Hug a Contractor with Toby van Sistine

This week we're joined by Toby Van Sistine, Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA), whose path into home building started with a detour into aerospace engineering before he landed in construction for good.We dig into a theme this show returns to often: why Gen Z isn't seeing a clear path into the trades, and how Toby's own son found his way into an electrical apprenticeship almost by accident. Toby's take: kids aren't lazy, they just need someone to show them the door exists, and parents need permission to be okay with their kid choosing a toolbelt over a diploma.We also got into new territory for the show: Toby's take on why the building industry feels so combative right now. HGTV expectations, nickel-and-dimed contracts, and homeowners who'll drop $50K on a home theater but fight a contractor over $500. His read: something broke in how people trust the people building their homes.Also in this episode: smart homes and disposable appliances, plus a look at this year's Parade of Homes, now in its 80th year.Go give your contractor a little love this week. They've earned it.Highlights:This year's Parade of Homes.Toby's unconventional path into home building.Why the trades need better messaging, to kids and their parents.The real reason the building industry feels more combative than ever.How weather, region, and red tape shape the labor force differently across the country.Get in touch with Toby:WebsiteLinkedInGet in touch with us:Check out the Blue Collar BS website.Steve Doyle:WebsiteLinkedInEmailBrad Herda:WebsiteLinkedInEmailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrpOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy