In this RFI episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler answer listener questions about what separates top-tier tradespeople from the average, how to develop real troubleshooting skills, and how to transition into the trades later in life. This episode is a practical guide for anyone serious about building a strategic, long-term career in construction.

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🎙️ Key Takeaways

• The top 10% separate themselves through communication, ownership, and consistency
• Skill alone isn't enough—attitude and accountability matter
• Troubleshooting is built through repetition and pattern recognition
• Young tradespeople should intentionally build a "mental library" of problems and solutions
• There are multiple pathways in the trades beyond heavy field labor
• Sales experience can translate well into business ownership or specialty trades

🧠 Listener Questions Answered

1. What separates the top 10% of skilled workers from the average?
2. How would you teach someone to troubleshoot problems effectively?
3. What advice would you give an older adult switching into the trades?
4. Bonus: What trade makes sense for a young man currently working in sales?

⏱️ Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction and Health Concerns
(02:43) – Silica Dust and Safety Awareness
(05:28) – Creating a Positive Work Environment
(08:07) – Communication Skills in the Trades
(10:56) – Delaying Gratification for Career Growth
(13:24) – Teaching Troubleshooting Skills
(16:08) – Building a Troubleshooting Library
(21:31) – Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
(24:54) – Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
(27:04) – Communication and Understanding on the Job
(28:57) – Advice for Older Adults Entering the Trades
(35:13) – Finding Opportunities in the Trades
(41:46) – Intentional Career Choices