We’re talking with Jacob Emery, a guy who went from digging trenches at $9 an hour to running the company and that’s just half the story. Jacob’s not just leading R & R Pipeline in central Ohio, he’s also building a culture that challenges the old-school, cutthroat mindset in the trades. What really hit us was the moment someone looked him in the eye and asked, “What the hell are you doing with your life?” That one question flipped a switch.

Jacob grew up around heavy equipment, started working in the field before he even graduated high school, and decided to skip college and bet on himself. Within three years, he went from laborer to crew leader, all while chasing his personal transformation through fitness and self-development.

We got into what it means to lead a crew without micromanaging, how to actually build trust in your people, and why clear expectations and accountability matter now more than ever. Jacob's approach is blunt, real, and unapologetic and we love that. He’s not afraid to say the failures are his responsibility and the wins belong to the team.

He’s also launching a coaching platform to help younger versions of himself avoid the same detours. His mission? Unlock the greatness people already have but never tap into. The guy is fired up, and it’s contagious.

Highlights:

• From $9/hour laborer to owning R & R Pipeline.
• The power of asking the hard questions.
• Holding leaders accountable, not just crews.
• Building culture in a blue collar business.
• How lifting iron changed Jacob’s life and mindset.

If this episode hit home or made you think differently about leadership in the trades, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. We’d also love to hear what stood out to you send us a message on LinkedIn and let’s keep the conversation going.

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We’ve known George for nearly a decade, and what stands out most is his ability to connect with people across industries, titles, and generations. This episode is packed with helpful tips on how he’s learned to lead by listening, adapting, and meeting people where they are.

Our longtime friend George McCaughan is joining us this week to talk about how to lead people across generations from union guys on the factory floor to young lawyers in a Florida firm. He’s done it all, and he’s still calling BS on outdated thinking (including from his own team).

George shared what it was like growing up in Mississippi, chopping cotton and learning early that hard work isn’t just a buzzword. He’s been in the corporate trenches, led M&A deals in Europe, and now finds himself running a law firm not by plan, but by decision. Along the way, he’s figured out how to build trust across age gaps and teach people how to think, not just check boxes.

We also get into generational misunderstandings at work, what young professionals actually want, and why curiosity is the trait that separates solid hires from future headaches. Whether you’re running a law firm or a machine shop, this one is sure to be helpful.

• Why Gen Z might remind you more of Boomers than you'd think.
• What George teaches lawyers about real client communication.
• The difference between curiosity and compliance.
• Why handing someone the answer doesn’t actually help them.
• Corporate moments when biting your tongue would’ve been smart (but didn’t happen).
• Teaching situational awareness without micromanaging

Do you like what you heard? Send it to someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe, rate, and leave us a review especially if you’re tired of leadership podcasts full of fluff.

Get in Touch with George:

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Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We figured, hey it’s the 4th of July. Let’s skip the heavy stuff and just talk food, fireworks, and all the random things that make this holiday what it is.

This week, we're keeping it light because it's the 4th of July and nobody needs a lecture while they're flipping burgers or chasing kids around the backyard. We’re talking backyard games, cookout must haves, fireworks chaos, and all the weird traditions that somehow make this holiday one of our favorites.

Steve breaks down what 4th of July looks like in Clarkston, Michigan from parades with candy being hurled at people to backyard mortars (yes, really). Meanwhile, Brad shares why his house turns into party central and how growing up near State Fair Park meant fireworks from six cities in one night plus some good old fashioned sparkler wars.

We get into all of it: the meats, the sides, the debates about potato salad (Brad’s got strong feelings), and the game day setup that includes cornhole, pickle, and even a little jarts nostalgia. If you’ve ever timed a smoke bomb for maximum drama as a kid or used watermelon mixed with Kool-Aid this one’s for you.

• Why Brad refuses to eat American potato salad.
• Clarkston’s chaotic parades and homemade firework show.
• What it takes to host a party when it’s “your house, but someone else’s.
• What fireworks, candy, and Kool-Aid-covered watermelon have in common.
• The backyard games that bring back the best memories (yes, including jarts).
• The real reason red licorice and Frito cheese dip might be the perfect combo.

Are you enjoying the show? Share it with a friend, hit subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’re here for the laughs, the real talk, and the blue collar truth holiday or not.

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We’ve always wanted to hear it straight from the source so this week, we brought in a real Gen Zer (and Steve’s daughter) to break down what it’s actually like to be young and working today.

This one’s personal and eyevopening. We’re joined by Kayla, Steve’s high school aged daughter, who’s already on her third job and has plenty to say about what’s working (and what’s not) in the workplace. From bad bosses to “walk of shame” exits, she gives us the kind of honest feedback most business owners will never hear firsthand.

We get into why Gen Z isn’t as lazy or distracted as people think, what they actually want from their managers, and how a little support can go a long way. Kayla also shares what it’s like to be trained by people your own age, why micromanagement doesn’t help anyone, and how your attitude as a leader sets the tone for the whole team.

Whether you’re hiring teens for the summer or building your future workforce, this episode is your crash course in what Gen Z needs—and what makes them walk away.

• What went down at Kayla’s first job—and why she walked.
• Why Gen Z wants guidance, not someone doing the work for them.
• The difference between being supported and being micromanaged.
• Why phones at work aren’t always a sign of laziness.
• How leadership sets the vibe—good or bad.
• What business owners should know about hiring high school students.

Think this episode might help someone lead better? Send it their way. And if you haven’t already, hit subscribe, drop a review, and share the show!

Get in Touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We knew Stefanie Couch was gonna bring the heat when she showed up in her pink hat and yep, she delivered. We’re talking branding in the trades, leading teams across generations, and how to stand out without selling out.

She grew up in a family lumber yard, crushed it in the corporate world, and now she runs her own agency helping construction companies fix what’s not working usually starting with their marketing (or lack of it). Stefanie’s got strong opinions and real experience, which is exactly our kind of guest.

We got into everything from hiring Gen Z without losing your mind to why “just work harder” isn’t a strategy and neither is setting 87 goals every January. She’s got a way of cutting through the noise and making things make sense, even when the problems are messy.

If you’re running a business in the trades, thinking about growth, or trying to figure out how to get more of the right people on your team this one’s worth your time.

Highlights:

• Why Stefanie calls herself a triple threat in construction.
• Her dead-simple formula for building killer teams: curiosity, resilience, and owning your weird.
• How to lead Gen Z without losing your mind (or your standards).
• Marketing for the trades… from someone who actually knows the trades.
• Why slow decisions kill momentum and how speed beats size.
• The pink hat isn’t just a brand it’s a strategy.

Are you enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and review the show and send this episode to someone who’s building something bold in the trades. We’re here to call out the BS and help good businesses grow.

Get in Touch with Stefanie:

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Get in Touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We're not here to sugarcoat it—some of the worst dumpster fires we see in business start at the top. And we know, because we’ve either helped put them out or accidentally started a few ourselves.

This episode came out of a real conversation about leadership gone sideways—owners jumping in to save the day when what they really need to do is get out of the way. From a 6:15 a.m. client text to job site chaos that didn’t need to happen, we broke down how leaders (especially ones clinging to control) often create the very problems they’re trying to fix.

We called out the difference between leading from trust and leading from fear, and why trying to be the hero might be hurting your people more than helping them. Whether it’s not training thoroughly, not letting go, or stepping into every fire thinking only you can fix it—that pattern keeps your business from scaling and your people from growing.

We also hit on why boomers get picked on (and why it’s not just a boomer issue), how business owners get bored when things are running well, and what to do when your ego is telling you no one can do it better than you.

If you're frustrated, tired, or wondering why the wheels keep falling off, this episode is for you. It’s not about blame—it’s about recognizing patterns and shifting from chaos mode to actual leadership.

Highlights:

• The "arsonist and firefighter" employee pattern.
• What makes leaders jump into messes they could've avoided.
• Why letting go feels impossible for some business owners.
• The leadership cost of ego and boredom.
• Delegation vs. dumping: where it goes wrong.
• Why leading from personal power beats title power every time.

Know someone who's stuck in the chaos loop? Send this their way. Then hit follow and leave a quick review—so we can keep bringing you the real stuff.

Connect with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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We weren’t ready for the energy Precious L. Williams brought into this episode—and honestly, we needed it. From sales rooms to stages, she’s the kind of speaker who doesn’t just hold attention—she demands it.

Precious doesn’t play it safe—and that’s exactly why we wanted her on. She’s built her brand by saying what most people won’t, and in this episode, she’s dropping truth about what it really takes to stand out, whether you're in sales, pitching your business, or just trying to find your voice in a noisy room.

If you haven’t heard her speak before, get ready—she’s a pitch champion, lawyer, author, sales trainer, and full-blown wrecking ball (her words).

We dug into why younger professionals hesitate to show up in real life, how different generations respond in a room, and why your uniqueness isn’t a weakness—it’s your advantage. Precious had no problem calling out what’s holding people back (hint: it’s not talent), and offered real ways to bust through the fear and start owning your voice—whether you’re in a sales meeting or leading a team.

We also got into how the people around you can lift—or limit—you. If your circle isn't pushing you to level up, it might be time to shift it. Precious reminded us that the rooms you put yourself in matter, and so does the confidence you carry into them.

This one’s not about being polished—it’s about being real, prepared, and willing to take the mic, even when your knees are shaking. If you’re in business and want to actually connect with people (and close more deals), you’ll take something away from this conversation.

• What most people get wrong about pitching
• Why younger pros avoid in-person conversations
• The surprising group that usually steps up first in training rooms
• How to use your quirks and backstory to your advantage
• What to do when your current circle is holding you back
• How Precious preps to walk into any room with confidence

If you laughed, learned, or had a “damn, that’s true” moment—send this episode to a friend and hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next.

Connect with Precious:

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Connect with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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If you’re leading a team right now and feeling like every decision could make or break the future—you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of younger leaders who are staring down uncertainty and aren’t sure which move to make next. We’ve both been there, and in this conversation, we’re digging into how to handle the pressure without freezing or freaking out.

It’s easy to lead when everything’s steady. But what about when the world feels like it’s shifting under your feet? From tariffs and layoffs to supply chain chaos, younger leaders in today’s workforce—especially in the trades—are dealing with challenges that seasoned pros might not have tackled in recent years.

We talked about what to do when sales flatten out, customers start pulling back, and your team starts worrying about what’s coming next. Sitting back and making no decision usually does more harm than picking the wrong one. And cutting your way to “prosperity”? That almost never works out the way people hope.

We also dug into why younger leaders need to manage up, not just down. Bringing new ideas to the table, rallying your team around solutions, and having the guts to ask tough questions—that’s what separates real leadership from just surviving.

Most importantly, we’re getting honest about how vulnerability, curiosity, and clear communication aren’t just “nice to have” skills. They’re what will carry you—and your team—through the rough patches ahead.

Highlights

• Why no decision is usually worse than the wrong decision.
• The big mistake of trying to “cut your way to prosperity”.
• How to get your team involved in finding solutions.
• Tips for managing both up and down the leadership chain.
• Why being curious and asking questions builds real leadership strength.
• Why over-communicating matters more than ever during chaos.

If this episode got you thinking, tap Follow and leave a rating or review— on Apple Podcasts. And don’t forget to share it with someone else who could use some real talk on leadership right now.

Connect with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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