In this episode, Josh sits down with Jeremy, owner of Shepherd Plumbing, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful trades business. From starting with one truck and a handful of tools to growing a thriving plumbing company, Jeremy shares the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons that shaped his path.

The conversation covers starting a business with limited resources, scaling a team, navigating new construction versus service work, managing cash flow, leadership, investing, and protecting your mental health while carrying the weight of a growing company.

If you're a business owner, contractor, or someone who dreams of building something of your own, this episode is packed with honest conversations and practical insights from someone who's lived it.

In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with Jeremy Shepherd, owner of Shepherd Plumbing, to talk about the real journey behind building a successful trades business.

Jeremy shares how he left school after eighth grade, battled addiction, got sober, built his company from a single truck into one of the area's most recognized plumbing businesses, and the hard lessons that came with the growth.

The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship: taking risks, managing employees, surviving slow markets, handling stress, learning to let go of control, and why building a business is about much more than making money.

If you're a contractor, business owner, or someone thinking about starting your own company, this episode is packed with honest insight from two local business owners who have lived it.

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build something from the ground up, this episode is for you.

Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about serving people, building trust, and making difficult decisions when they matter most.

In this episode of the Wired Wattsmart Podcast, Josh sits down with Yakima County Sheriff candidate Jake Church for an open conversation about leadership, public safety, and the experiences that have shaped his 26-year career in law enforcement. Jake shares his journey from agriculture teacher to law enforcement, discusses the challenges of policing one of Washington's largest counties, and explains why strong community partnerships are essential to keeping Yakima County safe.

The conversation also explores how technology is changing modern policing, the role of AI and real-time crime analysis, and the importance of supporting the mental health of first responders. It's an honest discussion about leadership, service, resilience, and what it means to lead with integrity.

Whether you're interested in leadership, business, public service, or simply getting to know the people serving our community, this episode offers valuable insight into the responsibilities and challenges of leading from the front.

Episode Length: Approximately 39 minutes.

Thinking about buying a hot tub? Before you make the purchase, there are a few electrical requirements every homeowner should understand.

In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh breaks down the most common issues homeowners run into when installing a new hot tub, including panel capacity, GFCI protection, disconnect placement, bonding requirements, wiring methods, and why hiring a qualified electrical contractor matters.

Josh also shares a real-world story of a homeowner who ended up paying twice after a poorly installed hot tub was wired incorrectly by an unlicensed handyman.

Whether you're shopping for a new hot tub or already have one on order, this episode will help you understand what to expect before installation day.

Topics Covered:
• Does your electrical panel have enough capacity?
• 50A vs. 60A hot tub circuits
• GFCI protection and why it's required
• Hot tub disconnect requirements
• Bonding and grounding metal components
• Common installation mistakes
• Why permits and inspections matter
• How to avoid costly surprises

Need a hot tub wired in Central Washington? Wattsmart Electric provides free estimates and electrical assessments to help homeowners install their hot tubs safely and correctly.

Wired Wattsmart is a podcast dedicated to helping homeowners and business owners better understand electrical systems, smart home technology, safety, and practical solutions for everyday projects.

ost people think wealth is about money.

Art Torres believes it's much more than that.

In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh sits down with entrepreneur, business banker, husband, and father Art Torres to discuss the financial roadmap for blue-collar workers and young adults looking to build a better future.

The conversation starts with credit, banking relationships, home ownership, business lending, and entrepreneurship—but quickly turns into something deeper.

Art shares lessons on mentorship, marriage, fatherhood, faith, mental health, accountability, and the habits that create long-term success.

Topics include:

• Building Credit The Right Way
• Banking Relationships & Loans
• Buying Your First Home
• Starting A Business
• Entrepreneurship & Risk
• Mentorship & Personal Growth
• Marriage & Family Leadership
• Mental Health For Men
• Building Long-Term Wealth

Whether you're a homeowner, entrepreneur, tradesman, parent, or someone looking to improve your future, this conversation is packed with practical advice and life lessons.

🎙️ Wired Wattsmart Podcast

Most people see the highlights.

The nice cars.
The successful businesses.
The freedom.

What they don't see is the debt, stress, sacrifices, failures, bad partnerships, and years of work behind it.

In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh Torpey sits down with entrepreneur Jeremy Sandino to discuss:

✔ Building Maniac Motorsports
✔ Lessons from failed partnerships
✔ Real estate investing
✔ Creating generational wealth
✔ MMA and discipline
✔ Parenting and work ethic
✔ Business ownership in Washington State

If you're thinking about starting a business, investing in real estate, or building something bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

Most young tradesmen never get taught how to build wealth, manage money, or eventually start their own business. In Part 3 of our Money Management Series, Josh breaks down the roadmap that helped him go from learning a trade to flipping his first house and eventually launching Wattsmart Electric.

We discuss startup capital, business credit, vendor accounts, cash flow, paying yourself last, avoiding common contractor mistakes, and the financial habits that separate successful business owners from those who struggle.

If you're a young electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, carpenter, or anyone thinking about starting a business someday, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use right now.

Subscribe and share this episode with someone who's getting started in the trades.

Part 2 of the Wired Wattsmart Money Management Series is all about using the trades to create real opportunities.

Josh breaks down how blue-collar workers can use side work, tools, sweat equity, and fixer-upper houses to level up financially — without chasing “get rich quick” garbage. ⚡

This episode covers:
✔️ Why tradesmen have a major advantage
✔️ Using side work to build wealth
✔️ Investing in tools and a work truck
✔️ How to buy your first fixer-upper
✔️ House hacking and roommates
✔️ Flipping houses for real profit
✔️ Building a financial cushion for business ownership

If you’re a young tradesman trying to figure out how to get ahead financially, this episode lays out a real-world blueprint that actually works.

Get smart, call Wattsmart.

In this episode of Wired Wattsmart, Josh kicks off Part 1 of a 3-part money management series built specifically for blue-collar workers, apprentices, and future business owners. This isn’t “finance guru” advice — it’s real-world lessons from someone who built it firsthand.Josh talks about:⚡ Building credit from a young age⚡ Using credit cards responsibly⚡ Saving money without missing life⚡ Avoiding common financial traps⚡ Buying your first house⚡ Creating opportunities through the trades⚡ Why blue-collar workers are in a powerful position right nowIf you’re a young tradesman trying to get ahead, this series is for you.🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes from Wired Wattsmart.Get smart, call Wattsmart.#BlueCollar #Tradesman #MoneyManagement #Entrepreneur #WiredWattsmart #Electrician

From climbing powerline towers to building businesses—this episode dives into what it really takes to level up beyond the trade.

We talk about the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur, why most blue collar guys stay stuck financially, and how learning to manage money, take risks, and find the right mentors can completely change your path.

If you’re in the trades and thinking about what’s next… this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify — Wired Wattsmart

#wiredwattsmart #podcast #electricianlife #bluecollar #entrepreneurmindset #tradetalk #financialfreedom #businessgrowth