Blue-Collar BS Brad Herda and Steve Doyle

What if the key to success wasn't a four-year degree, but a different path entirely?
In this episode of BCBS, we delve into a thought-provoking question while celebrating seven years since the start of our business journey. And of course, it wouldn’t be a BCBS episode without Steve and Brad's signature banter and friendly ribbing.
They introduce Jake Hall, also known as the "Manufacturing Millennial," who brings a wealth of knowledge about the importance of vocational schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, and their role in career success.
Jake Hall delves into his own trajectory in the manufacturing industry, starting from a summer job and evolving into a prominent advocate for automation and skilled trades. 
He underscores the misconceptions about the industry and emphasizes the myriad opportunities available in skilled trades and automation. The discussion stresses the necessity for blue-collar industries to focus on leadership, mentoring, and creating career growth opportunities to retain younger talent.
Jake's insights extend to community involvement, the importance of showcasing the human side of companies, and the value of connecting with local educational initiatives to attract the next-generation workforce. 
Highlights:
1. Redefining Success Without a Four-Year Degree: Explore how alternatives like vocational schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships can lead to lucrative and fulfilling careers.
2.Jake Hall's Professional Journey: From a summer job to gaining 100,000 followers on various platforms, Jake shares his path to becoming a full-time advocate for the manufacturing industry.
3. Millennials and Gen Z Career Expectations: Discover why younger generations look beyond paychecks, seeking purpose, impact, and growth in their careers.
4. Addressing Industry Misconceptions: Learn how Jake confronts the stereotypes of manufacturing being dark, dirty, and dangerous, highlighting the sector's potential and opportunities.
5. Community and Educational Engagement: Understand the power of local co-op programs, internships, and community involvement in fostering talent and securing business success.
Support Blue-Collar Businesses: Join us in recognizing and supporting the valuable contributions of blue-collar workers to our economy and society. Your feedback is crucial for our continuous improvement.
Connect with our guest:
Website
LinkedIn
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Ever feel like your negative thoughts are dictating your daily actions and outcomes? This episode dives into how different generations manage their "head trash" and offers actionable insights to shift your mindset from negative to positive.
We explore the concept of "head trash" and how it affects workers across different generations. Also discussed are the impacts of negative self-talk on beliefs and actions, and provide strategies for turning these thoughts around. Along the way, they touch on generational differences in dealing with psychological barriers and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in shaping one's future.
Impact of Negative Self-Talk: Learn about the disproportionate impact of negative thoughts versus positive ones, and how these internal dialogues shape our beliefs, actions, and outcomes.
Strategies for Positivity: We share actionable strategies for converting negative thoughts into positive beliefs and actions, emphasizing the role of personal responsibility.
Real-World Examples: Hear anecdotes and real-life scenarios that highlight the consequences of unchecked negative self-talk, along with the benefits of adopting a positive mindset.
Generational Trends: Understand how different generations managing their psychological barriers, with a specific focus on Millennials and Gen Z taking control of their destinies.
Resources and Recommendations: Get book recommendations and practical advice for fostering positive change within yourself and your team, ensuring a more optimistic and productive work environment.
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Have you ever struggled with sales or wondered how to adapt to the changing landscape? In this episode of we dive into the evolving world of industrial and sales landscapes, turning challenges into opportunities. We chat with Nick Loise, a seasoned sales professional who shares some of his best tactics and insights.
Most of us need to sell in some capacity, whether it's ourselves or a product. This episode explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way sales professionals approach their craft. There’s a big push towards authenticity, focusing on genuine interactions and adapting to generational differences.
We cover various sales dynamics, including the rise of virtual interactions and merging sales with service expertise for technicians. From building customer trust online to redefining professionalism, we discuss nurturing professional growth and refining sales skills in a changing world.
Remember, we've just hit 100 episodes, and we’d love to reach even more listeners. If you think someone would benefit from our show, please like, share, and give us a 5-star review. Your support means a lot to us!
Key Points:
1. Coaching teams to be genuine and effective in their interactions and utilizing assessments for hiring to find the right fit for sales roles
2. Sales Dynamics and Adaptation Strategies and the importance of adapting to buyer communication methods, and strategies to manage different generational buyer preferences. Utilizing a documented and repeatable sales process for predictability and success
3. Revolutionizing sales skills for service technicians in today's market. Challenge of Training Service Technicians in Sales and Customer Service. Importance of improving sales skills and customer service among service technicians. Need for awareness, training, and aligned incentives.
4.  Fractional sales leadership for small to mid-sized businesses and strategies to improve sales performance and revenue growth.
Nick's FREEBIE
https://salespack.salesperformanceteam.com
Connect with Nick:
Website
LinkedIn
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Are you still struggling to understand Gen’Zs? We came across an article, "Generational Shift: Gen Z's Impact on the Future of Work," from Stanford that might help close the gap for you. 
We show how this upcoming generation integrates technology at work to their expectations for work-life balance and the importance they place on authenticity and trust from employers.
With firsthand insights, funny anecdotes, and some candid reflections on how these changes are affecting traditional industries. Steve and Brad will share their experiences and explore what these generational differences mean for business owners and workers alike.
Whether you're managing a team, trying to fit into the evolving job market, or simply curious about how workplaces are transforming, this episode will provide plenty of food for thought. 
To help us keep growing the show, please like, share, and give us a 5-start Apple review!
Highlights:
Tech Integration: Gen Z sees technology not just as a tool but as an essential part of any modern business. Their push for digital transformation could be the key to efficiency and sustainability in trades and manufacturing.
Expectation of Change: Unlike previous generations, Gen Z enters the workforce with an expectation for periodic change and adaptation, aligning with their dynamic upbringing in a fast-paced technological environment.
Workplace Culture: Trust, authenticity, and mental health are not just buzzwords but essentials for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent. These young workers look for employers who value transparency and support a healthy work-life balance.
Links
-Article
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

In every industry, there are noticeable gaps that beg for solutions, yet many hesitate to act. Ann Ensenbach defied this trend by founding AAPEX Group, aiming to fill industry gaps and revive the Gold Standard.
AAPEX is more than a manufacturing company; it's a hub of educational empowerment and skill advancement. Through scholarships and training, particularly in engineering and automation, the company molds not just products but people.
This strategy not only cultivates a skilled workforce but also confronts industry-wide challenges like aging demographics and technological integration. AAPEX actively recruits from often overlooked groups like foster care systems and military veterans, breaking barriers to employment and growth.
Ann Ensenbach is crafting a modern manufacturing ecosystem, reinvigorating the industry's values while championing inclusivity and innovation.
Highlights:
Embrace Change for Innovation: Ann's journey with AAPEX showcases the power of disruptive innovation and high-quality, American-made products, revitalizing the American gold standard in manufacturing.Opportunities for All: AAPEX isn't just a company; it's a community advocate. Offering scholarships and training, particularly in engineering, it aims to uplift individuals from all walks of life, especially those transitioning from challenging circumstances.The Impact of Leadership: Effective leaders foster positive work environments and opportunities for growth. AAPEX exemplifies leadership that nurtures potential and contributes to setting industry standards.Being the Change: Learn how Ann's leadership at AAPEX Group is revolutionizing American manufacturing, focusing on quality, innovation, and inclusivity.Breaking Stigmas: Discover how AAPEX Group tackles misconceptions surrounding the manufacturing industry, promoting a cleaner, safer, and more innovative environment.
Connect with Ann:
AAPEX
LinkedIn
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

🎈🎊🥳Welcome to the 100th episode of the BCBS podcast! 
In this milestone episode, we reflect on the journey we’ve embarked on, reaching out to voices from various facets of the blue-collar industry and sharing their unique perspectives and stories.
We reflect on the profound impact our journey has had, not just on us as hosts, but on our listeners, the blue-collar community, and the networks we've built together.
We want to thank all of our guests and listeners for helping us reach this milestone. Without you, Blue Collar BS would not be where it is today. 
Join us as we explore how these insightful discussions can influence and reform industries worldwide. 
Who should we interview next? 
Don’t forget to keep like, sharing and rating us!
Check out all the episodes we mentioned:
Ep. 13-Josh Claymer Charters His Gen Z Talent
Ep. 36 Millennial Energy Focused on Future with Daniel Felt
Ep. 41 How to look at hiring differently with Matt Guse
Ep. 57 Empowering the Future of Blue Collar Work: Andrew Brown's Journey to Redefine Skilled Trades Careers
Ep. 59 Working Across Generations: Insights from Kura Home 
Ep. 61 Redefining the Workforce: Insights from an Entrepreneur (Part two with Kura Homes)
Ep. 67 Never Say Never with Dave Hataj
Connect with us:
Steve Doyle:
Website
LinkedIn
Email
Brad Herda:
Website
LinkedIn
Email


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy