The Blue Collar Future

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, host Jaden Robison interviews Allan Draper, a lawyer turned bug guy and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of aligning interests with employees, and the misconceptions surrounding blue-collar jobs. Alan shares his experience in building a successful pest control business and offers insights into hiring and retaining technicians. They also touch on the value of trade work and the need for more businesses to focus on providing quality service. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the blue-collar industry and the keys to business success.

Chapters:

(0:02) - From Lawyer to Pest Control Entrepreneur

(3:02) - Scaling Pest Control Operations and Valuing Technicians

(4:51) - Aligning Employee Interests for Better Retention and Satisfaction

(9:22) - Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Top Talent in Business

(13:15) - Barbara Corcoran's Strategy for Attracting Real Estate Agents

(13:45) - Turning Challenges Into Opportunities in Business

(16:00) - Lawyer Turned Bug Guy Reflects on Career Shift

(18:00) - Rethinking College: The Value of Blue-Collar Careers

(21:48) - Undervaluing Trades in High School Counseling

(23:17) - Debunking the Myth of Wealth Through Formal Education

(23:22) - Debating the Necessity of Business Degrees

(24:42) - Debunking Wealth Myths in Social Media Culture

(27:20) - Valuing Family Time Over Higher Pay in Today's Workforce

(30:17) - Expanding Pest Control to Comprehensive Home Services

(33:39) - Challenges in Pest Control Customer Retention and Service Delivery

(34:50) - Pest Control Industry's Shift From Marketing to Operations Focus

(37:25) - Listening to Customer Feedback as a Business Imperative

(38:10) - Improving Accountability in Pest Control Services

(40:30) - Defining Success in Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership

Discover the importance of continuing education and the value of learning and growing in this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast. Host Jaden Robison challenges the notion that college is the only path to success, emphasizing that becoming a valuable person is not dependent on a degree. He explores the concept of continuing education in various fields, highlighting the need to stay on top of trends, technology, and practices. Whether you're a tradesperson or a business owner, continuous learning and self-development are key to staying relevant and thriving in your career.

• Traditional college education is not the only or necessary path to become a successful and valuable employee.

• Acquiring unique skills and knowledge through continuous learning can make individuals more valuable and set them apart in the job market.

• Trade work offers promising opportunities, especially as demand increases and supply diminishes, leading to potentially higher wages.

• Continuous learning is intrinsic to human nature and is crucial for personal satisfaction and professional advancement.

• It is vital to stay updated with new technologies, techniques, and practices within one's field for continuous improvement and relevance.

1. "You make money and you can get paid based off of the value that you bring."

2. "The whole point of this podcast is to show that you don't have to go to college to be a valuable person and to make money."

3. "The good thing about trade work is you do not have to go to school to do it."

4. "If you are putting your body under stress, it will break down and rebuild stronger to handle that stress."

5. "If you're not learning and growing and expanding, you're dying, more or less."

Chapters:

(0:02) - Challenging the College Path to Success in Trade Work

(5:53) - The Imperative of Lifelong Learning and Growth

(9:37) - Continuing Education's Impact on Professional Growth

(11:10) - Lifelong Learning as a Path to Fulfillment and Growth

(16:18) - The Humility and Continuous Learning Journey of Black Belts

(17:36) - Continuous Learning as a Path to Personal Value and Success

(23:38) - Exploring Co-Hosted Q\&A Style Podcast Episodes

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, Jaden Robison interviews Spencer Hautau, a concrete contractor. They discuss how Spencer got into the concrete industry, the challenges of finding skilled workers, and the importance of building a positive company culture. They also touch on the power of social media for marketing and the lessons learned from mistakes made in business. Spencer shares his experiences with trolls on social media and the importance of staying true to oneself. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the concrete industry and the journey of building a successful business.

• Spencer Hautau values hands-on involvement in his operations, believing in the efficiency of leading his concrete team directly on job sites.

• The challenges of finding reliable full-time employees in the concrete industry are mitigated by cultivating solid relationships with 'floaters' or freelance finishers.

• Scaling a business rapidly can lead to significant challenges; acknowledging and learning from mistakes is critical for long-term success.

• Spencer's approach to social media engagement involves authenticity and strategic content creation to foster growth and deal constructively with inevitable criticism.

• The importance of balancing contractor and residential client work is highlighted, considering the ebbs and flows of business demand throughout the year.

• "I think in our company with me and Taniela, we practically, so what we did was we within the span of like two years, two, three years in the first year of business, we did a million dollars in revenue." - Spencer Hautau

• "You want the haters. That's your biggest. The haters are the biggest ones to, to really boost that for you." - Spencer Hautau

Chapters:

(0:40) - Discovering a Passion for Concrete Work

(2:41) - The Lucrative Skill of Concrete Finishing

(4:57) - Cousins Turned Business Partners in the Concrete Industry

(7:43) - Daily Operations in Separate Construction and Online Companies

(10:48) - Building Trust and Reliability in Construction Networks

(13:01) - Language Barriers and Workforce Dynamics

(15:07) - Misunderstandings and Cultural Assumptions in Conversation

(18:32) - Challenges in Hiring and Maintaining a Quality Workforce

(21:12) - Leadership Transformation and Workplace Culture Improvement

(23:40) - Leadership, Culture, and the Dynamics of Pay Cuts

(24:30) - Rapid Growth and Its Pitfalls in Business

(31:04) - Overcoming Negativity in Social Media Interactions

(35:06) - Harnessing Social Media's Free and Powerful Reach

(36:46) -Strategic Content Creation for Social Media Engagement

(42:41) - Balancing Quality Content and Follower Growth on Social Media

(43:59) - Balancing Contractor Work and Residential Projects in Construction

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, Jaden Robison debunks misconceptions about the impact of trade work on our bodies. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of our health through proper habits and lifestyle choices. Jaden discusses the role of exercise, diet, hydration, and sleep in maintaining a healthy body, and how these factors can have a greater impact on our well-being than the physical demands of our jobs. He encourages listeners to prioritize their health and shares practical steps to improve overall fitness and longevity.

• Trade work itself is not inherently damaging to one's health; rather, external lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise play a more crucial role.

• Adopting a workout routine can kickstart a positive chain reaction in other aspects of life leading to better health and increased energy levels.

• A common blue-collar lifestyle that includes poor dietary choices, inadequate hydration, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep sets individuals up for health issues.

• Age should not be an excuse for declining health; it's consistent self-care habits that define an individual's condition over time.

• Progressive overload through exercise is essential for strengthening the body and preventing work-related stress injuries.

• "Your job isn't as hard on your body as you think or as hard as your habits are on your body."

• "We have a problem with unhealthy lifestyles, not hard labor."

• "Take care of your body and it will take care of you."

• "Your sleep is enough healing and recovery for you if your body is functioning properly."

• "People want to pass the buck on to anything that is out of their control."

Chapters:

(0:03:43) - Ways to support the podcast and upcoming plans

(0:05:52) - The importance of taking care of your body in trade work

(0:08:44) - The misconception of blaming work instead of unhealthy habits

(0:10:13) - The US's low ranking in global health indexes

(0:13:00) - Breakdown of the average blue collar lifestyle and its negative effects

(0:15:43) - It's not about when you eat, but what you eat. Junk food doesn't fuel your body properly.

(0:17:17) - Sitting on the couch watching TV is not recovery for your body.

(0:18:07) - Going to bed with alcohol in your system is a disrupted sleep and affects your body's recovery.

(0:19:13) - How you feel in one day is influenced by what you did the day before.

(0:19:57) - Getting enough sleep is crucial for proper recovery.

(0:21:24) - Manual labor jobs don't provide progressive overload like working out does.

(0:24:27) - Working out can lead to better habits like drinking more water and eating healthier.

(0:25:39) - Working out doesn't require a lot of time, and it's a measurable first step.

(0:29:10) - Stress-related injuries are the focus, not accidental injuries.

(0:29:41) - Some people don't want to admit that their job isn't as hard on their body as they think.

On this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, Jaden Robison and Cody Chew discuss the importance of health and fitness in the blue-collar industry. They share their experiences with energy drinks, the stigma surrounding blue-collar workers, and the need for a change in perception. They also touch on the value of social media in promoting their businesses and the importance of learning and adapting in a rapidly changing market. Cody shares his journey of starting a roll-off dumpster business at a young age and the lessons he has learned along the way. They both emphasize the need for trade education in high schools and the potential for a rewarding career in the trades. Cody talks about his creative approach to making dumpsters more fun and appealing, including painting them in different colors and designs. He also discusses the challenges of expanding his business and the high costs involved in purchasing new trucks. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the blue-collar industry and the opportunities it presents.

• The significance of real, relatable branding and social media use in growing a blue-collar business.

• The importance of health and fitness in maintaining productivity and quality of life within physically demanding trades.

• Insights into the lessons learned from starting and scaling a business at a young age.

• The need to alter the societal perception of trades and blue-collar work, especially among younger generations.

• Discussion of the opportunities and challenges modern technology brings to traditional industries.

Chapters:

(0:02:20) - Jaden and Cody praise Red Bull's marketing and branding

(0:03:30) - Cody explains his roll off dumpster business

(0:05:01) - They discuss the benefits of using social media for business

(0:08:00) - Cody shares the challenges of running a business in winter

(0:10:02) - The market is constantly changing, requiring adaptation.

(0:10:45) - Highlighting the importance of younger people in the trades.

(0:11:46) - Wanting to change the negative image of blue-collar workers.

(0:12:19) - Discussing unhealthy habits in the industry.

(0:15:20) - The importance of routine and starting the day right.

(0:17:13) - Cody's experience with starting a lawn care business in high school

(0:21:59) - The learning curve of going to the gym as a beginner

(0:24:29) - The recognition of the value of blue-collar work by professors

(0:29:01) - Advantages of pursuing a trade instead of college

(0:29:27) - Need for promoting trades in high schools

(0:37:12) - Advocating for hands-on experience and trying different trades.

(0:39:31) - The changing perception of blue-collar workers and the impact of social media.

(0:40:37) - Cody's goal of making dumpsters more fun and creative.

(0:45:03) - Jaden wraps up the episode and promotes Cody's business.

In todays episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, Jaden Robison talks about why you should join a trade! Whether you are interested, already in one, looking to switch up your career, or any number of reasons, joining a trade can be a great thing for you and your family.

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, host Jaden Robison interviews David Wintzer, a general contractor specializing in high-end home construction. They discuss the challenges of the industry, emphasizing the importance of organization, communication, and customer service. They also explore the impact of technology on the trades and the unique logistical issues faced in construction. With valuable insights for contractors and homeowners alike, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the future of trade work. Don't miss out on the lessons and perspectives shared by these industry experts.

• David Wintzer's experience in both commercial and residential construction offers a unique perspective on scaling and systemizing small businesses.
• The complexities of client communication and financial management can make or break a construction business.
• The discussion showcases the importance of impeccable customer service and integrity as distinguishing factors in the success of construction projects.
• Navigating logistical challenges and neighborhood relations demands creativity and steadfastness.
• Building one's own home is a uniquely challenging journey that provides invaluable insights into the construction process.

• "If you bring those processes and systems into the residential world, you're far ahead of anyone else." - David Wintzer
• "Construction is a business of customer service, plain and simple." - David Wintzer
• "If you just communicate better than anybody else, you're gonna win." - David Wintzer

Timestamps:

(0:01:41) - David's background in commercial construction and transition to residential construction.

(0:05:32) - The importance of implementing systems and processes in construction businesses, learned from David's experience in commercial construction.

(0:08:18) - Logistical challenges and problem-solving in construction

(0:11:51) - Construction as a business of customer service. Dealing with unreasonable clients and difficult situations

(0:21:37) - Jaden emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and planning in concrete projects.

(0:26:46) -Building a house and divorce ranked as top voluntary stressors

(0:28:01) - Challenges faced by homeowner builders without construction knowledge

(0:29:35) - Lack of repeat clients in the home building industry

(0:30:00) - Finality and financial consequences of mistakes in home construction

(0:31:05) - Importance of attention to detail and accurate bidding in construction projects

(0:38:19) - The trades are a dying breed and that the industry needs more workers.

(0:40:31) - Trades offer high earning potential with little schooling

(0:42:16) - Importance of communication and integrity in construction

(0:43:37) - Innovative business model for driveway tearouts

(0:47:40) - Story of challenging neighbor during construction

In this episode of Blue Collar Future, host Jaden Robison takes listeners through an inspiring account of his recent triumphs and learning experiences related to trade work and content creation on social media. Particularly, Jaden opens up about his personal life developments, including expecting a new baby and building a house, and the impact of these events on his professional endeavors.

• Niche down your social media content to align with your personal brand or business for optimal engagement.
• Embrace innovative technology and make small but significant changes to content creation and editing that can lead to social media success.
• Through consistent content posting, you open opportunities for business growth, job offers, and networking in your local area.
• Combine social media presence with a professional website to capture leads and provide a comprehensive brand experience.
• Starting is the most critical step, followed by persistence and the willingness to try different content strategies without being discouraged by metrics.

1. "I bought some Ray-Ban smart glasses… and the first video I made on the job with those got, I think it broke 500,000 views."
2. "I think what happens is people get burnt out and they aren't excited by what they do and they don't have a real purpose or motivation for anything else that they do."
3. "This just goes to show how important and beneficial it can be. And the follower count really doesn't matter."
4. "What I've noticed with people is they don't see immediate success with their social media and they don't keep posting because of that."

(0:00:03) - Introduction and explanation of upcoming topics

(0:00:45) - Experience and challenges of growing social media following

(0:02:03) - Life updates: preparing for a baby and building a house

(0:05:08) - Launch of website templates for contractors

(0:05:41) - Importance of combining social media and websites

(0:06:14) - Personal experience with social media posting

(0:08:13) - People often give up on social media too soon

(0:09:24) - Stepping out of comfort zone and taking risks

(0:11:27) - Success with using smart glasses for creating content

(0:14:06) - Impressive view counts and engagement on recent videos

(0:15:10) - Gained 4500 followers by using camera glasses and editing style

(0:17:55) - Clipping videos into three-second bits increased views

(0:19:08) - Niche down and create content with a hook for more views

(0:21:26) - Good video and engagement matter more than hashtags or trending audio

(0:23:11) - Posting on social media helps with connections and business growth

(0:24:46) - Having a website complements social media for reaching potential clients

(0:26:04) - Social media and website are powerful tools, other strategies can be added

(0:28:24) - Rapid increase in followers and views on concrete Instagram

(0:29:56) - Social media advice and website services available

(0:30:29) - custom website services

(0:31:29) - share and leave a rating and review!

(0:32:02) - Jaden emphasizes the importance of starting and not worrying about metrics

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, Skylar Bytendorp invites us along with Jared Briggs and Jaden Robison for the final installment in the CORE 4 collaboration series. Threading through the fabric of relationships, the trio punctuates the importance of whom we surround ourselves with, emphasizing the profound impact of human connections on personal and professional spheres.

• Relationships play a pivotal role in defining the quality of life and should be maintained with care and intention.
• The most critical relationships often involve significant others and family members, forming the core of one's support system.
• The depth of relationships is just as important, if not more so, than the quantity.
• Intentionally nurturing relationships is crucial; being genuinely curious and asking about family, occupation, recreation, and dreams can strengthen bonds.
• Negative or toxic relationships may need to be distanced or reassessed to protect one's growth and mental health.

• "A business is only as good as the quality of customers I have and the business partners and the collaborations that we do. So relationships are kind of what life's all about, to me, at least." - Skylar Bytendorp
• "I really believe there's no self-made anybody ... I even look at my marriage, my relationships, my business, my things that I consider a success. I didn't do any of them by myself, none of them." - Jared Briggs
• "When I started actively pursuing relationships with people, it was a crazy difference, like, actively pursue meeting people, making connections, and all that." - Jaden Robison
• "What kind of person do you want to be known as? Are you a taker? Are you a giver?" - Skylar Bytendorp
• "People love to help people. There's nothing better than when somebody sends you a message saying, 'Hey, that last episode. I needed that.'" - Jared Briggs

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future podcast, host Jaden Robison sits down with Jesse Demler, also known as Slim Brick, to unravel the world of construction and the significance of health and fitness within the industry. The conversation kicks off with a candid discussion about the hurdles and setup of starting a podcast, eventually transitioning into an engaging dialogue on Jesse's experiences and perspectives in masonry.

The episode delves into Jesse's advocacy for taking "care of your shit" and the implications of proper health and fitness routines on a construction worker's longevity. With engaging storytelling, Jesse highlights how innovative equipment like exoskeletons is changing the game for masons and touches upon his personal journey in the industry. Additionally, the pair discuss Jesse's participation in the World of Concrete event and explore emerging tools and technology prominent in construction.

• Discussion on the transformative impact of fitness and nutrition in the life of a blue-collar worker.
• An inside look into the World of Concrete and the cutting-edge advancements like exoskeletons in the masonry field.
• How Jesse navigated and harnessed social media for personal branding and as a platform for industry awareness.
• Insights into personal growth and discovering a passion for one's work, transforming a job into a profession of pride.

• "Construction is not hard unless you make it hard. But there's hard stuff to do."
• "It's cool to realize, like I said, if I can drive anywhere in town and see something that someone in my family built or that I built, and it's cool to see, hey, I did that."
• "I can't go a block in Logan without seeing something someone worked, like, whether it's grandpa, great grandpa, dad, uncle, me, all that sort of stuff"
• "Construction work isn't that hard unless you're making it hard for you... It's always interesting to see people's know."
• "If you show up and do the part and learn everything you needed to learn, I'm cool. Like, get a trial, dude. Hop in here and help me."