The Trades Podcast

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 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...

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...

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...

What if the biggest opportunity in today’s economy isn’t being talked about enough? In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres break down the latest insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reveal a powerful truth, the skilled trades are not just in demand, they are essential to the future of the workforce. With hundreds of thousands of open positions acr...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch , a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources , to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations. Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer f...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts discuss the importance of trades and skills in today's economy with guest Zachary Greg Hansen, author of 'The Trade Gap.' Zach shares his personal journey from a traditional education path to discovering the value of trades, the flaws in the education system, and the need for a shift in perspective towards vocational training. The conversation covers th...

In this uplifting episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Shonna Jordan , founder and CEO of JordanJordan.com Marketing , for a conversation that goes beyond logos and ads and focuses on why your marketing matters. Shonna explains how understanding brand purpose, customer psychology, and tailored messaging can help trades businesses break through noise and build long-term success. You’ll hear Shonna...

What does it look like when passion, community, and craftsmanship come together to build more than a business? In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley , CEO of Girly Garage , to explore how a single idea can grow into a vibrant community built around cars, confidence, and connection. In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Talena...

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with Rafael Torres about the journey of growing Lefty’s Plumbing Services and the values that guide the company’s work. Rafael discusses how maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and high standards has helped the company earn repeat customers and strong referrals.   The discussion also covers training technicians, developing a reliable team, an...

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny and Jeff discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting young adults to the trades. They explore the importance of paid on-the-job training, creating certificate programs, and the role of technology in training. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship, company culture, and engaging with schools to recruit the next generat...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Tommy Holstein , CEO of Solid Ground STL, about the challenges and rewards of leading a construction and foundation repair company. Tommy explains why attention to detail, honesty with customers, and strong internal culture are essential in an industry where trust and safety matter most. The conversation explores leadership under pressure, growing a skille...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny welcome Kathy Denton from Berger Hardware, who shares her extensive experience in the door hardware industry. Kathy discusses her journey from being a client to working at Berger Hardware for over 32 years. She highlights the transition to their new location in Encinitas, the unique showroom experience, and the importance of building rela...

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind. You wi...

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with John Figueroa about the values and processes that define On Point Heating and Air. John breaks down what customers truly expect from an HVAC professional, how his team stays ahead of industry best practices, and why consistent training is essential for both quality and culture. Topics include maintaining strong communication with homeowners, installin...

  In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completi...

Summary In this conversation, John Pierson shares his personal experience with mosquitoes and the challenges he faced while trying to create a mosquito-free outdoor space. He discusses his initial solution of using tiki torches and the problems that arose from that approach. Ultimately, this led to the innovative idea of BuzzCaps, a product designed to enhance outdoor living by effectively managin...

Finding What’s Hidden — Precision, People & Performance in Leak Detection In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Joseph Hernandez , Division Manager at CPL Detection , a leader in leak detection and underground utility locating. Joseph shares how his team combines advanced technology with expert craftsmanship to provide accurate, efficient, and trustwort...

Episode Notes In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks , Co-Owner of Pest In Class® , a company redefining professional development in the pest control industry. Cliff shares how Pest In Class is bridging the gap between education and real-world application—empowering technicians, company owners, and service leaders to reach new l...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Dan Clapper , Commercial HVAC and Facility Maintenance Expert at Interplay Learning , to uncover how digital innovation is transforming education in the skilled trades. Dan discusses how Interplay Learning is empowering tradespeople and companies with 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) training that bridges the...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Erin Izen , Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation® , for an uplifting conversation about service, opportunity, and the power of skilled trades to transform communities. Erin shares how The Home Depot Foundation® is helping address the skilled labor shortage through its Path to Pro™ program, which provides fr...

In this episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff and Danny interview Laura Basili , Chief Marketing Officer at Brazilian Lumber . Laura shares how premium hardwood materials, sustainability, and education have positioned the company as a trusted partner for contractors, deck builders, architects, and designers. She explains how answering real-world installation questions, simplifying sourcing, a...

In this inspiring episode of The Trades Podcast , hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Levi Torres , President and Owner of High Five Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric . Levi shares how he took his roots as a second-generation plumber and built one of Denver’s most dynamic service companies. The conversation highlights High Five Plumbing’s unique culture, which emphasizes positivity a...