The Trade Talks

From Bartending to Building a Family Plumbing Business: Brian Duncan The Trade Talks #223

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday form 3-4PM Central time as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! What does it really take to build a career in the trades—and why do so many people underestimate it? In this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with Brian Duncan, Field Operations Manager at Duncan Plumbing Solutions, to talk about his unexpected journey into plumbing. From working in restaurants and facing sudden job loss to building a successful career in the skilled trades, Brian shares how persistence, family influence, and a strong work ethic shaped his path. You'll hear how his wife pushed him to take the next step in his career, why plumbing "just made sense," and how working with both your hands and your mind creates the perfect balance. Brian also dives into his experience with residential service, gas systems, and the evolution of tools in the trade. This conversation goes beyond plumbing—it's about mindset. From starting as an apprentice to training the next generation, Brian explains why the trades aren't just jobs—they're lifelong careers that demand dedication, pride, and continuous learning. If you're considering a career in the trades, or want insight from someone who's lived it, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: How Brian transitioned from restaurants to plumbing The role persistence and mentorship play in success Why hands-on learning is key in the trades The difference between working for a paycheck vs. building a career What it takes to train and develop great plumbers

Aging Prisons Are Becoming Big Construction Jobs

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com [https://www.justmetroger.com/] LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

Bad Estimates Are Destroying Contractor Profits

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com [https://www.justmetroger.com/] LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without

Educating the Future of Plumbing #224 With Juan Mejia

Now teaching students in Dallas ISD, Juan is helping shape the future of the trades—emphasizing exposure, hands-on learning, and the value of skilled labor careers. 🔧 Topics covered: How he got started in plumbing by accident Commercial vs. residential work The importance of mentorship in the trades Building trust with customers Teaching the next generation of plumbers Why exposure is key to solving the skilled labor shortage If you've ever considered a career in the trades—or want to understand the people who keep our world running—this episode is for you. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top professionals in the trades! Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday 3-4pm central time as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice!

Renovation Is Taking Over Construction

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com [https://www.justmetroger.com/] LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without