The Blue Collar CEO

My Gutsy Journey from Rookie Contractor to Multi-Millionaire Construction Boss

By: Mandy Rennehan

Narrated by: Mandy Rennehan

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

WINNER of the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award (Non-Fiction)

The “respectfully uncensored” story of how Mandy Rennehan’s savvy business skills and innovative thinking led her to the top of the male-dominated construction industry before the age of thirty

Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Mandy Rennehan began her business career at the age of ten by catching bait and selling it to local fishermen. She was so good at her job, she knew she wanted to be her own boss one day. At the age of seventeen, Rennehan decided to strike out on her own, so she packed a hockey bag full of her belongings and fled to Halifax, where she began cold calling construction companies, volunteering to work for free, so she could learn more about contracting and the trades.

Three years later, Rennehan had garnered all the experience she needed to start her own company, Freshco, a boutique retail maintenance and construction company. Still in her early twenties, Rennehan’s reputation as a knowledgeable and trustworthy contractor led to her first corporate contract with The Gap. Her business has since gone on to become a multi-million-dollar company whose clients are some of the top corporations in North America.

Known as the Blue Collar CEO for her ability to seamlessly navigate between the white- and blue-collar worlds, and as a tireless advocate for the trades, this is the story of how Rennehan succeeded in business through honesty, integrity, and most of all, authenticity—by always remaining true to herself and her vision for success.

©2022 Mandy Rennehan (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Brilliant!

Mandy’s story is one that is not only full of grit and humility, but is hilariously raw. As a fellow woman in the trades, this book is an absolute must to read!

I found myself relating to her journey in this field more times than I could count and could not agree more with her views on needing to support, protect and grow the trades.

Her candor was refreshing while her values and heart had me smiling to hear that success can be had without losing one’s soul.

This book is worth every penny and then some!

Inspirational

Wow. I really enjoyed getting to know Mandy in this book. She is inspiring and makes me want to start my own business. I was going to read this but hearing directly from her was so much better. I loved this book and have already recommended it to others.

Outstanding!

By far the best entrepreneurial story ever told. And having it told by the author herself was a real treat for the listener. I was hanging on Bear’s every word throughout the whole book.

I was lucky enough to meet Mandy on a flight from Florida to Toronto and she was gracious enough to have her photo taken with my husband and me. I knew from that meeting that oodles of energy just exuded from her. And after listening to her audible book I have learned how much more exudes from her. She is so raw and real and naturally humourous as well as beautiful, inside and out! I hope everyone listens to her in her own words. And I only wish that she “really liked me” enough to help me build my new home in Nova Scotia. She only does that for people she really likes now because she is so much in demand. She mentioned that in the book.

I hope she does more television, as one of her colleagues said … “we all need to see more Mandy!”

I’ll recommend this book to anyone and everyone within ear shot. Just like I did with her Trading Up show. Find it if you missed it the first time around. You’ll thoroughly enjoy it too.

Thanks for making our drive to Florida this week an enjoyable one! You Rock! And so does Annie!

Cheers,

Tammi Hollis
Shortts Lake, Nova Scotia

Leaders Take Note

Any leader of any industry should read and take note of this revolutionary leader’s masterful understanding of people and more importantly her very mindful understanding that everyone can contribute and should be recognized for the skills they bring to the table. I aspire to appreciate, even more than I already do, our brothers and sisters in the blue collar trades!

Great listen!

This was an awesome behind the scenes look into the trades. I have a renewed appreciation for their work and skillset.

Not a business book. Its just storytelling.

Very little to do about business. Not a book for entrepreneurs. Its an autobiography on this womans life. Skip it if you’re looking for a business book.