The Trades Podcast

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff delve into the current labor market statistics for the trades industry, highlighting the significant job openings and the challenges in filling these positions. They discuss the impact of retiring workers, the importance of knowledge transfer to younger generations, and the lucrative opportunities available in skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The conversation emphasizes the need for more tradespeople in the workforce and the higher wages associated with these jobs compared to the national median.

What if the biggest opportunity in today’s economy isn’t being talked about enough? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres break down the latest insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reveal a powerful truth, the skilled trades are not just in demand, they are essential to the future of the workforce.

With hundreds of thousands of open positions across industries like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, Jeff and Danny unpack what’s driving the gap, from retiring professionals to a lack of awareness among younger generations. But this episode is not about problems, it’s about opportunity.

They highlight how trades careers offer strong wages, job security, and real pathways to ownership, often outpacing the national median income. More importantly, they discuss why now is the time for experienced professionals to step up, mentor, and pass down knowledge to the next generation.

If you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of success is coming from, this episode will open your eyes. Share it with a student, a parent, or a business owner who needs to see the future more clearly.

Learn more from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
👉 https://www.bls.gov/

Takeaways

• The U.S. labor market is experiencing a significant number of job openings in the trades.
• Many job openings are due to retiring workers, creating a skills gap.
• Electricians have around 80,000 openings per year, with median pay around $61,590.
• Plumbers and pipe fitters have approximately 42,600 openings per year, with similar pay.
• HVAC technicians are projected to have 42,500 openings per year, with median pay of $57,300.
• Skilled trades wages are generally higher than the national median wage.
• Knowledge transfer from experienced workers to younger generations is crucial.
• The construction industry needs to market itself better to attract younger workers.
• The aging infrastructure will require more skilled tradespeople for repairs and replacements.
• There is a growing demand for home automation and energy-efficient systems, increasing job opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Labor Market Statistics

05:13 Understanding Job Openings in the Trades

10:53 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in Trades

14:16 Skilled Trades Wages vs. National Median

19:44 Electricians: Opportunities and Challenges

28:21 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters: Demand and Growth

34:48 HVAC Technicians: Trends and Future Outlook

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast features real conversations.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch, a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources, to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations.

Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer for contractors across North America.

The conversation focuses on leadership development, employee engagement, and the systems that allow trades companies to scale without losing culture or quality. Chris explains why investing in training, transparency, and team development is critical to reducing turnover and building a resilient company.

Business Development Resources
https://www.bdrco.com

BDR Coaching and Training Programs
https://www.bdrco.com/trainers

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

• Why leadership development is critical in trades companies
• How to improve employee engagement and retention
• The systems successful contractors use to scale their business
• Why investing in your team leads to long-term growth
• How coaching and mentorship accelerate business performance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

00:56 Chris Koch's Background and Role at BDR

04:40 The Value of Trades Education

07:42 Marketing the Trades to Future Employees

09:10 The Importance of Soft Skills in Business

11:39 Hiring Trends and Speed to Hire

13:59 Employee Retention and Engagement

19:06 The Art of Delegation

27:14 Time Management and Focus

36:11 Long-Term Business Planning and Growth

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.

What if the future of success isn’t found behind a screen, but in the power of learning how to build, fix, and create? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with entrepreneur and author Zachary Craig Hanson to discuss the powerful ideas behind his book, The Trade Gap: Break the Rules. Learn a Skill. Own Your Future.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts discuss the importance of trades and skills in today's economy with guest Zachary Greg Hansen, author of 'The Trade Gap.' Zach shares his personal journey from a traditional education path to discovering the value of trades, the flaws in the education system, and the need for a shift in perspective towards vocational training. The conversation covers the challenges faced by individuals in the trades, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and recommendations for bridging the trades gap. Zach emphasizes the need for parents and educators to support young people in exploring trades as viable career options.

Zachary shares his personal journey from the world of corporate technology and artificial intelligence to rediscovering the life-changing value of hands-on skills. After experiencing the uncertainty of white-collar employment, he realized that practical trades skills provide something modern careers often cannot, resilience, independence, and real-world problem solving.

Together, Jeff, Danny, and Zach dive into the growing “trade gap” in America, why fewer people are entering skilled trades, and how rediscovering craftsmanship could be the key to building stronger communities and more secure careers. Zach also explains why learning a trade is not just a backup plan, it may be one of the most valuable investments anyone can make in their future.

If you believe the next generation should know how to build more than just digital careers, this episode will inspire you to rethink opportunity, education, and the true value of working with your hands. Share this conversation with someone who believes the future is built by people who know how to create.

Learn more about the book
👉 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Zachary-Craig-Hanson/author/B0BGC6YQ3L

Takeaways

• Zach Hansen emphasizes the importance of trades skills in today's economy.
• The education system often overlooks practical skills in favor of academic achievements.
• Zach's personal journey highlights the value of self-reliance and learning trades.
• The SATs measure cognitive ability but do not reflect practical skills.
• There is a growing need for trades education and vocational training.
• Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children towards trades careers.
• The trades industry faces challenges such as healthcare access and capital for small businesses.
• Zach advocates for a broader definition of trades, including various skills and crafts.
• The importance of having a backup plan and being adaptable in one's career.
• Zach's book aims to inspire a shift in perspective towards trades and vocational education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News

01:04 Meet Zachary Greg Hansen

02:14 Zach's Life in Idaho

04:30 The Importance of Trades Skills

05:54 The Flaws in the Education System

11:45 Zach's Journey and Career Path

17:13 Facing Challenges and Rock Bottom Moments

19:13 The Shift in Perspective on Education

22:10 The Future of Trades and Skills

28:58 Employer Adaptation to the Trades Gap

34:55 Changing Perceptions of Trades

39:52 Recommendations to Bridge the Trades Gap

42:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff welcome Shonna Jordan, a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert. They discuss Shonna's journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of networking, and the unique approach of the Good Old Gals network. Shonna shares valuable insights on timeless marketing strategies, event planning, and the innovative life-saving device her company produces. The conversation emphasizes building relationships, understanding client needs, and the significance of effective marketing messaging.

In this uplifting episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Shonna Jordan, founder and CEO of JordanJordan.com Marketing, for a conversation that goes beyond logos and ads and focuses on why your marketing matters. Shonna explains how understanding brand purpose, customer psychology, and tailored messaging can help trades businesses break through noise and build long-term success.

You’ll hear Shonna discuss:

• The fundamentals of effective marketing for service businesses
• How to craft a brand that reflects your values and attracts the right clients
• Why storytelling is essential, even for technical trades
• Common marketing pitfalls and how to avoid them
• How small businesses can compete with bigger competitors using strategy over budget
• This episode gives listeners the tools to rethink their approach and take confident action.

JordanJordan Marketing
https://jordanjordan.com

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

• How to define your brand beyond just a logo
• Why marketing strategy should inform every part of your business
• How to connect with your audience through meaningful messaging
• The difference between marketing that sells and marketing that sticks
• Steps trades professionals can take today to improve their outreach

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.

What if the future of the trades looked more inclusive, more empowered, and more confident than ever before? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girlie Garage, to explore how passion, purpose, and community are redefining what it means to be a woman in the skilled trades.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Talena Handley, CEO of Girlie Garage, about how she created a community where everyone — especially women — feels welcome and capable in technical, hands-on fields.

Talena discusses the mission and values of Girlie Garage, why inclusive education matters, and how confidence is a skill just like any other. The conversation dives into curriculum design, the importance of supportive training environments, and how cultural shifts are opening doors for more people to succeed in automotive and other trades.

Listeners will hear actionable insights on building community, creating programs that work for all experience levels, and elevating the perception of the trades as both a career and a skill.

Girlie Garage About Page: https://www.girliegarage.com/about

Girlie Garage Programs and Classes: https://www.girliegarage.com/classes

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

• Why inclusive training opens the trades to more talent
• How Girlie Garage builds confidence through hands-on education
• That skill development and community go hand in hand
• Why mindset matters as much as technical ability
• How automotive education can empower personal and professional 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

Rafael shares the story behind Lefty’s Plumbing Services and how a commitment to reliability, quality workmanship, and strong communication has helped the company stand out in a competitive market. From handling everyday service calls to tackling complex plumbing challenges, Rafael explains how consistency, training, and leadership play a critical role in building a company that customers return to and recommend.

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

Drawing from conversations with industry leaders, contractors, and educators, Jeff and Danny break down what today’s workforce is really looking for, from meaningful career paths and strong mentorship to modern training and a positive company culture. They share practical ideas that business owners can implement right away to build teams that stay motivated, loyal, and proud of their craft.

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

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

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

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

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