In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler break down what current market trends are signaling for construction, and where the industry is headed amid rapid technological shifts. They discuss AI's role in improving efficiency, the rise of consumerism and unrealistic housing expectations, and why finding the right trade matters more than chasing hype. This conversation offers a grounded, real-world look at career satisfaction, long-term opportunity, and the mindset required to thrive in today's trades economy.

• Construction spending trends point to cautious optimism in the market

• AI and technology will support skilled trades—not replace them

• Consumer expectations have inflated housing demand and pricing

• Affordable housing shortages are tied to unrealistic market pressures

• Career satisfaction often grows with experience and skill mastery

• Curiosity and adaptability help tradespeople find the right career fit

• The trades offer stability, growth, and clear advancement paths

• Unrealistic expectations lead to burnout in any career

• A mindset shift can turn a job into a long-term, fulfilling career

(00:00) – Seasonal Changes and Their Impact on Mood
(02:39) – Work Trends and Market Predictions
(05:07) – The Future of Construction and Workforce Dynamics
(10:22) – Technological Advances and AI in Construction
(15:32) – Affordable Housing and Market Trends
(24:20) – The Rise of Consumer Expectations
(26:15) – Luxury Fever and Its Impact
(29:20) – The Future of Trades: Reality vs. Hype
(34:37) – Finding the Right Trade for You
(40:47) – The Journey of Career Satisfaction

In this Punchlist episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler break down the viral claim that electricians and plumbers are going to be the next millionaires. They unpack where this idea came from, why it's misleading, and what actually leads to long-term financial success in the trades.

If you've ever wondered whether blue collar careers really lead to wealth, or you're tired of the "get rich in the trades" narrative, this episode brings nuance, experience, and straight talk.

Building Utah Youth

Rapport Leadership International

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• "Electricians and plumbers are the next millionaires" is an oversimplified claim.

• The current push toward the trades mirrors the old push toward college—just flipped.

• True wealth in the trades requires financial literacy and intentional planning.

• Labor shortages are real and influenced by immigration and demographic shifts.

• Becoming a millionaire typically comes from business ownership or high-demand specialization.

• Saving, investing, and smart spending habits matter more than trade choice.

• Enjoying your work often leads to better long-term outcomes.

• The trades offer stable career paths and strong community.

• New tradespeople need realistic expectations—not empty promises.

• Wealth requires effort, strategy, and patience—not hype videos.

(00:00) – Introduction to the Blue Collar Future Podcast
(00:52) – The Millionaire Trades Debate
(05:19) – The Reality of Becoming a Millionaire in Trades
(10:45) – Labor Shortages and the Future of Trades
(21:15) – Paths to Success in the Trades
(30:18) – Financial Literacy and Wealth Building
(39:37) – The Importance of Enjoying Your Work

In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler tackle three listener questions covering everything from meal prep and coffee culture to job satisfaction and the biggest misconceptions people have about the trades.

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Meal prep is simple—people just overcomplicate it.

• Intentional eating matters, especially with long physical days.

• Camaraderie and crew culture determine job satisfaction.

• The trades require problem-solving, planning, and math skills.

• Concrete work depends more on prep than rebar.

• Misconceptions about the trades often stem from ignorance.

• Small nutrition changes = big improvements over time.

🧠 Listener Questions Answered

1. How do you make it easier to eat better in the trades?

2. What's your favorite part of your job and why?

3. What's a big misconception people have about your trade?

(00:00) – Coffee Culture and Preferences
(04:59) – Nutrition and Meal Prep in the Trades
(16:56) – Job Satisfaction and Camaraderie in the Trades
(22:13) – The Joy of Variety in Work
(26:30) – Misconceptions in the Trades
(30:44) – Skills and Intelligence in Construction
(33:26) – Concrete Myths and Realities
(40:57) – The Importance of Preparation in Concrete Work

In this solo episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, host Jaden Robison reflects on speaking at a fundraising gala and the leadership training he completed nearly a decade ago—training that shaped the way he approaches personal growth, fear, and responsibility today.

Jaden breaks down how fear of failure keeps so many people stuck, why focus is harder than ever in a distraction-heavy world, and what intentional habits like reading, journaling, and time blocking can do to rebuild your ability to think deeply. .

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Leadership training leaves a lifelong impact when applied.

• Everyone has roadblocks to success, figure yours out

• Focus is becoming rare

• Small daily habits compound into major long-term growth.

• Reading and journaling strengthen your ability to think

• Focus is a muscle—you must train it.

• Technology distractions drain mental bandwidth and presence.

• Intentionality is the foundation of leadership and discipline.

• Reflecting on your past gives clarity for the future.

• Protecting time with family matters more than screen time.

(00:00) – Introduction to Focus and Leadership
(02:06) – Personal Journey and Leadership Training
(08:09) – Overcoming Fear of Failure
(10:21) – The Importance of Focus
(19:38) – Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler tackle one of the most overlooked issues in the construction industry — mental health.

They break down practical ways to take care of your mental health, support your crew, and focus on what really matters: being present, showing up, and leading by example.

• The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession.

• Tough guy culture leads to bottled-up emotions instead of real conversations.

• Communication is the foundation for improving mental health at work.

• Vulnerability builds stronger leaders and healthier teams.

• Personal development is a lifelong tool for resilience.

• Recognizing signs of distress can save lives.

• Creating supportive environments creates ripple effects across the crew.

• Staying focused on today is key to building balance and peace of mind.

• Sharing your story helps others open up.

• Self-improvement isn't one big moment — it's consistent effort.

(00:00) – The Tough Guy Culture and Mental Health
(02:59) – Recognizing the Mental Health Crisis in Construction
(05:53) – Breaking the Silence: Opening Up About Struggles
(08:50) – The Importance of Vulnerability and Communication
(11:59) – Personal Development and Self-Care Strategies
(14:48) – Creating a Supportive Environment
(17:55) – Proactive Approaches to Mental Health
(23:23) – The Power of Positive Thinking
(29:54) – Focusing on the Present
(32:55) – Taking Action and Creating Ripples
(36:46) – Building Resilience Through Small Steps
(40:34) – Helping Others and Sharing Your Journey

In this solo episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, host Jaden Robison breaks down why the idea of work-life balance is often a myth — especially for those in the trades and seasonal work.

After a packed month balancing long job hours, home projects, and family life, Jaden reflects on what it really means to manage your time and energy when everything hits at once. He shares how using tools like LiveSwitch helped streamline a side job and free up valuable time, and why being intentional about your seasons of life is the key to staying grounded.

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• Work-life balance isn't real — it's about managing your seasons

• Busy times are part of the process, not something to avoid

• Efficiency tools like LiveSwitch can save hours in your week

• Family time might take a hit during busy seasons — and that's okay temporarily

• Intentionality beats perfection when it comes to time management

• Know the season you're in and plan accordingly

• Communicate with your family about what's happening

• Technology, when used wisely, creates real breathing room

(00:00) – The Busy Season Begins
(05:15) – Understanding Work-Life Balance
(10:33) – The Importance of Intentionality
(15:12) – Embracing the Seasons of Life

In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler dive into what's next for the construction industry — from AI and technology to leadership, motivation, and the push to attract younger workers to the trades.

They share personal insights, lessons learned from mentorship, and how to keep excitement alive in your career. The discussion also tackles how the industry can market itself better, create real growth opportunities, and empower the next generation to take pride in blue collar work.

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Find excitement in everyday tasks — energy fuels growth.

• The trades need a fresh image to attract the next generation.

• Social media can change how we market the trades.

• AI is a tool — not a replacement — in construction.

• Empowerment and mentorship create real leadership.

• Training your replacement accelerates your own growth.

• Luck favors those prepared for opportunity.

• Real relationships still matter in a tech-driven world.

⏱️ Chapters
(00:00) – Introduction and Personal Projects
(02:53) – Finding Excitement and Hobbies in Work
(05:37) – Q: How Can we Attract Young Workers to the Trades
(08:17) – Setting Realistic Expectations in Trade Careers
(10:57) – Q: Positive and Negative Ways AI Will Affect Construction
(24:29) – The Future of the Trades
(32:48) – Q: What Are Your Future Goals?
(39:53) – Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance
(47:39) – Luck, Readiness, and Opportunity

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In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, Jaden Robison sits down with James Hatfield, CRO of LiveSwitch, to explore how technology is transforming communication, quoting, and operations in trade and service businesses.

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Tech should simplify work, not add friction.

• Live video builds faster trust and better customer experiences.

• Process + consistency beat fancy tools every time.

• Leadership in the trades comes from experience, not titles.

• Adapting early gives small teams a competitive edge.

• The future of blue-collar work is connected, not complicated.

🎧 Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction to Blue Collar Challenges
(03:00) – Journey from Trades to Technology
(06:00) – Lessons from Business Ownership
(09:00) – Communication & Customer Challenges
(12:00) – Transforming Operations with LiveSwitch
(16:00) – Technology Adoption & AI in the Trades
(22:00) – Innovative Uses of LiveSwitch (Recruitment & Customer Experience)
(31:00) – Leadership, Ownership Mindset & Team Empowerment
(39:00) – Documenting Processes & Sales Mistakes
(47:00) – The Future of LiveSwitch, AI Agents & Supporting Small Businesses

Learn more about how LiveSwitch connects crews and customers in real time:

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👉 Start Your Free Trial Use code BCF10 at checkout for 10% off!