What does it really take to start a successful plumbing business from scratch? In this episode, I sit down with Grant Speake, a plumber who started with nothing, threw newspapers to pay the bills, and built a thriving company in his hometown. We talk about the hard truths of the trade, why most plumbers struggle to make real money, and the biggest mistakes business owners make when starting out. Grant also shares why he refuses to charge $500 an hour, how he hires the right plumbers, and why he ...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 194•Transcript available on Metacast Why Every Small Business Needs Corporate Credit | The Trade Talks #193 In this episode of The Trade Talks Podcast, I sit down with Ramzi Sarkis, a corporate credit expert, to break down how business owners—especially those in the trades—can leverage corporate credit to grow, scale, and protect their businesses. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're lo...
Feb 22, 2025•58 min•Ep 193•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Matt Outlaw of 731 Woodworks, a former Arkansas State Trooper who turned his woodworking side hustle into a full-time YouTube career. From struggling to pay the bills to building a thriving online business, Matt shares how he made the leap, the risks he took, and the lessons he learned along the way. If you've ever thought about leaving a 9-to-5 for something bigger, this episode is for you! _____________________________________________________...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep 192•Transcript available on Metacast I’m sitting down with Michael James Johnson, a veteran who turned a wrench into a thriving HVAC empire. From his dad’s influence as an electrician to military service, Michael shares how persistence, mentorship, and mindset completely transformed his career. He talks about starting at $8 an hour, battling a poverty mindset, and finally taking his business to the next level with a coach’s guidance. This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and motivation for anyone in the trades—or anyone loo...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep 191•Transcript available on Metacast Join me as I sit down with Brady Kroll, a young plumber who’s taken his skills from small-town Minnesota to the world stage. We dive into his journey through SkillsUSA and WorldSkills, what it’s like to compete globally in plumbing, and the lessons he’s learned about craftsmanship and the future of the trades. This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about plumbing and the next generation of skilled labor! ________________________________________________________________________...
Jan 11, 2025•38 min•Ep 190•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Bruce Carnevale, CEO of Bradford White Corporation, to uncover the secrets behind their innovations in water heating and plumbing technology. Bruce shares Bradford White’s commitment to quality, their revolutionary products, and how they’re navigating upcoming industry challenges like regulatory changes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring ...
Dec 25, 2024•32 min•Ep 189•Transcript available on Metacast In this inspiring episode of The Trade Talks, we sit down with 94-year-old plumbing legend James Lindsey Sr., who shares his extraordinary 78-year journey in the trades. From earning $0.60 an hour to building a 59-year-old family business, James reflects on breaking barriers, mentoring the next generation, and adapting to decades of change in plumbing. Get ready for timeless wisdom, life lessons, and motivation to push forward in your own journey. ________________________________________________...
Dec 18, 2024•28 min•Ep 188•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Glen Blavet, founder of Halo Water Systems, shares his inspiring journey from plumbing apprentice to a leader in water filtration technology. Discover the importance of whole-house water filtration, the impact of contaminants on plumbing systems, and how offering water treatment solutions can transform a plumbing business. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tradesperson, this discussion offers valuable insights on protecting your home’s water quality and enhancing customer satisfac...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 187•Transcript available on Metacast In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of plumbing and trades business with Dan Callies, owner of Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling. From building a career to scaling a company, Dan shares how he navigated industry challenges, the importance of knowing your numbers, and why finding the right customers matters. Whether you’re an aspiring plumber, a seasoned tradesperson, or a business owner, learn valuable insights about what it takes to build a sustainable, successful business in the t...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min•Ep 186•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest experiences of my career: facing a celebrity client whose social media influence turned a simple mistake into a wave of negative reviews that nearly took down my business. Join me as I discuss the challenges of dealing with high-profile clients, the importance of managing customer relationships, and how one bad review can impact a company. This story reveals valuable lessons on maintaining professionalism, staying resilient, and protecting your b...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 185•Transcript available on Metacast Is the next generation of tradespeople being set up for success? In this episode, we dive deep into early career stories, the impact of mentors, and the evolving landscape of the trades industry. From rising trade school enrollments to the importance of competitions like SkillsUSA, we explore what it takes to build a strong future for skilled labor _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this ep...
Nov 20, 2024•35 min•Ep 184•Transcript available on Metacast Can you really run an HVAC business without an office? Tersh Blissett shows how he’s doing it with multiple trades businesses—all remote and paperless. Discover his secrets on automation, creating lasting customer loyalty, and maintaining culture without a physical space. If you’re a trades professional wanting to innovate, this episode is a must-watch! _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring th...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 183•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive deep into the trades at PHCC Connect 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Special guest Patrick Wallner, Chair of the PHCC Educational Foundation, shares his journey in the industry, the importance of training apprentices, and how technology is reshaping the plumbing and HVAC sectors. Learn about the impact of PHCC events, the growth opportunities in the trades, and what the future holds for skilled professionals. Whether you’re new to the trades or a seasoned expert, there’s so...
Nov 06, 2024•26 min•Ep 182•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, a former accounting clerk shares how he transitioned into the trades and the unexpected lessons he learned along the way. From managing payroll issues to turning around a struggling business, he dives into the challenges and rewards of the industry. Discover the pivotal moments that led to his success and the strategies he used to navigate the ups and downs of building a thriving trades company. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, this episode offers valuable insi...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 181•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the power behind Milwaukee Tools as we dive into their innovations that are transforming the trades. From game-changing products to tools built with tradespeople in mind, learn how Milwaukee continues to redefine efficiency, safety, and performance. If you're in the trades, you won't want to miss this episode! _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If y...
Oct 23, 2024•34 min•Ep 180•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how to build credit for your business without risking your personal assets? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Barnhart to reveal the secret hacks that blue-collar pros are using to unlock corporate credit. From bypassing personal guarantees to leveraging EINs, find out the insider strategies that big corporations don’t want you to know. This is a game-changer for every tradesperson looking to grow their business! ________________________________________________________________...
Oct 16, 2024•38 min•Ep 179•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, Roger Wakefield sits down with David Olsen, the founder of Olsen Air, to discuss how he transitioned from managing restaurant chains to building a thriving HVAC business. David shares the lessons he learned from his time in restaurant management and how those experiences helped him create a customer-centric, relationship-driven HVAC service. From juggling two careers to identifying a niche in the HVAC industry, David talks about the importance of discipline, l...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep 178•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, Roger Wakefield sits down with David Lockwood, the general manager of Remove It Pros, to discuss the fascinating world of demolition and junk removal. From humble beginnings in junk removal to building a multi-million-dollar demolition company, David shares his inspiring journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Discover how a simple junk removal job turned into a thriving business that repurposes materials, saves money for clients, and supports sustai...
Oct 02, 2024•59 min•Ep 177•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when a professional football player hangs up his helmet and picks up a hammer? In this episode of TradeTalks, I sit down with John Malecki, former NFL lineman turned master woodworker, to talk about his fascinating journey from the football field to the woodworking shop. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your bus...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 176•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Steven Smith, a seasoned plumber with over 18 years of experience, to discuss his journey through the trades, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s turning his passion into a thriving plumbing business. From starting as an office worker with no plumbing knowledge to running his own company, Steven shares his insights into cross-training, business ownership, and the importance of building a strong company culture. ______________________________...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 175•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Dan Quinonez, the Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, to discuss the upcoming PHCC Connect 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Dan shares insights on the vital role the foundation plays in training the next generation of plumbers and HVAC technicians and how they’re preparing for the future of the industry. We also talk about the exciting events happening at PHCC Connect 2024, from live apprentice competitions to opportunities for c...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 174•Transcript available on Metacast Join Roger Wakefield in this episode of The Trade Talks as he sits down with Billy Cline, a former carpenter turned door installation expert who now owns a thriving construction business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Billy shares his journey from working with his hands to leading a growing team, revealing the key mindsets and strategies that helped him scale his business beyond just a paycheck. Discover how mindset, leadership, and vision transformed Billy's life and his company, and learn why ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 172•Transcript available on Metacast Are you tired of running your construction business day in and day out, with no time to step back and live life? In this episode of The Trade Talks, we're uncovering the blueprint for building a construction business that operates smoothly without you constantly at the helm. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with seasoned business expert and tradeswoman, Irum Jones. We explore the essential systems and processes that every construction business needs to automate day-to-day operations, scal...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep 171•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Trade Talks, we dive deep into what’s missing in most trade companies today and how to fix it. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with Brandon Jones, a partner at Express Home Services, to discuss the outdated management practices that are holding trade businesses back and the modern approaches that can transform your company into a thriving, employee-focused powerhouse. We explore the importance of building a positive work culture, the critical role of employee reten...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 170•Transcript available on Metacast Join renowned host Roger Wakefield in an enlightening podcast episode that delves deep into the world of skilled trades, featuring a candid conversation with Benny Montoya, a seasoned journeyman HVAC mechanic with Local 100. Explore the pivotal role of skilled labor in building America and how educational paths in HVAC can transform lives. Benny shares his journey from high school to becoming a second-generation HVAC expert, revealing the importance of hands-on experience, continual learning, an...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast We sat down with Mike Hallman, president of Rockwall Underground and founder of Pond Masters. Mike shares his journey from growing up in a construction family to becoming a successful heavy equipment operator and business owner. He discusses the challenges of dealing with engineers and inspectors, the excitement of operating big machinery, and the rewarding experience of building custom ponds. Learn about Mike's career path, from working on subdivisions and municipal projects to innovating with ...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 168•Transcript available on Metacast We sat down with Will Blake to explore the unexpected journey from a young tradesman to a successful business owner in the foundation repair industry. Will shares his insights on the impact of the internet, the importance of charging what you're worth, and the value of starting young in the trades. From his early days helping his father with custom homes to building a multimillion-dollar company, Will's story is one of resilience and growth. Learn about the challenges he faced, the lessons learn...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 167•Transcript available on Metacast Tyler Brown is a young HVAC technician who earned his own service truck within just three weeks on the job. Tyler shares how he transitioned from working two jobs, including Discount Tire, to focusing solely on HVAC service calls, which proved to be more lucrative. Growing up with skills in welding and inspired by his mechanic brother, Tyler chose a different path. He learned essential HVAC skills in high school and has now been thriving in the trade for seven years. Tyler discusses the benefits...
Jul 17, 2024•57 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast I sat down with Chris Lamm, the owner of NTX Electric in Wylie, Texas. Chris shares his journey from starting in commercial construction to becoming a job site superintendent, and ultimately owning his own company. Chris emphasizes that it doesn’t take much more effort to excel in the skilled trades. He’s a firm believer in the principle of “8 hours work for 8 hours pay,” but he also highlights that a little extra effort can significantly boost your growth as a tradesman. Hard Work Pays Off Chri...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Rusty Lorman claims young tradesmen can earn over $100,000 by the age of 23 in today’s world. Rusty, now a seasoned plumbing and HVAC instructor at Naaman Forest High School, shares his journey of hands-on learning and the importance of respecting mentors. Roger and Rusty delve into the intricacies of the trade, discussing real-world experiences like resolving water heater issues and navigating non-paying customers. They highlight the value of failure as a teaching tool and the mindset needed to...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
