

Make Trades Great Again
Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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 TradesTune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 1, 2024 • 28min
Bryan Orr, host of HVAC School Podcast
Send us Fan MailLive from AHR Expo in Chicago, the guys sit down with Bryan Orr. Bryan Orr is the Co-Owner of Kalos Services Inc. an Orlando- area HVAC contracting business as well as an audio nerd and podcaster. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 30, 2024 • 18min
Keep The Heat On!
Send us Fan MailWarning: Lots of weather talk in this one lol. When the weather dips to the double digits below zero (F) the heat needs to stay on because setting-back the temperature may be a recipe for disaster. The guys talk ways to combat the extreme cold and how talking with your customers ahead of the storm might be useful. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 25, 2024 • 24min
No heat, no hot water..
Send us Fan MailSetting expectations ahead of starting a job is an obvious step in the process of service, repair, construction right? Eric tells of a recent job when it didn’t start out so great. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 23, 2024 • 19min
Eric looks back on '23, Forward into 2024
Hosts reflect on the challenges faced in 2023 and discuss the factors affecting business performance, such as decreased average ticket prices and struggles with selling upgrades. They also analyze the challenges with data analysis and higher costs of goods. The impact of rising costs, inflation, and interest rates on financing for home improvements is explored and the hosts express their readiness for new opportunities.

Jan 18, 2024 • 34min
5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day
Send us Fan MailIf you're an apprentice this one's for you! If you're not an apprentice but know someone coming up in the trades, please share this with them asap! In this episode Eric & Andy go thru a list of five things/habits/behaviors today's apprentice needs to do or think about daily. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 16, 2024 • 17min
Reviewing 2023 w/ Andy
Send us Fan MailIt's that time of year to look forward into the new year. This is also worth reflecting on the past year to gauge successes. This isn't a New Year Resolution episode! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 11, 2024 • 33min
The Buzzfeed Quiz w/ Chad
Send us Fan MailChad joins the guys to take a buzzfeed quiz to see what career we’re supposed to have. The results are as ridiculous as you probably expect. Thanks to our friend Chad Killinger for joining us. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 9, 2024 • 35min
Breaking Down the Estimating Process
The hosts discuss their memorable project in Montana, approaching a large plumbing project and bidding strategies, exploring options for the heating system, planning a heating system installation, and efficient project completion with reliable techniques. They also discuss a recent video release, sponsors, and upcoming HR Expo with predictions about new industry products.

Jan 4, 2024 • 29min
Job Seekers: Do This!
Send us Fan MailSome old school tactics still work when looking for employment no matter how many job services are out there. The internet is awesome but following up on a job application can get you ahead of the competition. Also did you know there is a whole online service just for blue collar jobs? Check this out and more in this episode where the guys talk about how they got hired into the trades and what worked all those years ago, how it’s still working today. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jan 2, 2024 • 25min
New in town & starting a business?
Send us Fan MailMore listener mail from Australia. The guys talk about some things they’d consider in preparation of starting a new business. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email


