In this raw and real episode, Mack Story pulls no punches as he takes us back to his early 20s—long hours at work, chasing more stuff, and wasting every free minute hunting, fishing, partying, and coasting through life with a crew that was headed absolutely nowhere.

He thought he had it all together because he was paying the bills (sometimes) and having “fun.”

The truth?

He was clueless, surrounded by clueless people, and leading a pack straight into the land of wasted potential. With brutal honesty and his signature blue-collar style, Mack walks us through the wake-up call that finally hit: experience by itself teaches nothing—only evaluated experience does.

Drawing straight from his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options, Mack breaks down the game-changing difference between raw experience and reflection that actually moves you forward.

He shares how he shifted from a selfish “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, why your intent behind every action is what people really judge, and how character (not just competency) determines who you attract and who you become.

If you’ve ever felt stuck hanging with the same crowd, getting the same results, and wondering why nothing ever changes, this episode is your fork-in-the-road moment.

Stop coasting. Start evaluating. Because until you look backward on purpose, you’ll never move forward with purpose.

#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips

Discover simple, yet highly effective ways to methodically and intentionally enhance and/or transform your organizational culture.

Mack & Ria Story discuss the methods their most effective clients implement in-house to grow and develop the people within their organization.

For a deep dive into the methods they'll be discussing, visit BlueCollarLeadership.com/implement

Mack & Ria Story discuss the importance of discipline and the impact of making excuses.

Discipline is giving yourself a command and following through with it.

Excuses are exits off of the highway to success.

In this interview, Ben Hopkins discusses:

• A bit about his time in US Air Force in the backseat of an F-15E Strike Eagle
• His background in Fulfillment Centers and Distribution Centers (FC/DC)
• What motivated him to launch The Warehouse Underground Podcast and website
• The best thing about working in an FC/DC?
• Which type of people excel in an FC/DC?
• His favorite leadership book and quote

Ben Hopkins is a USAF Veteran who spent time as a Weapons Systems Officer in the back of an F-15E Strike Eagle. Currently, he is the Founder and host of The Warehouse Underground🦺Website & Podcast Series🎙️REAL talk for warehouse, distribution center, & fulfillment center professionals of all levels around the globe!

Ben is a battle tested proven leader and "results getter" in the world of warehouse/distribution and operations.

He has multi-site leadership experience nationwide simultaneously (CA, WI, PA, TN.) Two ERP and WMS implementations. Planned and designed 200,000 square foot green field distribution center to include use of 21st century automation with conveyor belt actuated sortation, multi-level pick modules, and VNA racking preparation.

Ben has grown, developed, and promoted countless warehouse and distribution mangers, floor leaders, and inventory control specialists.

Prefer to watch the video?

Check out the 37th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Ben Hopkins interviewed by Mack Story under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results! on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership

Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future video releases in this series.

#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #warehousemanagement #warehouseoperations #leadership #bluecollarleadership #logistics

In today’s hyper-connected world, your social media presence isn’t just personal anymore; it’s often the first impression a hiring manager gets before they even open your resume.

What you post, like, or comment on can quietly signal your professionalism, judgment, and emotional maturity (or the lack thereof).

A single ill-timed rant, a subtle dig at your boss, or an old spring-break photo that never got untagged can instantly move your application from the “yes” pile to the trash without you ever knowing why.

The good news is that avoiding the most common pitfalls is straightforward once you know what recruiters are quietly screening for.

By keeping your online voice positive, authentic, and drama-free, you protect your reputation, you not only safeguard your current job search but also build a personal brand that makes opportunities come to you.

In this episode, I dive into the seven subtle (and not-so-subtle) social media habits that silently sabotage even the most qualified candidates, and exactly how to clean up your digital footprint before it costs you your next big role.

#socialmediatips #leadershippodcast #jobsearchtips

Mack Story unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways distrust creeps into relationships, both personal and professional, often without us realizing it.

By sharing practical strategies, Mack equips listeners to recognize and counteract distrust, fostering stronger, more resilient connections with their teams and loved ones.

Mack explains how seemingly minor actions—like forgetting to say thank you, ignoring a colleague, or taking someone’s efforts for granted—can create distrust faster than trust is built, as distrust taps directly into our emotions.

Drawing from personal anecdotes, like his appreciation for his wife Ria’s cooking, Mack illustrates how automatic or accidental distrust accumulates over time, especially with those closest to us. He emphasizes that without intentional trust-building efforts, relationships risk deteriorating into divorce, workplace conflicts, or stagnation, using real-world examples to highlight the stakes in blue-collar environments.

Mack challenges leaders to offset unintentional distrust by actively building trust through consistent, caring actions, such as acknowledging others’ contributions or showing genuine respect.

Mack contrasts the ease of reconnecting with old friends—where trust remains intact due to time apart—with the daily erosion that occurs in close relationships when trust isn’t nurtured.

Mack Story explores the essential art of building rapport as the gateway to trust in blue-collar leadership. This episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to connect authentically, strengthen teams, and lead with influence rooted in care.

Drawing from Christian Simpson's insight, "When building rapport, we are conveying to others, 'I’m like you, so it’s okay for you to like me,'" Mack explains how relating to others—through shared language, actions, and appearance—creates safety and openness.

However, Mack stresses that true rapport begins with sincere intent and unconditional care for the other person.

In the demanding world of blue-collar work, where quick connections can make or break teams, Mack shares how genuine concern transcends superficial differences, allowing leaders to foster deep, instant bonds that people feel immediately.

Mack delves into practical ways to build trust through consistent "deposits," from simple gestures like calling someone by name or offering a pat on the back, to larger acts like believing in a teammate's potential or providing real help in tough times.

Mack warns against manipulative intent, emphasizing that people intuitively sense when care is authentic versus self-serving.

For blue-collar leaders, Mack outlines how to make ongoing trust deposits without expecting withdrawals, creating resilient relationships that withstand inevitable setbacks.

Mack Story dives into the critical role of trust as the foundation of influence in leadership. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders to cultivate trust, enhance their influence, and build stronger teams.

Drawing from his experiences and insights from thought leaders like Stephen M. R. Covey and John C. Maxwell, Mack emphasizes that trust is built on a solid foundation of intent and character.

He explains how 87% of a leader’s influence stems from their values, consistent actions, and ability to connect with others, while only 13% relies on technical skills.

Through real-world examples, Mack illustrates how trust shapes relationships and drives results, warning that without it, leadership falters. He challenges listeners to focus on building their character first, as it’s the key to creating sustainable, high-trust relationships that withstand adversity.

Mack also explores the dynamic nature of trust, highlighting that every interaction either strengthens or weakens it.

Quoting Peter Drucker, he underscores the importance of unspoken communication in building trust and shares practical strategies for blue-collar leaders to align their intent with their actions.

From his time in Guatemala with John Maxwell to everyday workplace scenarios, Mack shows how character-driven influence creates a ripple effect, fostering collaboration and inspiring others to follow.