In this crossover episode of the Buying Local podcast—also shared on Blue Collar StartUp—host Mike Nelson welcomes guest Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems to discuss how robotics and automation are transforming trade businesses. They dive into real-world applications in commercial cleaning, solving labor shortages, boosting efficiency, and enhancing results in places like healthcare facilities and office buildings. Robots aren’t replacing workers—they’re tools that free up humans for higher-value tasks.

To learn more about Derek Foster and Daigle Cleaning Systems, visit their website at daigleclean.com or find them on social media. 

Check out the Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content from the crossover!

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

00:00 Intro and welcome to Buying Local (crossover with Blue Collar StartUp)

00:30 Snowstorms, winter work, and life in the trades

03:00 The real cost of vacations for business owners

04:20 Setting up the episode: robotics in the trades

05:00 Derek Foster’s background and growth of Daigle Cleaning Systems

06:30 Introducing robotics and automation in cleaning

08:20 Business acquisition and scaling during COVID

13:40 How cleaning robots actually work (mapping & programming)

18:40 What robots can and cannot replace

21:50 Safety, sensors, and robots working around people

21:20 Productivity gains and reallocating human labor

24:00 Using robotics to open doors with new clients

25:10 ROI, cost savings, and efficiency benefits

29:00 Where robotics works best: healthcare, offices, schools

31:10 Residential vs. commercial cleaning differences

34:10 Franchising, systems, and avoiding costly mistakes

36:50 Labor shortages and the future of automation

38:20 Industry standards, certifications, and audits

46:20 Advice for business owners considering robotics

47:30 Episode wrap-up, crossover notes, and Patreon invitation

48:58 Closing and sponsor acknowledgments