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.

Get in touch with Jacob:

Website

Youtube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Get in touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

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:

Website

LinkedIn

Get in Touch with us:

Check out the Blue Collar BS website.

Steve Doyle:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

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:

Website

LinkedIn

Email

Brad Herda:

Website

LinkedIn

Email