The Trades Podcast

John shares the story behind On Point Heating and Air, a company built on a simple promise, do the job right the first time. From creating a customer experience rooted in integrity to raising the bar in HVAC service, John explains how his team focuses on transparency, education, and long-term relationships that turn customers into loyal advocates. He also gives insight into the challenges of running a fast-growing service company and the mindset needed to stay adaptable, accountable, and committed to excellence.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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
Follow on Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify for more interviews with industry leaders.

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

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

What if pest control could be more than just extermination — what if it could be a path to education, empowerment, and pride in the trades? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class, to explore how quality service and professional education are changing the face of the pest management industry.

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class®, a company redefining professional development in the pest control industry.

Cliff shares how Pest In Class is bridging the gap between education and real-world application—empowering technicians, company owners, and service leaders to reach new levels of excellence. From modernizing training programs to embracing digital learning platforms, Cliff explains how raising standards can attract better talent, improve retention, and boost long-term customer trust.

Listeners will walk away with inspiration and tangible insights about leadership, training culture, and how continuous education drives both individual growth and industry advancement.

Whether you’re in pest management, facility maintenance, or any skilled trade, this conversation will remind you that when you invest in people, you elevate the profession.

• The vision behind Pest In Class® and its mission to professionalize pest control training.
• How technology-driven learning can simplify onboarding and career advancement.
• Why investing in technician education increases retention and customer satisfaction.
• The importance of leadership in shaping culture and service standards.
• How digital tools make technical learning accessible, practical, and scalable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pesting Class Exterminating

02:43 Quality Over Competition in Pest Control

06:04 The Importance of Trades Education

10:38 Navigating the College vs. Trades Debate

14:08 The Current Job Market and Trade Opportunities

18:36 Pesting Class's Service Area and Customer Base

19:48 Understanding Common Pests

25:26 Integrated Pest Management Strategies

29:58 The Utility of Pest Control Services

33:55 Building Trust Through Quality Inspections

39:20 Innovative Pest Control Solutions

44:50 Personal Experiences in Pest Control

49:55 Customer-Centric Business Model

55:23 Engaging Customers with Pet Safety

Revolutionizing Skilled Trades Training | Featuring Dan Clapper of Interplay Learning

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Dan Clapper, Commercial HVAC and Facility Maintenance Expert at Interplay Learning, to explore how technology is reshaping the future of skilled trades education.

Through 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) training, Interplay Learning is helping businesses and individuals gain hands-on experience in a safe, scalable, and engaging environment. From HVAC and plumbing to electrical and facility maintenance, Interplay’s digital platform empowers companies to train faster, retain more, and build stronger teams—all while addressing the national skilled labor gap.

• How VR and 3D simulations are changing how we train technicians
• The power of on-demand, hands-on learning for the trades
• How technology is helping close the skilled labor shortage
• The role of digital tools in developing confident, capable workers
• Real-world success stories from companies using Interplay Learning

Visit InterplayLearning.com to explore virtual training programs for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and more.
Follow Interplay Learning on LinkedIn and YouTube for new insights on workforce development in the skilled trades.

The Trades Podcast is where real conversations power the future of the trades. Hosted by Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres, each episode highlights innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs making a difference in construction, service, and skilled labor industries.

Listen to more episodes at TheTradesPodcast.com

What if every home improvement project could create opportunity, purpose, and lasting impact for people and communities in need? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres speak with Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, to explore how the Foundation leverages the strength and reach of The Home Depot® to drive meaningful change. Erin shares how the Foundation’s Path to Pro™ initiative is addressing the skilled labor gap through investments in trades training programs, while also supporting veterans with safe home repairs, workforce development, and disaster recovery efforts.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation®, for an uplifting conversation about service, opportunity, and the power of skilled trades to transform communities.

Erin shares how The Home Depot Foundation® is helping address the skilled labor shortage through its Path to Pro™ program, which provides free training, scholarships, and career resources to help individuals build meaningful careers in the trades. From supporting U.S. military veterans to empowering young people through partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America®, Erin highlights how strategic investment and community collaboration can open doors to lifelong careers and generational stability.

This episode is a reminder that building futures is not just about tools and materials. It is about lifting people up, restoring purpose, and creating pathways to prosperity through skilled work. If you believe in strengthening your workforce, supporting your community, or inspiring the next generation of trades professionals, this is an episode worth sharing.

• The Home Depot Foundation® — https://HomeDepotFoundation.org
• Path to Pro™ — https://www.pathtopro.com/
• Veteran Support Programs — https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/veteran-housing-grants

• Nearly $600 million invested in veteran causes and skilled trades initiatives
• 400,000+ open skilled trade jobs nationwide
• How Path to Pro™ prepares the next generation of tradespeople
• Partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of America® to inspire youth early
• Why community engagement and workforce development go hand in hand

If you believe in empowering the trades, building stronger communities, and creating pathways to prosperity, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast

01:23 Meet Erin Izen and Home Depot Foundation

03:15 Home Depot's Commitment to Veterans and Community

10:52 The Path to Pro: Addressing the Skilled Labor Gap

27:31 Diverse Pathways into the Trades

28:16 Investing in Youth: Path to Pro Updates

34:34 Community Engagement and Support

38:37 Empowering Future Generations

46:16 Partnerships with Boys and Girls Club

48:46 Creating Generational Wealth through Trades

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff and Danny interview Laura Basili, Chief Marketing Officer at Brazilian Lumber. Laura shares how premium hardwood materials, sustainability, and education have positioned the company as a trusted partner for contractors, deck builders, architects, and designers.

She explains how answering real-world installation questions, simplifying sourcing, and elevating product awareness help trade professionals stand out in a competitive industry. The conversation explores how branding, customer relationships, and digital presence can grow a trades-based business and create long-term trust.

Laura also discusses:

• The rise of sustainable hardwood decking
• Educating contractors through FAQs and customer resources
• Marketing strategies tailored to trades professionals
• Helping builders and service providers improve visibility
• Why storytelling and authenticity matter in construction branding
• Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink how they communicate their value, showcase their craft, and build brands that last.

Summary

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny and Jeff welcome Jason Noel, the director of advisement at CEO Warrior. Jason shares his extensive background in the trades, discussing the importance of training, hiring, and developing talent in the industry. He emphasizes the role of technology and safety in the trades, as well as the need for young talent to enter the field. The conversation also touches on the challenges of working on versus in a business and the significance of soft skills in the trades.

Takeaways

• Jason Noel is the director of advisement at CEO Warrior.
• CEO Warrior trains all aspects of trades businesses.
• The trades industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers.
• Hiring should focus on attitude and personality over skill set.
• Technology is changing the way training is conducted in the trades.
• Soft skills are essential for success in the trades.
• Apprenticeship programs are crucial for attracting young talent.
• Safety has become a core value in the trades industry.
• Business owners need to work on their business, not just in it.
• CEO Warrior offers resources and training for trades professionals.
• Titles
• Transforming the Trades: Insights from Jason Noel
• Navigating the Trades Industry with CEO Warrior

Sound bites

"Hire fast, fire fast."

"Find apprenticeship programs."

"Safety first is a core value."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Guest

05:20 Jason Noel's Journey in the Trades

10:15 The State of the Trades Industry

12:24 Finding and Developing Talent in the Trades

17:26 Coaching and Career Development in the Trades

20:33 The Future of the Trades and Younger Generations

22:05 The Role of AI in the Trades

27:53 Apprenticeship and Training Opportunities

29:13 Increasing Female Participation in Trades

30:37 Safety Improvements in the Trades

35:53 Transitioning from Working in to Working on the Business

Summary

In this episode of the Trades Podcast, hosts Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd interview Brian Huff, CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. They discuss the importance of skilled trades, particularly welding, and the growing demand for workers in these fields. Brian shares his journey from a welder to an educator, emphasizing the need for job placement and employer-focused education. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, the importance of soft skills, and the changing perceptions of trades in the education system. Brian provides insights into the future of the trades, the value of trade education, and advice for parents and students considering a career in the trades.

Takeaways

• Job placement is crucial for trade education success.
• The demand for skilled tradespeople is increasing.
• Welding is a vital skill with numerous job opportunities.
• The skills gap in the trades is urgent and growing.
• Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in trades education.
• Trade education is often more affordable than traditional college.
• A good work ethic can lead to career advancement in trades.
• The perception of trades as a second-tier option needs to change.
• Automation in trucking is still a long way off.
• The trades are foundational to the economy and society.

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)
Website: www.midwesttech.edu
Phone: (888) 709-8324
Locations: Illinois and Missouri
Contact Page: https://www.midwesttech.edu/

Delta Technical College (DTC)
Website: www.deltatechnicalcollege.com
Phone: (866) 733-6652
Locations: Mississippi and Arkansas
Contact Page: https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

03:01 Brian Huff's Journey in Welding and Education

05:52 The Growing Demand for Welders

08:50 The Skills Gap and Job Opportunities in Trades

11:43 Connecting Education with Employment

14:47 The Importance of Job Placement in Trade Education

17:48 The Future of Trucking and Automation

20:43 Changing Perceptions of Trades as a Career Path

24:06 The Eisenhower Moment and Vocational Education

25:53 The Shift in Education: Gen Z and Trade Skills

30:07 The Role of Educators in Trade Schools

32:23 The Importance of Soft Skills in Trades

34:18 The Essential Nature of Trades in Society

36:39 Becoming a Good Worker: The Key to Success

40:55 Opportunities in the Trades for Veterans and Young Adults

46:00 The Bright Future of Trade Careers