Trade Legends | Construction Podcast

Empowering Women In The Trade Industry. Oil Engineers an overlooked but essential trade, they're responsible for keeping the power on in thousands of homes across the UK as well as essential services including hospitals. Tonight we have two women in the hot seat!

Decorating Business advice from Royal Spa Decoration, an award-winning painting and decorating business. In this episode, James shares his invaluable expertise on growing a successful painting and decorating business, offering valuable tips and strategies. He also opens up about his personal experience with tool theft, shedding light on the major issue that many tradespeople face. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned industry professional and learn how to overcome challenges in the trades.

From working at Hooters to plastic surgery wards, our guests Denise and Stan have some crazy stories to share about their journeys into the trades. Tune in to hear how Denise went from criminology to tiling bathrooms, and the surprising career changes that led Stan to become a reactive plumber. You won't believe some of the twists and turns in these legends' lives!

Craig Todd, a skilled bricklayer, and his apprentice, Big Nath. Dive into their captivating stories of overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions, and navigating the construction industry. From failed RAF pilot dreams to finding a mentor in bricklaying, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights.Nathan shares his tumultuous journey through apprenticeships, where he faced exploitation and a lack of proper training. Despite the challenges, his determination led him to Craig, a mentor who recognised his potential and helped him develop his skills. Learn how Nathan persevered through the ups and downs of his early career and discover the importance of finding a supportive mentor in the trades.Craig, a seasoned bricklayer with a passion for DJing, discusses his experience during the 2008 recession and how he adapted to the changing landscape of the construction industry. He shares valuable advice for aspiring tradespeople, emphasising the importance of pursuing a trade out of genuine interest rather than solely for financial gain. Craig also delves into his journey on social media, offering insights on growing a following and dealing with negativity online.Throughout the episode, Craig and Nathan share hilarious anecdotes, heartfelt moments, and practical advice for those considering a career in the trades. From the challenges of apprenticeships to the rewards of mastering a craft, this episode covers it all.

Roger Bisby spent decades as a plumber, writer, and TV presenter, working for ITV's House of Horrors and the BBC. Then a producer made a decision so dishonest that he walked off set and never went back. In this episode, Roger reveals exactly what goes on behind the camera on rogue trader-style TV shows, how tradesmen are set up, and why the real scandal isn't the plumbers.Roger Bisby left school without qualifications, built a career in plumbing, then moved into writing for trade magazines before landing on LBC Radio, ITV, and the BBC. His inside knowledge of how these programmes work and what they're willing to fabricate for ratings is genuinely jaw-dropping.Also in this episode: carpenter Dan joins to talk about designing tools for tradespeople, how he and Roger first connected through a magazine ad, and what it really takes to bring an innovative product to market. If you've ever been unfairly tarred as a cowboy, this one's for you.

Liam's upbringing was steeped in hard work and perseverance. His father's occupation as a black cab driver and his mother's role as a personal assistant instilled in him the values of diligence and resourcefulness. Starting as an apprentice for an electrician, Liam swiftly realised the absence of comfortable workwear in his field. This realisation became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. Recognising the need for better attire that could withstand the demands of labor while prioritising comfort, he took the leap to create Comodo Workwear. Drawing from his experiences and fuelled by his determination, Liam ventured into the world of apparel, carving a niche by catering to the practical needs of workers like himself who craved functionality without sacrificing comfort. His dedication to providing quality workwear stemmed from a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by labourers, and it transformed him into an innovator in the industry, reshaping the way people approached their work attire.

Is it ever too late to change careers and pursue your true calling? We sit down with two incredible guests who share their inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, chasing dreams, and finding success in the trades. Discover insider secrets on building a thriving adhesives and tapes brand, and learn valuable lessons on transitioning from the police force into carpentry later in life. If you're feeling stuck in your career, this episode will give you the motivation you need to make a change.Joining us first is Fred, the founder of Wolf Strong – a leading brand specialising in adhesives and tapes for the construction industry. Fred takes us on a captivating journey from his early days as a scaffolder to the tragic loss of a close friend that put his life into perspective. He shares his experience working with his brother's business in America, and how he eventually started Wolf Strong with a focus on solving real-world problems for tradespeople. Fred offers invaluable insights on product innovation, customer feedback, and the mindset shift required to go from business owner to investor.Our second guest is Mark, aka "Bobby to Chippy" – a former fitness instructor and police officer who bravely changed careers to pursue his passion for carpentry. Mark opens up about the traumatic experiences he faced in the police force, the toll it took on his mental health and family life, and the moment he knew he needed to make a change. He shares the challenges of leaving a stable career, the disappointment of a job falling through, and how he ultimately connected with Dave to land his dream job in the trades. Mark's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start over and chase your dreams.From the importance of work-life balance and mental health to the power of social media and networking, Fred and Mark cover it all. Don't miss their top pieces of advice for anyone feeling lost or unfulfilled in their current job. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired!

Luke qualified as a gas engineer at 18, bought his own house at 20, and had his life mapped out. Then OCD took hold and nearly destroyed everything. His relationship, his career, and his ability to function day-to-day. In this episode, Luke, better known online as Blue Bulldog, tells the full story for the first time. The checking routines started on the tools and spread to every room in his house. The two hours it took to get to bed at night. The relationship that broke down. Nine months off work with his company discussing medical retirement in his early 20s. Two doctors who just handed him antidepressants and sent him away. The third doctor who finally said the word therapy. And how a film called A Beautiful Mind gave him the moment that changed everything. He's off the medication, still lives with it, and doesn't hide it. If you're in the trades and something doesn't feel right, this one's worth listening to.Also in this episode, Ryan from Big Boots UK talks through building a premium workwear business from scratch, why customer service is everything, and why he's about to import his first container of Australian-made jackets.

We dive into the fascinating world of trades and explore the unconventional journeys of our guests. In this episode, we celebrate a major milestone for one of our hosts, discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing your passion in the trades, and delve into the intriguing stories of a tattoo artist and a gas expert who have made their mark in their respective fields.Our first guest Shaoib, known as "The Gas Expert" on Instagram, shares his remarkable journey from accounting to gas engineering. Discover how a chance encounter with a gas leak led him to pursue a new career path and establish himself as a respected figure in the industry. From his appearance on ITV to his growing Instagram presence, learn about the challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way.Next, we welcome Aaron, a talented tattoo artist who has found his calling in the creative world of tattooing. Aaron discusses the unique aspects of the tattoo industry, from the importance of adaptability when working with different skin types to the challenges of turning away projects that don't align with his vision. He also shares his thoughts on the similarities between tattooing and other trades, emphasising the significance of taking pride in one's work.Throughout the episode, our hosts engage in lively discussions on a range of topics, from the impact of social media on their respective trades to the importance of diversifying one's skillset. They also share their personal experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for those looking to pursue a career in the trades. With a perfect blend of humour, expertise, and camaraderie, this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast is not to be missed.

We dive into the inspiring stories of two tradesmen, Tyson and Pete, who have overcome significant challenges and stereotypes to achieve success in their careers. From racism in the construction industry to pursuing passions outside of the trades, this episode is packed with powerful insights and valuable advice for anyone looking to break the mould and chase their dreams.Tyson shares his journey of becoming a plumber, despite facing racism and stereotypes within the construction industry. He discusses the importance of not letting race hold you back from achieving your goals and emphasises the need for more diversity and representation in the trades. Tyson also touches on his experience of changing his name on his CV to get job opportunities, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by people of colour in the industry.Pete opens up about his upbringing with two blind parents and how his father's determination and practicality inspired him to pursue a career in the trades. He also shares his journey of exploring his passion for comedy, from attending writing courses and performing at open mic nights to incorporating his humour into his social media content. Pete emphasises the importance of not letting anyone discourage you from pursuing your passions and encourages listeners to take the first step towards their goals.Throughout the episode, Tyson and Pete share valuable insights on the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in the trades. They discuss the need for more role models and visibility for people of colour and women in the industry, and encourage listeners to break stereotypes and pursue their dreams. With their unique blend of humour, honesty, and inspiration, Tyson and Pete's stories serve as a reminder that success is possible, no matter your background or the challenges you face.