EP190 - How Blue-Collar Work Creates Financial Freedom by Ken Rusk
In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with bestselling author and entrepreneur Ken Rusk to challenge traditional career paths. Ken shares his journey from ditch digger to successful business owner and explains why only 33% of college degrees ever get used.
They discuss how great leaders create workplaces where employees see their work as meaningful, comparing the “incubator vs. incinerator” leadership styles. Ken also shares his perspective on generational differences in work ethic, how to align personal and professional goals, and why financial freedom is more accessible than most people think.
Ken dives into the core message of his book, Blue Collar Cash, which redefines the value of blue-collar work.
This episode will shift your mindset on success, leadership, and the value of blue-collar work.
Meet Ken Rusk
Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who defied odds by achieving WSJ Bestseller status with his book “Blue-Collar Cash,” even during the pandemic’s challenges. He hosts the podcast “Comfort, Peace & Freedom,” where he imparts wisdom on personal and professional fulfillment. Ken’s impactful course “The Path to a Successful Life” empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and create their own success stories.
With a unique journey that boasts multiple appearances on Fox & Friends, Tucker Carlson Tonight, and America’s Newsroom, Ken’s insights have been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Epoch Times, Fox Business, and NY Post. Notably, Ken’s achievements are rooted in his unconventional path, as he takes pride in his lack of higher education. His diverse accomplishments include being an Honorary Commander of the 180th Fighter Wing Group and earning multiple awards like Top Workplaces in Ohio, BBB Ethics Awards and more than a dozen Franchise of the Year honors.
Ken’s entrepreneurial flair shines as the founder of Rusk Industries, a growing portfolio of construction companies with revenue above nine figures. Collaborating with notable figures like Tony and Jairek Robbins, Tucker Carlson, and Evander Holyfield, Ken is actively shaping future American leaders. Committed to giving back, he supports organizations like Make a Wish, Tunnel to Towers, and Ronald McDonald House and he teaches at Boys and Girls Clubs and Junior Achievement. With a wealth of experience spanning over four decades, Ken Rusk continues to inspire through speaking engagements on workplace culture, life design, and entrepreneurship.
He is working on his next book which deals with how small to medium size businesses can create the type of culture that attracts, inspires and retains great employees, all while driving your business to new and greater heights.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introduction
01:56 We dig ditches
07:19 Degree or experience?
18:24 To serve as a leader
21:55 Incubator vs incinerator
29:08 NFL: Why teams thrive & others struggle
32:14 Creating purpose-driven workplaces
35:34 Bridging generations
39:27 My values as a leader
46:25 Connect with Ken Rusk
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Ken:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk
https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial
Impact Driven Leader:
https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader
https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/
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About the Impact Driven Leader Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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