The Blue Collar Trades Show is where hard work meets real talk and a little controlled chaos, usually held together with duct tape. Hosted by Troy, Jim, Chad, and Marissa (four very different personalities who somehow make it work), the show brings together business owners, tradespeople, veterans, and everyday folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Expect honest conversations about building careers, businesses, and lives, along with real stories, practical lessons, occasional sarcasm, and plenty of laughs- without the corporate buzzwords or polished nonsense. It’s all about doing great work, treating people right, and having some fun while we’re at it.
The One About Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into an AI Business
Summary
In this episode, Sam shares his unconventional journey from growing up in Morocco to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the event and coffee industry. He discusses risk-taking, the importance of adaptability, and lessons learned from starting multiple ventures. In this episode, Sam Eitzen shares the inspiring journey of how his company pivoted during the pandemic, leveraging AI and innovative marketing strategies to stay ahead. Discover how resilience, creativity, and technology can transform challenges into opportunities.
Key Topics
Sam's background growing up in Morocco and moving to the US
The early days of starting a coffee catering business with his wife
Lessons learned from managing and growing Rhino Camera Gear
The origin story of Snap Bar and its evolution from a photo booth company
The importance of risk-taking and managing failure in entrepreneurship
The viral loop of wedding photo booths and client acquisition
Lessons on managing growth, manufacturing, and branding The journey of Snap Bar from photo booths to AI-driven marketing tools
Pivoting during COVID-19 and the impact on business
Using AI to create personalized, shareable content for brands
Strategies for scaling a business globally with minimal hardware
The importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background
00:11 Introduction to Sam Eitzen and Snap Bar
02:13 Growing up in Morocco and cultural adaptation
02:36 Starting the business and initial challenges
03:57 Early career, education, and shifting interests
07:45 The pivot during COVID-19 and launching Keep Your City Smiling
08:01 Starting the coffee business with his wife
11:57 Lessons on risk, failure, and resilience
15:04 The origin of Snap Bar and photo booth ventures
15:10 Scaling the business and entering B2B markets
19:59 Growth, challenges, and lessons from startups
22:11 The impact of COVID-19 on event businesses
24:54 Transitioning into the event industry and opportunities
30:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and closing thoughts
30:05 Adapting with AI and digital experiences
39:58 Lessons on resilience and mental health
49:57 The future of experiential marketing and technology
Connect with Sam:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-eitzen/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-eitzen/)
https://snapbar.com/ (https://snapbar.com/)
Connect with Us:
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/ (https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/)
21 Oct 2026
The One About Building a Business That Runs Without You
Summary
Todd Shillington, known as the one hour contractor, shares insights on transforming blue-collar trades into scalable, sellable businesses. He discusses strategies for marketing, systematizing operations, and building a business that runs without the owner, emphasizing the importance of reviews, branding, and delegation.
Key Topics
Transitioning from technician to CEO
Importance of reviews and reputation management
Building systems and standard operating procedures
Scaling a service business profitably
Using AI tools for marketing and SEO
Referral strategies and networking in trades
Branding and marketing in high-end markets
Creating a business that can be sold
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Todd's background
01:57 Growing up in Minnesota and California
05:00 Todd's career path and early business ventures
09:50 Transitioning from operator to CEO
14:50 Building systems and standard operating procedures
20:02 The importance of reviews and reputation
24:50 Scaling with high-end clients and branding
29:57 Using AI tools for marketing and SEO
35:11 Referral strategies and networking
39:47 Creating a business that runs without you
44:59 Todd's book and resources
50:13 Final advice and closing remarks
Connect with Todd:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddshillington/?isSelfProfile=false (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddshillington/?isSelfProfile=false)
https://www.theonehourcontractor.com/ (https://www.theonehourcontractor.com/)
Connect with Us:
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/ (https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/)
14 Oct 2026
The One About Franchising, Private Equity, and the Future of the Trades
Summary
In this episode, Troy, Jim, Marissa, Aaron, and Leonard discuss franchising, private equity, entrepreneurship, and the blue-collar job market, sharing insights and experiences to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and challenges in these fields.
Key Topics
Franchise system advantages and disadvantages
Private equity investment in home services
Building and selling franchise businesses
Hiring and training blue-collar workers
Impact of economic cycles on home services
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guests
01:02 Jim's Background in Military and Franchising
03:18 Jim's Experience with Franchise Sales and Business Growth
06:04 Troy's Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Ventures
07:51 Meet the Students and Their Interests in Business
09:54 The Evolution of Franchise Systems in Home Services
14:37 Impact of the Housing Crash on Home Service Franchises
16:34 How Private Equity Buys and Grows Franchise Systems
22:01 Pros and Cons of Buying Franchise vs. Mom-and-Pop Shops
33:28 Jim and Troy's First Franchise Experiences
44:30 Building a Blue-Collar Recruitment and Training Business
52:53 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Business Students
Connect with Steve:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbuors/?isSelfProfile=false (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbuors/?isSelfProfile=false)
https://www.reshiftmedia.com/ (https://www.reshiftmedia.com/)
Connect with Us:
https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/ (https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blue-collar-recruiter-virtual-trade-school/)
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