The traditional “College for All” pipeline is broken. Right now, over half of recent graduates are working in jobs that don't require bachelor's degrees, and a decade into their careers, 45% of them remain underemployed. Meanwhile, high-paying, fulfilling, and AI-resistant "gray collar" jobs are sitting empty. Don Smith, co-founder of Tanager Holdings and the builder behind Gray Collar Collective, joins us to explore how he is building the infrastructure to route students into these high-growth careers and why "Gray Collar" is set to be the defining term of 2026.
We discuss:
The “broken pipeline” and why the traditional education system is failing the modern student
Defining Gray Collar and why these roles are the ultimate hedge against AI disruption
Don’s non-linear journey from the Air Force Academy and law to fintech and venture studios
The “Elevator Pitch” and real-world stories of engineers finding six-figure success in the trades
Building the infrastructure for self-discovery, training, and placement in the skilled workforce
The Jacksonville innovation ecosystem and the importance of hubs like the Jax Innovation Hub
Hard-earned intuition and why Don’s top advice for founders is to “validate aggressively” and let the market “kick your baby”
Featured Resource Stack:
Gray Collar Collective: www.graycollar.com
Jacksonville Innovation Hub: https://www.jaxinnovationhub.com/
Perspectiv (Meagan Skerchock): https://www.getperspectiv.com/
Champion Now (Terry Iverson): https://championnow.org/
Cardinal Manufacturing ( Craig Cegielski): https://www.cardinalmanufacturing.org/
