Trade Secrets (powered by metabo HPT)

Thanks for tuning in to Season One! We hope this season armed you with ideas, insights and strategies that you can actually apply to your business.  We'll see you in Season Two.

Guest:  Frank Heneghan (Heneghan Services) Private equity is showing up fast in the trades—but most owners don’t really understand how it works, what buyers are actually looking for, or how deals can unravel late in the process. In this episode, Frank Henigan shares real, firsthand experience after going through a full private equity cycle:  30 buyers, 7 offers, and ultimately walking away from th...

Guest:  Kevin Blackburn (Kids Making It) What does it really mean to be a  champion  for the trades? In this episode, Kevin Blackburn, Executive Director of  Kids Making It , shares how business owners can play a direct role in inspiring and equipping the next generation of tradespeople. From outreach and mentorship to sponsorship and storytelling, Kevin breaks down why supporting the trades isn’t...

Guest: Zac Engler (Chief AI Officer at C4 Tech Services) AI can feel overwhelming - too many tools, not enough clarity. In this episode, Zac Engler cuts through the noise and shows why  prompting  is the foundational skill that unlocks real results for trades businesses. He walks through a simple framework you can use today to estimate jobs, build bids, schedule crews, summarize specs, and more. Y...

Guest:  David Zaycer (Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency) Insurance might not be the first thing you think about when running a trades business, but ignoring it (or getting it wrong) can be one of the costliest mistakes you ever make. In this episode, David Zaycer breaks down the most common insurance pitfalls he sees contractors make, and how to avoid them. You'll learn: • Why underestimati...

Guest: Tanner Konrady (Konrady & Son Construction) What does it really mean for a trades business to give back to the community and how can it strengthen your company at the same time? In this episode, Tanner Konrady joins us again and shares how his multi-generational business has made stewardship part of its DNA, from supporting nonprofits to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. Yo...

Guest:  Julie Walther (Women in Trades Hub) Women-owned trades businesses face a unique set of challenges—from outdated stereotypes to unfair pricing expectations—but they’re also building strong companies, earning trust, and winning clients every day. In this episode, Julie Walther shares practical trade secrets women can use to attract more of the  right  clients, build support networks, and sta...

Guest: Wade Thomas (Aim to Win) “Delegate more” is advice trades business owners hear all the time—but no one ever really explains how to do it, or why it matters so much. In this episode, Wade Thomas, founder of Aim to Win, breaks down the real benefits of delegating, the hidden risks of not doing it, and the step-by-step process to delegate with confidence. You'll learn: • Why delegation is...

Guest:  Lyle Morris (ERS Construction) What happens when you build a business around your personal values? In this episode, Lyle Morris shares how anchoring ERS Construction to his moral compass has shaped everything—from the way he treats customers, to the culture of his team, to the long-term trust his company is earning in the community. You'll learn: • Why personal values should guide ever...

Guest: Tanner Konrady (Konrady & Son Construction) Taking over a family business sounds simple—until you’re the one actually doing it. In this episode, Tanner Conraddy shares the ups and downs of stepping into his father’s shoes, from navigating old-school methods to introducing new ideas, all while keeping family relationships intact. You'll learn: ·       The biggest challenges of runnin...

Guest: John Jarvis (PBC Design + Build) “Staying relevant” isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about staying  valuable . John Jarvis shares how he’s kept his company sharp and competitive by embracing change without losing what makes his business great. You'll learn: What relevance really means in the trades How to tell if your business is falling behind How to challenge old-school thinking (even...

Guest: Steve Dutton Feel overwhelmed by social media? Steve Dutton keeps it simple—and effective. In this episode, Steve explains how being real (and using his dog as a co-star) helped him grow a loyal audience and attract business...with zero marketing fluff. You'll learn: What platforms work best for tradespeople Why low-effort, high-authenticity content wins How to film without fancy equipm...

Guest: Crystal Cannata  Your back office isn’t just paperwork—it’s your business engine. Crystal Cannata shares easy-to-use, real-world hacks for getting your admin systems running more smoothly. Because building a trades business isn't just about what happens on the jobsite. You'll learn:  Three back-office hacks that you can use  today What a “tech stack” is (and why it matters) How to...

Guest: Vince DeFreitas (Silver Developers) Want to stand out in a crowded market? Vince DeFreitas shares why picking one thing to be known for is a secret weapon for tradespeople looking to grow. He explains how he found his niche and how you can too—without limiting your opportunities. You'll learn: How to define your specialty Why being a generalist can work  against  you Ways to market your...

Guest: Frank Heneghan (Heneghan Services) What three people should you line up  immediately  when starting your own trades business? In this episode, Frank Heneghan breaks down the “three ducks” every new business owner needs to get in a row—fast. Think of it as a foundational checklist that could save you serious time, money, and stress. You'll learn: The three most important pros to bring in...

This show is all about real-world lessons, smart strategies, and proven hacks used by successful tradespeople who’ve been in the trenches. If you're just starting your own trades business—or thinking about it—this podcast is another tool for your toolbox. Only this one doesn’t go in the truck...it goes in your head. And it makes perfect sense that Metabo HPT, a trusted name in pro-grade tools