I grew up around the trades. My dad worked in HVAC, and I spent years helping him on service calls, installs, and shop work. I learned early what a long day on the job feels like — crawling through attics, fighting old equipment, tracking down parts, and dealing with the pressure of keeping customers happy.

Working in the field taught me more than tools and equipment. It showed me how hard contractors work, how unpredictable the days can be, and how easy it is for paperwork and bookkeeping to fall behind when you’re busy keeping customers comfortable.

That experience stays with me today. It’s why I built Blue Collar CFO — to give HVAC and service business owners financial clarity from someone who actually understands what the work is like, not just the numbers.