The Trades Podcast
The Trades Podcast is a show for contractors, home services professionals, and construction industry leaders working in residential and commercial building. Host Danny Torres and resident expert Jeff Mudd share ideas, inspiration, and practical information aimed at helping listeners build lasting success. Each episode offers strategies that tradespeople and business owners can apply to grow their companies.
Episodes
Taking Over the Family Contracting Business: A Step-by-Step Plan
Family business succession, contractor growth strategy, flat-rate pricing, and building a leadership team: Tyler Heath shares how he took over Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating and Cooling from his father and grew it from $3M to $12M in under five years, during COVID, with outdated systems and a team resistant to change.In Episode 213 of The Trades Podcast, Tyler breaks down the exact decisions and ex
Ep 212 Kim Pike-Walters -KPWFinancialCoaching.com
In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Kim Pike-Walters of KPW Financial Coaching to discuss the importance of financial education, planning, and confidence for trades professionals and entrepreneurs.The conversation examines the financial challenges that can come with running a business, earning a strong income, and trying to balance today's responsibilities with tomorrow's goals.Topics Di
Ep 211 Jane and Mandi - Learning About Women in HVAC
In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Mandi Ehman from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air and Jane Sidebottom, President of Women in HVACR, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of workforce development in the skilled trades.The conversation explores how businesses can attract, develop, and retain talented professionals by creating supportive cultures, investing in training,
Ep 210 Rex Alexandre -HandheldLaserInstitute.com
With decades of experience in industrial technology and workforce education, Rex has become a leading advocate for safe, effective, and standardized training in handheld laser welding, cleaning, and cutting. As laser technology becomes more accessible across industries, he believes education is the key to helping contractors and manufacturers adopt these powerful tools with confidence.Jeff, Danny,
Ep 209 Ann Sommer - THE FEAR CODE™
What if the biggest obstacle holding you back in business, leadership, or life isn't your competition, but your own fear? In this compelling episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Ann Steffen Sommer, PA-C, healthcare professional, speaker, and creator of The Fear Code®, for a conversation about overcoming fear and unlocking your full potential.Drawing on decades of
Ep 208 Andreina Leal-Carrillo - TheRepairTech.com
What if the future of the home services industry isn't just about repairing homes, but also transforming the way contractors and homeowners work together? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Andreina Leal-Carrillo, CEO and Co-Founder of The Repair Tech, to discuss how technology, innovation, and customer-first thinking are redefining the restoratio
Ep 207 Demi Knight Clark - DemiKnightClark.com
What does it take to transform adversity into purpose and build a life dedicated to inspiring others?Demi shares her remarkable journey of overcoming life's challenges while building a career centered on helping others unlock their potential. Through authentic storytelling and hard-earned life lessons, she explains how resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership can create opportunities in bus
Ep 206 Jeff Kip, CEO - Angi.com
In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Jeff Kip, CEO of Angi, for a conversation about the future of home services and the role technology plays in connecting homeowners with qualified professionals.Jeff discusses Angi's mission to simplify the home improvement process while helping contractors reach more customers and grow their businesses. The discussion covers the changing expectations of home
Ep 205 Hiring Too Late: The Most Expensive Mistake Small
Contractors Make
DJ Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd discuss the impact of delayed hiring on contractors, the financial implications of understaffing, and the importance of strategic hiring decisions. They explore apprenticeship programs, the role of technology in hiring, and the integration of office administrators to improve business efficiency. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on business growth,
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 opp
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
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 retenti
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.TakeawaysTechnology's Impact on the TradesSafet
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 lear
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 qu
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 technici
Ep 197 Scott Levene - LevCo.io
What does it take to grow a third-generation family business while staying ahead of industry disruption, technology, and customer expectations?In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo, to explore how a family-owned HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort company has successfully evolved across generations.Scott
Ep 196 Are you Losing employees?- TheTradesPodcast.com
The Trades Podcast discusses employee retention, company culture, and the importance of clear roles and responsibilities. It explores the use of KPIs, career ladders, and the significance of a company's mission and values. The podcast emphasizes the role of employer branding and online presence in becoming the employer of choice. The conversation covers topics related to building a cohesive brand,
Ep 195 PHCCweb.org - Mark Valentini & Taylor Bray
In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray, focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades.The conversation covers:Federal water heater efficiency and DOE regulation updatesHow PHCC advocates for consumer energy choice and natural gas accessApprenticeship funding and workforce develop
Ep 194 TheTradesPodcast.com - 2026 Labor Statistics Pt. 1
In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff delve into the current labor market statistics for the trades industry, highlighting the significant job openings and the challenges in filling these positions. They discuss the impact of retiring workers, the importance of knowledge transfer to younger generations, and the lucrative opportunities available in skilled trades such as elect
Ep 193 Chris Koch - BDRco.com
In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch, a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources, to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations.Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer for
Ep 192 Zachary Craig Hanson - The Trade Gap Book
What if the future of success isn’t found behind a screen, but in the power of learning how to build, fix, and create? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with entrepreneur and author Zachary Craig Hanson to discuss the powerful ideas behind his book, The Trade Gap: Break the Rules. Learn a Skill. Own Your Future.In this episode of The Trades Podcast, h
Ep 191 Shonna Jordan - JordanJordan.com
In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff welcome Shonna Jordan, a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert. They discuss Shonna's journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of networking, and the unique approach of the Good Old Gals network. Shonna shares valuable insights on timeless marketing strategies, event planning, and the innovative life-saving device her company prod
Ep 190 Talena Handley - GirlieGarage.com
What if the future of the trades looked more inclusive, more empowered, and more confident than ever before? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girlie Garage, to explore how passion, purpose, and community are redefining what it means to be a woman in the skilled trades.In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Talena Handle
Ep 189 Rafael Torres - LeftysPlumbingService.com
Rafael shares the story behind Lefty’s Plumbing Services and how a commitment to reliability, quality workmanship, and strong communication has helped the company stand out in a competitive market. From handling everyday service calls to tackling complex plumbing challenges, Rafael explains how consistency, training, and leadership play a critical role in building a company that customers return t
Ep 188 Next Generation of Tradespeople - TheTradesPodcast.com
Drawing from conversations with industry leaders, contractors, and educators, Jeff and Danny break down what today’s workforce is really looking for, from meaningful career paths and strong mentorship to modern training and a positive company culture. They share practical ideas that business owners can implement right away to build teams that stay motivated, loyal, and proud of their craft.In this
Ep 187 Tommy Holstein- SolidGroundSTL.com
In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Tommy Holstein, CEO of Solid Ground STL, about the challenges and rewards of leading a construction and foundation repair company. Tommy explains why attention to detail, honesty with customers, and strong internal culture are essential in an industry where trust and safety matter most.The conversation explores leadership under pressure, growing a skilled
Ep 186 Kathy Denton - BergerHardwareInc.com
In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny welcome Kathy Denton from Berger Hardware, who shares her extensive experience in the door hardware industry. Kathy discusses her journey from being a client to working at Berger Hardware for over 32 years. She highlights the transition to their new location in Encinitas, the unique showroom experience, and the importance of building rela
Ep 185 Greg Schmitt- HugeHandymanSD.com
In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.You wil
Ep 184 John Figueroa- OnPointHeatingAndAir.com
John shares the story behind On Point Heating and Air, a company built on a simple promise, do the job right the first time. From creating a customer experience rooted in integrity to raising the bar in HVAC service, John explains how his team focuses on transparency, education, and long-term relationships that turn customers into loyal advocates. He also gives insight into the challenges of runni
Ep 183 Trades Expo 2026 - PHCCSD.org
In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completing
Ep 182 John Pierson - Buzz-Caps.com
SummaryIn this conversation, John Pierson shares his personal experience with mosquitoes and the challenges he faced while trying to create a mosquito-free outdoor space. He discusses his initial solution of using tiki torches and the problems that arose from that approach. Ultimately, this led to the innovative idea of BuzzCaps, a product designed to enhance outdoor living by effectively managing
Ep 181 Joseph Hernandez- CPLDetection.com
Finding What’s Hidden — Precision, People & Performance in Leak DetectionIn this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Joseph Hernandez, Division Manager at CPL Detection, a leader in leak detection and underground utility locating. Joseph shares how his team combines advanced technology with expert craftsmanship to provide accurate, efficient, and trustwort
Ep 180 Cliff Brooks- PestInClass.com
What if pest control could be more than just extermination — what if it could be a path to education, empowerment, and pride in the trades? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class, to explore how quality service and professional education are changing the face of the pest management industry.In this powerful epis
Ep 179 Dan Clapper - InterplayLearning.com
Revolutionizing Skilled Trades Training | Featuring Dan Clapper of Interplay LearningIn this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Dan Clapper, Commercial HVAC and Facility Maintenance Expert at Interplay Learning, to explore how technology is reshaping the future of skilled trades education.Through 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) training, Interplay
Ep 178 Erin Izen-HomeDepotFoundation.org
Episode SummaryWhat if every home improvement project could create opportunity, purpose, and lasting impact for people and communities in need? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres speak with Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, to explore how the Foundation leverages the strength and reach of The Home Depot® to drive meaningful change. Er
Ep 177 Laura Basili- BrazilianLumber.com
In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny interview Laura Basili, Chief Marketing Officer at Brazilian Lumber. Laura shares how premium hardwood materials, sustainability, and education have positioned the company as a trusted partner for contractors, deck builders, architects, and designers.She explains how answering real-world installation questions, simplifying sourcing, and e
Ep 175 David Bitan- BumbleRoofing.com
SummaryIn this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff welcome Jason Noel, the director of advisement at CEO Warrior. Jason shares his extensive background in the trades, discussing the importance of training, hiring, and developing talent in the industry. He emphasizes the role of technology and safety in the trades, as well as the need for young talent to enter the field. The convers
Ep 174 Brian Huff - MidwestTech.edu + DeltaTechnicalCollege.com
SummaryIn this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd interview Brian Huff, CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. They discuss the importance of skilled trades, particularly welding, and the growing demand for workers in these fields. Brian shares his journey from a welder to an educator, emphasizing the need for job placement and employer-focused
Ep 172 April Edwards- DeckBuilderMarketers.com
Join Jeff and Danny as they sit down with April Edwards, the skilled marketer behind Deck Builder Marketers. With a keen focus on deck building contractors, April walks through how she helps them grow with targeted strategies—from ranking higher in Google to generating consistent leads and crafting marketing systems that work.What You’ll LearnWhy specializing in deck builder marketing unlocked gro
Ep 171 Ryan Gladwin- Loves.com Truck Care Academy
In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Ryan Gladwin, Lead Instructor at Love’s Truck Care Academy—a specialized, paid, accelerated training program for diesel technicians. They discuss how Love’s designed the program to blend classroom instruction and hands-on experience, equipping new technicians to handle 11 heavy-duty systems and graduate as capable, confident Level 5 technicians.LinkedIn Ry
Ep 168 Trevor Wegner - TWCraftsmen.com
In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Trevor Wegner, Owner of TW Craftsmen, to explore how true craftsmanship, business discipline, and a passion for outdoor design come together to build more than just beautiful decks. Trevor opens up about the values that drive his work, the lessons he's learned from running a high-end service business, and how he'
Ep 165 Charlie Cina - OneTapConnect.com
If you're in the business of building relationships (and buildings), this episode will open your eyes to a smarter, faster, and more professional way to do business. Tap in, take notes, and share this episode with your crew. Because in sales, speed and style matter. Listen to Charlie Cina. Share, & Enjoy! In this dynamic episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit dow
Ep 167 Jason Noel - CEOWarrior.com
In the world of home service businesses, most owners feel like they’re fighting a never-ending battle, juggling calls, managing crews, chasing profits. What if you could lead like a warrior instead of just surviving the war? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a transformative organization that helps servi
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