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Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

Lily Ghuzlan shares her journey into the skilled trades, her passion for furniture design, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. The discussion highlights the importance of education in trades, the societal pressures surrounding career choices, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Lily to create her own path.

Throughout the conversation, Lily emphasizes the value of persistence, creativity, and the need to celebrate small achievements along the way.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

Find Lily here - @lily.guzz

Quotes

• "I want to support and educate more women."
• "Going into a trade as a woman is frowned upon."

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

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Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela. We welcome back returning guest Chessa Trimble to explore the diverse educational pathways available for becoming an electrician.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

Chessa shares her journey of self-starting in the field and the challenges of financing her education before gaining employer sponsorship. We also examine the significance of maintaining high industry standards and the potential safety implications of the new Virginia law.

Quotes:

• “You can't make sense of nonsense,”
• “If it ain't clean, it ain't me.”

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we explore unique and often overlooked careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela. In this episode, we dive into a fascinating topic—weird jobs you might not even know existed!

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, fast shipping, and friendly customer service across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out their Trade Masters program for free shipping and order discounts at supplyhouse.com/tm.

In this episode, Lia introduces us to the world of Professional Sleepers—yes, that’s a real job! Imagine getting paid to sleep, test mattresses, and improve sleep quality, all while impacting health and wellness. Lia also explores other fascinating and unusual careers that will spark curiosity and maybe even inspire a career change.


Quotes:

• “Sleep is the foundation of overall great wellness.”
• “You're basically identifying the brands or the environments that are going to create the most restful sleep.”

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of weird jobs. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Lia uncovers even more unusual, mind-blowing careers! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’re curious about other weird professions.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out supplyhouse.com/tm today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Stephen Dummit and Olivia Leigh from Tradewinds Leadership. Stephen, with over ten years in electrical contracting, transitioned from running his own subcontracting business to focusing on leadership and people development in the construction industry. Olivia, with a corporate business background, brings expertise in business analysis, data, and trends within the trades. Together, they are revolutionizing the way construction companies approach leadership, mental health, and communication.

Quotes:

• "You can't really create like a connection. You can't have a deep human bond. You can't. You can't have someone feel like, hey, I understand you, I hear you, I support you, I want what's best for you. But I don't care about how you feel. Like you. It doesn't. It doesn't land that way." – Stephen Dummit
• "There's something really scary for people and and being exposed. Right. Because if you're going to grow and get better, you have to admit that there's a delta there, right? There's a gap between where you are and where you want to be." – Olivia Leigh

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Follow Tradewinds:

• Website: http://www.tradewindsleadership.com 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out supplyhouse.com/tm today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Eduardo Felix Diaz, a Senior Controls Tech at Johnson Controls, with over two decades of experience. Eduardo is known for his sense of humor and ability to spark debate, which was evident when he reacted to one of Lia’s reels. With his extensive background in HVAC controls, Eduardo shares insights about the complexity and specialization of his field, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of working in service roles.

Quotes:

• "Jack of all trades. Master of none, but oftentimes better than just master of one. Yes, and, I get it. But it also means that not everyone, not all of us are going to be this jack of all trades that really are jacks of all trades, just because you get bits and pieces of everything." – Eduardo
• "I didn’t become complacent. If I can't understand how something works, it drives me nuts until I solve the problem." – Lia
• “You might be able to get units back online and get them working, but that doesn't mean you actually know what you're doing in reality, even as a control tech" – Eduardo

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Follow Eduardo:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvac_assassin
  
  

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Welcome to another exciting episode of The Sparky Life Podcast with your host, Lia Lamela! 

The Sparky Life Podcast reveals remarkable stories and shares unique points of view from journeymen and women who build the things that make our lives work. The lessons shared on The Sparky Life episodes are valuable not only for those engaged in the skilled trades but also for all of us, whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives.

This episode has been inspired by Paul Harvey, where we delve into an inspiring solo trade tale that highlights the power of resilience and the unexpected paths that lead to success in the skilled trades. Lia shares a captivating story about two high school dropouts who overcame significant challenges to build a successful landscaping empire. If you enjoy today's trade tale and want to hear more unique stories from the skilled trades world, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below!

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

Quotes:

• "His promising future blew away like dandelion fluff." - Lia Lamela
• "They truly created the sparks in their lives, and they continue to build the life they wish to live." - Lia Lamela
• "What life will you build for yourself?" – Lia Lamela
  
  

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit  supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Concetta Defa, the President of Utah Women in Trades. Concetta began her career as an apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 354 in 1996, driven by the need to support her family after her father's passing. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including journeyworker, foreperson, estimator, project manager, and union steward. Concetta is passionate about mentoring others and remains involved in numerous committees, including the IBEW Women’s Advisory Committee. Her journey is a testament to the power of skilled trades in transforming lives, providing stability, and empowering others.

Quotes:

• "I think investing in yourself is a really big thing, but I think helping others is also." – Concetta Defa
• "The first tool that was put in my belt was, I'm going to help you. The expectation is that you're going to help the next person." – Concetta Defa
• "It's not a job. It's not a career. It's a whole way of life." – Concetta Defa

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

Follow Concetta Defa:

• Website: https://www.utahwomenintrades.org/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit  supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Brandi Ferenc, owner and CEO of Fair Trades Toolbox. Brandi is a Red Seal 313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson, an instructor, and a mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Brandi has become a powerful advocate for women in skilled trades, winning numerous awards, including the WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 award in 2022 and 2023, and Roger's Women of the Year Award in the skilled trades category. She was also the first female ever to compete at the Ontario Skills Trade Competition in the post-secondary gas fitter category. Today, Brandi shares her journey, insights on mentorship, and how Fair Trades Toolbox is making a difference in the skilled trades industry.

Quotes:

• "Resilience is like an elastic band; no matter how far I’m stretched, I always bounce back." – Brandi Ferenc
• "Our industry is craving change right now, and we're the right people in the right place at the right time." – Brandi Ferenc
• "Support is key. Without it, many apprentices might not make it through the program." – Brandi Ferenc

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

Follow Brandi Ferenc:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fair_trades_toolbox/
• Website: Fair Trades Toolbox

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Erin McGoff, a director, documentary filmmaker & editor who has worked with renowned brands like Google, National Geographic, and Under Armour. Erin is also a TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube content creator with 3.7M+ followers. Erin brings a unique perspective on career progression, sharing her journey from the film industry to becoming a successful content creator and offering valuable advice on climbing the corporate ladder, even within the construction industry.

Quotes

• "The skilled trades actually build our civilization and elevate humanity so that we can have this amazing exchange with one another of sharing and growing together and helping one another." – Lia Lamela
• "The job market is actually really shifting... 77% of hiring managers now value skills as the number one most important attribute when they're looking at candidates." – Erin McGoff
• "A sense of humor is a skill that can help you navigate a host of situations... finding ways to integrate joy into your daily life can increase your quality of life at an exponential rate." – Erin McGoff

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

Follow Erin McGoff:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advicewitherin/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ErinMcGoff5

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com. SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the program today.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Calvin Holston, a former business professional who transitioned into the nuclear industry and became a Senior Reactor Operator. Calvin’s journey is a compelling story of embracing new challenges, from changing careers to launching his own company, Smeeple, a company that connects experts and consumers through video conferencing. Today, Smeeple offers solutions, from HVAC troubleshooting to gymnastics coaching, making expert advice more accessible to everyone.

Quotes

• "I grew up in an environment where smart people went to college and dumb people didn't go to college. That was genuinely my thought." – Calvin Holston
• "Being authentic is so trusting. You don't have to apologize for being you, and it's recognized immediately when you are." – Calvin Holston

Follow Lia Lamela:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155/ 
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw

Follow Calvin Holston

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-holston-b0a2857/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smeepleapp/?hl=en

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