In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike and Derek sit down with Korey Chapman, owner of Little Moose Prints, to break down the realities of running a low-margin, labor-intensive business in a highly competitive market. Korey breaks down ten years of lessons in screen printing and embroidery, including pricing in a race-to-the-bottom market, managing production labor, investing in equipment, and building systems that keep jobs moving out the door on time.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
You can learn more about Korey Chapman and Little Moose Prints at littlemooseprints.com and across their social platforms.
0:00 Cold open and welcome
0:15 What Blue Collar StartUp is all about
1:03 Sponsors and supporting the trades
1:31 Introducing Korey Chapman and Little Moose Prints
2:08 Ten years in business and team size
3:19 From fourth-generation farming to entrepreneurship
4:54 Discovering screen printing and moving to Idaho
6:01 Starting as a side hustle and going all in
7:18 Competing in a race-to-the-bottom industry
8:49 How farming prepared Korey for business reality
10:18 Saying yes before knowing how to deliver
11:57 Manual presses, brutal hours, and automation
13:49 The biggest challenge over ten years: labor
15:47 Letting go of the wrong people sooner
16:32 Learning to track numbers and run a scorecard
18:23 Leadership, decision-making, and accountability
21:59 Pricing, margins, and firing the wrong clients
33:00 Patreon preview, where to find Korey, and wrap-up
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike Nelson and Derek Foster welcome back Bill Tansey Jr. to break down what it really takes to build a business that can operate without its owner being involved in every daily decision. From getting the “trains running on time” to implementing org charts, escalation criteria, and documented processes, the conversation delivers practical guidance for trades business owners looking to scale sustainably.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
Bill can be found on LinkedIn as William (Bill) Tansey Jr., or through his website at theopexshop.com.
0:00 Show introduction
0:25 Hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster introduce themselves
1:34 Year-end planning, goal setting, and why planning fuels growth
2:46 Sponsors, community impact, and giving back to the trades
5:18 Podcast milestones, episode output, and tools & tuition donations
6:31 Introducing Bill Tansey and the “Let’s Ask Bill” series
8:12 Vision boards, goal visibility, and staying focused all year
10:05 Today’s topic: building a business that can run without you
11:17 Hiring outside the friend circle and preparing for real growth
13:50 “Are the trains running on time?” explained
17:01 Cash cows, sustainable advantage, and the buggy whip analogy
18:59 Escalation criteria: critical vs. major vs. minor issues
22:19 When and how to use organizational charts correctly
26:36 Functional vs. cross-functional teams explained
29:20 Processes, business systems, and operations manuals
32:17 Why documented processes are required to scale
34:22 Biggest mistakes owners make when growing their business
37:04 Where to find Bill and closing remarks
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster explore how robotics and automation are being used in real-world trade businesses to solve labor challenges, improve efficiency, and deliver better results. From commercial cleaning to healthcare facilities, we break down what the technology actually does, where it works best, and why robots are becoming tools—not replacements—on the modern jobsite.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content!
https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-robots-help-146011099
00:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar Startup
01:30 Snowstorms, winter work, and life in the trades
03:10 The real cost of vacations for business owners
04:40 Setting up the episode: robotics in the trades
06:00 Derek’s background and growth of Daigle Cleaning Systems
08:20 Introducing robotics and automation in cleaning
10:45 Business acquisition and scaling during COVID
13:30 How cleaning robots actually work (mapping & programming)
16:45 What robots can and cannot replace
19:10 Safety, sensors, and robots working around people
21:30 Productivity gains and reallocating human labor
24:00 Using robotics to open doors with new clients
26:20 ROI, cost savings, and efficiency benefits
28:45 Where robotics works best: healthcare, offices, schools
31:15 Residential vs. commercial cleaning differences
34:00 Franchising, systems, and avoiding costly mistakes
36:30 Labor shortages and the future of automation
39:00 Industry standards, certifications, and audits
44:20 Advice for business owners considering robotics
50:09 Episode wrap-up and sponsor acknowledgments
In Episode 106 of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Bob Caldarella of ClearFocus Robotics to talk real-world autonomous robots in the trades, how “mop bots,” delivery bots, and disinfection robots are taking over repetitive, dangerous, or mundane tasks in cleaning, healthcare, landscaping, and facilities, delivering ROI in under a year while creating higher-skilled jobs and happier customers.
Connect with Bob Caldarella and ClearFocus Robotics at clearfocusrobotics.com or on LinkedIn.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00 Opening
00:15 Intro & Derek back from ISSA Vegas
02:17 Sponsor love & kids-in-trades donations
03:08 Guest: Meet Bob Caldarella – ClearFocus Robotics
04:04 What “front-of-house” real-work robotics means
06:05 Blue-collar tie-in & workflow pain points
10:01 Mowing robots vs. mop bots
11:15 Yelp horror stories & customer satisfaction math
14:19 Derek: 2x - 5x weekly vacuuming, zero extra labor
15:18 Other robot categories (secure delivery, heavy transport, UVC)
17:36 Hospital blood-sample runs: 75 miles/week automated
20:10 Bob’s journey from ATM manufacturing to life-saving robotics
22:43 Adoption fears & union concerns
25:38 When should you even look at robotics?
30:25 The $1M workman’s-comp cart push waiting to happen
33:32 Derek on finally pulling the trigger
34:02 How to spot a quality commercial robot
37:47 Where robotics is headed in the next 5 years
40:30 It’s about better outcomes, not fewer people
42:13 Where to find ClearFocus + main show wrap
43:20 Patreon tease & sponsor thanks
44:06 Outro “keep hustling”
In Episode 105, Mike and Derek break down Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant for blue-collar workers and deliver a practical 6-step blueprint to start and grow a profitable trade business while still keeping your day job. From validating your idea and staying lean to knowing exactly when to quit and how to avoid the classic rookie mistakes, this is the no-BS roadmap thousands of tradespeople have been waiting for.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00 Intro & banter – who’s the new MC?
02:05 The skilled-trades workforce crisis: 2.2 million leaving every year
06:04 Shout-out to sponsors & how the show gives back to BOCES programs
07:42 Introducing Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant (E to S to B to I)
09:23 Derek’s origin story – from construction laborer to business owner
14:02 Step 1: Validate your idea (research, competitors, test with friends/family)
19:07 Step 2: Build a financial safety net (keep the full-time job, save 3-6 months)
24:43 Why rushing without a cushion destroys decision-making (Mike’s story)
28:07 Track revenue & expenses from day one (even if you hate bookkeeping)
31:25 Step 3: Start lean – no big equipment or truck purchases until you have paying clients
36:33 Turn vehicles from liabilities into rolling billboards
41:30 Sell without spending on marketing – networking beats ads in the beginning
46:13 Step 4: Manage your time (evenings/weekends, power lists, boundaries)
50:56 Pay-time vs non-pay-time & the Pareto principle for tradespeople
54:21 Patreon tease: Step 5 (when to go full-time) & Step 6 (common mistakes)
55:10 Outro & sponsor thank-you
56:05 Episode ends
In Episode 103 of Blue Collar Startup, Mike and Derek welcome back Pam Stott and Doug Ford from the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. Tune in as they tackle shifting stigmas, counselor workshops, job shadowing, and plans to franchise their model nationwide with help from education firm 1080. Also learn about the November 19th mixer at Rivers Casino—networking, updates, and a high-stakes 200-ticket raffle ($5K/$3K/$2K prizes).
You can connect with the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition at nctwc.org or follow them on LinkedIn and X.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00 Halloween intros & pumpkin talk
00:34 Sponsor shoutouts & BOCES donations
02:21 Pam & Doug return; Curtis Lumber backstory
04:19 Coalition origins & nonprofit milestone
06:17 Elementary toolbox builds (2nd grade+)
11:20 Middle-school dodecahedron & STEM ties
13:41 High-school site visits & Meet the Builder
15:29 Shop class memories & stigma shift
17:14 Alex Dominguez success story
22:49 Job shadowing & internship matchmaking
26:28 Girls’ summer camp (week 1 basic, week 2 advanced)
30:15 Matt Litvak praise & builder volunteers
35:19 Counselor workshops & speed-trading
42:47 Scaling nationally via LBM dealers & 1080
46:14 November 19 mixer at Rivers Casino
47:12 $100 raffle (200 tickets, $20K pot)
51:50 Website & socials; closing thanks
In Episode 102 of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster welcome back operational excellence expert Bill Tansey. Bill breaks down key pillars like daily operations, problem-solving, and the eight wastes, offering practical tools to eliminate inefficiency and ensure consistent execution in trades like construction and manufacturing.
You can connect with Bill Tansey at theopexshop.com, bill@theopexshop.com, or on LinkedIn at William (Bill) Tansey Jr.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00:15 Welcome to Blue Collar Startup
00:00:29 Hosts introduce themselves
00:01:15 Hunting season talk
00:02:08 Sponsor shoutouts
00:02:48 Patreon announcement
00:03:07 Introducing guest Bill Tansey
00:04:02 What The Op Shop does
00:05:41 Hands-on vs. traditional consulting
00:08:14 Bill's career background
00:10:48 Companies worked for (Boston Scientific, Danaher, GE)
00:14:28 Five pillars of operational excellence
00:18:30 Biggest challenges in midsize businesses
00:21:22 Overcoming challenges with value stream mapping
00:23:37 The eight wastes explained
00:27:46 Applicability across industries
00:30:20 Signs to reach out for help
00:33:09 How to contact Bill
00:34:22 Episode wrap-up and sponsors
00:35:03 Closing remarks
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, Derek Foster interviews Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies, who shares his journey from insurance brokering to building a digital OSHA compliance platform that streamlines safety training and reduces risks for blue-collar businesses. Eric discusses compliance challenges, insurance cost impacts, and a $5 million claim highlighting the need for proactive safety measures.
You can connect with Eric and Safety Team Technologies at oursafetyteam.com to explore their platform or schedule a demo.
Support Blue Collar Startup and access exclusive content on our Patreon! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00 Introduction and opening
00:37 Co-host absence and guest introduction
01:09 Eric introduces his background and Safety Team Technologies
03:17 Transition to insurance brokering and OSHA expertise
05:07 Founding Safety Team Technologies and software development
07:27 Challenges of implementing safety programs
08:10 Digital solutions for safety training and compliance
09:25 Mobile app features and gamified safety quizzes
10:15 Impact on reducing insurance claims and costs
11:32 Customizing safety content for specific industries
13:34 Challenges in building the Safety Team platform
15:30 Growth through client referrals and national reach
16:51 Future plans for organic business growth
18:33 Explaining workers’ compensation experience modification
20:49 Consequences of claims on insurance premiums
22:56 Onboarding process for new clients
26:17 Craziest insurance claim: a $5 million roofing incident
30:51 Advice for new business owners on safety compliance
32:33 Using technology like ChatGPT for safety programs
40:14 How to connect with Safety Team Technologies
41:49 Closing remarks and call to action
In Episode 100 of Blue Collar Startup, Mike and Derek sit down with Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction for a candid look at his 35-year journey from framing homes to building one of the region’s most influential development companies. From humble beginnings to transforming the landscape of Saratoga, Sonny shares lessons on growth, grit, and staying persistent when the stakes are high.
You can connect with Sonny and Bonacio Construction at bonacio.com or by following the company on social media.
Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Winter prep and farm life
02:05 The broken plow story
03:35 Sponsor shoutouts & episode milestone
04:15 Introducing Sonny
05:30 Bonacio Construction: the early days
07:20 Word-of-mouth growth and “never say no”
09:35 Expanding to larger-scale commercial work
11:05 Surviving downturns & banking relationships
12:40 Pressure, risk, and staying calm under fire
14:12 “Leading the market instead of chasing it”
16:03 From subcontractor to GC to developer
17:55 How they landed major clients
19:14 Saratoga’s evolution over decades
21:30 Front-and-center projects & public pressure
24:41 Building true downtown communities
27:45 Landmark Price Chopper transformation
30:31 Legacy building and next generation leadership
33:58 Passion vs. planning: what really matters
In this new episode of Blue Collar StartUp, join hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster as they interview guest Mack Story, a former Marine, manufacturing veteran, author, and leadership expert. Tune in as they explore Mack's journey from factory worker to leadership consultant, emphasizing character development over competency, lean principles, personal growth, and building high-impact teams in blue-collar industries.
You can find Mack at bluecollarleadership.com, via his podcast "Blue Collar Leadership" or by phone at (334)728-4143.
Check out our new Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink
00:15 Hosts welcome listeners and introduce themselves.
01:29 Introduction of guest Mack Story.
02:05 Mack shares his blue-collar background in manufacturing.
06:15 Mack's military service and passion for personal reset.
09:09 Mack promotes free book previews at bluecollarleadership.com/download.
11:05 Advice for young listeners on career paths and passion.
17:47 Validation of youth's reading ability despite assumptions.
19:38 Unpacking character vs. competency in hiring and firing.
25:06 Advice on developing team character as a leader.
29:54 Promotion of book "Blue Collar Leadership: Leading from the Front Lines".
40:00 Reflection on firing always due to character.
50:07 Where to find Mack and his resources.
53:02 Accessibility and handling calls.
54:46 Upcoming event announcement.
56:31 Episode wrap-up and thanks to sponsors.
58:15 Final hustle encouragement.
01:12:15 Outro greetings.
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with Joe Cerrone, owner of Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, to explore what it really takes to scale a second-generation trades business. Tune in as they share lessons in leadership, hiring, delegation, software systems, and how to grow a company that can thrive without your constant presence.
Learn more about Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and their work across the Capital Region on their website https://cerroneplumbinghvac.com/.
Check out our new Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! www.patreon.com/c/BlueCollarStartUp
0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
0:29 What’s New with Daigle Cleaning Systems
1:25 Business Growth and Constant Change
2:13 Remembering a Mentor and Working Until the End
3:00 Sponsor Acknowledgments
3:39 Guest Introduction: Joe Cerrone
4:15 From CrossFit to Career Growth
5:00 Taking Over a 40-Year Family Business
5:24 Early Days: One Van, Three People
6:01 From Installer to Owner: Learning Every Role
7:01 Building the Second Van and the Fear of Scaling
8:22 The Cost of Growth and 24-Hour Service
9:58 Hiring and Delegation Challenges
11:02 Learning When to Add Office Staff
12:18 Moving from Storage Units to Office Ownership
13:17 Balancing Liabilities vs. Revenue Growth
15:08 Learning to Delegate and Manage a Team
17:05 Training from Scratch and Building Loyalty
20:15 Investing in the Right Software Systems
23:33 Transitioning to New Management Tools
25:40 Staying Organized and Prioritizing Tasks
28:34 Working On the Business, Not In It
30:36 Recruiting and Growing the Next Generation
33:36 Keys to Scaling: Patience and Organization
36:07 Looking Ahead: Expansion into Saratoga Region
38:09 Patreon Launch Announcement
39:23 Episode Wrap-Up and Sponsor Thanks
40:05 Closing Remarks
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster catch up with returning guest Brad Lewis, executive director of the Troy Community Land Bank. Tune in as Brad shares his seasonal work strategies, real estate investments, cash flow insights, and more!
Learn how Brad bought a house for $100 here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/housing/2021/04/20/troy-foreclosed-properties-open-house
Learn more about Brad and the Troy Community Land Bank on their website troycommunitylandbank.org or follow their Facebook page.
0:00 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
0:49 Chicken Coop Struggles in the Rain
2:37 Sponsor Acknowledgments
3:25 Guest Introduction: Brad Lewis
4:15 Boston Marathon and Running Passion
5:54 Balancing Family and Work
7:14 From Trades to Real Estate
8:12 COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
10:10 Troy Community Land Bank Executive Director Role
11:25 Scaling Down Landscaping Operations
13:13 Entrepreneurial Journey Reflections
14:58 Troy Community Land Bank’s Mission
16:55 Property Acquisition and Rehab Process
18:34 Investing in Local Contractors
20:53 Building Sales and Community Impact
22:20 Land Bank Financial Model
27:48 Seasonal Work Strategies
29:32 Opportunities in Property Auctions
33:39 Nonprofit Cash Flow Challenges
36:22 Cash Flow Management Tips
40:56 Where to Learn More About the Troy Community Land Bank
42:24 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk with Cameron Carson, founder of Franbassador. Cameron shares how he built a window cleaning company from just $50 into a 13-unit franchise system, eventually selling it for a major multiple. They discuss the power of door knocking, the challenges of scaling, why franchising is exploding in home services, and how Franbassador helps businesses expand and thrive.
Learn more about Cameron and Franbassador at franbassador.io.
0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
2:35 Guest Introduction: Cameron Carson
3:27 Starting a Window Cleaning Company with $50
5:15 Door Knocking and Early Growth Strategies
7:34 The “Five-Around” Sales Method
11:44 Why Franchising Beat Multiple Locations
13:52 Scaling Challenges and Competitor Insights
17:11 Selling a Franchise System and Multiples
20:29 Helping Businesses Franchise with Franbassador
23:21 Franchising as a Legacy Plan for Owners
28:36 Industry Trends and the “Silver Tsunami”
31:04 Private Equity in Home Services
33:41 Buying Power and Expansion Through Franchising
37:05 How Franbassador Supports Franchisors
40:19 Benefits of Buying a Franchise vs. Starting Alone
44:28 Financing Options for Franchise Buyers
48:30 Franchise Growth Stories (Crumbl, Rolling Suds, etc.)
50:23 The Cost and Process of Franchising
55:16 Operations Manuals and Franchise Support
59:15 Licensing vs. Franchising – Legal Pitfalls
1:01:32 Where to Learn More About Franbassador
In this mini episode of the Blue Collar Startup podcast, host Mike Nelson shares a short but powerful message for business owners who may be questioning whether to keep going. Drawing from a recent conversation with a fellow entrepreneur, Mike talks about the struggles many face after five years in business, why perseverance matters, and how you might be closer to success than you think.
Listen to Blue Collar Startup now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Rumble and YouTube.
00:00 Welcome & quick update from Mike
00:30 A friend’s call about closing his business
01:15 The struggle of making it past year five
02:10 Why the hardest part is already behind you
02:50 Remembering bad days and bouncing back
03:15 The “Three Feet from Diamonds” story
04:00 Encouragement to persevere and not give up
04:30 Closing thoughts & sponsor thank you
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson talks with DT Tobiason, founder of West Coast Renewables, a Washington-based company transforming grease trap pumping, cooking oil recycling, and commercial kitchen plumbing. DT shares how he grew from a shop vac in a pickup to a 24-employee operation serving the Pacific Northwest. They cover scaling challenges, disposal costs, employee recruitment, and how turning kitchen waste into biodiesel feedstock keeps both restaurants and the environment running clean.
Learn more about West Coast Renewables at wcrenewables.com.
0:42 Host introduction
1:41 Guest intro: DT Tobiason, West Coast Renewables
2:00 From shop vac to first pump truck
3:18 Turning grease waste into biodiesel feedstock
4:58 Building revenue streams to offset costs
6:00 Early days and Seattle’s local-first culture
8:38 Overcoming growth and hiring challenges
10:15 Disposal costs and rebranding hurdles
11:32 Building a strong, competitive team culture
13:26 Recruiting talent and holding accountability
16:32 Sales and marketing strategies over the years
18:32 Expansion into Oregon and Idaho
21:13 Why restaurants need grease trap services
24:17 Educating restaurant owners and managers
25:08 Technology and equipment upgrades
31:10 Adding drain cleaning and plumbing services
33:01 Service agreements vs. long-term contracts
43:16 The role of a CFO in scaling operations
47:47 DT’s advice for blue collar startups
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jason and Stacy Spector to explore how growth mindset, resilience, and mindset coaching can transform students, athletes, and blue-collar workers alike. Tune in as they share personal stories from wrestling and education, practical strategies for leadership in the trades, and how mindset shifts can help businesses overcome hiring and training challenges.
Learn more about Jason and Stacy’s work with Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com.
0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson opens the show, Derek absent
0:29 Sponsor Shoutouts and Trade School Support
1:35 Guest Introduction: Jason & Stacy Spector join the podcast
2:23 Origins of Sweethearts & Heroes and Anti-Bullying Movement
3:38 Jason’s Personal Bullying Story and Wrestling Transformation
7:56 Teaching, Coaching, and Creating Positive School Culture
10:36 Transition into Mindset Coaching & Certification Background
12:27 Negative Self-Talk, Self-Doubt, and Student Athletes
15:00 Breathwork, Performance, and Mental Health Awareness
18:22 Wrestling, Growth Mindset, and Building Resilience
22:00 Competing at the College Level and Lessons Learned
25:00 Applying the “3 E’s” Process to Sports and Business
28:07 Growth Mindset in the Trades: Training New Hires
31:06 The Devin Story: Belonging, Esteem, and Wrestling Breakthrough
35:00 Maslow’s Hierarchy, Workforce Belonging & Leadership
38:10 Importance of Clear, Granular Communication for Teams
41:01 Reframing: Winning, Learning, and Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
45:00 Process-Based Focus and Avoiding Outcome-Driven Identity
53:57 Parenting, Youth Sports Culture, and Growth Mindset Lessons
58:45 Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety in Business
1:03:39 Three Levels of Growth Mindset: Reframing, Process, and Neuroplasticity
1:05:00 Using “Good” as a Self-Talk Reframe in Business and Life
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Buttenham, co-founder and CEO of Reins. Tune in as they discuss how his company helps blue-collar contractors offer equity incentives, his journey from working in his father’s contracting business to addressing the "silver tsunami" of aging business owners needing succession plans, and more!
Learn more about Reins at myreins.com.
0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
1:29 Guest Introduction: Chris Buttenham, Co-founder and CEO of Reins
2:23 Overview of Reins: Helping Contractors Offer Equity Incentives
2:53 Alternative Equity Incentives vs. Traditional Employee Ownership
3:49 Benefits of Aligning Employee and Business Goals
4:10 Shoutout to Sponsors Supporting Trade School Programs
5:42 Chris’s Background: Working for His Father’s Contracting Business
6:18 First Startup: AI Tool for Employee Queries (2015–2021)
6:52 Inspiration for Reins: Addressing Succession Challenges
7:59 The "Silver Tsunami" and Small Business Succession Plans
9:46 Why Reins? Helping Owners Pass the Reins
11:10 Importance of Small Businesses to the U.S. Economy
11:53 Common Use Cases: The "Late Promise" and Long-Term Incentives
13:32 Recruiting Key Employees with Equity Incentives
15:12 Tax Implications of Traditional vs. Alternative Equity
18:28 Simplifying Equity Incentives with Reins’ Framework
20:00 Reins’ Technology: Easy-to-Use Software for Owners and Employees
22:17 Ideal Business Size for Reins: 10–15+ Employees
23:06 Working with Businesses That Have Existing Profit-Sharing Plans
28:07 Example of Incentives: Profit-Sharing Pool and Personal Milestones
37:08 How to Connect with Reins and Access Free Resources
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally from Hudson Valley Community College. They discuss the college’s trade-focused programs, the importance of lifelong learning, partnerships with industry leaders like Global Foundries, opportunities for students in high-demand fields, and more!
Learn more about Hudson Valley Community College at hvcc.edu.
0:42 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson and Derek Foster
1:52 Guest Introduction Joe Dana, Amy Posner, and Chris McNally
2:31 Discussion of Robotic Arms and RPI Partnership
3:59 Student Support Resources and SUNY Reconnect Program
5:05 Campus Aesthetics and History
6:57 Founding as Hudson Valley Technical College for Veterans
8:19 Questar STEM High School and P-TECH Programs
9:55 Educational Opportunity Center and Non-Accredited Classes
11:33 Robotics in Manufacturing and Mechatronics Programs
14:16 Global Foundries Partnership and Technician Training
17:06 Enrollment Trends and High Demand for Trade Programs
19:57 FAA-Approved Aircraft Maintenance Program
22:39 Welding, Non-Destructive Testing, and High-Demand Careers
24:44 Job Placement Success in Trade Programs
27:22 Scholarship Opportunities and Industry Support
31:14 Challenges of Modern Automotive Repair
35:52 Future Trends and Lifelong Learning in Trades
37:20 Second Careers and Overcoming Instant Gratification Mindset
46:47 Enrollment Process for New Students
50:07 Campus Life and Student Support Services
50:58 Episode Conclusion
In this solo episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media shares a quick, practical process for turning a simple 5-minute video into a polished blog post using AI tools like Otter.ai, ChatGPT, and Opus Clips. He explains how to save time, create multiple pieces of content from one recording, and boost your SEO without breaking the bank.
0:00 Intro and welcome to Blue Collar Startup
0:15 Common challenge: Needing a blog but lacking time or writing skills
0:45 Step 1 – Record a quick video on your phone
1:43 Step 2 – Transcribe the video with Otter.ai
2:03 Step 3 – Export transcription and upload to ChatGPT or Grok
2:22 Prompting AI to create a 600+ word blog for SEO
3:22 Editing and refining your AI-generated blog
4:14 SEO benefits of consistent written and video content
4:52 Creating short video clips with Opus Clips
5:14 Affordable, repeatable content creation for under $100/month
5:45 Why AI can be a helpful tool in your marketing toolkit
6:30 Call to action: Subscribe, review, and help reach #1 blue collar podcast spot
6:43 Sponsor shoutouts and thank-yous
7:19 How to connect with the show and submit topic ideas
Dive into an engaging conversation with Warren County Sheriff Jim Lafarr on The Blue Collar Startup Podcast! Discover why policing is a true blue-collar trade, requiring grit, stamina, and smarts, and hear gripping insights into the daily challenges of keeping Warren County safe. Learn about the physical and mental demands of the job and the surprising parallels between running a sheriff’s office and a small business. Plus, get practical advice for young adults eyeing a career in law enforcement—no college degree needed, just hard work and heart. Tune in for an unfiltered look at the brotherhood, sisterhood, and adrenaline-fueled life behind the badge!
To learn more about opportunities with the Warren County Sheriff's Office or to connect with Sheriff Jim LaFarr, contact the office at 518-743-2501 and ask to speak with him directly.
1:45 Sheriff Jim LaFarr introduced.
2:00 LaFarr shares law enforcement background.
3:00 Sheriff’s office business challenges discussed.
4:04 Early career aspirations shared.
4:35 Civil service exam process explained.
5:39 Sheriff’s multifaceted roles described.
6:42 Law enforcement as blue-collar trade.
8:17 Advice for aspiring officers given.
10:13 Recruitment challenges discussed.
11:56 Law enforcement benefits highlighted.
13:53 Physical agility test details shared.
15:50 Daily police work excitement described.
20:00 Discreet crime management for safety.
22:29 Sheriff’s office rank structure explained.
24:49 Competitive salaries, benefits detailed.
27:43 Education reimbursement benefits discussed.
28:06 Specialization opportunities in sheriff’s office.
29:36 Marine patrol challenges highlighted.
33:00 Downsides of law enforcement discussed.
35:00 Physical fitness in policing addressed.
37:20 Communication, de-escalation skills emphasized.
40:23 Road rage incidents discussed.
42:56 Sheriff’s personal restraint example shared.
43:20 Officer decompression strategies discussed.
44:47 Jiu-jitsu training for officers mentioned.
47:01 Sheriff’s son’s career inspiration shared.
50:00 Episode wrap-up, sponsor thanks.