119 episodes

Welcome to the internet's best produced podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners and hear about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and the wins and lessons along the way.

If you want to be featured in our podcast, send an email to Lewis@bluecrocus.ca and we can see if you are a good fit. We are especially interested in chatting with contractors who own their own businesses, so if you fit that description, get in touch

The Blue Crocus Experience Lewis Vandervalk

    • Business

Welcome to the internet's best produced podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners and hear about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and the wins and lessons along the way.

If you want to be featured in our podcast, send an email to Lewis@bluecrocus.ca and we can see if you are a good fit. We are especially interested in chatting with contractors who own their own businesses, so if you fit that description, get in touch

    119- TBCE- Adam McChesney: On Building Authority and Business Growth Strategies

    119- TBCE- Adam McChesney: On Building Authority and Business Growth Strategies

    Adam McChesney is a dynamic entrepreneur specializing in digital marketing and personal branding. With a background in medical device sales, Adam transitioned into the world of SEO and website development around 2018. His persistence and innovative approach led to the rapid success of his agency, resulting in a merger with Hite Digital, where he was a franchise and partner for two years. Recently, Adam launched “Builders of Authority,” a consulting and coaching platform aimed at helping business owners build their brand authority online. Adam’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic marketing and personal branding in driving business growth.

    His website: https://adammcchesney.com/

    Summary:
    In this episode of the Blue Crocus experience, Adam McChesney shares his journey, starting from his early career in medical sales to founding his digital marketing agency and eventually launching “Builders of Authority.” They discuss actionable tips for building brand authority, leveraging social media for business growth, and the importance of consistency and authenticity. Adam emphasizes the value of showing up and putting in the work, sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his career. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brand and achieve sustainable growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    -Prioritize Consistency: Consistently showing up and engaging with your audience on social media is crucial for building brand authority.
    -Leverage Personal Experiences: Sharing personal stories can help connect with your audience and foster trust and authenticity.
    -Utilize Local Networking: Engaging with other local business owners through interviews and collaborations can enhance your brand presence in the community.
    Focus on Key Performance Indicators: Obsess over daily KPI’s and actions rather than immediate results to ensure long-term success.
    -Family as a Catalyst: Personal milestones, such as becoming a parent, can significantly influence and realign business priorities and goals.

    Quotes:
    “In life, you are most qualified to help the person that you used to be because you’ve gone through their experiences.”
    “You have to stop complaining that you’re not where you want to be if you’re not doing something that’s simple, free, and easy.”
    “If Adam can do it, if Lewis can do it, I can do it.”
    “Your story can help somebody. And you might be saying, well, if I just share my story, how is that going to grow my business? That’s going to grow your business because more people are going to know, like, and trust you.”
    “Get obsessed with the activity or the KPI, and the results will come.”

    Announcements:
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    About the Show:
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Group for Junk Removal Marketing Success Community:   / 148165343156578  
    Ch

    • 44 min
    118- TBCE- Murray Beaulieu: Building Business Credit

    118- TBCE- Murray Beaulieu: Building Business Credit

    Murray Beaulieu served in the army for five years and boasts a significant career spanning 35 years in corporate finance and manufacturing for renowned Fortune 500 companies. Although he was a finance expert in these large corporations, he admits he had no inkling about the intricacies of business credit, differentiating personal credit, and the unique challenges small business owners face in securing funding until later in his career.

    His website: https://www.trebuchetsolutions.com/



    Summary:
    In this insightful episode of the Blue Crocus experience, host Lewis sits down with finance veteran Murray, who sheds light on the often -overlooked yet crucial topic of business credit. The conversation dives deep into the untapped potential of building solid business credit and the leverage it provides any business owner, large or small. Murray’s expertise unravels the complexities of credit scores, lending, and strategically positioning a business for financial success without risking personal assets.

    Key Takeaways:
    -Business credit requires an intentional approach, as it’s not automatically reported like personal credit. Strategically building your business credit apart from personal credit is crucial.
    -Securing business funds without a personal guarantee is possible and essential to protect personal assets.
    -Consistency in business data across all platforms is critical for fundability and credibility to financial institutions and credit bureaus.
    -Access to the right funding can exponentially propel a business’s growth by enabling strategic investments.
    -Business credit, when built correctly, can enhance the value of a business, making it more attractive to buyers or transferrable to family without financial encumbrance.

    Quotes:
    “Every business needs access to money at some point” – Murray highlights the universal need for financial leverage in businesses.
    “You never want to commingle business and personal finances” – Murray on the importance of maintaining separate financial entities to avoid personal liabilities.
    “It’s massively unfair and very stressful” – Murray expressing the pitfalls of personal guarantees on loans.
    “You could be paying off a loan or paying off a credit card, thinking you’re building a credit, and if I pay this early or pay it on time, it’s going to make me look good. But there’s a 90% chance that, that the recording of that transaction isn’t going anywhere” – Murray on the lack of automatic business credit reporting.
    “The bear was in the woods walking in a ten by ten circle… most business owners have been conditioned to operate with blinders on” – Murray metaphorically discusses the limited perspective that hinders business owners without proper credit strategies.

    Announcements:
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    About the Show:
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Gr

    • 1 hr 13 min
    117- TBCE- Jake Still Building a Junk Removal Business from Cold Calling to Scaling

    117- TBCE- Jake Still Building a Junk Removal Business from Cold Calling to Scaling

    Jake is the owner of Junk Rescue, shares his journey from working in medical sales to starting his own junk removal business. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of building a strong team, and the value of continuous learning and personal development.

    His website: https://junk-rescue.com/



    Summary:
    In this episode of the Blue Crocus experience, host and guest delve into an engaging conversation highlighting Jake’s transition from college jobs to entrepreneurship, the growth of his junk removal enterprise, and the pivotal business lessons he’s learned. Jake shares his journey from marketing major to running a successful junk hauling company.

    Key Takeaways:
    -Entrepreneurial Spirit: Jake’s success story exemplifies how entrepreneurial drive can lead to -starting and growing a thriving business.
    -Digital Marketing Focus: Prioritizing digital marketing strategies and investing in digital outreach were key contributors to company growth.
    -Employee Growth: Jake stresses the need to offer career paths and growth opportunities to employees for long-term success.
    -Education Through Literature: Implementing a culture of learning and personal development via leadership and habit-forming books has been pivotal.
    -Systems and Simplicity: The development of simple, effective systems is crucial for scaling and delegating responsibilities.

    Quotes:
    “Luck is just a calculation. The more opportunities, more times you put yourself out there, the more luck you’re gonna have.”
    “I like being a white-collar guy in a blue-collar space.”
    “The longer you can be patient, the bigger you can build whatever it is you want to build.”
    “Being able to build operations and scale it and build systems and keep things… you really think about how other people are going to be running the business is just, I think, another part of your development.”

    Announcements:
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    About the Show:
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Group for Junk Removal Marketing Success Community:   / 148165343156578  
    Check out our Facebook Page:   / bluecrocussolutions  Find our Podcast Here:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu30Zf...
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast...
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR... Youtube: / @lewisvandervalk

    #podcast , #contractors, #leads, #seo, #leadgeneration, #fredericton, #bluecrocussolutions, #business, #businessowners, #tips, #concrete, #treeservice, #fitness, #paving, #sealcoating, #remodeling, #pressurewashing, #asphalt, #treeservice, #concrete, #website, #webdesign, #customers, #homeadvisor, #Googleads, #junkremoval, #junkremovalwebsites

    • 1 hr
    116- TBCE- Xavier Caldera: From 1-800-Junk to Junk Removal Marketing

    116- TBCE- Xavier Caldera: From 1-800-Junk to Junk Removal Marketing

    Xavier Caldera is a marketing enthusiast and entrepreneur with a deep love for the junk removal industry. Originally from Venezuela, he holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering and has worked for an oil company in his home country. His journey to the United States was driven by challenging political circumstances in Venezuela, which included a harrowing kidnapping incident. Arriving in the U.S. with only $200 in his pocket and speaking no English, Xavier climbed his way up from working for a moving company to founding his own marketing agency catering to the junk removal space, Junkie by Media Labs Agency.

    His website: https://junk-ify.com

    Summary:
    In this captivating episode of the Blue Crocus Experience, we’re introduced to Xavier, a marketer with a remarkable backstory and an undeniable passion for the junk removal industry. The conversation takes us through Xavier’s journey from struggling immigrant to successful entrepreneur, highlighting his resilience and dedication.

    Key Takeaways:
    -Xavier’s path from Venezuelan chemical engineer to U.S. immigrant highlights resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream.
    -Marketing in the junk removal industry requires meticulous tracking and adaptation to specific market demands.
    -Commercial leads are a key focus for growth in junk removal, with successful strategies involving direct contact and creative email marketing campaigns.
    -Xavier strongly advocates for free sharing of knowledge and resources within the industry community.
    -His personal experience of hardship drives his empathy and determination to help others succeed in business.

    Notable Quotes:
    “When you don’t have anything to lose, so everything is gain.”
    “We chase the American dream every day.”
    “Everything has a number in business.”
    “By giving away so much value, you’re building so much trust and building so much goodwill.”
    “The weirdest [subject lines for emails] are, the better it gets.”

    Announcements:
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    About the Show:
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Group for Junk Removal Marketing Success Community:   / 148165343156578  
    Check out our Facebook Page:   / bluecrocussolutions  

    Find our Podcast Here:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu30Zf...
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast...
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR...
    Youtube:    / @lewisvandervalk  



    #podcast , #contractors, #leads, #seo, #leadgeneration, #fredericton, #bluecrocussolutions, #business, #businessowners, #tips, #concrete, #treeservice, #fitness, #paving, #sealcoating, #remodeling, #pressurewashing, #asphalt, #treeservice, #concrete, #website, #webdesign, #customers, #homeadvisor, #Googleads, #junkremoval, #junkremovalwebsites

    • 48 min
    115- TBCE- Abel Dominguez A Journey from Woodworking to Junk Removal Business and Family

    115- TBCE- Abel Dominguez A Journey from Woodworking to Junk Removal Business and Family

    Abel Dominguez is an experienced sales and marketing professional with a rich background in various industries, including education and event sales. A family man with six children, Abel’s journey took a turn during the pandemic, leading him to launch a dumpster rental business that quickly pivoted to junk removal, now thriving under his leadership

    His website: https://www.temeculajunk.com/



    Summary:
    In this episode of the Blue Crocus experience, we dive into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship with Abel, a seasoned sales expert and business owner who shares his insights on building a brand, persevering through challenges, and making a positive impact in the community. Abel’s narrative is not just about seeking monetary success; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of creating a brand that resonates with both the community and clientele.

    Key Takeaways:
    -Create a robust presence in the community to establish credibility and connect with potential customers organically.
    -Tackle telemarketing calls legally with tactics that demonstrate knowledge of consumers’ rights and the Do Not Call registry.
    - Understand the distinction between starting a side hustle and building a business, focusing on creating a solid brand as the real goal.
    -The power of digital marketing, such as SEO and Google Ads, in driving leads and growing a business.
    -Shared struggle with introversion and the push to become the extroverted face needed for the business and its brand.

    Quotes:
    “I always worked my tail off. I’ve always had my full-time job and then one to two part-time jobs.”
    “If I don’t have something that I can subconsciously focus on, then I will… get distracted by everything.”
    “We live in California. It’s a crazy place here and extremely expensive to live.”
    “I started researching what we could do to make some extra money.”
    “My goal has always been to let my kids have the experience I had as a kid growing up, and that was having to stay at home mom.”

    Announcements
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    About the Show:
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Group for Junk Removal Marketing Success Community:   / 148165343156578  
    Check out our Facebook Page:   / bluecrocussolutions  

    Find our Podcast Here:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu30Zf...
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast...
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR...
    Youtube: • The Blue Crocus Experience PODCAST

    #podcast , #contractors, #leads, #seo, #leadgeneration, #fredericton, #bluecrocussolutions, #business, #businessowners, #tips, #concrete, #treeservice, #fitness, #paving, #sealcoating, #remodeling, #pressurewashing, #asphalt, #treeservice, #concrete, #website, #webdesign, #customers, #homeadvisor, #Googleads, #junkremoval, #junkremovalwebsites

    • 39 min
    114- TBCE- Toby Stubbs: Got Junk Removal Insurance Questions? Toby Stubbs has answers

    114- TBCE- Toby Stubbs: Got Junk Removal Insurance Questions? Toby Stubbs has answers

    Toby Stubbs is an insurance expert with a rich background in the industry. He began his career in the Chicagoland market area, eventually launching his own agency in 2013. Toby specializes in providing insurance for construction contracting risks and discovered a niche in junk removal insurance

    His website: https://junkremovalinsurance.com/

    *Summary:*
    In this insightful episode of the Blue Crocus Experience, we delve deep into the realm of insurance, specifically tailored towards entrepreneurs in the junk removal industry. Our guest, Toby Stubbs, unleashes a wealth of information on intricate insurance details that could potentially save business owners substantial amounts of money. The conversation is less about the ancillary tales and more focused on the ‘nitty-gritty’ of insurance intricacies that matter to junk removal business owners.

    *Key Takeaways:*
    -Proper classification of business and vehicles is crucial for accurate insurance coverage and fair rates.
    -Insurance costs can vary significantly based on state, driving records, age of drivers, and even the credit score of the business owner.
    -For startups, correctly setting up DOT paperwork can affect insurance options and costs.
    -Toby’s agency offers a breadth of options and is known for significant cost savings through specialized reclassification strategies.
    -General liability insurance is nuanced, and businesses should ensure they have coverage that accounts for the scope of their operations, especially when dealing with demolition.

    *Quotes: *
    “The way we classify everyone is as debris removal. So, this is the classification specifically with progressive.”
    “As you build value and grow and scale, you want that business protected.”
    “Law of large numbers to protect yourself. So, it’s really up to you individually as to what you’re comfortable with and what makes sense for your particular situation.”
    “One of the biggest value adds … is understanding how these [insurance policies] work.”

    *Announcements:*
    HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW BLUE COLLAR KIDS BOOK? https://www.bluecollarabc.com/
    Get a Free Audit of your Google Ads, SEO, Website, or Google Business Listing: https://bluecrocus.ca/website-seo-audit

    *About the Show:*
    Welcome to our podcast for contractors and business owners, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions. Our #1 goal is to connect with and learn from business owners, thought leaders, and coaches. We talk about their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, and their wins and lessons.

    If you want to be a guest on the podcast, email Lewis@bluecrocus.ca, and we can arrange a time if you are a good fit! We are especially interested in chatting with contractors and business owners who have fought through adversity and have the scars, experience, and insights to share from those times.

    Find Blue Crocus Solutions on the Web (With some resources):
    Get a FREE email script for reaching out to Realtors or Property Managers for Junk Removal: https://realtorscript.bluecrocus.ca/r...
    Connect with Blue Crocus Solutions on the web: https://www.bluecrocus.ca/
    Check us out and see our reviews: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14274...
    Join our Facebook Group for Junk Removal Marketing Success Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/148165343156578/
    Check out our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluecrocussolutions

    *Find our Podcast Here:*
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu30Zf...
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast...
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR...
    Youtube: • The Blue Crocus Experience PODCAST

    #podcast , #contractors, #leads, #seo, #leadgeneration, #fredericton, #bluecrocussolutions, #business, #businessowners, #tips, #concrete, #treeservice, #fitness, #paving, #sealcoating, #remodeling, #pressurewashing, #asphalt, #treeservice, #concrete, #website, #webdesign, #customers, #homeadvisor, #Googleads, #junkremoval, #junkremovalwebsites

    • 1 hr 8 min

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