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Joe Speaks with WBIX 1060 AM with hosts Dave Anthony, Brad & Bonnie Bleidt:
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Joe Speaks with
"MetroWest Daily News"

The Boston Globe
November 23, 2004

The FACTS about Blue Collar Jobs

A note from Joe:

"If you look around at our surroundings you see a lot of goods and things. People have made furniture, cars, houses, appliances, etc., etc. This is hands on work, old time craftsmanship. Sure, a machine plays a role, but did you ever stop and think, someone had to make that machine…its parts, gears, and so on. Believe me, the whole world is more than computers and cell phones"

 
   
Director of Industrial Growth Works at Duquesne University's Institute for Economic Transformation
Skilled Labor
in the Manufacturing Sector.

 
THANK YOU AMERICA

As we approach our 6th year at BlueCollarAndProudOfIt.com I just wanted to say
THANKS

Media Attention

Dan Rather, CBS
Brian Williams, NBC
Fox News (Twice)
National Public Radio (Three times)
The Boston Globe (Three times)
Boston Magazine
Boston Herald (Three times)
Metro-West Newspaper
New York Post Newspaper
Various radio shows, etc. etc.

School Departments

Danvers, MA
Minuteman Tech, MA
Westborough Schools, MA
Boston Public Schools, MA
Gloucester Public Library, MA
Newton Parents Group, MA

Please continue to pass the Blue Collar word.
These are necessary jobs for America's backbone.

Blue Collar and Proud Of it
We do the drill every day.

You Asked For It!
Visit our NEW Help Wanted Listings!!!!



Blue Collar And Proud Of It is a Resource Center for the
Blue Collar Workers of America!

A Memo From Joe

As I approach my fourth year of this website I am very grateful for your positive response. Most of all I wanted kids and young adults to feel normal and I think I have accomplished that.

Also, as people read my story and see me in the media spotlight as well as speaking at student and parent groups, I am continually asked about the daily activities being an entrepreneur and running a business. It sounds so exciting, being your own boss and having your own company, Please remember, it can be fun and enjoyable but also it can be “Hell on Wheels”. I mean a stomach -hurting, stay-awake-at-night experience.

I did a bankruptcy in 1991, lost my house and trucks, etc. Then I had a long run of smooth sailing and growth until 9/11/2001. I have been in the restructuring mode ever since. It’s been lots of equipment payments, less and less snow to plow and business adjustments as they come and go.

This is no picnic. I can get behind on truck payments, loans, debt services and occasionally, even my payroll. But, I keep going. My phone keeps ringing with requests for work. Sometimes I get 45 calls per day. I have built a killer brand. And, yes, if I could do it over, I would have done things a lot differently. But the truth is, I love this. I love the chaos, the thrill, the ups and downs of capitalism and most of all, I love America!

Joe Lamacchia
26 years in business


P.S. How’s that for honesty?



"Blue Collar and Proud Of It is exactly what this country needs. Joe understands that there is a critical shortage of skilled workers and is trying to do something about it. He is working with the Technology Education Association of Massachusetts, TEAM, (we are the shop teachers) in order to address this problem on the education front. Shops are being closed all over the state because the focus is now on Engineering/Physics instead of "hands-on" education. This is one reason that there is a shortage of workers. TEAM and Blue Collar, with backing of the trades, hope to address this at the state level. Keep up the good work Joe."
Ken Bertrand - President, T.E.A.M.

"Joe realizes that there is a shortage of blue collar help in the workforce. He is crying out to the American public through the website and his involvement with schools to show people that there is a critical need for blue collar help. The Technology Education Association of Massachusetts (TEAM) fully supports his efforts in helping students seek out satisfying and lucrative employment careers!"
Jeff Jobst - Past President, T.E.A.M.

Read what others have to say about Blue Collar and Proud Of It!

Welcome

About BlueCollarAndProudOfIt.com

The objective of BLUECOLLARANDPROUDOFIT.COM is to direct and educate people interested in pursuing blue collar positions. We’re here to promote the blue collar workers of America and to let everyone know it’s OKAY not to be a “high tech”er. This website explains what we're here to do and why we'd like you to become a member.

This website is filled with advice and resources for training and funding a career as a skilled tradesman or technician. It contains a large collection of valuable information that we hope will:

  • Encourage you to investigate blue collar positions
  • Lead you to available training and/or necessary funding
  • Provide you with down to earth advice and mentoring.

Our goal is to become your primary resource for any information related to obtaining and maintaining blue collar positions, whether it be a career in the trades, as a skilled technician within the manufacturing industry, or as a self-employed service contractor. Here you’ll be encouraged to consider a physical job and/or build your own small business.

As a member of BLUECOLLARANDPROUDOFIT.COM, you'll be able to take advantage of the information provided on our quarterly newsletter. This website just touches the surface of the information we will provide to you.

So, take a look, browse through the site and let us know how you like it.

My name is Joe Lamacchia. I am 43 years old and I own my own construction company. I have been in business for 23 years. I have 28 employees and 15 trucks. I have about 400 residential houses that contract us for grass cutting and snow plowing. We also build staircases, walkways and big retaining walls. Three years ago I started our own asphalt paving crew that installs new driveways. We are a $2 million company. I barely graduated from high school but was lucky to have some great mentors in my life.

I've never been a shy man and have always stood up for what I have passion for. Ten years ago, I started a group called P.A.S.S., which pertained to a very serious children's issue. I was featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine and CNN. I was also on "Good Morning America".

My Concern:

Lately I see a big problem, and this is the problem that I want to address. I don’t like how the schools of our country all want our kids to go off to 4-year schools to be white collar workers placed in cubicles and studying computers all day. Not only do I hear this from my friends and family, I have seen it first hand with my own children at their schools.

The Reality:

Stop and think about two things.

  • How many people have you heard go off to college and then drop out?
  • How many parents get equity loans on their homes to finance this venture and end up getting disappointed?
  • How many parents and guidiance counselors force kids that are not interested to enroll in 4 year colleges?
  • How many finally complete college and can’t find a job?

Statistics show manufacturing output rose by 47% during the past decade, compared with a rise in the WHOLE economy of only 34%.

Have you called a contractor lately, an electrician or a plumber? If so, did they call you back? Probably not, They’re usually too busy. They’re the ones in the driver’s seats when it comes to job negotiation!

Last Sunday alone there were 14 advertisements in the Boston Globe for carpenters.

Blue Collar positions are rewarding, profitable and usually the best opportunity for more people than you think. College isn’t for everyone! If you’re bluecollar material, be proud of it!!!!!! And benefit from the opportunities available!!!
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