In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson of Five Towers Media sits down with Mike Zayachek of Zayachek Mechanical. Tune in as they discuss starting a business from a pickup truck and a trailer, growing to 147 employees, navigating cash flow challenges, and building a loyal team through training and mentorship in the power generation and industrial maintenance industry.
Learn more about Zayachek Mechanical at www.zayachek.com.
0:15 Introduction
0:32 Guest Introduction
1:04 Zayachek as a Case Study
1:53 Starting in a Barn
4:25 Left Job to Start in 2004
5:34 Customer Trust for Stability
6:08 Lean Startup: Truck, Trailer, Five Employees
8:20 Initial Services: Mills, Plants, Millwright
9:56 Current Work: Rigging, Welding, Maintenance
11:58 Growth: 5 to 147 Employees
12:49 Early Cash Flow Challenges
13:32 Mentorship for Business Skills
15:00 Recession-Proof Growth
19:20 Talent Retention: Training, Benefits
21:09 Welder Compensation
22:38 24/7 Schedules for Deadlines
25:00 Certifications and Training
28:52 Consulting for Coaching and Safety
31:55 Employee Training Investment
46:49 Advice for New Owners: Stay Lean