Blue-Collar Smart · The new book from Hugh Hornsby
Launch date: January 1, 2027
Real stories.
Real people.
Real impact.
Lessons from the ditch to the boardroom to help you lead better, build stronger teams, and create a better life.
Launches January 1, 2027Chapter 1 is free right now
Chapter 1 · Built Different
Where blue-collar smart begins.
- 01
The yellow pad
A math teacher says he belongs in a special school. Mom gives him fifteen minutes for a pity party, then a yellow pad: write down what you are going to do differently.
- 02
Make them play your game
Run over four straight times by a 285-pound lineman, Hugh gets a lesson from his dad in the backyard after dark. The next day he wins four out of four.
- 03
Especially yourself
Years later, his mother's last lesson makes the pattern clear: the biggest obstacle was never epilepsy, rejection or other people's opinions.
“Never let anyone hold you back, especially yourself.”
- Practical lessonsfrom the trades
- Real storiesreal people
- Action you can takeat work and at home
- A better lifefor you and your team
About the author
From the ditch to the boardroom.
Hugh Hornsby spent four decades in plumbing, HVAC and wholesale distribution, and was named Person of the Year by The Wholesaler in 2024. He hosts the Blue Collar Smart podcast and writes The Yellow Pad every week.
More about HughQuestions
What else will I get?
The Yellow Pad, Hugh's weekly email: one problem, one hard-earned lesson, one action. It's named for the yellow pad in Chapter 1. Launch news goes there first, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
I'm already on The Yellow Pad. Can I still get the chapter?
Yes. Use the same email. You'll get the chapter and won't be added to the list twice.
Can I share the chapter?
Please do. Send friends and teammates to this page so they can get their own copy.
Coming January 1, 2027
Underdog proven.
Trades tested.
- People build businesses.
- Real lessons from the trades.
- An underdog mindset proven in the real world.
- Practical tools you can use.
- A better life at work and at home.
Don't wait for January. Read Chapter 1 free today.
Get Chapter 1 free