Want proof that small, consistent moves can change a business and a life? We open the year with a candid reset: what worked in 2025, what flopped, and why culture, systems, and storytelling will drive everything we do in 2026. No buzzwords. Just real lessons from a crew that learned to document the process, own mistakes, and turn that transparency into relationships, opportunities, and a stronger company.
We walk through the journey from kitchen-table recordings to a growing media flywheel, where YouTube, TikTok, and the podcast help us translate white-collar frameworks into job site language. You’ll hear why one piece of content can spark a career shift, how mindset beats hype, and where we’re doubling down: core values, short-term priorities, and a five-year target that forces better systems. We also share shout-outs to mentors and tools that moved the needle, from WIP reporting to cost controls and construction finance support, because profit follows process and process follows clarity.
Looking ahead, we preview standout guests who refuse the “that’s how it’s always been” script, and we map Q1 plans for ConExpo, including meetups, booth interviews, and a call to spotlight overlooked products and crews. We’re gearing up for our 100th episode milestone and want your ideas, your questions, and the problems you want solved on air. If you build, sell, or support blue-collar work, this is your space to learn practical strategies, avoid expensive mistakes, and find the confidence to speak up about what really matters.
Subscribe, share with a friend in the trades, and leave a review with the one system you’ll fix first this year. Your feedback shapes the next conversation, and might be the spark someone else needs to get moving.
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More About this Episode
How One Piece of Content Can Change Your Blue-Collar Business in 2026
If there's one message I hope resonates as we step into 2026, it's this: you are one piece of content away from changing your life.
That might sound like a stretch if you're running crews, turning wrenches, or climbing scaffolding every day, but I’ve lived it. What started as a couple of YouTube videos during a snowy slowdown, has turned into a podcast with 75+ episodes, a YouTube channel with over 30,000 subscribers, and speaking opportunities I never imagined I’d have. Not because I chased clout. Not because I had a marketing team and a $10,000 camera setup. Because I started.
That’s the message I want to drive home this year to every blue-collar business owner, tradesman, and aspiring entrepreneur in the trenches: the path to growth, visibility, and even better processes in your business might start with hitting “record.”
From Shade Trees to Stages: Why Content Creation Matters in Blue-Collar Business
This isn't just about building a media brand. It's about sharing real stories, real struggles, and real lessons learned in the trades. For too long, this industry has operated in silos, one business struggling quietly over here, another repeating the same mistakes down the road. We’ve lacked a shared space to talk about systems, leadership, culture, money, and mindset in a way that speaks our language.
That’s where content comes in.
When you create content, whether it’s a quick video filmed from your truck, a podcast from your kitchen table, or a written blog post explaining a hard-earned lesson, you’re not just promoting your business. You’re adding to the knowledge base of the industry. You’re helping the next guy, or the kid watching from high school wondering if he’s got what it takes, see what this trade really is about.
And the crazy thing? That kind of content can change your life too.
It changed mine.
Lessons from 2025: The Year That Tested and Transformed
I’ll be honest, 2025 wasn’t my most profitable year in business. But it was my most transformative.
The biggest growth didn’t show up in the bank account; it showed up in my mindset, in our company culture, and in the systems and processes we’ve been building behind the scenes. I had to learn, again and again, that “nothing changes if nothing changes.” That’s a quote from Jocko Willink that’s stuck with me. And it’s never felt more true than it did this past year.
Thanks to people like Shelena at 4G Enterprises, Miss Julie at SyCon, and the Construction CFO team, I’ve gotten more focused than ever on the foundations of the business: process, clarity, and communication. We’ve worked on defining our five-year goals, realigning our core values, and building real accountability inside our teams.
We didn’t hit every metric. But we did change the trajectory. And that matters more.
The Power of Podcasting in the Trades
When I first started this podcast, it was on a whim, just trying to share something from the heart with people who might be in the same boat. I never imagined it would take me to where we are today: booked through April, with guests from every corner of the trades, and a show that’s helping people build their businesses in real-time.
Some of the guests we've had, like Nick Peters, John from BuildWitt, and countless others, have dropped gold on this show, not just in business advice, but in how to lead, grow, and operate with purpose. These conversations aren’t just content, they’re curriculum for the blue-collar business owner.
And the truth is, none of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken that first step. If I hadn’t started recording from my kitchen table. If I hadn’t been willing to look dumb, mess up, or learn on the fly.
You don’t need a studio to start sharing what you know. You just need a phone and a story. Your real story.
Looking Ahead: Big Moves in 2026
We’re just getting started.
If you're in the trades, and you're looking to connect, learn, and grow this year, there are a few things you should keep your eye on:
1. ConExpo 2026 – Meet Us There
This year’s ConExpo (March 2–7) is going to be massive. It’s the largest construction industry trade show in North America and happens every three years. Me and Will will be out there doing podcast episodes on-site, setting up meetups, and trying to spotlight not just the big manufacturers but the underdog companies that deserve attention.
If you're a vendor or company attending, or even just a fan of the show, reach out: media@syconexc.com or bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com. We’d love to meet you, possibly feature your story, or connect while we’re there.
2. Upcoming Guests
From heavy hitters like Aaron Witt to local legends with stories worth hearing, we’ve got a killer guest list lined up. These aren’t just interviews. They’re insight-packed conversations aimed at helping you operate better, whether it’s managing crews, running P&L, or scaling your brand.
3. Episode 100 Is Coming
We’re closing in on our 100th episode. That’s a milestone we’ve been eyeing since day one. I want it to be big. We’ll be putting up some polls and asking for your input. What do you want to see for our 100th show? Drop a comment, send a message, let us know.
Why This All Matters: Real Change Starts With You
What I hope this show and this message does is create a ripple effect. You don’t have to wait until you're “ready.” You don't need a million-dollar budget. What you do need is a willingness to show up, share what you know, and keep learning as you go.
The trades are changing. Mindsets are shifting. We're seeing more attention, more innovation, and more collaboration than ever before. But we’ve got a long way to go.
And that’s where you come in.
Whether you're an excavator, electrician, roofer, general contractor, or one of the thousands of other roles in this industry, you have something to share. A hard lesson. A system that works. A mistake to avoid. You never know how much impact your story could have on someone else in the field.
If there’s one piece of advice I want to leave you with as we head into this year, it’s this:
Start.
Put yourself out there. Film a clip. Write a post. Record a podcast. Open up about what you’re learning and what you’re building.
One video really can change your life. Not because it goes viral. But because it connects with the right person.
Final Thoughts: Building Together
To all of you who have listened, subscribed, shared, commented, or just quietly tuned in on your way to the jobsite: thank you. You’ve helped shape this community. You’ve helped shape me.
This podcast was built to shine a light on the working men and women that keep this country (and Canada!) moving. It’s about helping each other build something better, not just in our companies, but in our industry.
So here’s to 2026. To stronger systems. Better leadership. More collaboration. And the courage to put yourself out there.
We’ll be back next week with a full episode. Until then, keep fighting the good fight. Keep learning. Keep building.
And remember, your story matters.
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