Ever wondered why your profitable projects aren't reflected in your bank account? The answer lies in construction financial management, specifically, the disconnect between traditional accounting software and the unique needs of contractors.

In this revealing conversation, Sy Kirby speaks with Caleb Smith, Co-Founder and President of ControlQore, about the financial visibility gap plaguing blue-collar businesses. Caleb, whose team combines construction experience with software expertise, explains how their platform was born from frustration with QuickBooks and the cumbersome patchwork of spreadsheets contractors typically rely on.

"We were hitting this wall of challenge around having visibility and control over our project financials," Smith shares, describing the pain point that drove ControlQore's creation. The solution? A comprehensive financial platform built specifically for contractors that connects every transaction to specific projects and cost codes.

What sets ControlQore apart isn't just the software itself, but their approach to implementation. Unlike other platforms that provide minimal onboarding and then leave users to figure things out, ControlQore's CEO personally oversees customer implementation. This hands-on approach helps contractors overcome the typical hurdles of adopting new technology while running daily operations.

The most compelling takeaway comes when discussing real-time job costing. As Sy points out, knowing you're losing money on manholes at installation #2 rather than #20 can be the difference between salvaging profitability and watching margins disappear. This visibility allows contractors to make corrections while there's still time to impact outcomes.

Whether you're a general contractor managing multiple trades or a specialty subcontractor focused on a specific craft, ControlQore offers adaptability without sacrificing power. The result? Owners report gaining back 20+ hours weekly while increasing net profit, time, and money that can be reinvested in growth or simply enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

The skills gap in America didn't happen by accident. It was engineered through decades of educational policies that systematically dismantled vocational training in favor of college preparation. Zachary Hanson, author of The Trade Gap and host of The Okayest Trapper Podcast, joins us to share his remarkable journey from corporate executive to skilled tradesman.

After climbing the corporate ladder in the AI industry, Zach experienced firsthand how precarious white-collar careers can be when he lost his executive position and faced extended unemployment. What saved him financially wasn't his impressive resume but the practical skills he'd developed on the side—trapping, welding, and electrical work. Now he's on a mission to close the trade gap by encouraging both young people and established professionals to develop manual skills as career insurance.

The conversation takes us through the historical decline of shop classes in American schools, the current acceleration of AI replacing knowledge work, and the growing demand for skilled trades in our economy. Zach provides a unique perspective as someone who's thrived in both worlds and offers practical advice for upskilling without abandoning your current career path.

What's particularly compelling is Zach's honesty about the challenges of learning trades later in life. From the emasculating experience of asking someone to change his oil at 29 to the discipline required for night welding school while maintaining a day job, he doesn't sugarcoat the journey. Yet the confidence and security that comes from knowing you have marketable skills beyond your keyboard make the effort worthwhile.

Whether you're a young person weighing educational options, a professional concerned about technological disruption, or a tradesperson looking to better understand the larger economic forces at work, this episode offers valuable insights into building a resilient career in uncertain times.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Ever feel like you're working harder than ever but your profits don't show it? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, America's service coach Joe Crisara reveals the exact strategy that took him from $500,000 in debt to completely debt-free in just three years—without working more hours or finding more customers.

The secret? The Pure Motive Service Approach. Joe walks us through how blue collar businesses consistently undervalue their expertise and leave massive profits on the table. Through real-world examples from plumbing to HVAC to excavation, he demonstrates how presenting premium, mid-range, and economy options transforms customer decisions. "If you only give one price, you're usually going to give the cheapest one," Joe explains. "But if you offer premium, mid-range, economy, where you start with the premium price first, then 80% will upgrade."

What makes this approach so powerful is its focus on thoroughly diagnosing problems rather than rushing to solutions. When you clearly identify both technical issues and emotional impacts, customers naturally gravitate toward comprehensive solutions. The results speak for themselves—Joe's first attempt at this method turned a $75 repair into a $1,250 sale.

Beyond pricing psychology, Joe shares candid insights about profit margins (you need at least 65% gross profit), the importance of team training, and why most contractors unknowingly sabotage their own success. His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: "I don't participate in a bad economy." Instead, he creates his own economic reality through strategic pricing and pure-motive service.

Whether you're struggling with razor-thin margins or simply looking to take your business to the next level, this conversation provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Connect with Joe at www.servicemvp.com to learn more about transforming your blue collar business through the science of service and sales.

Support the show

Follow and stay connected:

Website: bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast
Instagram: @bluecollarbusinesspodcast
TikTok: @bluecollarbusinesspod
Facebook: Blue Collar Business Podcast
LinkedIn: Blue Collar Business Podcast

Never miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!