Episode Overview
In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, Derek Foster interviews Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies, who shares his journey from insurance brokering to building a digital OSHA compliance platform that streamlines safety training and reduces risks for blue-collar businesses. Eric discusses compliance challenges, insurance cost impacts, and a $5 million claim highlighting the need for proactive safety measures.
You can connect with Eric and Safety Team Technologies at oursafetyteam.com to explore their platform or schedule a demo.
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00:00 Introduction and opening
00:37 Co-host absence and guest introduction
01:09 Eric introduces his background and Safety Team Technologies
03:17 Transition to insurance brokering and OSHA expertise
05:07 Founding Safety Team Technologies and software development
07:27 Challenges of implementing safety programs
08:10 Digital solutions for safety training and compliance
09:25 Mobile app features and gamified safety quizzes
10:15 Impact on reducing insurance claims and costs
11:32 Customizing safety content for specific industries
13:34 Challenges in building the Safety Team platform
15:30 Growth through client referrals and national reach
16:51 Future plans for organic business growth
18:33 Explaining workers’ compensation experience modification
20:49 Consequences of claims on insurance premiums
22:56 Onboarding process for new clients
26:17 Craziest insurance claim: a $5 million roofing incident
30:51 Advice for new business owners on safety compliance
32:33 Using technology like ChatGPT for safety programs
40:14 How to connect with Safety Team Technologies
41:49 Closing remarks and call to action
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Winter prep and farm life
02:05 The broken plow story
03:35 Sponsor shoutouts & episode milestone
04:15 Introducing Sonny
05:30 Bonacio Construction: the early days
07:20 Word-of-mouth growth and “never say no”
09:35 Expanding to larger-scale commercial work
11:05 Surviving downturns & banking relationships
12:40 Pressure, risk, and staying calm under fire
14:12 “Leading the market instead of chasing it”
16:03 From subcontractor to GC to developer
17:55 How they landed major clients
19:14 Saratoga’s evolution over decades
21:30 Front-and-center projects & public pressure
24:41 Building true downtown communities
27:45 Landmark Price Chopper transformation
30:31 Legacy building and next generation leadership
33:58 Passion vs. planning: what really matters
Details
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Hosts
Derek Foster
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Guests
Eric Wick
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Runtime
42 mins, 18 secs
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Airing Date
October 29, 2025