Make Trades Great Again

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 an...

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...

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...

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 h...

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...

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 hea...

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...

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 differe...

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...

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 effici...

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 schedu...

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...

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 softwar...

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 relat...

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 episo...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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?  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  Send us your feedback or topic i...

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.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  Send us your fee...

Ever figure out what the magic number is? What’s the monthly income level that would change things for you?  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  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

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  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https:/...

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!  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson...

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.  Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Get a free 2 hour online course at www.propane.com/hybrid  Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: ht...