Running a blue-collar business comes with its challenges, but one of the biggest lessons learned is that recognizing and rewarding hard work changes everything. A team thrives when they see that effort, customer service, and performance don’t go unnoticed. That’s why merit-based incentives were introduced—small but meaningful rewards like raffles, free breakfasts, and other perks tied to things like positive customer reviews, efficiency, and teamwork.
One business owner who has truly mastered this approach is Ben Haugh, the owner of All Nation Restoration. Ben has always understood that motivated employees are the backbone of any successful operation. He has consistently found ways to encourage his team by setting clear performance goals and rewarding those who go above and beyond. Whether it was recognizing top performers publicly, offering bonuses for exceptional customer feedback, or creating a fun and competitive work environment, Ben ensured his employees saw firsthand how their hard work paid off.
That said, keeping a young workforce engaged takes a lot of creativity and constant effort. They need more than just a paycheck—they need a sense of competition, excitement, and the feeling that they’re part of something bigger. That’s why new ways to keep incentives fresh are always being brainstormed, whether it’s friendly challenges, special prizes, or unique experiences that truly matter to them.
An unexpected benefit of this system? It makes weeding out bad hires incredibly easy. Employees who don’t care, don’t take pride in their work, or just want to do the bare minimum stand out quickly. When they see their peers being rewarded and still don’t feel motivated to step up, it’s clear they’re not the right fit. Instead of dragging the team down, they tend to weed themselves out. This leaves behind a crew of hardworking, engaged employees who genuinely want to be there, making the business stronger, more efficient, and a better place to work.
The impact has been incredible. Instead of just clocking in and out, employees are engaged, motivated, and take real pride in their work. They see that their extra effort directly translates into benefits for them. Morale has increased, teamwork has strengthened, and customers are noticing the difference. Merit-based rewards have turned “just another job” into something they can feel proud of—and that’s a game changer for the business.
