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The Blue Collar CEO: My Gutsy Journey from Rookie Contractor to Multi-Millionaire Construction Boss
WINNER of the Dartmouth Book Awards, 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.
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.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 17, 2023
Such a great read for any women entrepreneurs! She is so inspiring and raw in this book. What a life!
July 9, 2022
Absolutely adored Mandy’s book. It has all her personality and some! It’s also filled with so many life lessons and a strong message of the need for more people in skilled trades. A must read!
February 26, 2025
I have both the physical copy and audio copy. I will say I prefer the audio because Mandy narrates it herself and it gets a bit more of her personality that we all love! This was a book club book from my work sponsored book club and it was impactful. Seeing and hearing about her determination to unapologetically be herself and her story just makes it all work. Self help books make you feel bad this is what they should feel like even though it’s not a self help book. We loved this book!
October 8, 2024
I met Mandy Rennehan a couple years ago at an event in Toronto. I heard her speak to a group of high school girls and she was amazing. I was able to talk with her about the importance of getting girls interested in the trades. So when I found out she had a memoir, I quickly ordered it from Amazon!! She tells her story so well. It's entertaining, inspiring and funny. Highly recommend!
June 6, 2022
I would recommend all girls unsure of what they should do in the future to read this. Mandy is such a great role model. She knows what she wants and gets it done.
April 19, 2025
This is a great easy read memoir about an East Coaster who rose up in the skilled trades world with grit and optimism. Inspiring!
December 15, 2025
Funny, easy to read, entertaining, and educational. What more can I ask for in a book.
June 9, 2022
An amazing and engaging story of success. Funny, heartfelt and inspiring. A must read, even if you're not into business.
Merged review:
An amazing and engaging read. Funny, heartfelt and uplifting. A must read, even if you're not into business. This is a inspiring personal story of finding success in a world traditionally run by men.
Merged review:
An amazing and engaging read. Funny, heartfelt and uplifting. A must read, even if you're not into business. This is a inspiring personal story of finding success in a world traditionally run by men.
August 13, 2022
Liked the book especially since she is a Canadian entrepreneur.
that being said, i find that her writing is a bit of a squirrel, like her mind. i bit all over the place. i enjoyed her struggles and triumphs and could identify with the personal issues that we all go through no matter of gender, race or sexual preference.
it is a must read for all
that being said, i find that her writing is a bit of a squirrel, like her mind. i bit all over the place. i enjoyed her struggles and triumphs and could identify with the personal issues that we all go through no matter of gender, race or sexual preference.
it is a must read for all
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews