The skilled trades have been looked down on for decades. Colleges, teachers, guidance counselors and TV have marketed the 4-year degree to society as the only way to make in the world today. We plan to bust that myth and elevate the trades and those with the skills to pay the bills. #mtga
Listeners of Make Trades Great Again that love the show mention: plumbing, hub, trades, eric, great stuff, love listening, guys, great podcast, good, warning juicy content, heating.
The Make Trades Great Again podcast is a highly informative and entertaining show that delves into the world of the plumbing and heating trades, as well as the broader trade industry. Hosted by Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson, this podcast provides valuable insights, advice, and stories for both those already in the trades and those interested in pursuing a career in this field. With their expertise and humor, Eric and Andy deliver an engaging listening experience that keeps you coming back for more.
One of the best aspects of The Make Trades Great Again podcast is the vast amount of knowledge shared by Eric and Andy. As experienced professionals in the plumbing and heating trades, they offer practical advice, tips, and tricks that can benefit both seasoned tradespeople and apprentices just starting out. Their ability to break down complex concepts into understandable terms makes this podcast accessible to listeners with varying levels of expertise. Additionally, their willingness to share personal anecdotes adds an element of authenticity to each episode.
Furthermore, The Make Trades Great Again podcast stands out because of its humorous tone. Eric and Andy's banter keeps the show light-hearted and engaging throughout. Their chemistry is evident, making it enjoyable to listen to their conversations about various trade-related topics. This comedic aspect not only entertains but also helps to create a comfortable atmosphere for listeners to learn from.
While there are many positive aspects to The Make Trades Great Again podcast, one potential downside is that it may be more appealing to those already familiar with or working in the trade industry. Although efforts are made to cater to a wide audience by including general information about trades, some episodes may be less relatable for individuals outside this specific field. However, this should not dissuade anyone who is curious or interested in learning about trades from giving this podcast a chance.
In conclusion, The Make Trades Great Again podcast is a must-listen for anyone involved in or interested in the trade industry. Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson's expertise and humor make for a highly informative and entertaining show. Whether you are an apprentice just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge, this podcast provides valuable insights, advice, and stories that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The Make Trades Great Again podcast truly lives up to its name by shedding light on the trade industry and helping to make trades great again.
As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the US? Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Some recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
New tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD)This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Ever wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavillion, thanks John! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Are gas absorption heat pumps a viable alternative to the electrification of our heating and cooling systems? Mike Cameron is a longtime Canadian friend working in Vancouver, BC. Mike installs and services a lot of the GAHP units, some are only prototypes but all are performing impressively. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Building relationships with your local suppliers, reps and sales people is important for the success of your business. Of course it is! This week the guys talk about a recent discussion happening behind the scenes about sourcing parts for hvac systems, buying local and/or online. We've talked about this topic differently in the past, thanks for taking the time to listen to this episode, we hope its useful and enjoyable. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Andy starts off a little spicy in this one. Sometimes the social media comment section is a terrible place! Thanks to Reed Wiens for writing in to the show, this was a fun conversation! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Thank you all for messaging! This was a fun conversation! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Chad joins the guys to tell the story of a birthday gone bad and it might be all because of an orange bucket…you'll have to listen to hear the whole story. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Chad Killinger joins us for a fun discussion about a mixed bag of topics, starting with residential fire sprinkler systems. Should plumbers be installing these systems? From there the conversation flows to a few topics per usual. This was a fun one and we always enjoy having Chad on the show. Thanks for listening! Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Andy shares a few things he's observed over the last year that stand out. Eric is a little nervous when looking back on three specific jobs...are we old enough to be replacing equipment we installed new? Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Back when we started out it was tough to get the phone to ring. Getting listed on manufacturer's websites was one way we got our business name out there. Are you doing it? Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The guys answer some questions sent in by listeners Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
This episode works best as a video, you can watch it over on the MH YouTube channel https://bit.ly/4g4zYXpSend us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
This week the guys are joined virtually by the hosts of the Appetite For Construction podcast, John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward. It's that time of year again where we take a look back and even forward into the new year. There was some fun bs'ing as well. Hope you enjoy!Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
It's roadtrip time for Andy as he met up with Eric for a super top secret install in Northern MN. You'll have to watch [or listen] to learn all about the project. If the podcast just isn't enough you could search the tag “#duluthbuild” on Instagram for more from the project job site. Okay, J/K....Air-to-Water Heat Pumps are having a time right now, this project had the guys working in Eric's in-laws home to connect the Viessmann Vitocal heat pump to a whole home hydronic heating system. Send us a textDo you subscribe to the Mechanical Hub weekly email newsletter? It's packed with industry events, new products and more to help you and your business. Subscribe here: https://mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter/Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Not all projects are run & organized the same, obviously. This week the guys have a short BS session and talk about a job Eric has coming up and one of Andy's preferred general contractors. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Canadian apprentice Adam Parent joins the guys to talk about his experiences and thoughts bout joining the plumbing trade in Canada. Adam's experience in both residential and commercial work doing both plumbing and heating new construction, remodel and service have helped him hone his skills and find a place where he's challenged but excited to learn & do more. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
It's never great when service vehicles break down but it's even worse when local mechanics are out weeks for repairs and parts are hard to track down. This week Andy retells the story of a relative simple fix for a recent breakdown. How hard can it be to replace a starter on a 2020 Ford Transit anyway? Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
In this episode of Make Trades Great Again, Eric and Andy dive into how artificial intelligence, especially tools like ChatGPT, is reshaping the trades industry. They share personal experiences on using AI for everything from generating heat load calculations and troubleshooting boiler issues to crafting proposals and even coming up with recipe ideas! Tune in to hear how AI is saving time, enhancing productivity, and providing a new edge to everyday business challenges. Plus, a discussion on the pros and cons of AI reliance and a listener question from EJ on handling tricky customer situations. Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode sheds light on the future of tech in the trades.Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Industry trade shows are an awesome way to see the latest new technology, to network with manufacturers and their reps, or even make purchases with some of the best deals of the year. This week the guys ask ChatGPT for a list of important shows throughout the plumbing, hvac and building industries. Why you should attend, where and when they are, are all discussed in this episode. Thanks for listening! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Have you sent in a message to the guys recently? This was a fun episode, we tried to get to all the questions, thank you for sending them our way! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
What do you do when your spouse leaves town for the weekend? The only obvious answer for Eric was to tear out their two tankless water heaters and the boiler so he could start over. But wait, there's more! In order for this to be called a success it had be finished before Heather returned home after just two days away. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The title may be confusing or even misleading. The guys talk about a recent trailer purchase Eric made for the business. It's not anything special but it should help with the workflow. Here's to hoping he made the right purchase! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Thanks to longtime listener Will Rutherford for writing in to the show asking our thoughts on taking a job started by another contractor. Also, have you ever walked on a job? You might be surprised who actually has (Andy or Eric?)! Thanks Will! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Hey we got caught up in vacation, so here is a throw back from our conversation with Patrick Caldow @caldowplumbing on IG. We'll be back soon with new content!Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Industry news starts off today's episode with earning report from Lowe's indicating a droopy economy related to home improvements. But don't let that get you down! Eric gives us a recap of a recent Heat Pump Water Heater install. Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
No mater how much you talk thru a projec and setting expectations before the job, there's likely going to be some revelations by the customer as they realize how things are different now. After you did the install of the new furnace or water heater etc Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
One of Andy's recent projects takes a turn for the worse when the general contractor decides safety is definitely not first! Warning: This episode is probably cool af and you'll likely be hooked for life on the MTGA podcast! Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
We're so excited and thankful for all the support and reaching this milestone! In this week's episode the guys look back at some highlights from the first four years of the MTGA podcast! There have been many great guests and some big supporters over the years. Special thanks to all who have dropped in, stuck around, sent in your ideas and questions. And thanks to our super fans Jay, Chad, Denver, Pat! Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
"Do you have any advice for couples considering starting a business together?"We had so much fun having the girls join us that we asked them back for another episode and it was awesome. Once again we'd like to thank Sheryl and Heather for putting up with us and for making every day better as we work our way to the top building our business and making this life together. Thank you! Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Ever think "If only I knew then what I know now" ?We are so pumped to bring you this and the next episode with special Guests Heather Aune & Sheryl Mickelson, the obvious better halves of the MTGA team. Sheryl runs the office and a good part of the business for Mickelson Plumbing & Heating. Heather has done the books for both MH & Aune Plumbing & Heating for over a decade on top of her (former) day job. It was so cool to hear their perspectives as we consider looking back to the early days of starting our business. Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Milwaukee Tool invited Eric out to see all the new tools available and coming soon to a job site near you. Eric gives us an inside look at some of the new tools and info you might not have seen yet. This episode has a ton of visual info best viewed on the MH Youtube channel Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
You might know Colton as @viking_pipefitter on the socials. You might know him from a training session or trades show when he worked for Viega but do you know how he got his start? This was a fun conversation, we hope you enjoy it! Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The guys are bs'ing about vans again. Should we change the title to the podcast to "Van Talk"? lolSend us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
The guys talk AI and how they've been using it for work. Scheduling, emails, videos etc. are just some of the ways Eric has put ChatGPT to work for him. Are you using any form of artificial intelligence on the job or in the office for day to day tasks? We'd really like to talk to you about it so text us! Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Most would agree it's a good idea to have options when it comes to supply chain but we're often loyal to at least one supplier. So, what would make you switch to another supplier? Send us a Text Message.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.As things slow down and the job outlook or load changes we have to consider how to fill the schedule. Does that mean taking on work you normally wouldn't? Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.Longtime friend of MTGA, Jason Norman joins Eric & Andy to get deeper into the EV Fleet debate. Will we be forced to change our work schedules, driving habits? Will field techs no longer get to drive their work van home? This has been a very popular topic for the podcast, thank you all for the feedback and listens! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.Eric hits the road, or sky's to join Andy in Missoula for a special project. We've talked connected appliances and controls many times on the podcast and do it again this time. A couple new Tekmar products will serve Andy's clients well. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.There's no other way to say it, it sucks falling behind on keeping the shop and vehicles tidy. Extra money is spent on redundant materials and tools, time is lost looking for that one thing you just know you had... The guys talk shop and all things that go with it in this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.Milwaukee Tool recently announced and shipped the long awaited M12 tubing cutter capable of cutting up to 2" copper pipe. Whoa, whoa that's not all! Andy makes a pretty bold statement, naming the BEST SCREWDRIVER IN THE WORLD. Hint: It's a Wiha. The guys talk new tools, favorite tools and get into some general BS about tools for the heck of it. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.MTGA friend Denver Baker joins the guys to talk E.V.'s. Specifically, service vehicles for his or the many HVAC contracting companies. The crew talks tech, charging, current offerings from the usual suspects and so new auto makers offering rechargeable cargo vehicles. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Send us a Text Message.The guys answer an email from a friend of the show. What do we want from our sales people? Mark says he's recently moved into an outside sales position for the supply company he works for, he's looking for our feedback on what we are looking for from our sales partners in the industry. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Ever just get to a point you cant stand your own playlist? We have and Andy wants to know what you're listening to. This week the guys relax and reminisce about the early days of XM Radio and talk about some of their favorite things to stream now. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Some pretty big changes are in the works for how Minnesotans pay for, and use electricity which had the guys discussing everything from electrification, off-peak electrical and the home heating utility usages from one state to the next. To our faithful listeners: No actual investigative journalism was used for this groundbreaking discussion and revelations. Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
In all seriousness, the guys do talk about a couple recent medical events as a reminder that none of are invincible and taking care of ourselves is paramount to having a long successful career in the trades. Pre-surgery talk started back in February in episode 279: https://maketrades.buzzsprout.comSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
Eric and Andy share insights and strategies for navigating economic slowdowns amidst shifting market conditions. Whether it's seasonal fluctuations or the impact of high interest rates and inflation on consumer behavior, they delve into practical approaches.This episode focuses on the effective practices that have sustained their plumbing and heating service business, with potential applications for various other industries.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
It's time for a break from new episodes while the guys work on a new approach to delivering the MTGA content and topics. Please take a look at any one of the 280 previous episodes in our library if you haven't heard them all. We will be back, thank you for your continued support! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbCheck out our website: mechanical-hub.com
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