Collars, a Chicagoland-based hiring platform built exclusively for the trades, is launching a new mobile app designed to modernize how tradespeople and employers connect, making hiring more human, more transparent, and better aligned with how the trades actually work.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Rocco and Cheri Molfese, Collars was created in response to their own challenges finding reliable trades talent for their flooring business. Rather than relying on traditional job boards built for white-collar work, they set out to build something purpose-built for blue-collar careers.

Built from real experience in the trades

Rocco Molfese is a fourth-generation tradesperson who launched his own company, Crown Coverings, during the 2011 recession after his family’s business could no longer support its workforce. Alongside Cheri, who brings a strong marketing background, the pair experienced firsthand how fragmented and outdated hiring in the trades can be.

That experience shaped Collars’ mission: to elevate tradespeople, give them visibility, and create a platform that respects the value of their work.

“One of the hardest things to witness in the trades is how often workers are overlooked or mistreated,” Cheri Molfese has said. “We want to elevate tradespeople so they’re seen for what they bring to the table.”

A free, accessible platform for tradespeople

The Collars app will always be free for job applicants. Employers can also use the platform at no cost during the initial launch period, with optional subscription plans planned for the future. Early revenue will come from advertisers, sponsors, and strategic partners.

At its core, Collars is designed to build community—not just fill openings.

“We’re trying to build something people actually trust,” said Rocco Molfese. “Not just another place to post jobs, but a space where real connections happen.”

Designed for how the trades actually hire

Unlike traditional platforms that rely heavily on resumes and keyword matching, Collars uses a more visual and practical approach:

• Visual profiles featuring photos and videos of real work
• AI-powered matching based on trade, experience, pay expectations, and preferences
• Mobile-first design built for people who work with their hands, not behind a desk

As Cheri puts it, “We hire the same way the trades hire—show me what you can do.”

Supporting the next generation of tradespeople

Ahead of launch, the Collars team has been actively engaging with the trades community—participating in events like Chicago Build at McCormick Place and apprenticeship expos at Elgin Community College. Company leadership has also spoken at events in Boston, Miami, and Silicon Valley as part of broader expansion efforts.

Beyond hiring, Collars aims to help bridge the gap between trade education and long-term careers by giving students and early-career tradespeople a clearer path into the workforce.

Looking ahead

The Collars app is rolling out in winter, with plans to continue expanding regionally and nationally as the platform grows. By combining modern technology with a deep respect for the trades, Collars is working to create a better hiring experience for the people who build, fix, move, and maintain the world around us.

This story is based on reporting originally published by the Daily Herald.
Read the full Daily Herald article →
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251128/business/roselle-based-collars-inc-launching-app-connecting-blue-collar-tradespeople-with-employers/

‍