Make Trades Great Again

Nov 04 2024 316 ep. 31 mins 45

Make Trades Great Again Podcast artwork

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!

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Van Talk: Guess what? Wrong Part!

Nov 04 2024 30 mins

It's never great when service vehicles break down but it's even worse when local mechanics are out weeks for repairs and parts are hard to track down. This week Andy retells the story of a relative simple fix for a recent breakdown. How hard can it be to replace a starter on a 2020 Ford Transit anyway? Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!E

Tech in the Trades: Smarter Small Businesses

Oct 28 2024 44 mins

In this episode of Make Trades Great Again, Eric and Andy dive into how artificial intelligence, especially tools like ChatGPT, is reshaping the trades industry. They share personal experiences on using AI for everything from generating heat load calculations and troubleshooting boiler issues to crafting proposals and even coming up with recipe ideas! Tune in to hear how AI is savi

Hey ChatGPT: What trade shows should we attend?

Oct 14 2024 37 mins

Industry trade shows are an awesome way to see the latest new technology, to network with manufacturers and their reps, or even make purchases with some of the best deals of the year. This week the guys ask ChatGPT for a list of important shows throughout the plumbing, hvac and building industries. Why you should attend, where and when they are, are all discussed in this episode. T

The really big listener question episode!

Oct 14 2024 37 mins

Have you sent in a message to the guys recently? This was a fun episode, we tried to get to all the questions, thank you for sending them our way! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

All new heating & hot water system at Eric’s house

Oct 07 2024 50 mins

What do you do when your spouse leaves town for the weekend? The only obvious answer for Eric was to tear out their two tankless water heaters and the boiler so he could start over. But wait, there’s more! In order for this to be called a success it had be finished before Heather returned home after just two days away. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on ou

Eric hates trailers

Sep 30 2024 32 mins

The title may be confusing or even misleading. The guys talk about a recent trailer purchase Eric made for the business. It's not anything special but it should help with the workflow. Here's to hoping he made the right purchase! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: m

Have you ever taken over a job someone else started?

Sep 23 2024 36 mins

Thanks to longtime listener Will Rutherford for writing in to the show asking our thoughts on taking a job started by another contractor. Also, have you ever walked on a job? You might be surprised who actually has (Andy or Eric?)! Thanks Will! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out

Throw back from down under!

Sep 16 2024 42 mins

Hey we got caught up in vacation, so here is a throw back from our conversation with Patrick Caldow @caldowplumbing on IG. We'll be back soon with new content!Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com

Update from a recent HPWH install

Sep 09 2024 37 mins

Industry news starts off today's episode with earning report from Lowe's indicating a droopy economy related to home improvements. But don't let that get you down! Eric gives us a recap of a recent Heat Pump Water Heater install. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: m

Dealing with a tough day and a difficult customer

Sep 01 2024 30 mins

Not every day is great. Sometimes you need to depend on the ones who depend on you. Side note: No mater how much you talk thru a project and setting expectations before the job, there’s likely going to be some revelations by the customer as they realize how things are different now. After you did the install of the new furnace or water heater etc Send us a textSend us your feedba