Blue Collar StartUp

Michael Nelson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.

  1. 1D AGO

    Discipline, Leadership & Building a 100-Year Company | Blue Collar StartUp #120

    In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike sits down with Rick Engelhardt of Peckham Industries to talk about discipline, leadership, safety culture, and what it takes to help drive a 100-year-old construction company forward. Rick shares how consistency, intentional leadership development, and strategic focus directly impact growth and the bottom line. To connect with Rick and learn more about Peckham Industries, visit their website at peckham.com or follow the company on LinkedIn. Make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive Blue Collar bonus content and exclusive podcast segments. https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:15 Mike welcomes listeners to Blue Collar StartUp 0:45 Mike explains he is hosting solo 1:07 An overview of the new episode formats  2:54 A reminder to check out the Patreon 3:41 Discussing how the show raises money to help kids in trade programs 4:05 Shoutouts to current sponsors 5:00 Guest Rick Engelhardt is welcomed 5:45 Rick discusses his early career 6:01 An overview of Peckham Industries' operations 7:03 Highlighting Peckham Industries' 100-year anniversary 8:21 Rick explains his role as a plant manager 10:36 Insight into how architects are pushing the status quo 11:53 Rick details his daily routine 20:24 How Rick's parents helped instill his discipline and consistency 26:13 Bringing in Catamount Consulting to help leaders 36:49 Heavy capital investments Peckham has made recently 42:47 Rick shares his favorite strategy for breaking down relationship barriers 46:11 How listeners can connect with Rick

    48 min

  2. MAR 11

    Building Hospitals and Building Careers with William Day | Blue Collar StartUp #119

    In episode 119 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Michael Nelson and Derek Foster sit down with William Day, project manager at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. William returns to the show to break down his transition from field construction to owner’s project manager for a regional healthcare network, overseeing capital projects across multiple hospitals. From high-end builds to fast-track commercial projects, he shares how every stop in his career sharpened his leadership and commitment to quality. Connect with William Day on his LinkedIn or learn more about Bassett Medical Center at bassett.org/locations/bassett-medical-center. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Show intro and Derek’s major life update 2:15 New episode formats, Patreon, and listener engagement 4:10 Sponsors and the tools & tuition mission 5:13 Introducing William Day and his new role 6:30 What an owner’s project manager does in healthcare 8:00 Capital planning, compliance, and prioritizing hospital projects 9:45 The scale of Bassett Healthcare’s multi-county network 11:15 Why hospitals are building in-house construction teams 12:30 Bidding process and selecting specialized contractors 14:00 Managing surgeons and stakeholders during construction 15:45 William’s path: English degree to Marine Corps to construction 18:00 Lessons from residential, millwork, and fast-track builds 20:00 The trade-off: 90-minute commute vs. family life 21:30 Career paths in the trades beyond swinging a hammer 23:30 What each job taught him: quality, speed, scale 27:30 Teaching construction management and mentoring the next generation 32:00 Opportunities inside healthcare facilities (200+ trades roles) 38:30 Saying “yes,” figuring it out, and the six-week imaging room turnaround

    46 min

  3. MAR 4

    Processes Your Team Will Actually Follow with Bill Tansey | Blue Collar StartUp #118

    In episode 118 of Blue Collar StartUp, Derek and Mike are joined by Bill Tansey Jr. to break down why systems and documented processes are the difference between a business that grows smoothly and one that constantly feels stuck in chaos. From SOPs and accountability to building repeatable success, we cover how structure actually creates freedom for owners and teams. Learn more about Bill and the OpEx Shop and connect with him at theopexshop.com. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Introduction and why process matters 2:28 The chaos stage most businesses hit when growing 5:04 What “operational excellence” actually means 7:22 Why SOPs don’t kill culture (they protect it) 9:45 The danger of tribal knowledge 12:10 What happens when the owner is the system 14:38 How to start documenting processes the right way 17:06 “Policies vs procedures vs work instructions” explained 19:34 The simplest way to identify what to systemize first 22:05 Training employees without constant hand-holding 24:46 How to get buy-in from the team 27:18 Why accountability is impossible without clarity 30:02 What scaling looks like when processes are in place 32:44 Common mistakes when building SOPs 35:20 Tools and formats that actually work 37:48 How a process creates freedom for leadership 40:15 Advice for business owners starting from scratch 42:10 Wrap-up and final takeaway

    43 min

  4. FEB 23

    Scaling Your Business at the Speed of Cashflow | Blue Collar StartUp #117

    In episode 117 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike Nelson and Derek Foster break down the pros and cons of scaling your business using cashflow versus debt, including trade lines, loans, and credit cards. They also discuss how to think through major purchases like equipment, overhead, and hiring so you don’t overextend yourself chasing growth. Subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive Blue Collar bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Introduction 0:15 Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp 0:40 Mike talks about adversity-filled business owner mornings 1:36 Taking Accountability - “Every issue was created by me” 2:39 Mike talks about selling pork from his farm 3:42 New episode formats and upcoming show plans 5:04 What we do on Patreon 6:35 Scaling at the speed of cashflow 7:05 Derek explains building business credit early 8:29 Don’t buy equipment without a plan 9:44 Mike shares experience with trade line debt 11:53 Renting vs owning equipment discussion 14:10 A major company that rented everything for years 17:10 Using debt to float payroll while waiting for payment 18:58 Keeping overhead low: garage vs big lease mistakes 20:26 “Be cheap as possible for as long as possible” 25:16 Use debt only if the asset produces returns 27:34 “Don’t get excited by the shiny object” 28:35 Wrap-up and transition to Patreon

    31 min

  5. FEB 18

    The Biggest Mistakes Contractors Make with Greg Spaun | Blue Collar StartUp #116

    In episode 116 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with construction attorney Greg Spaun to break down the legal risks contractors face and why contract details matter just as much as quality work. From “pay if paid” clauses to change orders and paperwork requirements, Greg explains how business owners can protect themselves before problems turn into expensive lawsuits.  You can find Greg Spaun at wbgllp.com or email him directly at gspaun@wbgllp.com. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Intro and hosts jump in 0:15 Welcome to Blue Collar Start Up 1:05 Business ownership while sick and falling behind 1:49 “Ask the Expert” segment returns 2:06 New show formats: roundtables, Women in Trades, interviews 3:06 Patreon plug and exclusive content breakdown 4:11 Sponsors supporting trade school students 5:16 Guest intro: Greg Spaun joins the show 6:37 Greg explains his construction-law-only firm 8:38 Why delayed/non-payment is so common in construction 11:30 Who Greg represents (subs, GCs, owners, insurers) 16:22 Trust is declining, contracts are protection 17:45 Modified contracts and “turnkey provision” horror story 20:29 Litigation vs prevention: why contractors wait too long 24:15 Negotiating contracts without losing the job 26:23 “Pay if paid” vs “pay when paid” explained 30:17 Keeping up with new laws and joining trade associations 33:37 Biggest lesson: good work isn’t enough without paperwork 37:02 How to contact Greg and closing wrap-up

    39 min

  6. FEB 11

    Why Every Leader Needs a Coach: Catamount Roundtable | Blue Collar StartUp #115

    In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, host Derek Foster sits down with Scott McKenna, Stacy Spector, and Jason Spector of Catamount Consulting for a roundtable discussion on leadership development, mindset mastery, and the personal growth tools that help blue collar teams perform at a higher level. They break down the “Three Truths,” explain why psychological safety and vulnerability matter, and share actionable strategies like journaling, micro-habits, and building discipline over motivation. To learn more about the guests and their work, visit catamountconsultingllc.com and connect with their team. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Derek opens the show solo and introduces the Catamount roundtable 1:00 Recording at Milton CAT + facility shoutout 3:15 Catamount Consulting origin story 4:30 Safety as a byproduct of strong leadership 5:10 Professional vs personal development 6:00 Stacey’s career shift from attorney to leadership training 6:50 Jason’s background in education, behavior psychology, mindset mastery 8:10 How do you get non-competitive people to buy into development? 8:55 Why coaching isn’t optional 10:20 The “Three Truths” explained 11:05 Truth #1: everyone is flawed 12:05 The 3 most common organizational struggles 13:10 Why brain science helps people stop being defensive 15:05 How long does it take to shift mindset? 18:05 Infinite game mindset and levels of buy-in 21:10 What if you want to grow but don’t have a leader/mentor? 23:15 Brené Brown, Carol Dweck, Ryan Holiday, Amy Edmondson 25:10 The 4 most deadly words: I’ll do it myself 27:10 Feed your mind like your body 30:00 The “two easies” habit strategy: easy to do / easy not to do 32:30 How much time per day should personal development take? 36:45 Pillow test and well/better/how framework through journaling 40:50 Manifestation explained 42:20 Can discipline be developed?

    56 min

  7. FEB 4

    Project Management in the Trades with Caitlin Beaudry | Blue Collar StartUp #114

    In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike and Derek sit down with Caitlin Beaudry, Project Manager at Bonacquisti Brothers Construction, to break down what project management really looks like inside a commercial construction company. Caitlin shares her path from working in the field to managing up to 15 projects at once, along with lessons on leadership, loyalty, and why asking questions is a superpower in the trades. You can find Caitlin Beaudry and Bonacquisti Brothers Construction online through their company website bonbrosconst.com, and on Facebook and LinkedIn. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink 0:00 Welcome to Blue Collar StartUp 0:28 Mike and Derek kick off the show 2:14 New episode formats and 2026 updates 3:23 Women in the trades and upcoming roundtables 5:10 Sponsors, Patreon, and supporting the trades 6:48 Introducing today’s guest, Caitlin Beaudry 7:23 Caitlin explains her role as a project manager 8:08 What a PM actually does day-to-day 9:10 Business development vs project execution 10:21 How Caitlin got into construction 12:29 First projects and early nerves on job sites 15:15 Learning to ask questions without fear 18:19 Mistakes, budgets, and reading the fine print 20:11 Office careers vs field work in construction 21:50 Managing 8–15 projects at the same time 24:32 Staying organized without going fully digital 26:15 Loyalty, trust, and why she’s stayed 7 years 33:32 Looking ahead and career growth in construction

    37 min

  8. JAN 28

    How to Actually Sell a Blue-Collar Company with Shenar Wood | Blue Collar StartUp #113

    In episode 113 of Blue Collar StartUp, host Mike and Derek chat with Shenar Wood, who shares his remarkable journey from Apache helicopter pilot to founding Dynetek Solutions, a niche underground utility conversion company that he successfully sold to private equity. In this raw conversation he reveals the financial discipline, leadership mindset shifts, and strategic decisions that allowed him to scale fast, break through bonding & debt ceilings, and exit profitably. Check out our Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content! https://patreon.com/BlueCollarStartUp?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink You can find Shenar Wood on LinkedIn or his company Dynetek Solutions at dyneteksolutions.com. 0:00 Intro & welcome back after the break 0:34 New 2026 episode formats & Women in Trades segment 3:00 Guest introduction: Shenar Wood, Dynetek Solutions 3:57 From broke college kid → military → buying first directional drill 6:07 Burned bridges & bought the drill: quickest path to cash 7:51 The mindset shift: build to sell, not to own forever 8:39 Why utility/power work is somewhat recession-proof 9:46 Leveraging old trade & military contacts for early subcontracts 11:21 First years reality: drilling all day, books all night 12:30 When & why he finally brought his wife in for HR 13:56 The $200k mistake: waiting too long for proper books & fractional CFO 15:22 Bonding & surety as the biggest glass ceiling in trades 19:52 The Friday leak check system that stopped revenue bleed 25:18 How the weekly revenue delta meeting works & why it matters 29:53 Discovering $75k in unbilled work the hard way 31:28 Beginning with the end in mind: planning the exit from day one 32:59 Why EBITDA growth flattens after ~year 5–6 in many trade businesses 34:49 Main episode wrap & sponsor thanks

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Our Mission is Simple: To facilitate the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Nelson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Nelson
  • Show Website
    Blue Collar StartUp