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!

Marriage and business make for a volatile mix, as Sy and Sara Kirby candidly reveal in this vulnerable exploration of conflict communication and emotional safety. After nearly a decade of working side-by-side in their blue-collar business, they've weathered storms that would sink many relationships – and emerged with hard-won wisdom about keeping both enterprises afloat.

The couple pulls back the curtain on their evolution from "loud and fast" arguments in early marriage to more methodical disagreements now, sharing how they've created systems that work for their opposite communication styles. Sy, the emotional pursuer who wants to resolve issues immediately, has learned to give space to Sara, who needs time to process before engaging. Their bathroom has become neutral territory for these crucial conversations, away from kids and distractions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their practical approach to preventing work-home bleedthrough. "When you work with your spouse," Sara explains, "all the problems at home are still problems when you go to the office, and all the problems at work are still problems at home." Their solution? Creating dedicated spaces where business talk is off-limits, allowing them to fully engage as spouses and parents.

Perhaps most powerfully, they share their weekly "marriage calendar check" strategy and challenge listeners to use the "pause button" technique during heated moments. By acknowledging that feelings are never wrong while recognizing that emotions can lead you down unhelpful paths, they've developed a framework for resolving conflicts without destroying what matters most.

Whether you work with your spouse or simply struggle with keeping work stress from damaging your relationship, this raw, honest conversation offers both comfort and practical tools to strengthen your connection during life's inevitable conflicts.

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 delicate dance between entrepreneurship and marriage takes center stage in this heartfelt conversation with Sy and Sara Kirby. The couple opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a construction business while raising a family and nurturing their relationship.

From the beginning, their different approaches were evident - Sy focused on scaling the business to eight figures while Sara concentrated on managing day-to-day operations and stability. This natural tension between visionary thinking and practical execution created both friction and balance, ultimately strengthening their partnership through honest communication.

The Kirbys don't pretend to have it all figured out. With refreshing candor, they admit to costly mistakes like prioritizing growth over systems, getting "hot-headed" about early success, and learning the hard way about proper accounting controls. Their transparency about these struggles provides valuable lessons for listeners facing similar challenges in their own businesses.

A profound shift occurred when Sy reconsidered what legacy truly means. Inspired by industry leader Herb Sargent's wisdom that "legacy is not about what you build and leave, it's about what you build and leave in people," he began prioritizing his presence with his children and investing in his employees' personal growth. This people-first approach transformed both his leadership style and family life.

The episode concludes with a practical challenge for couples in business together: dedicate 20 minutes to discussing your five-year vision, both personally and professionally. Write down five goals, agree on priorities, and identify small steps to move forward together. By posting these goals somewhere visible, you create daily reminders of what you're working toward beyond the immediate demands of your business.

Ready to strengthen both your business and relationship? Subscribe to the Blue Collar Business Podcast for more authentic conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, and building a life that supports your vision rather than consumes it.

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!

Have you ever wondered if there's a more stable revenue stream waiting for your blue collar business? In this eye-opening episode, Eric Knellinger, president of US Federal Contractor Registration, reveals the largely untapped world of federal government contracts and how they can transform small businesses in the trades.

Did you know that 23% of all federal contracts MUST be awarded to small businesses? That's billions of dollars in potential work for companies just like yours. Eric shares the inspiring story of how personal tragedy led him to create USFCR, and how his company has since helped countless contractors navigate the complex world of government procurement.

The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for blue collar businesses to access this market. Eric explains the registration process, how to market effectively to procurement officers, and the game-changing concept of "teaming" with other small businesses to bid on larger contracts. He addresses the common barriers holding contractors back, from lack of capital to fear of complex paperwork, and outlines clear solutions for each.

What sets this episode apart is the actionable advice for businesses at every stage. Whether you're a "Chuck in a truck" just starting out or an established contractor looking to diversify revenue streams, you'll gain insights into how federal contracts can provide stability and growth opportunities. Eric's passion for helping small businesses succeed shines through as he challenges listeners to ask themselves, "What's next?" and consider federal contracting as their answer.

For Blue Collar Business Podcast listeners, Eric offers an exclusive opportunity: mention this episode when contacting USFCR to receive a free market analysis and coaching session, a $1,200 value that could map out your path to federal contracts. Visit USFCR.com today to learn how your business can tap into the world of government contracting and take your operation to the next level.

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!

Time—the ultimate non-renewable resource. For blue collar business owners juggling family life with entrepreneurial demands, time management isn't just a productivity hack—it's survival.

In this raw and revealing second installment of our Date Night series, my wife Sara and I pull back the curtain on how we manage the constant tug-of-war between business and family time. From our hectic 5:30am wake-ups to the delicate dance of bedtime routines, we share an unfiltered look at what keeps our wheels turning while trying to preserve our most important relationship.

"Prioritize the moment" became our unexpected mantra during one particularly stressful exchange, and it's transformed how we approach each day. We candidly discuss those times when the business completely engulfed our marriage, like during a challenging partnership dissolution while simultaneously building our home and raising young children. These crucibles taught us painful but necessary lessons about what truly matters.

The mental shift from "work mode" to "family mode" is something I still struggle with daily. Those 5-10 minutes in the driveway before walking through the door have become a sacred transition time. Meanwhile, Sara shares her perspective on handling the overwhelming mental load when there's always something else demanding attention.

Our Sunday evening calendar check has revolutionized how we function as a team. This simple practice ensures family events get priority scheduling before business commitments hit the calendar, preventing the resentment that builds when important personal moments are forgotten or dismissed.

Whether you're building a business with your spouse or simply trying to maintain a healthy relationship while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams, this conversation offers both practical strategies and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in the struggle. Join us as we share what we've learned about protecting, sharing, and maximizing our most precious resource—time together.

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!

Sy Kirby takes a deeply personal turn in this episode, inviting his business partner and wife of 11 years, Sara, to kick off a special four-part series on the challenges of marriage in entrepreneurship. Their raw conversation offers an intimate glimpse into how blue-collar business owners can protect their most important partnership while building something extraordinary together.

The couple doesn't hold back as they share their journey from newlyweds to business partners, raising three children. "Being married in business can be extremely tough," Sy admits early on, setting the tone for their transparent discussion about prioritizing intimacy when the business constantly demands attention. Sara reveals how their understanding of connection has evolved: "At the beginning, intimacy was just very physical... now it's the emotional intimacy, the connection that we share, and it's just a much deeper thing."

Their conversation tackles head-on the unique challenge of working together professionally while maintaining their personal bond. "When you close down the office and come home, you are still with that same person," Sara explains, describing the delicate balance of switching contexts. The Kirbys share practical strategies they've developed, including their "48-hour rule" for physical intimacy and the importance of brief, intentional check-ins during hectic periods.

Perhaps most powerfully, they discuss the breaking points that nearly derailed them and the commitment that kept them together. "Divorce is not on the table," Sara shares about their foundational agreement. "It's not an option for us." This commitment allowed them to push through difficult seasons, especially when rediscovering their faith provided a new framework for their partnership.

Whether you're already in business with your spouse or considering this path, this episode offers both cautionary wisdom and practical hope. The Kirbys' journey proves that with intentional effort, the right priorities, and a lot of grace, you can build both a thriving business and a fulfilling marriage, even when the same person sits across from you at the dinner table and the conference room.

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!