More Than a Work Boot: Craftsmanship, Culture & Legacy with Tom Collins | Episode 112

A work boot is more than a piece of PPE. It records the day.

In Episode 112 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Tom Collins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Weinbrenner Shoe Company, home of the Thorogood brand, for a conversation about American manufacturing, skilled trades, craftsmanship, leadership, and the responsibility of carrying forward a legacy.

Tom shares the story behind Thorogood, from its roots in Milwaukee in 1892 to an employee-owned company producing work boots for the men and women building and maintaining America's infrastructure today.

The conversation goes beyond boots. Paul and Tom discuss the pride that comes from making something with your hands, the importance of transferring knowledge from one generation to the next, and why strong cultures are built when people take ownership of their craft.

They also explore the challenges of American manufacturing, the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, Thorogood's union workforce, and the company's "job fitted" approach to designing footwear around the needs of specific trades.

Tom also breaks down what goes into building a premium work boot, including the roughly 130 steps from cut to pack, the differences between welted, injected, and cemented construction, proper boot fit and care, and how feedback from the field continues to shape Thorogood's products.

Whether you're an apprentice buying your first pair of work boots, a journeyman passing down knowledge, or a leader responsible for carrying a trade or company forward, this conversation is a reminder that we don't own the legacy. We're simply responsible for leaving it better than we found it.

Thank you, Tom, and the Thorogood team for stopping by and sharing your story with us

Thorogood: thorogoodusa.com Instagram: @thorogoodusa This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, Thorogood, and High Voltage Industries. Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit ⁠www.lineco.org⁠ for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988. The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. #Leadership #Linework #EveryoneLeads #SafetyCulture #Apprenticeship #Training #MYRGroup #ExtremeOwnership #PowerElementPodcast #ElectricalIndustry #LinemanLife #veteran #LeadershipDevelopment #UtilityIndustry #ContinuousImprovement #thorogood