Trade Secrets (powered by metabo HPT)

Season One Wrap Up

Thanks for tuning in to Season One! We hope this season armed you with ideas, insights and strategies that you can actually apply to your business.  We'll see you in Season Two.

Episode 14: Private Equity LOVES the Trades. How to Prepare If/When They Come Knocking

Guest: Frank Heneghan (Heneghan Services) Private equity is showing up fast in the trades—but most owners don’t really understand how it works, what buyers are actually looking for, or how deals can unravel late in the process. In this episode, Frank Henigan shares real, firsthand experience after going through a full private equity cycle: 30 buyers, 7 offers, and ultimately walking away from the deal when it no longer made sense. You’ll learn: * What private equity really looks like in the trades (and why it’s so active right now) * How buyers value trades businesses (and why EBITDA matters more than revenue) * Why recurring services are gold to PE firms (and why project work often gets discounted) * What a broker actually does (and why you don’t want to go it alone) * What the due-diligence and “data room” process is really like behind the scenes * Common tactics buyers use to chip away at valuation late in the process * How to prepare your business years in advance if you want maximum leverage * When it’s smart to say no (and why walking away can be the right move) Episode links: Metabo HPT [https://www.metabo-hpt.com/] Heneghan Services website [https://heneghanservices.com/] Heneghan Digital website [https://heneghandigital.com/] CT Gutter [https://ctgutter.com/]

Episode 13: Support the Next Generation of Tradespeople (and watch what happens!)

Guest: Kevin Blackburn (Kids Making It) What does it really mean to be a champion for the trades? In this episode, Kevin Blackburn, Executive Director of Kids Making It, shares how business owners can play a direct role in inspiring and equipping the next generation of tradespeople. From outreach and mentorship to sponsorship and storytelling, Kevin breaks down why supporting the trades isn’t just good for the community—it’s good for business. You'll learn: • What it means to be a true “champion for the trades” • Why investing in the next generation protects your business and your industry • How to get involved - school visits, mentorships, sponsorships, and tool donations • Real-world examples of local builders making an impact • The long-term business, social, and economic benefits of supporting youth in the trades Episode links: Metabo HPT [https://www.metabo-hpt.com/] Kids Making It website [https://www.kidsmakingit.org/] Kids Making It Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kidsmakingit/] Kids Making It Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/KidsMakingIt] Kevin’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinblackburn1/] Metabo HPT – Bring Back Shop Class [https://www.metabo-hpt.com/bringbackshopclass]

Episode 12: An AI Skill Every Trades Owner Should Learn...Now

Guest: Zac Engler (Chief AI Officer at C4 Tech Services) AI can feel overwhelming - too many tools, not enough clarity. In this episode, Zac Engler cuts through the noise and shows why prompting is the foundational skill that unlocks real results for trades businesses. He walks through a simple framework you can use today to estimate jobs, build bids, schedule crews, summarize specs, and more. You'll learn: * What “prompting” actually is—and why it beats copying random prompts off the internet * A four-word framework (Role → Task → Context → Goal) to get accurate, usable outputs * Common prompting mistakes to avoid  * Practical trades use cases: bids, schedules, spec summaries, multilingual comms Episode links: Metabo HPT [https://www.metabo-hpt.com/] Zac’s Website [https://zacengler.com/turningonmachines] C4 Tech Services Website [https://c4techservices.com/]

Episode 11: Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Guest: David Zaycer (Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency) Insurance might not be the first thing you think about when running a trades business, but ignoring it (or getting it wrong) can be one of the costliest mistakes you ever make. In this episode, David Zaycer breaks down the most common insurance pitfalls he sees contractors make, and how to avoid them. You'll learn: • Why underestimating payroll and revenue can leave you uncovered (and on the hook) • How misclassifying employees drives up risk and costs • What to expect (and prepare for) during workers’ comp audits • The one key question a good agent should always ask you • How to spot if you’re working with the wrong insurance provider   Episode links: Metabo HPT [https://www.metabo-hpt.com/] Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency - Website [https://www.coastalcoversme.com/] Coastal Contractors Insurance Agency - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coastalcoversme/]