In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview three Blue Collar superstars – Amanda Triolo, Brian Correll, and Luke Scarcelli of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Grasshopper has been all the buzz – or rather, chirp – on the scene lately as their marvelous marketing, terrific teamwork and stellar service take the community by storm! What’s the secret to their raid growth and success? We have some of the answers for you here in this episode!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Jim Dawsey, the President of MLB Construction Services, LLC! Jim’s come a long way in his life, from minimum-wage drudgery in a February rainstorm to running a premier multi-million dollar company! He learned no small amount of methods, strategies and secrets along the way… And if you listen to this episode, you just might learn a few for yourself!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview the triple threat team of Juan, Jason, and Matt from Argyle’s Hunt Companies! They’ve handled construction for some major players locally, but they didn’t just stumble into the trust of those big league clients – they earned it! Have a listen to this episode and find out how!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Mike McGrath, the head honcho at 1-800-Paint-Job! Mike overcame plenty of struggles to get where he is, and faces more every day… But no challenge is too great for a Blue Collar worker! Hear about his struggles and successes here, in this stellar episode!

In this episode, our hosts Mike and Derek interview Taylor Hopeck, the Client Coordinator at Witt Construction! Her story perfectly showcases that sometimes, you choose the Blue Collar life… And sometimes, it chooses you!

In this episode, our host Mike Nelson partners with Derek Foster to interview Derek’s right-hand man at Daigle Cleaning systems, Eric Myers! Eric demonstrates the importance of segmenting and coordinating your team – with the right people, your business can soar!

In this episode, Mike and Derek interview Bruce Hoffmann, 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!