The Trades Podcast

The conversation explores the rising enrollments in skilled trades programs at community colleges, the importance of community colleges in addressing the skilled trade shortage, and the challenges and opportunities in training and educating young talent in the trades. It also delves into the impact of trades education on students, the camaraderie and connection in the trades, addressing workforce needs and training solutions, adapting to technological changes in the trades, and the challenges in getting people into trades programs. The conversation covers the cost of apprenticeship programs, employer support, and program funding, eliminating barriers for students, the future of community colleges and trades, technology in the trades, and the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades.

This episode is packed with inspiration for students, educators, contractors, and parents who want to better understand the opportunities available in the skilled trades. Share this episode with someone looking for a career path built on purpose, stability, and real-world impact.

Learn more:
👉 https://www.carrollcc.edu/
👉 https://www.haccmd.org/

Takeaways

• Rising enrollments in skilled trades programs at community colleges
• Importance of community colleges in addressing skilled trade shortage
• Challenges and opportunities in training and educating young talent in the trades Cost of apprenticeship programs
• Eliminating barriers for students
• Technology in the trades
• Benefits of pursuing a career in the trades

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Promoting the Trades
• 05:31 Community College Enrollment and Program Expansion
• 11:02 Impact of Trades Education on Students
• 18:24 Addressing Workforce Needs and Training Solutions
• 23:53 Challenges in Getting People into Trades Programs
• 35:29 Benefits of Pursuing a Career in the Trades

Carroll Community College, HACCMD, HVAC education, apprenticeship programs, skilled trades careers, workforce development, technical education, HVAC training, construction careers, trade school opportunities, skilled labor shortage, continuing education, trades mentorship

Steven Barry, Charles Hayden, Jeff Mudd, Danny Torres, The Trades Podcast Production Team, Carroll Community College, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACCMD)

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jessica and Jo of Harts Services to discuss leadership, culture, and the evolving world of home services.

The conversation explores how Harts Services has built a reputation for quality workmanship and exceptional customer service across plumbing, sewer, electrical, and HVAC services. Jessica and Jo share insights into team development, employee retention, leadership communication, and the systems that help create consistency across a growing organization.

Topics discussed include:

• Building a strong company culture in the trades
• The importance of leadership and communication
• Training and developing future trade professionals
• Creating positive customer experiences
• Balancing company growth with employee satisfaction
• The future of home services and skilled trades careers

• Harts Services
  https://www.hartsservices.com/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How culture impacts growth in service businesses
• Why communication is critical to leadership success
• The value of employee development and retention
• How customer service drives long-term reputation
• Ways growing companies maintain consistency and trust

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast
• 00:59 Meet Jessica and Joe from Heart Service
• 01:59 Jessica's background and company overview
• 03:20 Joe's journey into electrical trades
• 05:16 Challenges and rewards of electrical troubleshooting
• 07:43 Women in trades: experiences and impact
• 10:43 Troubleshooting as a key skill
• 12:45 Building trust with homeowners
• 16:39 Training and onboarding new technicians
• 20:53 Cross-training and career paths within the company
• 22:26 Company growth and regional coverage
• 23:36 Team meetings and company culture
• 25:05 Connecting with other tradespeople
• 27:51 Jessica's motivation to return to trades
• 31:12 Women in the field: respect and confidence
• 33:43 Changing perceptions of trades as a career
• 36:49 Regional service areas and ferry challenges
• 39:44 The value of a career in trades
• 44:01 The importance of daily goals and teamwork
• 45:15 Five quick questions: habits, skills, hiring, changes, and advice
• 52:49 Closing remarks and contact information

The conversation covers the impact of technology on the trades, focusing on safety and training. It delves into Amanda Long's background, the types of cranes and their applications, the role of crane operators, the impact of VR on training and recruitment, challenges in safety measures and training, and the future of safety and training in the trades.

Takeaways

• Technology's Impact on the Trades
• Safety and Training in the Trades

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Guest Introduction

02:55 Amanda Long's Background and Experience in Crane and Rigging

06:18 Types of Cranes and Their Applications

09:13 Career Pathways in Crane Operation

12:08 Safety Training and Employee Advancement Opportunities

15:15 The Role of Virtual Reality in Training

19:20 Challenges in Safety and Workforce Readiness

21:54 The Skilled Labor Shortage in the Trades

24:16 Addressing the Skilled Trades Shortage

26:10 The Role of Technology in Training

28:15 Innovations in Simulation and Immersive Learning

30:45 Balancing Simulation and Hands-On Training

34:04 Accelerating Employee Training and Retention

38:43 The Future of Training in Skilled Trades

41:50 Promoting Diversity in the Workforce

44:13 Data-Driven Safety Improvements

Resources

Interplay Website - https://interplay.com

Industrial Training International (ITI) - https://iti.com

VR Crane Simulator - https://interplay.com/vr-crane-simulator

Rigging Inspection and Selection Course - https://iti.com/rigging-training

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/amandalong

Recorded live at Estrella Venue, this milestone episode features an inspiring conversation with industry professionals April Edwards, Cheryl Robertson, Sara Graves, and Nina Ridgley.

Together, the panel dives into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities available within the skilled trades. Each guest shares real-world experiences, lessons learned, and insights from her own journey in construction and business.

From overcoming challenges to building stronger communities within the trades, this live episode captures authentic conversation and the passion driving the next generation of industry leaders.

More than a celebration of 200 episodes, this event represents the continued mission of The Trades Podcast, elevating voices within construction and creating meaningful conversations that inspire growth, leadership, and opportunity throughout the skilled trades.

Whether you’re a contractor, builder, entrepreneur, trades professional, or someone considering a future in construction, this episode offers valuable perspective, motivation, and encouragement to keep building forward.

🎧 Listen, share, and help us continue amplifying the voices shaping the future of the trades.

• April Edwards – Deck Builder Marketers
• Cheryl Robertson – Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs
• Sara Graves – Deck Specialist Magazine
• Nina Ridgley – HBI San Marcos

• Women leading in construction
• The future of skilled trades
• Workforce development
• Mentorship and leadership
• Industry challenges and opportunities
• Entrepreneurship in the trades
• Building stronger trade communities
• Representation within construction
• Live audience discussion and networking

• Jeff
• Danny

• April Edwards -
  • April Edwards is a digital marketing professional specializing in lead generation and brand strategy for home improvement and outdoor living industries. She is best known as the founder of Deck Builder Marketers, a marketing agency dedicated to helping deck builders and contractors grow through data-driven online marketing.
• Cheryl Robertson
  • Cheryl Robertson is a home-improvement professional affiliated with Superior Floor & Cabinet Designs, a business specializing in custom cabinetry, flooring, and interior design solutions. She is recognized for her hands-on expertise in residential renovation projects and her role in guiding clients through personalized design and installation processes.
• Sara Graves
  • Sara Graves is a building-materials professional recognized for her editorial and technical contributions to Deck Specialist Magazine, a U.S. trade publication serving outdoor-living and deck-construction industries. Known as a deck-building specialist and industry communicator, she highlights emerging trends, product innovations, and professional best practices for contractors and manufacturers.
• Nina Ridgley
  • Nina Ridgley is an American communications and workforce-development professional based in the San Diego metropolitan area. She is associated with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in San Marcos, California, where she contributes to industry and community engagement initiatives supporting construction education and careers.

• The Trades Podcast

• Estrella Venue

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Jason Napolski, CEO of A-Tex Pest Management, to discuss how a locally owned pest control company continues to grow while maintaining a strong hometown approach to customer care.

Jason explains how A-Tex focuses on customized pest solutions, ongoing technician training, and creating systems that allow the business to scale without sacrificing service quality. The discussion also explores leadership, employee development, and the importance of staying adaptable in a changing marketplace.

• Building a trusted service brand in a competitive industry
• Why technician education and training matter
• The role of culture in retaining strong employees
• Adapting pest management businesses to new technology
• How local ownership strengthens customer relationships
• Creating long-term growth through consistency and accountability

• A-Tex Pest Management
  https://www.atexpest.com/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How strong customer service builds long-term trust
• Why employee training drives business success
• The importance of culture in service industries
• How leadership impacts growth and reputation
• Ways technology is shaping pest management operations

A-Tex Pest Management, Jason Napolski, pest control business, pest management leadership, service business growth, customer service culture, technician training, local pest control company, trades entrepreneurship, Austin pest control, team development, home services leadership

Jason Napolski, Jeff Mudd, Danny Torres, The Trades Podcast Production Team, A-Tex Pest Management

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States.

They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The conversation also highlights newer opportunities connected to renewable energy systems, electrification, and AI-driven infrastructure development.

The hosts break down median wage insights, job security trends, and long-term employment projections, showing why trades careers continue to outperform expectations in stability and earning potential.

They also emphasize the importance of awareness, mentorship, and training programs to help close the gap between open positions and available skilled workers.

 guest links

 Key Topics

• Demand and growth in skilled trades
• Median wages and job openings
• Emerging fields: solar, AI infrastructure
• Career pathways in welding, carpentry, HVAC
• Impact of technology and geopolitics on trades

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Overview of Part Two
• 01:19 Exploring the Demand for Skilled Trades
• 05:46 Welding: Opportunities and Industry Insights
• 09:54 Carpentry: Career Paths and Earnings Potential
• 13:47 Construction Labor: Entry Points and Growth
• 17:53 Heavy Equipment Operations: Skills and Opportunities
• 23:21 Career Longevity in Heavy Equipment Operations
• 23:58 Transitioning from Laborer to Heavy Equipment Operator
• 25:40 Understanding Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• 27:25 Opportunities for Retiring Workers in Mechanics
• 29:18 The Role of HVAC in Modern Infrastructure
• 31:25 Elevator and Escalator Mechanics: A Niche Field
• 34:27 The Financial Benefits of Elevator Installation Careers
• 37:24 The Growing Field of Solar Energy
• 40:19 Regional Demand for Solar Installers
• 41:56 Future Opportunities in Solar and Space
• 43:13 Recap of Key Trades and Their Growth
• 44:53 The Value of Trades vs. Traditional College Paths
• 47:07 Building a Positive Work Culture in Trades
• 49:02 The Demand for Skilled Workers in the Trades

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026 Report - https://www.bls.gov/
• BlackRock Skill Trades Investment - https://www.blackrock.com/
• Simpson Strong Tie Texas Facility Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
• SpaceX Artemis Missions - https://www.spacex.com/
• Solar Energy Industry Insights - https://www.energy.gov/renewables/solar
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - https://www.nahb.org/

What does it take to grow a third-generation family business while staying ahead of industry disruption, technology, and customer expectations?

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Scott Levene, Vice President of LevCo, to explore how a family-owned HVAC, heating oil, propane, and home comfort company has successfully evolved across generations.

Scott shares the LevCo story, from its roots as a local fuel company to becoming one of Connecticut’s trusted names in HVAC, propane delivery, heating oil, equipment installation, and 24/7 emergency service. He also breaks down how AI, automation, dispatch systems, and customer communication tools are helping legacy trades businesses stay modern without losing their family-first culture.

If you are building a family-run trades business, planning succession, or leading the next generation inside a legacy company, this is an episode you need to watch and share.

🌐 Website: LevCo Official Website
🔥 HVAC, Propane, Heating Oil & Equipment Installation: LevCo Services
📍 Service Areas: Fairfield County + New Haven County

📍 Address
55 Merritt Blvd
Trumbull, CT 06611

📞 Phone
(203) 533-8249

🕒 Emergency Service
24/7 HVAC, Fuel Oil, and Propane Support

• Leading a third-generation family business
• Scaling without losing company culture
• How LevCo uses AI and automation
• The future of HVAC and fuel delivery
• Training and developing next-generation leaders
• Why family businesses still win on trust and service
• Preserving legacy while embracing innovation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Lefco and Scott's Background
• 02:59 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
• 06:33 Company Culture and Employee Retention Strategies
• 09:36 Recruitment and Training Practices at Lefco
• 12:22 The Importance of Customer Service in Business
• 15:04 Family Legacy and Multi-Generational Business
• 17:54 Scott's Transition from Soccer to Business Leadership
• 26:04 The Influence of Sports on Work Ethic
• 29:57 Business Development and Continuous Improvement
• 33:28 Leveraging AI in the HVAC Industry
• 36:54 Advice for Aspiring HVAC Professionals
• 40:43 The Importance of Self-Motivation in Trades
• 44:31 Future Growth and Diversification Strategies

If your company is built on family values, legacy leadership, and long-term trust, this episode is for you.

👉 Share this episode with your leadership team, your children, your business partners, or anyone preparing to take over the family business.

The future of the trades belongs to companies that can preserve their roots while adapting to change.

Hosted by Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres
Real conversations with contractors, founders, coaches, and innovators shaping the future of the trades.

🌐 https://www.thetradespodcast.com

The Trades Podcast discusses employee retention, company culture, and the importance of clear roles and responsibilities. It explores the use of KPIs, career ladders, and the significance of a company's mission and values. The podcast emphasizes the role of employer branding and online presence in becoming the employer of choice. The conversation covers topics related to building a cohesive brand, effective leadership and management, cultivating a positive work culture, strategic compensation and performance-based pay, and preparing for the future of the business. It emphasizes the importance of consistent branding, conflict resolution, employee feedback, and engagement, as well as succession planning and business vision.

Employee retention is far more than a staffing metric. In the trades, where talented technicians and team members often have multiple opportunities, keeping the right people is critical to stability, customer experience, and profitability. As Jeff emphasizes, if you have a strong team member, the goal is not simply to keep them employed, it is to make sure they feel valued, challenged, and connected to the company’s future.

A strong company culture is the foundation of retention. Jeff shares how successful companies often create an overall mission and values system while allowing each department to develop its own working style. The field team may thrive on performance, teamwork, and results, while office staff may value collaboration, support, and celebration. These “microcultures” can coexist under one company vision, helping every employee feel like they belong.

For owners and managers, this means defining the bigger purpose of the business while giving each team space to develop an environment that supports their day-to-day success.

Jeff explains that onboarding should never feel like “here’s the binder, go ask someone.” Instead, it should be a structured training and communication process that gives every team member confidence in their position. When employees know what success looks like, they are more likely to take ownership and pride in their work.

Key Performance Indicators, KPIs, are powerful tools when used correctly. Rather than creating pressure, KPIs should create clarity.

For office staff, this might mean tracking customer communication quality or scheduling efficiency. For field technicians, it may involve punctuality, preparedness, and performance standards. By making expectations measurable, employees can see exactly how they are progressing and where they can improve.

The result is a workplace culture built around growth instead of guesswork.

Takeaways

• Employee retention is crucial for businesses in the trades industry.
• Defining clear roles, KPIs, and company values contributes to employee engagement and longevity. Consistent branding across platforms is crucial for building a cohesive brand.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution are essential for effective leadership and management.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Trades Podcast
• 06:04 Clear Position of Every Role
• 11:16 Career Ladder and Success Path
• 19:14 Employer of Choice and Reputation
• 27:50 Online Presence and Employer Branding
• 35:08 Leadership and Management
• 42:24 Cultivating a Positive Work Culture
• 48:51 Strategic Compensation and Performance-Based Pay
• 54:02 Preparing for the Future of the Business

In the world of home service businesses, most owners feel like they’re fighting a never-ending battle, juggling calls, managing crews, chasing profits. What if you could lead like a warrior instead of just surviving the war? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a transformative organization that helps service business owners reclaim control, scale with confidence, and lead with power.

In this motivating episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a powerful platform helping service business owners lead with confidence, clarity, and control.

Jason shares the raw reality of running a service business and how most owners get stuck in a cycle of chaos, wearing too many hats and barely keeping up. Through his journey from overwhelmed contractor to transformational leader, Jason reveals the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped him break free and scale his business to success.

CEO Warrior isn't just coaching, it's a movement for trades professionals ready to stop reacting and start leading. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want to become the CEO your business deserves, this episode delivers the fire and focus to help you take that next step.

How Jason help to build CEO Warrior to solve real problems for service business owners

The key mindset and leadership shifts required to scale and sustain a trades business

Why most contractors stay stuck and how to break through plateaus

Systems and habits to gain control of your time, team, and revenue

How to move from technician to CEO with confidence

Jason Noel is the Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, an elite coaching and mentorship platform that empowers service business owners to take command of their operations, leadership, and growth. His mission is to turn overwhelmed contractors into powerful, confident CEOs who build lasting legacies in the trades.

Learn more: CEO Warrior

Book a strategy call: ceowarrior.com/book-a-call

More trade industry stories: TheTradesPodcast.com

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray, focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades.

The conversation covers:

• Federal water heater efficiency and DOE regulation updates
• How PHCC advocates for consumer energy choice and natural gas access
• Apprenticeship funding and workforce development policy priorities
• Why contractors need a seat at the table in Washington, D.C.
• The role local chapters like PHCC San Diego play in state-level advocacy
• How legislation impacts business costs, service offerings, and customer options 

Mark shares how PHCC’s annual Legislative Conference and ongoing government affairs efforts help contractors influence policies that affect their livelihoods, while Taylor brings a local chapter perspective on how these issues affect California contractors in real time.

From recent water heater regulation updates and Department of Energy standards to workforce policy, apprenticeship funding, and contractor protections, Mark and Taylor explain why advocacy is no longer optional for trade business owners, it is essential. They highlight how PHCC gives contractors a direct voice in Washington and at the state level, ensuring the real-world challenges of licensed professionals are represented where decisions are made.

This episode is a must-share for every plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractor who wants to stay ahead of regulation changes, protect customer choice, and strengthen the future of the trades through smart advocacy and industry leadership.

Learn more about PHCC Policy & Advocacy
👉 https://www.phccweb.org/policy/

• PHCC National Policy & Advocacy
  https://www.phccweb.org/policy/
• PHCC San Diego
  https://www.phccsd.org/
• PHCC Legislative Conference
  https://www.phccweb.org/events/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• Why contractor advocacy directly affects profitability and service options
• The latest updates on water heater and energy regulations
• How apprenticeship policy supports long-term workforce growth
• Ways local contractors can get involved in PHCC advocacy
• Why policy awareness is a competitive advantage for trade business owners

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.