The Kitchen Table

In episode 48 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden is joined by his cousin, Justin Yates, to discuss his journey of overcoming addiction and finding gratitude in life. They delve into the challenges of addiction, the importance of humility and seeking help, and the struggles faced by individuals in Baltimore. 

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation about personal growth and finding purpose beyond material success. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:00] Justin's Journey to Success.

[00:04:02] Self-Discovery and Personal Growth.

[00:09:08] The Challenges of Baltimore.

[00:13:53] Abandoned Houses in Baltimore.

[00:13:57] Huge Rats and Living Conditions.

[00:18:20] Finding Happiness Beyond Material Possessions.

[00:24:01] The Importance of Core Values.

[00:28:55] Applying Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Principles Effectively.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Justin Yates delve into the importance of humility and seeking help as key factors in achieving success in sobriety, business, and personal life. They stress that their own success stems from acknowledging their limitations and being open to learning from others. 

Additionally, Ken and Jsutine discuss the significance of being receptive to criticism and feedback for personal and professional growth. They share their own journeys of realizing the need to step aside and be open to new ideas and perspectives.

QUOTES

• “Just stop saying I know to yes or I can. And that's been that's really been huge for me, you know, just getting out of my own way and stop thinking I knew all the answers because I have a long, long history of showing that I don't.” - Justin Yates
• “One of the reasons for my, I would say ‘success’ is finally humbling yourself to the point where like, you know what, I don't know everything. And not only that, I actually need some help and applying that to not only sobriety but business, and personal life. I mean, trying to learn from people and finding folks that, you know, you see doing things that you want to do.” - Ken Baden
• “If I'm going to grow, I got to be open to some criticism, some healthy criticism. And I got to be able to get out of my own way. So if my mind is closed that I know everything, that's going to be a huge problem. You're going to hold yourself back. And I know that from experience.” - Justin Yates

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Justin Yates

Mobile Number: 410-533-4449

Email: [email protected]

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 47 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Lilly Mejia-Santo Domingo, CEO of Lilly's Printing. They discuss their longstanding business relationship and how Lily has been instrumental in helping Ken's business grow. They talk about the various services Lilly's Printing offers, from legal paperwork to marketing materials, and the importance of building strong business relationships. 

Tune in to learn more about the value of strong business relationships and the importance of having a reliable team.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:24] Building Strong Business Relationships.

[00:02:57] Partnerships and Business Growth.

[00:06:35] Life-Changing Career Transition.

[00:13:21] Overcoming Excuses and Obstacles.

[00:24:40] Delegate and Time Management.

[00:31:51] Abundance Mentality in 2024.

[00:34:41] Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength.

[00:39:13] Real Estate Investment Opportunities.

[00:44:28] Finding Peace and Happiness.

[00:49:16] Lilly's Printing and Law Offices.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Lilly Mejia emphasize the significance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals and cultivating strong relationships in order to seize opportunities and thrive in business. They highlight the importance of having friends and contacts who possess expertise in areas of interest and can assist in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities. 

In addition, Ken and Lilly highlight the importance of adopting an abundance mentality. They firmly believe in focusing on the belief that there will always be ample resources and opportunities available, rather than succumbing to a scarcity mindset. They acknowledge that many individuals tend to possess a scarcity mindset, particularly when it comes to finances and resources.

QUOTES

• "I would really think about that before you start making some excuses up the next time because really the only thing between you and what you want are the excuses that you tell yourself." - Ken Baden
• "Just because I'm a woman, I will not put me down. So I had to prove what I can do and how are you going to prove what I can do? Not talking too much, but doing a lot. It's the result of what you say and you do it." - Lilly Mejia-Santo Domingo
• "It's an abundance mentality, it's a mentality, it's a thought process, it's a way of thinking and a way of living of making sure that you don't worry or stress about like, there's not enough. There's not enough resources, not enough money, but rather than thinking there's always gonna be enough, we'll always just make more." - Ken Baden
• "When I see the problem, I saw an opportunity to win it." - Lilly Mejia-Santo Domingo

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarcloser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKenBaden

Lilly Mejia-Santo Domingo

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lili.mejia.5

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-mejia-20b26a16a/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Lilly’s Printing: https://lillysprinting.com/

In episode 46 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden welcomes two 25-year-old entrepreneurs from Baltimore, Conrad Brake and Ryan Rutkowski. They discuss their journey into business and entrepreneurship, highlighting how their first business venture, Let's Tap In, has become their full-time focus. Despite their young age, they bring a wealth of experience from their college years and share their excitement for building their own successful businesses. 

Tune in to learn more about their entrepreneurial journey and the lessons they've learned along the way.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:39] Athletic Background and Current Success.

[00:03:54] Making a Difference

[00:11:31] The Success of their Events.

[00:14:25] Scaling and Expanding the business.

[00:16:00] Successful Entrepreneurs and Fake Gurus.

[00:19:12] Power Plant Investments.

[00:30:09] Long Drives and Business Opportunities.

[00:38:04] Proprietary vs. Lifestyle Businesses.

[00:41:13] Setting and Achieving Financial Goals.

In this episode, Ken Baden and guests, Conrad Brake and Ryan Rutkowski, highlight the importance of specific goals as they provide a sense of direction and motivation. They also suggest regularly reviewing and comparing goals to ensure progress and staying on track. 

Moreover, Ken, Conrad, and Ryan delve into the concept of intellectual property and its value. They acknowledge that their experiences have provided them with a wealth of skills, knowledge, and data, and sometimes they feel compelled to freely share it all. However, they also recognize the value of intellectual property and the need to protect it.

QUOTES

• "When I'm hiring, I look for a good attitude and a good work ethic. That's it. Those are just the two undeniable of the two non-negotiables that I have to have when I'm looking for salespeople, the rest I can train." - Ken Baden
• “At some point, you got to keep it fresh. Right. So we brought in people to boost our content. Coming in as a professional angle, we can focus on the sales marketing side, bring people in things to do like that.” - Conrad Brake
• “We're not coders. It's there's a lot of holes in our technology. Our development team, have them work on it full-time. So we did that and found the right people for it. And they make it what it is today.” - Ryan Rutkowski

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarcloser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKenBaden

Conrad Brake 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbrake33/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conrad-brake-38a548200/

Ryan Rutkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanrut8/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutkowski-8a8518181/

Let’s Tap In

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lets_tapin

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Let’s Tap In: https://www.letsalltapin.com/

In episode 45 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden welcomes special guest Adrian Koehler, a high-level coaching consultant. They discuss Adrian's background, how he got into coaching, and the importance of keeping the audience engaged. They also emphasize that effective communication and persuasion necessitate active listening, understanding others' perspectives, and the ability to connect with their interests where one can build trust, overcome resistance, and achieve desired results.

Tune in as they dive deep into the world of coaching and consulting.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:05:40] Organizing Chaos in Coaching.

[00:07:32] Personal Transformation and Second Chances.

[00:12:23] Prisons and Reform.

[00:15:22] Trusting Dangerous Men with Control.

[00:17:42] Gratitude as a Strategic Advantage.

[00:20:01] Self-Mastery and Ambitious Entrepreneurs.

[00:31:04] Revenant Process and Personal Leadership.

[00:31:11] Investing in Personal Growth.

[00:36:06] A free resource: Naked Leadership Podcast.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Adrian Koehler discuss that leaders play a crucial role in shaping the world, and entrepreneurs understand the high stakes involved in their endeavors. They suggest that successful entrepreneurs and leaders often have unresolved pain points that drive their ambition and pursuit of excellence. They are willing to endure stress and intensity to achieve their objectives. However, they also propose that by focusing on self-mastery and emotional mastery, individuals can enhance their fulfillment and improve outcomes. This includes practicing gratitude, honesty, and generosity, which serve as guiding principles for effective self-leadership.

Additionally, Adrian mentions his skill in listening beyond the drama and offense that others may present. He believes that individuals who exhibit negative or offensive behavior often do so as a defense mechanism to feel safe. By listening attentively and striving to understand their underlying interests, he aims to disarm them and build rapport.

QUOTES

• "If you can make a shift from being, ‘I'm here because of something or someone else’ to ‘I'm here because I made the decision to be here’, that changes the world. And it changes them and it changes their legacy." - Adrian Koehler
• “I think that gratitude is absolutely synonymous with, you know, the higher the gratitude, the higher propensity for success, in my opinion." - Ken Baden
• "Well, if you don't have gratitude, you cannot approach reality." - Adrian Koehler
• "If you want to get powerful, you get clear on what you're committed to. And you interpret this moment, even if it's really shitty, you interpret this based on what you're committed to." - Adrian Koehler
• "We don't learn by suggestion. We learn by somebody getting in our face and say, what the **** man? Like, would you, could you get real? Could you get honest? Cause you're full of ****." - Adrian Koehler

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarcloser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKenBaden

Adrian Koehler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.k/

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

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Take New Ground: https://takenewground.com/

Naked Leadership Podcast: Naked-Leadership-Podcast

In episode 44 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Rick Selby, aka Ricky the Roofer, an expert in the remodeling industry, for a conversation about sales and personal development. They discuss actionable strategies and share valuable insights that can be applied to any business or sales pursuit, as they highlight the group's unity, inclusiveness, and collective decision-making.

Tune in as they educate, inform, and entertain listeners, providing a well-rounded experience. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:23] Sales and Remodeling Industry.

[00:09:35] Combining Blue Collar and Sales.

[00:13:19] Cautious Approach to Coaching.

[00:17:21] United Front in Leadership Dynamics.

[00:25:07] Scaling and Managing Growth.

[00:33:55] Leadership and Company Growth.

[00:38:23] Being the Example.

[00:41:00] Are You Your Own Weakest Link?

[00:44:05] Building a Profitable Company.

[00:47:20] Blue Collar Baller community.

[00:53:30] Building Personal Brands Within the Community.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Rick Selby emphasize the involvement of team leads in decision-making processes. They mention that any necessary changes or issues are discussed collectively, with no separate communication or decision-making within specific teams or departments. This further reinforces the group's unity and inclusiveness.

In addition, Ken and Rick emphasize the importance of maintaining a high level of performance at all times. They mentioned that this concept was a key takeaway from a training session they attended. While individuals tend to perform their best when being observed by their boss, they question why this level of performance is not consistently maintained. Hence, they provided a mindset that can encourage consistent high performance, leading to positive changes in energy, performance, and overall well-being. 

QUOTES

• “Our goal is to sell for a hundred million. And it doesn't stop there. When we sell for a hundred million, we reinvest 20, and we ******* have a second exit. We blow up even more from there. A hundred million is just the start.” - Rick Selby
• "There can never be the words like, ‘Oh, they gave us these goals’ I don't know how they expect us to do them. There is no they, there is no us. It's a united front. It's a we." - Ken Baden
• "And one of the things I thought was great was they said, not only act as if there's a camera on you 24-7, act as if your boss is holding the camera 24-7." - Rick Selby
• “...our team leads like they are involved. They have an input. They have a say in what's going on. And if we need to change a process or if something's not working out there, they come to us, we implement it, we talk about it as a group.” - Rick Selby
• "But we are building a business to build, scale, grow. In fact, I think any real entrepreneur should be building to sell whether they plan to sell or not because that means you're a profitable company that shows profit and could sell." - Ken Baden
• "We want to attract the next wave and make sure that people understand like this is a life-changing opportunity." - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarcloser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKenBaden

Rick Selby/Ricky the Roofer

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ricky-the-Roofer-100054201923645/

Email: [email protected]

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 43 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden welcomes his friend Alex Manfredonia from Vin 909, a popular restaurant in Annapolis. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being an independent business owner, the importance of fostering relationships, and their plans for the future. They also touch on the importance of service-based jobs and how they can be beneficial for personal growth.

Tune in for valuable insights into business, networking, and community.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:51] What Does Success Do to Your Social Life?

[00:04:21] Understanding and Empathy for Staff.

[00:09:24] The Challenges of Owning a Restaurant.

[00:14:30] Community Staple and Local Success.

[00:17:08] Culturally Diverse Customer Base.

[00:20:40] Menu Variety and Customer Satisfaction.

[00:23:30] Staff Retention and Customer Satisfaction.

[00:27:55] Reinvesting in Current Clients.

[00:29:09] Inconsistency in Restaurants.

[00:32:14] Workplace Dynamics and Teamwork.

[00:36:40] Hiring Challenges in the Industry.

[00:39:08] Community Support During Pandemic.

[00:46:01] Supporting Local Places.

[00:48:06] Building relationships Through Dining.

[00:51:11] Places to Find VIN 909.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Alex Manfredonia emphasize the crucial role of business owners in actively managing their restaurants and staying informed about what is happening. It highlights the fact that employees, no matter how skilled, will never have the same level of dedication as the business owner. They underscore that active involvement and awareness as a business owner are crucial for maintaining the restaurant's success and quality.

Moreover, Ken and Alex highlight the importance of treating and compensating employees well in the service industry. Happy employees lead to satisfied customers, ultimately contributing to the success of a business. They also delve into the significance of conducting trial periods for potential hires before making a final commitment. They recognize that despite comprehensive interviews and assessments, there is still a possibility that a candidate may not work out, and it is better to identify and address any issues early on.

QUOTES

• “It gives me not sympathy, but empathy for my staff. And I know where they're coming from and what they're feeling and what they're dealing with and that them realizing that, I'm looking out for them, they're looking out for me.” - Alex Manfredonia
• “There's always could always be better. There's always more to do. There are always ways to improve things. And, that's the challenge. The challenge is keeping things interesting and fresh, but still staying with your style. So people keep coming to what they expect.” - Alex Manfredonia
• "If you can't get along with everybody, get out." - Alex Manfredonia
• "It's not transactional, it's reciprocity and it's true just, getting involved in your fellow human being and just building relationships." - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Alex Manfredonia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-manfredonia-47370192/

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 42 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden shares his gratitude for the caliber of guests he has had on the show. He reflects on the connections and network pieces that have been instrumental in the success of the podcast. He also expresses his gratitude for a few individuals who have contributed to the show's growth and impact. Ken acknowledges the blessings in his life and emphasizes the importance of learning from others and surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can help us grow professionally.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:34] Networking and Mentorship

[00:06:19] Building Reciprocal Relationships.

[00:08:07] Gratitude in Recovery and Business.

[00:12:29] Scaling and Finding the Right People.

[00:15:10] Staffing and Growth Challenges.

[00:17:07] Hiring the Right People.

[00:21:10] Review Your Goals.

In this episode, Ken Baden emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and evaluating processes, systems, and goals. He stresses the need to ensure that these processes and systems are effective and aligned with one's objectives. He also discusses the significance of goal assessment, particularly as the year draws to a close. Ken suggests reflecting on the progress made towards the goals set for the current year and setting new goals for the upcoming year, both in personal and professional realms.

Additionally, the episode touches on the importance of fiscal responsibility, especially during financially challenging times. Ken advises exploring clever ways to access finances quickly and ensure liquidity, such as evaluating different financial options or implementing effective expense management strategies.

QUOTES

• “I really wish there was someone like me where I could have just jumped on and buried my head in and really helped grow this business, you know, get a piece and have all this success.” 
• “There's always that person that you could seek out and find and say, ‘Okay, who's doing what I want to do in my area?’ And flat out, ask them how they did it. You know, most people at the top of these respective areas had somebody that at one point helped them.”
• “Be aware that you don't want to be transactional. You want to be reciprocal.”
• “There are so many different books and strategies on the power of positive thinking. But gratitude is a huge play. So if you find yourself being ungrateful, that's probably a very good sign that you need to kind of recalibrate and maybe do yourself a little gratitude list.” 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 41 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden is joined by Keith Gause, the Blue Collar Advisor. They discuss the similarities between business owners and salespeople when it comes to their ability to generate income. They also discuss the importance of having the right support and guidance in business, especially for sales professionals. Moreover, Ken and Keith touch on topics such as private equity and the role of a COO in growing a business.

Tune in for valuable insights and strategies to make smarter money moves. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:09] Gift of entrepreneurship.

[00:09:07] The Current State of the Economy.

[00:11:22] Liquidity and Emergency Funds.

[00:19:38] Getting Smarter with Money.

[00:22:59] Scaling and Preparing for Sale.

[00:27:03] The Gap Between You and Your Leadership Group.

[00:30:58] Selling Assets for Business Growth.

[00:32:46] Responsible Business Ownership.

[00:35:10] Learning How to Handle Money.

[00:41:07] Business Scalability and Growth.

[00:42:57] Setting Ambitious Goals.

[00:46:01] Business Infrastructure for Growth.

[00:53:33] The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Employee.

[00:55:37] Finding the Right Person.

[00:59:06] Networking and Mentorship.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Keith Gause emphasize the importance of seeking guidance and making informed decisions in different situations. By having a trusted advisor, individuals can make smarter choices and potentially improve their financial outcomes.

Furthermore, Ken and Keith stress the importance of business owners having accessible cash reserves and being prepared for economic changes. They acknowledge that as business owners, individuals have a responsibility not only to themselves but also to their employees and families. Hence, Ken and Keith discuss the potential impact of government actions on the economy. They note that when the government increases the money supply and reduces interest rates, people tend to start spending money, leading to a rebound in the economy. However, they emphasize that it is not solely about predicting the direction of the economy but rather about how business owners and individuals can prepare for it.

QUOTES

• “There are really two seasons, there's lose money and tight money seasons. Right now, we're in a tight money season, meaning interest rates are high, inflation is high, and loans are not easy to get.” - Keith Gause
• “It's not about where the economy is heading. It's what we can do as business owners and individuals to prepare for it.” - Keith Gause
• “It's just finding liquidity where you can find it.” - Keith Gause
• “And just making sure that when the right opportunity presents itself, you have an at-bat. And to have an at-bat, you need cash.” - Keith Gause
• “The reality is like understanding the vision of the client to understand where, what, what direction their compass needs to be pointing. Because there are ultimately a few different ways of business that are lifestyle companies where ‘We don't really want to show a profit.’, ‘We don't really care to grow.’, ‘We just want it to pay for everything that we want to do.’” - Keith Gause
• “Look at some of these bigger companies that I have, and like the guys that they have that are in those rooms for leadership. They're leaders, they exude it, they look it, they walk it, they talk it. And finding that is just its own art.” - Ken Baden
• "Running a business, it's a game of chess. You got to put the right people in the right spots and have the right relationships and be able to call the right individuals in." - Keith Gause
• “It makes you a very smart businessman if you want to start learning what you can and can't do and how you can get a little bit more savvy.” - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Keith Gause

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithgause-tidelandfinancial/

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 40 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden welcomes Adam Bensman, a renowned expert in the door-to-door industry. They discuss Adam's role as a roof strategist and they also express how they used to have a "full throttle" approach to work, pushing themselves to the point of breaking down and then taking a vacation to recover. Thus, they now recognize their intention to learn from others who have found this balance and are committed to adopting a healthier approach to work.

Tune in to learn more about Adam and his contributions to the business world.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:45] CEO to Roof Strategist Journey.

[00:06:11] Selling Roofs Door to Door.

[00:10:30] Door-to-Door Stigma.

[00:13:26] Running a Business Efficiently.

[00:21:11] The Future of the Storm.

[00:26:30] Crisis as an Opportunity.

[00:32:13] Crazy Increase in Prices.

[00:42:47] Door-to-Door Sales

[00:48:48] Instant Gratification and Social Media.

[00:52:43] Finding Work-Life Balance.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Adam Bensman's goal is to maintain a consistent pace and stay focused without burning out. They are searching for ways to keep their mind and body fresh for optimal productivity while avoiding the extreme highs and lows of their previous work style. They also refer to finding their "marathon pace" and asks for advice on how to achieve this without exhausting themselves.

In addition, Ken and Adam discuss the distracting nature of social media and its contribution to feelings of insecurity and instant gratification. They highlight how social media is designed to divert individuals from society and can be used by corporate entities and potentially the government to exert control. They also emphasize the instant gratification aspect of social media, where individuals seek validation and recognition through likes and followers. This constant need for validation can lead to feelings of insecurity and a focus on superficial measures of success.

QUOTES

• “Take the initiative, go in, work your butt off.” - Ken Baden
•  "If you want uncommon results, you got to do uncommon things." - Adam Bensman
• "And if you're willing to ride the wave, I always look at a crisis as an opportunity." - Adam Bensman
• "If you're thinking, how can I make money? You're a moron, and you're going to be a failure." - Adam Bensman
•  "I think chasing money is greedy and it's a poor way to start business and just ask yourself, what problems can I solve?" - Adam Bensman
• "Yeah, the secret to success is simple. Get really good at what you do, practice all the time, and don't let yourself get in your own way." - Adam Bensman

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Adam Bensman

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.bensman/

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

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

In episode 39 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden is joined by guest Ken Rusk, a blue-collar entrepreneur and construction author. They discuss the importance of cultivating the next generation of blue-collar workers and bringing awareness to the opportunities available in these fields. The conversation touches on topics such as the misconception that blue-collar work is outdated and the desire of younger generations to pursue careers in technology.

Tune in to learn more about Ken Rusk’s book and the work he's doing to promote blue-collar entrepreneurship.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:57] Writing and Promoting books.

[00:07:11] Controlling Your Own Future.

[00:10:38] Living Life to the Fullest.

[00:14:23] Blue-Collar Spaces in Demand.

[00:21:00] Oversupply of Business Degrees.

[00:24:23] College as a Scam.

[00:31:15] Being the Limiter of Growth.

In this episode, Ken Baden and guest, Ken Rusk, strongly advocate for considering trade or blue-collar jobs as viable options for a successful career and financial stability. They argue that while pursuing a degree in a specific field can provide a clear career path, there is now a high demand for skilled workers in the blue-collar industry. They believe these industries will soon have the power to set their own price points due to a mass influx of workers.

In addition, Ken Baden and Ken Rusk highlight how the push for college education has overshadowed the many other paths to success. They emphasize that apprenticeships, tech schools, trade schools, or even starting to work right after high school can lead to a balanced life and the fulfillment of one's goals. Thus, they also emphasize that it is not just the type of job that matters, but also what individuals do with their chosen profession. They believe that blue-collar workers have the ability to quickly create wealth for themselves, enabling them to enjoy the things they have always wanted to do.

QUOTES

• “That's exactly what We're trying to bring light to, and we say blue-collar industries can yield white-collar returns, and they absolutely can, or dirty hands can equal clean money.” - Ken Baden
  "In blue-collar work, you get to control pretty much your input, and you control your output." - Ken Rusk
• "So, it's an awesome responsibility, but at the same time, it's wholly freeing because once you know what you want your life to look like, there's a million ways to go get it." - Ken Rusk
• "The beautiful part about what we do as blue-collar workers is we create wealth for ourselves in abundance quickly enough that we can start to enjoy the things that we wish we would have done." - Ken Rusk
• "which means you gotta be careful that you as a business owner, aren't the limiter of your own growth." - Ken Rusk
•  "I can't get what I want for myself, nor can my company get what it wants or needs until all of you get what you want first." - Ken Rusk

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Ken Rusk

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175/

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/