Trade Entrepreneur Podcast

Mar 07 2024

Trade Entrepreneur Podcast artwork

The show FOR trade business owners BY trade business owners, hosted by David Sudworth, owner and founder of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep & Training Centre.

Based in the North West of England, David started his company as a one-man band. It’s now one of the fastest growing solid fuel industry companies in the UK.

On Trade Entrepreneur, David and his guests will talk about all things business, particularly related to trades and blue collar work.

He’ll also share his knowledge of marketing, PR and communication which has made Mr Soot one of the country’s most recognisable sweeping and solid fuel training companies.

Want to appear on the show? Email [email protected]

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#67 - Why I Left My Business For SIX Months - Interview with Byron Schramm of Midtown Chimney Sweep Franchise

Mar 07 2024 64 mins

Byron Schramm left his chimney business in Colorado behind for six months - and set out for a European adventure.David catches up with him on the British leg of his tour to discuss chimneys, entrepreneurship and the work-life balance ‘myth’.This episode is brought to you in association with Rodstation chimney rods - the equipment used by professional sweeps internationally. Vis

#66 - We MUST Bridge The White-Blue Collar Divide - Interview with Daniel Ezzatvar

Jan 28 2024 60 mins

Marketing expert Daniel Ezzatvar researched the construction sector for his Masters Degree. He tells David how he’s now using that as a springboard to help bridge the white-blue collar divide across the sector.This episode is brought to you in conjunction with Fireplace Specialist Magazine - the official and only independent trade magazine supporting the industry. Read the latest

#65 - ‘It was the biggest SHOCK - I almost couldn’t cope’ - James Archer, of Clock Woodburners

Sep 02 2023 72 mins

James Archer went from one-man-in-his-shed to being the face of one of the UK’s best known stove brands.But as Clock Woodburners underwent a meteoric rise, James found it a challenge to adapt to these new pressures.In a frank interview with David, James talks about how he started out in the industry, the secret behind Clock’s success, and his plans for the future.

#64 - Franchisee To Franchisor: Liam Hobbs of More Than Loft Ladders

Aug 05 2023 57 mins

“He liked it so much he bought the company!”In this episode, Liam Hobbs, of More Than Loft Ladders, tells David how he went from being a franchisee to buying the business outright.It’s a fascinating story from someone who has a real entrepreneurial spirit who only really acted on it a bit later in life.

#63 - How British Chimney Sweeps Can Learn From The USA - Interview with Joe Gomez

Jun 23 2023 51 mins

Essex chimney sweep Joe Gomez sat the US chimney sweep exams - and passed. He now wants to help improve standards here in the UK. In this episode he talks to David about his experiences in America…

#62 - 'Chimney Sweep Associations Got It Wrong - Here's How To Fix It'

May 27 2023 65 mins

Sixth-generation sweep Josh Firkins joins David for an indepth discussion about the future of chimney sweeping, and how he feels trade associations have got it wrong...

#61 - Why I Made The Leap To Expand - Follow-Up Interview With Alastair Kemp

Apr 01 2023 43 mins

In a follow up to last year's interview about whether to grown his one-man band, Wilts chimney sweep Alastair Kemp returns to the show to reflect on what he did next...

#60 - Taxing Times: Why Some Businesses Are Stalling

Mar 18 2023 19 mins

With a sluggish economy, the UK needs small businesses to drive growth. So why are some unable to meet even their own aspirations? In this episode, David reveals a key issue which the Government needs to sort out ASAP...

#59 - Why I Started This Podcast, Became A Business Mentor & Now Champion Fellow Tradespeople

Mar 11 2023 22 mins

Focusing solely on your business means potentially missing out on opportunities. In this episode, David outlines how 'outside' interests beyond your day-to-day work can help you and your business...

#58 - Banishing Seasonality: How To Create All-Year-Round Business

Mar 05 2023 19 mins

Cashflow can be tricky in a seasonal business. But there are some steps you can take to counteract that, as David discusses in this episode...