Blue Collar Startup
Podcast
Welcome to the Blue Collar StartUp Podcast, where we dive into the journeys of real tradespeople who built successful businesses. Explore our episodes and get inspired by the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Blue Collar entrepreneurs.
Latest Episodes

The Pivot That Revolutionized Shepherd Communication & Security | Blue Collar StartUp #122
In episode 122 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Richard Ruzzo, who shares how he built Shepherd Communication & Security.

30 Years of Building Luxury: Jim Sasko’s Journey with Teakwood | Blue Collar StartUp #121
In episode 121 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Jim Sasko, founder and president of Teakwood Builders.

Discipline, Leadership & Building a 100-Year Company | Blue Collar StartUp #120
In episode 120 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Rick Engelhart of Peckham Industries to talk about leadership & safety.
Most Popular Episodes
30 Years of Building Luxury: Jim Sasko’s Journey with Teakwood | Blue Collar StartUp #121
In episode 121 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Jim Sasko, founder and president of Teakwood Builders.
Discipline, Leadership & Building a 100-Year Company | Blue Collar StartUp #120
In episode 120 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Rick Engelhart of Peckham Industries to talk about leadership & safety.
The Pivot That Revolutionized Shepherd Communication & Security | Blue Collar StartUp #122
In episode 122 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with Richard Ruzzo, who shares how he built Shepherd Communication & Security.
Perfection, Processes & Growth at Lazzaro’s Autobody | Blue Collar StartUp #123
In episode 123 of Blue Collar StartUp, host Derek Foster sits down with Josh Jewett for an in-depth conversation on owning Lazzaro’s Autobody.
Building Hospitals and Building Careers with William Day | Blue Collar StartUp #119
In episode 119 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with William Day, project manager at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
Don’t Get Stuck Self-Employed: Cashflow Quadrant Part 2 | Blue Collar StartUp #111
In episode 111 of Blue Collar StartUp, hosts Mike Nelson and Derek Foster break down Part Two of the Cashflow Quadrant.
























































































































