Lessons Learned in Work Boots
I didn’t grow up in a corner office. I grew up on a dairy farm in Twin Falls, Idaho, where early mornings, hard work, and hands-on problem solving were just part of daily life. Later, I worked job sites, slinging tools, measuring twice, cutting once, and learning that if you didn’t show up prepared and ready to hustle, you didn’t last long.
It’s funny how those blue-collar lessons—things I picked up in mud, dust, and sawdust—have turned out to be the most valuable assets I carry with me into the boardroom today.
Now, as the owner of Iron Oaks Custom Homes and several other businesses, I spend more time reviewing contracts, leading meetings, and making strategic decisions than swinging a hammer. But make no mistake: the skills I use to run my businesses successfully were shaped out on job sites. That blue-collar foundation continues to drive everything I do.
Showing Up Matters
The first lesson I learned—and one I still live by—is that showing up matters. On a job site, if you’re not there on time, ready to work, people notice. And not in a good way.
The same is true in business. Whether it’s a team meeting, a client call, or a vendor relationship, reliability sets the tone. People need to know they can count on you—not just to show up, but to follow through.
Too many people think success is about luck or talent. In my experience, it’s about consistency. The habit of being dependable, day after day, builds trust—and trust builds opportunity.
Problem Solving on the Fly
Construction teaches you how to think on your feet. Things rarely go exactly as planned. Materials get delayed, weather changes, blueprints get revised. You learn quickly how to adapt and solve problems without losing momentum.
As an entrepreneur, that same skill set is priceless. Business rarely follows a straight line. One day you’re negotiating a deal, the next you’re managing a cash flow hiccup or dealing with an unexpected staffing issue.
I’ve found that my ability to stay calm under pressure, think creatively, and find solutions comes directly from years of job site experience. Out there, problem solving wasn’t optional—it was survival.
Leading by Example
Leadership on a construction crew is about respect, not titles. You earn respect by working hard, staying humble, and taking responsibility. People follow those who lead by example, not those who bark orders from a distance.
That lesson has served me well as a business owner. I’ve learned that the best way to lead is to serve. To be willing to roll up your sleeves, listen more than you talk, and show people that you care about them—not just the bottom line.
Whether I’m working with a foreman or a CFO, that people-first mindset helps create a culture of trust and ownership. And that’s where real business growth starts.
The Value of Grit
Blue-collar work builds grit. It teaches you that success doesn’t come overnight, and that setbacks are part of the process. Whether it’s pouring concrete in the rain or staying late to finish a framing job, you learn to push through discomfort and keep going.
That grit has been a huge asset in business. Entrepreneurship is a grind. There are highs and lows, wins and losses. The ability to stay focused, work hard, and bounce back from failure is what keeps you in the game.
I’ve had business ideas that didn’t pan out. I’ve made mistakes. But I’ve never quit. And that’s because grit, once it’s in you, doesn’t go away.
Practical Wisdom Pays Off
Working in the trades teaches you to think practically. You learn to measure risk, consider cost, and make decisions based on what’s real—not just what looks good on paper.
In the boardroom, that practical mindset keeps me grounded. I ask tough questions. I look for real-world impact. I don’t get caught up in hype. And I focus on building things—whether it’s homes, systems, or teams—that last.
Some people overthink. Others never think practically enough. I try to strike a balance: use common sense, ask for input, and then take action.
The Humble Advantage
Coming from a blue-collar background has kept me humble. I’ve seen what it takes to build something with your hands, to sweat for a paycheck, and to value every dollar earned. That humility helps me stay grateful—and it helps me lead with empathy.
In business, humility is a strength. It keeps you open to learning. It helps you build strong relationships. And it reminds you that no one builds success alone.
I’m proud of where I came from, and I carry those roots with me every day. They remind me that leadership is a privilege—and that I’m still a student, always learning, always growing.
Final Thoughts: Your Experience Is an Asset
If you’re someone who’s worked in the trades and is thinking about starting a business—or if you’re already running one—don’t underestimate what you bring to the table.
Your work ethic, problem-solving ability, practical mindset, and people skills are powerful tools. They may not look like traditional “business skills,” but I can tell you from experience—they are.
You don’t have to change who you are to succeed in the boardroom. You just have to apply the lessons you’ve learned and stay true to your values.
For me, success isn’t about fancy suits or big titles. It’s about impact. It’s about using what I’ve learned—on job sites and in life—to build something meaningful. And that’s a blueprint I plan to follow for years to come.