• Daily preparation builds consistency and confidence.

• Social media often drains the energy needed for real work.

• Small habits each morning can drastically improve performance.

• Prioritize what fuels you—people, projects, and personal goals.

• Work and family balance starts with clear priorities and focus.

• Awareness of distractions helps protect your energy.

• You can learn to love your work through purpose and preparation.

(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast
(01:17) - The Importance of Daily Preparation
(03:36) - Energy Management and Social Media’s Impact
(08:36) - Prioritizing Work and Family
(12:19) - Consciousness of Time and Energy Sucks
(14:55) - Podcast Evolution and Future Directions

In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler answer listener questions covering everything from concrete finishing to career transitions. They dive into when (and when not) to use steel on exterior concrete, the difference between “safety on paper” versus real-world safety, and practical advice for young tradespeople with a Class A license. Jaden and Jessie also explore the growing number of people leaving white collar jobs to pursue fulfilling careers in the trades.

Takeaways

• Concrete finishing is all about timing and technique.

• Paper safety policies don’t matter if people aren’t truly protected.

• For young workers, responsibility and mindset matter more than experience.

• The trucking industry can be a stepping stone or a career—know your goals.

• More people are leaving white collar jobs for trades than you’d think.

• Living below your means builds stability in any career path.

• Real satisfaction comes from working with your hands and creating something lasting.

Chapters
(00:00) – Introduction and Personal Updates
(04:24) – Q1: When to Use (or Avoid) Steel in Exterior Concrete Finishing
(18:10) – Q2: Safety on Paper vs Safety on the Job
(22:40) – Personal Responsibility in Workplace Safety
(30:56) – Q3: Advice for a 20-Year-Old with a Class A License
(36:56) – Q4: How often(or not) are people getting into trades from white collar?
(41:49) – Financial Responsibility and Stability in the Trades

In this episode of The Punchlist on the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler dig into one of the biggest challenges facing the trades today: expectations.

From social media hype that makes careers look like overnight success stories to the real-world truth that expertise takes years of hard work, Jaden and Jessie share their own experiences of learning, growing, and sometimes failing forward.

They highlight why transparency in career paths, initiative on the job, and realistic timelines for growth matter so much for new tradespeople. Whether you’re just starting out or mentoring the next generation, this episode will help you reset expectations, stay motivated, and understand why the long road is worth it.

• Everything in the trades takes longer than expected (and that’s okay).

• Social media creates unrealistic success stories that don’t match reality.

• True expertise requires time, patience, and repetition.

• Initiative is one of the fastest ways to stand out on the job.

• Clear career paths + mentorship prevent burnout and frustration.

• Motivation fuels faster learning — but you can’t rush experience.

(00:00) - Introduction and Weekend Recap
(03:43) - Expectations and Instant Gratification
(09:17) - The Reality of Becoming an Expert
(16:37) - Real-Life Examples of Learning and Growth
(21:27) - The Importance of Time and Experience in Trades
(28:46) - The Value of Experience in Trades
(34:50) - Generational Mindsets and Impatience
(41:14) - Realistic Expectations in the Trades
(49:29) - Transparency and Career Progression
(54:22) - The Journey to Expertise

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler sit down with Cody Cessna, founder of CO Eyewear, to talk about his journey from working as a lineman to building a fast-growing safety eyewear brand designed for tradespeople.

Cody shares how he spotted a major gap in the market, hand-built the first pair of safety sunglasses, and grew CO Eyewear through innovation, affordability, and social media. We dig into his entrepreneurial path, the realities of balancing family life with business, and the importance of creating practical, reliable gear for blue collar workers.

If you’re in the trades, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just looking for motivation to chase your idea, this conversation is packed with insights on business growth, work-life balance, and the power of loving what you do.

👉 Don’t miss this episode—especially if you care about safety, innovation, and opportunity in the trades.

Find their safety glasses here

• Innovation starts with solving a problem you’ve lived.

• Affordability and practicality matter most in blue collar safety gear.

• Social media can fuel business growth for small brands.

• Balancing work and family is a constant challenge for entrepreneurs.

• Loving what you do makes the grind worth it.

• Opportunities are everywhere in the trades if you’re willing to build

(00:00) - Introduction to Cody and CO Eyewear
(02:44) - Identifying the Need for Safety Eyewear
(05:38) - The Journey of Building a Business
(08:10) - Innovations in Safety Eyewear
(10:56) - The Importance of Affordability and Accessibility
(13:37) - Balancing Work and Family Life
(16:21) - The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
(19:03) - Lessons from Trade Experience
(22:02) - Opportunities in Blue Collar Work
(32:40) - Work-Life Balance in Trade Jobs
(35:55) - Transitioning from Physical Labor to Business
(38:14) - Product Development and Customer Needs
(48:14) - Understanding Lineman Rodeos
(50:33) - Crazy Job Site Stories
(52:46) - Finding Joy in Work and Life

In this episode of 10 Minute Trade Hacks, host Jaden Robison shares a simple but powerful 5-minute morning prep routine designed for tradespeople. From hydration and tool organization to mental checklists and food prep, these quick steps set you up for a smoother, more productive day on the jobsite.

Key Takeaways

• A little prep = a much smoother day.

• Drink water first thing to wake up your body.

• Use a mental checklist (or quick journal) to focus on priorities.

• Lay out tools the night before to reduce clutter and save time.

• Prep food and hydration so you’re fueled and not overspending.

• Staying hydrated is key to performance in the trades.

• Five minutes upfront can save you an hour later.

• Regularly adjust your routine to fit your needs.

In this Q&A edition of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler tackle listener questions on everything from side work to the right truck to drive. Whether you’re just starting out in the trades or already building a career, this conversation is packed with insights you can use on the job site and beyond.

We discuss whether learning a trade for side work is worth the investment, what to look for in a reliable work truck, and how to successfully build relationships when striking out on your own. Plus, we dive into the artistry of masonry and share tips for laying bricks in multiple colors without creating unwanted focal points.

• Learning a trade for side work can pay off — but only if you manage expectations.

• Mastery in the trades takes time, consistency, and experience.

• Networking and building trust with builders is crucial for starting your own business.

• Your reputation and the quality of your work will drive referrals.

• Work trucks are tools — warranties, reliability, and setup matter.

• In masonry, avoid focal points by blending colors and patterns carefully.

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Dynamics
(02:46) - The Value of Learning Blue Collar Skills
(05:26) - Mastery in Trades: Time and Experience
(08:20) - Building Relationships in the Construction Industry
(11:05) - Networking and Referrals for Success
(13:46) - Navigating Employment and Entrepreneurship
(16:27) - The Importance of Reputation and Quality Work
(25:58) - Building Bridges: The Importance of Leaving on Good Terms
(29:57) - Work Trucks: Preferences and Experiences
(40:31) - Masonry Techniques: Blending Colors and Patterns

Summary
In this episode of 10 Minute Trade Hacks, host Jaden Robison breaks down the 3-Tool Rule — a simple system to keep your everyday carry lean, efficient, and clutter-free. Whether you’re a carpenter, concrete finisher, or working another trade, this quick hack will help you cut wasted time digging through bags and stay focused on the tools that really matter.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on the 3 core tools you use 90% of the day.

• Keep them in a consistent, easy-to-reach spot.

• Organize secondary tools in a bag, bucket, or box for quick access.

• Streamlining your setup improves workflow, reduces clutter, and saves money.

• Consistency = efficiency. The less you think about finding tools, the more you get done.

Chapters
(00:00) – The 3-Tool Rule Explained
(04:30) – How to Organize Secondary Tools
(07:45) – Staying Consistent for Maximum Efficiency

Staying hydrated on the job site isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety, productivity, and long-term health. In this episode of 10 Minute Trade Hacks, host Jaden Robison shares practical strategies to beat the heat and stay hydrated while working in construction or the trades.

From the benefits of cold water and electrolytes to the importance of sun protection and morning hydration, Jaden breaks down the simple habits that make a big difference. You’ll also learn how dehydration can affect your energy, focus, and safety — and what to do about it.

Whether you’re working through summer heat or just want to improve your daily routine, these hydration hacks will keep you safe, healthy, and productive on the job.

Get a free trial of Jobber Here.

• Hydration is crucial for job site safety and productivity.

• Cold water is easier to drink and helps you stay hydrated.

• Electrolytes are essential for effective hydration.

• Sun shirts protect against heat, fatigue, and dehydration.

• Morning hydration sets the tone for the day.

• Too much water can slow you down with extra breaks.

• Dehydration leads to fatigue and flu-like symptoms.

• Acclimatizing to heat helps your body adjust.

• Seasonal changes affect hydration needs.

• Consistent hydration = better energy and productivity.

(00:00) - Introduction to Hydration and Heat Management
(02:38) - Effective Water Consumption Strategies
(04:59) - The Importance of Electrolytes
(06:09) - Protecting Yourself from the Sun
(07:42) - The Consequences of Dehydration