The Trade Talks

Jan 25 2025 89 ep. 57 mins 9
The Trade Talks Podcast artwork

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.

  Business  Education
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How I Built a Million-Dollar Trade Business | The Trade Talks #191

Jan 25 2025 65 mins  
I’m sitting down with Michael James Johnson, a veteran who turned a wrench into a thriving HVAC empire. From his dad’s influence as an electrician to military service, Michael shares how persistence, mentorship, and mindset completely transformed his career. He talks about starting at $8 an hour, battling a poverty mindset, and finally taking his business to the next level with

The BEST Plumber | The Trade Talks #190

Jan 11 2025 37 mins  
Join me as I sit down with Brady Kroll, a young plumber who’s taken his skills from small-town Minnesota to the world stage. We dive into his journey through SkillsUSA and WorldSkills, what it’s like to compete globally in plumbing, and the lessons he’s learned about craftsmanship and the future of the trades. This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about p

The Evolution of Water Heating with Bradford White’s CEO | The Trade Talks #189

Dec 25 2024 32 mins  
In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Bruce Carnevale, CEO of Bradford White Corporation, to uncover the secrets behind their innovations in water heating and plumbing technology. Bruce shares Bradford White’s commitment to quality, their revolutionary products, and how they’re navigating upcoming industry challenges like regulatory changes. ______________________

94 Years of Wisdom: The Life of a Legendary Plumber | The Trade Talks #188

Dec 18 2024 28 mins  
In this inspiring episode of The Trade Talks, we sit down with 94-year-old plumbing legend James Lindsey Sr., who shares his extraordinary 78-year journey in the trades. From earning $0.60 an hour to building a 59-year-old family business, James reflects on breaking barriers, mentoring the next generation, and adapting to decades of change in plumbing. Get ready for timeless wisdom

The Hidden DANGERS in Your Tap Water | The Trade Talks #187

Dec 11 2024 69 mins  
In this episode, Glen Blavet, founder of Halo Water Systems, shares his inspiring journey from plumbing apprentice to a leader in water filtration technology. Discover the importance of whole-house water filtration, the impact of contaminants on plumbing systems, and how offering water treatment solutions can transform a plumbing business. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tradespe

The Real Truth About Running a Plumbing Business | The Trade Talks #186

Dec 04 2024 33 mins  
In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of plumbing and trades business with Dan Callies, owner of Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling. From building a career to scaling a company, Dan shares how he navigated industry challenges, the importance of knowing your numbers, and why finding the right customers matters. Whether you’re an aspiring plumber, a seasoned tradesperson,

The Harsh Lesson of Dealing with Difficult Customers | The Trade Talks #185

Nov 27 2024 64 mins  
In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest experiences of my career: facing a celebrity client whose social media influence turned a simple mistake into a wave of negative reviews that nearly took down my business. Join me as I discuss the challenges of dealing with high-profile clients, the importance of managing customer relationships, and how one bad review can impact a c

Are We Training the Next Generation Right? | The Trade Talks #184

Nov 20 2024 35 mins  
Is the next generation of tradespeople being set up for success? In this episode, we dive deep into early career stories, the impact of mentors, and the evolving landscape of the trades industry. From rising trade school enrollments to the importance of competitions like SkillsUSA, we explore what it takes to build a strong future for skilled labor ________________________________

Can You Really Run an HVAC Company Without an Office? | The Trade Talks #183

Nov 13 2024 67 mins  
Can you really run an HVAC business without an office? Tersh Blissett shows how he’s doing it with multiple trades businesses—all remote and paperless. Discover his secrets on automation, creating lasting customer loyalty, and maintaining culture without a physical space. If you’re a trades professional wanting to innovate, this episode is a must-watch! ______________________

The Secret Recipe for Retaining Tradesmen for Decades | The Trade Talks #182

Nov 06 2024 25 mins  
In this episode, we dive deep into the trades at PHCC Connect 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Special guest Patrick Wallner, Chair of the PHCC Educational Foundation, shares his journey in the industry, the importance of training apprentices, and how technology is reshaping the plumbing and HVAC sectors. Learn about the impact of PHCC events, the growth opportunities in the trades, an