The Trade Talks

In this episode of The Trade Talks Podcast, Roger Wakefield sits down with Chris, owner of Indigo Plumbing in Oklahoma City, to talk about his path from apprentice to business owner. Chris opens up about the lessons he learned the hard way, what most plumbers get wrong about pricing and customer service, and why not having systems nearly broke his business.

They also dive into why water filtration is a massive opportunity, the importance of brand identity, and why every plumber needs to stop hiding from social media. Whether you're an apprentice, a licensed plumber, or running your own shop, this episode will leave you fired up and full of ideas. 

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 https://www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

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!

A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! 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 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!

A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! 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 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!

 A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live!

Register for my FREE webinar! 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 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!!!

In this episode of The Trade Talks Podcast, I sit down with Terrence Chan, a Canadian plumber, business owner, and content creator who's redefining what it means to be in the trades. From failing engineering school to building a thriving plumbing company, Terrence shares how he went all in on plumbing—and then flipped the script by launching a social media brand and a media company. We talk about the mindset it takes to grow, how he scaled his business with automation instead of headcount, and the hard lessons he learned from toxic workplaces. He also opens up about starting with nothing, learning leadership, firing friends, and why your attitude matters more than your resume. This one’s for anyone who’s ever thought, “There’s more to this job than just turning a wrench.” _________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 https://www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________

What does it really take to build a successful plumbing business while advocating for the trades? In this episode, I sit down with Tony Bertolino, a fourth-generation plumber, business owner, and advocate for the plumbing industry. We dive into the biggest mistakes apprentices make, why many plumbers struggle financially, and how politics is shaping the future of the trades. Tony also shares his journey from apprentice to instructor, how he and his brother built a thriving business, and why he’s fighting to protect your plumbing license. Whether you're an apprentice, a business owner, or just someone who wants to understand the future of the trades, this episode is packed with hard truths, valuable insights, and real-world experience. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 https://www.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!!!!

What does it really take to start a successful plumbing business from scratch? In this episode, I sit down with Grant Speake, a plumber who started with nothing, threw newspapers to pay the bills, and built a thriving company in his hometown. We talk about the hard truths of the trade, why most plumbers struggle to make real money, and the biggest mistakes business owners make when starting out. Grant also shares why he refuses to charge $500 an hour, how he hires the right plumbers, and why he completely stopped doing certain plumbing jobs. This episode is a must-watch for apprentices, plumbers, and anyone dreaming of running their own trades 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 https://www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

Why Every Small Business Needs Corporate Credit | The Trade Talks #193 In this episode of The Trade Talks Podcast, I sit down with Ramzi Sarkis, a corporate credit expert, to break down how business owners—especially those in the trades—can leverage corporate credit to grow, scale, and protect their businesses. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 https://www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield

In this episode of The Trade Talks, I sit down with Matt Outlaw of 731 Woodworks, a former Arkansas State Trooper who turned his woodworking side hustle into a full-time YouTube career. From struggling to pay the bills to building a thriving online business, Matt shares how he made the leap, the risks he took, and the lessons he learned along the way. If you've ever thought about leaving a 9-to-5 for something bigger, this episode is for you!

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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 https://www.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!!!!

I’m sitting down with Michael James Johnson, a veteran who turned a wrench into a thriving HVAC empire. From his dad’s influence as an electrician to military service, Michael shares how persistence, mentorship, and mindset completely transformed his career. He talks about starting at $8 an hour, battling a poverty mindset, and finally taking his business to the next level with a coach’s guidance. This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and motivation for anyone in the trades—or anyone looking to build something great. You don’t want to miss this one!

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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 https://www.gohighlevel.com/roger-wakefield _________________________________________________________________________________________________