Buckle up for an episode full of laughter, intrigue, and insight as we delve into the evolving roles of journeymen and apprentices, share some hilarious tales of our old mate Justin, and discuss the increasing importance of technology in our industry. We've all had a Justin in our lives - the guy who keeps things interesting, to say the least. Strap in for some workplace tales of deception and mystery that rival the best detective novels. When the dust settles, we find ourselves with some valuab...
Sep 28, 2023•31 min•Season 6Ep. 251
Ever rolled up your sleeves and ventured into the intricate world of bathroom remodeling? If yes, then you'll share in my excitement as I personally navigate this demanding yet rewarding task. From ripping out my old toilet and vanity to mastering the art of plumbing, join me on a behind-the-scenes journey of my very own bathroom renovation. Hear about the nitty-gritty details, the highs and lows, and the ultimate satisfaction of seeing the project come together. I'll also share the unique exper...
Sep 26, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 250
Ever wondered how it feels to switch careers and dive headfirst into a completely unfamiliar field? Meet Brent McCauley, a project manager at Aarow Building, who transitioned from university fundraising to the construction industry. His unique journey, filled with challenges and learning experiences, is a testament to the beauty of career exploration. We delve into how Brent found his passion for problem-solving within the building industry, a far cry from his decade-long stint in fundraising. A...
Sep 21, 2023•25 min•Season 6Ep. 249
Are you truly prepared for the subtle and not-so-subtle changes the shifting seasons bring on your business? We're sharing our experiences and practical tips on how to adapt and thrive during these seasonal transitions. From the simple tasks like removing non-freeze safe items from your van to the more complex ones like recalibrating combustion analyzers, we've got you covered. We also highlight what types of materials you need to stock up on, like venting for boilers, water heaters, and furnace...
Sep 19, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 248
Looking to skyrocket your sales? We promise you that our latest episode of Make Trades Great Again will arm you with the strategies to do so! From the initial phone call to closing the deal, we're going all-in on what it takes to master sales in today's fast-paced business world. We spill the tea on how to attract customers, how to utilize face-to-face meetings to your advantage, and why understanding your customer's needs can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. How often ...
Sep 14, 2023•49 min•Season 6Ep. 247
Ready to unravel the fascinating world of heat pump water heaters and the influence of ducting on these devices? We promise, this episode will equip you with insights that can potentially save you a great deal of trouble. We kick off by exploring the common practice of ducting water heaters to the outside and why it might not be required in unfinished spaces. Also, discover how heat pump water heaters can be a game-changer in commercial places where there's an existing heat source. Ever wonder h...
Sep 12, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 246
Picture this: you're running a small business and you just can't seem to get your hands on the materials you need, in the quantities you need, when you need them. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? We absolutely get it, and we're here to commiserate and share our experiences. Join us for a fascinating conversation with John Mason Brink from the Appetite for Construction podcast, who's been embroiled in a master bathroom remodel for the last five months due to these exact challenges. We'll be sharing i...
Sep 07, 2023•36 min•Season 6Ep. 245
Ever been to a customer party that involved an ice cream truck, a 70-foot bonfire, and mouth-watering barbecue? Well, we have! Join us as we recount our experience, including our strategy to ward off political debates while we indulged in the fun. Our better halves, our supportive wives, were part of this adventure too, adding to the merriment. As the party winds down, we switch gears to a different sort of fun - fly fishing with a former high school classmate and their guide. Prepare to engage ...
Sep 05, 2023•15 min•Season 6Ep. 244
Get ready to unravel the mysteries of heat pump water heaters as we dissect their performance ratings, costs, and efficiency, using spec sheets from industry giants, Bradford White and Reem. These appliances have been sparking interest among DIY enthusiasts, and we're here to break it all down for you. We'll even walk you through why you won't find Bradford White's products in your average hardware store. Imagine this: you've just invested in a heat pump water heater. You're thrilled about its t...
Aug 31, 2023•36 min•Season 6Ep. 243
Ever wondered what it truly means to stand your ground as a tradesperson? This episode of Make Trades Great Again will enlighten you on the not-so-discussed implications of using customer-supplied equipment and fixtures. We delve into the nitty-gritty of why it's crucial to be knowledgeable about the quality of materials we use and how this impacts our businesses, both in terms of work efficiency and profitability. We also shine a light on the importance of understanding agreements and contracts...
Aug 29, 2023•16 min•Season 6Ep. 242
Ever felt bogged down by the chaos of running a business single-handedly, juggling between field operations and office tasks, with last-minute schedule changes throwing you off balance? You’re not alone. Join us as we draw from our own experiences and unravel effective strategies to manage time and streamline operations. It might surprise you to learn that Cheryl spends half her day just on scheduling, but we'll let you in on how managing it right can make a huge difference. What if you had a ma...
Aug 24, 2023•37 min•Season 6Ep. 241
Have you ever dreamt of the perfect cup of coffee, hot and ready at the push of a button? Or perhaps you've struggled with unstacking your tool boxes, wishing for a drawer-based solution? Tune in for a discussion on these and more, as we dissect the highlights of the Milwaukee Pipeline event. We'll delve deep into how Milwaukee's culture of innovation culminates into their products - from battery-powered coffee makers to their hot-selling pack out tumblers. We’ll also address the broader topic o...
Aug 22, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 240
Ever wondered how two renowned tech tycoons, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, facing off in a deathmatch could benefit a veterans charity? Buckle up as Andy and I take you on a journey through our amusing reflection of this hypothetical charity event. We then dive into our personal experiences navigating the sea of new technologies, sharing tales of my initial stumbling blocks with invoicing software and the undeniable value of good old face-to-face interactions with my crew. Sharpen your manageme...
Aug 17, 2023•50 min•Season 6Ep. 239
Ever found yourself with a cold beer in hand, kicking back at a customer's Saturday farm bash, wondering if this is a professional blunder or a savvy networking move? We've been there, and it's in the gray area of these social and professional intersections that we've learned a thing or two. In this candid conversation, we navigate the boundaries between work and personal relationships, debate the pros and cons of attending client parties, and share our own experiences with these potentially awk...
Aug 15, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 238
Ever wrestled with the mystery of asbestos inspection regulations for water heaters? Well, we're here to break it down for you. With a decade of its existence, these regulations have stirred up quite the conversation among contractors. We examine why this law exists and what it means for professionals in the field. Believe it or not, this legislation isn’t as old as you might think! The episode takes a twist as we recount the trials of securing a permit for a commercial installation project in M...
Aug 10, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 237
Brace yourselves! The trades and services industry is in the throes of a seismic shift, spurred on by the aftermath of COVID. As a business, navigating this changing landscape can feel like walking a tightrope. But fear not, we're here to guide you, offering practical advice to help you adapt to this new market reality and secure the highest possible profits. Through the lens of an industry that's grappling with a surge in call volumes, ballooning project sizes, and customers that are suddenly m...
Aug 08, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 236
Ever been stumped by an HVAC installation in a concrete construction house? We've been there, and we've got some stories to share. Our latest adventure involved a customer plagued with extremely noisy air handlers every time the second stage of heat kicked in. It was a tough nut to crack, but after two years of planning and brainstorming, we found a solution. In our latest episode, we share our journey through this complex problem, right from the challenges of navigating the customer's property ...
Aug 03, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 235
Ever been hit by a wave of nostalgia over the simple pleasure of an old-timey hardware store? Or found yourself marveling at the convenience brought about by a Nespresso machine? Join us as we journey down memory lane, reminiscing about childhood trips to the hardware store, and the unique olfactory delight of popcorn and old leather. We tackle the evolution of retail and discuss the vital role we all play in this change. Our conversation segues from the emotional to the practical, as we share h...
Aug 01, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 234
Brace yourselves for a thrilling collaboration between two powerhouses, 'Appetite for Construction' and 'Make Trades Great Again' podcasts. This electrifying episode kicks off with a deep dive into the dynamic world of co-hosting a podcast. Want to know the secret behind crafting layered questions and overthinking interviews to ensure engaging content? Well, you're in for a treat. We also unravel the significance of audience feedback in evaluating our success while navigating through the tricky ...
Jul 27, 2023•57 min•Season 6Ep. 233
We have more work than we can handle, its been that way for a while now. This isn't a pricing thing but it seems like everyone online thinks the only answer is to "RAISE YOUR RATES!" Lol, we don't think that's the answer. What do you think? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 25, 2023•15 min•Season 6Ep. 232
Incentivizing a sale is one thing but what happens when techs have sales goals, commissions and weekly targets? Guest Denver Baker, owner of MD Heat in Michigan shares his experience and policies on sales in the field and how his employees are compensated for the almighty upgrade. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 20, 2023•53 min•Season 6Ep. 231
Ever figure out what the magic number is? What’s the monthly income level that would change things for you? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 18, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 231
Workers rights and working conditions are changing all over North America. The guys talk about paid time off and a new law voted in recently in Minnesota Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 13, 2023•29 min•Season 6Ep. 230
Mickelson Plumbing & Heating completes a killer job at the local courthouse with the addition of some serious tools and wicked fast piping system. Gotta love it when a job goes as planned! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 11, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 229
Eric has a topic questions from a listener asking about what he should know as he makes the transition to move from an install position to a service position. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 06, 2023•34 min•Season 6Ep. 228
FYI, Montana’s Governor punched a reporter and Chad's back to talk about social media from the job site with the guys. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jul 04, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 227
Chad Killinger joins the guys this week to talk about a few things, one of them is how Texas legislators killed a mandatory bill that made sure workers received water breaks during a work shift. Does Texas hate water or its workers? No, Chad isn't an official host of the show. We honestly didn't expect to have him on as many times as we have but he pays us so much money. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick...
Jun 29, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 226
Ever think what we do every day for our customers might actually be super disruptive and a giant ordeal for our customers? We often think nothing of tearing open a wall to relocate a pipe or wiring etc is no big deal because we do it all the time. Andy's been tearing up his master bedroom and the bathroom is next. The guys talk about living in a renovation zone and how much it effects everything. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanic...
Jun 27, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 225
Kyele is 17, recently graduated from high school with high diploma and is looking for a M-F job working with his hands for about $20/hr. Does this sound reasonable? He's 17, how much experience could he have? What would you say to a kid posting on a community bulletin facebook page looking for a lead on a job? Don't forget to leave us a rating in your podcast app! Rating our podcast helps others find us and we need as many friends as we can get! Thanks for listening. Send us a text Send us your ...
Jun 22, 2023•30 min•Season 6Ep. 224
Ever live inside a remodel project? What would your spouse say if you just gutted the bathroom for a full remodel? Andy is about to ditch the brown bathroom for a refresher. Wish him good luck! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email...
Jun 20, 2023•16 min•Season 6Ep. 225
