Make Trades Great Again

In this episode, we explore how retail rebate programs like Menards' 11% rebate can be leveraged for business savings and customer loyalty, and discuss strategies for online purchasing, supply chain management, and maximizing incentives. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plum...

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the current state of the boiler industry, competition, market trends, and the impact of technology and pricing strategies on contractors and manufacturers. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

In this episode, Andy and Eric share insights on the realities of installing customer-supplied equipment, the pitfalls of advertising in traditional media like phone books, and the importance of clear warranties and business boundaries. Takeaways Installing customer-supplied equipment can pose significant risks if not managed properly. Traditional advertising like phone books has become largely in...

In this episode, Andy and Eric discuss the importance of service and maintenance in HVAC, plumbing, and equipment installation. They explore how proactive servicing can generate additional revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure system longevity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:31 The revenue potential of servicing installed equipment 04:01 Common maintenance interva...

Andy shares his experience with boiler maintenance, subcontracting, and the importance of professional startup for complex HVAC systems. We explore the value of expert involvement, detailed design, and the lessons learned from real-world projects. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick...

This episode explores the diverse paths young people take after high school, including college, trades, and entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of financial literacy, the value of hard work, and how social media is changing perceptions of trades and career opportunities. Joined by our pod-partners John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward, hosts of the Appetite For Construction Podcast Text the guys...

In this episode, Andy and Eric explore the fascinating history and ongoing renovation of a 110-year-old bank building in Missoula. They discuss the building's unique architecture, outdated plumbing systems, and innovative solutions for modern upgrades. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Micke...

Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things lighting in this week's episode.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @...

Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki.  Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hundreds of products that are mostly intended to save us time on and off the job site.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas ove...

There are pockets of the US that are struggling, other areas that are as busy as ever. What gives?  We want your feedback! Text, email, comment, DM!  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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

Calling all apprentices (and those training them)!  One of our most listened to episodes went live back in April 2024 and still tallies downloads today so we decided it was time for a followup!  We changed it up a little from our first list of 5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day  Thanks for listening, have a great day!  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic i...

This episode aired in August '24 and had been one of our most downloaded ever, give it a listen, we hope you enjoy it. We will be back with new episodes soon!  Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ? We are so pumped to bring you this and the next episode with special Guests Heather Aune & Sheryl Mickelson, the obvious better halves of the MTGA team.  Sheryl runs the...

The guys revisit a topic they’ve been getting a lot of feedback from. It started with a recent MTGA episode titled “Eric Hates Combi Boilers”. In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi boilers, common issues, applications, and backup strategies for heating systems. They share insights on system reliability, application scenarios, and practical tips for homeowners and profes...

Andy and Eric discuss their recent project installing a Viessmann air-to-water heat pump system, exploring its performance, efficiency, and potential applications in radiant cooling and heating. They share insights on system design, energy savings, and practical considerations for HVAC professionals. Takeaways The Viessmann system can operate quietly and efficiently in residential settings. Proper...

Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop!  This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share practical insights, calculations, and real-world examples to optimize energy efficiency and system performance. Key Topics Radiant slab design and insulation Low water te...

Should we stop installing combi-boilers?  Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes. Chapters 00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate 05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems 10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers 15:49 The Importance of Pr...

Hey MTGA fans, we're excited for you to meet a good friend of ours, olease give it a listen!  Mark Wille shares his journey from childhood in construction to becoming a leader in building science and education. Discover his insights on trades, education, leadership, and his innovative children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of builders. Key Topics Journey from chi...

We explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into residential heating and hot water systems. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Technologies in HVAC 02:44 Challenges with New Equipment Installations 05:21 C...

Join us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology.  Discover how these stories highlight resilience, industry challenges, and opportunities for growth. Key Topics: Wildfire rebuilding process and community impact Workforce development in the...

In this episode, Eric shares a detailed case study of a residential hot water system issue, exploring piping mistakes, system design flaws, and practical solutions for improving hot water performance in large homes. Key  topics: Piping mistakes in residential water systems Proper sizing and piping of indirect water heaters Troubleshooting hot water shortages in large homes Chapters 00:00 Introduct...

In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recent vacation and discuss the impact of technology on their work. Key Topics: Using AI to write scope descriptions Balancing detail and simplicity in estimates...

Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do?  Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along?  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! 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_...

After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol.  Eric & Andy talk about the new AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating.  What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses?  Text the guys your ideas &...

Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!...

In this episode, Eric and Andy explore the practicalities, frustrations, and potential of AI-powered call answering systems in small businesses. They share personal experiences with automated systems in auto repair, healthcare, and customer service, debating their effectiveness and future prospects. In the end one of the guys is planning to sign up and start using an ai answering service, who do y...