Stay ConnectedWhether you’re a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the “Make Trades Great Again” podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals.
Industry Insights – Educational Content – Community Stories – Technology in Trades
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Copyright: © 2022 Make Trades Great Again
Ready to unravel the fascinating world of heat pump water heaters and the influence of ducting on these devices? We promise, this episode will equip you with insights that can potentially save you a great deal of trouble. We kick off by exploring the common practice of ducting water heaters to the outside and why it might not be required in unfinished spaces. Also, discover how heat pump water heaters can be a game-changer in commercial places where there's an existing heat source.
Ever wonder how humidity levels affect the efficiency of heat pump water heaters? Well, we've got you covered! We take a deep-dive into the role of varying humidity levels, especially in humid regions like Minnesota, and how heat pump water heaters might still be beneficial without impacting your gas bill. We also discuss the relevance of the size of your furnace and the BTUs per hour of the heater. We wrap up with some invaluable tips on ducting and the importance of reading the installation instructions. So, gear up for this enlightening roller-coaster ride that will leave you with a wealth of knowledge on heat pump water heaters and ducting.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Picture this: you're running a small business and you just can't seem to get your hands on the materials you need, in the quantities you need, when you need them. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? We absolutely get it, and we're here to commiserate and share our experiences.
Join us for a fascinating conversation with John Mason Brink from the Appetite for Construction podcast, who's been embroiled in a master bathroom remodel for the last five months due to these exact challenges. We'll be sharing insights on the nuances of ordering materials, overcoming roadblocks, and the critical role of communication with suppliers.
In the plumbing world, supply and vent issues are abound. We talk about how supply and demand dictate material availability and share some of our own tricks of the trade like using polypropylene reducers for short vent issues. We also highlight our experiences with 636 pipe, CPVC adapters, and stainless steel as alternatives to PVC.
Don't miss our chat about the unexpected surprises and costs that come with boiler inspections and the importance of having access to emergency materials. And, as we look forward to the changing seasons, we discuss the impact of supply and demand shifts on material availability. This is a conversation that will provide you priceless insights into the world of small business challenges and how to navigate them. You wouldn't want to miss it!
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever been to a customer party that involved an ice cream truck, a 70-foot bonfire, and mouth-watering barbecue? Well, we have! Join us as we recount our experience, including our strategy to ward off political debates while we indulged in the fun. Our better halves, our supportive wives, were part of this adventure too, adding to the merriment.
As the party winds down, we switch gears to a different sort of fun - fly fishing with a former high school classmate and their guide. Prepare to engage with stories of how we got our boat ready, the joy of sharing food and drinks on board, and the thrill of fishing in the great outdoors. We also fantasize about our future boat, adding to the exuberance. Buckle up, and come along for a ride packed with laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of adventure!
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Get ready to unravel the mysteries of heat pump water heaters as we dissect their performance ratings, costs, and efficiency, using spec sheets from industry giants, Bradford White and Reem. These appliances have been sparking interest among DIY enthusiasts, and we're here to break it all down for you. We'll even walk you through why you won't find Bradford White's products in your average hardware store.
Imagine this: you've just invested in a heat pump water heater. You're thrilled about its touted efficiency, but as you flip through the manual, you're confronted with a slew of operation modes. Which one's best for you? We're discussing this and more, including the significant role of heat and humidity in these systems' performance. You'd be surprised at how much hot water two 10-minute showers can consume, and the recovery time of a water heater can be a game-changer!
Shifting our attention to the professionals, we're laying out the considerations for plumbing contractors when installing heat pump water heaters. We're talking costs, warranties, and comparisons with traditional tank water heaters. And let's not forget a dose of humor - we're sharing some amusing moments about our contact information, Andy's shirtless chin, and the saga of his sinking office chair. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a professional contractor, or just curious, we promise a rollercoaster episode with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of hot water heater talk.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever wondered what it truly means to stand your ground as a tradesperson? This episode of Make Trades Great Again will enlighten you on the not-so-discussed implications of using customer-supplied equipment and fixtures. We delve into the nitty-gritty of why it's crucial to be knowledgeable about the quality of materials we use and how this impacts our businesses, both in terms of work efficiency and profitability. We also shine a light on the importance of understanding agreements and contracts when dealing with customer-supplied equipment fixtures and explain why installing equipment that customers have purchased themselves might not be the best idea.
Turn up the volume as we navigate the world of negotiating hourly rates and responsibilities. We lay bare our experiences dealing with customer-supplied fixtures and the ripple effects on our businesses. We also explore the importance of having the right person at the helm when things go awry. Wrapping up this enlightening conversation, we assert that standing firm on your business principles even if it means refusing to install equipment bought by customers, guarantees a job well done. So, step in, attune your ears and prepare to be enlightened on matters you thought you knew, and others you didn't know you should.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever felt bogged down by the chaos of running a business single-handedly, juggling between field operations and office tasks, with last-minute schedule changes throwing you off balance? You’re not alone. Join us as we draw from our own experiences and unravel effective strategies to manage time and streamline operations. It might surprise you to learn that Cheryl spends half her day just on scheduling, but we'll let you in on how managing it right can make a huge difference.
What if you had a magic tool to help organize your business, from scheduling to invoicing, and everything in between? Hold tight, as we introduce you to the life-changing benefits of software in business operations. Restocking, cleaning up the truck, staying organized... these all may seem mundane yet crucial aspects of fieldwork, but imagine all those ticking off smoothly with the right software. Yes, the initial investment might seem intimidating, but trust us, it's worth every penny.
We wrap up this episode on a powerful note, highlighting how effective time management, boosted with the power of software, can skyrocket your closing rates. Imagine the difference between a successful job and a failed one, just a click away. This journey does come with its own learning curve, and diligence in software setup becomes indispensable. So gear up to embrace this change and transform the way you manage your business. You'll not just survive, but thrive!
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Have you ever dreamt of the perfect cup of coffee, hot and ready at the push of a button? Or perhaps you've struggled with unstacking your tool boxes, wishing for a drawer-based solution? Tune in for a discussion on these and more, as we dissect the highlights of the Milwaukee Pipeline event. We'll delve deep into how Milwaukee's culture of innovation culminates into their products - from battery-powered coffee makers to their hot-selling pack out tumblers. We’ll also address the broader topic of inclusivity in the trades, discussing how 'journeyman' is a status, not a gender role.
Ever thought about the power of a 9.0 battery pack, or the convenience of a cordless trimmer? Join us as we explore Milwaukee's pivot to battery-powered tools, inspired by changing government regulations. The resilience of their new insulated water bottles, the ease of clipping a mug or tumbler to the top of a lunchbox, and the backwards compatibility of their new battery releases are just a few of the exciting topics we’ll be tackling. We'll also brainstorm the unfilled niche for a small snowblower attachment for the string trimmer motor. So, gear up for an enlightening and entertaining discussion on all things Milwaukee.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever wondered how two renowned tech tycoons, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, facing off in a deathmatch could benefit a veterans charity? Buckle up as Andy and I take you on a journey through our amusing reflection of this hypothetical charity event. We then dive into our personal experiences navigating the sea of new technologies, sharing tales of my initial stumbling blocks with invoicing software and the undeniable value of good old face-to-face interactions with my crew.
Sharpen your management skills as we delve into the trials and tribulations of running a crew. Andy shares his early experiences managing his team using an assembly line system, and we discuss the importance of a solid delivery system. We also tackle the everyday challenges associated with estimating jobs accurately, addressing delivery issues, and the significance of customer satisfaction. Listen closely as we underline the often overlooked aspect of maintaining a clean and functional vehicle, and the importance of compensating technicians for these essential tasks.
Wrapping up our conversation, we touch on the hurdles of crew management and the necessity of maintaining a professional appearance when dealing with customers. Walking down memory lane, we appreciate the role of modern technology in streamlining operations, comparing it to the old days of manual invoicing. Finally, we delve into the importance of accurate estimates, predicting unforeseen issues, and the significance of allowing customers to return for re-do services. Don't miss out - join us for an enlightening discussion packed with valuable insights.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever found yourself with a cold beer in hand, kicking back at a customer's Saturday farm bash, wondering if this is a professional blunder or a savvy networking move? We've been there, and it's in the gray area of these social and professional intersections that we've learned a thing or two. In this candid conversation, we navigate the boundaries between work and personal relationships, debate the pros and cons of attending client parties, and share our own experiences with these potentially awkward, yet surprisingly rewarding, situations.
Then, we switch gears to another tricky territory - doing business with family and friends. From mismatched expectations to the balance of making contacts at social events, we tackle them all with our usual humor and honesty. We hope our experiences and insights will help you skillfully sail these waters, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting off in your career. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join us in this thoughtful discussion about the complex, yet intriguing, intersections of business and friendship.
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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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Ever wrestled with the mystery of asbestos inspection regulations for water heaters? Well, we're here to break it down for you. With a decade of its existence, these regulations have stirred up quite the conversation among contractors. We examine why this law exists and what it means for professionals in the field. Believe it or not, this legislation isn’t as old as you might think!
The episode takes a twist as we recount the trials of securing a permit for a commercial installation project in Missoula, Montana. We go through the intricacies of gaining an asbestos inspection, the costs it incurs, and the hurdles faced. Our narrative doesn't stop there - we delve into diverse gas tests, emphasizing how a positive relationship with local inspectors can be a game changer. An interesting segment in this episode is about testing underground piping and how the winter months can throw up some unique challenges.
Wrapping this up, we analyze plumbing and HVAC inspections, emphasizing the role of a manometer in testing gas lines and the necessity for a balancing valve on Navian pumped systems. We also invite you, our listeners, to contribute and interact by suggesting topics for future episodes. We believe in creating a community where everyone learns and grows together, so don’t hesitate to drop us your feedback. So, let’s get started and demystify the world of plumbing and HVAC installations together. Tune in and join the conversation.
Don't forget to visit our sponsor's website: propane.com
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb
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