- Episodes 31-35
- Episodes 26-30
- Episodes 21-25
- Episodes 16-20
- Episodes 11-15
- Episodes 6-10
- Episodes 1-5
Bruce Hoffman (WSWHE BOCES)
In this episode, Mike and Derek interview Bruce Hoffman, the Work-Based Learning & Placement Coorindator at WSWHE BOCES! We and our kids have all had those classes that we just didn’t want to take and asked the question “Why do I have to learn Trigonometry?” Bruce works hard to make sure his classes are the exact opposite – everything students learn from BOCES has a specific and real purpose! Give this episode a listen and find out just what kind of value BOCES has – not just for your kids, but also for you!
Terry Hubbard (Peak Environmental)
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!
Vince LaTerra (Bonacio Construction Inc.)
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!
Ivan Bell (IBS Septic & Drain)
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!
Jim Countryman (HVCC)
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!
Paul Lambert (Bonacio Construction)
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!
Dustin Manny (Manny Topsoil and Gravel)
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!
Ryan Van Amburgh (Career Jam)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster talk to Ryan van Amburgh, the co-founder of Career Jam! His organization helps youths realize their potential and find the career pathways that are right for them, along with fostering development of the Blue Collar labor force and helping local companies find their next generation of workers!
Tom Shanley (Daigle Cleaning Systems of Westchester)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Tom Shanley, a Daigle Cleaning Systems franchisee from Westchester, New York! They discuss the many benefits of franchising – including streamlined processes, scalable goalsetting, and more! Take a listen and find out how both Derek and Tom made Daigle Cleaning Systems great!
Brad Lewis (Lewis Lawn Care & Masonry)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Brad Lewis, the hard-working owner of Lewis Lawn Care & Masonry! He started at a very young age without even having a car to take him between clients; but he grew his “side hustle” into a successful business with hard work and dedication! Take a listen and find out how!
Mark Miller (Performance Industrial)
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Mark Miller – his old boss, and the main man behind Performance Industrial! They talk about the struggles early businesses face and how they overcame them, Mark’s well-studied practices and methods, and even how Mark overcame a complete relabeling and brand change! You won’t want to miss this informative episode!
Luke Michaels (Michaels Group Homes)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Luke Michaels, the main man behind Michaels Group Homes! His third-generation business has undergone a lot of trials and changes throughout the years, and Derek and Mike can definitely relate – find out just what they went through by giving this episode a listen!
Anthony Caruso (Caruso Builders)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Anthony Caruso, the main man behind Caruso Builders of New York! They discuss Anthony’s start at 20 years of age, how he grew his business to work on multi-million dollar homes, how his company dealt with the COVID crisis and the labor shortage, and more in this in-depth episode!
Tom Brizzell (Custom Craft Builders)
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Tom Brizzell, the main man behind Custom Craft Builders of Brunswick! They discuss Tom’s zen-like approach towards his business, the challenges he faced starting both his business and his family in his twenties, and more in this in-depth episode!
Matt Phelps (Metabolic Fitness)
Vince Laurenzo (Quick Response)
Anthony Guadagnino
Patrick Farnan
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Patrick Farnan from Next Level Finishes! Patrick really hit it home for us that running a successful business doesn’t need to wait – it can start as soon as you’re willing to put the time and work in!
Matthew Perry
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matthew Perry from the Auto-Body Program at Hudson Valley Community College! Matt highlights for us that there need not always be a line between a college degree and trade schooling; sometimes, you can have both!
Matt DeFazio
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Matt DeFazio from DeFazio’s Pizza in Troy and Albany! This episode really highlights that starting with an already-successful business is one thing, but it’s what you (and your team) put into it that can make it grow… Or let it crash and burn!
Jennifer Lawrence
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Jennifer Lawrence from SEAT Center! Jennifer makes it clear for us that with the right training and support, anyone can succeed!
Mike Robyck & Matt Roberts
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Mike Robyck and Matt Roberts from MR² Construction Services! They make it clear for us that no matter what your background or how you start up, you can make your business shine with enough work – and a little luck!
Randy Rowe
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Randy Rowe from Farrell Brothers Plumbing & Heating! Randy makes it clear for us that running a franchise (or two) can be in the cards for anyone who’s willing to put the work in!
Bryan Berry
In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster interview Bryan Berry from Color Code Painting! Bryan makes it clear for us that no amount of adversity is insurmountable as long as you’re willing to put your nose to the grindstone and work towards your goals!
Dr. Turina Parker
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Dr. Turina Parker from New York BOCES! Dr. Parker makes it clear for us that properly directed education is the best route towards success – whatever you happen to study!
Matt Smith
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Matt Smith from Ace Home Inspections! Matt makes it clear for us that the best thing about blue-collar businesses is the motivation that goes behind them – if you believe, you can achieve!
Josh Jewett (Cole’s Collision)
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Josh Jewett from Cole’s Collision… Some really great stories here on growing a business from zero to 90 employees, with multiple locations and more! Definitely a must-hear episode!
Jamie Magur
In this episode, our Host Mike Nelson interviews Jamie Magur from Troy Grooming Company. Jamie really highlighted for us that no matter what your story is, no matter where the road has taken you… You CAN start over, and you CAN be successful!
Devon Camenga
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Devon Camenga from Camenga Construction. Devon really highlights how to go from no-hustle to side-hustle, and then how to turn that side-hustle into your full-time gig! Big secret to success here? We’ll give you a hint: Reputation.
Derek Foster
In this episode, Mike interviews Derek Foster: co-founder of Blue Collar StartUp, president of Daigle Cleaning Systems, and CEO of DCS Franchises. Derek has grown a commercial cleaning and janitorial business from his side hustle to a thriving multi-million dollar business with over 100 employees! In this podcast, Derek fills us in on how he got started, going from side hustle to full time, and what it takes to grow a successful business in the janitorial industry.
You Gotta’ Start Somewhere
In our first episode, Derek Foster and Mike Nelson discuss what the podcast is about, who it is for, and what is behind it all.
We (MIke) did make a couple mistakes while recording so our audio is a little off on this one. We also discovered that Mike should not be allowed to chew gum during recording. As the title says though: “You gotta’ start somewhere”, and we look forward to improving the quality of the recording as we go.
Welcome to Blue Collar Startup: The Podcast.
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.
Details
-
Founders & Hosts
Mike Nelson
Derek Foster