Today we’ve got an awesome guest on the show. Someone who left corporate America to pursue a passion in woodworking. Mr Danny Zientek joins us today to talk with us about his journey to starting a wood working business. About a month ago, Danny posted his accomplishment on LinkedIn. He received over 100k like and almost 7k comments supporting his decision. I am proud to be one of those likes and to have the opportunity to talk with him on this show. Danny grew up admiring his grandfather’s work as a cabinet maker and wood worker, so his fascination began at an early age. He also admired his grandfathers stories about the time he spent in the military. So much so that Danny headed to the Army straight out of high school. After his tenure in the service, he inserted himself into corporate America eventually landing a sales position. After that job grew monotonous, he knew he had to do something different for the betterment of himself and his family. That’s when Danny Z’s woodworking was born. Now, with the full support of his wife and kids, he’s able to make a living doing what makes him happy. Which aligns with his true definition of success; to be the ultimate family man. He’s also involved with Irreverent Warriors, which focuses on suicide prevention (not just awareness) for veterans. Check out the great work they are doing at https://www.irreverentwarriors.com/ Also, don’t forget to get your tickets to EGIA’s EPIC2021 October 28-29 at Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, featuring celebrity keynote presenters like Daymond John of Shark Tank, Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue and Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, airline pilot from the Miracle on the Hudson. There will be breakout sessions delivered by legendary industry experts, access to best-in-class product and service providers, dynamic networking opportunities and an unforgettable evening party on the rooftop of the Paris. I wouldn’t back this if I didn’t believe in it. You can get $50 off registration with my code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. That’s coupon code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. You won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Danny Zientek

Blue is the New White Podcast

Blue is the New White #109 - Danny Zientek, Danny Z's Woodworking

Alright, we’re BACK in the saddle bringing you a new round of episodes, starting with the one and only Jessica Bannister or HVACJess as you may know her on Instagram. Jess started off on the typical route going to university after high school and landing in an admin position for the better part of 10 years. Once that career became less fulfilling than expected, she joined the family HVAC/R with her dad and brother. She started off in the office, but grew tired of the same work every day and was dying to be in a position to not have to pick out a new outfit every day! So she threw on a uniform and headed out into the field with her dad. The excitement she got from being a technician was more fulfilling than anything else she had done. She gets to experience new things every day, see cool shit, and bring satisfaction to those in need of her services. She is now a level 3 apprentice, Instagram HVAC influencer, and President of the Women in HVACR Canada. Listen in to hear all about Jess and how she found her definition of success in the skilled trades. Also, don’t forget to get your tickets to EGIA’s EPIC2021 October 28-29 at Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, featuring celebrity keynote presenters like Daymond John of Shark Tank, Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue and Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, airline pilot from the Miracle on the Hudson. There will be breakout sessions delivered by legendary industry experts, access to best-in-class product and service providers, dynamic networking opportunities and an unforgettable evening party on the rooftop of the Paris. I wouldn’t back this if I didn’t believe in it. You can get $50 off registration with my code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. That’s coupon code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. You won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Jessica Bannister

Blue is the New White #108 - Jessica Bannister, HVACJess

Today we have an awesome guest talking about an organization that supports the skilled trades to no end. Jeff Matulich joins us today as the VP of Marketing and Member Services for EGIA. For those unfamiliar, EGIA is the Electric & Gas Industries Association, a non profit organization. But they are far more than that. They also have a Contractor University Training Platform that focuses on the business side of the trades. They train everyone from those who want to start a business to $100 million companies looking to offer industry specific continuing education to their staff. In addition to that, they have a $4.5 billion dollar financing division, and a foundation that sponsors scholarship programs for those looking to break into the skilled trades industries. And that all leads into their annual event, EPIC 2021. Let me tell you, if you’re ready to take your contracting business to the next level, you have to attend. This is the most highly anticipated educational event of the year for the home services industry! EPIC2021 will take place October 28-29 at Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, featuring celebrity keynote presenters like Daymond John of Shark Tank, Jon Taff­er of Bar Rescue and Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, airline pilot from the Miracle on the Hudson. There will be breakout sessions delivered by legendary industry experts, access to best-in-class product and service providers, dynamic networking opportunities and an unforgettable evening party on the rooftop of the Paris. You can get $50 o­ registration with my code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. That’s coupon code BLUE50 at EPIC2021event.com. You won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Jeff Matulich.

Blue is the New White #107 - Jeff Matulich, VP Marketing @ EGIA

Today we talk to a Partnership Builder from a company that we’ve all heard of, Partstown. His official title is Vice President of Service and Dealer Partnerships, but I like partnership builder better. Chuck Combs comes on the show with us to talk a little about his background in college and the military as well as his responsibilities at Partstown. We also get into some hot topics like the perception of the trades, obviously one of my favorites. The labor shortage, and the supply chain issues that we’re seeing today. Listen in to hear some fantastic insight some a very smart guy about some of the things we’re all thinking about. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Chuck Combs

Blue is the New White #106 - Chuck Combs, VP at Partstown

Today’s guest is a fellow podcaster, tradesperson, truth speaker, and inspirer. Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez is a plumber by trade who is also the host of the popular podcast Learnins and Missteps. His journey starts in high school, where he was academically gifted. A smart guy who checked all the right boxes and was well on his way to a shiny new college education. Because of his high energy attitude and inability to be comfortable behind a desk, a scholarship eluded him. But it was all ok because he found a great summer job in the trades to sock away some cash for room and board. Only one problem… He immediately fell head over heels in love with the job. It didn’t take long before he made the decision to skip college and pursue the trades full time. And we should all be glad he did. Starting as a plumber, he worked his way up the org chart, to leading teams of people, instructing, and eventually into construction management and, you guessed it, podcasting. Listen in to hear his inspiring story of hard work, perseverance, and fulfillment. And how you can achieve the same. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Jesse Hernandez

Blue is the New White #105 - Jesse Hernandez, Host of Learnins and Missteps

Today we have an industry expert on the show. Not necessarily in the field, but in the recruiting aspect. But he’s not actually a recruiter. You still with me? Good. His name is Ryan Englin, CEO & Founder of Core Matters. He is nothing short of a pioneer in the blue collar world and is laser focused on solving the age-old problem of how to attract people, not only to the industry, but to your company specifically. He has developed a proven program for acquiring the talent that we in the trades dream about every single night. He doesn’t actively hire or recruit, but rather coaches skilled trade companies on how to shift their mindset and practices to build, and keep, a rockstar team. Grab a pen for this one guys and girls! Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Ryan Englin.

Blue is the New White #104 - Ryan Englin, CEO @ Core Matters

Welcome to today’s special RFMA edition of Blue is the New White. Today we sit down, in person, with Rich Malachy of Malachy Parts & Service and The FEDD Group while in Charlotte NC to talk about the power of social media. What does this have to do with Blue being the New White? Well listen, part of climbing the latter and chasing opportunity is networking. And, in this day and age, networking can be largely cultivated through online interaction. So today we talk about how Rich and I met, and what that has led to for both of us with regard to personal development, business opportunities, and putting ourselves in a position to succeed online in a blue collar world. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Rich Malachy.

Blue is the New White #103 - Rich Malachy @ RFMA 2021

Stepping out of my realm a little bit this week. We have a roundtable of brilliant minds on today’s show talking on a topic that few want to touch on: inclusiveness and diversity in the trades. My standpoint is very simple: Can you do the job? Why does it have to be more complicated than that? So without further ado here is: Miriam Jordi – A driven advocate who is in quality control. Previously a sheet metal installer & welder. Lisa Langevin – An openly lesbian woman who has helped revolutionize career pathways for women in construction through grassroots initiatives. Jessica Loney – An openly transgender woman and Master Electrician helping Miriam drive the Pride in Construction movement. And Diana Palmerin – A diversity consultant that fell into the world of the skilled trades and is helping to bridge the gap and break down the barriers that exist today. Don’t miss this interesting conversation and opportunity to learn a little about a topic that needs more attention. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with these wonderful women of the industry.

Blue is the New White #102 - Roundtable on inclusiveness and diversity in the trades

Today we sit down with someone who as just as passionate about the trades as I am. So much so that he’s leading a brilliant initiative to Honor those in the trades, Inform those not in the trades, and Empower those who want to be in the trades. Chris CB Brenchly is the co-founder & CEO of Surehand, and the driving force behind Rock the trades. And today we talk on all aspects of the industry from the perceptions, to the importance, and to what can (and will) be done in the future to drive the industry forward. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation, I know I did! And be sure to find and follow the Rock the Trades on social. And hop over to their website rockthetrades.com to learn more! Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with the driving force himself, CB!

Blue is the New White #101 - Chris CB Brenchly, Rock the Trades/Surehand

This is our 100th episode of Blue is the New White. Can you believe it? We’ve had 100 people on this show to share their knowledge, insight, wisdom, and advice for the skilled trades. I can’t believe it myself. So before I introduce todays guest, a BIG shoutout to everyone who made this possible. All 100 guest, the thousands of listeners, and of course, this big beautiful industry that we all love. So I wanted to make the 100th episode special. And this guest does just that. She has been through almost every trial, tribulation, struggle, and shitty situation you can image, but was able to emerge stronger than ever. She used her Pronoia (if you don’t know that word, look it up) to overcome her circumstances, and herself to because one of the great metal artists the world has ever seen. Her passion for what she does runs so deep. Her love for the industry and the people in it is so strong. And she has been able to build a life she can be proud of because of just that. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy the 100th episode of Blue is the New White with the one, the only, the lovely, BARBIE THE WELDER

Blue is the New White #100 - BARBIE THE WELDER

Today we talk with someone in the Facilities world. Not the boots on the ground facilities, but the technology space surrounding facilities. Griffin Hamilton is one of the founders of Flow Path, a facilities specific platform designed to deliver enterprise performance for small teams. Griffin has an incredibly relatable story. He grew up and followed the traditional path, got good grades, got a scholarship, went to college for environmental sciences, and got his degree. Problem was, he knew by his senior year that he was never actually going to use it. His first venture was hood cleaning, where he saw a demand, learned a skill, and applied his entrepreneurial touch to turn it into an actual business. Which he then sold 3 years later to solve a problem in facilities that he noticed while serving them. Listen in to hear Griffins story of how he got where he never thought he would be using the skilled trades as a stepping stone to get there. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Griffin Hamilton.

Blue is the New White #99 - Griffin Hamilton, Flow Path

Today we have some familiar faces on the show. Faces you all know and love. Rich Malachy with Malachy Parts & Service, and FEDD. And Taz Sutherland with Walmart and my counterpart as region leader for FEDD. Join us for this off-the-cuff conversation about technician wages, company culture, the prices in the industry today, and the prices in the industry tomorrow. We talk about the economic climate in the skilled trades as well as what can be done to swing the pendulum. Tune in to hear these industry professionals offer valuable insight into the world of food equipment repair and beyond!

Blue is the New White #98 - Rich Malachy & Taz Sutherland

Today we talk with a fellow FEDD Member, and if you don’t know what that is, shame on you. Just kidding, look them up Food Equipment Digital Disrupters on Facebook. The fedd group dot com. Anyways, Chris Rohling with oasis preferred maintenance joins us today to tell us about his journey through the industry. Chris grew up admiring his grandfathers hands-on approach and his dads entrepreneurial spirit. He ended up taking a Vo-Tech class in High School for automotive and earned his ASE certification. He actually attributes many of the skills he deems fundamental to what he learned in that training. After some initial jobs Chris got a taste of entrepreneurship himself and never looked back. He used his skills to create Oasis and lives his success every day by being a leader in his organization and helping young people develop in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Chris Rohling.

Blue is the New White #97 - Chris Rohling, Oasis Preferred Maintenance & FEDD Group

Today’s guest came up in the automotive industry to find his success. Chris Knuth is the owner of Star Motors European Service and founder of APAC ATI a non-profit organization that provides automotive technical training combined with personal growth and transformation skills to meet the demands of life. Serving Veterans, the recovery community, ex-offenders and other at-risk communities. Chris grew up in a rural area that didn’t focus heavily on college so after high school he basically jumped right into the trades. He couldn’t find his passion in construction, but once he was taken under the wing of an experienced auto-mechanic, he found his calling. After years of service in the auto industry, up downs and arounds, he found himself the proud owner of an automotive repair shop. He has since evolved his passions into watching those around him grow and helping people to achieve success in the trade. Listen in to hear all about Chris’s journey and how he came to fulfill his passions through a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Chris Knuth.

Blue is the New White #96 - Chris Knuth, Owner of Star Motors European Service

Today we sit down with someone close to my realm of the industry. Matt McMahon is the President of S&K Oil and a former restaurateur who literally built hundreds of restaurants including Chi-Chi’s and Outback Steakhouse. Matt gives us a glimpse of the trades from an end user perspective and talks all about his experiences over the years in the restaurant industry. Tune in to hear us talk all about the fundamentals of success, the importance of the trades, and how his current business is revolutionizing the cooking oil industry. Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel, and on our website blueisthenewwhite.com to receive all the latest updates. As always, this show is not monetized & we don’t run ads. We rely strictly on the word of mouth from our listeners to further the mission. So if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share. The future generations of tradespeople depend on it. On you! So thank you again and enjoy this episode of Blue is the New White with Matt McMahon

Blue is the New White #95 - Matt McMahon, President of S&K Oil

Becoming successful in today’s America is simple: graduate high school, go to college, and get a white-collar job. That path is undoubtedly going to lead you to the biggest paycheck and the best opportunities. Right? The truth is, some of the most lucrative jobs out there are blue-collar jobs–yet society pushes the perception that being an auto mechanic, plumber, electrician, or construction worker somehow indicates a lack of success. A career in the skilled trades was once well-regarded as a good, honest profession. Now, we discourage young people from pursuing those careers in favor of racking up massive student loan debt and pursuing professional careers that may not always play to their strengths. In Blue Is The New White, Josh Zolin shows that success doesn’t have to mean a college degree. He discovered this firsthand, rising through hard work from a technician at his dad’s small business to the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company. There is more than one path to a stable career and a great financial future; in this book, you’ll learn just how many opportunities await you in places you never thought to look. We reveal the truth behind the trades.

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Blue is the New White Podcast

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