The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
Welcome to The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, the ultimate podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the world of skilled trades. Hosted by Andrew Brown, a passionate advocate for the trades industry, this podcast is your go-to source for knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Andrew brings a unique perspective shaped by years of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to elevating the trades. Dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of skilled trades, where creativity, problem-solving, and dedication come together to build the world around us. From carpentry and HVAC systems to electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and beyond, every episode uncovers the grit, determination, and artistry that define the people behind these essential professions. Andrew’s journey began with a life-changing moment on September 11, 2001, when he worked alongside tradespeople, first responders, and community helpers at Ground Zero. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to advocating for the unsung heroes of the trades. Through his company, Andrew has helped provide tools, equipment, and resources to industry professionals worldwide. Now, through this podcast, he continues his mission to spotlight the craftsmanship, hard work, and dedication of tradespeople everywhere. Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, seasoned professionals, and rising stars in the trades. From contractors and electricians to HVAC specialists, plumbers, carpenters, and more, listeners will gain insider knowledge about the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in these essential fields. Andrew also speaks with educators, advocates, and business leaders who are working to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, offering a fresh perspective on the value and opportunities within the trades. At its core, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades is more than just a podcast — it’s a celebration of a culture built on pride in craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In a time when traditional career paths are overemphasized, this podcast shines a light on an alternative: rewarding careers in skilled trades that offer creativity, financial stability, and the satisfaction of building something tangible. Whether you’re a seasoned trades professional, an aspiring craftsman, or simply curious about the industry, this podcast is your ultimate guide to the untold stories and secrets of success in trades like refrigeration, building, plumbing, and construction. Join Andrew Brown as he celebrates the artistry, resilience, and innovation of the skilled trades — and inspires a new generation to pick up the tools that keep our world running. About Andrew Brown Andrew Brown is a fervent advocate for the skilled trades and is dedicated to addressing and then fixing the trades shortage gap. Through platforms such as social media, podcasts, and live events, he tirelessly promotes the benefits of the trades to students, parents, and educators. For over 23 years Andrew along with his co-founder has built one of the country’s largest on-line tools and equipment eCommerce companies - Toolfetch - focused specifically on the Industrial & Construction Supply Industry. Follow Andrew Brown YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown Website: https://www.toolfetch.com
Episodes
Cobot welding, welding automation, and collaborative robots are transforming skilled trades careers amid a major welder shortage.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Sam Noland of ITW Miller Welding Automation about how cobot welding empowers Tradespeople across Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and Construction. They explore training, ROI, and how automation is elevating—not replacing—the Skilled Trades Industry.
Whethe...
Welding careers, skilled trades, and welding apprenticeship programs take center stage as Andrew Brown sits down with John King of JK Welding at the FABTECH welding expo.
Host Andrew Brown explores how welding careers grow through passion, not just pay, and why Skilled Trades like construction, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry remain the backbone of the Trades Industry. From welding apprenticeship programs to pipeline welding jobs, Joh...
Skilled trades careers and welding salaries revealed! Host Andrew Brown talks with Western Welding Academy’s Tyler Sasse about apprenticeships, high-pressure pipe welding, and how Gen Z is reshaping the trades industry.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Tyler Sasse, CEO of Western Welding Academy, to uncover the realities of skilled trades careers today. From welding jobs salary myths to the truth about welding apprenticeship programs an...
What would you do with $50 million? Lowe’s decided to invest it into the future of the skilled trades—training 50,000 people for careers in plumbing, welding, electrical, HVAC, and more.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Betsy Conway, Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, to explore how skilled trades careers are being shaped by Lowe’s Foundation grants, plumbing apprenticeship programs, and SkillsUSA training programs. They dive deep i...
Women in welding, skilled trades careers, and welding education programs take center stage. Shanen Aranmor of Weld Like a Girl joins host Andrew Brown to explore virtual welding training, SkillsUSA welding, and how mentorship and early exposure shape the next generation of tradespeople.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, to discuss breaking stigmas in the trades industry and opening doors t...
Autism skilled trades programs are transforming careers. Danny Combs joins Andrew Brown to discuss TACT, electrician training, and workforce development.
Host Andrew Brown speaks with Danny Combs, founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), about how autism skilled trades programs create real opportunities for employment for autistic adults in trades. They break down how electrician training for autistic individuals, car...
Building High Paying Trade Careers: How Manufacturing Can Make a Comeback in America w/ Roger Atkins
Careers in manufacturing and skilled trades jobs are booming. Roger Atkins (NTMA) joins Andrew Brown to discuss manufacturing apprenticeship programs, reshoring manufacturing USA, and high paying trade careers.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), to explore how today’s skilled trades jobs are shaping the future of the trades industry. From the growth of...
From nursing to female mechanic, flipping cars for profit, and building Crown's Corner Mechanic.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Desiree Hill, known as She Mechanic, about her bold career change to trades—from healthcare to launching Crown’s Corner Mechanic. They explore how women are breaking into skilled trades careers, what it takes to succeed as a female mechanic, and the role of flipping cars for profit in building confidence and ...
Want a high-paying plumbing trade career? Daniel Quinonez joins Andrew Brown to share plumbing apprenticeship programs, PHCC Educational Foundation training, and plumbing job opportunities.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Daniel Quinonez, COO of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and leader within the PHCC Educational Foundation, about building successful plumbing trade careers. They break down plumbing apprenticeship...
Women in STEM are rising. Meet Destiny Simone Adams, a TikTok STEM creator breaking barriers in robotics competitions and Skilled Trades education.
Host Andrew Brown talks with Destiny Simone Adams, a STEM content creator and advocate for Black Girls Who Code, about competing in all-male robotics competitions, building her personal brand on TikTok, and creating inclusive paths in the Skilled Trades for the next generation. From her ...
Skilled trades shortage is a growing crisis. Mark Hedstrom joins Andrew Brown to discuss workforce gaps, SkillsUSA, and trade school vs college realities.
The skilled trades shortage is no longer coming. It’s here. In this episode, Host Andrew Brown speaks with Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, live from the floor of the SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Together, they break down what students, pare...
Discover how to become an RV tech and why this skilled trade is booming in 2025 and beyond.Andrew Brown sits down with Curtis Hemmeler from the RV Technical Institute to explore the RV technician career path, certification options, wages, and why this trade offers long-term opportunity for career changers, high schoolers, and women entering the trades.
With over 8 million RVs on the road and fewer than 1,000 certified dealerships, t...
From sweeping floors to leading crews on the Freedom Tower, Josh Nieves shares his powerful journey through the IBEW apprenticeship program and into the heart of the skilled trades. This episode dives into union vs non-union paths, electrician salary progression, and how mentorship can change everything
Andrew Brown sits down with Josh Nieves, IBEW electrician and Workforce Development Manager at Miller Electric, to unpack the real ...
Skilled trades summer camps are transforming lives. Angie Simon joins Andrew Brown to talk trades careers, apprenticeships, and women in construction programs.
Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angie Simon, founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, about how skilled trades summer camps are creating real careers in the trades for youth. From women in construction programs to sheet metal apprenticeship opportunities, this episode expl...
Roger Wakefield—plumbing legend and trades influencer—shares how to become a plumber, grow your brand, and start a successful plumbing business.
Host Andrew Brown sits down one of the most recognized names in the trades industry, Roger Wakefield, to break down how to become a plumber, succeed as an apprentice, and build a powerful personal brand as a trades professional. With millions of views on YouTube and decades of hands-on expe...
Roof replacement signs, scaling a roofing business, and how to recruit skilled labor-- Trenton Wisecup joins Andrew Brown to unpack all this and more.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Trenton Wisecup, founder of Arrow Roofing and Empower Me Consulting, to dive into the reality of scaling a roofing business in today’s skilled trades industry. They explore how to identify roof replacement signs before it's too late, implement effectiv...
Skilled trades career paths offer high paying jobs without a degree. Ryan Eisenhauer joins Andrew Brown to break down trade school vs college, apprenticeships, and mentorship.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Ryan Eisenhauer, aka Ike from Construction Mentor, to talk about skilled trades career paths, the reality of apprenticeship opportunities in construction, and how to succeed with or without a college degree. They explore how tr...
Want more leads in the trades? Marcus Sheridan joins host Andrew Brown to talk self-service tools, pricing estimators, and trusted brand building strategies.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with marketing expert, speaker, and former pool contractor Marcus Sheridan to break down what it really takes to build a trusted brand in the skilled trades today.
They cover everything from using AI in the trades industry to designing self-service sa...
Want to join the skilled trades as a woman? Judaline Cassidy shares how to start, find support, and thrive in a trades career, from plumbing to advocacy.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with master plumber and trades advocate Judaline Cassidy, founder of Tools and Tiaras, to talk about how women can break into the skilled trades. They dive into the reality of being a female plumber, how trades careers for girls are growing, the power of...
Skilled trades careers are booming, from trade school welding programs to women in skilled trades. William Myers of Ancora Education shares why now's the time.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with welding educator and skilled trades advocate Bill Myers of Ancora Education to explore how to launch a welding career in today’s trades industry.
They dive into the structure of trade school welding programs, how the NCCER Career Builder helps...
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