The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

The episode we explore the critical role of personal branding for tradespersons and entrepreneurs, strategies to overcome branding fears, and initiatives empowering women in the trades industry. We have a fascinating conversation lined up with a special guest who truly understands the intricate world of personal branding for tradespeople and small business owners. Joining us is Stefanie Couch, the...

Barbie the Welder tells her inspiring journey from welfare to welding sculptor. Barbie shares personal growth, relationship dynamics, and the importance of self-improvement and skilled trades. Discover her passion for craftsmanship and community impact. In today's episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Barbie the Welder. Known for her incredible metal sculptures and entrepreneurial spirit, Barbie...

We explore Texas' appeal for businesses, the importance of authenticity, and the upcoming YTexas Summit. Tune in for insights on skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. In this episode, we'll delve into the unique appeal of Texas for businesses, particularly during and after the pandemic, and discuss the booming job market and the influx of companies relocating to the state. Ed and...

Today's episode we explore dynamic training solutions, the future of VR in trades, the importance of mentorship, and the emerging app, Skillcat, as a revolutionary tool for career growth. In this episode, we're joined by Ruchir Shah, an industry expert dedicated to making technical training more accessible and engaging. Ruchir shares innovative strategies to keep trainees motivated, including gami...

Michael Rounds, president of Williamson College of the Trades, discusses the school's mission to empower young men from tough backgrounds with technical skills, discipline, and moral values for successful careers. Today we dive into a fascinating conversation with Michael Rounds, president of Williamson College of the Trades. Founded in 1888 by philanthropist Isaiah Vansan Williamson, this unique...

Discover the fulfilling world of non-destructive testing with Donald Booth, CEO of American Institute of NDT. Explore NDT's vital role in safety, lucrative career paths, and the school's innovative approach to hands-on trade education. Non-destructive testing, or NDT, is a vital but often overlooked field that ensures the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure like bridges, pipelines, air...

In this episode Brandon Eckenrode from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) dives into reopening collision school programs, the importance of industry support, and changing perceptions of vocational education. Learn about SkillsUSA, scholarships, and the growing role of females in the trade. 00:00 Car repair industry faces staffing shortage, affecting customers. 05:16 CREF supports col...

Jennifer Green discusses her journey in skilled trades: mentorship at Conestoga College, winning competitions, and promoting diversity. She highlights the need for early career exploration, successful initiatives like Skills Ontario, and changing stigmas about trades, emphasizing the lucrative potential. We'll explore the growing interest in entrepreneurship among students, the importance of early...

In today's episode, we dive into the world of welding with Mark Fisher, a 20-year veteran from Lincoln Electric. Discover the true passion, skill, and innovation that drive this pivotal trade, and learn why the future of manufacturing depends on it. Mark Fisher is an expert in the automotive industry, where his knowledge and experience have underscored the critical importance of minimizing downtim...

Matt Scott shares insights on the future of welding education, his son’s career journey, and the importance of mentorship. With 30 years at Portland Community College, Matt's dedication to the trades and promoting diversity in the industry shines through. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Today, we sit down with Matt Scott, a veteran welding instructor with over 30 years of experienc...

Today, we're thrilled to have Eric G, a passionate advocate for innovation in home construction materials and the skilled trades Eric G dives into the need for new home construction materials to replace outdated products like drywall, and he provides insights into his radio and TV shows, as well as upcoming projects that showcase innovative construction products. The conversation also highlights t...

Together, they discuss the growing trend of women entering the trades and the immense satisfaction that comes from building a career in these essential fields. We'll touch on the looming shortage of skilled tradespeople and the proactive measures needed to combat it, including the importance of early education and creative approaches to promoting trade careers. Andrew shares a personal story about...

Today, we're joined by the one and only Nate Bowman, also known as the "weld scientist." Nate's journey in the welding industry is nothing short of inspiring, proving that success is attainable despite past struggles and challenges. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights on making proactive moves in the job market, understanding wages, and using virtual welding as a tool...

In this episode, we’ll delve into the extraordinary efforts being made to introduce young girls to the trades industry through innovative programs like the MYWIC camp and Block Kids contests. Mary Gaffney will share the impact of these initiatives, including an extensive infrastructure project in Philadelphia, job site tours, and hands-on activities designed to spark interest in construction caree...

Today, we're joined by Joshua O'neal, a seasoned welder with over two decades of experience who has transitioned into a formidable educator in the field. Journey with us as Joshua shares his inspiring path from observing journeymen to mastering and teaching the art of welding. He will discuss the transformative power of trade education, the influence of his family's legacy in the trade...

In this episode, we have an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of trades like welding. Today, we’re diving into how the industry is adapting to attract the younger generation, with a special focus on breaking down barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Demi Knight Clark, a champion for empowering women in trades, shares her experiences and successes in launching in...

In this episode we unpack the significant roles of mentorship and systematic processes in transitioning from tradesperson to business owner and ensuring business success. Our discussion will also cover the importance of core values in hiring, the benefits and potentials of trade careers, and the innovative approaches to training through apprenticeship programs. Bob Logan and Andrew Brown will delv...

Our guest Caleb Faust, delves into the world of blue-collar careers, exploring the vital role of mentorship, the financial benefits of blue-collar work, and why the trade school route might just be the more lucrative path compared to a traditional college degree. Caleb will share insights on the importance of having experienced mentors in the field and how companies can attract the next generation...

Today’s episode titled "Combating Labor Shortages in Construction with David McNeil" we delve deep into the transformative world of lean management and its impact on the skilled trades. Joining us is David McNeil, a veteran of the construction industry and the mastermind behind On Point Lean Consulting. Despite initial skepticism, David became a believer in the power of lean management,...

In this episode, Rich and Andrew peel back the curtain on the challenges and realities of working in the trades. They'll share invaluable experiences and explore the critical roles mentorship and company culture play in nurturing the next generation of tradespeople. We'll tackle the hot topic of balancing work with family, particularly in family-run businesses, and discuss strategies like...

Welcome back listeners to another episode of the "Lost Art of the Skilled Trades" podcast. I'm Andrew Brown, your host and fellow trades enthusiast, ready to delve into the fascinating world of manual mastery and craftsmanship that keeps our society running. In today's special episode titled "Doug Winston Live.wav," we are thrilled to have a true trailblazer in the real...

In our latest installment, we delve deep into the heart of a pressing issue: the evolving landscape of skilled trades and the challenges faced by the younger generation in charting fulfilling career paths. Joining us today are two passionate guests, Martin Socha of Point Group in Canada and Andrew Brown, who bring valuable insights into this world of manual mastery. First, we'll explore the da...

Welcome back to The Lost Art of The Skilled Trades. In today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Wally Adamchik, a former marine with a deep passion for advocating the skilled trades. Wally shared his unique journey into the world of construction, drawing upon his family roots and firsthand experience working alongside tradesmen from a young age. Throughout the conversation, Wa...

Welcome to another episode of "Lost Art of The Skilled Trades," where today we tackle a provocative question: Is welding a dying career? Joining us is the seasoned John King, owner of JK Welding and Trail Westgate, whose hands-on experience has sculpted his views on the trade's future, and our very own Andrew Brown, who brings his entrepreneurial insight to the table. In this episode...