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.

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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