The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

Host Andrew Brown sits down with This Old House host Kevin O’Connor to explore the state of the skilled trades career path in today’s economy. They dive deep into the construction labor shortage, discuss real-world apprenticeship opportunities, and reflect on the impact of places like Williamson College of the Trades. They also confront outdated assumptions around the trade school vs college debat...

Want to become an electrician? Jon Lock joins host Andrew Brown to break down the electrician apprenticeship program, union vs non-union routes, and licensing. Whether you're curious about how to become an electrician, preparing for your electrical journeyman license requirements, or simply passionate about the future of the trades industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest ref...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with serial entrepreneur and LiveSwitch founder Brian Hamilton to unpack what it really takes to succeed when starting a trades business. Brian shares real stories—from mentoring an ex-inmate contractor to lessons learned from running multi-million dollar tech and service companies. This episode is packed with contractor business advice, deep reflections on skilled trad...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Cale Mouser, a standout figure in the world of Skilled Trades Careers and Diesel Technician Training. From his humble beginnings as a mechanic in Kansas to competing on the global stage at WorldSkills Competition USA, Cale shares his inspiring path through technical college programs, international recognition, and the powerful role of industry support for trades. W...

Host Andrew Brown welcomes Ryan Sullivan, founder of The Ryan Sullivan Show and Podcast Principles. They dive into Ryan’s journey from working as a mechanic to becoming a podcast strategist and entrepreneur. Ryan shares how the skilled trades industry shaped his work ethic and creativity, and how tradespeople can harness the power of podcasting and branding to elevate their blue collar businesses....

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Bharani Rajakumar, CEO of Transfr, to explore the future of the skilled trades industry through the lens of virtual reality job training and trade school alternatives. From transformative success stories to the power of career exploration without a four-year degree, this conversation highlights real opportunities in skilled trades careers—including for women in the...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Crystal Latham-Alford, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas. They dive into the impact of SkillsUSA competitions, the importance of career technical education (CTE), and how students can prepare for successful skilled trades careers. Crystal shares insights on how trade school opportunities help bridge the gap in the workforce, the role of soft skills training, an...

Host Andrew Brown welcomes Brooke Gatchell, Social Media Specialist at SkillsUSA, to discuss the impact of the SkillsUSA welding competition and other trade competitions on students and professionals. They explore how skilled trades careers are evolving, the importance of trade school opportunities, and how organizations like SkillsUSA contribute to workforce development programs. They also discus...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with James Holster of Firefly Aerospace to discuss his journey into the skilled trades, how he became a specialist in welding in the aerospace industry, and his work on the Blue Ghost Moon Lander. They explore the challenges of precision welding for spacecraft, the importance of skilled trades careers, and why hands-on work is critical in today's economy. James shares i...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Michael Krupnicki, the current President of the American Welding Society (AWS), to discuss the evolving landscape of Skilled Trades Careers. They explore the importance of Welding Education, the role of VR Welding Simulation in attracting the next generation of welders, and the critical Welding Workforce Shortage facing the industry today. Michael shares insights o...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Boyd Worsham, President of NCCER, to discuss the importance of Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, and Carpentry Apprenticeships. Boyd shares his journey from high school carpentry to leading a national organization dedicated to workforce training and NCCER Certification Benefits. They dive into the challenges facing the Trades Industry, the...

Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angela Coldwell, founder of Honor the Work, about the importance of early exposure to skilled trades education. They discuss how apprenticeships, career exploration, and hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of tradespeople. Angela shares insights on how educators and parents can guide students toward fulfilling careers in the trades industry, including ca...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries. Barry shares his incredible journey from inheriting his father's struggling company at 19 to transforming it into one of North America's largest steel pipe and tube manufacturers. Together, they discuss entrepreneurship in skilled trades, the importance of trades advocacy, building a thriving trades industry culture, and...

Host Andrew Brown interviews Jennifer Cline, also known as "Jenny from the Shop," a social media influencer and skilled trades advocate. Jennifer shares her journey from an unexpected life event to becoming a DIY expert, trades advocate, and creator who inspires women in trades and beyond. They discuss the importance of trades careers, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of social me...

Host Andrew Brown dives into an engaging conversation with William McCoy, founder of Via. They discuss the importance of skilled trades careers and the transformative role of trades industry technology in addressing labor shortages. William shares how his innovative app streamlines contractor communication tools, supports apprenticeship programs, and promotes sustainability in trades. The conversa...

Host Andrew Brown and guest Ryan Kiscaden delve deep into the world of skilled trades. They discuss the importance and positive outlook of Skilled Trades Careers, the critical issue of Trade Skills Education, opportunities for Tech Integration in Trades, and the power of Children's Books on Trades. Reinforce your passion for trades or discover new perspectives on this essential industry by tuning...

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Jamie McMillan, an ironworker and advocate for skilled trades, to discuss her inspiring journey in a male-dominated field. Jamie shares her insights on breaking stereotypes, the importance of hands-on skills, and the role of mentorship and social media in empowering future tradespeople. They also explore how tech integration and education can address the skilled tr...

We dive into the world of electric vehicles, Bogi Lateiner's empowering women-led Chevy build, and the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in trades. We sit down with the phenomenal Bogi Lateiner, known for her impressive work on "All Girls Garage." In this episode, Bogi shares her unique experiences with the quiet power of electric vehicles and how modern technology is reshaping the auto...

In this episode, we explore how VR and XR technologies enhance electrician training, boost safety, and bridge skill gaps. They discuss industry trends, career opportunities, women's representation, and Siemens' innovative initiatives. Andrew Brown sits down with David Quatela to delve into the transformative role of technology in the trades, from virtual reality (VR) to extended reality (XR). They...

In this episode Paige Knowles dives into the value of skilled trades, the stigma women face, and the importance of vocational education. Paige shares her journey, offers career tips, and highlights her influential books and initiatives. Andrew Brown sits down with the inspiring Paige Knowles, a dedicated trades advocate and author, to uncover the challenges and triumphs women face in the skilled t...

On this episode Melvyn Scofield dives into roofing safety, industry changes, and financial planning. They highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and share insights on career paths and earning potential in roofing. We're diving deep into the challenging yet rewarding world of roofing with our esteemed guest, Melvyn Scofield . From the importance of safety protocols and proactive maintena...

In this episode we explore the decline of trade jobs, the importance of mentoring and training, and the role of storytelling in attracting new talent to essential and rewarding trades careers. Today, we're diving deep into the challenge of sustaining skilled trade professions with our guest, Joshua Mellott . Joshua, founder of the successful electrical contracting company Blackline, shares his jou...

In this episode we talk about the changing world of skilled trades. Affordable trades training, how networking can help, and why grit, gratitude, and good mentors are key to a successful and satisfying career. We have a truly insightful conversation with Tony Mormino from Insight Partners. Together, we'll explore the evolving landscape of skilled trades, focusing on HVAC careers. From discussing i...

In this episode we discuss trust, open communication, and mental health in skilled trades. They highlight the importance of empathetic leadership, entrepreneurship as servitude, and fostering a positive workplace culture for success. We’ve got a special episode that dives deep into the heart of what makes our industry tick—and what sometimes holds it back. Joining us is Tyler Campbell, founder of...

Exploring the lineman trade's challenges, safety protocols, and storm response efforts. Learn about the rewarding yet intense realities of this vital skilled trade. We dive into the exhilarating and sometimes grueling world of linemen. In today's episode, we have with us Austin Laulainen, an experienced lineman and storm chaser, who shares his journey in this essential trade and the realities that...