In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Mandi Ehman from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air and Jane Sidebottom, President of Women in HVACR, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of workforce development in the skilled trades.

The conversation explores how businesses can attract, develop, and retain talented professionals by creating supportive cultures, investing in training, and encouraging career growth. Jane shares how Women in HVACR provides education, networking, scholarships, and professional development opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the industry as a whole.

Mandi discusses the importance of customer service, team collaboration, and leadership within a growing home services company, while both guests emphasize that successful organizations thrive when they invest in people first.

• Leadership in the skilled trades
• Building strong workplace cultures
• Mentorship and professional development
• Recruiting the next generation of trades professionals
• Expanding opportunities throughout the HVACR industry
• Workforce development and employee retention
• Customer service and team excellence
• The future of women in the skilled trades

• Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air
  https://www.cardinalplumbingva.com/
• Women in HVACR
  https://www.womeninhvacr.org/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Takeaways

• Women in HVACR organization supports women in the HVAC industry
• Mentorship and career path programs are essential for attracting and retaining talent in the trades Technology and AI are transforming the trades industry, making learning and skill development faster and more efficient.
• Diversity, community, and mentorship play a crucial role in business growth and success in the trades industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Recording in San Diego
• 01:13 Mandy's Introduction and Company Overview
• 02:25 Jane's Introduction and Women in HVACR
• 03:59 Impact of Women in HVACR
• 05:57 Challenges and Culture in the Trades
• 07:09 Training and Career Path at Cardinal
• 09:12 Challenges for Women in the Trades
• 10:11 Promoting Trades to Women
• 12:47 Interest in Trades and Mentorship
• 15:31 Uptick in Interest and Influencers
• 18:41 Changing Perceptions of College and Trades
• 19:08 Career Path and Culture at Cardinal
• 22:22 Impact of AI in the HVAC Industry
• 45:32 Building a Better Team and Business Growth

With decades of experience in industrial technology and workforce education, Rex has become a leading advocate for safe, effective, and standardized training in handheld laser welding, cleaning, and cutting. As laser technology becomes more accessible across industries, he believes education is the key to helping contractors and manufacturers adopt these powerful tools with confidence.

Jeff, Danny, and Rex discuss how handheld lasers are improving productivity, reducing material waste, and creating new opportunities for skilled professionals. They also explore why proper certification, safety practices, and workforce training are essential as this technology continues to gain momentum throughout the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Whether you're a contractor, fabricator, welding professional, shop owner, or technology enthusiast, this episode provides an exciting look at one of the fastest-growing innovations shaping the future of the skilled trades.

Share this episode with someone who wants to stay ahead of industry trends and discover how technology is creating new possibilities for trades professionals around the world.

Learn more about the Handheld Laser Institute
👉 https://handheldlaserinstitute.com

• Handheld Laser Institute
  https://handheldlaserinstitute.com
• About Rex Alexandre
  https://handheldlaserinstitute.com/about/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Handheld Laser Welding

02:51 Rex Alexander's Journey in Laser Welding

05:49 Understanding Handheld Laser Welding Technology

08:39 Applications and Misconceptions of Laser Welding

11:42 Safety and Training in Laser Welding

14:43 Industry Integration and Challenges

17:23 Future of Laser Welding in Various Industries

20:29 Training and Certification in Laser Welding

23:14 Comparing Laser Welding to Traditional Methods

26:16 Cost Efficiency and Practical Applications of Laser Welding

30:58 Navigating Laser Safety and OSHA Regulations

33:23 The Role of AI in Laser Welding

36:43 Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage in Welding

41:00 Training the Next Generation of Welders

44:53 The Future of Welding in Space

49:13 Advice for Contractors in a Changing Industry

50:11 Lightning Round: Quick Insights from Rex

What if the biggest obstacle holding you back in business, leadership, or life isn't your competition, but your own fear? In this compelling episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Ann Steffen Sommer, PA-C, healthcare professional, speaker, and creator of The Fear Code®, for a conversation about overcoming fear and unlocking your full potential.

Drawing on decades of experience in healthcare and human behavior, Ann introduces the principles behind The Fear Code®, a framework designed to help people identify the fears that quietly influence their decisions, relationships, and leadership. She explains how recognizing these patterns can lead to greater confidence, healthier communication, and more intentional choices both at work and at home.

Together, Jeff, Danny, and Ann explore how fear affects entrepreneurs, contractors, and business owners every day, from hiring employees and growing a company to making difficult decisions and leading teams through uncertainty. The discussion highlights practical strategies for replacing fear with purpose, resilience, and action.

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or working to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode will challenge the way you think about fear and inspire you to move forward with confidence.

Share this episode with someone who is ready to break through self-doubt, embrace growth, and discover that courage isn't the absence of fear, it's the decision to move forward despite it.

Learn more about The Fear Code® and Ann Steffen Sommer
👉 https://annsommer.com/lawoffear

• Ann Steffen Sommer
  https://annsommer.com
• The Fear Code®
  https://annsommer.com/lawoffear
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How fear impacts leadership and business performance
• Strategies for overcoming fear-based decision-making
• Why emotional intelligence matters in the trades
• How self-awareness improves communication
• Practical tools for building confidence and resilience
• Ways to create stronger teams through healthier leadership

What if the future of the home services industry isn't just about repairing homes, but also transforming the way contractors and homeowners work together? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Andreina Leal-Carrillo, CEO and Co-Founder of The Repair Tech, to discuss how technology, innovation, and customer-first thinking are redefining the restoration and property repair industry.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Andreina Leal-Carrillo, CEO and Co-Founder of The Repair Tech, for a conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of property repair technology.

Andreina discusses her vision for improving communication and efficiency throughout the repair process by connecting contractors, homeowners, property managers, and insurance professionals through technology-driven solutions. She also shares lessons learned from building a growing company, leading teams through change, and creating customer-focused systems that improve project outcomes.

Topics discussed include:

• Building a technology company that serves the trades
• Improving communication throughout the repair process
• Innovation in restoration and property repair
• Leadership and entrepreneurship in construction technology
• Creating better customer experiences through digital solutions
• Opportunities for women in construction and technology
• The future of repair management and project collaboration

• The Repair Tech
  https://therepairtech.com
• Meet the Team
  https://therepairtech.com/about-us/the-team/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How technology is improving property repair workflows
• Why communication is critical to successful repair projects
• The challenges and rewards of launching a construction technology company
• How innovation benefits contractors and homeowners alike
• Leadership lessons from building a fast-growing business
• The future of digital transformation in the repair industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Empowerment and Continuous Learning in the Trades Industry
• 19:27 Women in Trades: The Industrious Women Summit
• 21:50 Diversity and Inclusion in Business
• 22:47 Family's Role in Business
• 23:40 Leadership and Business Operations
• 25:10 Leadership Style and Employee Growth
• 29:30 Business Scaling and Education
• 36:26 Resources for Special Needs Families
• 41:36 Community and Encouragement

What does it take to transform adversity into purpose and build a life dedicated to inspiring others?

Demi shares her remarkable journey of overcoming life's challenges while building a career centered on helping others unlock their potential. Through authentic storytelling and hard-earned life lessons, she explains how resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership can create opportunities in business and in life.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Demi Knight Clark for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and living with purpose.

Drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey, Demi discusses how mindset plays a critical role in overcoming adversity and building meaningful success. She shares practical advice on becoming a stronger leader, improving communication, and creating authentic connections that positively impact both business and personal life.

The conversation also highlights how resilience is developed through experience, why vulnerability can be a leadership strength, and how purpose-driven entrepreneurs can inspire those around them.

• Developing resilience through life's challenges
• Leadership built on authenticity and trust
• The power of mindset in business and life
• Entrepreneurial growth through purpose
• Building meaningful relationships
• Effective communication and personal development
• Inspiring others through service and leadership

• Demi Knight Clark
  https://www.demiknightclark.com/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How resilience creates stronger leaders
• Why authenticity builds lasting relationships
• Practical ways to improve communication
• The importance of purpose in entrepreneurship
• How mindset influences long-term success
• Strategies for overcoming personal and professional obstacles

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Jeff Kip, CEO of Angi, for a conversation about the future of home services and the role technology plays in connecting homeowners with qualified professionals.

Jeff discusses Angi's mission to simplify the home improvement process while helping contractors reach more customers and grow their businesses. The discussion covers the changing expectations of homeowners, the importance of online reputation management, and how contractors can stand out in competitive markets.

Topics discussed include:

• The evolution of the home services marketplace
• How technology is transforming customer acquisition
• Building trust between homeowners and contractors
• Online reviews and reputation management
• What today's homeowners expect from service providers
• Strategies for growing a home service business
• The future of home improvement and contractor marketing
• Why skilled trades remain essential to every community

• Angi
  https://www.angi.com
• Angi Investor Relations
  https://ir.angi.com
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How homeowners search for and hire contractors today
• Why customer trust is more important than ever
• Ways contractors can improve visibility and lead generation
• How technology is reshaping the home services industry
• Best practices for managing online reviews and reputation
• Trends shaping the future of home improvement

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Home Services Companies

• 02:51 The Homeowner's Journey: Changes Over the Decade
• 05:57 Success Strategies for Contractors
• 08:45 Leveraging Technology: AI in Home Services
• 11:43 Common Mistakes in Lead Generation
• 14:27 The Importance of Reviews and Follow-ups
• 17:25 Hiring Challenges in the Contracting Industry
• 20:21 Future Trends in Home Services
• 23:27 The Role of AI in Enhancing Efficiency
• 26:32 The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World
• 29:08 The Future of Home Services Companies
• 32:07 Advice for Contractors: Balancing Sales and Quality
• 34:56 Building a Reputation: The Power of Reviews
• 37:47 Networking Opportunities for Contractors

DJ Danny Torres and Jeff Mudd discuss the impact of delayed hiring on contractors, the financial implications of understaffing, and the importance of strategic hiring decisions. They explore apprenticeship programs, the role of technology in hiring, and the integration of office administrators to improve business efficiency. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on business growth, the process of hiring a salesperson, developing effective sales processes, the importance of communication and training, sales rep compensation strategies, networking and business coaching, team expansion, successful and delayed hires, and hiring strategy and preparation. The key takeaways include the importance of hiring when busy, the cost of waiting, and the need for effective preparation and system implementation.

Takeaways

• The cost of delayed hiring includes missed calls, delayed estimates, and a negative impact on growth.
• Strategic hiring decisions, apprenticeship programs, and technology integration are crucial for improving business efficiency and customer interactions. Hire when busy, not desperate
• The cost of waiting is often greater than payroll
• Best hires are made before an emergency

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Business Insights
• 05:36 Financial Impact of Delayed Hiring
• 13:56 Supporting Apprentice Programs
• 20:48 Office Administration and Technology
• 27:07 Hiring a Salesperson
• 32:11 Networking and Business Coaching
• 37:41 Best and Delayed Hires

In this episode, Jeff and Danny welcome Nichole Ovens from Resource Innovations to discuss how innovation, workforce development, and energy programs are helping transform the skilled trades landscape.

Nichole explains how Resource Innovations works with utilities, contractors, businesses, and communities to implement programs that improve energy efficiency while creating economic and workforce opportunities. The discussion highlights the increasing need for trained professionals as energy systems evolve and new technologies become more widely adopted.

The conversation covers:

• The role of innovation in the future of the trades
• Workforce development and career opportunities
• Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
• Building partnerships between industry and communities
• The growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging markets
• Leadership and creating meaningful impact through collaboration

• Resource Innovations
  https://resource-innovations.com
• Nichole Ovens LinkedIn Profile
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-ovens/
• The Trades Podcast
  https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How innovation is creating new opportunities in the trades
• Why workforce development remains critical to industry growth
• The connection between energy efficiency and skilled trades careers
• How partnerships help strengthen local economies
• Emerging trends shaping the future of infrastructure and energy

Nichole Ovens, Resource Innovations, energy efficiency programs, workforce development, sustainability initiatives, skilled trades careers, clean energy workforce, utility programs, contractor opportunities, infrastructure innovation, trade workforce solutions, energy management, future of the trades

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