The Blue Collar Boss Podcast

Hosted by Mark Stoner

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217

Latest episode

Mar 2025

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About the show

The Blue Collar Boss Podcast is about the real leadership challenges of running blue-collar businesses. Hosted by entrepreneur and author Mark Stoner, this show shares hard-earned lessons from building service companies, leading teams, and navigating the pressure of the boss’s seat. You’ll hear real stories, practical leadership insights, and honest conversations about hiring, training, accountability, systems, and culture in the trades. If you’re a contractor, technician, or business owner trying to build something that lasts — this podcast is for you. Because hard work builds the business

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March 24, 2025Episode 21730 min

#217 - The Obstacle is the Way

SummaryIn this conversation, Mark Stoner discusses the concept of 'The Obstacle is the Way,' emphasizing how challenges and setbacks can lead to growth and success in business and life. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming difficulties, the importance of leadership, and the necessity of adapting to change. Stoner highlights the significance of treating problems as opportunities for improvement and the need for resilience in the face of adversity. He also addresses the importance of control and acceptance in navigating challenges, and how growth often comes with its own set of obstacles.TakeawaysThe obstacle is often the path to success.Treat challenges as systems to be understood, not just problems to be fixed.Hard times build resilience and character.Leadership is developed through overcoming failures.Control what you can, accept what you can't.Growth in business often comes with significant challenges.Every setback can reveal new opportunities.You need external feedback to identify personal barriers.The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with obstacles.Grit is essential for long-term success in business.Sound Bites"The obstacle is the way.""Growth has a toll booth.""You are the problem."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Obstacles as Opportunities02:46 The First Encounter with Obstacles05:31 Transforming Setbacks into Strengths09:40 Leadership Through Adversity11:16 Focus and Adaptation in Business15:47 The Power of a Fix-It Mindset19:16 Control and Acceptance in Business22:22 Growth and the Toll Booth28:50 Identifying Your Personal Obstacles

March 17, 2025Episode 2161 hr 1 min

#216 - Guest Caleb Martinez - 3 Generations of Doing It Right

In this episode, I interview Caleb Martinez, a third-generation mason and emerging leader in the chimney industry. They discuss Caleb's journey from being a worker to a business owner, the importance of quality craftsmanship, and the role of guilds in fostering community and mentorship. Caleb shares his personal experience of a life-changing accident and the lessons learned from it, emphasizing the need for business continuity and the importance of pouring into the next generation. The conversation highlights the unique camaraderie within the chimney industry and the value of relationships built through shared experiences.TakeawaysCaleb Martinez is a third-generation mason with a rich family legacy in the industry.Quality craftsmanship is a core value instilled by Caleb's father and grandfather.Transitioning from a field worker to a business owner presents unique challenges.Guilds play a crucial role in fostering community and mentorship in the chimney industry.Leadership in the chimney industry comes with its challenges and responsibilities.Caleb's accident served as a wake-up call for business continuity and personal growth.The importance of relationships and community in the chimney industry cannot be overstated.Caleb aims to pour into the next generation of chimney professionals.Recovery from an accident can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of a business.Caleb's future aspirations include mentoring and growing his business responsibly.Sound Bites"It's in my blood.""I was very lucky.""Don't be a hack."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Caleb Martinez02:55 The Legacy of Masonry: A Family Tradition05:57 Transitioning from Worker to Owner08:56 Finding Passion in the Craft12:02 The Journey into Leadership14:42 The Value of Guilds and Community17:52 Accident and Life Lessons20:58 Reflections on Safety and Risk Management31:46 The Fall and Its Impact35:41 Navigating Recovery and Business Challenges38:29 Lessons Learned from Adversity44:34 Building a Resilient Business50:27 Mentorship and Giving Back to the Community

March 11, 2025Episode 21534 min

#215 - You Can Never Catch the Gutter

Business owners must act before the fall starts, not after.False confidence in a fallback plan is as dangerous as relying on a weak gutter in chimney work.The best businesses don’t operate on hope—they plan, they commit, and they don’t leave themselves an easy way out.

January 22, 2025Episode 21241 min

#214 - Coach Steve Krebs - The 90 Day On Fire Challenge

Welcome back everyone to 2025. Let's start off the year with a challenge and goals for our business, our health, our families! Today Steve Krebs talks about a program that our SureFire Subscribers will have an opportunity to participate in starting on Feb 6. We have a few discovery calls coming up so if you are interested in knowing more, join us on the call! You can also email us at infor@surefire.online Thank you! Let's Gooooooo!

November 27, 2024Episode 21355 min

#213 - Guest - Sam Lawton - Leading and Growing

In this episode I interview Sam Lawton. I have gotten to know Sam well through our SureFire Accelerator Program and I am always inspired by his energy and willingness to always help others. Sam discusses how he went from knocking on door to developing into a team of 10 with his sights set on much further.

November 18, 2024Episode 21327 min

#213 - You Are Not Stuck

Do you have the energy, do you have the "go" do you have the fortitude to get your butt kicked and get out of your comfort zone? If you feel stuck, you need to check your choices and this episode takes a look at. I have had to ask myself this question many times through the years and this year is no different.

September 30, 2024Episode 21127 min

#211 - The Law of the Lid

In this episode I discuss the origins of the :aw of the Lid and the implications all through your business journey. You are truley only as old as you think you are!

July 4, 2024Episode 20830 min

#210 - Happy 4th - America - An Entrepreneur's Dream

Happy Independence Day! In this episode I discuss some amazing technology that happened during a recent car crash that I was in as well as the amazing place that America is for business's to get started.

May 27, 2024Episode 20951 min

#209 - House of 1000 Mirrors

This episode was on open discussion about the weeks events and an old Japanese story that I love called the House of 1000 Mirrors about how we look at the world.

May 12, 2024Episode 2081 hr 5 min

#208 - Boatcast

This episode was recorded on a boat with several mentors and business men that I have learned from in my business journey. We were supposed to be racing in the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta but the boat company rented us a boat that we couldn't race. First world problems. So we island hopped and had a relaxing and fun time on a guys trip. I hope you enjoy this episode.