The Tradepreneur Show: Trade Business & Home Services Success with Patrick Somers

Most technicians show up to fix something. That’s it. But the ones who stand out show up with more. They listen deeply. They ask better questions. They are trusted advisors. Because when you step into that role, everything changes. You're no longer replaceable. You're essential. This episode is about that shift – what it takes to move from transactional work to transformational service, and how that mindset unlocks the next level in your career.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:03) Trade opportunities vs. college paths

(09:32) Navigating first impressions

(11:25) Seven-second first impressions

(15:30) First impressions in business visits

(17:15) Importance of listening skills

(21:54) From technician to trusted advisor

(24:22) Identifying home temperature imbalances

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Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest welcome “Andrew OG” – the OG plumbing! From digging trenches to running a thriving plumbing business, Andrew’s story is one of grit, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from roofing and landscaping to business ownership, sharing raw lessons on leadership, mindset, and resilience in the trades.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:37) Driven by challenge

(07:57) Empowerment and trust in leadership

(11:14) Building team culture through accountability

(15:18) Success requires enduring many failures

(16:10) The challenges of scaling a business

(20:51) Business growth is a perpetual cycle

(24:21) Escape the clock puncher mentality

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.

Patrick Somers and Tanya Priest return to explore how AI is showing up in real life – from fixing restaurant equipment to creating images on the fly. Patrick shares how ChatGPT helped him solve a hands-on problem, proving these tools aren’t just hype – they’re practical.

They also dig into AI platforms like Grok and ChatGPT, share beginner tips, and discuss how AI is changing the way we work. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, this episode is full of insights you can use right away.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:39) AI tools and trade prompts

(05:21) Grok: Future robot intelligence?

(06:21) AI in shipbuilding and workforce attitudes

(12:17) Everyday day AI applications in workplaces

(15:31) Understanding user needs for better assistance

(16:59) AI usage – free live tutorial

Links mentioned in this episode:

AI: Tool or Takeover? The Tradepreneur Truth

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.

If you thought managing incoming calls and technician schedules was just about filling spots on a board, think again. Patrick and Tanya break down the art and science behind dispatch – why it’s one of the most underrated and challenging roles, how to effectively triage calls when things get hectic, and the real-world strategies that keep both customer satisfaction and team morale high.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on handling those tough, overbooked days when everyone wants service “right now,” including practical tips on staggered shifts, the “float tech” system, and how call center reps can smooth things over with understanding (and sometimes a little extra).

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:57) CSR's role: book incoming calls

(08:47) Effective client rescheduling tips

(10:51) Triage and resource management

(14:03) Technician scheduling efficiency

(19:34) Managing customer expectations

(23:23) Technicians' challenges and realities

👥 Connect with Us: Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.

🎙 Episode 18 – Surviving the Summer Slam

Avoid Burnout, Beat Callbacks, and Own Every Call

Summer’s here and the calls are non-stop — but that’s no excuse to rush, cut corners, or lose focus. In this episode, Patrick and Tanya Priest break down how technicians can stay sharp during peak season by sticking to the process, managing burnout, and handling every call with intention.

If you’re feeling the heat (literally and mentally), this episode is your mid-season reset.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Summer hits hard: What’s coming and how to prepare 02:40 – Don’t get sloppy: Stick to your process under pressure 05:15 – One-call-at-a-time mindset: Slow down to win 08:30 – Spotting burnout early before it costs you 11:45 – Tanya’s reset routine for techs between calls 14:10 – Why callbacks crush profitability (and how to avoid them) 17:00 – Consistency > hustle: Play the long game 19:30 – Final thoughts: Be the tech that finishes strong

💡 Key Takeaways

• Take one call at a time — your energy follows your focus.
• Rushing kills trust, tickets, and long-term results.
• The best techs aren’t the fastest — they’re the most consistent.
• Burnout is real. Short resets between calls can make or break your day.
• Your process is your protection in the heat of summer.

👥 Connect with Us

Follow The Tradepreneur Show on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 📩 Got feedback or episode ideas? Hit us up at [email protected]

👉 If this episode helped, leave a review and share it with your crew — we’re building something real here.

Don’t Just Survive the Tariffs—Turn Them Into Your Competitive Edge

Tariffs are back in the headlines—and hitting the trades hard. But instead of panicking, what if you used them to win? In this episode, Patrick Somers and guest co-host Tanya Priest (a $2M HVAC sales producer) dig into how the latest round of tariff surcharges can actually become your secret weapon.

From pricing strategy to customer communication and operational leanness, Patrick outlines how General Air Conditioning & Plumbing is flipping a challenge into a growth move—and how you can, too.

✔ How to talk about tariffs without triggering customers

✔ When to absorb the cost—and when to pass it on

✔ The mindset shift that separates winners from whiners

✔ Why transparency + promotion beats silence every time

Whether you're a technician, a business owner, or just getting started in the trades, this episode is your playbook for turning pain into power.

On this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers and Mike Costa break down one of the most overlooked keys to success in the trades — and life: sharpening the saw.

From earning certifications that open new doors to taking real breaks to recharge, Patrick shares real-world stories that show why continuous personal and professional growth isn't optional — it's essential. Whether you're just starting out or years into your trade career, your willingness to invest in yourself will define your opportunities, your income, and your happiness.

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"Your Truck Tells a Story: What Cleanliness Says About Your Career"In this episode, Patrick and Mike break down how something as simple as a clean work truck can unlock raises, respect, and responsibility. From keeping dashboards clear of old coffee cups and inspection passes to tricking out your van with custom ladder racks and bungee nets, Patrick shares real-world examples of how organization and pride in your tools translate directly to increased revenue and opportunity. If you’ve ever shrugged off that mess in the back of your truck, this one’s for you.

How do you keep your body safe in 110° heat—on rooftops, in attics, or trenches? In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers and Mike Costa break down everything tradespeople need to know about working in extreme temperatures.

From real-life stories to OSHA-compliant heat injury prevention plans, this episode is packed with essential tips for anyone working with their hands this summer. We cover:

• Why hydration before work is more important than during
• Signs of heat stress, exhaustion, and stroke—and what to do about it
• Smart electrolyte balance (and how your morning coffee or energy drink might be hurting you)
• Simple DIY tools like a urine color chart and electrolyte “slurry” recipe
• Clothing, shade, and gear hacks that could save your life
• How employers and solopreneurs can prep crews before peak heat hits

Whether you’re an HVAC tech, plumber, electrician, landscaper, or mechanic, this is a must-listen for keeping yourself (and your team) safe.

💧 Download your free Hydration & Heat Safety Toolkit at TheTradepreneurShow.com

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In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick and Mike dig into the real reason skilled labor is disappearing—and why now is the best time ever to jump into the trades. With baby boomers retiring and fewer young people learning the hands-on skills that keep our homes running, trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are in massive demand.

Patrick shares personal stories from his own HVAC journey, why his son chose plumbing straight out of high school, and how that decision is already paying off. From busting outdated stereotypes to explaining how to carry yourself like a pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a high-paying career without the college debt.

👉 If you’re asking, “Is the trades route really worth it?” — this episode answers that, and then some.