Blue Collar Millionaire Podcast

What does it take to leave behind a secure six-figure salary, student debt, and the “safe” path… to take a leap into business ownership?

In this episode, Kevin and Chris sit down with Mike Jackson and Matt Nettles - two ordinary guys with steady jobs, families to provide for, and everything to lose. Instead of playing it safe, they bet on themselves, bought a business, and began building a new future.

Inside this conversation:

🔥 The risks (and rewards) of walking away from stability
🔥 The challenges of SBA financing—and how private capital stepped in

Discover the secrets to building million-dollar businesses with Chuck Staszkiewicz! In this episode, Chuck shares his incredible journey from plumber to blue collar millionaire, revealing the strategies, mindset, and leadership skills that helped him scale multiple companies to seven figures and beyond.

Discover Chuck’s proven advice on:

From a $2,000 van to a $20 million business, Chuck Staszkiewicz's story is the ultimate blueprint for going from plumber to Blue Collar Millionaire. 💪

In this episode, Chuck shares how he:

Started with nothing but hustle and grit

Scaled his company from 0 to $12M without systems or processes

Faced a wake-up call during COVID that nearly cost him everything

Learned the power of mentorship, numbers, and accountability

Grew to $20M in revenue with 130+ employees before making a successful exit

If you’ve ever wondered how to build, scale...

What if your business could keep growing even when you step away? And what if one day you could cash out for millions?

In this episode, Kevin shares how he turned his blue collar hustle into a life-changing exit and the 5 secrets every business owner must know before selling.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ The #1 mistake that kills your valuation

✅ How to build predictable cash flow and leads buyers love

✅ Why clean books and “add-backs” can mean millions more at closing

✅ The power of having the right people in plac...

Tired of losing customers to slow responses, endless follow-ups, and complicated sales processes?

In this episode, we break down exactly how to remove friction from your sales process so you can close more deals faster.

From instant pricing and transparent answers to automation that builds trust before you even speak to a prospect, this is the future of selling in the blue collar and home service industries.

You’ll learn:

✅ How instant quotes can win over customers (even if you’re priced higher)

✅ Why speed + clarity beats pushy sa...

What you surround yourself with matters. In this episode Chris and Kevin break down how influence from your circle, your environment, and even your algorithm can either skyrocket your growth or quietly sabotage your success.

They cover:

✅ Why top performers always feel like they’re not doing enough

✅ How bad influence seeps in and how to cut it off

✅ The impact of exposure on your kids, your mindset, and your goals

✅ How their circle of winners keeps them focused and scaling

✅ Who you're watching, reading, and hanging with matters...

In this episode, Chris and Kevin dive deep into the importance of branding and how it can significantly impact your business's revenue. They share personal experiences with rebranding their core business and provide actionable insights on how to listen to customer feedback to tweak your brand effectively. From transitioning a carpet cleaning business to focus on health and mold remediation services, to leveraging social media for branding.

Chris and Kevin offer practical advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. The episode also touches on the evolution of personal and business branding and the benefits of joining the Boardroom...

In this episode, Chris and guest speakers Mark and Adam emphasize the importance of being in the right environment to achieve business success. They discuss how joining masterminds and collaborative groups can significantly boost one's career by providing access to experienced professionals and valuable information.

They share personal stories about how their involvement in masterminds like the Blue Collar Millionaire and Deal Maker Family has led to unprecedented financial and professional growth. They advocate for viewing the cost of these groups as an investment in oneself, leading to opportunities and relationship capital that can accelerate success.
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This episode is unlike anything we’ve done before.

We brought in two powerhouse guests, Adam Maggio and Mark Andrew, who are flipping the game with AI, blue collar funding, and smart business moves. These aren’t just guys we know. They’re operators, builders, and innovators changing how business is done in the trades and beyond.

What we unpack:
- How to use AI agents to handle sales, dispatch, SOPs, and customer service
- Real-world examples of AI closing deals, evaluating businesses, and running ops
- The future of trades in an AI...

Handling Bad Reviews, Firing Clients, and Knowing Your Real Profit

In this episode, Chris and Kevin break down real questions from our Facebook group, and this one hits home:

How do you handle negative reviews without hurting your business?

They share:

✅ How to respond to bad reviews with confidence and professionalism

✅ What private equity really looks at when you go to sell your business

✅ Why showing $0 profit after $100k/month might raise red flags

✅ How to identify (and fire) problem clients the right way

✅ Tips...

Thinking of starting a new business? Or wondering if it’s finally time to take a big leap?

In this episode of Blue Collar Millionaires, we’re diving into the real conversations happening inside our 225,000+ strong community. From buying businesses to overcoming growth ceilings, we tackle the risks that actually move the needle and the distractions that hold you back.

We cover:
✅ Why starting another business might be hurting you
✅ How buying routes or businesses can shortcut your success
✅ The mindset shift from grinding in the weeds to building real wealth
✅ Alternative...

Tired of feeling like a pushy salesperson just to close a deal?

In this episode, we break down how to make profitable sales without being pushy. It’s all about trust, education, and delivering real value.

We cover:

If you want your business to stay booked without begging, this one’s for you...

They started in the van, doing it all - sales, fulfillment, late-night admin just to stay afloat. Now? They’re running million-dollar companies with teams, systems, and the freedom to think like CEOs.

In this episode, Chris and Kevin break down what it really takes to go from being overworked to building a business that works for you. They discussed:

When to hire your first employee (and how to know you're ready)

Why sales is the last thing a founder should give away

How to build momentum even when operations aren’t pe...

In this episode, we’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with real estate investor and entrepreneur Michael Burns.

This one’s packed with hard-earned wisdom on how to lead from the front, make smart bets (especially on yourself), and avoid the mistakes that wipe out even experienced investors.

Topics we hit:

From Flipping Houses to Building Empires: Michael Burns' Journey

He lost millions, rebuilt from scratch, and came back stronger.

In this episode of Blue Collar Millionaire, Michael Burns shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he went from flipping hundreds of homes in Utah to losing nearly everything and then rebuilding a real estate empire in Ohio.

This isn’t just a real estate story. It’s a lesson in grit, humility, and what it really takes to survive hard times in life and business.

🔹 Lessons from losing $2M and sta...

Everyone’s fighting over the same leads, the same job boards, and the same tired marketing tactics. But what if there was a smarter, cheaper, and way more effective way to stand out?

In this episode, Chris and Kevin reveal the underrated strategy that’s quietly driving top-tier hires, dream clients, and long-term partnerships: hosting your own high-value experiences.

✅ Learn how to:

Build powerful business relationships without pitching.
Create events that magnetize A-players and ideal clients.
Elevate your brand in any industry without breaking the bank.
Build tr...

Turn One Job Into Five: How to Upsell Without More Ads You don’t need more ads.

You need a better system.

In this episode, Chris and Kevin break down exactly how to turn one small job into multiple high-value opportunities using smart upselling, strategic follow-ups, and a service model that builds trust and long-term relationships.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ The 4-step upsell ladder (inspection → repair → replacement → subscription)

✅ Why getting in the house is your #1 revenue move

✅ How to use “when was the last time” questions to create de...

AI isn’t a threat, it’s your secret weapon.

Missed calls. Lost leads. Overwhelmed staff. We’ve all been there. In this episode, we dive into how AI is solving those problems fast and helping blue-collar businesses grow smarter, not just harder.

Hear how one business went from startup to 45 trucks and a multimillion-dollar exit, thanks in part to AI. Get real call demos, find out how it boosts scheduling, lead follow-up, and rehashing old clients. Plus, learn why private equity is pouring into this space and what that means for your future...

Are you pricing jobs based on what the competition charges—or worse, just winging it? In this episode, Chris and Kevin break down exactly why so many blue collar businesses are losing money on every job… and how to stop the bleeding.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to price for profit (not just to stay busy)

✅ Why a 30% overhead and 20% profit margin should be your baseline

✅ How cash flow issues—not lack of leads—put businesses under

✅ Real strategies to fix your pricing, deposits, vendor terms, and more

✅ Why staying small is...

Let’s be real. Excuses are easy, ownership is hard. In this episode, Kevin and Chris dive into the raw truth about what’s really holding most entrepreneurs back: themselves.

From blaming lowballers and labor shortages to avoiding tough conversations about culture and leadership, this is a wake-up call for anyone who’s serious about growth. It’s not your market. It’s not your team. It’s the habits and blind spots you’ve allowed to stay.

✅ Learn how to:

Stop handing your power away with excuses

Take extreme ownership of your outcomes...

Most business owners get delegation wrong because they think hiring someone experienced means they can "hand off the crown" and walk away.

In this episode, Chris and Kevin break down the real key to successful delegation: empowering your team with the systems, support, and clarity they need to win.

We share firsthand lessons on:

- Why hiring "skilled" people isn't enough

- How to build buy-in and ownership

- What accountability actually looks like

- The mindset shift that took us from chaos to clarity

What separates a busy business from a profitable one? Processes.

In this episode, kevin and Chris unpack how to scale a business by building simple, repeatable systems that remove you from the day-to-day chaos and unlock serious growth.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ Why most entrepreneurs stay stuck as technicians 

✅ How to identify and fix your biggest bottleneck

✅ Building processes that allow you to delegate and scale

✅ How we grew a startup windshield business with lightning speed

✅ The mindset shift from working in your...

College debt or career head start?

In this episode of Blue Collar Millionaire, we dive deep into the growing opportunities in the blue collar space and why more people are choosing trades over traditional degrees. We break down real numbers—man-hour profitability from carpet cleaning to fire restoration—and explain how young workers can go from zero experience to business ownership in just a few years.

We talk about:

Why blue collar isn't a fallback—it’s a fast track

The massive wave of retiring business owners creating buyout opportunities

How p...

In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of rapid response times for boosting business conversions, illustrated with real-life case studies. Discover how responding quickly to customer inquiries can significantly enhance your business credibility and conversion rates, demonstrated by examples from blue-collar industries.

Learn why being 'born ready' and setting up efficient communication systems can make or break your business, as we share strategies adopted by market leaders and the Amazon culture. Explore how implementing quick response systems can unlock substantial financial gains and customer loyalty.

Want to get in the room...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reason people leave companies—and how the best leaders flip the script. If you're running a business, your team can either make or break you. So how do you build loyalty, boost performance, and create a culture that people want to be a part of?

Chris and Kevin get real about the mistakes they made early on, the lessons that reshaped their leadership, and the powerful mindset shift that changed their team culture forever. They share tactical ways to connect with your people, reward the right behavior, and beco...

In this episode, we delve into why blue collar millionaires avoid get rich quick schemes and the importance of controlling your investments. With real-life examples and personal anecdotes, we explain why high-risk investments often amount to gambling and usually result in losses.

Discover the necessity of having control over your investments and learn practical tips to protect yourself from financial pitfalls. Join us to explore safer, smarter investment strategies backed by hard-earned experience and learn about the resources available at Blue Collar Millionaire. Net aimed at guiding you towards sustainable financial success.

00:00 Introduction: Avoiding Get Rich Q...

In this episode, we dive deep into relationship capital—the ultimate hack for credibility, visibility, and exponential opportunities in business.

🔹 Why brand ambassadors and key relationships drive business growth

🔹 How networking in the right rooms changed our careers

🔹 The importance of leveraging other people’s experience, skills, and connections

🔹 Why investing in exclusive masterminds and paid networking groups is a game-changer

🔹 How to become the connector in your industry and open doors to new opportunities “If I lost everything, the ONE thing I’d ask to keep is my relationships.” Want to...

What Happens When You STOP Looking for the Easy Button in Sales? 

Too many business owners and salespeople search for shortcuts instead of doing what works. The truth? There is no easy button in business. If you want to win, you need to put in the effort, remove risk for your customers, and make it a no-brainer for them to choose YOU over the competition.

In this episode, we break down:
✅ Why customers hesitate to buy—and how to eliminate that hesitation
✅ The Test Method: a simple way to show your value before asking f...

Stop Selling, Start Solving: The Secret to Closing More Deals

Most people get sales wrong. They focus on selling when they should be solving. In this episode, we break down the exact method to land high-value deals, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Why nobody cares about your company history (and what actually gets their attention)

How to structure win-win deals where you don’t take on risk The power of controlling the lead and building an affiliate network Why the best entrepreneurs aren’t the best technicians—they’re the best m...

The Hard Truth About Success: Avoid These Career Pitfalls

Success isn’t a straight path—it’s a journey filled with lessons, setbacks, and breakthroughs. In this episode, we dive into the biggest career mistakes people make in their 20s, 30s, and 40s and how to avoid them. From learning the right skills early on to leveraging relationships and scaling your business, we break down what we wish we knew sooner.

We talk about:

✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs and professionals make in each decade

✅ Why your environment and relationships determine your success

Your Customers Hold the Key to Your Next Big Business Move

If you’re not listening to your customers, you’re missing out on massive opportunities for growth. In this episode, we dive into the importance of understanding your customer’s language, pinpointing their pain points, and using that information to refine your marketing, sales, and service offerings.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🔥 How to identify and leverage customer trigger words for marketing
🔥 The subcontractor model and why it’s a game-changer for scaling
🔥 Real-world examples of businesses pivoting based on customer feedback

Most business owners think competition is about outworking the other guy. But the real winners? They collaborate, learn, and leverage smart strategies to grow FAST.

In this episode, we dive into:
✅ Secret Shopping – How to spy on your competitors (ethically) and improve your sales process.
✅ Shop Tours & Hands-on Learning – Why working with industry leaders outside your market will fast-track your success.
✅ Sam Walton’s Strategy – How the Walmart founder used competitor insights to dominate retail (and how you can apply this to your business).
✅ Avoiding Expensive Trial & Error – The smartest way to learn new services and l...

Want a HIGH-PERFORMING Team? Watch This Now

Building a team that excels in both culture and performance is no easy task, but it's the key to scaling a successful business. In this episode, Chris and I dive deep into strategies for hiring A-players, identifying team members who are holding your business back, and making the tough decisions that ultimately lead to growth.

We’ll share actionable tips like:

Learn the art of the pivot and make smart business moves with these tips! Overcome the fear of change and adapt to new opportunities for success.

In this episode, Kevin and Chris emphasize the importance of pivoting in business decisions to ensure growth and financial success. They discuss reassessing compensation structures, services, prices, and team members to better align with future goals. Personal experiences are shared, illustrating how timely pivots can lead to significant business transformations.

The conversation covers setting realistic timelines for testing new strategies and gathering sufficient data to make informed decisions. Ultimately...

Learn about the millionaire mindset and how to achieve success through focus, execution, and personal growth. This video will teach you how to set and achieve your goals like a millionaire!

In this episode, Kevin and Chris explore the crucial concept of focus and why it's essential for business growth. Kevin shares how focusing on one thing, like his gutter cleaning business, helped him achieve multi-million dollar success. They talk about the dangers of spreading yourself too thin and the power of prioritizing your most important goals. From lead generation to efficiency, this episode is packed with...

Learn how to track and dominate your business competition with these tips on analyzing data and setting realistic revenue goals. Stay ahead of the game!

In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss the critical role of tracking business metrics to ensure success rather than relying on accidental achievements They emphasize the importance of analyzing data, setting realistic revenue goals for 2025, and identifying key activities that drive growth. The conversation covers practical tips on maximizing lead conversion, the significance of follow-ups, choosing profitable services, and using CRM systems like Housecall Pro. Join them as they break down strategies...

Discover the strategies of delegation and systemization to grow your business. Learn how to fractionalize yourself to increase productivity and scale your business effectively.

In this episode, we dive into the game-changing strategies of delegation and systemization to grow your business. Learn how to fractionalize yourself without diluting your expertise, create detailed SOPs, and build training systems that free you from the daily grind.

Learn the exact steps we’ve used to document processes, leverage technology like Loom and AI tools, and develop virtual training programs to transform our businesses into well-oiled machines.

In this episode, Kevin and Chris dive into the importance of being honest with yourself about your goals and commitments. Are you truly going to take on that new idea, or is it time to let it go? We discuss:

💡 Plus, Kevin and Chris share their personal stories of managing time, avoiding shiny object syndrome, and ho...

Are you focusing too much on finding new customers and neglecting the goldmine in your existing database? This episode is all about increasing the lifetime value of your customers and building stronger, more profitable relationships.

We dive into actionable strategies for:

Whether you're in cleaning, landscaping, or any other blue-collar business, these tips will help you turn one-time customers into long-term assets.

Tune in and take action—your business wi...

What’s Holding Your Team Back from LEVELING UP?

In this episode, Kevin and Chris dive into the strategies that will take your business to the next level. Learn how to raise your company’s standards, track performance, and create a culture where accountability thrives.

Discover how small changes, like keeping score and recognizing top performers, can have a massive impact on team morale and productivity. Kevin shares stories from his journey, including lessons learned in his own companies, and Chris discusses the importance of leading by example.

Highlights include: