Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice!

In this episode, I sit down with an incredible automotive technician turned business owner who shares his journey from the boxing ring to building his own shop at just 22 years old. From growing up with very little… to almost becoming a pharmacist… to starting as a porter making $8 an hour… this story is all about passion, mentorship, and mastering the little things that most people overlook.

We talk about:

✅ How he fell in love with the trades ✅ Why quality control and attention to detail separate good techs from great ones ✅ The technician shortage (yes, it's real) ✅ What top automotive techs are earning today (you might be surprised 👀) ✅ Why mentorship changed his life ✅ The difference between replacing vs rebuilding engines and transmissions ✅ The opportunity young people are missing in the trades

One of the biggest takeaways? You can do everything right for 10 years — but one bad customer experience can cost you everything. Details matter. Clean work matters. Pride in your craft matters.

Whether you're in plumbing, automotive, HVAC, electrical — or you're a young person trying to figure out your path — this conversation shows how powerful the trades can be when you commit to excellence.

The trades aren't a backup plan. They're a wealth-building plan.

If you're in the trades (or thinking about it), drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What made you fall in love with your craft?

And if you got value from this, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message.

Let's build the next generation of skilled trades professionals the right way.

— Roger Wakefield