Best Brad Herda Podcasts (2025)

1
Dear Younger Leaders: Be Curious, Not Clueless 22:11

3d ago22:11

22:11

If you’re leading a team right now and feeling like every decision could make or break the future—you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of younger leaders who are staring down uncertainty and aren’t sure which move to make next. We’ve both been there, and in this conversation, we’re digging into how to handle the pressure without freezing…

1
Plumbers, SEO, and $8.5 Million: The Ryan Redding Story 34:02

10d ago34:02

34:02

Today’s guest, Ryan Redding, didn’t hold back — we got into how AI, customer experience, and smart leadership are rewriting the rules for trades businesses. Ryan shared how he accidentally found his way into marketing for the trades and how that detour turned into building Levergy, a digital marketing agency focused on helping home service companie…

1
Touch It Once... But Not Like That 26:56

17d ago26:56

26:56

We’ve both looked at our to-do lists and thought, “Yeah… not today.” The harder the task, the easier it is to avoid. Let’s talk about why that happens—and what to do when procrastination starts running the show. We’ve all been there—staring at a task we know we should handle but keep pushing to the bottom of the pile. In this episode, we talk about…

1
High-Tech Redneck James Hatfield 28:02

24d ago28:02

28:02

We’ve all wasted time chasing jobs that go nowhere—or worse, driving across town for something we could’ve solved with one look. That’s why when James Hatfield showed us how LiveSwitch works, it felt like the most obvious tool every crew should be using. James Hatfield isn’t your average tech guy—he calls himself a high-tech redneck, and once you h…

1
Why Your New Hires Suck (And It’s Probably Your Fault) 21:30

1M ago21:30

21:30

When your team isn’t clear on what success looks like, it usually means expectations weren’t defined early on. Whether it’s a new hire just starting out or a long-time employee unsure about how to move up, we’ve seen how unclear expectations can lead to frustration—for everyone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create clear, realistic pa…

1
The Right People Faster, It's Not Complicated with Talmar Anderson 30:18

1M ago30:18

30:18

Ever had an employee who’s great at their job but completely struggles when promoted to a leadership role? We've been there too. In this episode, we’re joined by Talmar Anderson to talk about why hiring and leadership often go sideways — and what you can do to fix it. Hiring the right people isn’t just about filling seats — it’s about building a so…

1
Raises for Some, Rage for Others 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

Ever told your team it’s been a great year — only to leave some employees wondering why they’re not getting a raise? We break down how that misstep can crush morale and what leaders can do to fix it. We break down a real-world scenario where leaders gave hourly employees a raise but blindsided their salaried team with nothing but an email. The resu…

1
The Trailer Ain't the Field with Coty Fournier 40:54

2M ago40:54

40:54

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in the construction industry? Coty Fournier didn’t take the usual path — and that’s exactly what made her stand out. In this episode, we sit down with Coty Fournier, a seasoned construction professional with decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom to share. Coty's journey didn’t follow …

1
From Lathes to Logos: Why Your Shop's Identity Matters 22:31

2M ago22:31

22:31

Branding in the trades? Most people don’t think about it, but it matters way more than you realize. From rusted-out work trucks to outdated websites, we’re digging into why your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s the first thing customers and potential employees notice before you even step on the job. Branding isn’t just for corporate types in fancy suit…

1
The Water Nerd, John Atlee 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

How someone goes from selling suits to running a successful water treatment company? John Atlee did just that, and his journey is anything but typical. When John took a chance on a job at Water Doctors, he had no idea it would turn into his lifelong career. Fast-forward to today, and he owns the company, turning his passion for clean water into a t…

1
When Raises Hit a Ceiling: Handling Wage Expectations in Small Businesses 23:39

2M ago23:39

23:39

What happens when you bring someone in at top dollar, and now they expect more? It’s a situation plenty of business owners find themselves in—paying a premium upfront to secure talent, only to realize there’s nowhere left to go when raise season rolls around. Wage expectations can be a minefield, especially when you’ve hired someone at the top of t…

1
Win at Talent Win Your Industry with Steve Van Remortel 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

Hiring and retaining great employees isn’t just about pay—it’s about strategy. Steve Van Remortel shares how small and midsize businesses can finally solve their talent challenges with My Talent Planner. The hiring struggle is real, but what if the issue isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of strategy? We talk with Steve Van Remortel, founder of My …

1
Remote Work, Trust, and the Real Cost of Getting It Wrong 21:30

3M ago21:30

21:30

The debate over remote work vs. in-office is heating up in 2025. Are companies making the right call, or are they driving away top talent? We’re diving into the real impact of trust, flexibility, and wages in today’s workforce. We’ve all heard the debate—should people be in the office, or can they be just as effective working remotely? The answer i…

1
Shop Floor Talent; They Are Humans Too, Mike White 18:57

3M ago18:57

18:57

Mike White isn’t your typical HR leader—he’s the kind of guy who’s more focused on solving problems than following a rulebook. As the founder of Secchi, Mike has made it his mission to help manufacturing leaders simplify their processes, recognize their people, and cut through the noise. What’s it really like to lead in today’s manufacturing world?…

1
"We'll See" Is Not a Plan: Leadership Lessons for the New Year 18:57

3M ago18:57

18:57

It’s 2025, and it’s time to rethink how the words we use every day impact our work and relationships. Let’s dive into the language that holds us back—like “try,” “we’ll see,” and “it’s fine”—and how to replace it with something that drives real accountability and results. Welcome to a new year and a new opportunity to fine-tune your communication. …

1
Veryable laborforce, end your labor shortage excuses with Patrick Dipple 28:28

4M ago28:28

28:28

What happens when we completely rethink how manufacturing and logistics get staffed? Patrick Dippel joins us to share how Veryable is shaking up the game with on-demand labor solutions built for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s challenges. We all know the old way of doing things in manufacturing doesn’t always work anymore. The younger workforce de…

1
Youth attract Youth with Mark Hedstrom 29:28

4M ago29:28

29:28

Let’s get real: the skilled trades need a serious boost, and today we’re diving into how Mark Hedstrom is making waves with the Skilled Careers Coalition. The skilled trades industry is facing a major challenge: not enough young talent to fill the gap left by retiring workers. That’s where Mark the Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalitio…

1
I Got a Guy with Michael Drelicharz 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Ever wondered how GPS tracking could actually save your business from chaos? Today, we’re chatting with Michael Drelicharz about the unexpected ways his fleet tracking solutions are helping small businesses thrive. Tracking technology is changing the game for small businesses, and today we’re digging into how it works. Michael Drelicharz, owner of …

1
Conflicting Agendas 27:06

4M ago27:06

27:06

Ever had to clean up someone else’s mess at work and wondered why it even happened? Let’s dive into a real-life mess between two manufacturing plants and what leaders can learn from it. In this episode, we tackle a story that’s all too common in the manufacturing world—two plants, one shipping defective parts, and a whole lot of chaos in between. W…

1
Get the Job or Make Some Money Aaron Mills 25:26

5M ago25:26

25:26

Ever feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around? Aaron Mills knows why that happens and how contractors can take back control of their time, money, and sanity. Aaron knows construction, not just the nuts and bolts of it, but the numbers behind it. As the founder of DAAXIT, he’s spent years helping contractors go from pay…

1
Empowering Change: Jessie Cannizzaro on Crafting a Legacy Beyond Plumbing 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

What’s it like being one of only 6,000 women in the U.S. with a master plumber’s license? Jessie Cannizzaro didn’t grow up dreaming of plumbing, but her story is proof that life’s twists and turns can lead to incredible success. Jessie didn’t set out to follow in her family’s footsteps in the plumbing industry—or even to earn a business degree. Lik…

1
The Staggering Expense of Hiring with Brett King 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

If you’ve heard complaints about “lazy” Gen Z workers, you’re not alone. But are these stereotypes based on reality, or are they just old-school misconceptions? We sat down with Brett King, CEO of Exploring Potential, to unpack these myths and dig into what Gen Z is actually bringing to the table. Spoiler: It’s not laziness—it’s a need for meaning …

1
Listen, Connect, Retain 26:07

5M ago26:07

26:07

What does it take to create a work culture where people actually want to stay? Today, we're diving into what makes or breaks a “stay culture” in the workplace. Fall is well under way , and while hunting season might give some employees a reason to step away, it brings up an important question: how do you create a culture that keeps people engaged a…

1
Genius (IYKYK) with Tom Wasmoen 32:49

5M ago32:49

32:49

When Thomas Wasmoen started Firm Ground Architects, it wasn’t just about designing buildings—it was about creating a strong foundation for collaboration and innovation. Thomas shares the incredible origin story of his firm, which began with a bold declaration at a bar and grew into a thriving, multi-generational company. With decades of experience,…

1
When Disaster Strikes: The Blue-Collar Response in Full Force 13:03

6M ago13:03

13:03

There’s something truly special about how the blue-collar world steps up during times of crisis, and today, we're taking a moment to recognize that. Over the past few months, we’ve seen incredible stories of resilience and community in the face of natural disasters across the Carolinas, Florida, Texas, and beyond. It’s a reminder that while not eve…

1
Transforming How Remodeling Gets Done with Kyle Davies 29:15

6M ago29:15

29:15

Joining the family business isn’t always a given, but Kyle Davies shares how he found his path and the lessons that shaped him along the way. Kyle Davies, General Manager of W.E. Davies and Sons Remodeling, talks about his unique journey into the family business, a company that's been a cornerstone of Madison, Wisconsin, for nearly 50 years. Kyle d…

1
Keep Your Employees 21:43

6M ago21:43

21:43

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been awarded the 2024 Small Business Owners Community Podcast of the Year! This recognition is a huge milestone, and we’re beyond grateful for your support along the way. Thank you to everyone who tunes in and engages with us—you’ve truly made this journey worthwhile. Thanks to you, what began as an idea back in 2…

1
Opportunity Everywhere with Meg Schmitz 29:32

6M ago29:32

29:32

A positive employee experience is crucial for business success, and it all begins with leadership. Meg Schmitz joins us to share insights on how business owners can drive a thriving work culture by staying in tune with their employees’ needs. Drawing from her expertise in franchising, Meg explains why the focus should be on employee retention and e…

1
Beyond the Pizza Party; The Importance of Employee Recognition 22:45

7M ago22:45

22:45

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most overused and ineffective approaches to employee recognition—pizza parties. While they’ve become a common way to acknowledge hard work, they often miss the mark and fail to make a lasting impact. Employee recognition should go beyond superficial gestures and focus on creating meaningful connections …

1
Teaching Sparks Welding Forward with Matt Scott 30:48

7M ago30:48

30:48

Welding education is experiencing a resurgence, with students more eager than ever to learn the trade. Matt Scott, a welding instructor from Portland Community College, shares his 30+ years of experience in training the next generation of welders and explains how the pandemic has reshaped both student engagement and the industry itself. In this epi…

1
LFG It's The End of The Year 20:31

7M ago20:31

20:31

Hey there, and thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Blue Collar BS Podcast! We’re hitting that end-of-the-year grind, talking about the challenges of reaching goals when the holidays and vacation days are taking up your calendar. Today, we’re diving into strategies to help you stay focused and finish the year strong. As the holiday season…

1
A Quick Update: What’s Happening This Week 1:46

7M ago1:46

1:46

First off, we want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you. Whether you're tuning in for the laughs, the stories, or the no-nonsense advice, your commitment to the show means the world to us. You've been the backbone of our success, and we couldn’t have made it this far without your support, engagement, and feedback. We value the ti…

1
Trick or Treat Sales Never Sleeps 24:59

8M ago24:59

24:59

Hey everyone, Brad and Steve here for another episode of Blue Collar BS! Today, we’re diving into the world of selling—focusing on how to position your business in a crowded market and stay top of mind for your clients. We tackle the big topic of positioning your business for success. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, or in manufacturing, we’r…

1
Tweener Finds His Passion Nick Packard 31:10

8M ago31:10

31:10

In today's episode, Steve and I had an amazing conversation with Nick Packard, a passionate entrepreneur and marketing genius who's shaking up the blue-collar industry with his out-of-the-box ideas. We kicked things off by diving into Nick's journey from becoming internet-famous with his "Pass Me a Beer" videos to launching unconventional marketing…

1
Harness the Power of Thoughts: Transforming Negativity into Opportunity 18:46

8M ago18:46

18:46

Welcome Back, Everyone! In today’s episode, Steve and I dive into how you can transform negativity in your workplace into opportunities for growth and innovation. We’re here to share some game-changing strategies that can help any blue-collar business owner turn challenges into catalysts for positive change. Here’s What We Cover: Embracing Technolo…

1
What Is The Business Trilogy Greg DeSimone 28:51

8M ago28:51

28:51

Are you prepared for the financial unknowns of your business’s future? Discover the key elements to ensure a smooth transition. In this episode of Blue Collar BS, we welcome Greg DeSimone, an unconventional CPA who emphasizes the value of family-owned businesses being transferable. With a focus on transition planning, Greg shares his perspective on…

1
Leading 4 Generations 22:21

9M ago22:21

22:21

How can today's business leaders effectively manage a multi-generational workforce to boost engagement, break stereotypes, and foster success? In this episode we dive into the challenges and opportunities of leading a multi-generational workforce. We discuss the common stereotypes that hamper workplace harmony and provide actionable strategies to c…

1
Big Foot Grampa, Boomers Have Lots to Offer-Mark Weber 25:17

9M ago25:17

25:17

Is it possible for experienced boomers to re-enter the workforce successfully after owning a business? Discover how Mark Weber did just that! In this episode we welcome back Mark Weber, a seasoned boomer who transitioned from leadership roles to becoming an individual contributor. Mark shares his unique journey, offering valuable insights into gene…

1
Uniting Generations: A New Leadership Approach 26:21

9M ago26:21

26:21

How can active listening and empathy bridge generational gaps and transform team dynamics in the workplace? In this episode delve into the intricate dynamics of multigenerational teams in today's workforce. We discuss the pitfalls and triumphs of integrating diverse generational perspectives and how empathy and active listening can change the game.…

1
Would You Do Your Own Root Canal with Elisa Ruer 29:44

9M ago29:44

29:44

What crucial advice do legal experts have for business owners navigating the complexities of new financial regulations and generational transitions? In this episode of we are joined by guest Elisa Ruer, a Gen X attorney, to discuss the importance of legal counsel in business operations, especially in light of new financial reporting laws and the ch…

1
What to do with your disengaged workforce? 23:10

9M ago23:10

23:10

How can businesses boost employee engagement and combat the staggering $8.9 trillion lost annually to disengaged workers? In this episode, we dissect a Fox Business article on how companies are beefing up "emotional salary" to address today's disengaged workforce. We discuss the difference between unengaged and actively disengaged employees, and br…

1
Move to Profit with Stacia Hobson 34:16

10M ago34:16

34:16

How can a business effectively navigate a major move while maintaining its workforce and culture? Stacia Hobson shares her experiences and insights on this topic. In this episode, Stacia Hobson discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving her business from Illinois to Mississippi. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, celebrating…

1
Textiles: America's Lost Blue-Collar Industry -Harrie Schoots 40:25

10M ago40:25

40:25

What can Harrie Schoots' journey in the textile industry teach us about the evolving nature of craftsmanship, the impact of e-commerce, and the importance of self-sufficiency? Harrie Schoots brings decades of experience and insight into the textile industry, highlighting craftsmanship's technical complexities and essential role. Growing up in a gen…

1
Done Learning, Done Leading with Brian Hendricks 31:45

10M ago31:45

31:45

How can understanding communication styles and dynamic leadership practices revolutionize the blue-collar workplace? In every podcast episode of the Blue Collar BS, we tackle pressing issues in the blue-collar world, debunking myths and revealing insights. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Hendricks, a millennial CEO, bestselling author, and …

1
Boosting Youth Confidence & Competence 22:28

10M ago22:28

22:28

Is involving parents in Gen Z's job interviews impacting their independence and future work performance? In this episode, we delve into the surprising trend of Gen Z candidates bringing their parents to job interviews. We analyze a Forbes article discussing how almost 30% of Gen Zers involve their parents in the hiring process and debate the implic…

1
From Overhead to Opportunity: Space as a Strategic Play with Tom McCrossin 37:11

11M ago37:11

37:11

How does owning the property where a business operates affect the business's ability to adapt and succeed overall? Tom McCrossin, a real estate business owner who specializes in acquiring and revamping industrial properties for blue-collar businesses, joins the conversation. This episode touches on various leasing options, tenant responsibilities, …

1
People + Tech = Success with Ryan Englin 28:45

11M ago28:45

28:45

Curious about how today's workforce can redefine the blue-collar industry and attract talent by challenging norms and embracing technology? In this episode, we interview, Ryan Englin, and dive into the importance of highlighting the human element within trades to appeal to potential employees. We explore the evolving behaviors and preferences of yo…

1
Building Greatness with Les and Asher O'Hara 27:30

11M ago27:30

27:30

How can a father-son dynamic in a blue-collar business navigate modern technological advancements while maintaining traditional values? In this episode of Blue Collar BS we delve into the fascinating world of blue-collar business through the experiences of Les and Asher O'Hara. With Les being a seasoned entrepreneur and his son Asher bringing fresh…

1
GOSPA Sing it Doyle!! 23:24

11M ago23:24

23:24

Why Should Strategic Planning Be Treated Like Gospa in Your Business? Tune in to learn how to transform your company's strategic planning process into a powerful, results-driven initiative that everyone on your team supports and understands. We break down the critical components of effective strategic planning through their structured approach know…

1
Securing Tomorrow: The Blue-Collar Blueprint for Business Immortality with Jake Hall 32:00

12M ago32:00

32:00

What if the key to success wasn't a four-year degree, but a different path entirely? In this episode of BCBS, we delve into a thought-provoking question while celebrating seven years since the start of our business journey. And of course, it wouldn’t be a BCBS episode without Steve and Brad's signature banter and friendly ribbing. They introduce Ja…

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