The Wealthy Ironworker

I had the pleasure to have a conversation with Chris Long, CEO and founder of Longyards, a commercial real estate and industrial outdoor storage company. A former union laborer, Chris turned a side hustle - real estate - into a full-time career. This is his story. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

The RAND Corporation, a nonpartisan organization conducting research, concluded that - based on data from the World Inequality Database - determined that IF labor share had kept up with 1975 numbers, the bottom 90% of earners would have earned a WHOPPING 79 TRILLION dollars more from 1975 to 2023! In other words, the distribution of ALL wage earners shifted heavily toward those in the upper echelon here in America. In short, wage theft has become the norm, and increasingly so. This is an alarming report, but hardly unexpected given the current form of distorted and bastardized "capitalism" the United States has. As I've said before, we cannot truly attempt to solve a problem if we do not - or are unwilling - to acknowledge it in the first place. Knowing what has taken place is half the battle. Here is the link to the RAND Corporation so you can check it for yourself: https://www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/WRA516-2.html I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Between 2020 and 2025, Amazon's profits increased from 11.6 billion to 77.7 billion, while during that same timeframe, the number of people employed by Amazon who were on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) tripled! In what world do we have corporations where profits increase 7 times over while employees eligible for federal welfare triple at the same time!! This is absolutely crazy to fathom, and our current economic trajectory CANNOT continue. We have some serious problems on the horizon. The Forbes article is here: https://fortune.com/2026/09/13/amazon-workers-food-stamps-tripled-record-revenue-labor-share/ The Congress link is here: https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/119516/documents/HHRG-119-JU01-20260901-SD042-U42.pdf In either case, there is a SERIOUS problem with the economy when massive companies are THIS wealthy while employees are 130% below the federal poverty line - and this qualifies for government assistance. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

In this podcast episode, I explain how the union organizational structure is similiar to the way government is structured. You have a local union (similar to local government), then locals grouped together comprise districts/regional areas (think state government), and those districts/regional areas come together to form the International (it's international because of the United States and Canada) and that is similar to a national government. And just like the United States is a member of international communities, those international unions are part of/affiliated with associations like NABTU (North American Building Trades Unions). The more you know and understand the structure, the better. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Bechtel is a large company that knows the value of a continuous workforce pipeline and wants to ensure their nuclear projects are staffed. Their solution? Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NABTU - North America's Building Trades Unions - to "advance and modernize apprenticeships." Bechtel's commitment to unions is a clear sign of the value of trade unionism and the Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) it uses to train the next generation. Here is the link to check out the article I mentioned in the podcast episode: https://www.enr.com/articles/62964-bechtel-boosts-role-in-nuclear-power-resurgence-with-new-union-apprenticeship-pact I mentioned ten new nuclear reactor projects slated to start by 2030. Here is the link: https://info.westinghousenuclear.com/in-the-headlines/westinghouse-plans-to-build-10-large-nuclear-reactors-in-u.s.-interim-ceo-tells-trump NABTU can be found here: https://nabtu.org/ I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

9/11 - a catastrophic event of epic proportions. And while our first responders - our police, firefighters, and emergency personnel - were on the scene, there was another group also on the scene who took the lead: Ironworkers. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I get to sit down with the producer of "Metal of Honor: The Ironworkers of 9/11" - Rachel Maguire - where the often forgotten first responders, Ironworkers, get a chance to tell their story. This is a fantastic documentary and a great podcast interview. Here are the links where you can watch it: YouTube TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFV3zIc-AWo Apple TV: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/metal-of-honor-the-ironworkers-of-9-11/id6788163922?ls=1 To purchase the DVD outright: https://www.najaproductions.com/?p=store I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Labor Day 2026 - THE sacred day for those of us who labor in the United States. In this podcast episode, I detail what I believe we should know about the holiday - and, just as important - what we should looking for going forward. Sneak peak? Labor unions are needed JUST AS MUCH TODAY AS THEY WERE IN THE PAST. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Are you a contractor? Curious about what an actual Registered Apprenticeship Program can do for your company? You've come to the right podcast. In this episode, we discuss some of the benefits companies get from being associated with a registered apprenticeship program. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Apprenticeships are superior to trade school in a number of ways, and in this podcast episode, I discuss them. A point of clarity here: For the most part, I am actively speaking about UNION Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

While scrolling Reddit, I came across a discussion where someone asked, "What's the one thing about blue-collar work that people with office jobs will never truly understand?" In this podcast episode, I discuss some of those things from the Reddit post as well as interject my own thoughts. Here is the initial Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/bluecollar/comments/1vga316/whats_the_one_thing_about_bluecollar_work_that/ I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Too many people focus on what they get paid in the pocket and disregard any benefits, often to their own detriment - especially later in life. No matter where you are at currently - completely disregarding benefits, get benefits but don't really understand their importance, haven't really thought about them, or simply would appreciate someone explaining them in greater detail, give this episode a listen/watch. A couple of points worth knowing: First, health insurance and retirement are the main benefits discussed. That isn't to say there aren't others; in fact, a lot of people have a wider variety of benefits - I just wanted to focus on what I believe are the two most important. Second, the benefits discussed are from a skilled trades perspective and union focused in particular. Why? Because they are some of the best benefits you can get and given the timeframe we are in culturally, I want to have some authenticity when discussing this important topic. Additionally, I am inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

"Notwithstanding anything to the contrary within this contract..." What?? Construction contracts are unlike any other type of contract you'll see, and yet far too many people sign confusing and difficult to understand language without a second thought. Kendall Hoyd - CEO of Fairbuild AI, and Cheryl Lewis, COO of Fairbuild AI - built Fairbuild AI to help construction subcontractors level the playing field by identifying, isolating, and flagging language that you should know. They join me on this important podcast episode to discuss all things construction contracts and how Fairbuild AI is an exceptional tool for subcontractors. Links mentioned in the podcast: Fairbuild.ai: https://fairbuild.ai/ The Subcontractor Project: An advocacy for subcontractors to get paid net 30 on undisputed work - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-subcontractor-project/ MIT study detailing 95% of all AI has no return on investment: https://fairbuild.ai/news/news-study-reveals-95-of-broad-ai-initiatives-fail/ I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

In this podcast episode, I discuss how the income inequality we are experiencing cannot continue; having a handful of trillionaires and massive unemployment will lead to civil unrest - and quite possibly, revolution. Here is the initial article I mention: https://www.newsweek.com/millionaire-ceo-warns-us-economy-revolution-bradley-tusk-11010360 I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein, and while he is usually known for his scientific contributions, did you know he had economic thoughts, too? He criticized capitalism - and so did Peter Drucker, who is one of my favorite management giants. In this podcast episode, I explore in part what each said, unpack it, and offer my thoughts. The Einstein quote - taken from "Why Socialism?" written for Monthly Review - can be found in its entirety, here: https://monthlyreview.org/articles/why-socialism/ The Peter Drucker quote is found in Managing in The Next Society. My book review - which contains the quote and additional gems - can be found here: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/2024/06/17/managing-in-the-next-society-book-review/ https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/2024/06/17/managing-in-the-next-society-book-review/ I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

In this podcast episode, I discuss the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act - what it is, why it is proposed, and situations that have taken place, demonstrating why it's been proposed. Here are the links I mentioned during the podcast: David Norcross, House sponsor of the bill: https://norcross.house.gov/_cache/files/d/0/d05d572d-be84-485f-b498-76426792e484/86A633DDD5FA52FE03D7B3FDF1563BF2D96F17D9E96F68680E180611550A0F0B.faster-labor-contracts-act-one-pager-5-.pdf Josh Hawley, Senator sponsor of the bill: https://www.hawley.senate.gov/new-hawley-legislation-to-speed-up-labor-contracts-earns-teamsters-endorsement-bipartisan-support/ NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/09/nx-s1-5851813/house-bill-labor-union-contract-negotiations I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

There seems to be a trend in the trades: The interest is there with people exploring new, viable options for a career. The difficulty, however, often is from contractors and customers; they only want people with several years of experience, often unwilling to expand their ranks and give the inexperienced a try. I believe this must change. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Per diem, more money, the road life - whatever you've heard it called, it often turns into a trap. Many a man has sacrificed his family on the altar of the pursuit of success - only to find ruin. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Far too many people - companies, customers, and others involved believe there is "apprentice work;" where they perform menial tasks, and when they graduate, those same people believe apprentices do not have enough experience! It's precisely because you didn't allow them to actually DO THE ACTUAL WORK to gain experience. What's more, many of those same people express outrage when those apprentices become journeymen with a few years in and expect 15 years' worth of experience! Listen, we need to let the apprentices work - far more than we actually do - and continue to develop journeymen after the apprenticeship. We never stop growing, now let's remember that perspective when approaching those in the workplace. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

I share some of my thoughts about the romantization of the trades culturally and how the white collar world seems to have an interest in the blue collar world of today. I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/

Tara Cristel - Co-Owner of Total Glass - comes on the podcast to discuss the financial problems in the construction industry, how subcontractors have to fight for their money, and why things need to change. To address this structural problem, she started The Subcontractor Project - which can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-subcontractor-project/ Tara's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-cristel-5364ba244/ I am also inviting anyone who would like to be on the podcast to email me. Please click this link to fill out the form: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/contact/ Important bits of information about me: The Wealthy Ironworker Union Made Merch (from my friends at Stars & Stripes): https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/merch/ Start and Stripes info: https://www.stars-stripes-promotional-products.com/ You can follow me on some platforms 👇 Website: https://www.thewealthyironworker.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/thewealthyironworker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthyironworker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthyironworker/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/wealthyironwrkr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-wealthy-ironworker-292487200/