The Trades Podcast

What does it look like when passion, community, and craftsmanship come together to build more than a business? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, to explore how a single idea can grow into a vibrant community built around cars, confidence, and connection.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, a community-first company dedicated to making automotive education accessible and empowering. Talena discusses how Girly Garage was built around the idea that anyone can learn to work on vehicles confidently when given the right instruction, environment, and support.

The conversation dives into the importance of inclusive training, breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries, and using community engagement as a foundation for growth. Talena also shares insights on leadership, building events that inspire connection, and nurturing a loyal audience that feels ownership in the brand’s mission.

Girly Garage Website: https://www.girliegarage.com/

About Girly Garage: https://www.girliegarage.com/about

The Trades Podcast: https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How inclusive education strengthens confidence and skills
• Why community matters in trade and automotive fields
• How Girly Garage expanded from local meetups to a thriving brand
• The role of leadership in fostering inclusivity and belonging
• Practical insights for building community-driven business growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast

01:00 Meet Talayna Handley: Founder of Girly Garage

03:31 The Birth of Girly Garage

08:17 Empowering Through Education

11:31 The Importance of Automotive Knowledge

12:54 Expanding Girly Garage's Reach

15:12 The Gender Gap in Automotive Mechanics

18:50 Safety and Education in Automotive Training

20:36 The Future of Trades and Education

24:28 Challenges Facing Small Businesses

27:21 The Role of Girly Garage in Automotive Education

30:56 Career Paths in Automotive Industry

35:08 Staying Grounded in the Trades

37:30 The Vision for Girly Garage's Future

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with Rafael Torres about the journey of growing Lefty’s Plumbing Services and the values that guide the company’s work. Rafael discusses how maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and high standards has helped the company earn repeat customers and strong referrals.

The discussion also covers training technicians, developing a reliable team, and the importance of staying organized and responsive in a fast-moving service environment. Rafael shares practical insights into running a plumbing company, managing customer expectations, and maintaining quality as the business grows.

Lefty’s Plumbing Services
https://leftysplumbingservice.com/

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How to build a strong reputation in plumbing and home services
• Why communication and professionalism drive repeat business
• The importance of technician training and team culture
• How leadership impacts service quality and customer trust
• Practical insights into operating a growing plumbing company

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny and Jeff discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting young adults to the trades. They explore the importance of paid on-the-job training, creating certificate programs, and the role of technology in training. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship, company culture, and engaging with schools to recruit the next generation of tradespeople. With insights from industry experts, the episode provides actionable strategies for business owners to retain employees and build a strong workforce in the trades.

The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, career progression, workplace culture, and clear communication. Jeff and Danny also share insights on training programs, leadership development, and why creating a sense of purpose in the workplace can dramatically improve retention.

This episode is a practical and motivational discussion for contractors, shop owners, and leaders who want to build stronger teams and a stronger industry.

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• Why recruiting in the trades requires a new approach
• What younger workers value in a workplace
• How mentorship and training improve retention
• The role of culture in building long-term teams
• Practical ways to attract motivated apprentices and technicians
• Why investing in people strengthens your business

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

01:05 Attracting Young Adults to Trade Schools

03:55 Competing with Trade Schools for Talent

04:04 The Importance of Paid On-the-Job Training

07:34 Creating a Certificate Program for Employees

09:34 Utilizing Technology in Training

12:13 Bringing in Industry Experts for Training

15:47 Documenting Employee Training and Progress

20:18 Creating a Clear Career Pathway

22:45 The Role of Company Growth in Employee Retention

26:13 Formalizing Apprenticeship Models

30:15 Recruiting Young Adults into the Trades

41:09 Building a Strong Company Culture

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Tommy Holstein, CEO of Solid Ground STL, about the challenges and rewards of leading a construction and foundation repair company. Tommy explains why attention to detail, honesty with customers, and strong internal culture are essential in an industry where trust and safety matter most.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, growing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards as a business scales. Tommy also discusses the importance of educating homeowners, standing behind your work, and making decisions that protect both people and property.

Solid Ground STL
https://www.solidgroundstl.com

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How to build trust in high-stakes construction services
• Why quality foundations start with strong leadership
• The role of education and transparency with customers
• How to lead teams in physically demanding, technical work
• What it takes to grow a trade business responsibly
• Why long-term reputation matters more than short-term wins

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny welcome Kathy Denton from Berger Hardware, who shares her extensive experience in the door hardware industry. Kathy discusses her journey from being a client to working at Berger Hardware for over 32 years. She highlights the transition to their new location in Encinitas, the unique showroom experience, and the importance of building relationships with clients and contractors. Kathy also explains how they guide homeowners and contractors through the selection process, the impact of technology on hardware, and the value of their job walk services. The conversation emphasizes the commitment to customer service and the personal touch that sets Berger Hardware apart from larger retailers.

The conversation explores how Berger Hardware balances tradition with innovation, stays responsive to contractor needs, and remains a trusted resource for builders, remodelers, and skilled trades professionals. Kathy also shares lessons on customer service, communication, and consistency that apply across every trade business.

Berger Hardware Inc.
https://www.bergerhardwareinc.com

VISIT US: 579 Westlake St., Encinitas , CA 92024

Get Directions 

SERVING AREA: Del Mar, CA 92014, La Mesa, CA, La Jolla, CA, San Diego, CA, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and surrounding areas

CONTACT US: (619) 268-1885

BERGER HARDWARE INC. is a Proud Sponsor of The Trades Podcast! 

What You Will Learn

• Why supplier relationships matter in the trades
• How product knowledge supports jobsite success
• The role of customer service in construction supply
• How trust is built through consistency and reliability
• Why hardware selection impacts project quality
• How Berger Hardware supports contractors every day

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Berger Hardware and Kathy Denton

02:51 Kathy's Journey with Berger Hardware

05:34 Transitioning to the Encinitas Location

08:43 The New Showroom Experience

11:31 Building Relationships with Clients and Contractors

14:21 Memorable Moments at Berger Hardware

17:24 The Importance of Customer Service

20:07 Navigating Client Needs and Choices

23:00 Unique Design Choices in Hardware

25:54 Problem Solving for Clients

28:44 Crafting Unique Solutions for Home Design

36:27 Embracing Technology in Home Security

42:42 Understanding Security Features and Options

47:37 The Importance of Job Walks in Remodeling

54:21 Custom Solutions vs. Off-the-Shelf Products

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego’s go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer’s home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.

You will hear Greg discuss the value of dependable technicians, the impact of treating customers with respect, and the importance of offering a broad skill set that covers everything from repairs to installations. Greg also dives into the realities of running a growing service business and the dedication it takes to keep quality high.

Huge Handyman SD
https://www.HugeHandymanSD.com

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• The mindset behind building a dependable handyman business
• How to earn customer trust through communication and quality
• Why offering a wide range of services boosts business growth
• What it means to lead a team with purpose and high standards
• How to balance business challenges with long-term vision
• The key habits that keep customers loyal and referring

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Huge Handyman

01:46 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth

05:37 Key Performance Indicators and Business Management

11:45 Sales Strategies and Team Dynamics

17:52 Customer Engagement and Marketing Techniques

23:46 Utilizing Technology for Business Efficiency

28:08 Embracing Technology in Construction

36:23 Strategic Growth and Team Development

45:44 Networking and Future Opportunities

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with John Figueroa about the values and processes that define On Point Heating and Air. John breaks down what customers truly expect from an HVAC professional, how his team stays ahead of industry best practices, and why consistent training is essential for both quality and culture.

Topics include maintaining strong communication with homeowners, installing with precision, developing teams with integrity, and staying committed to service excellence. John also talks about the responsibility that comes with entering customers’ homes and the importance of earning their trust every step of the way.

• On Point Heating and Air
  https://www.onpointheatingandair.com
  • CONTACT US
    • (619) 272-6055

• Why personalized service matters in HVAC
• How to build trust through transparency and education
• What separates premium service companies from the competition
• How leadership and communication shape a service business
• Why technicians need continual training and development
• What it takes to grow a values-driven trades company
• This trade is not a nine to five.
• Working hours can extend until the job is done.
• Customer expectations can lead to longer work hours.
• The HVAC industry requires dedication and flexibility.
• Residential HVAC work often involves urgent customer needs.
• Professionals must be prepared for unpredictable schedules.
• Job satisfaction is tied to customer comfort.
• Challenges in HVAC can be rewarding when resolved.
• Time management is crucial in this field.
• Understanding customer needs is essential for success.

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, Danny Torres, Jeff Mudd, Taylor Bray, and Juri Peterson discuss the importance of the PHCC San Diego chapter in promoting the trades, particularly plumbing and HVAC. They provide updates on training programs, including the pre-apprenticeship and four-year apprenticeship programs, and share success stories of students who have found employment after completing these programs. The conversation also covers employer sponsorship for training, the significance of backflow certification, and the upcoming trades expo, which aims to engage the community and provide resources for those interested in the trades.

Takeaways

• PHCC San Diego is dedicated to promoting the trades.
• The pre-apprenticeship program has seen significant success.
• 80% of students from the pre-apprenticeship program find work.
• Employer sponsorship is crucial for apprenticeship programs.
• The four-year apprenticeship program is federally accredited.
• HVAC training programs are expanding to meet industry needs.
• Backflow certification is essential for community health and safety.
• The trades expo offers valuable resources and networking opportunities.
• Interactive learning experiences are being introduced at the expo.
• PHCC is a valuable resource for anyone in the trades.

👉 Learn more and register for the next PHCCSD Trades Expo:
https://www.phccsd.org/trades-expo
Encourage your team, your apprentices, your community partners, and your local schools to attend. Spread the word. The next generation is counting on us.

Whether you are a contractor looking to hire, a vendor wanting to participate, or an educator seeking opportunities for your students, PHCCSD is ready to support you.

PHCC San Diego Chapter
Website: https://www.phccsd.org
General Contact: https://www.phccsd.org/contact
Phone: (858) 693-3855
Email: [email protected]

Taylor Bray, PHCC San Diego
Juri Peterson, PHCC San Diego

Hosted by Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres of TheTradesPodcast.com

Share this episode with educators, students, parents, and contractors who care about rebuilding the skilled trades workforce.
Leave a comment letting us know how the trades have impacted your life or business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and PHCC San Diego

01:51 Overview of PHCC and Its Importance

05:46 Training Programs and Their Impact

09:41 Success Stories and Instructor Highlights

13:43 Financial Support and Scholarships for Students

17:42 National Reach and Online Training Opportunities

21:39 Four-Year Apprenticeship Program Overview

23:53 The Value of Apprenticeship Programs

27:48 Exploring HVAC Training Opportunities

29:43 Backflow Certification and Its Importance

32:36 Upcoming Trades Expo: What to Expect

37:46 Interactive Learning: The Escape Room Experience

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

Summary

In this conversation, John Pierson shares his personal experience with mosquitoes and the challenges he faced while trying to create a mosquito-free outdoor space. He discusses his initial solution of using tiki torches and the problems that arose from that approach. Ultimately, this led to the innovative idea of BuzzCaps, a product designed to enhance outdoor living by effectively managing mosquito issues.

Takeaways

• John faced a significant mosquito problem in his outdoor space.
• He initially tried using tiki torches for mosquito control.
• Tiki torches proved to be an ineffective solution.
• John's frustration led him to think creatively about the problem.
• The idea for BuzzCaps emerged from his need for a better solution.
• BuzzCaps are designed to attach to privacy fences for better stability.
• John's experience highlights the importance of innovation in everyday problems.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of persistence in problem-solving.
• Outdoor living spaces can be improved with innovative products.
• John's story is a testament to turning challenges into opportunities.
• Transform Your Outdoor Experience with BuzzCaps: A Game-Changer for Homeowners

1. The Birth of BuzzCaps  

John Pierson shares the story of how he and his family created BuzzCaps. After building their first pool in Maine, they struggled with mosquito infestations that ruined their evenings. Inspired by their challenges, John set out to develop a product that would allow them to enjoy their poolside without the pesky bugs. Thus, BuzzCaps was born—a simple yet effective solution that transforms deck or fence posts into tiki torches, utilizing citronella oil to deter mosquitoes naturally.

2. Understanding the Product  

BuzzCaps are designed to fit on four-inch or five-inch posts and require no tools for installation. Each product comes with a 12-ounce oil canister to hold citronella oil, which masks human scent and keeps mosquitoes at bay. This innovative design not only solves a common problem but does so in a way that enhances the aesthetic of outdoor living spaces. John emphasizes that a clean and upscale look was a priority during development, making BuzzCaps an attractive addition to any deck or backyard.

3. A Family Affair  

What makes BuzzCaps special is its family-oriented foundation. John, his wife Lisa, and their son Max collaborated throughout the design process. They voted on various names, ultimately settling on BuzzCaps, which cleverly reflects the product's purpose. John credits his family for their encouragement and feedback, helping him refine the design to its current successful form.

4. The Importance of Networking  

John highlights the significance of networking in growing BuzzCaps. During his first expo experience at the Pool, Spa, Deck, and Patio Expo in Vegas, he made valuable connections with distributors and learned about the industry. This exposure opened doors to new opportunities and potential partnerships, proving that stepping outside one's comfort zone can yield incredible results.

5. Future Prospects  

As a relatively young company, BuzzCaps is focused on spreading awareness about their product. John envisions expanding their product line to cater to different materials and post sizes, further enhancing outdoor living experiences for homeowners. This innovative approach shows that BuzzCaps is not just a product but a brand dedicated to improving outdoor spaces.

Conclusion:  

BuzzCaps presents a fresh solution to a longstanding problem for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of thoughtful design, family collaboration, and effective networking has positioned BuzzCaps as a standout product in the home improvement industry. By offering a stylish way to enjoy outdoor living without the nuisance of mosquitoes, BuzzCaps is set to transform backyards everywhere.

Key Takeaways:  

- BuzzCaps is a family-run business that provides an innovative solution for mosquito control in outdoor spaces.  

- The product is designed to enhance the aesthetic of decks and fences while providing a functional benefit.  

- Networking and community engagement are crucial for startup success, as demonstrated by John's experience at industry expos.  

- BuzzCaps aims to expand its product offerings to meet diverse customer needs.

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

Finding What’s Hidden — Precision, People & Performance in Leak Detection

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview Joseph Hernandez, Division Manager at CPL Detection, a leader in leak detection and underground utility locating. Joseph shares how his team combines advanced technology with expert craftsmanship to provide accurate, efficient, and trustworthy detection services across Southern California.

The conversation dives into the importance of precision in the trades, team leadership, mentorship, and developing a workforce that takes pride in solving tough problems. Joseph highlights how CPL Detection’s approach to training and innovation sets them apart, emphasizing professionalism, customer trust, and service excellence.

Whether you’re running a trade business or managing field technicians, Joseph’s insights reveal how building culture, communication, and capability can elevate your company’s reputation and long-term success.

Key takeaways:

• CPL has been in operation since 1976, focusing on leak detection and utility locating.
• Leak detection is an emergency response service, while utility locating is more planned and preventative.
• Ignoring leaks can lead to significant property damage and increased costs.
• CPL has improved its apprenticeship program, reducing training time while enhancing skill development.
• Company culture at CPL emphasizes core values like teamwork and excellence.
• CPL is committed to employee growth and offers opportunities for advancement.
• The company actively engages in community education about utility safety and damage prevention.
• CPL's leadership encourages open communication and values employee input.
• The demand for leak detection and utility locating services remains strong despite market fluctuations.
• CPL is focused on innovation, including developing new utility locating equipment.

🌐 CPL Detection — www.CPLDetection.com
📍 Learn more about CPL Detection’s leadership team: Our Team
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 Connect with Joseph Hernandez on LinkedIn

CPL SAN DIEGO

1483 N. Second Street Suite #201  El Cajon, CA 92021
6197984479

CPL RIVERSIDE/ORANGE COUNTY

505 N. Smith Ave., Suite 107  Corona CA 92878
951-302-5057

CPL TENNESSEE

PO Box 216  Dandridge, TN 37725
865-545-9160

Email: [email protected]

🎙 The Trades Podcast — TheTradesPodcast.com
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CPL and Its Services

06:52 Understanding Leak Detection vs. Utility Locating

13:15 Consequences of Ignoring Leaks

19:10 The Importance of Utility Locating

24:10 CPL's Growth and Training Programs

27:39 Building a Strong Company Culture

35:49 The Importance of Growth and Development

42:56 Leadership and Employee Empowerment

50:02 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.