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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The full library.
Every episode we've published, in one place. Pick an episode to listen, read the article, and meet the guest.
Episode 17 · November 5, 2026
Why Great Tradespeople Struggle to Grow Their Businesses with Nick Alter
with Nicholas Alter
Nick Alter explains why skilled tradespeople stall out in business, how his seven-stage maturity model works, and why shared definitions drive growth.
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Episode 16 · October 29, 2026
How to Build a Business That Outlives You with James Hatfield
with James Hatfield
LiveSwitch's James Hatfield on learning financial language, freedom mapping your way out of the key man problem, finding mentors, and winning on speed.
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Episode 15 · October 22, 2026
Run Your Business Like You’re Selling It with Andrew Pacifico
with Andrew Pacifico
Everflow Supplies CEO Andrew Pacifico on scaling a founder-led distributor, building a succession plan early, and why process beats results in sales.
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Episode 14 · October 15, 2026
How Great Leaders Think in a Crisis with Lt. Colonel Robert J. Darling
with Robert Darling
Robert Darling, author of 24 Hours in the President's Bunker, on compartmentalization, crisis leadership, and why resilience is a competitive advantage.
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Episode 13 · October 8, 2026
Who Are You When the Career Ends with Dr. Greg Bourgond
with Gregory Bourgond
Gregory Bourgond talks with Hugh Hornsby about the four seasons of life, why identity in work fails, and how to plan a winter season that still matters.
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Episode 12 · October 1, 2026
Leading the Future of the Trades with Daniel Quinonez
with Daniel Quinonez
PHCC CEO Daniel Quinonez on apprenticeships that end debt-free, licensure standards, succession planning, and using AI as a business tool in the trades.
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Episode 11 · September 24, 2026
Building Trades Businesses That Run Without You with Dr. Sam McGough
with Sam McGough
Dr. Sam McGough tells Hugh Hornsby how systems, SOPs, and masterminds build trades businesses that run without the owner and are actually sellable.
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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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Episode · October 1, 2026
How Contractors Can Get Paid Faster with iWallet Founder Jim Kolchin
with Jim Kolchin
Jim Kolchin, founder of iWallet, explains how home service contractors get paid faster, why technicians deserve tips, and how distributors cut card fees.
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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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Explore practical guides on developing leaders, competing beyond price, and adopting AI. Each connects lessons from the show with an action to try with your team.
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