The Trades Podcast

Family business succession, contractor growth strategy, flat-rate pricing, and building a leadership team: Tyler Heath shares how he took over Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating and Cooling from his father and grew it from $3M to $12M in under five years, during COVID, with outdated systems and a team resistant to change. In Episode 213 of The Trades Podcast, Tyler breaks down the exact decisions and e...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Kim Pike-Walters of KPW Financial Coaching to discuss the importance of financial education, planning, and confidence for trades professionals and entrepreneurs. The conversation examines the financial challenges that can come with running a business, earning a strong income, and trying to balance today's responsibilities with tomorrow's goals. Topics...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Mandi Ehman from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air and Jane Sidebottom , President of Women in HVACR , to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of workforce development in the skilled trades. The conversation explores how businesses can attract, develop, and retain talented professionals by creating supportive cultures, investing in trainin...

With decades of experience in industrial technology and workforce education, Rex has become a leading advocate for safe, effective, and standardized training in handheld laser welding, cleaning, and cutting. As laser technology becomes more accessible across industries, he believes education is the key to helping contractors and manufacturers adopt these powerful tools with confidence. Jeff, Danny...

What if the biggest obstacle holding you back in business, leadership, or life isn't your competition, but your own fear? In this compelling episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Ann Steffen Sommer, PA-C , healthcare professional, speaker, and creator of The Fear Code® , for a conversation about overcoming fear and unlocking your full potential. Drawing on decade...

What if the future of the home services industry isn't just about repairing homes, but also transforming the way contractors and homeowners work together? In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Andreina Leal-Carrillo , CEO and Co-Founder of The Repair Tech , to discuss how technology, innovation, and customer-first thinking are redefining the restora...

What does it take to transform adversity into purpose and build a life dedicated to inspiring others? Demi shares her remarkable journey of overcoming life's challenges while building a career centered on helping others unlock their potential. Through authentic storytelling and hard-earned life lessons, she explains how resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership can create opportunities in bu...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Jeff Kip , CEO of Angi , for a conversation about the future of home services and the role technology plays in connecting homeowners with qualified professionals. Jeff discusses Angi's mission to simplify the home improvement process while helping contractors reach more customers and grow their businesses. The discussion covers the changing expectations of h...

DJ Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd discuss the impact of delayed hiring on contractors, the financial implications of understaffing, and the importance of strategic hiring decisions. They explore apprenticeship programs, the role of technology in hiring, and the integration of office administrators to improve business efficiency. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on business growth,...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Nichole Ovens from Resource Innovations to discuss how innovation, workforce development, and energy programs are helping transform the skilled trades landscape. Nichole explains how Resource Innovations works with utilities, contractors, businesses, and communities to implement programs that improve energy efficiency while creating economic and workforce op...

The conversation explores the rising enrollments in skilled trades programs at community colleges, the importance of community colleges in addressing the skilled trade shortage, and the challenges and opportunities in training and educating young talent in the trades. It also delves into the impact of trades education on students, the camaraderie and connection in the trades, addressing workforce...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jessica and Jo of Harts Services to discuss leadership, culture, and the evolving world of home services. The conversation explores how Harts Services has built a reputation for quality workmanship and exceptional customer service across plumbing, sewer, electrical, and HVAC services. Jessica and Jo share insights into team development, employee retent...

The conversation covers the impact of technology on the trades, focusing on safety and training. It delves into Amanda Long's background, the types of cranes and their applications, the role of crane operators, the impact of VR on training and recruitment, challenges in safety measures and training, and the future of safety and training in the trades. Takeaways Technology's Impact on the Trades Sa...

Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robertson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley. Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons lea...

Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robertson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley.   Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons l...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jason Napolski , CEO of A-Tex Pest Management , to discuss how a locally owned pest control company continues to grow while maintaining a strong hometown approach to customer care. Jason explains how A-Tex focuses on customized pest solutions, ongoing technician training, and creating systems that allow the business to scale without sacrificing service...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jason Napolski , CEO of A-Tex Pest Management , to discuss how a locally owned pest control company continues to grow while maintaining a strong hometown approach to customer care. Jason explains how A-Tex focuses on customized pest solutions, ongoing technician training, and creating systems that allow the business to scale without sacrificing service...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States. They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techni...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States. They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techni...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Scott Levene , Vice President of LevCo , to discuss how a multi-generation family business stays competitive in a rapidly changing home-services and energy landscape. Scott shares the history of the company, which began in 1980 and has grown from fuel delivery into a full-service provider of HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort solutions . The...

What does it take to grow a third-generation family business while staying ahead of industry disruption, technology, and customer expectations? In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo , to explore how a family-owned HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort company has successfully evolved across generations. S...

In today's competitive job market, retaining skilled employees is more crucial than ever, especially in the trades. In a recent podcast episode, Danny and Jeff delve into effective strategies for keeping employees engaged and happy, ensuring they stay loyal to your business. Here, we break down their insights and recommendations into actionable steps that can help you build a thriving work environ...

The Trades Podcast discusses employee retention, company culture, and the importance of clear roles and responsibilities. It explores the use of KPIs, career ladders, and the significance of a company's mission and values. The podcast emphasizes the role of employer branding and online presence in becoming the employer of choice. The conversation covers topics related to building a cohesive brand,...

In the world of home service businesses, most owners feel like they’re fighting a never-ending battle, juggling calls, managing crews, chasing profits. What if you could lead like a warrior instead of just surviving the war? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a transformative organization that helps servi...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray , focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades. The conversation covers: Federal water heater efficiency and DOE regulation updates How PHCC advocates for consumer energy choice and natural gas access Apprenticeship funding and workforce de...