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

🎧 Subscribe, rate & share to help us grow the show and bring more attention to trades careers that pay—and protect.

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.

In this episode of the Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers and Mike Costa break down why sales skills are crucial for anyone working in the trades. They tackle the common mindset of "I'm not a salesperson" and explain why every interaction with a client is an opportunity to inform, educate, and offer solutions – not just sell.

Patrick shares his journey leading a successful HVAC business, offering insights into why the stigma around sales needs to change. Learn how to communicate with clients, find potential problems, and present solutions without feeling like a pushy salesperson. Whether you’re hourly, commission-based, or just looking to boost your income, this episode will change how you think about sales.

Tune in to learn how to "sell without selling" and master the art of guiding clients to the best decision – all while building trust and increasing your value in the trades!

AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. In this episode of The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick and Mike break down how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the trades—and why that’s a good thing. Whether you're a technician, business owner, or just getting started, this episode shows you how tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and AI-powered CRMs like ServiceTitan can make your job easier, faster, and more profitable.

Learn how AI is being used to:

✅ Assign techs to jobs smarter

✅ Write clean service notes instantly

✅ Troubleshoot HVAC systems in real-time

✅ Role-play sales calls for better training

✅ Pull code compliance info from a photo …and way more.

Plus, Patrick shares free downloadable prompts built specifically for techs—so you can start using AI like a pro today.

🚨 Why do so many trade businesses fail? If you’re a technician thinking about going out on your own or a business owner struggling to grow, this episode is for you.

Host Patrick Somers and co-host Mike Costa break down the top 3 reasons trade businesses fail and, more importantly, how to overcome these challenges so you can scale successfully.

In this episode, we cover:

✔️ Why lack of demand, capital, and talent sink businesses

✔️ The hard truths about running a trade company (it's not just fixing stuff)

✔️ How to get out of the truck and start working ON your business

✔️ The real cost of growing a team and retaining top talent

✔️ Why most trade business owners get stuck— and how to break free

Don’t become another statistic. If you want your business to thrive instead of survive, hit play now!

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts! 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Drop a comment or leave us a review!

Grab your download here: https://thetradepreneurshow.com/downloads/

#Tradepreneur #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #HVAC #Plumbing #Leadership

Most people in the trades want to make more money—but how many are actually tracking their numbers?

This week on The Tradepreneur Show, Patrick Somers and Mike Costa break down: ✅ Why goal-setting is the key to making more money ✅ How to track your performance & increase your income ✅ The biggest mistake technicians & sales pros make that keeps them stuck

🚨 PLUS: Patrick finally unveils his goal-setting worksheet—but there’s a problem… his team HATES the name. He’s putting it to the audience—should he keep it or change it? Tune in and cast your vote!

🎧 Listen now!

#TradesLife #HVACSales #EntrepreneurMindset #GoalSetting #MakeMoreMoney

How do you hit a bullseye without a target in sight? Too many techs and sales pros drift through their careers without direction—and then wonder why their earnings stall.

In this episode, Patrick Somers shares how he went from earning $10/hr as an HVAC tech to navigating his way to a $20M+ business, all by mastering goal-setting and relentless tracking.

We’re giving you a FREE tool to steer your own success: the T.H.R.I.V.E Loadstar sales tracker.

Download it to chart your monthly goals and propel your income to new heights. Whether you’re in HVAC, plumbing, or any performance-driven trade, this is how top earners navigate to the top.

💰 Ready to thrive? Start navigating.🚀

Get your free T.H.R.I.V.E Loadstar at www.thetradepreneurshow.com