The Trade Talks

In this episode of The Trade Talks, Roger Wakefield sits down with David Lockwood, the general manager of Remove It Pros, to discuss the fascinating world of demolition and junk removal. From humble beginnings in junk removal to building a multi-million-dollar demolition company, David shares his inspiring journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Discover how a simple junk removal job turned into a thriving business that repurposes materials, saves money for clients, and supports sustainable practices. Learn about the challenges of scaling a demolition business, how to find hidden value in discarded materials, and why reputation is key to success. David also opens up about his personal growth, the importance of mindset, and how he overcame setbacks in both real estate and business to become a leader in his industry. If you’re curious about the hidden profits in demolition or looking for inspiration to start your own business, this episode is a must-watch. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

What happens when a professional football player hangs up his helmet and picks up a hammer? In this episode of TradeTalks, I sit down with John Malecki, former NFL lineman turned master woodworker, to talk about his fascinating journey from the football field to the woodworking shop. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Steven Smith, a seasoned plumber with over 18 years of experience, to discuss his journey through the trades, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s turning his passion into a thriving plumbing business. From starting as an office worker with no plumbing knowledge to running his own company, Steven shares his insights into cross-training, business ownership, and the importance of building a strong company culture. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Dan Quinonez, the Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, to discuss the upcoming PHCC Connect 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. Dan shares insights on the vital role the foundation plays in training the next generation of plumbers and HVAC technicians and how they’re preparing for the future of the industry. We also talk about the exciting events happening at PHCC Connect 2024, from live apprentice competitions to opportunities for contractors to network and learn from top industry experts. If you’re serious about growing your business and staying on top of the latest innovations in plumbing and HVAC, this is the event you don’t want to miss! _________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Join Roger Wakefield in this episode of The Trade Talks as he sits down with Billy Cline, a former carpenter turned door installation expert who now owns a thriving construction business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Billy shares his journey from working with his hands to leading a growing team, revealing the key mindsets and strategies that helped him scale his business beyond just a paycheck. Discover how mindset, leadership, and vision transformed Billy's life and his company, and learn why adding value to the world is the key to true success in the trades. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your trade business, this episode is packed with insights to help you think bigger and aim higher. Plus, hear how Billy's story proves that with the right focus, you can build a business that thrives even when you're not there. Don't miss this episode if you're ready to unlock the secrets to a successful trades career and business! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you tired of running your construction business day in and day out, with no time to step back and live life? In this episode of The Trade Talks, we're uncovering the blueprint for building a construction business that operates smoothly without you constantly at the helm. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with seasoned business expert and tradeswoman, Irum Jones. We explore the essential systems and processes that every construction business needs to automate day-to-day operations, scale effectively, and create long-term sustainability. From hiring the right people to implementing SOPs, we show you how to build a business that thrives without you being involved in every detail. Whether you’re a general contractor, plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to structure your company to work for you – not the other way around. Learn how to create a solid exit strategy and set up a foundation that allows your business to grow and prosper, even when you're not on site. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that gives you freedom instead of tying you down, this episode is a must-watch! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

In this episode of The Trade Talks, we dive deep into what’s missing in most trade companies today and how to fix it. Join me, Roger Wakefield, as I sit down with Brandon Jones, a partner at Express Home Services, to discuss the outdated management practices that are holding trade businesses back and the modern approaches that can transform your company into a thriving, employee-focused powerhouse. We explore the importance of building a positive work culture, the critical role of employee retention, and why treating your team well is the key to scaling your business. Brandon shares his unique experiences, including how he turned around his hiring and onboarding processes, creating a workplace where employees are eager to stay and grow. Whether you're a trade business owner, manager, or just passionate about the trades, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples that can help you revolutionize your business. Tune in to learn how to attract top talent, keep your best people, and create a culture that drives success. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ A big thank you to HighLevel for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks! If you're looking to streamline your business and elevate your marketing efforts, try HighLevel with a 30-day free trial. Get started today at gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield ___________________________________________________________________________________________________  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!!

Join renowned host Roger Wakefield in an enlightening podcast episode that delves deep into the world of skilled trades, featuring a candid conversation with Benny Montoya, a seasoned journeyman HVAC mechanic with Local 100. Explore the pivotal role of skilled labor in building America and how educational paths in HVAC can transform lives. Benny shares his journey from high school to becoming a second-generation HVAC expert, revealing the importance of hands-on experience, continual learning, and the critical support of companies like Johnson Controls. Discover how Benny navigated opportunities from high school welding classes to a promising HVAC career, emphasizing the value of a solid educational foundation. Learn about the dynamic nature of HVAC work, balancing technical skills, and customer relationships, while addressing challenges and triumphs in the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career in the trades or looking to enhance their skills. Tune in to gain insights into making informed career choices, maximizing opportunities, and the potential for personal and professional growth in the skilled trades industry. Listen now and be inspired to forge your own path to success. _________________________________________________________________________________

We sat down with Mike Hallman, president of Rockwall Underground and founder of Pond Masters. Mike shares his journey from growing up in a construction family to becoming a successful heavy equipment operator and business owner. He discusses the challenges of dealing with engineers and inspectors, the excitement of operating big machinery, and the rewarding experience of building custom ponds. Learn about Mike's career path, from working on subdivisions and municipal projects to innovating with new technologies like drone surveys. Discover valuable insights into the construction industry, the importance of punctuality and respect, and Mike's advice for young people entering the trade. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the future of construction, the evolution of equipment, and the enduring spirit of hard work and dedication in the skilled trades.

We sat down with Will Blake to explore the unexpected journey from a young tradesman to a successful business owner in the foundation repair industry. Will shares his insights on the impact of the internet, the importance of charging what you're worth, and the value of starting young in the trades. From his early days helping his father with custom homes to building a multimillion-dollar company, Will's story is one of resilience and growth. Learn about the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

Our Sponsor:

Leak-Pro: Ensuring your home is leak-free. Visit [Leak-Pro](https://leak-pro.com) for more information.