Trade Legends | Construction Podcast

On this week’s Trade Legends podcast, we speak to Graham Mundy about the growing issue of tradespeople having their vans broken into and thousands of pounds worth of tools stolen. For many in the trades, a van is more than just transport; it’s their livelihood. Graham explains how thieves are targeting tradesmen across the country and what can actually be done to protect your van, tools, and business. From construction sites to public car parks, we discuss practical van security solutions, common mistakes tradespeople make, and how Mundy van security systems are helping people fight back against tool theft.

On this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we sit down with Kev, better known as Prestige Painter, an award-winning decorator with an inspiring story that spans professional football, high-level management, and a leap into entrepreneurship. Kev shares the raw truth about getting released from his football career at 18 and the emotional toll it took, before redirecting his drive into the automotive industry, rising through the ranks to become one of the youngest dealer principals in the country. But that wasn’t the end of his story. Realising he was missing time with his daughter and burned out from long hours, Kev made the bold decision to walk away and start over as a decorator. He reveals how he built a thriving business from scratch, leveraging social media, smart branding, and lessons learned in elite corporate environments to make Prestige Decorating a respected name. We talk about his rise on Facebook and Instagram, the power of consistent professionalism, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

Mark on How Plumbers Built the Installer Show – And Why It’s ChangingIn this short mini-episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, Mark shares his unfiltered thoughts with Lucy on how the Installer Show has changed over time. What started as a plumbers’ event has now grown into a multi-trade exhibition featuring electricians, heating engineers, and more. Mark reflects on how the heart of the show was built by the plumbing trade—and questions whether that legacy is being lost as the show expands. It’s a candid take on growth, change, and staying true to your roots.Do you agree with Mark or are you team Lucy? Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the installer show.

In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we have electrician Adam from SOTA Electrical & Lucy from The Installer Show. Adam reflects on his hands-on journey from traditional electrical apprenticeships to running his own successful EV charging business. With candid stories about starting from scratch, transitioning into the domestic electrical space, and the power of YouTube marketing, he emphasises the value of self-driven learning and building a personal brand. Adam exposes industry challenges, including regulation loopholes and the future of skilled trades, offering inspiration and real talk for anyone in or around the trades.Lucy shares her journey from journalism to becoming a key figure in trade events, highlighting her creation of the influential #TradesTalk Twitter community as her first taste of the industry. She dives into the growth of the Installer Show, now spanning three halls and expanding internationally, with new shows in New York and Melbourne, and how it's become the biggest Trades show in the UK. The show promises exciting features this year, including a full-scale sustainable house build and a £10,000 giveaway.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Mark from StealthMounts, the innovative company revolutionising construction tool storage and organisation. From near bankruptcy with one business to making millions with another. Mark shares the fascinating journey of StealthMounts, from eBay to becoming a globally recognised construction tool brand. Mark opens up about the major challenges he faced along the way, including near-bankruptcy during the COVID lockdown for his horticulture business, and how quick thinking and adaptability kept it alive. The discussion also covers their successful expansion into the Australian and American markets, their strategy to stay ahead of copycat competitors through continuous innovation, and plans for future growth, including expansion into the automotive and plumbing sectors.

Guest this week: Mark  @StealthMounts  Host:Alex @bigaltradelegends (Insta)

In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we sit down with Nick from JJ Roofing to explore the journey of a family-run roofing business growing into a leading name in the roofing and construction supply industry. Nick shares his path from a sports science graduate to working in mental health and eventually finding his footing in marketing within the trades, and helping JJ build a roofing business. He talks about JJ Roofing’s evolution from traditional brochures to building a strong in-house marketing team and embracing digital platforms, such as e-commerce and social media, to better connect with customers.

In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Martyn from Champions Sealant Services and Tom from TCM Air Conditioning to discuss their journeys in the trades industry. Martyn shares how he built a successful sealant business from the ground up after redundancy, using social media and word of mouth to grow his reputation. Tom talks about getting into air conditioning by chance, working on demanding London sites, and eventually starting his own business. From pricing jobs and building a customer base to the realities of self-employment and social media in the trades, this is a real, honest conversation with two tradesmen who’ve built successful businesses on their own terms.

This week on Trade Legends, Mark and Al sit down with carpenter Liam. Liam wasn't very academic at school, but he knew from an early age that he wanted to work with his hands. The school recommended that he consider a career in carpentry, given his enjoyment of woodwork. After initially struggling to find an apprenticeship, he was lucky to come across a company that agreed to take him on and train him. After working for a few different companies, Liam knew that he wanted to go it alone and start his own business. Once he went self-employed, Liam never looked back. He was able to work around his own timetable and charge his own rates. A.I. plays a vital role in Liam's business. He can use the technology to plan his days, timetable his movements, and even create legal documentation to protect himself while on the job.

This week on Trade Legends, we're joined by Jess. Academic by nature but never sold on the university route, she knew early on that a hands-on career was where she belonged, even if the option wasn't on the table at the time. After a couple of years studying hairdressing and a string of jobs that never quite fit, she started learning plumbing in her spare time and finally found the path she'd always been meant for. Jess is now two years into a Gas Engineering course, working in social housing and getting real-world experience on the tools. We're also joined by Hollie from HolliesHeating to mark International Women's Day and tackle the ongoing debate about whether it still matters in 2025.

This week on the Trade Legends Podcast, we talk about Scrap Metal Recycling in the construction industry, which is always a talking point, with how much money you will earn. Josh and Ed from Greencable_uk sit down with Mark on this episode to explain how they are revolutionising the scrap metal industry within the construction trade. Greencable will provide you with a scrap metal bin that you can fill at your own pace, and then the guys will come and collect the bin from your property, usually paying you more than your usual scrap yard or scrap man. Long gone are the days when you had to take half a day to drop off your scrap metal to the local scrap man, battling traffic, and picking up the inevitable nail in your tyre.