WIRED WATTSMART

Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about serving people, building trust, and making difficult decisions when they matter most. In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with Yakima County Sheriff candidate Jake Church for an open conversation about leadership, public safety, and the experiences that have shaped his 26-year career in law enforcement. Jake...

Thinking about buying a hot tub? Before you make the purchase, there are a few electrical requirements every homeowner should understand. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh breaks down the most common issues homeowners run into when installing a new hot tub, including panel capacity, GFCI protection, disconnect placement, bonding requirements, wiring methods, and why hiring a qualified elect...

ost people think wealth is about money. Art Torres believes it's much more than that. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh sits down with entrepreneur, business banker, husband, and father Art Torres to discuss the financial roadmap for blue-collar workers and young adults looking to build a better future. The conversation starts with credit, banking relationships, home ownership, business...

Most people see the highlights. The nice cars. The successful businesses. The freedom. What they don't see is the debt, stress, sacrifices, failures, bad partnerships, and years of work behind it. In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh Torpey sits down with entrepreneur Jeremy Sandino to discuss: ✔ Building Maniac Motorsports ✔ Lessons from failed partnerships ✔ Real estate investing ✔ Creating...

Most young tradesmen never get taught how to build wealth, manage money, or eventually start their own business. In Part 3 of our Money Management Series, Josh breaks down the roadmap that helped him go from learning a trade to flipping his first house and eventually launching Wattsmart Electric. We discuss startup capital, business credit, vendor accounts, cash flow, paying yourself last, avoidin...

Part 2 of the Wired Wattsmart Money Management Series is all about using the trades to create real opportunities. Josh breaks down how blue-collar workers can use side work, tools, sweat equity, and fixer-upper houses to level up financially — without chasing “get rich quick” garbage. ⚡ This episode covers: ✔️ Why tradesmen have a major advantage ✔️ Using side work to build wealth ✔️ Investing in...

In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh kicks off Part 1 of a 3-part money management series built specifically for blue-collar workers, apprentices, and future business owners. This isn’t “finance guru” advice — it’s real-world lessons from someone who built it firsthand. Josh talks about:⚡ Building credit from a young age⚡ Using credit cards responsibly⚡ Saving money without missing life⚡ A...

From climbing powerline towers to building businesses—this episode dives into what it really takes to level up beyond the trade. We talk about the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur, why most blue collar guys stay stuck financially, and how learning to manage money, take risks, and find the right mentors can completely change your path. If you’re in the trades and thinking about what’s ne...

In this episode, I sit down with Doug Grandstrand, owner of Bill’s Place—one of Yakima’s most well-known local bars and restaurants. Doug shares how he went from retiring after 34 years at Shields to buying a run-down dive bar… and turning it into a thriving business. We talk about everything from rebuilding during COVID, managing employees, and what it really takes to run a bar. We also dive into...

Join Josh Torpey as he sits down with Joe Cardenas, a young entrepreneur who shares his journey from a stable job to starting his own business. In this candid conversation, Joe opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of work-life balance, and the fulfillment he finds in pursuing his passion. Discover how taking a leap of faith and embracing the unknown can lead to persona...

Most electrical distribution and contracting professionals don’t realize how interconnected their worlds truly are. Tyler Hicks, a seasoned outside sales rep and former branch manager at Stoneway Electric Supply, pulls back the curtain on the industry’s hidden frameworks and reveals how strategic value engineering, supplier relationships, and market trends shape every project — from bid to build....

Most electricians never get the chance to master the art of control wiring or design the systems that power industrial giants. Chase Larson broke into the industry early on, combining hands-on apprenticeship with over three decades of expertise — and now he’s a control engineer shaping the future of automation. In this episode, Chase shares how he transitioned from a field electrician to a top-tie...

Building Wealth Through Real Estate and Business with Brad ChandlerIn this episode, Brad Chandler shares his journey from flipping houses to building a successful real estate business and investment ecosystem in Yakima. He discusses strategies for affordable renovations, team building, and identifying lucrative opportunities in zoning and ADUs, all while emphasizing patience, planning, and communi...

Josh Torpey sits down with Bryce Takamori of Graphite Construction to break down what it really takes to become a general contractor —and what most people don’t see behind the scenes. Bryce shares his path from excavation and civil work to running a successful GC business in the Yakima Valley, including lessons on: Learning on the job (no “overnight” success) What GCs look for when hiring (attitud...

Most homeowners and builders overlook the critical early steps that can make or break a house wiring project—and end up costing thousands. Discover the insider process that electricians use to guarantee your dream home’s electrical system is precisely tailored to your needs, budget, and future plans. In this episode, Josh Torpey pulls back the curtain on the complex yet manageable world of home el...

Join Ash Brown, a seasoned journeyman electrician, as he reveals the keys to thriving in the trades. Perfect for young aspirants and those feeling daunted by the journey, this episode offers a roadmap to success without a college degree. Discover how basic math, organization, and a strong work ethic can lead to a rewarding career. Ash shares his journey from high school auto body programs to maste...

In this episode, Josh Torpey introduces Wired WattSmart's $50 electrical safety check, an entry-level inspection service for homeowners. He explains the importance of having your electrical panel inspected, especially if you've never done it before or have recently moved into a new home. The inspection includes checking for visual burn marks, corrosion, and ensuring proper grounding and bo...

Summary In this episode, Josh Torpey discusses home standby generators, covering various types, sizing, fuel options, transfer switches, installation considerations, costs, and maintenance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your power needs and expectations when selecting a generator, as well as the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable backup power source. Takeaways Home sta...

Summary In this podcast episode, Josh Torpey and Jeff Mercer discuss the fundamentals of smart home technology, exploring various products and systems that enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency in homes. They cover topics such as lighting automation, smart thermostats, security systems like Ring, audio integration with Sonos, and the importance of low voltage systems in new construc...

This episode is tailored for those interested in entering the electrical industry, offering insights into the various licenses available, such as the 01 General Journeyman and specialty licenses. It highlights the importance of accredited apprenticeship programs and provides advice for young individuals considering a career in the trades. The discussion also covers the benefits of starting with a...

In this episode of Wired WattSmart, Josh Torpey discusses the risks associated with Zinsko electrical panels, common in homes from the 1960s to 1980s. He explains how these panels can fail to trip during overloads, posing fire hazards, and advises on identifying problematic panels. The episode also covers the impact of these panels on home sales and insurance, and offers safety tips for homeowners...