About blue collar scholars
Built to last. Built the right way.
We don’t talk about craftsmanship. We prove it. Every deck, patio, porch, or drainage system we build starts with one rule: do it right or don’t do it at all.
Blue Collar Scholars was built on that promise—and we’ve kept it.
Trusted by Homeowners
Our story
Sam Forline founded Blue Collar Scholars with a clear idea—bring integrity back to home improvement.
He didn’t start out with a big crew or a big name. He earned it. One deck, one yard, one neighbor at a time.
Our values
Show Up
If we say 8:00, we mean it.
Tell the Truth
We don’t oversell. We lay out the facts and the price up front.
Do It Right
We cut wood, not corners. Every screw, joint, and finish is handled like it matters—because it does.
Stand Behind It
Our work doesn’t end when the crew leaves. Every project comes with real warranties and real people who answer the phone.
The team that makes it happen
Sam Forline
Founder & CEO
Leads by example. Sets the pace. Known for walking every job site, shaking every client’s hand, and making sure each build meets the standard his name stands for.
Josh O’Connell
Right Hand Man
Keeps projects moving, crews aligned, and timelines tight. When something needs to get done, Josh makes it happen.
Tati
Head of Operations
Runs the day-to-day, keeps communication clean, and ensures every client gets updates without having to ask twice.
Laura
Head of Design
Turns functional into beautiful. Blends form and durability into every deck, porch, and patio we build.
Gustavo
Craftsman
The guy every homeowner asks for by name. Leads the crew in the field, builds like he’s working on his own house, and never settles for “good enough.”
Lucia
Client Success Manager
Your point of contact from first call to final walkthrough. Keeps every client in the loop and every project on track.
What we build
We specialize in spaces that last.
Decks & Railings
Built solid, code-true, and finished clean
Screened-in Porches & Additions
Comfortable, practical, and weather-ready
Patios, Walkways & Driveways
Designed for everyday use and curb appeal
Drainage Solutions
Systems that move water where it belongs, not in your yard
Retaining Walls
Built to stand up to time and weather
Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Features & Lighting
The final touch that turns a backyard into a living space
Basement, Bathroom, and Kitchen Remodels
Full interior renovations built with the same precision as our exteriors.
Every job, big or small, starts with a clear plan and ends with a clean site.
Certified. Trained. Trusted.
Service Area
Why homeowners trust us
Our clients don’t remember the pitch. They remember the result
They remember the clean job site
They remember the first barbecue on their new deck or the first storm their new drainage system handled perfectly
Message from Sam Forline
Let’s build something great together
Whether it’s your first home upgrade or your fifth major project, we’ll guide you through it with the same focus: clear expectations, steady progress, lasting results.
Sam Forline
Sam Forline is the founder and CEO of Blue Collar Scholars, a design-build company serving Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia. He writes about building with integrity, choosing materials that last, and the pride that comes from work done right. When he’s not walking job sites, he’s planning the next project that will outlast its promise.