Make Trades Great Again

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how it feels to switch careers and dive headfirst into a completely unfamiliar field? Meet Brent McCauley, a project manager at Aarow Building, who transitioned from university fundraising to the construction industry. His unique journey, filled with challenges and learning experiences, is a testament to the beauty of career exploration. We delve into how Brent found his passion for problem-solving within the building industry, a far cry from his decade-long stint in fundraising.As we dissect Brent’s career trajectory, we navigate through the detours and pit stops that led him back to construction. We talk about the challenges of learning on the job, and how he returned to his roots in Missouri, bringing his unique skills and experiences to Arrow Buildings. Brent's boss, Jake, plays a significant role in his growth story. We also discuss the apprenticeship programs within the skilled trades and the effects of the pandemic on career transitions.In our final segment, Brent shares his ambitions for growth in building and construction. We explore his desire to take on more project management roles and his knack for connecting with diverse clients. We also discuss how Brent’s love for the team approach in construction drives him to excel in his projects. From managing a 1800 square foot house in Millersburg to his social media insights for building professionals, Brent's journey is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. Join us for this riveting conversation and learn from Brent's unique career path.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 MailAre you truly prepared for the subtle and not-so-subtle changes the shifting seasons bring on your business? We're sharing our experiences and practical tips on how to adapt and thrive during these seasonal transitions. From the simple tasks like removing non-freeze safe items from your van to the more complex ones like recalibrating combustion analyzers, we've got you covered. We also highlight what types of materials you need to stock up on, like venting for boilers, water heaters, and furnaces, along with gas pipe and CSST.When colder weather hits, are you ready to navigate the challenges it brings? This episode is packed with insights on preparing for the heating season and maintaining an efficient inventory. We delve into the importance of having a well-stocked supply to lessen the need for ordering items for each job. Amidst the fluctuating supply market and rising metal prices, we provide strategies on how to make pre-ordering items from suppliers work for you. We also discuss tools and supplies designed to withstand cold weather, along with tips for winterizing your home. So listen in, gain practical knowledge, and get ready to conquer any season!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 MailLooking to skyrocket your sales? We promise you that our latest episode of Make Trades Great Again will arm you with the strategies to do so! From the initial phone call to closing the deal, we're going all-in on what it takes to master sales in today's fast-paced business world. We spill the tea on how to attract customers, how to utilize face-to-face meetings to your advantage, and why understanding your customer's needs can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.How often do you find yourself in a tussle, recommending heating systems to your customers? Don't sweat it; we've been there! We're delving deep into how to present the right products. From giving your customers options, being well-versed with your products, to asking for the sale, we're covering it all. And yes, we're also looking into the tricky aspect of closing the sale and the payment options. We'll guide you on how to make that final push without being pushy, how to look presentable, and why you shouldn't underestimate the power of a good follow-up.But what happens after the sale? That's where our discussion on handling equipment and inventory comes in. We tell you why ordering the right parts in advance is critical and how to handle those last-minute emergencies that everyone dreads. We also talk about why you should keep a diverse stock of parts, even those you don't need at the moment. Wrapping up, we discuss how you can stay organized and prepared, ensuring you have all the right tools and materials at hand, and why advanced planning is the bedrock of successful sales. So, tune into our episode and become the sales superstar you've always meant to be!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 MailReady to unravel the fascinating world of heat pump water heaters and the influence of ducting on these devices? We promise, this episode will equip you with insights that can potentially save you a great deal of trouble. We kick off by exploring the common practice of ducting water heaters to the outside and why it might not be required in unfinished spaces. Also, discover how heat pump water heaters can be a game-changer in commercial places where there's an existing heat source.Ever wonder how humidity levels affect the efficiency of heat pump water heaters? Well, we've got you covered! We take a deep-dive into the role of varying humidity levels, especially in humid regions like Minnesota, and how heat pump water heaters might still be beneficial without impacting your gas bill. We also discuss the relevance of the size of your furnace and the BTUs per hour of the heater. We wrap up with some invaluable tips on ducting and the importance of reading the installation instructions. So, gear up for this enlightening roller-coaster ride that will leave you with a wealth of knowledge on heat pump water heaters and ducting.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 MailPicture this: you're running a small business and you just can't seem to get your hands on the materials you need, in the quantities you need, when you need them. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? We absolutely get it, and we're here to commiserate and share our experiences. Join us for a fascinating conversation with John Mason Brink from the Appetite for Construction podcast, who's been embroiled in a master bathroom remodel for the last five months due to these exact challenges. We'll be sharing insights on the nuances of ordering materials, overcoming roadblocks, and the critical role of communication with suppliers. In the plumbing world, supply and vent issues are abound. We talk about how supply and demand dictate material availability and share some of our own tricks of the trade like using polypropylene reducers for short vent issues. We also highlight our experiences with 636 pipe, CPVC adapters, and stainless steel as alternatives to PVC. Don't miss our chat about the unexpected surprises and costs that come with boiler inspections and the importance of having access to emergency materials. And, as we look forward to the changing seasons, we discuss the impact of supply and demand shifts on material availability. This is a conversation that will provide you priceless insights into the world of small business challenges and how to navigate them. You wouldn't want to miss it!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 been to a customer party that involved an ice cream truck, a 70-foot bonfire, and mouth-watering barbecue? Well, we have! Join us as we recount our experience, including our strategy to ward off political debates while we indulged in the fun. Our better halves, our supportive wives, were part of this adventure too, adding to the merriment.As the party winds down, we switch gears to a different sort of fun - fly fishing with a former high school classmate and their guide. Prepare to engage with stories of how we got our boat ready, the joy of sharing food and drinks on board, and the thrill of fishing in the great outdoors. We also fantasize about our future boat, adding to the exuberance. Buckle up, and come along for a ride packed with laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of adventure!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 MailGet ready to unravel the mysteries of heat pump water heaters as we dissect their performance ratings, costs, and efficiency, using spec sheets from industry giants, Bradford White and Reem. These appliances have been sparking interest among DIY enthusiasts, and we're here to break it all down for you. We'll even walk you through why you won't find Bradford White's products in your average hardware store. Imagine this: you've just invested in a heat pump water heater. You're thrilled about its touted efficiency, but as you flip through the manual, you're confronted with a slew of operation modes. Which one's best for you? We're discussing this and more, including the significant role of heat and humidity in these systems' performance. You'd be surprised at how much hot water two 10-minute showers can consume, and the recovery time of a water heater can be a game-changer! Shifting our attention to the professionals, we're laying out the considerations for plumbing contractors when installing heat pump water heaters. We're talking costs, warranties, and comparisons with traditional tank water heaters. And let's not forget a dose of humor - we're sharing some amusing moments about our contact information, Andy's shirtless chin, and the saga of his sinking office chair. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a professional contractor, or just curious, we promise a rollercoaster episode with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of hot water heater talk.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 what it truly means to stand your ground as a tradesperson? This episode of Make Trades Great Again will enlighten you on the not-so-discussed implications of using customer-supplied equipment and fixtures. We delve into the nitty-gritty of why it's crucial to be knowledgeable about the quality of materials we use and how this impacts our businesses, both in terms of work efficiency and profitability. We also shine a light on the importance of understanding agreements and contracts when dealing with customer-supplied equipment fixtures and explain why installing equipment that customers have purchased themselves might not be the best idea.Turn up the volume as we navigate the world of negotiating hourly rates and responsibilities. We lay bare our experiences dealing with customer-supplied fixtures and the ripple effects on our businesses. We also explore the importance of having the right person at the helm when things go awry. Wrapping up this enlightening conversation, we assert that standing firm on your business principles even if it means refusing to install equipment bought by customers, guarantees a job well done. So, step in, attune your ears and prepare to be enlightened on matters you thought you knew, and others you didn't know you should.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 felt bogged down by the chaos of running a business single-handedly, juggling between field operations and office tasks, with last-minute schedule changes throwing you off balance? You’re not alone. Join us as we draw from our own experiences and unravel effective strategies to manage time and streamline operations. It might surprise you to learn that Cheryl spends half her day just on scheduling, but we'll let you in on how managing it right can make a huge difference.What if you had a magic tool to help organize your business, from scheduling to invoicing, and everything in between? Hold tight, as we introduce you to the life-changing benefits of software in business operations. Restocking, cleaning up the truck, staying organized... these all may seem mundane yet crucial aspects of fieldwork, but imagine all those ticking off smoothly with the right software. Yes, the initial investment might seem intimidating, but trust us, it's worth every penny.We wrap up this episode on a powerful note, highlighting how effective time management, boosted with the power of software, can skyrocket your closing rates. Imagine the difference between a successful job and a failed one, just a click away. This journey does come with its own learning curve, and diligence in software setup becomes indispensable. So gear up to embrace this change and transform the way you manage your business. You'll not just survive, but thrive!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 MailHave you ever dreamt of the perfect cup of coffee, hot and ready at the push of a button? Or perhaps you've struggled with unstacking your tool boxes, wishing for a drawer-based solution? Tune in for a  discussion on these and more, as we dissect the highlights of the Milwaukee Pipeline event. We'll delve deep into how Milwaukee's culture of innovation culminates into their products - from battery-powered coffee makers to their hot-selling pack out tumblers. We’ll also address the broader topic of inclusivity in the trades, discussing how 'journeyman' is a status, not a gender role.Ever thought about the power of a 9.0 battery pack, or the convenience of a cordless trimmer? Join us as we explore Milwaukee's pivot to battery-powered tools, inspired by changing government regulations. The resilience of their new insulated water bottles, the ease of clipping a mug or tumbler to the top of a lunchbox, and the backwards compatibility of their new battery releases are just a few of the exciting topics we’ll be tackling. We'll also brainstorm the unfilled niche for a small snowblower attachment for the string trimmer motor. So, gear up for an enlightening and entertaining discussion on all things Milwaukee.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