Podcast Summary: Lost Boys – "Six Figure Jobs That Are Begging for Workers"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Six Figure Jobs That Are Begging for Workers," hosts Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway delve into the pressing issue of young men in America falling behind in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social connections. Joined by Matt Ebert, the founder and CEO of Crash Champions, one of the largest automotive collision repair companies in the United States, the discussion centers on the potential of skilled blue-collar careers to provide financial stability and purpose for young men struggling to find their path.

Guest Introduction: Matt Ebert

Anthony introduces Matt Ebert, highlighting his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a successful nationwide franchise. Matt's personal story serves as a testament to the possibilities within the blue-collar sector.

Matt’s Early Life and Entry into the Collision Repair Industry

Matt shares his upbringing in a small town in central Illinois, emphasizing the lack of financial resources and a clear career path. His entry into the collision repair business was sparked by necessity—after wrecking his car at 16, he sought out someone to teach him how to fix it, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Notable Quote:

"I grew up really humble beginnings. Grew up in a small town in central Illinois. Didn't come from any money. We were pretty poor actually." ([03:23])

The Impact of Early Challenges and Mentorship

Matt recounts his first car crashes at age 16, which were pivotal in steering him toward the collision repair industry. These experiences underscored the importance of having a reliable mode of transportation and the drive to overcome setbacks.

Notable Quote:

"For me, the car meant freedom... losing that car was devastating to me." ([07:36])

He also speaks about the significant role his second job at a small body shop played in his development, where a mentor taught him not only technical skills but also administrative and leadership abilities.

Notable Quote:

"He's the one who said, let me show you some of the administrative side of the business... I learned those things from him because he was willing to take the time." ([20:43])

The Importance of Blue-Collar Careers

Professor Scott Galloway discusses the shifting landscape where traditional four-year degrees are no longer the sole pathway to success. He emphasizes that a significant percentage of young men may not pursue higher education but can thrive in vocational trades.

Notable Quote:

"The majority of young Americans aren't going to get a college degree. And even greater percentage of males, young males." ([08:00])

Matt echoes this sentiment, advocating for the recognition and valorization of blue-collar work. He highlights the financial benefits and satisfaction derived from skilled trades, aiming to dismantle stereotypes associated with these professions.

Notable Quote:

"It pays better than people think... there's opportunity to start a business and grow it, just like there was for me." ([09:38])

Crash Champions’ Training and Mentorship Programs

Matt details Crash Champions' comprehensive apprenticeship program, "STEP," which recruits individuals with no prior skills, provides necessary tools, and offers on-the-job training without the burden of student debt. The program also focuses on developing leadership and communication skills essential for career advancement.

Notable Quote:

"We have internal apprentice programs where we bring you in with no skills whatsoever... you get paid while you're learning." ([15:20])

He also emphasizes the company's efforts to include women in the trades through initiatives like "Women from Crash," aiming to create a more inclusive workforce.

Challenges in Mentorship and Recruitment

The hosts and Matt discuss the scarcity of male mentors and the societal barriers that prevent effective mentorship for young men. Scott highlights that mentorship programs are often dominated by women, leaving young men without sufficient male role models.

Notable Quote:

"There are three times as many women applying to be big sisters as there are men applying to be big brothers." ([32:06])

Matt concurs, noting the difficulty in finding mentors willing to invest time and effort in guiding the next generation. He attributes part of the solution to fostering better communication and removing societal stigmas around male mentorship.

Advice to Young Men

Matt and Scott offer actionable advice to young men navigating their early careers and personal lives:

• Embrace Struggle and Persistence: Matt emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on and learning from mistakes rather than seeking easy solutions.

  Notable Quote:

  "There's opportunity in the whole world is finding what people want or need and then finding a way to bring it to them." ([37:32])

• Curate Positive Friendships: Scott advises young men to surround themselves with high-caliber friends who share similar goals and values.

  Notable Quote:

  "You're the average of your five closest friends... try and be aggressive around trying to make high caliber, high character friends." ([41:09])

• Limit Distractions: Both speakers highlight the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone use and distractions like social media on personal development and career readiness.

  Notable Quote:

  "The phone is your enemy... 24% are addicted to social media." ([41:07])

Building a Supportive Environment

Matt underscores the role of family and community in fostering open communication and providing a supportive environment for young men. He credits his wife for facilitating social interactions for their children, thereby enriching their social skills and emotional well-being.

Notable Quote:

"My wife is awesome... our kids get to talk to those adults and interact with." ([29:19])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Matt offering ways for listeners to connect with him and Crash Champions for mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities. Both hosts encourage the audience to support and spread awareness about the importance of blue-collar careers and mentorship for young men.

Notable Quote:

"If someone wants to be mentored by you, Matt, where do they go for that?" ([45:45])

Contact Information:

• Matt Ebert: Handle - @CC on all social media platforms, Crash Champions Website, MattEbert.com

Key Takeaways

1. Vocational Trades as Viable Paths: Blue-collar jobs offer substantial financial rewards and personal satisfaction, serving as strong alternatives to traditional college education.

2. Mentorship is Crucial: Effective mentorship programs, especially those involving male mentors, are essential in guiding young men toward success and stability.

3. Building Resilience: Embracing challenges and persistence is fundamental for personal and professional growth.

4. Community and Communication: Strong support systems and open communication channels within families and communities significantly impact the well-being of young men.

5. Addressing Societal Barriers: Overcoming stereotypes and societal stigmas around blue-collar work and male mentorship is necessary to unlock opportunities for young men.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Lost Boys sheds light on the often-overlooked potential within blue-collar sectors to address the challenges faced by young men today. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, Anthony Scaramucci, Scott Galloway, and Matt Ebert offer a blueprint for resilience and success, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and recognizing the value of vocational skills.