Make Trades Great Again

Ever wondered how two renowned tech tycoons, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, facing off in a deathmatch could benefit a veterans charity? Buckle up as Andy and I take you on a journey through our amusing reflection of this hypothetical charity event. We then dive into our personal experiences navigating the sea of new technologies, sharing tales of my initial stumbling blocks with invoicing software and the undeniable value of good old face-to-face interactions with my crew.

Sharpen your management skills as we delve into the trials and tribulations of running a crew. Andy shares his early experiences managing his team using an assembly line system, and we discuss the importance of a solid delivery system. We also tackle the everyday challenges associated with estimating jobs accurately, addressing delivery issues, and the significance of customer satisfaction. Listen closely as we underline the often overlooked aspect of maintaining a clean and functional vehicle, and the importance of compensating technicians for these essential tasks. 

Wrapping up our conversation, we touch on the hurdles of crew management and the necessity of maintaining a professional appearance when dealing with customers. Walking down memory lane, we appreciate the role of modern technology in streamlining operations, comparing it to the old days of manual invoicing. Finally, we delve into the importance of accurate estimates, predicting unforeseen issues, and the significance of allowing customers to return for re-do services. Don't miss out - join us for an enlightening discussion packed with valuable insights.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever found yourself with a cold beer in hand, kicking back at a customer's Saturday farm bash, wondering if this is a professional blunder or a savvy networking move? We've been there, and it's in the gray area of these social and professional intersections that we've learned a thing or two. In this candid conversation, we navigate the boundaries between work and personal relationships, debate the pros and cons of attending client parties, and share our own experiences with these potentially awkward, yet surprisingly rewarding, situations.

Then, we switch gears to another tricky territory - doing business with family and friends. From mismatched expectations to the balance of making contacts at social events, we tackle them all with our usual humor and honesty. We hope our experiences and insights will help you skillfully sail these waters, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting off in your career. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join us in this thoughtful discussion about the complex, yet intriguing, intersections of business and friendship.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever wrestled with the mystery of asbestos inspection regulations for water heaters? Well, we're here to break it down for you. With a decade of its existence, these regulations have stirred up quite the conversation among contractors. We examine why this law exists and what it means for professionals in the field. Believe it or not, this legislation isn’t as old as you might think!

The episode takes a twist as we recount the trials of securing a permit for a commercial installation project in Missoula, Montana. We go through the intricacies of gaining an asbestos inspection, the costs it incurs, and the hurdles faced. Our narrative doesn't stop there - we delve into diverse gas tests, emphasizing how a positive relationship with local inspectors can be a game changer. An interesting segment in this episode is about testing underground piping and how the winter months can throw up some unique challenges.

Wrapping this up, we analyze plumbing and HVAC inspections, emphasizing the role of a manometer in testing gas lines and the necessity for a balancing valve on Navian pumped systems. We also invite you, our listeners, to contribute and interact by suggesting topics for future episodes. We believe in creating a community where everyone learns and grows together, so don’t hesitate to drop us your feedback. So, let’s get started and demystify the world of plumbing and HVAC installations together. Tune in and join the conversation.

Don't forget to visit our sponsor's website: propane.com

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Brace yourselves! The trades and services industry is in the throes of a seismic shift, spurred on by the aftermath of COVID. As a business, navigating this changing landscape can feel like walking a tightrope. But fear not, we're here to guide you, offering practical advice to help you adapt to this new market reality and secure the highest possible profits. 

Through the lens of an industry that's grappling with a surge in call volumes, ballooning project sizes, and customers that are suddenly more hesitant to part with their hard-earned cash, we discuss how to steer your business through these choppy waters. We tackle how to give your best price upfront, and when to recognize if a job isn't as profitable as it seemed at first blush. We also shed light on how spending habits and activity levels have shifted in the post-COVID world, and offer insights on how you can trim your own costs to stay competitive.

But it's not all about the dollars and cents. We also share invaluable tips for improving job performance, from knowing your costs inside out, to seeking honest feedback from former customers. We even touch on seemingly trivial issues that can have a profound impact on your business, like how smoking can turn customers off and why sales training is critical. Pulling it all together, we wrap up the episode with a candid discussion on the power of feedback, stressing how your thoughts and suggestions can shape the future direction of this podcast and the industry at large. So, tune in, stay informed, and let's navigate this new era of trades and services together.

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever been stumped by an HVAC installation in a concrete construction house? We've been there, and we've got some stories to share. Our latest adventure involved a customer plagued with extremely noisy air handlers every time the second stage of heat kicked in. It was a tough nut to crack, but after two years of planning and brainstorming, we found a solution. 

In our latest episode, we share our journey through this complex problem, right from the challenges of navigating the customer's property to finding a new location for the equipment. We shed light on the importance of honesty during such tough times and the immense relief when you find the right solution. We also explore the tumultuous process of digging a trench to install a new unit, a task that required some serious mindset adjustment.

As we move forward, we discuss the implications of replacing the existing air handlers with new Mitsubishi variable speed ones, especially for the house's humidity control and high-end filtration. We also express our frustrations about the lack of understanding of correct construction practices, which often lead to long-term problems. By the end of this episode, we hope to impart the importance of understanding the right solution for a project - even if it doesn't seem appealing initially and how pushing past limitations can result in costly consequences in the long run. Tune in for an enlightening discussion with Eric and Andy, who navigated these challenges head-on.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever been hit by a wave of nostalgia over the simple pleasure of an old-timey hardware store? Or found yourself marveling at the convenience brought about by a Nespresso machine? Join us as we journey down memory lane, reminiscing about childhood trips to the hardware store, and the unique olfactory delight of popcorn and old leather. We tackle the evolution of retail and discuss the vital role we all play in this change. 

Our conversation segues from the emotional to the practical, as we share helpful insights on the different ways to connect a gas line. Yes, we get into the weeds of why you need the right type of adapter, and why a trip to the hardware store can save you a whole lot of trouble. Tune in for a blend of warm nostalgia, practical advice, and an honest reflection on the shifting retail landscape. We promise, it's more than just a hardware store visit!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Brace yourselves for a thrilling collaboration between two powerhouses, 'Appetite for Construction' and 'Make Trades Great Again' podcasts. This electrifying episode kicks off with a deep dive into the dynamic world of co-hosting a podcast. Want to know the secret behind crafting layered questions and overthinking interviews to ensure engaging content? Well, you're in for a treat. We also unravel the significance of audience feedback in evaluating our success while navigating through the tricky process of brainstorming engaging podcast ideas.

In the realm of trade shows, we explore the massive influence they have on our businesses. Gear up to broaden your perspective on new products and services through our combined wisdom and our esteemed platform, Mechanical Hub. Stay with us as we switch gears into the intriguing world of European plumbing and electric boiler trends - the nuances between US and European products, the delay in equipment availability, and the heightened US standards. Listen in as we dissect the electrification trend and the challenges manufacturers face.

Fancy a heated debate? We've got one for you: Electric versus Gas Water Heaters. For the environmentally conscious, this is a pivotal discussion on the implications of plastic usage. Discover how Mickelson Plumbing stays on top of the latest product trends and their applications, and how Minnesota's unique electric programs aim to reduce grid stress. Then, grasp the benefits of plastic water heaters compared to their steel counterparts. As we wrap up, we plunge into the electrification costs debate, followed by a sneak peek into the future of electric trucks. With a focus on emission reduction, partnerships like the one between Mercedes Benz and Rivian, and the pros and cons of electric vehicles, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss. Join us on this groundbreaking journey today.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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We have more work than we can handle, its been that way for a while now. This isn't a pricing thing but it seems like everyone online thinks the only answer is to "RAISE YOUR RATES!" Lol, we don't think that's the answer. 

What do you think? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Incentivizing a sale is one thing but what happens when techs have sales goals, commissions and weekly targets?  Guest Denver Baker, owner of MD Heat in Michigan shares his experience and policies on sales in the field and how his employees are compensated for the almighty upgrade. 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Ever figure out what the magic number is? What’s the monthly income level that would change things for you? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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