Make Trades Great Again

After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol. 

Eric & Andy talk about the new AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating. 

What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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In this episode, Eric and Andy explore the practicalities, frustrations, and potential of AI-powered call answering systems in small businesses. They share personal experiences with automated systems in auto repair, healthcare, and customer service, debating their effectiveness and future prospects.

In the end one of the guys is planning to sign up and start using an ai answering service, who do you think it will be? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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. 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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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.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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