The Trades Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 170 Chad Hufford - VeritasAlaska.com Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Jeff and Danny explore financial planning strategies for service business owners with Chad Hufford, founder of Veritas Wealth Management. Chad discusses his background, his coaching-first approach, and how he creates custom financial blueprints that help trades professionals reach long-term goals with less stress.

What You’ll Learn:

How Chad combines coaching, planning, and financial education to serve clients

The role of holistic financial strategies—not just investment—in business success

Why clear long-term goals ease financial anxiety and drive better decisions

How market tools like SmartVestor Pro guide client growth and trust

Why financial clarity is just as vital as operational excellence

Guest Bio:
Chad Hufford is a financial planner and founder of Veritas Wealth Management, based in Anchorage, AK. He launched his firm in 2007 and founded Veritas in 2014. As Alaska’s longest-tenured Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, Chad blends teaching, athletics, and finance into a powerful coaching practice that supports families and business owners nationwide veritasalaska.com

Chad Hufford

Financial Planner

chad@veritasalaska.com

(907) 561-2462

Resources & Mentions

Veritas Wealth Management: Learn more and start a conversation veritasalaska.com

Chad Hufford’s Bio & Background: Dive deeper into his journey and values veritasalaska.com Veteran on the Move

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

If this episode gave you something of value, inpired you or helps you be a better business person, share it with another contractor or leader from the trades community. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

Ep 169 Nathaniel Seeley - BlueSoftWebsites.com Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary
Jeff and Danny talk with Nate Seeley of BlueSoft about the steps needed to build a website that actually drives business. Nate highlights how they support small service businesses through digital marketing systems, Google Business Profiles, CRM guidance, and web strategies built to get results.

What You’ll Learn

Why tracking real metrics (calls, form sends, keyword ranks) matters more than vanity stats

The importance of foundational digital assets like Google Business Profiles

Thoughtful CRM and website design practices that you can implement now

How BlueSoft helps business owners remain accountable to their marketing performance

Guest Bio
Nathaniel “Nate” Seeley is Founder and Owner of BlueSoft, a web design and digital marketing agency serving the construction and service-based industries. With nearly two decades of expertise, Nate excels at turning websites into powerful marketing engines for contractors. BlueSoft

📌 Resources & Mentions

BlueSoft Websites: https://bluesoftwebsites.com

Phone:(623) 204-0767
Monday-Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM MST

About Nate Seeley: Meet the Founder

Better Business Bureau Profile: BlueSoft BBB

Google Business Profile Tips: Google’s Official Guide

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 168 Trevor Wegner - TWCraftsmen.com Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Trevor Wegner, Owner of TW Craftsmen, to explore how true craftsmanship, business discipline, and a passion for outdoor design come together to build more than just beautiful decks. Trevor opens up about the values that drive his work, the lessons he's learned from running a high-end service business, and how he's built a brand known for quality, trust, and integrity.

Whether you're a tradesperson looking to elevate your skill set, a business owner focused on branding and client relationships, or someone dreaming of building something meaningful, this conversation will spark fresh motivation and provide real-world strategies for growth.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

How Trevor turned hands-on craftsmanship into a successful business

The importance of setting a higher standard in the trades

Strategies for building trust and long-term relationships with clients

The role of design thinking in outdoor construction

Why your reputation is your strongest marketing tool

👤 Guest Bio:

Trevor Wegner is the founder of TW Craftsmen, a premium deck building and outdoor living company specializing in functional, beautiful spaces that last. Based in Southern California, Trevor brings a craftsman’s mindset to every project, combining design, structure, and client care to deliver standout results.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Visit: TWCraftsmen.com

Follow TW Craftsmen on Instagram: @twcraftsmen

More episodes and resources: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 167 Jason Noel - CEOWarrior.com Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In this motivating episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres talk with Jason Noel, Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, a powerful platform helping service business owners lead with confidence, clarity, and control.

Jason shares the raw reality of running a service business and how most owners get stuck in a cycle of chaos, wearing too many hats and barely keeping up. Through his journey from overwhelmed contractor to transformational leader, Jason reveals the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped him break free and scale his business to success.

CEO Warrior isn't just coaching, it's a movement for trades professionals ready to stop reacting and start leading. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want to become the CEO your business deserves, this episode delivers the fire and focus to help you take that next step.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

How Jason help to build CEO Warrior to solve real problems for service business owners

The key mindset and leadership shifts required to scale and sustain a trades business

Why most contractors stay stuck and how to break through plateaus

Systems and habits to gain control of your time, team, and revenue

How to move from technician to CEO with confidence

👤 Guest Bio:

Jason Noel is the Master Advisor at CEO Warrior, an elite coaching and mentorship platform that empowers service business owners to take command of their operations, leadership, and growth. His mission is to turn overwhelmed contractors into powerful, confident CEOs who build lasting legacies in the trades.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Learn more: CEO Warrior

Book a strategy call: ceowarrior.com/book-a-call

More trade industry stories: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 166 Patrick Fee- MrDrainPlumbers.com Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Patrick Fee, Owner of Mr. Drain Plumbing, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving plumbing business in today’s competitive marketplace.

Patrick shares his journey from technician to business owner, unpacking the real-world strategies that have helped him grow Mr. Drain into a trusted name in plumbing services. From training and leadership to customer service and company culture, Patrick offers honest insights into the challenges and rewards of running a service-based trades company.

Whether you’re a solo contractor, a plumbing apprentice, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is full of actionable advice and entrepreneurial inspiration.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

How Patrick transitioned from tradesman to business owner

The systems and values that fuel Mr. Drain Plumbing’s success

Why customer service is your best marketing strategy

Tips for building and managing a reliable team

Lessons in leadership, branding, and long-term business sustainability

👤 Guest Bio:

Patrick Fee is the Owner of Mr. Drain Plumbing, a customer-first plumbing company known for professional service, innovative systems, and a dedication to excellence. With years of hands-on experience in the field and a passion for empowering his team, Patrick leads by example and is committed to raising the bar in the trades.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Learn more: Mr. Drain Plumbing

Connect with the team or schedule a service: mrdrainplumbers.com

More trade-focused episodes: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 165 Charlie Cina - OneTapConnect.com Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this dynamic episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Charlie Cina, CEO of One Tap Connect—the premium digital business card platform designed to help sales professionals and contractors instantly connect, convert, and stand out.

Charlie brings his expertise in high-level sales and personal branding to the table, sharing how One Tap Connect is transforming the way professionals in the trades make a lasting impression. From instantly sharing contact info and reviews to showcasing portfolios and capturing leads on the spot, One Tap is helping sales pros close deals quicker and more confidently.

Whether you're a contractor, sales rep, or business owner, this episode delivers powerful insights on modern sales tools and strategies that can help you grow faster and smarter.

What You’ll Learn:

How One Tap Connect helps tradespeople and sales pros make lasting digital impressions

The origin story and mission behind the One Tap platform

Why traditional business cards are outdated—and what replaces them

Tips from Charlie Cina on personal branding and high-conversion communication

How to equip your team with tools that boost professionalism and speed up sales cycles

Guest Bio:

Charlie Cina is a nationally recognized sales and branding expert, speaker, and the CEO of One Tap Connect. With decades of experience in high-level sales training, Charlie’s passion lies in helping professionals build credibility, increase visibility, and connect with clients instantly—using tools that do the talking for you.

Resources & Mentions:

Create your digital card: OneTapConnect.com

Connect with Charlie Cina on LinkedIn: Charlie Cina

One Tap Connect CEO Link>>> Charlie

Learn more at: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 164 John Gaddis - EZMeasurementTrainer.com Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres interview the inventor of the EZ Measurement Trainer, John Gaddis, a game-changing tool designed to make learning tape measure reading faster, easier, and more effective for tradespeople at every level.

The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of teaching and learning one of the most fundamental skills in construction: accurate measuring. The inventor shares the origin story behind the product, the education gaps it’s designed to close, and how it's being used in trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and even job sites across the country.

Whether you're a trainer, a business owner, or someone new to the trades, this episode is packed with practical insights and an inspiring reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be high-tech to be high-impact.

What You’ll Learn:

Why tape measure reading is often a barrier for new tradespeople

How the EZ Measurement Trainer bridges the gap between classroom theory and hands-on skills

The inventor’s journey from idea to product to industry adoption

How trade educators and employers are using the tool to speed up training

Why better fundamentals lead to fewer mistakes and greater job site efficiency

Guest Bio:

EZ Measurement Trainer Inventor- John Gaddis – A trades professional and educator passionate about empowering the next generation of skilled workers through simple, smart innovations that solve real problems in the field.

Resources & Mentions:

Learn more: EZMeasurementTrainer.com

Contact for training and bulk orders: info@ezmeasurementtrainer.com

More trade industry interviews: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 163 Curtis Hemmeler - RVTI.org Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), to talk about the critical need for skilled labor in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country—the recreational vehicle (RV) industry.

Curtis shares how RVTI is tackling the national technician shortage head-on through hands-on, accessible training programs designed to upskill the workforce and open doors to high-demand, high-reward careers. He also explores how RVTI collaborates with schools, dealers, and employers to modernize workforce development, and how business owners in the trades can tap into the opportunities in this $140+ billion industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to expand, evolve, or explore a new pathway forward.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

Why the RV industry is booming—and why it needs more technicians now

How RVTI’s training model is reshaping workforce development

What business owners and trade professionals can learn from RVTI’s scalable approach

How tradespeople can transition into or partner with the RV sector

The broader impact of vocational education on solving labor shortages across industries

🧑‍🔧 Guest Bio:

Curtis Hemmeler is the Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute and a national leader in workforce development and technical education. With a background in aviation maintenance training and nonprofit leadership, Curtis brings a strategic, scalable approach to building talent pipelines across industries.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Learn more about the RV Technical Institute: RVTI.org

Connect with Curtis Hemmeler and his team: RVTI Staff Page

More interviews and insights for the skilled trades: TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 162 Sara Graves - Deck-Specialist.com May 07, 2025

Show notes

A Conversation with Sara Graves of Deck Specialist

🎙️ Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Trades Podcast, we sit down with Sara Graves, Chief Editor of Deck Specialist, the premier trade publication spotlighting innovation, craftsmanship, and community in the decking and outdoor living industry.

Sara opens up about her editorial journey, the evolution of deck design, and the role Deck Specialist plays in elevating the voice of trades professionals. From the latest material trends to the stories that fuel the passion behind the build, Sara offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the decking industry tick.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

The editorial mission behind Deck Specialist and how it supports the decking trades

Emerging trends in outdoor living spaces and what pros should keep an eye on

Challenges and opportunities for builders in 2025

How storytelling and editorial exposure can elevate tradespeople and their businesses

Why community and craftsmanship are more vital than ever in the construction world

🧰 Guest Bio:

Sara Graves is the Chief Editor of Deck Specialist magazine, a niche publication dedicated to the professionals who design, build, and innovate in the world of outdoor living. With a career rooted in journalism and trade media, Sara brings a thoughtful, industry-connected perspective to every feature she curates.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Visit Deck Specialist Magazine

Connect with Sara and read her editorials: Sara Graves’ Author Page

Explore more interviews and insights at TheTradesPodcast.com

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

Let's Build Together

Ep 161 Rachel & Gregg - MurrayLampert.com Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Listening to our clients since 1975.

All great projects, like your home, begin with a conversation. For four generations, we’ve been building and remodeling homes for San Diego homeowners.

We will guide you every step along the way, offering you options, and then making decisions together. You’ll know what you’re getting, how much it will cost, and the steps it will take. And if something changes, we’ll let you know beforehand.

By the time we’re done working together, you’ll feel like family too.

🔨 Episode Overview:

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, we sit down with the incredible family duo at the helm of Murray Lampert, a four-generation design-build remodeling firm based in San Diego. Gregg Cantor, a seasoned industry expert and CEO, teams up with his daughter Rachel Cantor, Director of Client Services, to share how they're blending tradition with innovation in the trades.

Together, they reveal the secrets to sustaining a successful family business, how they maintain strong relationships with clients, and why staying grounded in values is the key to long-term success.

🛠️ What You’ll Learn:

The origin and evolution of Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel

How Rachel is reshaping client experience and digital presence

Gregg’s lessons from decades in the remodeling industry

The power—and challenges—of working with family

Tips for navigating generational leadership transitions

How community engagement fuels business growth

👷 Who Should Listen:

Trade professionals and contractors

Family business owners

Entrepreneurs looking to build a lasting legacy

Anyone curious about the human side of the homebuilding world

🌐 Connect with Our Guests:

https://www.murraylampert.com

https://www.facebook.com/MurrayLampertDBR/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/murray-lampert-construction

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggcantor

https://www.youtube.com/c/MurrayLampertDesignBuildRemodelSanDiego

https://www.instagram.com/murraylampert/

🎙️ Hosted by:

TheTradesPodcast.com – Your go-to source for real conversations in the world of trades, construction, and entrepreneurship.

About The Trades Podcast

Website
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

Hosted by
Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

The Trades Podcast is the voice of the trades community. Where industry leaders turn for Ideas, Inspiration, and Information they need to build lasting success.

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About The Trades Podcast

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About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

👤 Guest Bio:

📌 Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

👤 Guest Bio:

📌 Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Bio:

Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Bio:

Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

🧑‍🔧 Guest Bio:

📌 Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

A Conversation with Sara Graves of Deck Specialist

🎙️ Episode Summary:

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

🧰 Guest Bio:

📌 Resources & Mentions:

About The Trades Podcast

Let's Build Together

Listening to our clients since 1975.

🔨 Episode Overview:

🛠️ What You’ll Learn:

👷 Who Should Listen:

🌐 Connect with Our Guests:

🎙️ Hosted by:

About The Trades Podcast

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