Make Trades Great Again
Welcome to Make Trades Great Again! Join Eric and Andy, seasoned plumbing and heating contractors turned business owners, as they dive deep into the world of skilled trades careers. If you're passionate about building a successful service business or considering starting your own venture in the skilled trades industry, smash that subscribe button. With their wealth of experience and expertise, Eric and Andy share invaluable insights on everything from launching your own business, setting competitive rates, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Discover the secrets to thriving in the competitive trades landscape as Eric and Andy unravel practical tips, proven strategies, and real-life anecdotes that will fuel your journey towards excellence. Whether you're an aspiring tradesperson, a seasoned professional, or simply intrigued by the fascinating world of skilled trades, this podcast is your go-to resource for success. Tune in twice a week for engaging discussions, in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and step-by-step guidance on investing wisely in your trade business. We'll explore essential topics like financial management, client relations, staying updated with industry advancements, and much more. "Make Trades Great Again" is available on all major podcast platforms, ensuring you never miss a chance to level up your career in the trades. Let Eric and Andy empower you to take charge of your professional destiny and carve a rewarding path in the world of skilled trades. Get ready to transform your passion into a thriving and profitable venture!
Episodes
You might know Colton as @viking_pipefitter on the socials. You might know him from a training session or trades show when he worked for Viega but do you know how he got his start?
This was a fun conversation, we hope you enjoy it!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-...
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The guys are bs'ing about vans again. Should we change the title to the podcast to "Van Talk"? lol
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The guys talk AI and how they've been using it for work. Scheduling, emails, videos etc. are just some of the ways Eric has put ChatGPT to work for him.
Are you using any form of artificial intelligence on the job or in the office for day to day tasks? We'd really like to talk to you about it so text us!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mecha...
Most would agree it’s a good idea to have options when it comes to supply chain but we’re often loyal to at least one supplier. So, what would make you switch to another supplier?
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
As things slow down and the job outlook or load changes we have to consider how to fill the schedule. Does that mean taking on work you normally wouldn't?
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Longtime friend of MTGA, Jason Norman joins Eric & Andy to get deeper into the EV Fleet debate. Will we be forced to change our work schedules, driving habits? Will field techs no longer get to drive their work van home? This has been a very popular topic for the podcast, thank you all for the feedback and listens!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanical...
Eric hits the road, or sky’s to join Andy in Missoula for a special project.
We’ve talked connected appliances and controls many times on the podcast and do it again this time. A couple new Tekmar products will serve Andy’s clients well.
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mecha...
The guys talk shop and all things that go with it in this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast.
Milwaukee Tool recently announced and shipped the long awaited M12 tubing cutter capable of cutting up to 2" copper pipe. Whoa, whoa that's not all! Andy makes a pretty bold statement, naming the BEST SCREWDRIVER IN THE WORLD. Hint: It's a Wiha.
The guys talk new tools, favorite tools and get into some general BS about tools for the heck of it.
MTGA friend Denver Baker joins the guys to talk E.V.’s. Specifically, service vehicles for his or the many HVAC contracting companies.
The crew talks tech, charging, current offerings from the usual suspects and so new auto makers offering rechargeable cargo vehicles.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric ...
The guys answer an email from a friend of the show. What do we want from our sales people?
Mark says he's recently moved into an outside sales position for the supply company he works for, he's looking for our feedback on what we are looking for from our sales partners in the industry.
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy ...
Ever just get to a point you cant stand your own playlist? We have and Andy wants to know what you're listening to. This week the guys relax and reminisce about the early days of XM Radio and talk about some of their favorite things to stream now.
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our websit...
Some pretty big changes are in the works for how Minnesotans pay for, and use electricity which had the guys discussing everything from electrification, off-peak electrical and the home heating utility usages from one state to the next.
To our faithful listeners: No actual investigative journalism was used for this groundbreaking discussion and revelations.
In all seriousness, the guys do talk about a couple recent medical events as a reminder that none of are invincible and taking care of ourselves is paramount to having a long successful career in the trades.
Pre-surgery talk started back in February in episode 279: https://maketrades.buzzsprout.com
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhu...
Eric and Andy share insights and strategies for navigating economic slowdowns amidst shifting market conditions. Whether it's seasonal fluctuations or the impact of high interest rates and inflation on consumer behavior, they delve into practical approaches.
This episode focuses on the effective practices that have sustained their plumbing and heating service business, with potential applications for various other ind...
It’s time for a break from new episodes while the guys work on a new approach to delivering the MTGA content and topics.
Please take a look at any one of the 280 previous episodes in our library if you haven’t heard them all. We will be back, thank you for your continued support!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_...
Credit card payments are the norm but how much of a risk are they if payments can be easily disputed and taken from you?
The guys talk about this as it all started from, where else but a stupid Facebook group…
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Eric has a minor surgery coming up, Andy just had one himself and both could've been done months or even years ago but it's too easy to put it off for another day.
In this episode the guys say lit like it is, you gotta make yourself a priority, if you don't it's only going to get worse.
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mec...
Here's another one from AHR Expo 2024. Our friends Becky Brotherton and Michael Provenzano join us to talk about the iconic tool company's 100 years of manufacturing history and more.
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com
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