TheTradesPodcast.com

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

Ep 199 Jason Napolski - ATexPest.com

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jason Napolski, CEO of A-Tex Pest Management, to discuss how a locally owned pest control company continues to grow while maintaining a strong hometown approach to customer care. Jason explains how A-Tex focuses on customized pest solutions, ongoing technician training, and creating systems that allow the business to scale without sacrificing service quality. The discussion also explores leadership, employee development, and the importance of staying adaptable in a changing marketplace. * Building a trusted service brand in a competitive industry * Why technician education and training matter * The role of culture in retaining strong employees * Adapting pest management businesses to new technology * How local ownership strengthens customer relationships * Creating long-term growth through consistency and accountability RESOURCES AND MENTIONS * A-Tex Pest Management https://www.atexpest.com/ [https://www.atexpest.com/] * The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com [https://www.thetradespodcast.com] WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * How strong customer service builds long-term trust * Why employee training drives business success * The importance of culture in service industries * How leadership impacts growth and reputation * Ways technology is shaping pest management operations KEYWORDS A-Tex Pest Management, Jason Napolski, pest control business, pest management leadership, service business growth, customer service culture, technician training, local pest control company, trades entrepreneurship, Austin pest control, team development, home services leadership ---------------------------------------- CONTRIBUTORS Jason Napolski, Jeff Mudd, Danny Torres, The Trades Podcast Production Team, A-Tex Pest Management

Ep 198 TheTradesPodcast.com - 2026 Labor Statistics Pt. 2

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States. They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The conversation also highlights newer opportunities connected to renewable energy systems, electrification, and AI-driven infrastructure development. The hosts break down median wage insights, job security trends, and long-term employment projections, showing why trades careers continue to outperform expectations in stability and earning potential. They also emphasize the importance of awareness, mentorship, and training programs to help close the gap between open positions and available skilled workers.  guest links    Key Topics * Demand and growth in skilled trades * Median wages and job openings * Emerging fields: solar, AI infrastructure * Career pathways in welding, carpentry, HVAC * Impact of technology and geopolitics on trades   Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Overview of Part Two * 01:19 Exploring the Demand for Skilled Trades * 05:46 Welding: Opportunities and Industry Insights * 09:54 Carpentry: Career Paths and Earnings Potential * 13:47 Construction Labor: Entry Points and Growth * 17:53 Heavy Equipment Operations: Skills and Opportunities * 23:21 Career Longevity in Heavy Equipment Operations * 23:58 Transitioning from Laborer to Heavy Equipment Operator * 25:40 Understanding Industrial Machinery Mechanics * 27:25 Opportunities for Retiring Workers in Mechanics * 29:18 The Role of HVAC in Modern Infrastructure * 31:25 Elevator and Escalator Mechanics: A Niche Field * 34:27 The Financial Benefits of Elevator Installation Careers * 37:24 The Growing Field of Solar Energy * 40:19 Regional Demand for Solar Installers * 41:56 Future Opportunities in Solar and Space * 43:13 Recap of Key Trades and Their Growth * 44:53 The Value of Trades vs. Traditional College Paths * 47:07 Building a Positive Work Culture in Trades * 49:02 The Demand for Skilled Workers in the Trades   Resources * Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026 Report - https://www.bls.gov/ [https://www.bls.gov/] * BlackRock Skill Trades Investment - https://www.blackrock.com/ [https://www.blackrock.com/] * Simpson Strong Tie Texas Facility Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example] * SpaceX Artemis Missions - https://www.spacex.com/ [https://www.spacex.com/] * Solar Energy Industry Insights - https://www.energy.gov/renewables/solar [https://www.energy.gov/renewables/solar] * National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - https://www.nahb.org/ [https://www.nahb.org/]