In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler answer listener questions about what separates top-tier tradespeople from the average, how to develop real troubleshooting skills, and how to transition into the trades later in life. This episode is a practical guide for anyone serious about building a strategic, long-term career in construction.

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🎙️ Key Takeaways

• The top 10% separate themselves through communication, ownership, and consistency
• Skill alone isn't enough—attitude and accountability matter
• Troubleshooting is built through repetition and pattern recognition
• Young tradespeople should intentionally build a "mental library" of problems and solutions
• There are multiple pathways in the trades beyond heavy field labor
• Sales experience can translate well into business ownership or specialty trades

🧠 Listener Questions Answered

1. What separates the top 10% of skilled workers from the average?
2. How would you teach someone to troubleshoot problems effectively?
3. What advice would you give an older adult switching into the trades?
4. Bonus: What trade makes sense for a young man currently working in sales?

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction and Health Concerns
(02:43) – Silica Dust and Safety Awareness
(05:28) – Creating a Positive Work Environment
(08:07) – Communication Skills in the Trades
(10:56) – Delaying Gratification for Career Growth
(13:24) – Teaching Troubleshooting Skills
(16:08) – Building a Troubleshooting Library
(21:31) – Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
(24:54) – Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
(27:04) – Communication and Understanding on the Job
(28:57) – Advice for Older Adults Entering the Trades
(35:13) – Finding Opportunities in the Trades
(41:46) – Intentional Career Choices

In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler have an honest conversation about what it really takes to show up in the trades—especially on the hard days. They dive into morning routines, mindset, and mental health, pulling from their real-world experiences in bricklaying and concrete work.

🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Hard days are a normal part of working in the trades
• Morning routines help set the tone for long, demanding days
• Mental preparation matters as much as physical readiness
• Discipline outlasts motivation when work gets tough
• Job satisfaction isn't always the motivator—responsibility is
• Camaraderie and shared struggle help crews push through
• It's okay to sit with difficult emotions before moving forward
• Perspective can change how you experience hard days
• Complaining rarely fixes problems—action does
• Strong communities keep tradespeople in the industry

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction and Morning Routines
(04:14) – Showing Up on Hard Days
(09:12) – Backgrounds in the Trades
(13:43) – Brutal Truths of Bricklaying and Concrete Work
(15:18) – Mental Health in Construction
(20:03) – Camaraderie and Team Support
(24:26) – Discipline vs. Motivation
(25:49) – Emotional Accountability and Growth
(30:23) – Perspective and Gratitude
(35:36) – Proactive Mindset and Daily Routines
(38:14) – Emotional Resilience on Hard Days
(44:27) – Problem Solving and Mindset
(48:51) – Building Community in the Trades

In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler answer listener questions around confidence on the job site, working with experienced journeymen, and navigating social media as a blue-collar professional.

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🎙️ Key Takeaways

• Confidence without humility quickly turns into ego
• Respecting experienced journeymen builds credibility and trust
• Strong communication prevents jobsite friction
• Leadership is earned through collaboration, not dominance
• Authenticity matters more than perfection on social media
• Sharing struggles builds more trust than only posting wins
• Clear boundaries protect both work and personal life
• Consistency beats chasing viral content

🧠 Listener Questions Answered

• How do you balance confidence without coming across as cocky in the trades?
• How should younger workers lead or work with more experienced guys on the job?
• What should blue-collar workers share—or not share—on social media?
• Whats the first step to making money on social media?

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction and Episode Overview
(02:04) – Balancing Confidence and Humility
(11:52) – Leading Older or More Skilled Workers
(24:53) – Sharing Personal Experiences Online
(25:19) – Setting Boundaries on Social Media
(26:31) – The Importance of Authenticity
(28:40) – Sharing Struggles vs. Wins
(30:26) – What Content Resonates with Audiences
(36:46) – Building Community Through Engagement
(39:35) – First Steps for Aspiring Content Creators
(43:09) – The Reality of Monetizing Social Media