Blue Collar Connect expands support for Layton trade businesses

Blue Collar Connect is deepening its presence in Layton to help Northern Utah contractors and home service owners grow through education, referrals and peer support. The push comes as residential, commercial and home improvement activity continues to expand across the region.

Why it matters: - Trade and home service owners often know their craft but lack training in leadership, hiring, finance and marketing. - Blue Collar Connect is positioning itself as a business support network for contractors who want practical help, not just more contacts. - Northern Utah’s growth is creating more demand for skilled trades, which raises the stakes for business owners trying to scale.

What happened: - Blue Collar Connect is expanding its efforts in Layton and surrounding Northern Utah communities. - The organization focuses on blue-collar entrepreneurs in the trades and home service industries. - Founder Joe Mikitish said the group was created to bridge the gap between trade expertise and business management skills. - The organization says it offers education, networking, mentorship and accountability for owners seeking long-term growth.

The details: - Members include businesses in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, excavation, landscaping, construction, remodeling and restoration. - The community holds regular meetings where owners exchange ideas, discuss operations and build referral relationships. - Prospective members go through a screening process before joining. - Blue Collar Connect says the vetting is designed to maintain professional standards and shared values. - Member benefits include monthly business training, weekly networking lunches, mentorship, growth-focused discussions, referral opportunities and practical guidance on leadership, hiring, operations and profitability. - Blue Collar Connect works with industry partners Boise Web, Fredricksen Insurance and Foundation Accounting & Consulting. - The organization says those partners help members access specialized resources for business development. - Mikitish said the goal is to give owners a community where they can learn, ask questions and avoid the isolation that can come with entrepreneurship. - The group says it was built from Mikitish’s more than 20 years of experience starting and running businesses across multiple industries. - Blue Collar Connect serves business owners throughout Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Texas. - Business owners in Layton and nearby Northern Utah communities can visit the Blue Collar Connect website for membership and event information. - Social media links included in the announcement point to Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The announcement reflects a broader shift in how trade businesses view growth, with more owners seeking structured business coaching alongside peer relationships. - The focus on vetted membership suggests Blue Collar Connect is trying to create a higher-trust environment than a typical networking group. - The regional expansion signals demand for the model beyond Utah as trade businesses look for local support systems.

What's next: - Blue Collar Connect plans to keep growing its local communities across the West and into Texas. - Layton-area contractors interested in joining or attending events are being directed to the company website for more information. - The organization is expected to continue emphasizing training, referrals and peer collaboration as its core growth tools.