In an engaging and insightful conversation, Jaden Robison hosts Cody Chew of Blue Collar Haulers on the Blue Collar Future podcast. The candid discussion offers a glimpse into the world of trades and blue collar work, shedding light on personal experiences, the evolution of the industry, and how health and fitness intersect with manual labor.

Key Takeaways
- Personal journeys and insights: The discussion highlights Cody Chew’s entrepreneurial spirit, beginning in trades at a young age and facing challenges in business development.
- Changing perceptions of blue-collar work: The conversation touches on efforts to transform the image of blue-collar jobs, making them attractive and respectable career paths.
- Health and fitness in trades: The importance of self-care and the benefits of incorporating fitness into a blue-collar lifestyle are emphasized.
Entrepreneurship and Challenges from cody chew
Entrepreneurship in trades can start early, and the path is not without its trials. Cody Chew’s story is evidence of this, starting a lawn care business in high school, then launching a roll-off dumpster business by the age of 19. The discourse delves into the struggles faced when starting and running a business, from equipment failures to the difficulties brought on by the seasons.
“I bought a little trailer, a roll-off dumpster trailer, and […] you don’t make $23,000 in a day, but it’s not true. […] People are like, well, alright. This kid’s actually showing us that there’s a lot of work to it.” – Cody Chew
Chew’s reflections highlight the persistence required to overcome setbacks and expand a business. His innovative approach to making waste management engaging, like creating themed dumpsters, speaks to the creativity and adaptability needed to stand out in an established industry.
The Evolution of Blue-Collar Work
One prominent theme addressed is the evolving perspective toward blue-collar occupations. Both Robison and Chew discuss the importance of challenging stigmas associated with blue-collar work, such as the false narrative that success is only found through white-collar professions or college degrees.
“I turned 21 this week. […] My biggest accomplishment this week was, like, I woke up the day after I turned 21, 4:45 AM, and went to the gym, wasn’t hungover.” – Cody Chew
These personal anecdotes reinforce the message that blue-collar work is a pathway to a stable and rewarding career. The speakers advocate for greater respect and recognition for trades, suggesting innovative ideas like trade signing days to celebrate young professionals entering the industry.
Health and Fitness: A Priority in Blue-Collar Professions
The health and fitness segment of the conversation shines a light on a critical aspect often overlooked in the trades. Both hosts agree that staying active and prioritizing health can significantly enhance work performance and overall quality of life.
“I’ve been working out and it was a complete game changer with working in construction.” – Jaden Robison
Chew and Robison’s dialogue underscores the mistaken notion that physical labor negates the need for additional fitness routines. Instead, they promote the idea that structured exercise can bolster endurance, mitigate injuries, and ultimately redefine the blue-collar worker’s lifestyle.
The deep dive into the personal experiences of Robison and Chew showcases how fitness intertwines with their professional lives. They reflect on how maintaining good health allows them to tackle demanding jobs more effectively, serving as role models for the next generation of blue-collar workers.
In synthesizing the rich dialogue from the transcript, it’s clear that whether it’s the business challenges in trades, the changing landscape of blue-collar work, or the significance of health and fitness, there’s an underlying call to action for society’s acknowledgment and elevation of manual professions. The insights shared by Chew affirm that with entrepreneurial drive, a modern outlook on trades, and dedication to personal well-being, the future of blue-collar work is poised for positive transformation.
Check out Blue Collar Haulers on Instagram.
