Make Trades Great Again
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals. Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
Episodes
In this episode, Andy and Eric explore the fascinating history and ongoing renovation of a 110-year-old bank building in Missoula. They discuss the building's unique architecture, outdated plumbing systems, and innovative solutions for modern upgrades.
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Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Newsletter...
Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things lighting in this week's episode.
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson ...
Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki.
Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hundreds of products that are mostly intended to save us time on and off the job site.
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Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
There are pockets of the US that are struggling, other areas that are as busy as ever. What gives?
We want your feedback! Text, email, comment, DM!
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Calling all apprentices (and those training them)!
One of our most listened to episodes went live back in April 2024 and still tallies downloads today so we decided it was time for a followup!
We changed it up a little from our first list of 5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day
Thanks for listening, have a great day!
This episode aired in August '24 and had been one of our most downloaded ever, give it a listen, we hope you enjoy it. We will be back with new episodes soon!
Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ?
We are so pumped to bring you this and the next episode with special Guests Heather Aune & Sheryl Mickelson, the obvious better halves of the MTGA team.
Sheryl runs the office and a good part of t...
The guys revisit a topic they’ve been getting a lot of feedback from. It started with a recent MTGA episode titled “Eric Hates Combi Boilers”.
In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi boilers, common issues, applications, and backup strategies for heating systems. They share insights on system reliability, application scenarios, and practical tips for homeowners and professionals.
Andy and Eric discuss their recent project installing a Viessmann air-to-water heat pump system, exploring its performance, efficiency, and potential applications in radiant cooling and heating. They share insights on system design, energy savings, and practical considerations for HVAC professionals.
Takeaways
- The Viessmann system can operate quietly and efficiently in residential settings.
- Proper piping size and layout are c...
Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop!
This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share practical insights, calculations, and real-world examples to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
Key Topics
Radiant slab design and insulation
Low water temperature operatio...
Should we stop installing combi-boilers?
Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes.
Chapters
00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate
05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems
10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers
15:49 The Importance of Proper Sizing<...
Hey MTGA fans, we're excited for you to meet a good friend of ours, olease give it a listen!
Mark Wille shares his journey from childhood in construction to becoming a leader in building science and education. Discover his insights on trades, education, leadership, and his innovative children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of builders.
Key Topics
Journey from childhood in construction to industry lead...
We explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into residential heating and hot water systems.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to New Technologies in HVAC
02:44 Challenges with New Equipment Installations
05:21 Case Study: Air to Water Hea...
Join us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology.
Discover how these stories highlight resilience, industry challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Key Topics:
Wildfire rebuilding process and community impact
Workforce development in the trades and education progr...
In this episode, Eric shares a detailed case study of a residential hot water system issue, exploring piping mistakes, system design flaws, and practical solutions for improving hot water performance in large homes.
Key topics:
- Piping mistakes in residential water systems
- Proper sizing and piping of indirect water heaters
- Troubleshooting hot water shortages in large homes
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recent vacation and discuss the impact of technology on their work.
Key Topics:
- Using AI to write scope descriptions
- Balancing detail and simplicity in estimates
- Communicating scope of wor...
Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do?
Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along?
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol.
Eric & Andy talk about the new AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating.
What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses?
Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike.
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy...
In this episode, Eric and Andy explore the practicalities, frustrations, and potential of AI-powered call answering systems in small businesses. They share personal experiences with automated systems in auto repair, healthcare, and customer service, debating their effectiveness and future prospects.
In the end one of the guys is planning to sign up and start using an ai answering service, who do you think it will be?
Minnesota winters are relentless and physics will show no mercy! Today's episode brings back the classic MTGA format where Eric hits record without Andy knowing what the topic is. The guys cover dealing with Eric's frozen sewer and water as well as the silliness surrounding a simple battery change on the Transit. As always, thanks for listening.
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