Episode Overview
In this episode of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek chat with Mason Hamilton as shares his incredible journey from excavator operator to president of Donnelly Construction, a leading traffic control company in New York State, revealing how hard work and resilience turned personal tragedy into triumph. Despite a paralyzing snowmobile accident, he continued leading and growing the business through sheer determination and problem-solving.
Learn more about Donnelly Construction at donnellyconstruction.net.
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Time Stamps
0:00 Intro and Welcome
0:15 Hosts Banter and New Year Shoutout
1:13 Sponsor Shoutouts Begin
2:26 Patreon Mention
3:20 Introducing Guest Mason Hamilton
3:40 What is Donnelly Construction?
4:31 Explaining Traffic Control Services
5:30 Geographic Coverage and Visibility
6:34 Mason’s Start in the Company
7:51 Path to Becoming an Operator
9:39 Timeline to President (21-22 Years)
11:30 Brief College Story
14:11 Day-to-Day as President
16:16 The Snowmobile Accident and Transition
20:52 Management Style
24:26 Overcoming Adversity Mindset
29:49 Plans for 2026 and Growth
33:28 Where to Find Donnelly Construction
34:12 Wrap-Up and Patreon Teaser
Details
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Hosts
Michael Nelson & Derek Foster
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Guests
Mason Hamilton
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Runtime
35 mins, 8 secs
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Airing Date
January 7, 2026