Michael Nelson

We just uploaded a new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with Katy Margison, founder of Athena Nutrition. Tune in to hear us discuss her journey from CrossFit to weightlifting, her battle with addiction and path to sobriety, how she’s helping women achieve…

A new episode of Blue Collar StartUp is out now! In this episode, Derek and I sat down with Ryan Galusha of Galusha & Sons. Tune in as we discuss carrying a third-generation business into the future, mentorship, workforce development, and keeping a legacy alive in the…

We just uploaded a brand new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with Jake Revers, owner of the Revers Agency at Rolling Bones Outdoors. Tune in as we explore Jake’s journey to developing a nationwide strategy for hunting adventures, his experiences in…

A new episode of Blue Collar StartUp is out now! In this episode, I sat down with Mike Zayachek of Zayachek Mechanical. Tune in as we discuss starting a business from a pickup truck and a trailer, growing to 147 employees, navigating cash flow challenges, and building a loyal…

A new episode of the Buying Local Podcast is out now! This week, I sat down with entrepreneur and EOS (@EOSWorldwide) implementer Dave Borland. Tune in as we discuss the challenges of scaling businesses, the power of systems like EOS, candid advice on building strong leadership…

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is a graphic novel designed to engage young readers—and their families—with the rich, complex legacy of the Saratoga region during the American Revolution. Read more on our website! #buyinglocal buyinglocal.us/2025/06/18/ove…

In this solo "Marketing Minute" episode of Blue Collar Startup, I give some advice to blue collar business owners to avoid starting a Facebook business page too soon and instead leverage personal profiles for better engagement and lead generation. Come along with me as I share…

Join our friends at Performance Industrial (@PerformanceInd) on Monday, July 28th for the Freedom Classic: Big Drive for Charity at Van Patten Golf Club This annual event is more than just a golf tournament—it’s a powerful community gathering that supports regional charities and…

🚨SHOCKER...ANOTHER RECALL Did you know, according to the USDA (via FOIA request!), there's NEVER been a reported case of food-borne illness from on-farm slaughter or custom exempt facilities in over a decade! Yet, meats flowing through the 5 processing plants - that the USDA…

We just posted another Blueprint episode of Blue Collar StartUp! Derek Foster and I dive into grassroots marketing. Listen in as we explore cost-effective, high-impact ways for small business owners to spread the word about their services—from vehicle wraps and yard signs to…

We just uploaded a new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250 (@SaratogaATP). Tune in as we discuss the legacy of the Battle of Saratoga, how it shaped world history, and what’s planned for…

We just uploaded a new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I talked with Susan Sikule and Missy Filarecki from Just Cats Veterinary Clinic (@justcatsvet). Tune in as we discuss their feline-only veterinary practice, the inspiration behind starting Just Cats, major…

A new episode of Blue Collar StartUp is out now! In this episode I had a chat with Scott McKenna of Catamount Consulting (@CatamountConsul) to dive deep into the topic of emotional intelligence (EQ). Tune in to hear us discuss how EQ impacts leadership, team dynamics, hiring,…

We just uploaded a brand new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with Janice Durant, Chief Franchise Matchmaker at New Trails Business Consultants. Tune in as we discuss franchise matchmaking, the real cost and mindset behind starting a franchise, how the…

We just posted another episode of Blue Collar StartUp! In this episode Derek and I have an honest conversation about what it really takes to build and grow a business. Listen in as we share lessons from our own business journeys, discuss the importance of building a strong team…

We just uploaded a brand new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with Zach Cutler, owner of Fierro’s Pizzeria. Tune in as we discuss turning a local pizza shop into a growing business, how Zach’s wood-fired pizza trailer became a catering hit, the importance…

A new special crossover episode of Blue Collar StartUp is out now! In this episode Derek and I sit down with Terry Hubbard of Peak Environmental about innovative landscape construction and eco-friendly practices. Tune in as we discuss robotic mowers, sustainable services,…

We just uploaded a brand new episode of the Buying Local podcast! This week I sat down with the team from Greenwood Hoff Wealth Management, including Matt Greenwood, Lorissa Hoff, and Dana Cafaro. Tune in as we discuss their client-focused approach to financial planning,…

A new episode of Blue Collar StartUp is out now! In this episode Derek and I sit down with Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute . Tune in as they explore the booming RV industry, technician training programs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and much…