In this inspiring episode of the Blue Collar Nation Podcast, Eric and Larry sit down with Bill German, co-owner of New Way Restoration and proud graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks." Bill shares his powerful journey from working in underground coal mines to leading a thriving restoration business. He dives into the life-changing lessons learned along the way—how COVID reshaped his views on work-life balance, what it really means to “figure it out,” and how mentorship, community, and relentless grit helped him go from employee to owner.

Listeners will walk away with a real-world look at leadership, scaling a service business, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Bill’s openness about his failures, his drive to never stop learning, and his candid thoughts on coaching make this episode a must-listen for anyone running a blue-collar business.

✅ Action List for Listeners:

1. Reflect on your own journey — What lessons have come from your mistakes, and how are they shaping your future decisions?
2. Evaluate your work-life balance — Are you sacrificing too much personal time for business? What can you shift?
3. Audit your leadership style — Are you applying the good you’ve learned from past mentors and avoiding the bad?
4. Consider the value of coaching — Do you have someone pushing you, guiding you, and offering accountability like Bill found in Eric and Larry?
5. Write down your next 3 business moves — Follow Bill’s example and create a list of action items to help you implement faster.
6. Celebrate small wins — Acknowledge how far you've come, even if you're not "there" yet.
7. Find your tribe — Surround yourself with people who “get it” and can offer meaningful support when things go sideways.

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SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.