TheTradesPodcast.com

Ep 204 Nichole Ovens- Resource-Innovations.com

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Nichole Ovens from Resource Innovations to discuss how innovation, workforce development, and energy programs are helping transform the skilled trades landscape. Nichole explains how Resource Innovations works with utilities, contractors, businesses, and communities to implement programs that improve energy efficiency while creating economic and workforce opportunities. The discussion highlights the increasing need for trained professionals as energy systems evolve and new technologies become more widely adopted. The conversation covers: * The role of innovation in the future of the trades * Workforce development and career opportunities * Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives * Building partnerships between industry and communities * The growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging markets * Leadership and creating meaningful impact through collaboration RESOURCES AND MENTIONS * Resource Innovations https://resource-innovations.com [https://resource-innovations.com] * Nichole Ovens LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-ovens/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-ovens/] * The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com [https://www.thetradespodcast.com] WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * How innovation is creating new opportunities in the trades * Why workforce development remains critical to industry growth * The connection between energy efficiency and skilled trades careers * How partnerships help strengthen local economies * Emerging trends shaping the future of infrastructure and energy KEYWORDS Nichole Ovens, Resource Innovations, energy efficiency programs, workforce development, sustainability initiatives, skilled trades careers, clean energy workforce, utility programs, contractor opportunities, infrastructure innovation, trade workforce solutions, energy management, future of the trades

Ep 203 Carroll Community College - CarrollCC.edu

The conversation explores the rising enrollments in skilled trades programs at community colleges, the importance of community colleges in addressing the skilled trade shortage, and the challenges and opportunities in training and educating young talent in the trades. It also delves into the impact of trades education on students, the camaraderie and connection in the trades, addressing workforce needs and training solutions, adapting to technological changes in the trades, and the challenges in getting people into trades programs. The conversation covers the cost of apprenticeship programs, employer support, and program funding, eliminating barriers for students, the future of community colleges and trades, technology in the trades, and the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades. This episode is packed with inspiration for students, educators, contractors, and parents who want to better understand the opportunities available in the skilled trades. Share this episode with someone looking for a career path built on purpose, stability, and real-world impact. Learn more: 👉 https://www.carrollcc.edu/ [https://www.carrollcc.edu/] 👉 https://www.haccmd.org/ [https://www.haccmd.org/] Takeaways * Rising enrollments in skilled trades programs at community colleges * Importance of community colleges in addressing skilled trade shortage * Challenges and opportunities in training and educating young talent in the trades Cost of apprenticeship programs * Eliminating barriers for students * Technology in the trades * Benefits of pursuing a career in the trades Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Promoting the Trades * 05:31 Community College Enrollment and Program Expansion * 11:02 Impact of Trades Education on Students * 18:24 Addressing Workforce Needs and Training Solutions * 23:53 Challenges in Getting People into Trades Programs * 35:29 Benefits of Pursuing a Career in the Trades KEYWORDS Carroll Community College, HACCMD, HVAC education, apprenticeship programs, skilled trades careers, workforce development, technical education, HVAC training, construction careers, trade school opportunities, skilled labor shortage, continuing education, trades mentorship CONTRIBUTORS Steven Barry, Charles Hayden, Jeff Mudd, Danny Torres, The Trades Podcast Production Team, Carroll Community College, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACCMD)

Ep 202 Jessica & Jo - HartsServices.com

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jessica and Jo of Harts Services to discuss leadership, culture, and the evolving world of home services. The conversation explores how Harts Services has built a reputation for quality workmanship and exceptional customer service across plumbing, sewer, electrical, and HVAC services. Jessica and Jo share insights into team development, employee retention, leadership communication, and the systems that help create consistency across a growing organization. Topics discussed include: * Building a strong company culture in the trades * The importance of leadership and communication * Training and developing future trade professionals * Creating positive customer experiences * Balancing company growth with employee satisfaction * The future of home services and skilled trades careers RESOURCES AND MENTIONS * Harts Services https://www.hartsservices.com/ [https://www.hartsservices.com/] * The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com [https://www.thetradespodcast.com] WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * How culture impacts growth in service businesses * Why communication is critical to leadership success * The value of employee development and retention * How customer service drives long-term reputation * Ways growing companies maintain consistency and trust Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast * 00:59 Meet Jessica and Joe from Heart Service * 01:59 Jessica's background and company overview * 03:20 Joe's journey into electrical trades * 05:16 Challenges and rewards of electrical troubleshooting * 07:43 Women in trades: experiences and impact * 10:43 Troubleshooting as a key skill * 12:45 Building trust with homeowners * 16:39 Training and onboarding new technicians * 20:53 Cross-training and career paths within the company * 22:26 Company growth and regional coverage * 23:36 Team meetings and company culture * 25:05 Connecting with other tradespeople * 27:51 Jessica's motivation to return to trades * 31:12 Women in the field: respect and confidence * 33:43 Changing perceptions of trades as a career * 36:49 Regional service areas and ferry challenges * 39:44 The value of a career in trades * 44:01 The importance of daily goals and teamwork * 45:15 Five quick questions: habits, skills, hiring, changes, and advice * 52:49 Closing remarks and contact information

Ep 201 Amanda Long - InterplayLearning.com

The conversation covers the impact of technology on the trades, focusing on safety and training. It delves into Amanda Long's background, the types of cranes and their applications, the role of crane operators, the impact of VR on training and recruitment, challenges in safety measures and training, and the future of safety and training in the trades. Takeaways * Technology's Impact on the Trades * Safety and Training in the Trades Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Guest Introduction 02:55 Amanda Long's Background and Experience in Crane and Rigging 06:18 Types of Cranes and Their Applications 09:13 Career Pathways in Crane Operation 12:08 Safety Training and Employee Advancement Opportunities 15:15 The Role of Virtual Reality in Training 19:20 Challenges in Safety and Workforce Readiness 21:54 The Skilled Labor Shortage in the Trades 24:16 Addressing the Skilled Trades Shortage 26:10 The Role of Technology in Training 28:15 Innovations in Simulation and Immersive Learning 30:45 Balancing Simulation and Hands-On Training 34:04 Accelerating Employee Training and Retention 38:43 The Future of Training in Skilled Trades 41:50 Promoting Diversity in the Workforce 44:13 Data-Driven Safety Improvements Resources Interplay Website - https://interplay.com [https://interplay.com] Industrial Training International (ITI) - https://iti.com [https://iti.com] VR Crane Simulator - https://interplay.com/vr-crane-simulator [https://interplay.com/vr-crane-simulator] Rigging Inspection and Selection Course - https://iti.com/rigging-training [https://iti.com/rigging-training] Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/amandalong [https://linkedin.com/in/amandalong]

Ep 200 Women in Construction - TheTradesPodcast.com

Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robertson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley. Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons learned, and insights from her own journey in construction and business. From overcoming challenges to building stronger communities within the trades, this live episode captures authentic conversation and the passion driving the next generation of industry leaders. More than a celebration of 200 episodes, this event represents the continued mission of The Trades Podcast, elevating voices within construction and creating meaningful conversations that inspire growth, leadership, and opportunity throughout the skilled trades. Whether you’re a contractor, builder, entrepreneur, trades professional, or someone considering a future in construction, this episode offers valuable perspective, motivation, and encouragement to keep building forward. 🎧 Listen, share, and help us continue amplifying the voices shaping the future of the trades. FEATURED PANEL GUESTS * April Edwards – Deck Builder Marketers * Cheryl Robertson – Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs * Sara Graves – Deck Specialist Magazine * Nina Ridgley – HBI San Marcos TOPICS DISCUSSED * Women leading in construction * The future of skilled trades * Workforce development * Mentorship and leadership * Industry challenges and opportunities * Entrepreneurship in the trades * Building stronger trade communities * Representation within construction * Live audience discussion and networking CONTRIBUTORS HOSTED BY * Jeff * Danny SPECIAL PANEL GUESTS * April Edwards - * April Edwards is a digital marketing professional specializing in lead generation and brand strategy for home improvement and outdoor living industries. She is best known as the founder of Deck Builder Marketers, a marketing agency dedicated to helping deck builders and contractors grow through data-driven online marketing. * Cheryl Robertson * Cheryl Robertson is a home-improvement professional affiliated with Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs, a business specializing in custom cabinetry, flooring, and interior design solutions. She is recognized for her hands-on expertise in residential renovation projects and her role in guiding clients through personalized design and installation processes. * Sara Graves * Sara Graves is a building-materials professional recognized for her editorial and technical contributions to Deck Specialist Magazine, a U.S. trade publication serving outdoor-living and deck-construction industries. Known as a deck-building specialist and industry communicator, she highlights emerging trends, product innovations, and professional best practices for contractors and manufacturers. * Nina Ridgley * Nina Ridgley is an American communications and workforce-development professional based in the San Diego metropolitan area. She is associated with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in San Marcos, California, where she contributes to industry and community engagement initiatives supporting construction education and careers. PRODUCED BY * The Trades Podcast LIVE EVENT VENUE * Estrella Venue