Ruction Nation

In this special episode of Ruction Nation, Cody and Nick switch things up and put each other in the hot seat for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow in your career.

From facing early struggles and feeling like the “young, green guy,” to dealing with the pressure that comes with promotions and responsibility. They break down the humbling role pride plays in your career, the truth behind choosing the right team, and why high school and even college fail to prepare you for the real world.

This episode dives deep into the mental and physical demands of the construction industry, what it feels like to be overwhelmed, and how to find balance while still pushing forward. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, questioned your path, or wondered if you’re really ready for what’s next—this one’s for you.

Big Mike is a seasoned tradesman who’s spent years working in the toughest environments the blue-collar world has to offer. From starting out in irrigation to building a career in welding and iron work, Mike’s journey is built on hard lessons, long days, and a commitment to mastering the craft.

In this episode, Big Mike dives into the realities of working in the trades and why being a “one-trick pony” can hold you back, the unexpected benefits of becoming a welder, and the harsh truths many people don’t hear before entering the industry. He shares firsthand experiences about safety on the job, the dangers welders face every day, and how weather, pressure, and high-risk environments shape the mindset of those in the field.

Mike also opens up about managing anger in high-stress jobs, learning from demanding instructors, and the value of both trade schools and real hands-on experience. For anyone thinking about entering the welding trade or anyone who respects the grit of blue-collar work. Big Mike delivers honest insight, practical advice, and stories from a life built in sparks and steel.

Justin Quinn is a Field Supervisor at CAI, a company known for delivering cabinetry and stone countertops with precision and consistency. With a career built on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and leadership, Justin brings a unique background to the construction world—one built under pressure.

Before stepping into Multi- family builds, Justin spent the majority of his career in live entertainment, building large-scale sets for productions like Disney on Ice. Working in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where timelines were immovable and mistakes weren’t an option, he developed an elite level of attention to detail, adaptability, and team coordination.

Today, Justin applies those same performance-driven standards to the jobsite, ensuring every project meets the quality expectations from start to finish. His journey from arena floors to luxury finishes is a testament to what happens when discipline, craftsmanship, and pride in the build come first.

Ryan Knodel is a seasoned plumber and trades professional with years of real-world experience working in residential, commercial, and property management environments. From late-night emergency calls to large-scale system planning, Ryan has seen every side of the trades. The chaos, the craft, and the character it builds.

Beyond plumbing, Ryan brings insight into warranty management and the operational side of growing trade businesses. He’s passionate about restoring pride in the trades, helping the next generation see the massive opportunities available, and reminding people not to chase titles, but to focus on meaningful work and personal growth.

Known for his honesty, humor, and unforgettable job-site stories, Ryan blends hard lessons with practical wisdom. Whether he’s talking about the wildest thing he’s ever found in a toilet, the history of indoor plumbing, or why setting goals and staying grounded matters just as much as technical skill.

When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys winter camping, reflecting on life’s simpler seasons, and continually pushing himself to grow — both professionally and personally.

The Blonde Welder is more than a tradeswoman — she’s a storyteller forged in steel, sweat, and hard-earned lessons. From field welding to hopefully getting into fine art, her journey cuts through the polished myths of the trades and exposes the raw realities rarely talked about: unsafe job sites, the gap between school and the field, and the quiet pressure placed on women in male-dominated industries.

Starting young in welding, she learned quickly that survival in the trade requires more than technical skill. It demands resilience, situational awareness, and the courage to speak up when safety is ignored. As a woman under the hood, she faced skepticism, isolation, and the unspoken expectation to prove herself twice over. Instead of backing down, she built a career grounded in accountability, mentorship, and craftsmanship.

Today, The Blonde Welder bridges generations, advocating for older tradespeople to guide the next wave and for young welders to learn not just how to weld, but how to work smart, stay safe, and protect their future.

Her story is honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and deeply necessary. A full-circle reflection on what it truly means to build a life in the trades.

Jim Ernster is a construction and operations leader who has quite literally built his career across America. Starting out as a hands-on carpenter, Jim worked his way through the trades into project management, executive leadership, and national operations, earning every step through experience on real jobsites, not shortcuts.

Over the course of his career, Jim has helped build projects in nearly every corner of the United States. He rose to become Vice President of Construction for Smashburger, where he oversaw large-scale growth, fast-paced builds, and multi-market execution. Today, he serves as an Operations Manager for a millwork company, bringing a sharp eye for detail, systems, and craftsmanship shaped by decades in the field.

Beyond the jobsite, Jim is a father of four and a new grandparent, roles he considers his greatest achievements. He believes strong foundations matter in buildings, in businesses, and in family and that leadership is built the same way as anything that lasts: with hard work, accountability, and pride in doing things the right way.

Rudy Chavez is a living example that second chances are earned, not given.

After spending time in the Department of Corrections, Rudy returned to the trade he’s known for over four decades—plumbing. Forty years in the trenches taught him more than how to fix broken lines; it taught him about pressure, responsibility, and what happens when you ignore problems instead of addressing them head-on.

Life forced Rudy to stop, reassess, and realign his priorities. Through accountability, hard work, and humility, he rebuilt not just a career, but a purpose. Today, Rudy is driven by one mission: to pass on the lessons he learned the hard way to the next generation.

This podcast blends blue-collar wisdom with real conversations about rehabilitation, discipline, and personal responsibility. No sugarcoating. No shortcuts. Just honest lessons from a man who’s lived them—and wants others to avoid the same costly mistakes.

Jake Teet is a journeyman electrician, problem-solver, devoted husband, and proud dad who believes in the power of going the extra mile.
After years on the jobsite diagnosing tough electrical issues, Jake discovered something bigger than tools, wires, and troubleshooting—mindset is everything.

On the podcast, Jake shares the lessons he’s learned from early mornings, late-night callouts, raising kids, building a strong marriage, and choosing purpose every single day. Whether he’s breaking down the discipline it takes to chase your goals, the mindset that keeps you steady when life gets messy, or the importance of being a present father, Jake brings a grounded, blue-collar honesty that listeners connect with.

He’s not here to be perfect—he’s here to work hard, stay humble, and grow alongside anyone willing to put in the effort.

On this episode of Ruction Nation, we sit down with the powerhouse family behind On The Spot Firestop — a company built from nothing by founder Gilbert Herrera, who turned grit, hustle, and heart into a generational legacy. What started as Gilbert’s determination to provide for his family has grown into a thriving firestop company that now employs multiple family members and creates career opportunities throughout the community.

Gilbert’s vision didn’t just build a business — it changed the trajectory of the Herrera family for generations. Today, his sons play key roles in carrying that mission forward, including Dom Herrera, one of his two sons, who represents the next chapter of leadership, growth, and community commitment.

Together, the Herreras have made buildings safer, strengthened their community, and proven what’s possible when a family builds something with purpose. Their story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond that fuels true blue-collar success.

From the roar of engines to the rumble of heavy equipment, Lance Hiser has always lived life in the fast lane. As a skilled operator for a dirt-working company, Lance brings precision, grit, and pride to every job — shaping the ground beneath his feet and the path ahead with the same steady hands.

But Lance’s story is more than just horsepower and hard hats. What began as a childhood fascination with machines and racing has evolved into a career — and a calling — built on discipline, humility, and relentless drive.

In this episode of Ruction Nation, Lance opens up about his life lessons, sharing how those experiences have shaped his mindset and work ethic. This conversation is packed with real, grounded advice — whether you’re on the fence about joining the trades, in the middle of your apprenticeship, or a seasoned tradesman looking to refuel your passion and purpose.

Lance reminds us that success isn’t about speed — it’s about staying in the race.