:30 A friend’s call about closing his business

01:15 The struggle of making it past year five

02:10 Why the hardest part is already behind you

02:50 Remembering bad days and bouncing back

03:15 The “Three Feet from Diamonds” story

04:00 Encouragement to persevere and not give up

04:30 Closing thoughts & sponsor thank you

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson talks with DT Tobiason, founder of West Coast Renewables, a Washington-based company transforming grease trap pumping, cooking oil recycling, and commercial kitchen plumbing. DT shares how he grew from a shop vac in a pickup to a 24-employee operation serving the Pacific Northwest. They cover scaling challenges, disposal costs, employee recruitment, and how turning kitchen waste into biodiesel feedstock keeps both restaurants and the environment running clean.

Learn more about West Coast Renewables at wcrenewables.com.

0:42 Host introduction

1:41 Guest intro: DT Tobiason, West Coast Renewables

2:00 From shop vac to first pump truck

3:18 Turning grease waste into biodiesel feedstock

4:58 Building revenue streams to offset costs

6:00 Early days and Seattle’s local-first culture

8:38 Overcoming growth and hiring challenges

10:15 Disposal costs and rebranding hurdles

11:32 Building a strong, competitive team culture

13:26 Recruiting talent and holding accountability

16:32 Sales and marketing strategies over the years

18:32 Expansion into Oregon and Idaho

21:13 Why restaurants need grease trap services

24:17 Educating restaurant owners and managers

25:08 Technology and equipment upgrades

31:10 Adding drain cleaning and plumbing services

33:01 Service agreements vs. long-term contracts

43:16 The role of a CFO in scaling operations

47:47 DT’s advice for blue collar startups

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jason and Stacy Spector to explore how growth mindset, resilience, and mindset coaching can transform students, athletes, and blue-collar workers alike. Tune in as they share personal stories from wrestling and education, practical strategies for leadership in the trades, and how mindset shifts can help businesses overcome hiring and training challenges.

Learn more about Jason and Stacy’s work with Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com.

0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson opens the show, Derek absent

0:29 Sponsor Shoutouts and Trade School Support

1:35 Guest Introduction: Jason & Stacy Spector join the podcast

2:23 Origins of Sweethearts & Heroes and Anti-Bullying Movement

3:38 Jason’s Personal Bullying Story and Wrestling Transformation

7:56 Teaching, Coaching, and Creating Positive School Culture

10:36 Transition into Mindset Coaching & Certification Background

12:27 Negative Self-Talk, Self-Doubt, and Student Athletes

15:00 Breathwork, Performance, and Mental Health Awareness

18:22 Wrestling, Growth Mindset, and Building Resilience

22:00 Competing at the College Level and Lessons Learned

25:00 Applying the “3 E’s” Process to Sports and Business

28:07 Growth Mindset in the Trades: Training New Hires

31:06 The Devin Story: Belonging, Esteem, and Wrestling Breakthrough

35:00 Maslow’s Hierarchy, Workforce Belonging & Leadership

38:10 Importance of Clear, Granular Communication for Teams

41:01 Reframing: Winning, Learning, and Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

45:00 Process-Based Focus and Avoiding Outcome-Driven Identity

53:57 Parenting, Youth Sports Culture, and Growth Mindset Lessons

58:45 Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety in Business

1:03:39 Three Levels of Growth Mindset: Reframing, Process, and Neuroplasticity

1:05:00 Using “Good” as a Self-Talk Reframe in Business and Life

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Buttenham, co-founder and CEO of Reins. Tune in as they discuss how his company helps blue-collar contractors offer equity incentives, his journey from working in his father’s contracting business to addressing the "silver tsunami" of aging business owners needing succession plans, and more!

Learn more about Reins at myreins.com.

0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

1:29 Guest Introduction: Chris Buttenham, Co-founder and CEO of Reins

2:23 Overview of Reins: Helping Contractors Offer Equity Incentives

2:53 Alternative Equity Incentives vs. Traditional Employee Ownership

3:49 Benefits of Aligning Employee and Business Goals

4:10 Shoutout to Sponsors Supporting Trade School Programs

5:42 Chris’s Background: Working for His Father’s Contracting Business

6:18 First Startup: AI Tool for Employee Queries (2015–2021)

6:52 Inspiration for Reins: Addressing Succession Challenges

7:59 The "Silver Tsunami" and Small Business Succession Plans

9:46 Why Reins? Helping Owners Pass the Reins

11:10 Importance of Small Businesses to the U.S. Economy

11:53 Common Use Cases: The "Late Promise" and Long-Term Incentives

13:32 Recruiting Key Employees with Equity Incentives

15:12 Tax Implications of Traditional vs. Alternative Equity

18:28 Simplifying Equity Incentives with Reins’ Framework

20:00 Reins’ Technology: Easy-to-Use Software for Owners and Employees

22:17 Ideal Business Size for Reins: 10–15+ Employees

23:06 Working with Businesses That Have Existing Profit-Sharing Plans

28:07 Example of Incentives: Profit-Sharing Pool and Personal Milestones

37:08 How to Connect with Reins and Access Free Resources

​​In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally from Hudson Valley Community College. They discuss the college’s trade-focused programs, the importance of lifelong learning, partnerships with industry leaders like Global Foundries, opportunities for students in high-demand fields, and more!

Learn more about Hudson Valley Community College at hvcc.edu.

0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

1:52 Guest Introduction Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally

2:31 Discussion of Robotic Arms and RPI Partnership

3:59 Student Support Resources and SUNY Reconnect Program

5:05 Campus Aesthetics and History

6:57 Founding as Hudson Valley Technical College for Veterans

8:19 Questar STEM High School and P-TECH Programs

9:55 Educational Opportunity Center and Non-Accredited Classes

11:33 Robotics in Manufacturing and Mechatronics Programs

14:16 Global Foundries Partnership and Technician Training

17:06 Enrollment Trends and High Demand for Trade Programs

19:57 FAA-Approved Aircraft Maintenance Program

22:39 Welding, Non-Destructive Testing, and High-Demand Careers

24:44 Job Placement Success in Trade Programs

27:22 Scholarship Opportunities and Industry Support

31:14 Challenges of Modern Automotive Repair

35:52 Future Trends and Lifelong Learning in Trades

37:20 Second Careers and Overcoming Instant Gratification Mindset

46:47 Enrollment Process for New Students

50:07 Campus Life and Student Support Services

50:58 Episode Conclusion

In this solo episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media shares a quick, practical process for turning a simple 5-minute video into a polished blog post using AI tools like Otter.ai, ChatGPT, and Opus Clips. He explains how to save time, create multiple pieces of content from one recording, and boost your SEO without breaking the bank.

0:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar Startup

0:15 Common challenge: Needing a blog but lacking time or writing skills

0:45 Step 1 – Record a quick video on your phone

1:43 Step 2 – Transcribe the video with Otter.ai

2:03 Step 3 – Export transcription and upload to ChatGPT or Grok

2:22 Prompting AI to create a 600+ word blog for SEO

3:22 Editing and refining your AI-generated blog

4:14 SEO benefits of consistent written and video content

4:52 Creating short video clips with Opus Clips

5:14 Affordable, repeatable content creation for under $100/month

5:45 Why AI can be a helpful tool in your marketing toolkit

6:30 Call to action: Subscribe, review, and help reach #1 blue collar podcast spot

6:43 Sponsor shoutouts and thank-yous

7:19 How to connect with the show and submit topic ideas

Dive into an engaging conversation with Warren County Sheriff Jim Lafarr on The Blue Collar Startup Podcast! Discover why policing is a true blue-collar trade, requiring grit, stamina, and smarts, and hear gripping insights into the daily challenges of keeping Warren County safe. Learn about the physical and mental demands of the job and the surprising parallels between running a sheriff’s office and a small business. Plus, get practical advice for young adults eyeing a career in law enforcement—no college degree needed, just hard work and heart. Tune in for an unfiltered look at the brotherhood, sisterhood, and adrenaline-fueled life behind the badge!

To learn more about opportunities with the Warren County Sheriff's Office or to connect with Sheriff Jim LaFarr, contact the office at 518-743-2501 and ask to speak with him directly.

1:45 Sheriff Jim LaFarr introduced.

2:00 LaFarr shares law enforcement background.

3:00 Sheriff’s office business challenges discussed.

4:04 Early career aspirations shared.

4:35 Civil service exam process explained.

5:39 Sheriff’s multifaceted roles described.

6:42 Law enforcement as blue-collar trade.

8:17 Advice for aspiring officers given.

10:13 Recruitment challenges discussed.

11:56 Law enforcement benefits highlighted.

13:53 Physical agility test details shared.

15:50 Daily police work excitement described.

20:00 Discreet crime management for safety.

22:29 Sheriff’s office rank structure explained.

24:49 Competitive salaries, benefits detailed.

27:43 Education reimbursement benefits discussed.

28:06 Specialization opportunities in sheriff’s office.

29:36 Marine patrol challenges highlighted.

33:00 Downsides of law enforcement discussed.

35:00 Physical fitness in policing addressed.

37:20 Communication, de-escalation skills emphasized.

40:23 Road rage incidents discussed.

42:56 Sheriff’s personal restraint example shared.

43:20 Officer decompression strategies discussed.

44:47 Jiu-jitsu training for officers mentioned.

47:01 Sheriff’s son’s career inspiration shared.

50:00 Episode wrap-up, sponsor thanks.

In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Thomas Abbott of True Rinse. Tune in as they discuss creating a niche bin cleaning and pressure washing business, transitioning from municipal work, building a solo operation with a custom trailer rig, and more!

Learn more about True Rinse at truerinse.us.

0:15 Introduction

0:20 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster

1:17 Guest Introduction: Thomas Abbott of True Rinse

1:43 Overview of True Rinse: Pressure Washing and Bin Cleaning

2:31 How True Rinse’s Bin Cleaning Process Works

3:24 Creating a Niche Market for Bin Cleaning

4:17 Starting with Bin Cleaning Before Expanding Services

5:53 Educating Customers About Bin Cleaning Services

7:33 Target Customers: HOAs, Elderly, and Garage Owners

10:08 Thomas’s Background: Municipal Work with City of Troy

12:53 Transition from Municipal Job to Full-Time Entrepreneurship

14:19 Operating Solo and Future Hiring Plans

15:00 Custom-Designed Trailer Rig for Bin Cleaning

17:03 Subscription-Based Pricing Model

24:02 Ramp-Up Period and Advertising Strategies

30:25 Using Jobber Software for Client Management

36:50 Future Growth and Overcoming Obstacles

45:00 Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Just Do It