Send us Fan Mail

Minnesota winters are relentless and physics will show no mercy! Today's episode brings back the classic MTGA format where Eric hits record without Andy knowing what the topic is. The guys cover dealing with Eric's frozen sewer and water as well as the silliness surrounding a simple battery change on the Transit. As always, thanks for listening. 

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send a text

Many trade professionals find themselves at a crossroads: should they continue focusing solely on installations, or is it time to branch out into the service side of the trade? In this post, we'll delve into actionable strategies for making that transition. Whether you're a seasoned installer or just starting your career, understanding the nuances of service work can open up new opportunities and enhance your skillset.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Eric and Andy share their insights from the 2026 AHR Expo, highlighting the biggest product launches, technological innovations, and industry trends they observed. Whether you're an HVAC professional or just interested in the latest industry developments, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of what’s new and exciting.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Eric and Andy discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with the new year, focusing on revamping business practices, particularly in maintenance contracts and price book management. They emphasize the importance of marketing strategies for 2026 and navigating seasonal challenges in the HVAC and plumbing industries. The conversation also touches on equipment insights and future business plans, highlighting the need for adaptability in a changing market.

Takeaways

• It's a good time to revamp our price book.
• Maintenance contracts keep your business going.
• You can keep an entire crew just doing maintenance.
• I need to prioritize starting over with my price book.
• Gone are the days of just relying on referrals.
• Marketing has to be a priority in 2026.
• The HVAC industry is banging right now.
• You can't backfill with frozen dirt.
• It's like a glacier out there.
• I hope I don't eat it on this sheet of ice.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

Most know him as @ nample all over social media but there is so much more to our longtime friend Bruno Friedmann hailing from Germany. 

We talk shop of course and encourage everyone to stay to the end to learn about Bruno's escape from communism and the start of a very fruitful career in the trades. 

To Bruno, thank you for joining us. Your friends, Andy & Eric.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

Meet the legendary Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe live on tape from the AHR Expo Podcast Pavillion in lovely Las Vegas, NV 

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

The guys chat about tools, some favorites and the importance of proper care for tools that may save your life some day. 

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, Eric and Andy discuss the unusual winter weather conditions, including the challenges of frozen pipes and heating systems. 

They share experiences diagnosing heating issues, the impact of wood-burning fireplaces on home heating, and the importance of maintaining heating systems during extreme cold. 

The conversation also touches on the significance of snowpack for moisture release and the challenges of DIY repairs, particularly with Triangle Tube boilers.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their upcoming attendance at the AHR Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on the latest innovations in the HVAC industry. They explore the importance of product quality versus value, particularly in furnace options, and share insights on dealer networks and the challenges of selecting the best products for their customers. The conversation also delves into new thermostat technologies and the significance of networking at industry events. 

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss the nuances of sourcing plumbing supplies, weighing the pros and cons of local suppliers versus online shopping. They delve into the importance of support and warranties when purchasing products, sharing personal experiences with manufacturers and the challenges of product issues. The conversation also touches on the impact of private equity in the plumbing industry and the future of local supply houses.

Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email