The Trades Podcast

Family business succession, contractor growth strategy, flat-rate pricing, and building a leadership team: Tyler Heath shares how he took over Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating and Cooling from his father and grew it from $3M to $12M in under five years, during COVID, with outdated systems and a team resistant to change. In Episode 213 of The Trades Podcast, Tyler breaks down the exact decisions and execution steps that drove rapid, managed growth: Adopting technology to modernize outdated operations Shifting from hourly pricing to flat-rate pricing to boost margins Adding HVAC to expand service offerings Building a marketing plan around customer service and positive reviews Recruiting the right talent and developing future leaders Whether you're taking over a family contracting business, buying a company, or trying to grow your existing operation, Tyler's step-by-step approach is a practical playbook for turning execution into results, no matter what's happening around you. Subscribe to The Trades Podcast for more real conversations with trades industry leaders. WEBSITE: https://www.rickyheathplumbing.com/ EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RickyHeathPlumbing/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rickyheathphc/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ricky-heath-plumbing-heating-cooling

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Kim Pike-Walters of KPW Financial Coaching to discuss the importance of financial education, planning, and confidence for trades professionals and entrepreneurs. The conversation examines the financial challenges that can come with running a business, earning a strong income, and trying to balance today's responsibilities with tomorrow's goals. Topics Discussed Building financial confidence Creating a personal financial plan Managing money as a business owner Separating business and personal financial decisions Preparing for long-term financial goals Developing better financial habits Understanding the importance of financial education Turning business success into personal financial security Planning for the future instead of simply reacting to today Resources & Mentions KPW Financial Coaching https://kpwfinancialcoaching.com/ The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com What You Will Learn Why financial education matters for trades professionals How better financial habits can support long-term success Why business owners need to think beyond revenue The importance of planning for the future How financial confidence can influence business and personal decisions Why earning more does not automatically create financial security

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Mandi Ehman from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air and Jane Sidebottom, President of Women in HVACR, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of workforce development in the skilled trades. The conversation explores how businesses can attract, develop, and retain talented professionals by creating supportive cultures, investing in training, and encouraging career growth. Jane shares how Women in HVACR provides education, networking, scholarships, and professional development opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the industry as a whole. Mandi discusses the importance of customer service, team collaboration, and leadership within a growing home services company, while both guests emphasize that successful organizations thrive when they invest in people first. Topics Discussed Leadership in the skilled trades Building strong workplace cultures Mentorship and professional development Recruiting the next generation of trades professionals Expanding opportunities throughout the HVACR industry Workforce development and employee retention Customer service and team excellence The future of women in the skilled trades Resources & Mentions Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air https://www.cardinalplumbingva.com/ Women in HVACR https://www.womeninhvacr.org/ The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com Takeaways Women in HVACR organization supports women in the HVAC industry Mentorship and career path programs are essential for attracting and retaining talent in the trades Technology and AI are transforming the trades industry, making learning and skill development faster and more efficient. Diversity, community, and mentorship play a crucial role in business growth and success in the trades industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recording in San Diego 01:13 Mandy's Introduction and Company Overview 02:25 Jane's Introduction and Women in HVACR 03:59 Impact of Women in HVACR 05:57 Challenges and Culture in the Trades 07:09 Training and Career Path at Cardinal 09:12 Challenges for Women in the Trades 10:11 Promoting Trades to Women 12:47 Interest in Trades and Mentorship 15:31 Uptick in Interest and Influencers 18:41 Changing Perceptions of College and Trades 19:08 Career Path and Culture at Cardinal 22:22 Impact of AI in the HVAC Industry 45:32 Building a Better Team and Business Growth

With decades of experience in industrial technology and workforce education, Rex has become a leading advocate for safe, effective, and standardized training in handheld laser welding, cleaning, and cutting. As laser technology becomes more accessible across industries, he believes education is the key to helping contractors and manufacturers adopt these powerful tools with confidence. Jeff, Danny, and Rex discuss how handheld lasers are improving productivity, reducing material waste, and creating new opportunities for skilled professionals. They also explore why proper certification, safety practices, and workforce training are essential as this technology continues to gain momentum throughout the construction and manufacturing sectors. Whether you're a contractor, fabricator, welding professional, shop owner, or technology enthusiast, this episode provides an exciting look at one of the fastest-growing innovations shaping the future of the skilled trades. Share this episode with someone who wants to stay ahead of industry trends and discover how technology is creating new possibilities for trades professionals around the world. Learn more about the Handheld Laser Institute 👉 https://handheldlaserinstitute.com Handheld Laser Institute https://handheldlaserinstitute.com About Rex Alexandre https://handheldlaserinstitute.com/about/ The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Handheld Laser Welding 02:51 Rex Alexander's Journey in Laser Welding 05:49 Understanding Handheld Laser Welding Technology 08:39 Applications and Misconceptions of Laser Welding 11:42 Safety and Training in Laser Welding 14:43 Industry Integration and Challenges 17:23 Future of Laser Welding in Various Industries 20:29 Training and Certification in Laser Welding 23:14 Comparing Laser Welding to Traditional Methods 26:16 Cost Efficiency and Practical Applications of Laser Welding 30:58 Navigating Laser Safety and OSHA Regulations 33:23 The Role of AI in Laser Welding 36:43 Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage in Welding 41:00 Training the Next Generation of Welders 44:53 The Future of Welding in Space 49:13 Advice for Contractors in a Changing Industry 50:11 Lightning Round: Quick Insights from Rex

What if the biggest obstacle holding you back in business, leadership, or life isn't your competition, but your own fear? In this compelling episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres welcome Ann Steffen Sommer, PA-C, healthcare professional, speaker, and creator of The Fear Code®, for a conversation about overcoming fear and unlocking your full potential. Drawing on decades of experience in healthcare and human behavior, Ann introduces the principles behind The Fear Code®, a framework designed to help people identify the fears that quietly influence their decisions, relationships, and leadership. She explains how recognizing these patterns can lead to greater confidence, healthier communication, and more intentional choices both at work and at home. Together, Jeff, Danny, and Ann explore how fear affects entrepreneurs, contractors, and business owners every day, from hiring employees and growing a company to making difficult decisions and leading teams through uncertainty. The discussion highlights practical strategies for replacing fear with purpose, resilience, and action. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or working to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode will challenge the way you think about fear and inspire you to move forward with confidence. Share this episode with someone who is ready to break through self-doubt, embrace growth, and discover that courage isn't the absence of fear, it's the decision to move forward despite it. Learn more about The Fear Code® and Ann Steffen Sommer 👉 https://annsommer.com/lawoffear Resources & Mentions Ann Steffen Sommer https://annsommer.com The Fear Code® https://annsommer.com/lawoffear The Trades Podcast https://www.thetradespodcast.com What You Will Learn How fear impacts leadership and business performance Strategies for overcoming fear-based decision-making Why emotional intelligence matters in the trades How self-awareness improves communication Practical tools for building confidence and resilience Ways to create stronger teams through healthier leadership