The Podcast
The Blue Collar Smart Show.
Real conversations with operators, builders, and leaders about building stronger companies from people who've done it. Hosted by Hugh Hornsby — 40 years in plumbing, HVAC, and distribution, from the ditch to the boardroom.
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New episodes every Thursday · Hosted by Hugh Hornsby
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All Episodes
The full library.
Every episode we've published, in one place. Pick an episode to listen, read the article, and meet the guest.
Episode 10 · September 17, 2026
Gary S. Michel on Clarity, Purpose, and Asking Better Questions
with Gary Michel
Gary Michel, author of Decomplify, explains how leaders complify work, why clarity beats busyness, and how asking better questions unlocks frontline ideas.
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Episode 9 · September 10, 2026
Relationships Are Your Competitive Advantage with Ed Wallace
with Ed Wallace
Ed Wallace shares relational capital, relational GPS, and the Fab Five so trade leaders and sales teams can build relationships that outlast the transaction.
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Episode 8 · September 3, 2026
Build a People-First AI Strategy with Jason Sullivan
with Jason Sullivan
Distro founder Jason Sullivan on rolling out AI in trade distribution without losing your people: adoption, data security, succession, and real leverage.
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Episode 7 · August 27, 2026
Integrity Is Your Greatest Asset with Sir Darren Jacklin
with Sir Darren Jacklin
Sir Darren Jacklin joins Hugh Hornsby to explain how integrity, proximity, controlled discomfort, and service create lasting personal and business success.
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Episode 6 · August 20, 2026
People First - Technology Second with Randy Chaffee
with Randy Chaffee
Randy Chaffee shares how relationships, personal branding, and hybrid selling outperform transactions in today's changing trades industry.
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Episode 5 · August 13, 2026
Building the Future of Contractor Commerce with Jim Kolchin
with Jim Kolchin
Jim Kolchin of iWallet explains how fintech is closing the gap between contractors and distributors through digital bundles and faster payments.
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Episode 4 · August 6, 2026
Integrity and Relationship Building with Mark Hunter
with Mark Hunter
Mark Hunter shares how integrity, alignment, and recurring revenue build lasting trust and profit in HVAC, plumbing, and trade sales.
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Episode 3 · July 30, 2026
From Turmoil to Triumph with Dave Sanderson
with Dave Sanderson
Dave Sanderson shares lessons from factory floors to the Miracle on the Hudson, plus his A to I sales framework for building real client trust.
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Episode 2 · July 23, 2026
Building a People First Business Culture with Eric Himes
with Eric Himes
Eric Himes shares how burnout and a faith-driven pivot led him to build the Inspired Operating System for people first leadership in trade businesses.
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Episode 1 · July 16, 2026
Rooted in Resolve with Marlon Mueller
with Marlon Mueller
Marlon Mueller shares how surviving the farm crisis, mentorship, and systems over shortcuts built lasting wealth for generations, not just one lucky break.
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Hugh talks with operators, builders, and leaders who've done the real work. If that's you, we want to hear it.
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