Blue Collar Nation

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 [https://supertechu.com/] 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/ [https://supertechu.com/] for more info. Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/ [https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/]. Here is an entrepreneur's story [https://youtu.be/EdRLBuSOyeg] 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 [https://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 [https://supertechu.com/] 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/ [https://supertechu.com/] for more info. Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/ [https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/]. Here is an entrepreneur's story [https://youtu.be/EdRLBuSOyeg] 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 [https://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 [https://supertechu.com/] 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/ [https://supertechu.com/] for more info. Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/ [https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/]. Here is an entrepreneur's story [https://youtu.be/EdRLBuSOyeg] 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 [https://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 [https://supertechu.com/] 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/ [https://supertechu.com/] for more info. Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/ [https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/]. Here is an entrepreneur's story [https://youtu.be/EdRLBuSOyeg] 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 [https://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 [https://supertechu.com/] 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/ [https://supertechu.com/] for more info. Click here for a discount: https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/ [https://supertechu.com/register/podcastoffer/]. Here is an entrepreneur's story [https://youtu.be/EdRLBuSOyeg] 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 [https://candrmagazine.com/] to get your free copy sent directly to your home or business.