Kelly Wunsch shares his journey from college baseball to the major leagues to owning a successful construction firm. We discuss how professional sports prepared him for entrepreneurship, the importance of education for athletes, why trade skills create more career security than most degrees, and how AI is transforming the construction industry.

What This Episode Covers:

Kelly's background and journey from college baseball to the major leagues. Dealing with failure, pressure, and criticism in professional sports. The importance of education for athletes and career transitions. Kelly's transition from professional baseball to construction entrepreneurship. Starting a construction firm and overcoming early business challenges. How professional sports experience translates to business ownership. The impact of AI on construction industry operations and efficiency. Advice to young people on college majors versus trade careers. The financial advantages of skilled trades over traditional four-year degrees. Support Kelly received from Texas A&M finishing his degree. Retirement planning for construction business owners. The value of trade skills in today's economy. Success potential in the trades industry and business ownership opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience developed in professional sports transfers directly to entrepreneurship. Education matters even for professional athletes planning post-career transitions. Pressure and criticism in sports prepare you for business challenges. AI is transforming construction operations without replacing workers. Trade skills often provide better ROI than expensive college degrees. The skilled labor shortage creates exceptional opportunities for tradespeople.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Dealing with Failure and Pressure in Professional Sports
27:46 – Transition from Professional Sports to Entrepreneurship
34:29 – Starting a Construction Firm and Dealing with Challenges
51:05 – Impact of Professional Sports on Entrepreneurship and AI in Construction Industry
58:24 – Advice to Young Individuals Regarding College Majors and Career Paths
01:04:10 – Support from A&M and Retirement Plans

About Our Guest:

Kelly Wunsch - Former MLB Pitcher, Construction Business Owner

Website: https://capconaustin.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-wunsch-ba47472b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capconaustin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalconstructioncompany/

Learn More:

The Blue Collar Recruiter: https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Tony Hulbert, CEO of Horsepower Brands, shares insights on what makes home services franchises succeed, the myths surrounding franchising, and how AI is transforming business operations in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

We discuss the traits that separate successful franchisees from those who struggle, common misconceptions about franchise ownership, and how AI is reshaping customer interactions, service delivery, and operational efficiency in home services businesses.

What This Episode Covers:

Tony Hulbert's background and journey to becoming CEO of Horsepower Brands. The biggest myths about franchising that mislead potential buyers. What traits actually predict franchisee success versus what people think matters. Why some franchisees thrive while others struggle in identical systems. The real impact of AI on home services businesses. How AI is augmenting business operations beyond simple automation. Using AI to improve customer interactions and service delivery. The transformative potential of AI in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. How AI shapes the future of home services franchising.

Key Takeaways:

Franchising myths mislead potential buyers about what ownership actually involves. Successful franchisees share specific traits that predict long-term success. AI is transforming home services beyond simple automation. Augmenting business operations with AI improves efficiency and customer experience.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Background
00:00 – Transition to Franchisee Traits
34:52 – The Impact of AI on Home Services

About Our Guest:

Tony Hulbert - CEO, Horsepower Brands
Website: https://horsepowerbrands.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorsePowerBrands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horsepowerbrand

Learn More:

Home services franchise opportunities:
https://thefranchiserecruiter.com/contact

Blue Collar Recruiter: https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Jordie Kern, founder of Seven Eagle Group, shares how his organization helps veterans transition from military service to civilian careers, with a focus on blue collar trades. We discuss the SkillBridge program that allows active-duty military members to train with civilian employers during their final months of service, the challenges veterans face adapting to civilian work culture, and why soft skills matter more than military credentials in hiring decisions.

This conversation covers supporting military spouses, common misconceptions about veterans, success stories of veteran placement, the future of traditional resumes, and the Blue Collar Trades Academy's mission to expose high school students to skilled trades careers.

What This Episode Covers:

Jordie Kern's journey founding Seven Eagle Group and his mission to support veteran employment. How the SkillBridge program connects transitioning service members with civilian employers for hands-on training. The unique challenges veterans face moving from military structure to civilian work culture. Why soft skills and character traits matter more to employers than military job titles (MOS). Common misconceptions about hiring veterans and how to overcome them. Success stories of veterans placed in blue collar trades and civilian careers. Post-service support and career guidance Seven Eagle Group provides beyond initial placement. Supporting military spouses in finding employment and career opportunities. The declining relevance of traditional resumes in modern hiring processes. How technology is changing interview processes and candidate evaluation. The entrepreneurial journey of building Seven Eagle Group and lessons learned. Supporting veterans who want to start their own businesses. The fulfillment that comes from helping veterans find meaningful careers. Mentorship and guidance strategies that work for transitioning service members. Why employers should actively recruit and hire veterans. Benefits of SkillBridge opportunities for both veterans and companies. How hiring veterans builds stronger teams while reducing recruitment costs.

Key Takeaways:

The SkillBridge program provides invaluable transition support for veterans entering civilian careers. Soft skills are highly valued by hiring managers and often matter more than technical military experience. Veterans face significant culture shock transitioning from military structure to civilian work environments.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Background
05:02 – Youth Sports and Career Beginnings
13:41 – SkillBridge Program and Career Transition
19:06 – Supporting Military Spouses
25:45 – Challenges of Military MOS Transition
31:30 – Success Stories of Veteran Placement
42:27 – The Future of Resumes
01:08:07 – Exposing High School Students to Trade Careers

About Our Guest:

Jordie Kern - Founder of Seven Eagle Group

Website: https://7eagle.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordiekern/ 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/7eaglegroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7eaglegroup/

Learn More:

The Blue Collar Recruiter: https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Our Guest Greg Nelson pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a career in live sound engineering. This conversation covers his journey from small venue gigs to major concert productions, the blue-collar grit behind the music industry's biggest shows, and why people skills matter more than technical knowledge for long-term survival in entertainment.

We dig into how the industry has evolved with technology, the growing presence of women in live production, how military discipline shaped work ethic behind the scenes, and the brutal realities of COVID-19 on touring professionals. Greg shares real stories about working with famous artists, navigating high turnover, and why humility and consistency are the traits that keep careers alive.

What This Episode Covers:

Greg's path from small club shows to large-scale concert production and what that transition actually looks like. The blue-collar reality of live sound engineering that most fans never see. How military background and respect for authority create better crew members. The evolution of concert production technology and its impact on the workforce. Why more women are entering live sound and touring production. Behind-the-scenes disasters and how professionals handle them under pressure. Surviving COVID-19 as a touring professional when the entire industry shut down overnight. The high turnover problem in entertainment and what causes it. Why people skills and humility matter more than gear knowledge for career longevity. Memorable encounters with famous artists and personalities on tour. Generational differences in work ethic and how they play out on the road. Studio work vs. live sound and Greg's music preferences. Why rock bands tend to have more stability and longevity than other genres. Career advice for young people considering the trades and live production.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Blue Collar Nature of Live Sound Engineering 29:25 – Industry Evolution and Gender Inclusion 35:18 – Behind-the-Scenes Disasters and Challenges 40:29 – Public Perception and Industry Realities 47:44 – High Turnover in the Entertainment Industry 55:18 – Key to Success and Longevity in the Industry 1:00:42 – Studio Work and Music Preferences 1:07:23 – Career Advice for Young People

CONTACT OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-nelson-19894613/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregmnelsonaudio/

CONTACT US:

https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Episode Summary:

Jeff Rahn shares his journey from the Air Force to building a successful home services business. This conversation dives into what actually makes blue collar businesses work: hiring for personality over technical skills, building team culture that drives retention, and why soft skills matter more than most people realize.

We cover the realities of earning potential in the trades, how to handle employee development and terminations with integrity, and why customer service is the foundation of growth. Jeff shares hard-learned lessons about consistency, fair compensation, and adapting to industry changes driven by technology and customer expectations.

What This Episode Covers:

Jeff's transition from military service to entrepreneurship and the role mentorship played in his success. Why hiring based on personality and character creates better long-term outcomes than hiring for technical skills alone. How soft skills and customer interaction drive business growth in home services. The real earning potential in blue collar trades that most people underestimate. Strategies for building positive team culture that reduces turnover. The impact of integrity and consistency on business operations and reputation. Employee retention tactics that actually work in the trades. Fair compensation structures and employee development pathways. Customer service challenges unique to home services and how to handle them. How the internet fundamentally changed customer expectations and business operations. Predicting future trends in blue collar businesses. How military leadership experience translates to civilian business ownership. Starting consulting businesses in the trades.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Building a Successful Business
27:30 – The Perception of Blue Collar Trades
33:41 – The Impact of Integrity and Consistency
39:28 – Employee Retention and Growth
44:29 – Employee Retention and Integrity
50:33 – Employee Retention and Turnover
56:41 – Predicting the Future of Business and Adaptation
01:03:13 – Motivational Quotes and Funny Stories

How to Contact Our Guest:

Jeff Rahn: https://ontimebusinesspartners.com/jeff-rahn/

Contact Us:

https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

More Information About Skilled Trades:

https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/best-and-worst-skilled-trades-2026-salaries-job-outlook/

Guest Links:

Service Pros: https://ontimeservicepros.com/
Business Partners: https://ontimebusinesspartners.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ontimeservicepros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontimeservicepros/

In Episode 2, we tackle the biggest misconceptions surrounding blue collar work and explore why trade schools offer better value than most people realize. We debate whether college is worth the cost, discuss the changing work ethic in modern society, and examine how social media (especially TikTok) influences cultural trends around work.

We also dive into the real challenges of starting a blue collar business—from accessing capital to managing time—and share personal stories about discovering and embracing blue collar identity. This conversation gets real about the roadblocks entrepreneurs face and what it actually takes to build a business in the trades.

What This Episode Covers:

Why blue collar work isn't as bad as people think and the stereotypes that need to die. The actual value of trade schools versus traditional four-year colleges. Is college a scam or still worth it in 2026? The debate around rising costs and diminishing returns. How work ethic has changed across generations and what's driving the shift. The influence of TikTok and social media on perceptions of work and career choices. Real challenges of starting a blue collar business beyond just technical skills. Why access to capital remains a major roadblock for aspiring entrepreneurs. Time management struggles and the toll entrepreneurship takes on personal life. Work-life balance considerations for blue collar workers and business owners. Personal experiences that shaped our blue collar identities. How cultural trends impact career decisions and business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

Blue collar work is not as bad as it's often portrayed—misconceptions damage the industry. Trade schools and alternative career paths offer better ROI than most college degrees. Work-life balance is a key consideration for blue collar workers and entrepreneurs. Starting a blue collar business requires access to capital and deep industry understanding. Time management challenges and personal life sacrifices are significant roadblocks for entrepreneurs. Social media influences career perceptions but doesn't reflect reality.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Audience Questions
05:33 – Is College a Scam?
10:37 – The Decline of Work Ethic
27:09 – The Influence of TikTok
36:07 – Challenges of Starting a Blue-Collar Business
43:27 – Realizing a Blue-Collar Identity

About The Blue Collar Recruiter:

The Blue Collar Recruiter connects skilled trades professionals with employers hiring across the country. We specialize in workforce development, training programs, and bridging the gap between talented workers and businesses that need them.

Visit us: https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Learn More About Skilled Trades:

Explore career opportunities and industry insights:
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/best-and-worst-skilled-trades-2026-salaries-job-outlook/

Contact Us:

Have questions or topic suggestions for future episodes?
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

What's Next:

In Episode 3, we'll continue exploring what it takes to succeed in blue collar businesses and careers. Subscribe so you don't miss the conversation.

Welcome to The Blue Collar Recruiter Podcast! In our first episode, we introduce ourselves and share the blue collar backgrounds that shaped our careers. We discuss our favorite tools, first business experiences, and early work that taught us what it means to work in the trades.

This conversation covers blue collar upbringing, generational differences and commonalities, career paths and personal preferences, college debt versus trade careers, and the essential tools that define skilled trades work. We also talk about what's coming in future episodes and how you can engage with the show.

What This Episode Covers:

Jim's blue collar background and how it influenced his career path. Early work experiences that shaped our understanding of the trades. Favorite tools and equipment we've used throughout our careers. First business experiences and lessons learned. Franchise success in home services and what makes businesses work. Generational differences and commonalities in the workforce. Career paths and personal preferences that led us to this work. College debt versus trade careers and why the trades offer better ROI. Dating preferences and personal traits (yes, we went there). Essential tools and equipment for blue collar trades. How to engage with us for future shows.

Key Takeaways:

Blue collar upbringing shapes work ethic and career success. Early work experiences teach invaluable lessons. The right tools make all the difference in trades work. Blue collar careers offer financial freedom without college debt. Generational differences exist but core values remain the same.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Jim's Blue Collar Background
21:19 – Favorite Tools and Equipment
27:25 – Engaging the Audience for Future Shows

About The Blue Collar Recruiter:

The Blue Collar Recruiter connects skilled trades professionals with employers hiring across the country. We specialize in workforce development, training programs, and bridging the gap between talented workers and businesses that need them.

Visit us: https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

Learn More About Skilled Trades:

Discover the fastest-growing skilled trades:
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/the-fastest-growing-skilled-trades-in-2025-and-how-to-get-hired/

Contact Us:

Have questions or topic suggestions for future episodes?
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/

What's Next:

In upcoming episodes, we'll talk with successful blue collar business owners, tradespeople who've built six-figure careers, and industry experts sharing real insights on hiring, retention, and business growth.

Subscribe so you don't miss future conversations about what actually works in blue collar industries.