Blue-Collar BS – Détails, épisodes et analyse

We’ve heard a lot of “that’s how we’ve always done it” in the trades but Frank Manning is showing how to lead with humility, trust, and a hands-on mindset.

Frank is the President of Diversified Marine, isn’t your typical shipyard boss. He stumbled into the marine industry after a failed business venture and has been hooked ever since. Leading one of the top tugboat building teams on the West Coast, Frank brings a rare mix of humility and confidence to an industry dominated by legacy and tradition.

In this episode, we dig into how Frank’s been able to gain respect from seasoned tradespeople, despite being decades younger. His approach? Ask questions, stay hands-on, and always own the outcome good or bad. Frank shares stories of building a team that embraces learning, takes pride in the product, and proves that leadership isn’t about age it’s about action.

He also walks us through how Diversified Marine became a force in tugboat innovation, pushing boundaries with 3D modeling, small-yard ingenuity, and a crew that doesn’t back down from a challenge. The energy Frank’s bringing to this space is something every blue collar leader should hear.

If you got something out of this episode, take a second to subscribe, leave a rating, write a quick review, and share it with someone on your team who would enjoy it.  

Get in touch with Frank:

LinkedIn

Get in touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

We did something a little different this week a crossover with Erin and Lori from BROADcast for Manufacturers. We tackled how fear based leadership and economic uncertainty are gutting decision-making, hiring, and trust across the shop floor.

We dug into why leaders freezing up or worse, constantly changing course is killing morale and productivity. A recent Russell Reynolds report gave us a solid starting point, but the real value came from real experience: what happens when leaders react instead of lead.

We also discussed how different generations respond under pressure, why some Gen Z workers are stepping up faster than expected, and what shifting promotion trends mean for the future of your workforce.

Highlights:

• The one-two punch of analysis paralysis and zigzag leadership.
• How fear-based decisions erode trust and slow teams down.
• What Gen Z expects from leadership—and how they’re rising.
• The missed cost of inaction in uncertain times.
• Why clarity beats control every time.

How are you leading through uncertainty? Send us a message or connect on LinkedIn we want to hear what’s working and what’s not.

Connect with the Broads:

Connect with Lori:

LinkedIn

Website

Connect with Kris:

LinkedIn 

Website

Connect with Erin:

LinkedIn

Get in touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Today’s guest, Ryan Redding, didn’t hold back — we got into how AI, customer experience, and smart leadership are rewriting the rules for trades businesses.

Ryan shared how he accidentally found his way into marketing for the trades and how that detour turned into building Levergy, a digital marketing agency focused on helping home service companies grow smarter and stronger. Ryan’s journey wasn’t traditional — it was built on real-world experience, quick learning, and finding smart ways to grow along the way.

We dug into the serious shifts happening in the trades: from AI taking over customer service tasks to how companies are changing their pricing models to stay profitable in slower markets. Ryan didn’t sugarcoat it — if you’re still doing business the way you did ten years ago, you’re already falling behind.

We also talked about the real danger of trying to compete on price. Ryan laid it out clearly: if you’re not building a strong brand and delivering a top-notch customer experience, you’re making yourself a commodity — and commodities are easy to replace.

We wrapped up with Ryan’s belief that success in today’s market isn’t just about showing up — it’s about leading smarter, focusing on the right customers, and constantly adapting to what’s coming next.

Highlights:

• How AI is reshaping home service companies.
• Why COVID made bad business habits look good temporarily.
• Why competing on price is a fast track to failure.
• How trades businesses are using tech and leadership to pull ahead.
• Why a strong brand experience matters more than ever.

If you’re enjoying the show, hit subscribe, leave us a review, rate the episode on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who’s ready to stop making excuses and start building smarter.

Connect with Ryan:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Youtube

Connect with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

The Importance of Understanding "Why"

We're welcoming back our favorite Canadian, Alex Pauls, to the Blue Collar BS podcast and you don't want to miss it.

Alex, an experienced electrician, will not only give us some entertaining stories, but he also shares a ton of valuable lessons when he worked out in the field.

We share valuable insights aimed at keeping blue collar businesses thriving across generations.

Highlight:

(0:4:40) - Alex’s experience with a transformer that exploded. 

(12:34) - Alex’s experience as a leader and that he felt like things were moving in the right direction. 

(16:34) - Leaders need to understand that employees really want to know the reason behind why they are doing something. Most of this boils down to communication issues. 

(20:22) - Leaders should be careful of their position of power and not being scared of losing their place by sharing wisdom

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Alex Pauls:

Website

LinkedIn

The Myth of Unmanageable Gen Z Employees

Why does the majority of management label Gen Z as the most challenging generation to work with? 

We are not buying into the buzz that Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage in the workplace. We passionately challenge a Resume Builder article that claims an astonishing 74-75% of managers find Gen Z the most difficult generation to manage. 

Are they truly lacking skills and motivation, or are we just witnessing a clash of outdated workplace norms with the Gen Z way of thinking?

Could it be that it's not Gen Z that needs to conform but rather the traditional workplace needs to adapt to the Gen Z way of thinking? 

Join us as we question the status quo of workplace expectations and efficiency. We discuss how this generation's distinct structure might impact their adaptability in the workforce.

Spoiler alert: we firmly believe that expectations should be result-oriented, and businesses could greatly benefit from embracing this paradigm shift. So, tune in for an interesting conversation about bridging the generational gap in the workplace. Get ready to rethink your stance on Gen Z's place in the workforce.

Highlights:

• 2:20- Brad and Steve point out some issues with an article from Resumebuilder.com about how GenZ is perceived by older generations. 
• Discussing how part of the issue is how leadership is not setting expectations from the start. 
• 4:49 - Discussion of the differences in how GenZ was raised and how it’s affecting the perceptions in the workplace. 
• 8:50 - Discussion of how GenZ might need to work on adaptability. 

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Encouraging Techs to Problem Solve

Join us for Part Two with Daniel and Garrett, where we debunk common misconceptions and redefine the meaning of work. Listen in as Daniel, discusses his fierce drive to prove naysayers wrong, and his dedication to building a thriving team and business.

We also share some of our best practices when it comes to recruitment - from assessing basic posture and knowledge during interviews to identifying the importance of a firm handshake and eye contact.

This episode is also packed with insights on the challenges of interviewing younger workers, and how to distinguish the right fit for the job. You’ll get a kick out of some of the outrageous things Daniel and Garrett have seen in the interview process.

We also dig into the importance of problem-solving abilities among technicians and discuss how we encourage our techs to search for solutions before seeking help.

In the final part of our discussion, we highlight the opportunities in the blue-collar trades business. We discuss the power of mentorship and how we've leveraged podcasts to spread the word about blue collar business. We wrap up by discussing the challenges of managing employees, the importance of clear expectations, and the need for open dialogue.

Highlights:

• 8:17 - Challenges With Interviewing Younger Workers.We discuss job fit, two-phone use, integrity, and outrageous interview experiences.
• 18: 52 - Encouraging techs to problem-solve can lead to better skills, time management, and cost savings.
• 23:25 - Daniel and Garrett discuss mentoring, podcasts, blue-collar trades, and Daniel's brother's success.
• 29:45- We discuss setting expectations, open dialogue, providing resources, and staying current with technology for successful employee management.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Daniel Felt:

Website

LinkedIn

Bridging the Generation Gap with Trivia and Slang

Ready for a test of wits and nostalgia? Brace yourselves as Steve and Brad, embark on a hilarious game of Mind the Gap on our latest episode of Blue Collar BS.

It's trivia time as Steve tests Brad's knowledge about TV shows, films, pop culture, unique headlines, and slang through the generations. With topics ranging from Wayne and Garth to Rocky, we’ve got all the bases covered.

Ever felt like an idiot while scouring Google or asking Siri for answers you believe you should know? Well, we’re cracking that nut wide open. We delve into the merits and downsides of relying on technology for answers versus having the information at our fingertips. As we discuss this interesting conundrum, feel free to reach out to us with your thoughts or questions. After all, not all wisdom comes from Google. Sometimes, it takes a good old conversation to enlighten us. Tune in and join us in this journey of discovery and fun!

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Building Trust and Community Across Generations

What happens when a millennial boss and a Gen Z employee tackle the complex issue of generational differences in the workplace? Join us for a great conversation with Daniel Felt, a savvy millennial business leader from Kura Home, and his Operations Manager, Garrett Olsen, who rides the line between millennial and Gen Z.

Daniel shares his unique approach of delegating and letting managers run the show while delving into his efforts to inspire the next generation. On the flip side, Garrett gives us an insight into the respect he shares with Daniel, and the challenges he faces while trying to bridge the respect gap with older generations.

As we move forward, we pull back the curtain on the struggles young technicians face in trades - using Garrett's experiences. Proving your expertise in an arena ruled by seasoned tradesmen is no cakewalk for young professionals. We discuss the importance of punctuality and the rewards it can unlock. But it's not just about showing up on time - it's about building trust and weaving a community within business. Tune in for an episode filled with insightful discussions and valuable takeaways.

Highlights:

• 4:47 - As an owner the key to creating less friction in the work place is through creating mutual respect.
• 8: 22 Daniels unique take on creating a bonus structure through punctuality
• 12:26- Exploring some of the challenges a younger leader can face when managing a generation older than themselves.
• 18:07- How to equip younger employees with knowledge so they are respected with home owners.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Daniel Felt:

Website

LinkedIn

Reframing Blue Collar Work

Get ready to shatter some myths about blue collar jobs and the labor market as Brad and Steve reveal the truth behind some of the negative perceptions of Blue Collar work.

We have a discussion on the generational work styles and how they are revolutionizing the industry, calling out to employers to rethink their strategies to attract and retain the modern workforce.

In the second half of the episode, we'll take a closer look at the language we use when talking about the blue collar industry. Acknowledging the absence of a term that reflects the positive aspects of these jobs, we push for a change in the narrative which impacts the perception of these professions significantly.

As we explore the crucial role of community service projects in reshaping the image of the industry, we are hopeful you'll gain a new perspective on the vital importance of blue collar jobs. We're excited to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic

Highlights:

• 7:15 - Brad and Steve discuss the discrepancies between employer expectations and reality, noting that companies often want to pay starting wages but expect experienced levels of work.
• 11:35 - Discussion of the necessity of employers providing proper direction to younger workers and acknowledging their potential.
• 14:26 -Steve and Brad discuss the term that should positively highlight blue-collar work and how this impacts the perception of the industry.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

How to make a difference and take action

We had an incredible conversation with Andrew Brown, CEO and founder of Toolfetch, who shared his moving story of how witnessing the heroism of tradespeople during 9/11 led him to give back to the blue collar community.

Andrew's passion for empowering the younger generation to explore careers in the skilled trades industry shines through as we discuss the importance of changing the messaging around college and the trades.

We explore the challenges of engaging younger generations in the trades, addressing the stigma that has been associated with these careers over time. Andrew emphasizes the value of taking the time to build up skill sets and encourages parents, guidance counselors, and teachers to be more open to trades as a career option for their children.

Highlights:

• 2:29 - Andrew's story of how he started Toolfetch how he was inspired and wanted to take action after 9/11.
• 9:20 - How to make the trades an option for the younger generation and what Andrews is doing on social media to get parents and kids interested. And how more leaders in the trades need to continue to amplify their voices about the subject.
• 19:12-Discussing how to get kids to know that college is not the only option and how being in the trades provides amazing value as well the pay being high.
• 21:36-Being clear about why you are going to college so you don't end up with debt or a degree that ends up being useless.

Contact your hosts:

Steve Doyle:

Website: Stephendoyle.focalpointcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendoylejr/

Email: sdoyle@focalpointcoaching.com

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn:

Email:

Andrew Brown:

Website: https://www.andrewbrown.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/

Email: andrew@toolfetch.com