In this Blue Collar Smart Podcast episode, host Hugh interviews Eric Himes, creator of the Inspirational/Inspired Operating System and founder of The Inspired Culture, about leadership that multiplies and empowers people. Eric shares his career path from Home Depot to 19 years in medical devices, then burnout and losing his first marriage after prioritizing performance and travel over family, plus a faith-driven transformation that reshaped his view of worth and leadership. They discuss helping founders avoid carrying everything alone, trusting God, and building inclusive cultures without forcing beliefs. Eric outlines the Inspired OS framework to measure growth mindset weekly—personal why, vision alignment, habits, goals, wins, challenges to build strategic thinking, and frequent two-way feedback—plus organizational mindset scoring. He shares self-care practices, his website/contact, and the Inspired Culture Summit (Nov 16–17, Naperville, IL, with livestream).

00:00 Multiply Through People

00:51 Podcast Welcome Guest Intro

01:51 Eric Background Journey

03:59 Performance Burnout Wakeup

07:17 Faith Pivot Healing

09:39 Advice For Founders

12:09 Leading Across Beliefs

13:38 Inspired Culture At Work

17:09 Service Why Purpose

19:42 Self Care Alignment

22:41 Inspired OS Framework

26:09 Weekly Wins Challenges

29:50 Feedback Multiplies Leaders

31:48 Mindset Score Dashboards

32:51 Connect Summit Closing

Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with a trade leader who is ready to build something bigger than a business. Every share helps us reach more owners, executives, and industry leaders who are committed to investing in their people and strengthening the future of the trades.

Have a great day.

Hugh Hornsby

"People build businesses. Invest in your people, and they'll invest in your future."

Get practical leadership insights, proven people-first strategies, and resources designed to help trade leaders build stronger teams, grow profitable businesses, and create organizations that stand the test of time. Join a community of owners, executives, and industry leaders who believe the future of the trades is built on people, relationships, and leadership.

Join the Community:

https://bluecollarsmart.com (replace with official website if different)

Follow Hugh Hornsby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-hornsby-51986b10/

Interested in executive advisory, leadership coaching, speaking, or mastermind opportunities? Connect with Hugh and discover how a people-first approach can help your organization grow with purpose, clarity, and lasting impact.

Guest Bio:Eric Himes is the Founder of The Inspired Culture™, author of the forthcoming book The Empty Chair, and a thought leader in holistic leadership development. He's a member of Thought Leaders 100, and his frameworks have driven a 46% reduction in turnover, 92% OKR completion, and $490K+ in annualized value. He is the creator of the Growth Mindset Framework & Measurement System, the Inspired Culture Framework, and the 50 Masks of Leadership. He is also Founder and Host of Inspired Culture TV and creator of The Rising 99™ and The Inspired OS™. Outside of work, he is a husband, father of five, and marathon runner who has completed 8 marathons.

Links:

Website: www.yourpathinspired.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-himes/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInspiredCulture

In this inaugural episode of Blue Collar Smart, Hugh Hornsby welcomes financial strategist and fourth-generation farmer Marlon Mueller to discuss the mindset behind lasting wealth, resilience, and leadership.

Drawing from his experiences navigating the farm crisis, preserving his family's legacy, and mastering financial systems, Marlon shares practical lessons on money, mentorship, long-term thinking, and building wealth that lasts for generations. The conversation also explores why investing in people, continuous learning, and strong values creates success both in business and in life.

Key Takeaways

• Why financial freedom starts with mindset, not income
• The importance of mentors and lifelong learning
• Building wealth through systems instead of shortcuts
• How faith, family, fitness, and finances create lasting success

Timestamps:

00:00 — Why mentorship changes your future

01:10 — The vision behind Blue Collar Smart

03:00 — Saving the family farm and learning money

10:50 — Why wealth begins with mindset

17:45 — Advice for the next generation entering the trades

30:15 — The Four Fs for building a meaningful life

Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with a trade leader who is ready to build something bigger than a business. Every share helps us reach more owners, executives, and industry leaders who are committed to investing in their people and strengthening the future of the trades.

Have a great day.

Hugh Hornsby

"People build businesses. Invest in your people, and they'll invest in your future."

Get practical leadership insights, proven people-first strategies, and resources designed to help trade leaders build stronger teams, grow profitable businesses, and create organizations that stand the test of time. Join a community of owners, executives, and industry leaders who believe the future of the trades is built on people, relationships, and leadership.

Join the Community:

https://bluecollarsmart.com (replace with official website if different)

Follow Hugh Hornsby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-hornsby-51986b10/

Interested in executive advisory, leadership coaching, speaking, or mastermind opportunities? Connect with Hugh and discover how a people-first approach can help your organization grow with purpose, clarity, and lasting impact.

Marlon Mueller is a financial educator, investor, and fourth-generation farmer who helps individuals and business owners build lasting wealth through financial education, mindset, and long-term planning. His work focuses on helping people create financial freedom while leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.