Make Trades Great Again

The podcast discusses the pros and cons of replacing vs. repairing equipment in the field of technology. It explores the issue in the HVAC industry, shares personal experiences, and debates the cost and longevity of appliances. The challenges of replacing components in modern furnaces, including the complexity of diagnosing and repairing integrated parts, are also discussed.

Send us Fan MailLongtime listener Dillon writes in with a followup to an episode from almost two years ago when he was looking for advice on buying the business he was working for.  Dillon is at the point in owning the business where he needs to expand. He also had to fire the son of the former owner of the business. Is not hiring and expanding as much of a risk as hiring? Maybe! 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

Send us Fan MailAndy tells us about a problem job they’ve been dealing with for a few years. Ever have one of those jobs you wish you never took on? How about a piece of equipment or materials you regret installing? 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

Send us Fan MailHow long is long enough for proper training in the skilled trades? It’s no secret we are not attracting more young adults than needed into the trades, could a shorter training period move the needle on interest? What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you! 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

Send us Fan MailWe recently talked about all these connected systems and appliances but what about an old school, simple system that’s not connected? Are we talking survival/prepping type of clientele or just simplification? 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

The hosts discuss hiring new employees and the importance of eagerness to learn and readiness to work. They share insights on a recent hire experienced in HVAC but new to plumbing and hydraulics. They also cover preparing for a new employee, training and job shadowing, repairing an ultra boiler, and transitioning with a capable new hire from the trades pool.

Send us Fan MailEver wondered why we prefer our turkey fried rather than baked or roasted? Curious about the art of Spatchcocking that gives us the most succulent chicken? Well, sit back, relax, and let's talk about our unique Thanksgiving practices. Our holiday dinner tables may not look like your average ones, but our smoked turkey, ham, and Spatchcock chickens on the pellet grill are certain to whet your appetite!As we traverse through the holiday season, road safety becomes a paramount concern. Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of road construction, discuss how to handle impatient drivers, and stress on the importance of taking regular breaks. Let's not forget our quirky thoughts on road designs, especially the confusing street names and layouts in Mississauga, Montana, and the infamous Michigan left turn. Buckle up, it's going to be an interesting ride!Our show wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to our loyal listener, Chad. To clear the air, we're not bullies, and we're thrilled to welcome him as a guest on a future episode. Remember, we're here because of folks like you. Whether you give us five stars or just one, we appreciate your feedback. Send us your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, and keep connecting with us. Until next time, stay safe, and have an incredible Thanksgiving!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

Send us Fan Mail"Coffee talk" lol, no really, the Nespresso machine is worth it! The guys BS some more in this episode about multiple topics like coffee and "why the hell did my M12 Fuel band saw turn to garbage?" -Eric As always, thank you for listening. Thank you for the feedback and please take a minute to rate us in your podcast app. We do appreciate your time! 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

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how the pros prepare for the harsh winter months in the HVAC industry? Well, you're in for a treat as we share our seasoned insights on dealing with the hustle and bustle of heating season, the significance of meticulous preparation, and the art of staying ahead in this game. Oh, and let's not forget the occasional 60-degree days that still have customers fretting about their feline friends' escapades in the great outdoors! Next up, let's talk job site organization and the benefits of a well-organized trailer. It's all about categorizing and storing supplies effectively, ensuring the right equipment is dispatched and learning from those frustrating miscommunication moments. We'll also introduce you to our novel idea of a menu shopping annual maintenance program, a potential game-changer that's designed to enhance efficiency and improve our customer communications. In our final act, we'll consider the concept of a pack out box for those all-important boiler swaps, maintaining an inventory of essentials, and the intriguing prospect of launching a new shop. We'll share our thoughts on the feasibility of acquiring a dedicated plumbing shop space and the financial implications. So, prepare for a thrilling ride as we explore the highs, lows, and hilarities of life in the HVAC world!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

Send us Fan MailEver had a customer reach into a gun safe overflowing with cash to pay for a service call? We've got a cracker of a chat lined up where we share our bemusing and sometimes perplexing experiences with customers doling out large amounts of cash for our services. From navigating the logistics of hefty bank deposits to the discomfort of possibly handling counterfeit money, we dive deep into this emerging trend that's got our brains buzzing.More than just an unexpected change in customer behavior, we grapple with the implications this trend has on our financial reporting and business operations. We're not out here on a mission to cook the books and with this surge in cash payments, it’s more than just a bit of a headache. Whether it's the anxious moment of holding tens of thousands of dollars or the cumbersome need to make multiple bank deposits, we're certainly in some tricky territory. Tune into our chat and discover how we're maneuvering through this fascinating conundrum.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