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.
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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