Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach /* Taxonomy Header */ .taxonomy-header__description { width: 770px !important; max-width: 100% !important; color: #404144; } /* Author Module Variables */ .pm-author { --pm-blue: #0074b9; --pm-blue-hover: #034ea2; --pm-white: #ffffff; --pm-gray: #404144; --pm-alt-background: #f1faff; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 18px; width: 100%; float: left; background-color: var(--pm-alt-background); } /* Author Image */ .pm-author img { width: 200px; padding: 20px 0px 20px 20px; } /* Author Text Container */ .pm-author span { margin: 0 10px 0px 0px; padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; } /* Author Name */ .pm-author h3 { margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 21px; font-weight: 900; letter-spacing: 0.2px; color: var(--pm-blue); } /* CTA */ .pm-author__cta { margin: 0; font-size: 14px; } .pm-author__cta a { font-weight: 600; text-decoration: none; border: none; color: var(--pm-blue); transition: color 0.5s ease; } .pm-author__cta a:hover { color: var(--pm-blue-hover); text-decoration: underline; } .pm-author__cta a:active, .pm-author__cta a:visited { color: var(--pm-blue); } /* Responsive Styles */ @media (max-width: 640px) { .pm-author { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; margin: 0px auto; } .pm-author span { margin: 0px 30px; padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; } .pm-author img { width: 90%; padding: 30px 20px 0px 20px; margin: 0 auto; } }
Kenny Chapman

About the Column

Kenny Chapman is an award-winning industry coach and trainer, as well as founder of The Blue Collar Success Group, a business-development organization for in-home service contractors. The column focuses on practical education and training for technicians and company owners, with proven strategies to build skills, strengthen leadership and drive success.

Looking to sharpen your skills and grow your business? Connect with Kenny Chapman.

]]> https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2665 en-us Amplify the trades: How technology and leadership multiply performance One often-overlooked factor in technology adoption is how the human brain responds to change. We’re naturally wired to seek familiarity and avoid uncertainty, especially in high-pressure environments like the trades. When new systems are introduced without context or preparation, the brain reads that change as a threat, triggering resistance or disengagement. That reaction isn’t stubbornness; it’s human nature.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107325 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107325-amplify-the-trades-how-technology-and-leadership-multiply-performance Leading with emotional intelligence in 2026 For years, leadership in the trades was defined by grit, hustle, and sheer willpower. If you worked harder, stayed longer, and pushed through, you were considered a strong leader. And while work ethic will always matter in plumbing, the demands of today’s workforce are calling for something more.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107212 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107212-leading-with-emotional-intelligence-in-2026 15 years strong: How the trades, and the people behind them, have evolved Technology has reshaped the job. Dispatching, pricing, training, and communication tools have given plumbing businesses more control, clarity, and consistency than ever before. Think about it; in 2010, real-time data was a luxury. In 2025, it’s a baseline. Fortunately for our industry, automation doesn’t replace craftsmanship, it amplifies it, allowing leaders to make decisions with supporting data.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107194 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107194-15-years-strong-how-the-trades-and-the-people-behind-them-have-evolved Reflect, Refocus, Reignite: A leadership reset plan for 2026 All year, leadership is a fast-moving, day-by-day experience. But December's slower pace lets you take a step back, and that's when strategic thinking happens. An intentional leadership reset is a chance to reflect on what truly matters, refocus on the strategies that drive results, and reignite the performance, purpose, and passion that will carry you into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107086 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107086-reflect-refocus-reignite-a-leadership-reset-plan-for-2026 Culture by design, not default Culture is a vital driver of results. A 2025 Deloitte study found that strong cultures lead to 30% more innovation and 40% higher employee retention, saving companies 90–200% of an employee’s annual salary for each retained worker. In contrast, Gallup estimates disengaged employees cost the global economy $8.8 trillion, or 9% of GDP.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106941 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106941-culture-by-design-not-default The energy you bring: A leadership guide for plumbing & HVAC pros 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106882 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106882-the-energy-you-bring-a-leadership-guide-for-plumbing-and-hvac-pros Coaching vs. managing: The modern leader’s approach If you’re leading a plumbing team today, you’re probably dealing with a whole mix of generations, attitudes, and learning styles. The top-down, “Because I said so,” approach may have worked in the past (barely), but it’s not cutting it now. The truth is, people don’t want to be managed—they want to be developed.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106768 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106768-coaching-vs-managing-the-modern-leaders-approach The power of recognition in retaining top talent In the unpredictable economy of 2025, businesses that value their employees gain a competitive edge. In the skilled trades, companies that retain top talent do more than offer higher pay; they create supportive work environments where team members feel acknowledged.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106623 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106623-the-power-of-recognition-in-retaining-top-talent The apprenticeship mindset: Lifelong learning as a leader In the trades, apprenticeships form the basis for skill development, but the concept should extend beyond entry-level roles to become a lifelong approach to leadership.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106630 Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106630-the-apprenticeship-mindset-lifelong-learning-as-a-leader Sustainable leadership for a sustainable industry Sustainable leadership in home services focuses on long-term success by investing in people and processes. Companies with this approach see 47% higher revenue growth and 36% greater profitability, while those offering professional development enjoy 94% higher employee retention.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106473 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106473-sustainable-leadership-for-a-sustainable-industry Empathy as a competitive advantage Empathy is a critical leadership tool in the home services trades, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, employee satisfaction, and retention. Research shows that empathetic leaders can significantly drive success, making it more than just a soft skill.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106413 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106413-empathy-as-a-competitive-advantage Leading with clarity in a complex world As 2025 unfolds, rapid changes in technology and the global landscape are creating both challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing these shifts with confidence can help individuals and businesses thrive amid uncertainty.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106338 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106338-leading-with-clarity-in-a-complex-world Cultural resilience: Is your home services business ready for change in 2025? In Europe, businesses emphasize their external impact over internal corporate culture, as seen in the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This highlights the growing importance of cultural resilience, blending community and sustainability with traditional values. Companies should therefore balance internal practices with their external footprint.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106290 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106290-cultural-resilience-is-your-home-services-business-ready-for-change-in-2025 Energy management is the new time management Enhance productivity and well-being by shifting from time management to energy management. Prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional energy can significantly improve your leadership and transform your organization. Recognize that your energy is your most valuable resource and manage it wisely.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106231 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:07:30 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106231-energy-management-is-the-new-time-management Challenges today equal opportunities tomorrow In the world of business, challenges are inevitable. Economic shifts, changing consumer demands and unforeseen crises are part and parcel of running a company.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106159 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106159-challenges-today-equal-opportunities-tomorrow Insights on how to lead your business with confidence Here are a few insights I'd like to share on how to lead our businesses with confidence, regardless of what's happening in the broader world.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106047 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106047-insights-on-how-to-lead-your-business-with-confidence The importance of processes in the home services trades Processes are the third component of our success strategy — organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. Two months ago, I began a three-part series to focus on each of them. This month, we are going to bring that strategy full circle by discussing processes.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105893 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105893-the-importance-of-processes-in-the-home-services-trades How scorecards help level-up your team. Last month, I introduced the core elements of our training: organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. These form the foundation of your business, providing clarity and accountability. This month, we'll focus on scorecards and how they contribute to team success.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105633 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105633-how-scorecards-help-level-up-your-team How organizational charts accelerate team efficiency Our training at The Blue Collar Success Group focuses on three crucial areas: scorecards, processes, and organizational charts. These components are essential for clarity, motivation, and accountability. This month, we will focus on organizational charts.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105577 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105577-how-organizational-charts-accelerate-team-efficiency Shifting leadership styles from field to office I have a question for all my fellow leaders in the trades: How well do you remember the days when you were solely in the field?

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105536 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105536-shifting-leadership-styles-from-field-to-office Nurturing the next generation of leaders in the home services trades Succession is a crucial phase for leaders. Proper planning and strategy can make it the best decision for the company.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105475 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105475-nurturing-the-next-generation-of-leaders-in-the-home-services-trades Trust-filled culture builds happy workplace and boosts productivity Trust-building in corporate culture often used to involve dramatic events like fire-walking retreats, placing the onus of risk and trust on team members. However, there's now a shift towards recognizing trust-building as a daily, intentional effort integral to creating positive workplace environments.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105414 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105414-trust-filled-culture-builds-happy-workplace-and-boosts-productivity How to develop the next generation of leaders in the trades The skilled trades industry is booming, and a new generation of passionate individuals is eager to join the workforce. Let's support and guide them to become the leaders of tomorrow. With my optimism and ideas, we can pave the way to their success. So, let's dive in and explore these ideas together!

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105350 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105350-how-to-develop-the-next-generation-of-leaders-in-the-trades Balancing data-driven decisions with human emotion The service industry needs both data and emotion. Emotional intelligence is crucial to balance them. Strive to understand the 'why' behind the numbers, promote emotional intelligence, pilot programs, open feedback channels, and keep an eye on the long game.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105317 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105317-balancing-data-driven-decisions-with-human-emotion The role of continuous learning in leadership evolution Regardless of how long you’ve been in the trades, I’m sure you know how important learning is to your journey. Let’s take a deeper look.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105274 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105274-the-role-of-continuous-learning-in-leadership-evolution Clear outcomes for leaders in the new year By diligently delineating well-structured goals and objectives for the upcoming year, you can guide your enterprise toward a path of unmatched growth and prosperity.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105225 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105225-clear-outcomes-for-leaders-in-the-new-year Unlocking your potential A productive and positive state of mind and being is more important than ever.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105175 Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105175-unlocking-your-potential Crafting a self-managing organization  A concept gaining widespread interest is that of the self-managing company. The aim? To liberate leaders from operational minutiae, paving the way for strategic foresight and innovation.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105130 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105130-crafting-a-self-managing-organization Finding meaning in leadership In today's fast-paced world, many people in the trades are seeking a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. One area where we can find this sense of meaning is in our professional roles, particularly when we provide leadership.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105059 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105059-finding-meaning-in-leadership Authenticity creates abundance in business The challenge for most of us can be identifying how we foster an abundance mindset—a key ingredient to achieving success—in our daily lives and workplace cultures.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105021 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105021-authenticity-creates-abundance-in-business