What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue-Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A prescriptive and timely guide to finding success and happiness without a college degree by Ken Rusk, the Ohio-based entrepreneur and “million-dollar ditch digger” who believes it is time to celebrate the possibilities and financial opportunities that a Blue-Collar life can bring.
A BLUE-COLLAR APPROACH TO CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE
In a period of skyrocketing student loan debt without the promise of high-paying employment, and in an economy in desperate need of skilled tradespeople, many are seeking new paths. Ken Rusk, the “million-dollar ditch digger,” is here to show you that blue-collar trades are a source of pride and that you can—and will—find your version of happiness by pursuing a good old-fashioned craft.
In Blue Collar Cash, Ken shares his insights from over 30 years working in blue collar trades as an entrepreneur, mentor, and life coach. Ken knows from his own experience—first as a young kid digging ditches, and then as the owner of a successful concrete construction business—that working with your hands at a job that takes skill and practice can be monumentally rewarding and life-affirming. Since then, he has built a multi-million-dollar business and gone on to mentor hundreds of employees in how to manage their money and set achievable goals.
Using the stories of those who have discovered lives of comfort, peace, and freedom, Ken creates a step-by-step, interactive guide—including financial planning and savings advice—to creating alternative and realistic routes to success and fulfillment.
A prescriptive and timely guide to finding success and happiness without a college degree by Ken Rusk, the Ohio-based entrepreneur and “million-dollar ditch digger” who believes it is time to celebrate the possibilities and financial opportunities that a Blue-Collar life can bring.
A BLUE-COLLAR APPROACH TO CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE
In a period of skyrocketing student loan debt without the promise of high-paying employment, and in an economy in desperate need of skilled tradespeople, many are seeking new paths. Ken Rusk, the “million-dollar ditch digger,” is here to show you that blue-collar trades are a source of pride and that you can—and will—find your version of happiness by pursuing a good old-fashioned craft.
In Blue Collar Cash, Ken shares his insights from over 30 years working in blue collar trades as an entrepreneur, mentor, and life coach. Ken knows from his own experience—first as a young kid digging ditches, and then as the owner of a successful concrete construction business—that working with your hands at a job that takes skill and practice can be monumentally rewarding and life-affirming. Since then, he has built a multi-million-dollar business and gone on to mentor hundreds of employees in how to manage their money and set achievable goals.
Using the stories of those who have discovered lives of comfort, peace, and freedom, Ken creates a step-by-step, interactive guide—including financial planning and savings advice—to creating alternative and realistic routes to success and fulfillment.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
43 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Ken Rusk
1 book3 followersKen Rusk is a blue-collar construction business entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful endeavors over the last thirty years. For the first years of his working life, he dug ditches around foundations to fix leaky basements.
Over the years, he dug his way to a good life, one shovel of dirt at a time, and is teaching others to do the same. Rusk has extensive experience in hiring, training, and developing first-time job seekers, particularly those without college degrees.
He lives in Toledo, Ohio, where he runs Rusk Industries, Inc., which specializes in multiple construction endeavors.
Over the years, he dug his way to a good life, one shovel of dirt at a time, and is teaching others to do the same. Rusk has extensive experience in hiring, training, and developing first-time job seekers, particularly those without college degrees.
He lives in Toledo, Ohio, where he runs Rusk Industries, Inc., which specializes in multiple construction endeavors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 15, 2020
Before reading "Blue Collar Cash," I had never heard of Ken Rusk. After reading it, I feel as if I know him. Ken is a fellow Midwesterner who started a successful construction business -- without going to college. I think he and I are similar ages, and now he is looking back on his successes and wanting to help others by sharing things he has learned.
Rusk shares three words that sum up what most people are looking for in life: comfort, peace, and freedom. Although this isn't a thought shared in the book, it struck me how appropriate all those words are to us in 2020 especially, with the way corona has disrupted comfort, peace, and freedom for many of us.
I agreed with most of Rusk's thoughts and have lived them throughout my life by being frugal, saving up for things, etc. His advice is good and I feel this would be a great graduation book for a young person just starting out in their life and career. In fact, I showed the book to my young adult daughter and mentioned she might want to read it. She said, "Oh, it looks like the Mike Rowe ("Dirty Jobs") book. Although I haven't read that book, it probably is similar. The book reminded me in many ways of a Dave Ramsey book (he, and several of his money-making ideas, are even mentioned). Elsewhere I was reminded of "Smart Women Finish Rich," particularly from the anecdote about two young people, one who starts saving for retirement in their 20s and another who waits until their 30s (hint: it's much wiser to start in your 20s).
I was a bit put off by the blue collar in the title, probably because I do have a college degree. But honestly, much of the book didn't deal with blue collar jobs at all, but rather smart life strategies in general. One issue I have always had with the push toward blue collar jobs is that the vast majority of them (electrician, construction worker, etc) are in fields that men would gravitate towards. For women, the main one is ... being a hairdresser. Rusk tells a story about a young woman who didn't like college, so she dropped out to volunteer for a political campaign. The candidate won, and the woman ended up a high-paid lobbyist in DC. This is great, but I can't help feeling that it doesn't turn out that way for most campaign volunteers. Likewise, he tells the story of a young woman who is a social media influencer. But again, she has half a million followers. As someone who has blogged and done social media for over a decade, I can tell you that that, too, is a very rare happening for most people. I think the route to blue collar success is much more likely for the plumber than for the blogger or the campaign volunteer.
I enjoyed Rusk's chapter about the Somedayers Club. This put a name to something I've noticed. I can think of one friend in particular who always says she wants to go to lunch, yet I don't put much stock in that because she never gets around to actually giving me a date and a place that will work. Likewise, she is always bemoaning the lack of travel she has, but she has no plan to save for a trip, and in fact I frequently see her spending money on frivolous purchases. Of course this is her right, but she's definitely a "somedayer." Throughout life I have been a "todayer," and it has definitely served me well in accomplishing the things I want to get done.
I enjoyed reading "Blue Collar Cash" and its conversational, encouraging tone. I would recommend the book, particularly to young people starting out in life but to anyone who could use some motivation to take their life to the next level.
Rusk shares three words that sum up what most people are looking for in life: comfort, peace, and freedom. Although this isn't a thought shared in the book, it struck me how appropriate all those words are to us in 2020 especially, with the way corona has disrupted comfort, peace, and freedom for many of us.
I agreed with most of Rusk's thoughts and have lived them throughout my life by being frugal, saving up for things, etc. His advice is good and I feel this would be a great graduation book for a young person just starting out in their life and career. In fact, I showed the book to my young adult daughter and mentioned she might want to read it. She said, "Oh, it looks like the Mike Rowe ("Dirty Jobs") book. Although I haven't read that book, it probably is similar. The book reminded me in many ways of a Dave Ramsey book (he, and several of his money-making ideas, are even mentioned). Elsewhere I was reminded of "Smart Women Finish Rich," particularly from the anecdote about two young people, one who starts saving for retirement in their 20s and another who waits until their 30s (hint: it's much wiser to start in your 20s).
I was a bit put off by the blue collar in the title, probably because I do have a college degree. But honestly, much of the book didn't deal with blue collar jobs at all, but rather smart life strategies in general. One issue I have always had with the push toward blue collar jobs is that the vast majority of them (electrician, construction worker, etc) are in fields that men would gravitate towards. For women, the main one is ... being a hairdresser. Rusk tells a story about a young woman who didn't like college, so she dropped out to volunteer for a political campaign. The candidate won, and the woman ended up a high-paid lobbyist in DC. This is great, but I can't help feeling that it doesn't turn out that way for most campaign volunteers. Likewise, he tells the story of a young woman who is a social media influencer. But again, she has half a million followers. As someone who has blogged and done social media for over a decade, I can tell you that that, too, is a very rare happening for most people. I think the route to blue collar success is much more likely for the plumber than for the blogger or the campaign volunteer.
I enjoyed Rusk's chapter about the Somedayers Club. This put a name to something I've noticed. I can think of one friend in particular who always says she wants to go to lunch, yet I don't put much stock in that because she never gets around to actually giving me a date and a place that will work. Likewise, she is always bemoaning the lack of travel she has, but she has no plan to save for a trip, and in fact I frequently see her spending money on frivolous purchases. Of course this is her right, but she's definitely a "somedayer." Throughout life I have been a "todayer," and it has definitely served me well in accomplishing the things I want to get done.
I enjoyed reading "Blue Collar Cash" and its conversational, encouraging tone. I would recommend the book, particularly to young people starting out in life but to anyone who could use some motivation to take their life to the next level.
November 22, 2020
Five Stars
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
July 17, 2022
This is a great book for anyone who is thinking that college might not be the best path for them.
It will share examples, options, stories, and how-to instructions, on how you can create a meaningful career and life without going to college.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 5/5
Some of My Highlights:
"...a life of comfort, peace, and financial freedom is the ultimate goal."
"The idea that you had to dig yourself into a hole financially in order to grow and flourish in a career is a scam."
"...in order to internalize a new concept or idea, meaning to integrate it into your values, beliefs, and identity, you must hear it or see it a minimum of seven times."
"As you can see, my goal is to take an individual from thinking about this Friday (and every Friday, for that matter) and get them to start thinking about their life from a long-term perspective."
"Is this where I choose to be right now? Are these the emotions I am choosing to let in?"
"It's not easy to stand up to others, let alone an entire system."
"But to do this, you need to listen to the voice inside you. You need to know your limitations as well as your talents."
"Back in the seventies, though, college wasn't pushed as hard as it is now, and with good reason."
"No matter what you do or hope to achieve, there are no shortcuts. You have to put in the time."
"It won't always be easy, and it won't always be pretty, but if you're willing to put in some hard years, you will reap the rewards."
"The need for skilled, able, and willing laborers is not a passing trend."
"Peace comes from putting the plan into actual practice."
"Anticipation is the excitement of waiting eagerly for something you know is going to occur. An excited expectation of an event."
"For me, faith means believing in something bigger than yourself. It means accepting that you are not fully in control of all life's circumstances, so it means letting go and allowing grace to work through you."
"There are many forms of courage, and I applaud all those who personify it on a daily basis."
"Most skills can initially be learned on the job in as little as a year or two."
It will share examples, options, stories, and how-to instructions, on how you can create a meaningful career and life without going to college.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 5/5
Some of My Highlights:
"...a life of comfort, peace, and financial freedom is the ultimate goal."
"The idea that you had to dig yourself into a hole financially in order to grow and flourish in a career is a scam."
"...in order to internalize a new concept or idea, meaning to integrate it into your values, beliefs, and identity, you must hear it or see it a minimum of seven times."
"As you can see, my goal is to take an individual from thinking about this Friday (and every Friday, for that matter) and get them to start thinking about their life from a long-term perspective."
"Is this where I choose to be right now? Are these the emotions I am choosing to let in?"
"It's not easy to stand up to others, let alone an entire system."
"But to do this, you need to listen to the voice inside you. You need to know your limitations as well as your talents."
"Back in the seventies, though, college wasn't pushed as hard as it is now, and with good reason."
"No matter what you do or hope to achieve, there are no shortcuts. You have to put in the time."
"It won't always be easy, and it won't always be pretty, but if you're willing to put in some hard years, you will reap the rewards."
"The need for skilled, able, and willing laborers is not a passing trend."
"Peace comes from putting the plan into actual practice."
"Anticipation is the excitement of waiting eagerly for something you know is going to occur. An excited expectation of an event."
"For me, faith means believing in something bigger than yourself. It means accepting that you are not fully in control of all life's circumstances, so it means letting go and allowing grace to work through you."
"There are many forms of courage, and I applaud all those who personify it on a daily basis."
"Most skills can initially be learned on the job in as little as a year or two."
November 16, 2020
Blue Collar Cash by Ken Rusk is absolutely needed in 2020 and I will tell you why!
The book explores Ken’s rich career history to forgoing college to creating a lucrative, entrepreneurial career in ditch digging and fulfilling his life’s mission to earn Comfort, Peace, and Freedom!
The reason why this book is needed in 2020 is because 1) I think most people are afraid to get their hands a little dirty 2) they are struggling to find a job amidst this global pandemic but aren’t willing to pursue opportunities that have presented themselves which may consist of some hard labor and 3) my favorite point is, yes - this book speaks true to Ken’s career as a blue collar ditch digger but I found a deeper meaning. Regardless of what you do - have a blue collar mentality. No ego, show up before anyone else and leave after everyone else, respond to a task by going the extra mile, set goals, visualize your future, and ultimately be persistent and resilient throughout the journey!
This book is for all ages! Whether you’re mid-career looking for a change of pace, in your late teens trying to find your path or approaching retirement, this book has amazing value for any reader in any situation. It can be used as a helping guide for generations to come!
Ken is doing an amazing thing with the sales from this book and donating them all to Make-A-Wish to help sick children’s dreams come true!
The book explores Ken’s rich career history to forgoing college to creating a lucrative, entrepreneurial career in ditch digging and fulfilling his life’s mission to earn Comfort, Peace, and Freedom!
The reason why this book is needed in 2020 is because 1) I think most people are afraid to get their hands a little dirty 2) they are struggling to find a job amidst this global pandemic but aren’t willing to pursue opportunities that have presented themselves which may consist of some hard labor and 3) my favorite point is, yes - this book speaks true to Ken’s career as a blue collar ditch digger but I found a deeper meaning. Regardless of what you do - have a blue collar mentality. No ego, show up before anyone else and leave after everyone else, respond to a task by going the extra mile, set goals, visualize your future, and ultimately be persistent and resilient throughout the journey!
This book is for all ages! Whether you’re mid-career looking for a change of pace, in your late teens trying to find your path or approaching retirement, this book has amazing value for any reader in any situation. It can be used as a helping guide for generations to come!
Ken is doing an amazing thing with the sales from this book and donating them all to Make-A-Wish to help sick children’s dreams come true!
November 2, 2020
Ken Rusk is a guy who's hands are dirty which mean his money is clean. With only 30 percent of adults in the USA having a degree more people need to read this book.
What my 👂 heard ⤵️
if you're looking for more momentum let me know
there are maby paths to your own success
what does getting ahead look like to you?
were you made great by enormous struggle?
not one of us gets off this planet without loving and losing
aspirations beyond the dairy department
the rarest gems are the most expensive
avoid renting other people's money at all costs
does extra money ever show up knock on the door and say I'm here?
lifetime members of the somedayers club
think bigger than you maybe used to thinking
how many hours and dollars are you willing to throw at your goal?
my gut wrenched
the moment you put rubber to the road you can achieve your desire
we all know the consequences when we play to win
life goes by fast don't let someday become never
there is no putting off your life
hope talk
goal crushing machine
dont define your life's happiness by what you do for a living instead I'd like you to define your life by what you do with what you do for a living.
I fell in love with the work at hand by doing the work at hand
your wallet is constantly flush
comparisons are truly as they say the thief of joy
Sarah is the Rose to my thorns
What my 👂 heard ⤵️
if you're looking for more momentum let me know
there are maby paths to your own success
what does getting ahead look like to you?
were you made great by enormous struggle?
not one of us gets off this planet without loving and losing
aspirations beyond the dairy department
the rarest gems are the most expensive
avoid renting other people's money at all costs
does extra money ever show up knock on the door and say I'm here?
lifetime members of the somedayers club
think bigger than you maybe used to thinking
how many hours and dollars are you willing to throw at your goal?
my gut wrenched
the moment you put rubber to the road you can achieve your desire
we all know the consequences when we play to win
life goes by fast don't let someday become never
there is no putting off your life
hope talk
goal crushing machine
dont define your life's happiness by what you do for a living instead I'd like you to define your life by what you do with what you do for a living.
I fell in love with the work at hand by doing the work at hand
your wallet is constantly flush
comparisons are truly as they say the thief of joy
Sarah is the Rose to my thorns
March 18, 2020
Sometimes finding purpose in life can seem like driving through thick fog. I love that Ken Rusk points out that your "purpose" in life isn't defined by your career, but what you do with that career is so much more important. To stop waiting for life to just fall out of the sky and happen and just GO GET IT! Ken told so many great stories of those he has been blessed to know throughout his life and how they found their paths, whether they attended college or not, and made a life for themselves full of blessing themselves along with others. We all have gifts and it's our duty to use them to better ourselves and the world around us.
If you're trying to find your path, and do exactly what the title says "Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life", which I know we all want to do, this book is for you. What a great read!
If you're trying to find your path, and do exactly what the title says "Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life", which I know we all want to do, this book is for you. What a great read!
July 28, 2020
Growing up with a dad who is a farmer, has taught me many things about the importance of blue-collar workers. I spent many early mornings watching him get up with the sun to work the crops and many late nights of hearing the tractor come back home When the sun was down. I have such a respect for people who get their hands dirty for the well-being of others. This book exemplifies the precise dedication, compassion, and love that my dad, along with many other blue collar workers feel about their work. Such a good read for people who are in, interested, or know someone who is in a blue collar profession! Above all else, there are countless stories about the importance of these professions and life changing advice sprinkled throughout the pages. Definitely a book that you will want to open again and again and again!
August 31, 2020
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 8/30, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. A prescriptive and timely guide to finding success and happiness without a college degree by Ken Rusk, the Ohio-based entrepreneur and “million-dollar ditch digger” who believes it is time to celebrate the possibilities and financial opportunities that a Blue-Collar life can bring.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google.
January 31, 2021
You don’t need to go to college or university to succeed. This is emphasised throughout the book, all you need is a Blue Collar Mentality and you can find your Comfort, Peace and Freedom. All you need is a clear vision of where you want to go (grab your crayons...) and a well defined plan to follow.
Sitting behind a desk is not for everyone. Ken believes that getting your hands dirty and working a blue-collar job brings immense satisfaction, as proven by Ken himself and the countless examples given throughout the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it within 4 days. This is a must-read for all ages, whether you’re starting out in your career or midway through. This book will give help you to visualise, plan and take action towards the life you want to live.
Sitting behind a desk is not for everyone. Ken believes that getting your hands dirty and working a blue-collar job brings immense satisfaction, as proven by Ken himself and the countless examples given throughout the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it within 4 days. This is a must-read for all ages, whether you’re starting out in your career or midway through. This book will give help you to visualise, plan and take action towards the life you want to live.
June 25, 2020
Ken provides a fresh perspective on the work-force and the dying misperception that you must attend college and take on massive debt in order to become successful. Through the lens of personal stories, stories of friends, work acquaintances and business partners, Ken highlights the necessary skills, attitude, and self-discipline it takes to bet on yourself and create a successful business. Exercises within the book help you to contextualize these stories according to your own experience and begin taking steps as soon as you are ready! A great read for anyone questioning their future or wondering what they are capable of.
September 30, 2020
Very detailed read about going through life without attending a 4 year college degree and entering a trade industry for a life filled with comfort, peace, and freedom, as the author advocates. Half the book is filled with detailed ideas and explanations, the other half is anecdotes about people the author has personally met. A bunch of these life lessons have been pointed out before, this book makes it more applicable to people in the trade, blue collar, working industry. It's a good read, filled with powerful stories, and gets the points across well. Definitely recommend this for younger readers.
June 25, 2020
If you are one of those individuals that collage is not for you, or you know someone that feels the same. This book is defiantly for you. It would also make a great gift for someone confused on their career path. Ken walks you through many success stories of individuals without college degrees. You might wonder are they all from that "perfect scenario". The examples stated in the book are from all walks of life with all different types of backgrounds. Ken offers you an exciting way of looking at a career path for yourself. #beatodayerandnotasomedayer
August 2, 2020
Blue Collar Cash upends the current notion that all young people must go to college to have a stable life. Given the staggering cost of college (and the anchor of debt upon graduation) and the fact that many college degrees don’t provide tangible skills, gaining a trade skill and starting one’s own business can be a path to a far more satisfying future.
This is definitely something I intend to share with the young people in my life.
This is definitely something I intend to share with the young people in my life.
December 27, 2024
While the writing and concepts were somewhat rudimentary, I find this book to be one the most useful and practical business books I’ve yet to read. He talks about how to set yourself up financially to create a sustainable budget and how there are limitless options beyond what a college degree can do for someone. He throws convention out the window and encourages the reader to look beyond the status quo. Good read for anyone who needs a push in the right direction.
July 28, 2020
Great read with countless interesting stories and examples of how Ken made it in the blue collar world and how you can too. Extremely encouraging and helpful in setting and achieving goals in any career path. This book made me feel like I could accomplish things I had never considered before reading and opened my eyes to the vast possibilities that blue collar work offers.
January 18, 2021
This book has good information overall but I feel like maybe author or editors didn’t know who the audience was supposed to be and I felt that the constant dictionary definitions were annoying. If this was a book clearly created for teenagers that might change things but it appeared to be for adults as a primary audience.
May 4, 2021
I didn’t finish. It reads way too much like a self-help, life coaching book. I was looking for something about the joys of the blue-collar lifestyle. I think the book shop craft as soul craft is a much better book if you’re looking for something along the lines of finding joy and financial stability by working with your hands.
July 20, 2022
This book isn’t about finding the magical way to be “blue collar rich” but to be in full control of your life and the journey. After reading this, you should be able to not just find your way, but profit off of it due to your new outlook and work ethic. This is THE book for those wanting to grab life by the horns and steer the ship. Ken crushes it!
July 6, 2023
Dusk makes a compelling case that someone can make a go of it without a college education. He cites many examples of common sense ideas. As a midwesterner his words resonated with me. I wish my guidance counselor’s in high school had read this. I think if they had, they would have helped many of my classmates find their path.
October 4, 2020
Basic. Reads like a best man speech combined with a high school guidance councillor. “Webster’s defines comfort as...” combined with the advanced financial skills “saving money is good. Debt is bad”.
November 22, 2020
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't thought this book will going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , flushed with wisdom a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
October 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book.
March 1, 2021
"Vision, Faith, Courage, Initiative, Humility, Resilience, Persistence, Simplicity & Generosity."
March 22, 2021
I liked the blue collar stories. Sometimes it got a little preachy.
April 4, 2021
More of the author's thoughts on success and finding it than the opportunity that exists in the trades but still a solid read
June 3, 2021
This is the book every person contemplating stepping out into the world should read. Down to earth, practical advice with none of the "follow your dreams" rhetoric. Highly recommended.
May 16, 2024
At times this book got a little stagnant but overall with the Exercises, time clock countdown and the dog story at the end it was a decent read
February 28, 2025
It’s great how smart this guy was. When from a broken home to building a skyscraper.
Great read that highlights how skilled trades can make serious $$&. Would read if in trades
Great read that highlights how skilled trades can make serious $$&. Would read if in trades
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
Solid book....if you are thinking of the trades, grab it.....nice read!
January 8, 2024
Excellent advice and guidance on mindset and finding a path in life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews