The Blue Collar Future

Jaden Robison and Jesse Demler tackle the challenges of becoming a young foreman in the Blue Collar Future podcast. They share essential advice for navigating industry dynamics, underscoring the importance of mastering every role, humility, and responsibility. They delve into the complexities of balancing side work with personal relaxation, exploring the pressures and opportunities it presents. Additionally, they reflect on the unique challenges of working in family-owned businesses and emphasize the power of intentionality in both life and work. Tune in for an insightful conversation on growth, leadership, and finding balance.

• Master the Basics: Success begins with becoming proficient in every job role, from cleanup duties to managing masonry projects.

• Leadership is Earned: Building respect through competence and humility is crucial for young foremen navigating established hierarchies.

• Balance Responsibility with Recognition: Effective leadership involves taking responsibility for mistakes while crediting team successes.

• Family Business Dynamics: Working in a family-owned construction business presents unique challenges, often requiring a harder path to success.

• Evaluating Side Work: Weigh the financial benefits of side gigs against personal downtime, and charge appropriately for your expertise and time sacrifice.

1. "A beneficial point of your career is to be able to do everything really well, especially if you can do it better than everybody else." - Jesse Demler

2. "Mistakes are on you as the leader and wins are on the team." - Jesse Demler

3. "The lighthouse stands as an example to bring the boats into shore, whereas the tugboat forces everything to come in on its own." - Jesse Demler

4. "Our life outside of work is far more important ... there's not going to be a counter over my head that says, you know, 1.5 million bricks laid when I die." - Jesse Demler

5. "Be good at every job. Be humble enough to respect those around you, and focus on being the leader." - Jesse Demler

Chapters:

(00:01) - What's it like working with interior stone?

(02:05) - Tips for young foremen on skills, humility, and earning respect.

(05:53) - Leading a construction team: Taking charge, responsibility, and teamwork.

(10:23) - Building a strong construction team through trust.

(16:45) - Challenges and misconceptions of family-run businesses.

(26:55) - Balancing side gigs with family time.

(32:10) - Side jobs build skills and leadership.

(38:05) - Finding balance between work, life, and social media.

(46:34) - Living with intention: Achieving work and life goals.

(52:26) - How Rob Dyrdek manages time and lives intentionally.

Jaden Robison sits down with Shawn Ramsden, to explore the world of drywall and construction. Shawn shares insights from his journey from bodybuilding to building craftsmanship expertise, discussing the evolution of drywall techniques, the significance of various drywall finish levels, and the complex world of concrete construction. They delve into the role of social media in enhancing trade knowledge and community. Shawn also offers a glimpse into his passion-driven approach to work, highlighting the importance of finding joy and purpose in the trade industry.

• Embrace Change and Technology: Shawn Ramsden shares his journey from traditional drywaller to utilizing advanced tools, highlighting the significant boost in efficiency and quality they provide.

• Community and Collaboration: The trades benefit immensely from a supportive network, where sharing techniques and advice leads to overall improvement in craft and efficiency.

• Challenging Stigmas: By showcasing pride and expertise in drywalling, Ramsden confronts the misconceptions about trades being low-skilled, pushing for recognition of the craftsmanship involved.

• Continuous Learning: Even with decades of experience, staying open to new ideas and learning from diverse sources continues to be a cornerstone of Ramsden's professional philosophy.

• Finding Passion in Trades: Emphasizing quality and craftsmanship can lead to a fulfilling career path, challenging the stereotype that trades are merely a fallback option.

1. "Instagram kind of pulled that screen back so you could see what top-tier stuff looks like in this realm."

2. "I think people don't want to do drywall because if you float a wall out funny, you're gonna see that forever."

3. "Are you ever not working? Ask me if I ever do anything I don't want to be doing."

4. "It's not intuitive to people who haven't cracked the lid on it."

Chapters:

(0:01) - From Bodybuilding to Drywall: Shawn Ramsden's Career Journey (3:52) - Continuous Learning and Adaptation in Construction Techniques (8:21) - Ego and Criticism in the Trades Industry (12:54) - Understanding Drywall Finishes and Their Impact on Construction (18:29) - The Challenges and Learning Curves in Construction Tool Usage (25:36) - The Art and Precision of Drywall Finishing Techniques (29:14) - Mastering Trades Through Experimentation and Perseverance (33:47) - Challenges and Complexities of Concrete Construction Projects (38:47) - Understanding the Complexity of Concrete Work and Coordination (45:28) - Reviving Passion and Quality in Trade Work (51:55) - Finding Fulfillment and Purpose in Work and Life (1:00:16) - The Exciting World of Trades and Social Media Influence

Join hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler in the Blue Collar Future podcast as they delve into the themes of purpose and fulfillment in the workplace. Through candid discussions, they explore the tangible rewards of working in trades, the societal perceptions of trades versus white-collar jobs, and the importance of mindset. They also address the pressures of pursuing higher education without a clear direction and the real fulfillment found in hands-on work. Listen for insights on how societal expectations shape our career choices and the hidden value in trade occupations.

• Real-Time Results: Trades provide the satisfaction of tangible outcomes, offering daily visible progress that many find fulfilling.

• Role of Preparedness: Simple actions like being well-prepared with essential tools and gear can set a positive example and improve job efficiency.

• Societal Expectations: The conversation critically examines societal preferences for white-collar jobs, highlighting trades as a viable and fulfilling career path.

• Path of Passion: Finding professional satisfaction is deeply linked to personal interests and can be found both within and outside formal education.

• Mindset over Matter: The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and seeking fulfillment in any chosen career is crucial to overall satisfaction.

• "It pays to have good people above you that are setting an example." – Jaden Robison

• "You will find what you seek." – Jesse Demler

• "We love old architecture so much, yet don't appreciate new building and construction." – Jaden Robison

• "It's amazing to see how your perspective and your expectations for the day even make your day go." – Jaden Robison

• "Fulfillment is within us..

Chapters:

(00:05:42) - Importance of Preparedness and Leadership in the Workplace

(00:14:17) - Finding Fulfillment and Career Progression in Trade Work

(00:17:20) - The Overemphasis on Degrees and Undervaluing of Trades

(00:20:04) - The Inefficiencies and Misalignment of College Education

(00:24:13) - Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Careers and Education

(00:29:07) - Choosing Hands-On Work Over Traditional Education Paths

(00:32:20) - Rethinking Education: Finding Direction Before College

(00:36:37) - Finding Fulfillment in Blue and White Collar Jobs

(00:41:29) - The Enduring Appeal of Physical Creations Over Digital Work

(00:43:32) - Growing Interest in Blue Collar Content Amidst Cultural Shifts

(00:45:59) - The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Aging in Trade Jobs

(00:52:06) - Finding Fulfillment and Perspective in Blue Collar Versus White Collar Work

(00:55:23) - Challenges of Working in Family Businesses

Join Jaden Robison on the Blue Collar Future podcast for an engaging conversation with Abe White, The Mulleted Plumber, as they explore the world of trades. Discover Abe's journey from trade school to entrepreneurship, and hear his insights on working in a union versus non-union versus running his own business. The discussion delves into technological advancements on job sites, the challenges of maintaining personal responsibility amidst modern conveniences, and the value of overcoming struggles. This episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of blue-collar careers and personal growth.

• Abe White shares his journey from trade school to owning a successful plumbing business, highlighting the significance of vocational education.

• The discussion covers the tangible benefits and hurdles of union work, offering listeners an inside perspective on union dynamics.

• Abe provides a candid view on leveraging personal struggles into success, advocating for resilience and self-reliance in personal and professional growth.

• He emphasizes the evolving role of technology in construction, particularly how tools like Trimble systems are changing the landscape.

• Personal reflections detail how lifestyle choices influence professional paths, punctuated by Abe's humorous take on being known as "the mulleted plumber."

• "America died when the first appliance was born, and life became easy."

• "Your struggle became your learning opportunity."

• "I'd rather see you fall flat on your face rather than help you immediately because I knew you'd become stronger from the pain."

• "You have the ability to overcome and destroy that mental state that you're in. It's all mental"

Chapters:

(00:01) - Abe White's Journey as a Plumber and Business Owner

(06:52) - The Art and Economics of Carpentry and Plumbing

(11:37) - Challenges and Miscommunications in Construction Tolerances

(19:47) - The Impact of Technology on Construction and Labor Dynamics

(31:03) - The Implications of AI and Robots on Human Employment

(35:02) - Union Life: Benefits, Challenges, and Personal Experiences

(42:24) - Balancing Work Commitments and Family Time

(44:02) - The Pros and Cons of Unions Versus Self-Employment

(50:47) - Embracing Struggle and Self-Reliance for Personal Growth

(1:01:52) - Convenience Versus Strength: The Impact of Modern Appliances

(1:07:31) - Embracing Struggles and Gratitude in Everyday Life

Jaden Robison and co-host Jessie Demler discuss efficiency and career progression in masonry on the Blue Collar Future podcast. They explore the typical journey from starting as a hod tender to becoming a journeyman and foreman, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and initiative for career growth. The hosts also delve into the realities of work-life balance in the trades, debunking misconceptions about personal time, and the critical role of communication to improve job site efficiency. Tune in for insights into mastering the trade and finding fulfillment in masonry work.

• The Fraco building system offers significant improvements over traditional scaffolding, making masonry work more efficient and less strenuous.

• Becoming a skilled mason typically involves starting as a laborer and learning progressively on the job, especially in non-union states like Utah.

• Communication and proactive problem-solving are key to maintaining efficiency on both small and large-scale construction projects.

• A balanced approach to work and life is possible in the trades; planning and resting are essential to long-term sustainability.

• Investing in skill development early in one's career can provide flexibility and increased earning potential in the future.

• "The rise to the rankings is given to the person that's actively trying to do it." – Jessie Demler

• "The majority of efficiency probably comes down to communication." – Jaden Robison

• "Front load that if you're willing to and able to." – Jaden Robison

• "Your life outside of work is far more important than this." – Jessie Demler

• "It is super important to have your employees be able to handle the day-to-day tasks." – Jaden Robison

Chapters:

(03:40) - Challenges of Union Representation in Utah's Construction Industry

(06:33) - Advancing in Trades Through Initiative and Skill Development

(16:17) - Journey from Hod Tender to Foreman in Masonry

(17:56) - Finding Satisfaction in Manual Labor Versus Office Work

(25:39) - Balancing Work and Life in the Masonry Industry

(33:32) - Balancing Work, Life, and Personal Growth Through Seasons

(39:21) - The Growing Appeal of Trades and Masonry Careers

(44:40) - Maximizing Efficiency Through Communication and Preparation in Trade Work

(48:55) - Communication Challenges and Efficiency in Construction Projects

(1:02:35) - The Importance of Communication and Delegation in Trades

Join host Jaden Robinson as he sits down with Brian Joyce, a seasoned plumber with over a decade of experience. Discover how Brian turned his passion for plumbing into a thriving business, emphasizing service, quality, and trust. They tackle the misconceptions of blue-collar work, the value of manual skills, and the transformative power of social media in modern trades. Brian shares insights on customer communication, clean work ethics, and offers advice for aspiring tradespeople. Tune in for an honest conversation about the rewards and challenges of working with your hands.

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future, host Jaden Robison shares some exciting news! Jessie Demler, otherwise known as "SlimBrick" on social media, will be joining the Blue Collar Future team as a cohost every other week. You can expect Q&A episodes, topics like taking care of yourself and how we can attract the younger generation, and more! Jaden and Jessie catch up and discuss life this year, jobs, and learning spanish.

Todays episode is a recap on the house project! Being able to do different trades in this time has been awesome. Stone Masonry is a newfound enjoyment of mine, and I may be offering some services in small scales after doing my fireplace! I'm excited to get back into the swing of things with my house being done and settling in

Jaden Robison from the Blue Collar Future podcast delves into the pivotal role of social media and websites in the trades industry. He shares insights on defining objectives for your social media presence, creating engaging content, and effectively using platforms to boost business visibility. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Jaden discusses leveraging social media for lead generation, employee recruitment, and brand awareness. He emphasizes consistency in content creation and the strategic use of social media to maintain top-of-mind awareness, offering valuable advice for those looking to harness digital tools for business growth.

• Understand the importance of having a clear and strategic content approach when utilizing social media for business growth.

• Consistency in posting and engaging with the audience on platforms like Instagram can establish a brand's presence and credibility.

• Incorporate a mixture of content types, such as POV, meme, and action videos, to maintain audience interest and engagement.

• Social media serves as a powerful tool for lead generation and customer engagement, reinforcing the necessity for integration with a well-crafted website.

• Create content that aligns with your business goals and the interests of your audience to see substantial growth over time.

Life is hard! Don't get used to the idea of it being easy. When people live with this concept of "easy", they always end up disappointed and in misery when curveballs are thrown at them. Instead of taking the approach of problem solving. It shows up everywhere, from work to home. You can't expect to get anything meaningful done in any scenario without some pushback because, as the saying goes, "Nothing worthwhile is easy".