Let’s talk about something we don’t always put on the balance sheet—but should. Energy.

And not the kilowatt kind. I’m talking about your energy. The vibe you bring. The look on your face when you walk through the door. The tone in your voice when a tech gives you an update. The way your team feels after they interact with you. That kind of energy is contagious—and as a leader, you’re patient zero.

I spent years running plumbing companies before launching The Blue Collar Success Group®, and I can tell you with certainty: Your mindset sets the thermostat for your entire business. You can be the most knowledgeable plumber, the savviest marketer, or the sharpest estimator—but if you show up with a burned-out, short-fused, checked-out energy… it shows. And worse—it spreads.

Why Energy Matters (from your brain’s perspective)

Here’s something most folks don’t think about: Our brains are wired to mirror the emotions and behaviors of the people around us. It’s called emotional contagion. When you walk in feeling amped, clear-headed, and positive, your team’s nervous systems pick up on that—even before you say a word. The opposite is true, too. If you’re stressed out, overwhelmed, or frustrated, they absorb that tension like a sponge.

Your energy drives the tone, the pace, and the performance of your team. If your goal is to create a culture where people show up strong, stay accountable, and do work they’re proud of—guess what? That starts with you showing up that way first.

So How Do You “Bring the Good Energy”?

We’re not talking about fake-it-til-you-make-it here. I’m not suggesting you plaster on a smile and pretend everything’s awesome when it’s not. I’m talking about cultivating real energy from the inside out. Here are a few tools I’ve used—and that we coach our members on regularly:

1. Start Your Day for You, Not Your Phone

The minute you roll out of bed and start doom-scrolling your email or checking jobs that dropped overnight, you’ve given your peace away. Instead, take 10–15 minutes before you plug in to get yourself grounded. Stretch. Meditate. Breathe. Go outside and get some sunlight. It sounds simple—but stacking these small wins before the chaos begins can completely change your game.

2. Get Your Body Right

You don’t have to become a marathoner or start drinking kale, but you do need to move your body and fuel it well. A 30-minute walk, a few sets of pushups, or some old-fashioned garage lifting goes a long way toward clearing your mind and regulating your stress. Your brain is attached to your body—treat both with respect.

3. Watch Your Language

I don’t mean the four-letter words (we’ve all let a few slip). I mean the way you talk about your team, your clients, and yourself. Saying “these guys never care” or “nothing ever goes right” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Reframe with facts, not frustration. “We’re still learning this,” or “Let’s figure out how to solve this together” invites solutions instead of shutdowns.

4. Protect Your Boundaries

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. If you’re running yourself into the ground, your team thinks that’s the expectation—and they’ll either resent it or mimic it until they crash. Make rest, family time, and mental resets part of your weekly rhythm. You’re not slacking off—you’re setting the standard.

5. Bring Curiosity, Not Judgment

One of the fastest ways to tank morale is to come in hot with blame when something goes sideways. Instead, get curious. Ask questions. Try to understand before you react. When people feel safe, they open up. And when they open up, you can coach them better. That’s leadership.

Final Thoughts: You’re the Culture

Let me say this clearly: You are not just the owner or manager—you are the living, breathing culture of your business. You are the energy barometer. And your team is looking to you every day to set the tone.

If your shop feels sluggish, stressed, or disconnected—before you launch another incentive program or hold another meeting—check the mirror. It’s amazing what shifts when you start with you.

Bring the good energy. Not perfect, not polished, but present, clear, and human. It’s the strongest leadership tool you’ve got—and it’s free.