Thank you so much for being here.
I will keep this first one simple. This is about who I am, why this newsletter exists, and what you can expect.
I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and started off my career in corporate engineering. Things looked good on paper with promotions and raises in a “stable field”. One problem: I couldn’t stand it. I knew that I wanted more, I just didn’t know exactly what that meant.
So I took a bet on myself and on the trades. In 2021, I quit my job and bought a Painting Franchise. Through many ups and downs (which I will share), I ended up growing the business over the next 3 years and sold it in December of 2024 for 1.46 million. This not only changed my financial picture (which I will also get into), but it genuinely changed the way I view life.
Then instead of dumping all of my earnings in an index fund or buying another franchise or single family rentals, I started a new painting business from scratch, no debt and no franchise fees, and I had it profitable and cash flowing within a couple of months.
There are many ways to build wealth and find satisfaction in what you do, but I believe blue-collar business is one of the most underrated paths to wealth and freedom out there. There is a lot of hype and fluff out there, but not a lot of people talk about it honestly, with real numbers, and from someone actually doing it.
So that is what this newsletter is. Every week I will share my own raw experiences, plus what I’m seeing in the broader blue-collar world: where the real opportunities are, and why now.
One other thing. Right now, social media and newsletters are flooded with AI slop.. I will be writing this without AI, from my own words. I want to be able to express my unique thoughts and feelings regarding my experience and the industry, not what claude thinks is good to say.
So, if my story resonates with you or you just find it interesting, you are in the right place.
More soon.
Zac
P.S. Hit reply anytime. I will be reading everything and I would honestly love to know what brought you here.