Make Trades Great Again

Ordering plumbing supplies online has become a quirky hassle in 2025, with one supplier demanding four forms of verification! The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about the ups and downs of managing multiple suppliers, showcasing the balance between quality and price. They dive into the reliability of preferred vendors like Pex Universe while poking fun at the challenges of heavy deliveries. Frustrations over inefficient packaging and Amazon's inconsistent shipping add to the chaos, as they call for better supplier practices and audience engagement.

Send us Fan MailWould you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? 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 the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber. 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

Amid rising prices and financial strain, the podcast delves into the surge of Buy Now, Pay Later options. Speakers share personal insights on how financing has reshaped client interactions. They explore evolving attitudes toward spending and the flexibility these options bring, especially for younger shoppers. The conversation also highlights how businesses can adapt to meet changing consumer needs, particularly in the home repair sector, making it easier for customers to manage unexpected expenses.

The discussion centers on the accuracy of job estimates in plumbing and HVAC, highlighting how miscommunications can lead to unexpected costs. Personal experiences reveal challenges faced during projects, especially with modern technology like heat pumps. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency with clients and managing expectations. Listeners are encouraged to share their own insights, making it a community-driven exploration of industry practices and client relations.

Send us Fan MailAs supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the 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

Send us Fan MailEric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. 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 MailSome recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! 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 MailNew tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD)This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k 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 wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavillion, thanks John! 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