In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Michael Turcotte, proprietor of Turn Cycle Solutions!

Michael built and grew his New Hampshire-based business with the usual hard work and hiring team members to cover his own weaknesses… But he also made the unique decision to hire people with similar strengths to his own. Why would he replace his own strengths with a costly employee, and how did this decision help his business grow? Listen to this episode, and you just might find out!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Dean Leber, a top leadership consultant at The Leaders Group!

The corporate world is full of bloated questions – “What’s the difference between a mission and vision statement?” and “How do I empower my employees to become good leaders?” These questions seem jejune on the surface, but Dean has real, authentic answers to them that can help you, your team, and your business. Listen to this episode to find out how!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Chris Manzela, co-owner of BradManz Landscaping! Chris has been working since he was only 14 years old, but he’s progressed a long way since then – from $3.75 an hour bussing tables to owning his own business and a massive football fan cave, Chris’ steps forward have not been small! What’s his secret? Listen to this episode, and you just might find out!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Dimitri Skrinik, the Project Manager at MODS National!

Dimitri’s had an exciting journey, between emigrating from Moldova, leveraging internships into running his own blue collar business… And then leaving it to manage construction projects using shipping containers! Why did he choose Project Management over business ownership? What have his experiences taught him? Hear the answers, his story, and more here, in this episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brendan Manning, the Vice President of Education & Environment at AGC New York! The AGC (Associated General Contractors) specializes in discovering and solving the problems caused by federal and state legislation that pertain to the trades, and informing and working with local tradespeople based on that information. Whether it’s by focusing on the legal side, directly training local business owners, or partnering with local organizations, the AGC is a fantastic Blue Collar advocate! Listen to this episode to learn more about their important mission!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brent Flavin and David Johnson, co-founder & CEO, and Sales VP respectively of BoomNation! Finding workers and finding work – that’s the biggest challenge the trades are facing. BoomNation breaks through the drawbacks of job boards, combining effective professional services with a fun and personal user experience. If you breathe Blue and want to work Blue, BoomNation is your solution!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Terrence Musto and Robert Manasier – the creator of Fabbro Industries, and the business mentor that helped him do it! From a humble start building custom bikes to running his own professional fabrication shop, Terrence’s business is a stunning example of the kind of value a business mentor like Robert can provide. Want to learn how to take that idea of yours to the next level? Listen to this episode to get a few clues!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Doug Ford and Pam Stott, two employees of Curtis Lumber who specialize in workforce development! It’s all anyone can talk about now: “Where are all the young workers?” “What will happen to the trades in ten years?” If Doug and Pam have anything to say about it, things will only get better – they’re dedicated to educating people across the state about their options, and the wonderful truths about Blue Collar work – it’s not “a backup job”, it’s skilled, profitable, fulfilling, and essential!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jared Davis and Samuel Stork – teacher and graduate respectively from WSWHE BOCES! They’ve got programs in dozens of different subjects for kids and adults alike, but one particular strength of their offerings is the Blue Collar menu! Horticulture, heavy equipment operation, welding, automotive – whatever your shade of blue, BOCES has a program for you!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster talk to Ben Rieth, co-founder and operator of Daigle Fire Solutions! While his business is literally based around fire prevention, his stories make it clear that every businessman needs to know how to deal with tough situations in the same way! There’s plenty of tips for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in this episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Morgan Pellitteri, the man behind TechSmart Inspections! While he worked white collar and with other employees in the past, Morgan rededicated himself to a new calling – running an entire home inspection operation himself! What made him make the change? How has he achieved success? Listen to this episode and find out!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview four students at the Blue Collar College – Tim, Jonathan, Jawid and Edon! Their incredible stories showcase the strength of the Blue Collar spirit – between preserving heritage, community values, working hard to chase those dreams, and even acts of genuine heroism, the future for the next generation of Blue Collar workers is looking bright!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview three Blue Collar superstars – Amanda Triolo, Brian Correll, and Luke Scarcelli of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Grasshopper has been all the buzz – or rather, chirp – on the scene lately as their marvelous marketing, terrific teamwork and stellar service take the community by storm! What’s the secret to their raid growth and success? We have some of the answers for you here in this episode!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Jim Dawsey, the President of MLB Construction Services, LLC! Jim’s come a long way in his life, from minimum-wage drudgery in a February rainstorm to running a premier multi-million dollar company! He learned no small amount of methods, strategies and secrets along the way… And if you listen to this episode, you just might learn a few for yourself!

In this episode, our hosts Mike and Derek interview Taylor Hopeck, the Client Coordinator at Witt Construction! Her story perfectly showcases that sometimes, you choose the Blue Collar life… And sometimes, it chooses you!

In this episode, our visionary founder Derek Foster interviews Terry Hubbard, the founder, CEO and Sales Manager at Peak Environmental: Landscape Construction & Management Services! Terry’s been working in his field since he was only 16 years old, and has grown his business to a multi-team unit with 25 employees, and room for more! How did he do it? What practices have led to his success? Derek learns the answers here, in this stellar episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster have a chat with Vince LaTerra, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you live in Saratoga, you’ve heard of these guys, and there’s a lot of advice this successful businessman has to offer in this episode! What is it? You’ll have to listen to find out!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Ivan Bell, the main man behind IBS Septic & Drain! He’s got a lot to say about balancing home life and family life, giving 110%… And, most importantly, loving what you do!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jim Countryman – the assistant professor of Applied Technologies at Hudson Valley Community College; AKA, The Blue Collar College! We know, we know – we’ve often said college isn’t for everybody… But with amazing programs like Jim’s, you can learn Blue Collar skills from start to finish – like automotive mechanics, aviation mechanics, HVAC, electrical engineering, and much, much more! Get the inside scoop on HVCC’s stellar, affordable offerings for any and all students here, in this informative episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Paul Lambert, the Project Manager at Bonacio Construction! If you’re from Saratoga Springs or Rome, New York, you know these guys – but if not, don’t worry! We’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about Bonacio Construction and Paul Lambert here, in this stellar episode!

In this episode, our Host Mike Nelson and Visionary Founder Derek Foster interview Dustin Manny, the main man behind Manny Topsoil and Gravel! Dustin is all about working hard and doing the job right, and he tells us all about his methods, beliefs and styles right here in this episode!