Advertise on podcast: Blue Collar Leadership

In this very special 500th episode of the Blue Collar Leadership Podcast, Mack Story reunites with Derek Brown—the man who inspired him to launch the Blue Collar Leadership podcast eight years ago. Derek shares the story of how he and Mack first connected, his own powerful personal growth journey, the professional path that shaped him, and what he’s doing today as National Sales Director at CrewPlex, where he helps construction, industrial, and high-risk teams communicate safely and effectively in loud, demanding environments. Check out the products Derek offers at CrewPlex.com  With a focus on human-first leadership, sales coaching, and team development, Derek delivers real-world insights on growth, resilience, and leading people the right way—whether you’re on the shop floor, in the field, or running a team. This milestone conversation is both a heartfelt look back at the podcast’s beginnings and an inspiring forward look at what authentic leadership looks like in blue-collar industries today. If you’ve ever been impacted by the show, you won’t want to miss this one. #leadershippodcast #leadershiptips #bluecollarleadership #podcast #growthjourney 

Practical, straightforward, and recorded for real blue-collar leaders, aspiring leaders, and workers who want to climb to the next level and beyond. In this special husband-and-wife episode, Mack and Ria Story give listeners a brief, practical overview of the eight core books in the Blue-Collar Leadership® Series—part of the 35 books they’ve published. They walk through the five 30-chapter/3 pages per chapter books: Blue-Collar Leadership® & Culture: The 5 Components for Building High Performance TeamsBlue-Collar Leadership®: Leading from the Front LinesBlue-Collar Leadership® & Teamwork: 30 Traits of High Impact PlayersBlue-Collar Leadership® & Supervision: Unleash Your Team’s PotentialBlue-Collar Kaizen: Leading Lean & Lean Teams Plus the three quick-hit Blue-Collar Leadership® Toolbox Tips books which are packed with 60 micro-lessons each. Mack and Ria share how frontline team members can use these books for personal growth and how formal leaders and supervisors can turn them into powerful team-development tools through short book studies or by sharing weekly Toolbox Tips. Whether you’re looking to build better habits, improve communication, strengthen culture, or lead change on the shop floor or the job site, this episode gives you the roadmap to start using these proven resources immediately—no matter your role or experience level. #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #workforcedevelopment 

In this special tribute episode of Blue Collar Leadership, Mack Story honors the life and legacy of Bob Chapman, the legendary Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller who passed away on March 19, 2026. For over a decade, Mack has collected Bob’s most powerful quotes on leadership, culture, and what it truly means to put people before profits. In this episode, Mack shares 50 of those quotes—raw, practical, and deeply human—straight from the man who transformed a struggling manufacturing company into a multibillion-dollar global leader while building one of the most admired workplace cultures in the world. Whether you’re a frontline supervisor, plant manager, or CEO, these quotes will challenge how you think about leadership, inspire you to lead with more heart, and show you why Bob Chapman’s “Truly Human Leadership” philosophy remains more relevant today than ever. This is more than a tribute—it’s a masterclass in leadership from one of the greatest voices our industry has ever known. #leadership #bluecollarleadership #TrulyHumanLeadership #BobChampan #EverybodyMatters #servantleadership 

Trust isn’t built through grand gestures—it’s earned (or lost) in the daily grind of promises kept or broken. This episode breaks down the core truth: what we think and say sets expectations, but only what we actually do defines our character. After we make a commitment, we’ll take one of three paths —follow through to make a trust deposit, ask to break the commitment and risk suspicion (depending on how often you do it and why), or break the commitment and trigger major distrust. For leaders aiming to grow influence without formal authority, the message is clear: prioritize congruency (actions aligned with words/walking the talk), value others’ time and expectations, and treat commitments made as unbreakable to avoid suspicion about motives. When you keep your word consistently, you create hope, foster loyalty, and turn your team into one that performs because they trust you.

At age 82, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Wesley L. Fox still was still inspiring crowds with stories of the leaders who shaped him, none more than Corporal Myron J. Davis during the freezing nights of the Korean War. Facing demoralized troops eating frozen rations in the dark,  USMC Corporal Davis invested in a Coleman stove and insisted on carrying it himself—not for personal gain, but to ensure his squad could heat their food first. He passed it along without ever using it and always took the last, least desirable portions. Colonel Fox’s simple yet profound takeaway—“We knew he cared”—highlights how selfless acts demonstrate character and earn deep trust. Years later, at the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership in 2013, Colonel Fox’s fist bump and connection with Mack Story showed he lived these values, teaching that real leadership isn’t about rank or perks—it’s about serving those you lead to build teams that endure any hardship.

Are you ready for an engaging discussion on building greater influence in your marriage? With humor and heart, Mack and Ria Story share relatable stories—like Mack's infamous laundry mishap—and delve into the 5 Love Languages, revealing how his preference for quality time complements her need for words of affirmation. This episode offers practical insights and lighthearted moments to help couples strengthen their connection. Note: This episode is also featured on as Episode #11 “Love Languages, Laundry Fiascos, and Relationship Lessons with Mack Story” on Ria Story’s “Grace Every Day” Podcast on her YouTube channel if you prefer to watch the video version. #bluecollarleadership #relationshiptips #relationshipadvice #intentionalliving #5LoveLanguages #The5LoveLanguages #bluecollarlife #skilledtrades 

In the final part of this 3 part series, Mack Story reveals a dose of leadership truth from John Maxwell: “Children need unconditional love more than they need direction.” Kids—your own, grandkids (young crew members and apprentices too)—crave knowing you’ve got their back no matter what, way more than they need constant rules or fixes. This episode keeps it simple: show your children steady love first with quick encouragement, being there even when you’re wiped out from work, owning your screw-ups so they see it’s okay, and staying calm instead of losing it. #leadershippodast #bluecollarleadership #podcast #skilledtrades #growthmindset #emotionalintelligence 

Mack Story started focusing on the hardest personal fight in Part 1—conquering yourself. In Part 2, he dives into maintaining self-mastery. Winning the fight inside yourself once is huge, but staying on top when the job gets long, the crew’s testing you, or life throws curveballs is what separates solid leaders from the rest. This episode keeps it real: spot when you start slipping (getting short-tempered, cutting corners, or letting frustration take over), build quick daily habits like taking a breath before you speak or owning your mistakes fast, and use that inner strength to stay calm, make smart calls, and earn respect without yelling. When you keep winning inside, you handle pressure better, your crew trusts you more, home life feels steadier, and people start following you because they want to—not because they have to. Self-control isn’t a one-time thing; it’s the daily grind that makes you the leader everyone wants to follow. #leadershippodast #bluecollarleadership #podcast #skilledtrades #growthmindset #emotionalintelligence 

In Part 1 of this 3 Part series, you’ll discover leadership isn't about commanding others or achieving external wins—it's about mastering the one opponent who never leaves your side: yourself. In this powerful episode, Mack Story reveals why self-mastery remains the cornerstone of authentic influence, resilience, and lasting success in any arena of life.  Mack examines practical strategies to build inner discipline, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. Drawing on timeless philosophy alongside modern insights and Mack’s real-life examples, listeners will discover how winning this internal battle transforms not just personal growth but also the way you lead teams, build relationships, make decisions, and inspire those around you—because the leader who has conquered themselves commands respect effortlessly, leads with integrity, and creates positive change that endures. #leadershippodast #bluecollarleadership #podcast #skilledtrades #growthmindset #emotionalintelligence 

In a world where AI (Artificial Intelligence) is reshaping trades and blue-collar jobs faster than most realize, the real game-changer isn't just tech—it's the "other AI": Authentic Influence.   "Change is hard only for the unready" (Cy Wakeman), and those ready to thrive aren't waiting for promotions or titles; they're building trust-based influence from the front lines through character, competency, and action.   As John C. Maxwell says, "People who want to be effective are willing to do what others won’t"—and that willingness earns resources, promotions, and the ability to make a real impact.   Discover how developing Authentic Influence (trust earned, not demanded) makes you indispensable, boosts your value, accelerates career options, and helps you lead 360°—with or without a formal position—in manufacturing, trades, warehouses, and beyond.   Don't get left behind by the tech wave; rise above it by becoming the high-impact player leaders can't afford to lose.   Visit BlueCollarLeadership.com and start building your Authentic Influence today!    #BlueCollarLeadership #AuthenticInfluence #Leadership #AIinTrades #PersonalDevelopment #SkilledTrades

In this interview, Jeffrey Geurink discusses: His book Beyond Broken: How I Overcame Addiction and Pieced My Life Back TogetherChecking himself into rehabOvercoming severe alcohol addictionDrinking 50 cans of beer in a single dayThe challenges of rebuilding his life after rehabStarting his own construction businessSharing his story to help others rise up Jeffrey Geurink is a man who has literally written the book on turning a life that felt shattered beyond repair into something purposeful and powerful. He is the author of the gripping new memoir Beyond Broken: How I Overcame Addiction and Pieced My Life Back Together, where he pulls no punches about the dark days: waking up to 26 empty beer cans scattered across his floor, crippling anxiety after yet another bender, reaching out in desperation to the ex-wife he once blamed for everything, and finally making the courageous choice to check himself into rehab—handing over the keys to his life and finding hope through faith and recovery. But Jeffrey's story doesn't end with healing. He's taken that hard-won transformation and channeled it into action. As the owner and founder of Rise Up Construction LLC, he's building more than just structures—he's building a legacy of purpose, helping others rise up from their own broken places. Learn more about Jeffrey’s book and ministry at: BeyondBrokenMinistries.com Learn more about Jeffrey’s construction business at: RiseUpConstructors.com  Prefer to watch this interview instead of listening? Don't miss the related 38th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" video interview series featuring Jeffrey Geurink interviewed by Mack Story on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!" Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series. #addiction #rehab #resilience #motivational #inspirational #bluecollarleadership #construction #helpingothers #overcoming #adversity #overcomingadversity  

Building on relentless personal leadership development, Part 2 covers the four remaining traits for high-impact leaders in tough, low-authority kaizen events with skeptical teams. Trait #2: Connect rapidly through genuine respect—valuing identities, doubts, histories, and resistance—putting others first to build key relationships. Trait #3: Declare intent early (e.g., memorizing names, meaningful intros, showing care) to establish trust and reveal authentic motives. Trait #4: Build trust with consistent character (integrity, humility, courage) and competency—modeling teachings, keeping commitments, proving care precedes knowledge. Trait #5: Teach leadership principles upfront (~20% time) to answer “Do you care? Can I trust you? Can you help me?”—boosting productivity up to 40% via eager followership and shared leadership

In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Mack Story begins to explore the 5 Traits of High Impact Team Leaders, starting with the foundational trait of relentless personal leadership development—continuously investing in character over mere competency (as influence stems 87% from who you are, per key studies)—to inspire voluntary followership, boost productivity by up to 40%, and unleash team potential in high-pressure, low-authority environments where change is resisted but results are demande

Crews can handle tough jobs, bad weather, tight deadlines, but they won’t tolerate a boss who acts like he’s above the rules he pushes on everyone else. Good leaders keep it real: they own their mistakes, put the team first, and stay consistent no matter who’s watching. Do that, and people will run through walls for you. Blow it with hypocrisy, blame-shifting, or manipulation, and you’ll watch your best guys walk out the door—or worse, stay and just punch the clock until something better comes along.

Ria and Mack Story share how dealing with a boss you can't stand boils down to three core options:  Quit and Find a New Job and a New Boss: How you quit reveals A LOT about your character. Will you shine or whine?Stay and Be Proactive: addressing issues head-on through open communication and personal development as you rise above the friction.Stay and Be Reactive: moaning, groaning, and whining without building any trust or increasing your influence. Proactive choices often earn respect, maintain relationships, and open doors, while reactive choices create friction, rupture relationships, and decrease your influence. #careeradvice #careertips #careeradvancement #successtips