Hard Work Pays Off: from unemployed and broke to a business owner in 5 years.

Claire Carreras has an amazing home service success story and message. As a professional musician, she decided to take a leap of faith and move from her native Canada to Austin, TX in early 2020. Once in the US, she got stranded during the pandemic, unable to work and unable to go back to Canada.  Through grit, guts, and determination, Claire has forged an amazing life as the owner of 1-Tom-Plumber in Austin. Today, Eric and Larry sit down with Claire and have a conversation about her incredible journey.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

Today Eric and Larry sit down with Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies. Eric breaks down how blue-collar companies can stop bleeding cash from preventable injuries and high workers’ comp. We get real about why paper manuals and sporadic tailgate talks don’t move the needle, how XMOD actually works (and why a single $40k claim can hammer your premiums for three years), and the simple habits that create a safety culture your team buys into. Eric shows how digital, mobile-first training can automate meetings, document everything for OSHA, track hazard assessments, and even gamify participation so it sticks. If you want fewer claims, lower insurance, and crews that go home in one piece, this one’s for you.
Demo the platform at oursafetyteam.com — use code FRIENDLY20 for 20% off for life.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this episode, Eric and Larry sit down with Ryan Lee - creator of the Lighting Secrets framework and one of the sharpest minds in service sales. Ryan built his reputation by showing contractors how to turn outdoor lighting into a high-value service, and the principles behind that success apply to every trade.

We break down how to position your services so homeowners see the value, not just the price...how to use storytelling and presentation to turn a "maybe' into a "yes"... and why the same psychology that sells landscape lighting can help plumbers, HVAC techs, electricians, and restoration pros close more jobs.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this episode, we sit down with the leadership team from One Tom Plumber to dig into how their business model works—and what service contractors can learn from it.

Whether you're a restoration company, a plumbing business, or a multi-trade operator, there’s something here for you. We unpack how combining plumbing and restoration creates new revenue streams, how branding can actually make the phone ring, and why investing in solid systems and training is non-negotiable if you want to scale.

This isn’t a franchise pitch—this is a real conversation about growth, lead control, and what it takes to run a home service business that’s built to last.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this episode of the Blue Collar Nation Podcast, Eric and Larry sit down and have a conversation with Levi Gain, owner of Doug’s Carpet & Upholstery Care. Levi shares his journey from running a small, chaotic operation with one underperforming tech to leading a premium service business with consistent $750 average tickets. Levi opens up about the turning point—discovering Super Tech University—and how daily soft skills training completely transformed his team’s professionalism, communication, and client experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in training actually moves the needle, Levi’s story proves it can change everything.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this lively episode of Blue Collar Nation, Larry and Eric sit down with Jeff Jones—Director of Sales & Marketing and business coach at Violand Management—to unpack how trade businesses in the disaster restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and janitorial industries can thrive in today’s slower market. Jeff shares his journey from family hardware stores to becoming VP of Everything Amazing, reveals why aggressive sales during downturns can lead to market dominance, and highlights essential future-forward skills: using AI, mastering financial KPIs, and building accountable, multi-generational teams. Plus, dive into Violand’s signature training events—Executive Summits, business planning workshops, and targeted manager development programs—to fuel long‑term growth.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

Gen Z is changing the workforce - and that includes your home service team. They don't respond to fear-based leadership or "back in my day" lectures. In this episode, Eric and Larry break down how to effectively lead and manage Gen Z employees in the trades. They discuss what makes Gen Z tick, what drives them to perform, and how to adjust your leadership style without lowering your standards. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or service manager, this is the playbook for building a high-performing team across generations.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this engaging episode, Eric and Larry sit down with Kevin Bunce. Kevin shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from dropping out of college to building a thriving company in the restoration industry. He discusses the importance of cultivating a strong company culture centered on professionalism, consistent training, and team development. Kevin emphasizes how investing in people through programs like Super Tech University has fostered loyalty, improved service quality, and differentiated Allklean from competitors. He also sheds light on the challenges and rewards of selling his business, the strategic decisions behind growth and acquisition, and the vital role of leadership and culture in long-term success. Throughout, Kevin highlights practical insights into building a reputable, community-focused brand that prioritizes integrity, team empowerment, and customer trust.

Summary:
Kevin's story exemplifies how dedication to company culture, investing in team development, and strategic growth can propel a small business to industry leadership. He underscores the impact of consistent training, professionalism, and values in differentiating his brand. The episode also offers lessons on navigating business transition, leadership succession, and maintaining core principles post-sale, all while balancing personal life and professional growth.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this impromptu Zoom session, we dig into one of the most underrated performance boosters in the home service industry: the daily morning meeting. Discover why 10–15 minutes each morning can reduce turnover, improve communication, and create a magnetic company culture that attracts top talent. Learn practical steps for implementing these meetings, overcoming resistance from your team, and maximizing ROI. If you’re tired of disengaged employees and inconsistent results, this is your blueprint for daily success.

📝 Worksheet: Morning Meeting Mastery

Section 1: Key Points Recap

1. Morning Meetings Build Culture
   • They create daily connection points between management and staff.
   • Improve accountability, engagement, and reduce isolation.
2. Short, Consistent Beats Long, Occasional
   • 10–15 minutes every day is more effective than hour-long sessions once a month.
3. Structure Matters
   • Use a weekly theme (e.g., Mission Monday, Training Tuesday).
   • Rotate presenters to promote ownership and variety.
4. ROI Is Clear
   • Reduced turnover = saved hiring and training costs.
   • Engaged teams = better performance and fewer callbacks.

Section 2: Action Items
✅ Plan Your Format

• Decide on meeting time, platform (in-person or Zoom), and schedule.
• Choose daily themes (e.g., Motivation Monday, Soft Skill Friday).

✅ Pilot a Week of Meetings

• Announce a 1-week trial.
• Collect feedback from the team after each session.

✅ Track Metrics

• Pre- and post-implementation: turnover rate, callback frequency, employee satisfaction scores.

✅ Empower Participation

• Ask techs or CSRs to lead small segments.
• Start with simple prompts (e.g., “What’s one win from yesterday?”).

✅ Use Tools to Help

• Leverage platforms like Super Tech University to supply soft-skill training content.

Section 3: Reflection Questions

• What’s one thing I’d want every team member to hear each day?
• How can I make our meetings something people want to attend?
• What’s the biggest cultural issue in my company that daily meetings could help solve?

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this inspiring episode of the Blue Collar Nation Podcast, Eric and Larry sit down with Bill German, co-owner of New Way Restoration and proud graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks." Bill shares his powerful journey from working in underground coal mines to leading a thriving restoration business. He dives into the life-changing lessons learned along the way—how COVID reshaped his views on work-life balance, what it really means to “figure it out,” and how mentorship, community, and relentless grit helped him go from employee to owner.

Listeners will walk away with a real-world look at leadership, scaling a service business, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Bill’s openness about his failures, his drive to never stop learning, and his candid thoughts on coaching make this episode a must-listen for anyone running a blue-collar business.

✅ Action List for Listeners:

1. Reflect on your own journey — What lessons have come from your mistakes, and how are they shaping your future decisions?
2. Evaluate your work-life balance — Are you sacrificing too much personal time for business? What can you shift?
3. Audit your leadership style — Are you applying the good you’ve learned from past mentors and avoiding the bad?
4. Consider the value of coaching — Do you have someone pushing you, guiding you, and offering accountability like Bill found in Eric and Larry?
5. Write down your next 3 business moves — Follow Bill’s example and create a list of action items to help you implement faster.
6. Celebrate small wins — Acknowledge how far you've come, even if you're not "there" yet.
7. Find your tribe — Surround yourself with people who “get it” and can offer meaningful support when things go sideways.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.

In this episode, Larry and Eric break down the art of the in-home inspection—not just to diagnose problems, but to educate the client, build trust, and lead them naturally to a confident buying decision. If you’re in the home services industry, this one’s for you. We’ll explore how to turn your inspection process into a structured, trust-building experience that eliminates sales pressure and increases your close rate. Learn how to ask the right questions, use simple language, and visually involve the client every step of the way.

TITLE SPONSOR:
Super Tech University
Dramatically improve your team's performance with a system of short daily video lessons training your team in soft skills. When you invest in your team and teach them soft skills, your team can make you more profit. Go to https://supertechu.com/ for more info.

Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/.

Here is an entrepreneur's story you will relate to.

SPONSOR: C&R Magazine
C&R magazine is the leading periodical in the Cleaning and Restoration industry. Owner and editor Michelle Blevins has brought printed copies back from the dead to increase reader experience. Go to www.candrmagazine.com to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.