Blue Collar Leadership

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 upJeffrey 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.comLearn 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

Kick off the new year with intention and clarity.As we wave goodbye to 2025 and step boldly into 2026, Mack & Ria Story guide you through a reflective exercise designed to help you audit your habits, celebrate your wins, and set the stage for transformative change.With a common sense approach, this episode breaks down five essential questions to help you declutter your life, amplify what works, and embrace new possibilities. This 30-minute session will provide you with a mental roadmap to help you get more out of the year ahead.#motivation #inspiration #reflection #success #successtips

In this episode of the podcast, Mack Story delves into the transformative power of self-control and personal growth as outlined in his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options.Drawing from his own life-changing encounter with Stephen R. Covey's principle—that between stimulus and response lies a space for choice—Mack shares how embracing this idea shifted his mindset, mended fractured relationships with his son and father, and laid the foundation for his leadership journey. He emphasizes that true influence begins with self-leadership, urging listeners to reflect on their own responses, motivate themselves through passion and purpose, and learn intentionally from experiences to avoid repeating mistakes.Mack also explores the challenges of growth, including resistance from those around you who may prefer the status quo, and the necessity of moving forward even if it means leaving some people behind.Through personal stories that enhance the book's insights, he illustrates how increasing one's influence expands options in life, encouraging reflection on Socrates' wisdom about the quality of questions we ask ourselves.This episode inspires listeners to take responsibility for their development, apply leadership principles for better results, and extend their positive impact to others.#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips 

In this raw and real episode, Mack Story pulls no punches as he takes us back to his early 20s—long hours at work, chasing more stuff, and wasting every free minute hunting, fishing, partying, and coasting through life with a crew that was headed absolutely nowhere.He thought he had it all together because he was paying the bills (sometimes) and having “fun.”The truth?He was clueless, surrounded by clueless people, and leading a pack straight into the land of wasted potential. With brutal honesty and his signature blue-collar style, Mack walks us through the wake-up call that finally hit: experience by itself teaches nothing—only evaluated experience does.Drawing straight from his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options, Mack breaks down the game-changing difference between raw experience and reflection that actually moves you forward.He shares how he shifted from a selfish “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, why your intent behind every action is what people really judge, and how character (not just competency) determines who you attract and who you become.If you’ve ever felt stuck hanging with the same crowd, getting the same results, and wondering why nothing ever changes, this episode is your fork-in-the-road moment.Stop coasting. Start evaluating. Because until you look backward on purpose, you’ll never move forward with purpose.#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips 

Discover simple, yet highly effective ways to methodically and intentionally enhance and/or transform your organizational culture.Mack & Ria Story discuss the methods their most effective clients implement in-house to grow and develop the people within their organization.For a deep dive into the methods they'll be discussing, visit BlueCollarLeadership.com/implement

Mack & Ria Story discuss the importance of discipline and the impact of making excuses.Discipline is giving yourself a command and following through with it.Excuses are exits off of the highway to success.

In this interview, Ben Hopkins discusses:A bit about his time in US Air Force in the backseat of an F-15E Strike EagleHis background in Fulfillment Centers and Distribution Centers (FC/DC)What motivated him to launch The Warehouse Underground Podcast and websiteThe best thing about working in an FC/DC?Which type of people excel in an FC/DC?His favorite leadership book and quoteBen Hopkins is a USAF Veteran who spent time as a Weapons Systems Officer in the back of an F-15E Strike Eagle. Currently, he is the Founder and host of The Warehouse Underground🦺Website & Podcast Series🎙️REAL talk for warehouse, distribution center, & fulfillment center professionals of all levels around the globe!Ben is a battle tested proven leader and "results getter" in the world of warehouse/distribution and operations.He has multi-site leadership experience nationwide simultaneously (CA, WI, PA, TN.) Two ERP and WMS implementations. Planned and designed 200,000 square foot green field distribution center to include use of 21st century automation with conveyor belt actuated sortation, multi-level pick modules, and VNA racking preparation.Ben has grown, developed, and promoted countless warehouse and distribution mangers, floor leaders, and inventory control specialists.Prefer to watch the video?Check out the 37th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Ben Hopkins interviewed by Mack Story under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results! on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadershipBe sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future video releases in this series.#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #warehousemanagement  #warehouseoperations #leadership #bluecollarleadership #logistics 

In today’s hyper-connected world, your social media presence isn’t just personal anymore; it’s often the first impression a hiring manager gets before they even open your resume.What you post, like, or comment on can quietly signal your professionalism, judgment, and emotional maturity (or the lack thereof).A single ill-timed rant, a subtle dig at your boss, or an old spring-break photo that never got untagged can instantly move your application from the “yes” pile to the trash without you ever knowing why.The good news is that avoiding the most common pitfalls is straightforward once you know what recruiters are quietly screening for.By keeping your online voice positive, authentic, and drama-free, you protect your reputation, you not only safeguard your current job search but also build a personal brand that makes opportunities come to you.In this episode, I dive into the seven subtle (and not-so-subtle) social media habits that silently sabotage even the most qualified candidates, and exactly how to clean up your digital footprint before it costs you your next big role.#socialmediatips #leadershippodcast #jobsearchtips

Mack Story unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways distrust creeps into relationships, both personal and professional, often without us realizing it.By sharing practical strategies, Mack equips listeners to recognize and counteract distrust, fostering stronger, more resilient connections with their teams and loved ones.Mack explains how seemingly minor actions—like forgetting to say thank you, ignoring a colleague, or taking someone’s efforts for granted—can create distrust faster than trust is built, as distrust taps directly into our emotions.Drawing from personal anecdotes, like his appreciation for his wife Ria’s cooking, Mack illustrates how automatic or accidental distrust accumulates over time, especially with those closest to us. He emphasizes that without intentional trust-building efforts, relationships risk deteriorating into divorce, workplace conflicts, or stagnation, using real-world examples to highlight the stakes in blue-collar environments.Mack challenges leaders to offset unintentional distrust by actively building trust through consistent, caring actions, such as acknowledging others’ contributions or showing genuine respect.Mack contrasts the ease of reconnecting with old friends—where trust remains intact due to time apart—with the daily erosion that occurs in close relationships when trust isn’t nurtured.

Mack Story explores the essential art of building rapport as the gateway to trust in blue-collar leadership. This episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to connect authentically, strengthen teams, and lead with influence rooted in care.Drawing from Christian Simpson's insight, "When building rapport, we are conveying to others, 'I’m like you, so it’s okay for you to like me,'" Mack explains how relating to others—through shared language, actions, and appearance—creates safety and openness.However, Mack stresses that true rapport begins with sincere intent and unconditional care for the other person.In the demanding world of blue-collar work, where quick connections can make or break teams, Mack shares how genuine concern transcends superficial differences, allowing leaders to foster deep, instant bonds that people feel immediately.Mack delves into practical ways to build trust through consistent "deposits," from simple gestures like calling someone by name or offering a pat on the back, to larger acts like believing in a teammate's potential or providing real help in tough times.Mack warns against manipulative intent, emphasizing that people intuitively sense when care is authentic versus self-serving.For blue-collar leaders, Mack outlines how to make ongoing trust deposits without expecting withdrawals, creating resilient relationships that withstand inevitable setbacks.

Mack Story dives into the critical role of trust as the foundation of influence in leadership. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders to cultivate trust, enhance their influence, and build stronger teams.Drawing from his experiences and insights from thought leaders like Stephen M. R. Covey and John C. Maxwell, Mack emphasizes that trust is built on a solid foundation of intent and character.He explains how 87% of a leader’s influence stems from their values, consistent actions, and ability to connect with others, while only 13% relies on technical skills.Through real-world examples, Mack illustrates how trust shapes relationships and drives results, warning that without it, leadership falters. He challenges listeners to focus on building their character first, as it’s the key to creating sustainable, high-trust relationships that withstand adversity.Mack also explores the dynamic nature of trust, highlighting that every interaction either strengthens or weakens it.Quoting Peter Drucker, he underscores the importance of unspoken communication in building trust and shares practical strategies for blue-collar leaders to align their intent with their actions.From his time in Guatemala with John Maxwell to everyday workplace scenarios, Mack shows how character-driven influence creates a ripple effect, fostering collaboration and inspiring others to follow.

In this interview, Mike Chiles discusses:Being on the MAP: Making it Happen, Allowing it to Happen, & Preventing it from HappeningHis takeaways from The 5 Types of Leaders online video courseHow your actions reveal your valuesHis focus on becoming a better father and husbandTaking responsibility as a leader at work and at homeContinuous improvement of self and processesHis personal growth and leadership journeyMike Chiles lives in Blue Springs, MO on the eastern outskirts of Kansas City, and is a Project Director with JE Dunn Construction. He’s been with JE Dunn nearly 20 years!Mike is a student of personal growth and leadership development and has a passion for sharing what he’s learning with others. He’s also a student of Lean Construction and leverages the principles of Lean to make his projects and his teams much more efficient.Mike is a husband and a father of four children. As he’s intentionally grown and developed himself, being a better role model while growing and developing his children has become an even higher priority.Want to watch the video version?Check out the 36th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Mike Chiles interviewed by Mack Story by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership and be sure to take a look the previous interviews in this series. All 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.#leadershippodcast #personalgrowth #leadershipmindset #leanconstruction #projectmanager #construction  #constructionindustry #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset