I fired a pool company, and it wasn’t because of bad work. It was because they failed at the one thing every service professional needs to get right: follow through. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and other tradespeople lose work every day not because of their skills, but because they miss appointments, fail to communicate, and break trust with their customers. If you're in the field and trying to grow your electrical business, gain repeat clients, or build a strong reputation, this story is a reality check.

In this podcast, I walk through what happened, what they got wrong, and what every tradesperson should be doing to avoid getting fired. From missed appointments and schedule changes to ignored follow-ups and broken equipment, this experience shows why clear communication, strong scheduling, and solid customer service are more important than ever.

But this isn't just about one bad company. It's about the habits that make or break a business. Whether you're brand new to the trade or a seasoned pro, how you show up matters. We talk about:

• Managing your schedule without letting things slip
• Building customer trust through clear communication
• How to fix your mistakes and still keep the client
• Tools that help you stay organized and consistent

Follow through is not optional. It's what defines your work, your reputation, and your future in the trades. Customers may forgive a mistake, but they will not forget being left in the dark. Make sure you are the one they call back, not the one they warn others about.

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Drake and Dustin open up about the power of self-awareness and the often-overlooked impact of unchecked thoughts. They explore how internal narratives, daily frustrations, and conditioned behaviors can shape your reality without you realizing it. From road rage to family dynamics, the discussion digs into practical ways to catch yourself mid-thought, choose a different path, and take control of your mental environment. This episode offers real-world examples, relatable experiences, and honest talk about how to be more mindful and intentional in both work and life. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake unpack how mentors, teachers, and journeymen shape the paths of those entering the electrical trade. They share personal stories of inspiration and discouragement, digging into how one bad leader can derail a promising future while the right mentor can ignite a lifelong passion. This episode is a wake-up call for every journeyman and leader in the field to recognize the influence they have, whether they want it or not. They explore what makes a good teacher, how to assess apprentices fairly, and why humility, patience, and intention are essential in building a better industry. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin talks with Sean Samson about how electrical contractors can break past the million-dollar ceiling by shifting from a transactional model to one driven by recurring service contracts. Sean explains how most contractors overlook opportunities hiding in plain sight, specifically NFPA 70B and 70E, and how electricians can borrow strategies from the HVAC world to build consistent revenue. They dive into the mindset shift from contractor to sales consultant, why scaling requires process, and how to stop competing on price. If you're trying to grow a real business, this episode maps out what that actually looks like. For more on Sean's methods and training programs, visit seansamsontraining.com. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

In this episode, Dustin and Drake break down the myth of mastery and why real masters never stop learning. They share personal stories from the field, talk about how comfort can kill creativity, and challenge electricians to rethink how they measure success. The conversation highlights why staying curious, constantly improving, and embracing change are essential for mastering any craft without ever getting stuck thinking you’ve "made it." 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

It’s about what it really takes to be a present, reliable tradesperson and a present, reliable parent.

In this episode, Drake and Dustin get personal about what it means to raise kids while working full-time in the trades. Whether you're a single parent grinding through apprentice wages or navigating co-parenting and full schedules, this conversation dives into the mindset, structure, and self-awareness it takes to do both roles well, without burning out or making excuses.

They talk openly about:

• Parenting through exhaustion without treating your kid like an afterthought
• What showing up really looks like in both roles
• Why transparency with your employer matters more than excuses
• How company culture can make or break working parents
• Leading at home and on the job by modeling respect, integrity, and follow-through

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing the work, being honest, staying present, and choosing to show up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Are you considering starting or switching to a career as an electrician? Can you actually afford to make the leap? In this episode, we break down the financial realities of entering the trade, from low apprentice wages to the rising cost of living. Using real numbers from cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Memphis, we explore what it takes to survive on an electrician's salary at different stages of life. Whether you're a young apprentice or a journeyman supporting a family, this episode helps you understand what you should be earning and how to negotiate a fair wage. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake go live to answer some of the most common and ridiculous questions they’ve heard from apprentices. From whether you can wear sandals on the job to why cheap tools are a bad idea, they cover real-life worksite etiquette, safety, and the importance of work ethic. They also dive into imposter syndrome, learning in the field versus schooling, and why cleaning up at the end of the day isn't optional. Whether you're new to the trade or a seasoned electrician, this episode is packed with hard truths and solid advice. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake go live to tackle the everyday challenges service electricians face when homeowners call with mysterious electrical problems. From flickering lights and half-powered houses to hidden GFCIs and buzzing panels, they break down common issues and how to troubleshoot them like a pro. With a mix of humor, real-world experience, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for electricians dealing with customer confusion and tricky service calls. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!

Dustin and Drake talk about the sudden (temporary 🤞) loss of their YouTube channel and the impact it has on their business. They share insights on handling unexpected setbacks, staying calm under pressure, and finding solutions when things go wrong. From troubleshooting electrical circuits to dealing with online negativity, this episode is all about persistence, problem-solving, and knowing when to fight or walk away. Whether you're running a business or just navigating life's challenges, this conversation offers real-world strategies to keep moving forward.

Side note: If you're interested in listening to Drake Descant's new album, Future Garage Sale, you can find it on the 24/7 Space Station FM live stream: www.youtube.com/@spacestationfm or on Spotify: Future Garage Sale. 

Want to learn more about becoming an electrician or mastering the craft? Visit ElectricianU.com for courses, resources, and everything you need to succeed!