Make Trades Great Again

Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? 

Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures upon delivery for regular, everyday plumbing and hvac material orders lol! 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber. 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a big part of the general population is finding it difficult manage unexpected bills. Eric is now offering financing and Andy is looking into it for his business.

Have experience or thoughts to share? Please do! 

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. 

The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies operate on the "low upfront bid" and tack on the add-ons as the job progresses. 

Have experience or thoughts to share? Please do! 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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

As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the US? 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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

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Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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Some recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. 

Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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

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New tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD)

This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: 

https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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

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Ever wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. 

It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavillion, thanks John! 

Text the guys your ideas & feedback!

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