Blue Is The New White Podcast: Episode #186.1

This week, we recap our latest episode with Eddie Hightower of Caliber Collision on Blue Is The New White.

🚀 Key Takeaways:

🔵 Why skilled trades offer unmatched career freedom and security.

🔵 How apprenticeships transform lives and create opportunities. 

🔵 The importance of connecting people and ideas for lasting impact.

The trades are more essential now than ever

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on weekly recaps and full episodes

#SkilledTrades #CareerFreedom #Apprenticeships #Leadership #BlueIsTheNewWhite

Blue Is The New White #186

Imagine a career that offers freedom, security, and skills no one can ever take away. That’s the power of the skilled trades 🔧. The irony is that you ask most people why they push their kids or students into a college degree, they say it's for job security 🤔 In the latest episode of Blue Is The New White, Eddie Hightower, of Caliber Collision, shares his insights into why skilled trades are the key to unlocking true professional freedom. Eddie dives into: 🔵 The unmatched job security and flexibility that comes with a skilled trade. 🔵 Why apprenticeships are more than a paycheck—they’re a chance to discover your passion without the debt. 🔵 How connecting people, ideas, and opportunities can transform careers and businesses. With Caliber Collision’s groundbreaking apprenticeship program, Eddie highlights how they’ve changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals—and why the skilled trades are more important now than ever before. 🎥 Don’t miss the full episode, available everywhere you get your podcasts. #SkilledTrades #BlueIsTheNewWhite #Apprenticeships #Leadership #CareerGrowth

Blue Is The New White #185.1

What’s the key to a thriving business? For Rick Miller, it’s all about people, culture, and finding joy in the process.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Rick Miller, founder and CEO of RLM Hospitality, shares his unique approach to:

• Building strong teams and identifying top talent.
• Creating a culture where laughter, authenticity, and collaboration thrive.
• Balancing operational efficiency with enjoying the journey of entrepreneurship.

Rick’s perspective as a restaurant management consultant offers valuable insights for leaders across industries, especially those serving the hospitality and skilled trades sectors.

📌 Watch the full episode to learn:

• How to create cultural alignment in hiring.
• Why humor and joy are essential for building lasting teams.
• The importance of focusing on people to grow your business sustainably. 

🎥 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice for leaders and business owners.

Blue Is The New White #185

Building a successful business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about people, culture, and operational efficiency.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Rick Miller, founder of RLM Hospitality, shares his journey and the lessons he’s learned about:

• Attracting and retaining top talent in challenging markets.
• Creating a culture of alignment, respect, and growth within your organization.
• Balancing entrepreneurial passion with the structure needed for sustainable growth.

Rick’s unique background in hospitality and management brings a refreshing perspective to leadership in the skilled trades.

Topics Covered:

• Why culture is the foundation of every successful team.
• The importance of transparent leadership and communication.
• Strategies for operational efficiency without sacrificing team morale.
• Balancing passion with long-term business sustainability.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for business owners and leaders looking to scale their teams and operations.

📌 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and elevate the trades.

🎉 Closing out the year with this recap on my latest episode with Idan Shpizear of 911 Restoration - The Fresh Start Company.

Awareness isn’t just about observing the world around you—it’s about understanding your thoughts, your emotions, and the patterns that keep you stuck. Idan shared how awareness acts as the catalyst for personal freedom and growth, helping us break free from reactive cycles and step into intentional living.

No more autopilot, start designing a more intentional life.

Take some time during the holiday's and listen to this one!

#MindsetShift #Awareness #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #BlueIsTheNewWhite #Entrepreneurship

Blue Is The New White #184

Are life’s challenges happening to you or for you? Idan Shpizear, founder of 911 Restoration, believes the answer lies in your perspective.

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Idan shares how awareness and mindset shifts can transform how we experience life. By understanding that our external circumstances reflect our inner state, we can find freedom and clarity even in the toughest situations.

Topics Covered:

• The power of awareness in transforming your life
• How mindset shifts create freedom
• Seeing challenges as opportunities for growth
• Turning reactive patterns into intentional responses

Subscribe for more insights on leadership, personal growth, and mindset in the skilled trades!

Blue Is The New White #183.1

In the latest episode of Blue Is The New White, Ben Poole, founder of HVAC Tactical, reveals his superpower: motivating, encouraging, and lifting others up. For Ben, building people up isn’t just a skill—it’s a calling that brings him a deep sense of fulfillment and peace.

Ben shares how focusing on others’ success can create a ripple effect of positivity and how serving others is at the core of true leadership. This conversation explores the importance of connection, encouragement, and inspiration in the skilled trades and beyond.

Whether you’re a leader in the skilled trades or looking for inspiration, this episode offers actionable insights on how to create a lasting impact.

Blue Is The New White #183

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Ben Poole, founder of HVAC Tactical, shares his mission to elevate the skilled trades by fostering a mindset of mastery, respect, and value. Ben dives into how small mindset shifts can create ripple effects that uplift individuals, businesses, and the entire industry.

Through his personal story and experiences, Ben explains how embracing personal growth, motivating others, and striving for excellence can change lives and reshape perceptions of the trades. He challenges trades professionals to believe in themselves, become masters of their craft, and inspire the next generation to do the same.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the trades, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to build a better future for the skilled trades.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Elevating the skilled trades through mindset and mastery
• The power of motivation and influence in the industry
• Respecting and valuing skilled trades professionals
• Creating ripple effects of positive change
• Building a better future for the trades community

Blue Is The New White #182.1

Your business thrives because of your A-players—the technicians and team members who are indispensable to your success. In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Chris Buttenham, founder of Reins, shares strategies to retain these top performers and create long-term loyalty.

Learn how businesses in the skilled trades and home service industries can align incentives, improve retention, and build a stronger team culture. From understanding the unique value of your A-players to implementing practical retention strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Topics Covered:

• The importance of A-players in your business
• Retention strategies for skilled trades and home service businesses
• How to align team incentives with business goals
• Building a culture that attracts and retains top talent

Subscribe for more insights on leadership, business growth, and the future of the skilled trades

Blue Is The New White #182

In this episode of Blue Is The New White, Chris Buttenham, founder of Reins, reveals how small business owners can access innovative compensation and benefits tools without the high cost and complexity of traditional methods. Chris shares how his team has collaborated with top compensation attorneys to create customizable frameworks that are affordable, simple, and designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses.

Learn how these tools can help you align incentives, retain top talent, and drive team success—all while simplifying traditionally complex processes. Whether you’re exploring phantom equity, profit-sharing, or other innovative ways to empower your employees, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take your business to the next level.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The concept of phantom equity and its benefits
• How to retain top talent through innovative incentives
• The role of technology in simplifying compensation frameworks
• Aligning employee success with business goals
• Practical tips for small business owners looking to scale