Blue-Collar BS

Brad Herda and Steve Doyle
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CAREERS
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The age-old excuse "we can't find good people" is busted by two business coaches, Brad Herda and Steve Doyle. Blue-Collar BS features the top blue-collar business owners, thought leaders, and experts to share strategies on attracting and retaining top talent across ALL generations--including Gen Z's (and why they should not be overlooked). Blue-Collar BS helps blue-collar business owners like you build a business that'll thrive for decades by turning that blue-collar bullsh*t into some blue-collar business solutions. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. The wins, you know you have them

    2D AGO

    The wins, you know you have them

    Most business owners get so stuck in daily operations overwhelm that they forget everything they accomplished throughout the year. Brad shares his process for helping clients identify wins they didn't even realize they had, while Steve explains the psychology behind why your success list is actually programming you for future achievements. We tackle the recency effect in performance reviews, why most people announce seven goals when they should focus on two, and how to use your wins as a catapult into 2026 instead of starting from scratch. HighlightsBreaking down the overwhelm by separating what feels like fifteen problems into the two actual tasks you need to complete.How the recency effect causes recent setbacks to overshadow an entire year of accomplishments in performance reviews.Why your success list is actually programming your brain to understand that progress is possible and you can achieve goals with determination.The difference between announcing top-line revenue goals that mean nothing to your team versus specific targets like twelve projects of X dollars.How analyzing your wins helps you identify whether successes were repeatable systems or random acts of kindness. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more real conversations about running and growing your business. Share this episode with a business owner who could use a reminder to celebrate their wins. Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    27 min
  2. Grandma Had It Right: Wealth, Wisdom & Generational Grind with Geoff Stuhr

    12/26/2025

    Grandma Had It Right: Wealth, Wisdom & Generational Grind with Geoff Stuhr

    Most blue collar business owners see real estate as either something they have to deal with or a major expense eating into their profits. Brad sits down solo with millennial real estate investor Geoff Stuhr to explore how property ownership can become a wealth building tool instead of just another overhead cost. We discuss the generational differences in approaching property ownership, why selling your building and leasing it back might make more sense than you think, and the three critical factors to evaluate before buying your first commercial property. Geoff shares insights from managing $50 million in assets across industrial, multifamily, and self-storage properties, plus why investing in American manufacturing infrastructure is a smart long term play regardless of tariff uncertainty. HighlightsWhy selling your building and leasing it back creates cash to invest in your business while decoupling real estate from your sellable assets.The three non-negotiables before buying commercial property including location in the path of progress, conservative financing under 65% leverage, and flexible building layouts.Why projects always cost 20-30% more and take longer than expected so buy buildings that don't need major renovations.How automation and robotics in manufacturing facilities help attract and retain younger talent beyond just good lighting and clear signage.Critical mistakes younger business owners need to avoid when buying their first commercial property including getting over-leveraged and falling for bad deals from brokers chasing commissions. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more real conversations about running and growing your business. Share this episode with a business owner who's wrestling with whether to buy, lease, or sell their commercial property. Get in touch with Geoff: LinkedIn Website Facebook Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    34 min
  3. Bonus or BS? Let’s Talk Holiday Compensation

    12/19/2025

    Bonus or BS? Let’s Talk Holiday Compensation

    With Christmas less than a week away, we tackle one of the most uncomfortable conversations happening in blue collar businesses right now: the holiday bonus. What happens when bonuses have become an expectation rather than a reward? We talk through why delaying bad news creates disengagement, how to communicate with empathy when bonuses aren't happening, and the critical mistake of buying yourself a new Denali while telling employees there's no money for bonuses. Plus, we dive into the difference between base pay increases and true variable compensation, why you should never run bonuses through regular payroll, and how to set up incentive plans that actually motivate your team. Fair warning: We don't agree on everything in this one, but that's what makes it interesting. Highlights:Delaying the bonus conversation creates disengagement and actively encourages your best people to start job hunting during the holidays. The Denali problem where buying yourself a new truck to avoid taxes while canceling bonuses sends exactly the wrong message to your team. Why running bonuses through regular payroll can cost you hundreds in unexpected overtime calculations. The great debate on base pay increases versus variable compensation and which approach actually works for small to mid-sized organizations. Celebrate the wins because forgetting what happened in January through November means you're missing opportunities to build morale year-round. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more honest conversations about the tough leadership decisions you're facing right now. Share this episode with a business owner who needs to hear it before next week. Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    27 min
  4. The Bookkeeping Badass You Didn’t Know You Needed; Beth Carter

    12/12/2025

    The Bookkeeping Badass You Didn’t Know You Needed; Beth Carter

    With Steve out on college tours, I sit down solo with Beth Carter, the self-proclaimed badass bookkeeper who talks to trades clients like actual human beings instead of reciting profit and loss statements like a robot. We discuss why your aunt Sue probably shouldn't be doing your books, the difference between quality bookkeeping and data entry, and how a negative $250,000 bank account on a balance sheet is a pretty good sign something's gone horribly wrong. We explore the generational divide in how business owners value bookkeeping services, why price shopping for bookkeepers is a terrible idea, and what happens when you try to sell your business with $200,000 in phantom accounts payable. Highlights:Understanding why specialization matters because your general contractor isn't an electrician and your office assistant probably isn't a trained bookkeeper.The generational shift in how younger business owners view bookkeeping services compared to those who rely on family members and checkbooks.What quality bookkeeping actually includes beyond data entry and why investing in good systems and expertise pays off.Real examples of marketing gone wrong and how an experienced bookkeeper knows to spot inconsistencies to help business owners save money.The importance of monitoring your numbers closely especially during growth periods to avoid spending profit before securing your business foundation. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more real conversations about the business fundamentals that actually keep your company running. Help us reach more listeners by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Get in touch with Beth: Website LinkedIn Instagram Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    35 min
  5. Serve First, Sell Later-It’s That Simple

    12/05/2025

    Serve First, Sell Later-It’s That Simple

    We dive into what separates great customer service from terrible experiences using Steve's recent dealership visits as an example. On this episode we discuss how behavioral styles impact sales performance, why most customer service failures are actually leadership problems, and the critical difference between selling to someone versus letting them buy from you. We explore how sales managers can better support different personality types on their teams and why rigid scripts often create more problems than they solve. If you've ever wondered why your sales team isn't converting or why customers walk away frustrated, this conversation will give you the answers you need. Highlights:Understanding behavioral styles in sales roles and why putting the wrong personality type under pressure with rigid processes sets everyone up for failure.The sales manager mirror test because when your team isn't performing, look at how you're leading them before blaming the individual.Serving versus selling and why giving value through meaningful connections beats aggressive sales tactics every time.When scripts work and when they don't, plus how to balance process with empathy in customer facing roles.Why letting people buy from you creates better relationships and more sustainable business than always be closing ever will. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more honest conversations about leadership, sales, and what actually works in business. Share this episode with a manager or business owner who's struggling with team performance. Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    34 min
  6. From Best Buy Battles to Amazon Anxiety

    11/28/2025

    From Best Buy Battles to Amazon Anxiety

    Remember when Black Friday meant people fighting at store entrances and camping out for deals? We dive into how one of America's biggest shopping traditions became a ghost town in just five years and what it reveals about how businesses must constantly evolve. In this episode, we get nostalgic about our completely different Black Friday experiences. Brad loved the event getting up early, hitting Home Depot for tool deals, and making it a tradition. Steve? He watched the chaos on TV from his couch and wanted nothing to do with it. But here's the thing: whether you loved it or hated it, Black Friday as we knew it is dead. We discuss how COVID accelerated a massive shift from in-store to online shopping, giving consumers the ultimate "easy button." But we're predicting the pendulum is about to swing back. Retailers will start using "in-store only" deals to drive foot traffic again. Free shipping and returns can't last forever the pricing models have to adjust. We break down what this means for your business and how you need to stay ahead of these shifts. Plus, Brad shares his quest for a reasonably-priced outdoor TV (send recommendations!), and we talk about the generational tool gap younger folks don't even have basic wrenches and screwdrivers in their apartments anymore. Highlights: The Easy Button Has Limits - We predict tiered pricing is coming because businesses can't keep giving away free shipping and returns forever.In-Store Exclusives Are Coming Back - We're calling it now: retailers will reverse course and use "in-store only" deals to get foot traffic back.Early Opening Times Return - Expect stores to go back to 6-7am openings as they compete for shoppers again.The Generational Tool Gap - Younger generations don't have basic tools anymore, creating both a skills gap and opportunities for the trades. This could be a great gift idea... Whether you're hitting the (empty) stores this Black Friday or clicking "add to cart" from your couch, ask yourself: Is your business adapting to meet your customers where they are today? The market never stops moving. Consumer behavior shifts faster than ever. What worked five years ago doesn't work now and what works now might not work in two years. Join us in the Blue Collar BS community where we discuss business evolution, market trends, and strategies for staying ahead of the curve. We host office hours Mondays & Wednesdays and offer one-on-one sessions Mondays & Wednesdays. Check out our website to connect with other trades professionals who are navigating the same challenges. Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    22 min
  7. Raised in the Projects, Powered by Purpose Terry Taylor

    11/21/2025

    Raised in the Projects, Powered by Purpose Terry Taylor

    Terry Taylor grew up moving 40 times before graduating high school, attending 25 different schools, and finding his path through sports instead of the wrong crowd. In this raw and honest episode, Terry shares how basketball and football taught him the perseverance, competitiveness, and accountability that propelled him from an hourly worker to plant manager at one of the biggest aerospace companies in the world all without a degree. Now with his MBA earned at age 50 (graduating summa cum laude with a 3.97 GPA while working full-time), Terry opens up about the personality traits that made him successful but also held him back. From starting with zero empathy to learning patience in a Gen Z world, he discusses the evolution required of leaders today. Terry also reveals how a business card nearly thrown in the trash revolutionized his entire hiring system through Veryable's hands-on interview platform and why going straight to the COO instead of HR is the real secret to implementation. Get ready for stories about chef's throwing pans, union negotiations, watching candidates get out of their cars during interviews, and why A-players actually want to be held accountable. HighlightsA nearly-discarded Variable card replaced Terry's entire hiring system and solved labor shortages in both union and non-union facilities.Terry's journey from scoring zero on empathy tests to understanding why patience matters when leading Gen Z workers.The best employees respect high standards while poor performers constantly push boundaries on attendance and commitment.Go straight to the COO or president who feels the operational pain instead of getting stuck with defensive HR teams. Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more unfiltered conversations about leadership, generational differences, and what really works in the skilled trades. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear Terry's story. Terry's Book Recommendation Get in Touch with Terry: LinkedIn Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    36 min
  8. Skilled Trades Don’t Recruit Themselves - Joe McClaran Shows You How

    11/14/2025

    Skilled Trades Don’t Recruit Themselves - Joe McClaran Shows You How

    In this episode, we talk with Joe McClaran, a millennial talent acquisition manager who's passionate about changing perceptions of the skilled trades. Joe shares his journey from mortgage collections and food service to becoming a skilled trades advocate, and discusses the real challenges and opportunities in recruiting and retaining young talent in the construction industry. Joe reveals the truth about recruiting in construction: the six-month reality check when weather extremes separate the committed from the curious, managing wage compression with experienced workers, and why workers will leave for just 25 cents more per hour. He also shares what's working like using accredited apprenticeship programs to bridge the gap between parents who want their kids in college and kids who want to work with their hands. We dig into the office versus field divide, the coming leadership shift as boomers retire, and why Joe's approach to new hires starts with "I work for you. Without you, they don't need me." Plus, hear about the 23-year-old electrical foreman who was running work before he even graduated his apprenticeship program. HighlightsThe Six-Month Test: Highest attrition happens in the first six months when new hires experience their first extreme weather conditions transparency upfront is critical.Free Accredited Education: Four-year NCCER apprenticeship programs provide the perfect answer for parents demanding college while kids want the trades.Young Leaders Rising: Meet the 23-year-old electrical foreman running major projects and why the industry will see a massive leadership shift in just 3-5 years.Total Compensation Matters: Starter tool sets, PPE, medical insurance, and free training help combat workers leaving for small wage increases elsewhere.Get Parents On Board: The biggest barrier isn't the students—it's their parents who still believe the "college or bust" mentality. Don't miss future episodes of Blue Collar BS! Subscribe now and be part of the conversation changing how we think about careers in the skilled trades. Know someone who needs to hear this? Hit that share button. Get in Touch with Joe: LinkedIn Get in touch with us: Check out the Blue Collar BS website. Steve Doyle: Website LinkedIn Email Brad Herda: Website LinkedIn Email This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    31 min
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5
out of 5
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About

The age-old excuse "we can't find good people" is busted by two business coaches, Brad Herda and Steve Doyle. Blue-Collar BS features the top blue-collar business owners, thought leaders, and experts to share strategies on attracting and retaining top talent across ALL generations--including Gen Z's (and why they should not be overlooked). Blue-Collar BS helps blue-collar business owners like you build a business that'll thrive for decades by turning that blue-collar bullsh*t into some blue-collar business solutions. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Herda and Steve Doyle
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Brad Herda and Steve Doyle
  • Show Website
    Blue-Collar BS