Meet The Team

Built by Tradespeople. Designed for Growth.
The complete Blue Collar Success Group team supporting residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractor growth.
Blue Collar Success Group coaches and trainers on stage providing home service business coaching for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors.

Meet Our Experts: The Team Behind
The Blue Collar Success Group®

At The Blue Collar Success Group®, we don’t believe in shortcuts or “cookie-cutter” advice. Every strategy we teach is rooted in doing what’s right, tested in the field, and focused on real results. We’ve walked in your shoes, and we’re here to help you and your team grow with clear direction and confidence.

Our work doesn’t stop with the owner—we know that real change happens when the entire team is supported. That’s why our memberships and trainings are built to develop technicians, office staff, and managers right alongside leadership. Together, we raise the bar, push for better outcomes, and make sure everyone wins.

What makes this possible is the way we show up: with integrity, with purpose, with a drive to exceed expectations, and with a genuine belief that success is something best shared. It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are.

When you meet our experts, you’ll feel it right away: people who are as invested in your business as you are, ready to make a positive impact that lasts.

We are #ProudToBeBlueCollar®

Meet Our Founders

When Kenny and Christy Chapman founded The Blue Collar Success Group® in 2011, the focus was on providing the guidance that the in-home industry severely lacked – consistent ethical technician training and retention, on-site consulting, personalized marketing, and business strategies to boost the bottom line for owners and entrepreneurs.

A business owner in the trades himself, Kenny noticed that his industry peers were experiencing similar frustration to his own when he bought a plumbing company in Colorado in 1994, which only took in $1,000 a month in revenue.

Kenny, now an award-winning industry trainer, later built that business into a multi-million dollar company. Using his expertise and experience, he created The Blue Collar Success Group® to fill a void in the home services industry, specifically for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services.

Christy was excited to put her business development skills to work in the home services industry. With a bachelor’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and experience developing marketing campaigns for national and international brands, she discovered a passion for helping independent businesses grow and thrive.

Christy now applies this knowledge and ambition to her role as Strategic Advisor for The Blue Collar Success Group®, guiding creative aspects of key projects, consulting with managers about tactical and long-term goal execution, and providing input regarding prioritization of company plans and objectives.

Kenny and Christy

Founders

Meet Our Team

If you can laugh together, you can work together.

President

Chris Crew

Finance and Operations Director

Chelsea Crew

Coaching and Training Manager

Jeremy Self

Technology Manager

Ashley McCarthy

Elite Buy® Manager

Janet Wopinski

Marketing Manager

Brittani Cobb
Headshot of Lisa White, Sales Manager at The Blue Collar Success Group, smiling warmly. She has shoulder-length auburn hair with bangs and wears a navy top against a light blue background.

Sales Manager

Lisa White

Coaching and Training Manager

Jeremy Self

Lead Business Coach, Trainer

Callen Kusmik

Lead Trainer, Business Coach

James Casterline

Business Coach, Trainer

Richie DeRuvo

Business Coach

Audrey Griffin

Business Coach

Craig Carnes
Jason Green, a Blue Collar Business Coach, wearing glasses and dark shirt in a professional team member headshot against a blue background.

Business Coach

Jason Green
Headshot of Lisa White, Sales Manager at The Blue Collar Success Group, smiling warmly. She has shoulder-length auburn hair with bangs and wears a navy top against a light blue background.

Sales Manager

Lisa White

Success Consultant

David Cruz

Success Consultant

Danny Pugh

Marketing Manager

Brittani Cobb

Content Marketing Specialist

Liliana Frey

Finance and Operations Director

Chelsea Crew

Technology Manager

Ashley McCarthy

Training and Event Specialist

John Janzen

Client Relations Specialist

Sydnie Herrick

Finance and Operations Director

Chelsea Crew

Accounting Specialist

Lindsey Hiebert

Elite Buy® Manager

Janet Wopinski

Rebate Coach

Stephen Robinson

Chris Crew (President)

Chris’ journey in the home services trades began at age 16 as an apprentice electrician, and in just eight months, was promoted to lead technician. It was the tipping point for what would be his vast resume as a successful owner, supervisor, and business coach.

In 2002, Chris went on to join a residential electrical company in Atlanta and was quickly promoted to supervisor, responsible for 18 trucks and producing more than million in revenue. He then moved to Sarasota, Fla., in 2008, serving as a business coach for a large electrical company helping franchisees achieve success, winning the “Million Dollar Award” he won in Georgia for producing 1. million in revenue.

From 2010 to 2012, Chris coached various plumbing, electrical, and HVAC businesses for the franchisor and eventually oversaw the coaching team for more than 90 locations nationwide. He later took ownership of an electrical business and grew it from 10 trucks to 60, five locations, and 18 million in revenue—all within four years. He sold his shares in early 2018 to join The Blue Collar Success Group®.

Now serving as company President, Chris applies his deep expertise across all aspects of the in-home services industry—pricing, planning, budgeting, marketing, recruiting, training, and more. His hands on experience and strategic vision have empowered countless members to turn their businesses into powerful revenue generating operations.

Chelsea Crew (Finance and Operations Director)

Chelsea brings innovative strategies to The Blue Collar Success Group® through her experience in event coordination, classroom and online training. She also helped create a sponsorship program partnering with technical colleges across the country to bring qualified specialists into trades.

Chelsea brings more than a decade of experience in training and development for in-home service companies across North America. She has past expertise as a call center supervisor for American Home Shield, corporate relocation specialist for residential moves with United Van Lines and spent the last eight years with the training and development arm of Direct Energy. Chelsea, while working with business owners and front-line employees across North America, helped grow Direct Energy’s training for franchisors in plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

Jeremy Self (Coaching and Training Manager)

Jeremy is masterful at creating systems that produce immediate results and was one of the creators of what’s known as “call-by-call” management. He found his passion for helping businesses – managers to everyone in between – achieve personal and professional growth after speaking at a Blue Collar Success Group event in 2018.

Jeremy forged an in-home services career in 2003 and, in two years, became one of the youngest top-producing high-ticket salespeople in the country. He’s held nearly every high-level role, including sales manager to general manager, in an in-home services company. Jeremy has been instrumental for the growth of franchises and start-up business, in addition to adding millions in revenue to existing privately held companies. 

Ashley McCarthy (Technology Manager)

Ashley McCarthy is the Technology Manager at The Blue Collar Success Group®, where she leads the implementation and optimization of technology systems that power the company’s growth and client success. Focused on efficiency, innovation, and user experience, she oversees platforms ranging from CRM and LMS systems to website infrastructure and automation tools — ensuring seamless digital operations across the organization.

Since joining Blue Collar in 2018, Ashley has been instrumental in upgrading core technologies, managing large-scale software transitions, and improving internal systems. Her technical expertise, combined with a background in business and psychology, allows her to bridge the gap between people and processes to create smarter, more effective solutions.

Ashley holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University and completed graduate coursework in Industrial and Organizational Social Psychology at Illinois State University. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. Known for her curiosity and commitment to learning, Ashley continues to explore new technologies and strategies that help advance Blue Collar’s mission of elevating the trades through innovation and service excellence.

Janet Wopinski (Elite Buy® Manager)

Janet’s experience in partner program management for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades began in 2006 and has been evolving ever since. Her success is rooted in an innate ability to develop strong relationships while seeking the most advanced and beneficial solutions for members. Known for her innovation in strategic partnerships, Janet’s proven track record helps The Blue Collar Success group add an extra dimension of service for our members. Janet and her husband Joe live in Florida and enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with their three daughters and two grandsons.

Brittani Cobb (Marketing Manager)

Brittani brings a strategic and creative approach to marketing at The Blue Collar Success Group®, drawing on more than 15 years of experience across traditional, digital, and experiential marketing. With a background rooted in home services, technology, and nonprofit organizations, she specializes in building authentic brands, crafting meaningful campaigns, and connecting businesses with the audiences they serve.

Throughout her career, Brittani has supported growth-focused organizations by aligning marketing strategy with business goals, strengthening brand presence, and creating engaging experiences that resonate both online and in the field. Her passion for storytelling and deep understanding of the trades allow her to help brands attract the right customers, expand market share, and build more profitable, sustainable businesses.

Outside of work, Brittani enjoys spending time outdoors rock climbing, camping, and hiking, and she’s always on the hunt for great food and new culinary experiences.

Lisa White

Sales Manager

Lisa White brings decades of home services experience to her role as Sales Manager with The Blue Collar Success Group®. After spending 21 years with Nexstar Network, Lisa looks forward to continuing her career helping contractors build stronger, smoother, and more successful businesses.

With a deep background in residential home service operations, Lisa understands the challenges contractors face and the value of having the right support, systems, and people in place. Throughout her career, she has helped business owners recognize opportunities for growth, strengthen their operations, and build businesses that serve both their teams and their customers. Lisa is passionate about helping contractors grow ethically while protecting the values and vision that made their companies successful in the first place.

For Lisa, business has always been about relationships. She believes strong relationships create lasting value, and she brings that philosophy to every interaction with members, prospects, and the Blue Collar team.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys reading, entertaining, cooking, spending time with her husband, Keith. And, in her words, “kissing her grandson’s face off!”

Callen Kusmik (Lead Business Coach, Trainer)

Callen Kusmik was “born in the trades” being consumed in his family’s HVAC and Plumbing business for much of his life. For the last 10 years, he’s operated the business as Business Operations and General Manager. His industry experience and training span all aspects of the trades, including service, installation, dispatch, sales, marketing, and management.

With a degree in Business Management from Colorado State University coupled with his experience in the trades, Callen discovered a passion for effective business strategy and is now eager to serve home service businesses.  His unique ability leverages different skills and experiences to help other businesses achieve their goals. Callen’s dedication to personal and professional growth resulted in many industry specific certifications and licenses as well as his Kaizen Leader certification and is currently working toward Black Belt Lean Six Sigma and PMP education.  Callen has also received the following certifications: Service Titan® Certified Provider, Service Titan® Certified Inventory Provider, and The Bob Pike Group™ Certified Trainer.

Born and raised in Colorado, Callen and his wife Savannah love spending time with their two German Shepherds.

James Casterline (Lead Trainer, Business Coach)

James is an accomplished business operator with over 24 years of experience in the home services industry.  With a passion for coaching and developing others, James has been successful in growing multiple businesses over the course of his impressive career.

James’s wealth of experience in the trades includes overseeing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical operations in the capacity of operations manager, general manager, and business owner.   He has achieved many professional goals, such as starting a new HVAC division from scratch in under two years and working his way up to General Manager of a sizable $20M three-trade company.  NATE certified in AC as well as gas heat, James also holds a National Master Mechanical certification through the ICC.

His ability to lead, coach, and develop others, however,  is perhaps James’s greatest talent.  A natural, engaging leader, James has extensive experience in training in both individual and group settings, and is most proud of his ability to develop leadership skills and structure within an organization.  He has a proven gift for putting the right people in the right positions to win

When not working hard to bring out the best in others, James and his wife enjoy traveling and visiting with their grandson and three grown children.  As Colorado residents, the Casterlines take full advantage of their beautiful surroundings to go camping and off-roading in their Jeep.

Richie DeRuvo (Business Coach, Trainer)

Richie got his foot in the door in the HVAC world in 2010. Beginning his career on the financial and office management side of the trade, he worked his way up in operational management to General Manager. In his time as an operator, he has gained experience training across all departments within a business, from call takers, to comfort advisors, to service technicians. Richie has a deep rooted passion for developing and implementing new processes and has successfully created SOP’s where none existed before. This all led to record breaking increases in revenue and the highest gross margin within his network nationally.

 
Though he has a love for operations, he has always gotten the most satisfaction out of teaching and mentoring members of his team to reach new heights. As a student of The Blue Collar Success Group himself, Richie is now eager to pass on what he has learned and help others break glass ceilings.
 
Richie lives with his wife, Ashley, in New Jersey with their continuously growing furry four-legged family. 

Audrey Griffin (Business Coach)

Audrey Griffin began her career in the trades as a Project Coordinator for a plumbing and heating company, quickly transitioning into the position of Director of Office Operations.  In her new role, Audrey implemented processes to streamline call handling, improve objection management, and enhance performance tracking. Her leadership led to an impressive booking rate of over 80%, and she developed comprehensive playbooks and SOPs to bring structure to office operations.

As VP of Operations from 2020 to 2022, Audrey played a critical role in modernizing the company’s financial and technological infrastructure. She spearheaded the transition to accrual accounting, integrated new financial software, and led the adoption of MDM platforms and improved credit card processing systems. By 2022, she stepped into the role of General Manager, overseeing the company’s most successful year to date. She also led the launch of an electrical division, implemented Service Titan’s inventory management system, and ensured the company had its cleanest and most accurate financials in history.

Audrey’s passion for helping others in the trades is what brought her to pursue the role of business coach. Known for her ability to identify challenges, solve problems, and implement effective processes, Audrey’s experience and ability to connect with those she’s coaching continues to make a lasting impact.

When she’s not helping businesses overcome challenges and achieve their goals, Audrey, her husband, and their two daughters (the Griffin Girls) are always up for an adventure, making the most of the Colorado outdoors.

Craig Carnes (Business Coach)

A seasoned operations leader and results-driven coach, Craig brings over 40 years of experience in the residential home services industry, spanning HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. Throughout his career, he’s guided both independent and private equity-owned businesses toward sustainable growth, increased profitability, and stronger leadership—all with a sharp focus on strategic planning, scalable solutions, and team development.
 

Craig now serves the trades as Business Coach at The Blue Collar Success Group®, where he shares decades of wisdom with owners and teams across the country. Known for his impactful coaching style, Craig excels at helping companies refine their systems, grow their leadership bench, and align operations with long-term business goals. His specialties include P&L management, budgeting, employee development, and facilitating transformative workshops that deliver lasting results.

Prior to joining The Blue Collar Success Group®, Craig held key leadership and coaching roles at Nexstar Network, Authority Brands, and other service companies. Along the way, he’s earned recognition as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), completed formal training through Georgetown University, and collected a long list of certifications—from OSHA and AutoCAD to sales, negotiation, and home inspection.

Rooted in service and driven by impact, Craig has also contributed his time as a youth sports coach and community fundraiser. He’s based in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he’s built a life with his wife of 36 years, Kim (fun fact: they met at a local plumbing/HVAC/ electrical supplier!). Together they raised twin daughters and a son, all now grown and married. When not coaching clients or leading workshops, you’ll find Craig at the golf course, a sporting event, or relaxing with his family on a sun-soaked beach.

Jason Green

Business Coach

Jason Green brings more than two decades of experience in the home services industry, combining hands on expertise with a passion for leadership development and business growth. A Master Plumber with extensive experience in plumbing, HVAC, construction, operations, and coaching, Jason has built high performing teams, launched successful service divisions from the ground up, and helped businesses improve profitability through proven operational strategies.

Before joining The Blue Collar Success Group®, Jason spent several years coaching home service business owners, service managers, and leadership teams across North America. He also led and trained a team of business coaches, helping them develop effective coaching techniques that delivered measurable results for members. Jason’s practical, real world approach, combined with his ability to simplify complex business challenges, makes him a trusted resource for owners and managers looking to strengthen their businesses and their teams.

Loving life in the great state of Mississippi, when Jason isn’t in the bleachers with his wife, Rachel, cheering on their two boys at the ballpark, you’ll usually find him outdoors, either fishing, hunting, or squeezing in a round of golf.

David Cruz (Success Consultant)

David Cruz joins The Blue Collar Success Group® as a Success Consultant, bringing over 30 years of hands-on sales leadership and coaching experience in the home services industry. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding DC One Source, a training and coaching business in Florida, where he created the Conversational Consultative Sales (CCS) program to streamline sales conversations. As former Vice President of Sales and Owner/Business Partner at Service Business Evolution in Phoenix, David guided B2B strategies that delivered consistent year-over-year growth—achieving margins above 48% and 27.8% annual sales increases. He developed recurring membership programs, regional sales training for HVAC distributors, and onsite coaching for contractors and distributors.

David built and mentored high-performing sales teams, integrated CRM- driven processes for result tracking, and forged strategic partnerships with associations such as HARDI, ACCA, and AHRI, plus leading distributors like Watsco and Johnstone Supplies. Beyond numbers, he’s passionate about turning insights into action—designing engaging training modules, seminars, and webinars that help contractors thrive.

Drawn by our mission to uplift the home services community with practical tools, proven processes, and a community-first spirit, David is eager to roll up his sleeves and drive lasting success alongside The Blue Collar Success Group® team.

David is a U.S. Navy veteran and devoted father of three—two of whom still live with him in Florida. You may find him spending free time enjoying a game of billiards, a good bourbon, or great book. A culinary enthusiast, David also likes hosting dinner parties for friends and family.

Danny Pugh (Success Consultant)

Danny brings a results-driven background in clean energy, account management, and client success to his role as a Success Consultant with The Blue Collar Success Group®. With experience supporting utilities, manufacturers, and energy-focused organizations nationwide, Danny is known for managing complex projects, strengthening partnerships, and helping clients get real, measurable results.

Throughout his career, Danny has led instructor-led training programs, coordinated cross-functional teams, and served as a key liaison between manufacturers, program partners, and end users. He’s managed national accounts, supported sales and marketing initiatives, and helped organizations improve program delivery, adoption, and ROI. His hands-on approach and ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, actionable steps make him a strong advocate for the clients he serves.

Outside of work, you’ll find Danny watching baseball, exploring new cities, or flipping Facebook Marketplace finds into hidden gems.

Liliana Frey (Content Marketing Specialist)

Liliana Frey is a marketing professional who thrives at the intersection of creativity, organization, and relationship-building. She has led marketing initiatives for national conferences, professional development programs, and large-scale campaigns, helping organizations grow their reach and strengthen connections with their audiences.

Throughout her career, Liliana has developed expertise across digital marketing, social media strategy, event promotion, content creation, and business development. She is passionate about fostering community and finding innovative ways to engage across both digital and in-person experiences.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and now proud to call Southern California home, Liliana loves spending her time at the beach, reading, and watching sports.

 

John Janzen (Training and Event Specialist)

John brings a wealth of experience in operations and leadership to his role as Training and Event Specialist.   Quickly rising through the ranks in the hospitality industry, John’s success as General Manager for the prominent hotel chain earned him a Marriott Silver Award for Guest Satisfaction two years in a row.  Not surprising, as John successfully managed all group sales, oversaw customer service, and helped increase room revenue by a staggering 30%.  Known for his strong work ethic and creative problem-solving skills, John looks forward to ensuring that Blue Collar Members have exceptional event experiences.  

Based out of Florida, John and his wife enjoy attending Tampa Bay Rays games, visiting Orlando’s theme parks, and relaxing at the beach.

Sydnie Herrick (Client Relations Specialist)

Sydnie Herrick brings over a decade of experience in elevated client relations to the Blue Collar team. Her dynamic personality and results-driven mindset have allowed her to excel in all aspects of her role, whether administrative, creative, or service-oriented.  With a proven track record for effectively managing multiple projects, Sydnie’s superpowers include critical thinking, adaptability, and a strong attention to detail.

As Client Relations Specialist, Sydnie is highly motivated to ensure that our members receive the world-class Blue Collar experience they’ve come to expect.  When not changing lives at work, Sydnie and her fiancé enjoy living in Florida with their three pups.

Lindsey Hiebert (Accounting Specialist)

Lindsey brings precision, enthusiasm, and a strong service-first mindset to her role as Accounting Specialist. As a key part of our financial support team, Lindsey helps keep systems running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring accuracy and reliability so our members can stay focused on growing their businesses.

Lindsey joins the team with over 5 years of experience supporting trade-focused businesses at Nexstar Network, where she specialized in accounting, rebate management, data analysis, and financial reporting. A Magna Cum Laude graduate in Mathematics, Lindsey’s known for her ability to simplify complex data, improve processes, and deliver timely insights, all with a positive, solution-oriented approach.

When not tackling accounting projects (or adding to her playlist of film scores), Lindsey can be found exploring Minnesota’s hiking trails or at a different type of keyboard, teaching herself piano.

Stephen Robinson (Rebate Coach)

Stephen Robinson’s professional journey is rooted in leadership, service, and relationship building. Originally from California and raised in New Jersey, Stephen spent 10 years in the U.S. Army leading teams and ensuring those around him felt supported, valued, and set up for success. That foundation shaped his people first approach and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

Now serving as a Rebate Coach at The Blue Collar Success Group®, Stephen is dedicated to strengthening member engagement and helping members maximize the value of their partnership. Known for his ability to build strong relationships and create meaningful connections, Stephen focuses on delivering a high-touch experience that makes every member feel heard, supported, and empowered. His passion lies in helping members navigate opportunities, understand the Elite Buy® program, and drive greater success within their businesses.

Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix and brings a strong background in customer experience, communication, and service excellence. His approach reflects the company’s commitment to culture, integrity, and delivering world-class support to every member.

In his free time, Stephen enjoys reading, writing, hiking, skydiving, and exploring the world. A fun fact about Stephen is that he once traveled around the globe in just seven days, visiting Dubai, Bali, Singapore, and San Francisco before returning home. He is also proud that his daughter is now following in his footsteps by serving in the U.S. Air Force.

The Blue Collar Commitment™

Our Iron-Clad Commitment for Classes from The Blue Collar Selling System® or Blue Collar Business System™ Participants

At The Blue Collar Success Group®, we stand behind the quality and effectiveness of our training with these unbeatable guarantees:

  1. Performance Transformation Guarantee™: Participants will see measurable improvements in their key performance metrics within 90 days of implementing the training. Techs and salespeople will see an increase in close rates and average tickets; CSRs will see an increase in booking rate—or we’ll provide additional coaching at no cost.
  2. Return on Investment Guarantee™: The measurable business improvements from applying our training will deliver a return of at least 3X your investment within the first year.

These guarantees are honored when participants actively engage in our training and implement the taught strategies and systems within The Blue Collar Selling System® and Blue Collar Business System™. Must be able to supply KPIs before and after to validate metrics from your CRM.

The Blue Collar Commitment™ reflects our absolute confidence in the transformative power of our training programs. When home service professionals fully engage with our proven systems, remarkable results aren’t just possible, they’re guaranteed.

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