The Trade Talks

Welcome to The Trade Talks Podcast, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every other Saturday for the Trade Talks Podcast and every Wednesday from 3-4 PM for the Trade Talks Live 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!

n this episode of The Trade, Roger Wakefield sits down with a seasoned plumber who went from the mortgage industry to the trades out of necessity—and built a career that led him to serve on the Texas plumbing board, influence regulations, and help grow a successful business. They dive into: Starting a plumbing career later in life (and why it's NOT too late) The reality of working your way from apprentice to master plumber How a family plumbing business grew into a high-revenue operation The difference between transactional vs. relationship-based service How plumbers can earn $100K–$175K+ (and what it really takes) Why soft skills and communication matter just as much as technical ability Behind-the-scenes insights into plumbing laws, licensing, and the Texas board The truth about tunneling, training, and the future of the trade If you've ever thought about leaving a desk job for the trades—or you're already in plumbing and want to level up—this conversation is packed with real-world insight you won't hear anywhere else.

👉 Whether you're 20 or 50, this episode proves it's never too late to build a successful career in the skilled trades.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Podcast, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every other Saturday for the Trade Talks Podcast and every Wednesday from 3-4 PM for the Trade Talks Live 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, we sit down with Mike Duncan, Master Plumber and owner of Duncan Plumbing Solutions in Waxahachie, Texas, to talk about his journey into the trades—and why plumbing is more than just a job… it's a profession.

From struggling in school and being told he wasn't "college material," to building a successful career in plumbing, Mike shares how persistence, mentorship, and real-world experience shaped his path. We dive into the realities of starting out in the trades, the importance of learning from the right people, and how mindset can make or break your career.

We also discuss the reality of running a trades business — the ups and downs of cash flow, the importance of trust and honesty with customers, and why the skilled trades (especially plumbing) are in huge demand right now.

If you're a plumber, contractor, trades professional, or homeowner who wants to understand how water damage claims, mold remediation, and restoration actually work, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every wednesday from 3-4 PM 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, we sit down with Grant Bothun from Rescue Restoration to talk about the restoration industry, working with plumbers, insurance claims, and what really happens when water damage hits a home.

Grant shares his journey from studying energy management at Oklahoma State and working in the oil and gas industry to partnering with his brother and building a restoration company focused on helping homeowners during some of their toughest moments. We dive into how restoration companies work with plumbers, HVAC companies, insurance adjusters, and homeowners to mitigate damage and rebuild homes after disasters.

We also discuss the reality of running a trades business — the ups and downs of cash flow, the importance of trust and honesty with customers, and why the skilled trades (especially plumbing) are in huge demand right now.

If you're a plumber, contractor, trades professional, or homeowner who wants to understand how water damage claims, mold remediation, and restoration actually work, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for!

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental 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! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com

LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency.

By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job.

LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures.

Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality.

For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577

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!!!

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 powerful and unfiltered conversation, Kema Garcia shares how she went from hairstylist… to building a multi–eight-figure roofing company in Dallas… to investing in real estate across Mexico—including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar.

We talk about:

• Building a life by design instead of chasing money

• Investing in land vs. chasing commissions

• Why Bacalar could be like Cancun 50 years ago

• The new train connecting Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya

• Growing (and selling) a roofing company

• Rebuilding after divorce and starting over

• Why success has to be defined on YOUR terms

• Faith, alignment, and doing business with purpose

From climbing roofs in Dallas to investing along the Riviera Maya coastline, this episode is about courage, reinvention, and building something that actually feels like you.

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