Podcasts about tradesmen

This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. -------------------- 01 Introduction This is the second episode in an 8 part series. 02 In the previous episode we discussed the predecessors of PLCs, in particular relay logic. In this episode we will discuss how relay logic came to be expressed in software rather than in actual hardware components. 03 The topics to be covered include * Early computers in industry. * The first PLC. * PC versus PLC - what's in a name. * Who the major brands are. * What does a PLC actually look like. * Machine architecture. * PLC programs. * The scan. * PLC programming languages. * Relative popularity of PLC programming languages versus more conventional computer programming languages. -------------------- 04 Early Computers in Industry Computers came to be used in industry fairly early on. Minicomputers were used in some large industries to control things like electric power plants. For example, the DEC PDP8 was used to control the refuelling machines in CANDU nuclear power plants. These would load and unload fuel from the reactor, which happens continually on a daily basis while the reactor is running. 05 The first microprocessor based computer sold on the commercial market was the MICRAL from France, based on the Intel 8008. It was sold as a cost effective replacement for minicomputers used in industry. It preceded what are generally considered to be the first Personal Computers. So you can see that industry were not reluctant to adopt new technology. 06 However, mini computers were large complex systems that did not fit well into a factory floor. They had particular niches in very large complex integrated systems, but were not suited to controlling many individual machines in a factory that produced things like automobiles or appliances. 07 What was needed was something that would fit into a standard electrical enclosure, withstand the temperatures found in a factory, could stand up to vibration and noise, was tolerant of voltage fluctuations, interfaced directly to sensors and actuators, and could be readily programmed by engineers, technicians, and tradesmen who were familiar with the processes to be controlled, but had little or no experience with computers. 08 This required a complete integrated package covering hardware, software, and product distribution through industrial supply retailers. Something that could meet these criteria is what was needed to become the PLC. -------------------- 09 History Many histories point to a US developer that became Modicon. However, their first hardware was more a proof of concept than a viable commercial product. In fact multiple companies in the US, Europe, and Japan were working on the problem and released comparable products all at around the same time in the early 1970s. 10 The idea preceded the implementation by a number of years. For example, General Motors had asked industrial control equipment suppliers in the mid 1960s for some sort of programmable control device to replace relay logic. This showed potential suppliers that there was a market for this sort of thing, and gave them a clearer idea of what customers were looking for. 11 What made this possible was the development of the first 8 bit microprocessor in that time period, combined with readily available bit slice processors from the minicomputer industry and other components. 12 People knew what to do, the problem was waiting for the development of suitable component hardware. Minicomputers were already being used in industry, but were normally located in control rooms. PLCs were an effort to take that technology out of control rooms and put it on the shop floor. 13 PC Versus PLC - What's in a Name In the early days, these systems were known as either PLC, which means "Programmable Logic Controller", or PC, which means "Programmable Controller". Different vendors favoured different terminology, but both were common. I have a book which was at one time one of the standard reference handbooks for this industry which was published in 1989, and refers to them as Programmable Controllers, or PCs. 14 The term PC was also used to mean "Personal Computer", but that wasn't really a problem in the early days. However, a certain large company decided to call their entry into the personal computer market the "IBM PC", and suddenly "PC" became a generic term for desktop computers. 15 After a long struggle to keep referring to their products as "PCs", even the biggest vendors caved in and gave up the fight and switched to using the "PLC" term. I will therefore use the term "PLC" in this podcast series even when talking about products which were originally called "PCs" at the time they were introduced. 16 Who the Major Brands Are The companies that came to dominate the industry fairly early on were generally companies that already made industrial electrical hardware. These were Siemens Allen Bradley, later known as Rockwell Schneider Mitsubishi Omron 17 These are still the dominant companies in the business, although there are many small brands, particularly at the cheaper end of the market. All of them were suppliers of a wide range of industrial control hardware, such that you could build all or nearly all of the parts of your control system using only their products. 18 Each of these sells an integrated hardware and software package, including development software, that is completely proprietary. If you thought that the mainframe business had a lot of vendor lock-in, you haven't seen the industrial market. -------------------- 19 What Does One of These Things Actually Look Like? At this point you are probably still very confused as to what a PLC actually is. I will attempt to describe one in basic terms by giving an example of one. The smallest and simplest ones are what are termed "shoebox" PLCs. These are basically a rectangular box with a plastic case. 20 Here are the dimensions for a typical low end model, a Mitsubishi FX3U-32M. According to specs in the manual, it is 150mm wide, 90mm high, and 86mm deep. 21 It can be mounted to the panel in an electrical enclosure by snapping it onto what is termed a DIN rail. DIN rails are standard mounting systems which use a strip of metal which is U shaped with a lip at the top of each end of the U. You screw the DIN rail to the electrical panel in the enclosure, and most industrial components such as PLCs, terminal blocks, circuit breakers, and all sorts of other things will simply snap onto it and be ready to wire together. 22 Along the top and bottom of the PLC are terminals to which you can attach wires from the things you want to sense or control in the rest of the machine, such as push buttons, pilot lights, proximity sensors, and valves. 23 Inputs are along the top, and outputs are along the bottom. The FX3U-32M has 16 inputs and 16 outputs. These I/O can be 24 volts DC, or 100 to 120 volts AC, depending on the model. Alternatively it may have small relays for outputs. While AC I/O once predominated, 24VDC became the standard in most industries several decades ago as it interfaced with electronic devices more readily and also allowed for cheaper and more compact wiring. 24 More inputs and outputs can be added by connecting additional I/O modules to the main PLC next to it on the same DIN rail, up to a total of 256 I/O The connection is typically via short ribbon cables which plug into the adjacent module. These I/O modules look like the main PLC, but just add I/O. 25 Inside the PLC are a CPU, memory, and firmware. This model has 64K "steps" of memory, which can be thought of as how many instructions you can have. The program runs in RAM, but you can add a small flash memory device to save the program to. There is a run/stop switch that allows you to start or stop the user program. There is a port that you can use to connect the PLC to a laptop computer with a cable so you can download your program to it. 26 The biggest part of the market for PLCs is for these "shoebox" style. However, there are bigger ones as well which have more I/O, more memory, faster CPUs, etc. These are meant for tasks such as coordinating large assembly lines and things like that. These are what are termed rack systems, where the rack is an empty box which is open at the front and has a backplane bus running along the back. You plug the main CPU into the bus, normally in the leftmost position, and then plug I/O modules into the rack. The I/O modules are tall, thin, fully enclosed boxes with the I/O terminals along the front. 27 You should have a rough idea of their appearance at this stage, so I'll leave the physical description aside for now and go on to the concepts behind how they actually work and what makes them different from something like say a Raspberry Pi. -------------------- 28 Machine Architecture It is not really the hardware which defines the PLC. Rather, it is the software system architecture. Every PLC that I am aware of has a common set of features. 29 Data Table A data table is simply a block of memory which may or may not be subdivided into different parts. All logic, and all, or nearly all, I/O works by writing to and reading from addresses in the data table. 30 I/O Every input and output point maps to a fixed memory address in the PLC. To read the state of an input, you read its memory address. To change the state of an output, you write to its memory address. 31 These digital I/O appear as single bit boolean values. The PLC programming language has instructions which allow single bits to be read or written to directly without have to mask off other bits as you would have to do if you were using a conventional programming language. I have so far only mentioned digital I/O, which are single bit on/off values. 32 Other types of I/O Many PLCs also have other types of I/O such as Analogue I/O, which represent variable voltages rather than just on/off values. For example you may wish to read a temperature from a thermocouple where the voltage level varies with the temperature. Often these are mapped into the data table as byte or word values. 33 Internal Bit or Boolean Memory There will be a range of single bit or boolean memory which is used for internal logic state. Your program may need to come up with a series of intermediate logical values, and you store them in these internal bits or flags. 34 Timers and Counters Control of machinery often involves timing and counting. Timer and counters are mapped into the data table. Timer and counter presets and values can be read as words, and there will be bit addresses which indicate the status of the timer or counter, such as whether it has reached its preset and is "done". 35 Integer and Floating Point Values There will be word addresses where integer and floating point words can be stored. If you need to do some mathematical calculations and store the results, you would save them in an integer or floating point word. 36 Typed Memory Unlike when programming something like a PC where you simply have a range of undifferentiated bytes and it is up to your software to impose meaning on it, PLC data table memory has defined types and meanings and the system firmware enforces the correct memory access methods. 37 Size of Data Table Data tables vary greatly in size. A bigger data table allows for bigger and more complex program. Generally, new PLCs will have bigger data tables than older ones, and more expensive PLCs will have bigger data tables than cheaper ones of the same generation. 38 Example Having picked a current PLC as an example for physical dimensions, I will pick an old and obsolete one for an example of a data table. The Siemens S5-100 series was a small PLC that came in several sizes. The basic S5-100 had the following data table size. 39 Digital I/O had a maximum of 128 inputs and outputs taken together. Analogue inputs and outputs had a maximum of 8 taken together. Flag, or bit, memory was 1024 Timers - 16 Counters - 16 40 The S5-103 offered more of everything in the same basic package, but of course at a higher cost. Digital I/O had a maximum of 256 inputs and outputs taken together. Analogue inputs and outputs had a maximum of 32 taken together. Flag, or bit, memory was 2048 Timers - 128 Counters - 128 -------------------- 41 The PLC Program A PLC will come with what amounts to an operating system and virtual machine built into it. You as the programmer use the vendor's proprietary development software, what is generally called the "PLC programming software" to write an application for it. 42 You then connect your PC to the PLC using a cable of some sort, and download your program into it. The program gets stored in the PLC's RAM. There may be flash memory which serves to back up the RAM when the power is off so you don't lose the program. Before flash was available, a battery was typically required to hold the static RAM memory. 43 There is just one program in the PLC. There is no file system, just the program memory and the data table. When the PLC starts up, it runs the program that you wrote. It continues running the program until you turn off the power or you set the run/stop switch to the stop position. 44 I will come back to programming later, but we needed to cover these basic points before I could describe some further concepts we need to cover. -------------------- 45 The Scan A key thing to understand about PLCs is the "scan" concept. This works as follows. There is a repeated cycle called the scan. 46 First, the PLC reads all the physical inputs and updates the corresponding input addresses in the data table. Next it runs the user program once. Finally it reads the output addresses in the data table and writes them to the corresponding physical outputs. Then it repeats the scan from step 1. 47 A scan can take anywhere from a few milliseconds to hundreds of milliseconds, depending on the model of PLC. Older PLCs and cheaper PLCs tended to be slower. However, as integrated circuit technology advanced, programs got faster. 48 The PLC has a watchdog timer. This is a timer which runs in the background and resets at the start of a scan. 49 If a scan takes too long, the watchdog will trip and stop the program and set the outputs to some defined state, either turning them all off or holding them at the last value. This is known as "faulting" the processor. 50 A watchdog fault may be caused by a program that is too long, or uses a lot of very slow instructions, or in some cases it may be due to a bug in your program. However, this last cause is not as common or as easy to cause as you may think when it comes to faults. -------------------- 51 PLC Programming Languages The key to all of this is the unique way in which the programming languages used in PLCs work. I will first briefly describe the two main programming languages and then explain how they work in a PLC as part of a complete system. 52 Ladder Logic There are several programming languages, but the main one is called ladder logic. If you listened to the previous episode, the word "ladder" will ring a bell. When machines were controlled by electromechanical relays, the electrical drawings which specified and documented the types of relays and the connections between them were called "ladder diagrams". 53 PLCs simply take these ladder diagrams and reproduce them on your computer screen in the programming software using the same standard schematic symbols. 54 You do not need to draw the symbols like it was CAD. Instead you simply use your keyboard or mouse to say that you want this symbol to be entered in the current cursor location or you want this wire to be connected from here to there. When your rung is complete the software will check at some point if it is syntactically correct. You then go on to entering the next rungs one after another until you have your complete program. 55 Instruction List An alternative representation is something called "instruction list", although various vendors may use other terms. This is a text representation that looks like a sort of assembly language. However, it's actually really ladder, just shown in a different way as text and some types of programming software will allow you to toggle between ladder and instruction list mode, translating between them automatically. 56 This should give you a clue as to how a PLC can execute a schematic diagram. Behind the scenes the programming software will translate the diagram into instruction list, and then the PLC will either execute those instructions in an interpreter, or compile them to machine code and execute those. 57 Other Programming Languages There are other programming languages, but they are rarely seen. I won't go into detail in terms of describing them, just briefly mention them. 58 One is called Sequential Function Chart. This is a type of flow chart which is designed to show complex sequences, including ones with alternate or parallel paths. The original name for this is Grafcet, spelled G R A F C E T. This stands for "Graphe Fonctionnel de Commande Étape Transition". As well as being a programming language, it is also a very good design and analysis tool even if the PLC being used doesn't support it. 59 Another is Function Block Diagram. This is another graphical language which resembles flow diagrams used in process industries. This is supposedly used mainly in industries such as chemical manufacturing. However it appears to be very niche and most people who use PLCs will never have seen it, and many will not have even heard of it. 60 Yet another language is Structured Text. This is very obviously derived from Modula-2 and strongly resembles it. If you are not familiar with Modula-2, it was created by Nikolas Wirth and intended as the successor to Pascal, which it was derived from. Structured Text seems to be much loved by a small number of academics, but seems to have little actual use in the field. You lose pretty much all of the monitoring and debugging facilities built into a PLC if you use it, so it's kind of pointless except perhaps for a few niche applications. There are a few other languages as well, mainly proprietary ones, often using flow charts or the like. 61 PLC Languages are Non-Blocking The important thing about a PLC program is that it executes from top to bottom, left to right, without stopping or blocking. There is no waiting on input or output or for a system call to return. Each rung immediately yields a result which is written to a memory address or which enables a timer or counter. Every rung is executed every scan. 62 You can reproduce this in a traditional computer programming language. In ladder logic it is inherent to the syntax and it is either very difficult or impossible to do it any other way. I'll give an example in Python of what I mean. 63 a = (b or c) and not d 64 If b or c are true and d is false, then a is set to true. If b and c are false or d is true, then a is false. 65 Now imagine that we are not executing this statement once, but rather are executing it repeatedly. This statement will never block execution. It will always immediately yield a result. Now let's modify that a bit. 66 a = (b or a) and not d 67 Note that we have replaced c with a. Now the value of a depends the previous value of a as well as b and d. However, once a becomes true, the value of b no longer matters because b is in an or condition with a. Now if we execute it over and over again, only d becoming true will make a go false. 68 This is a standard push button circuit, also known as a "seal in circuit", because it "seals" around the start condition. 69 b is the start push button with a normally open contact. d is the stop push button with a normally closed contact. a is a relay with one of its contacts being used to hold it on. 70 If you wired this up with actual push buttons and relays or if you programmed it into a PLC with ladder logic it would work the same way. A PLC program will consists of rung after rung of logic like this and executes it repeatedly scan after scan, only pausing to update its I/O. 71 Async Programming Some of you may be thinking that this cyclical scan sounds like the async programming that is all the rage with web server applications these days. Essentially it is exactly the same principle. 72 With async programming, your program must never use blocking instructions and execution proceeds on a repeated cycle. PLCs solve this by not having any instructions which block, and many PLCs do not allow backwards jumps. Tradesmen in coveralls in factories were doing async programming decades before the cool kids heard about it. 73 Most PLC Programming Languages are Visual or Graphical Languages If ladder, Sequential Function Chart, or Grafcet and Function Block Diagram sound like visual programming languages, they are. In fact ladder is probably one of the earliest visual languages in commercial use. Wikipedia defines a visual programming language as: 74 In computing, a visual programming language (visual programming system, VPL, or, VPS), also known as diagrammatic programming, graphical programming or block coding, is a programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating program elements graphically rather than by specifying them textually. A VPL allows programming with visual expressions, spatial arrangements of text and graphic symbols, used either as elements of syntax or secondary notation. For example, many VPLs are based on the idea of "boxes and arrows", where boxes or other screen objects are treated as entities, connected by arrows, lines or arcs which represent relations. VPLs are generally the basis of low-code development platforms. Scratch is an example of a VPL 75 End of quote. As you can see, what is cool today was on the factory floor more than 40 years ago. -------------------- 76 Popularity of PLC Programming Languages PLCs are about as proprietary as you can get. Pretty much every vendor has his own proprietary take on each language. How you can program any particular PLC is determined by that vendor's programming software. If the vendor doesn't support it, you can't use it. An individual vendor may even have multiple incompatible product lines which have to be programmed in different ways with different software, although that is not as common these days as it once was. 77 Nearly all PLCs support programming in Ladder. Some support programming in instruction list as well as ladder. Anything else is much less common. 78 Ladder logic happens to be on the Tiobe Index by the way. For those who have not heard of it, the Tiobe Index, that is T I O B E, is a web site that lists the popularity of numerous programming languages based on various criteria. 79 Number one on their list happens to be Python, currently at 19.98%. Number two is C, at 11.55%. 80 At the time of writing this script, Ladder Logic was at number 46 with a 0.28% rating, which put it just below Erlang and just above Haskell. I'm not sure whether that means that Ladder Logic is not as obscure as you thought it was, or whether it means that Erlang and Haskell are in fact more obscure than you thought they were. -------------------- 81 Episode Summary In this episode we covered we covered The early history of computers in industrial control The early history of PLCs, including how they got their name Who the major brands are What they look like physically 82 A basic description of the abstract machine architecture A very brief look at what a PLC program is like The scan concept The main PLC programming languages The minor PLC programming languages The relative popularity of each of the programming languages 83 In the next episode we will take a look at one of the early PLCs from the era when they began seeing widespread use. This PLC was hugely successful and was for many companies the first PLC they used. This is the Allen Bradley PLC2. 84 This has been the second episode in an 8 part series. -------------------- Provide feedback on this episode.

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into one of the biggest shifts happening in the UK trades industry:Tradesmen using AI are going to win.AI is not here to replace plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, bathroom fitters or gas engineers on the tools. Robots are not turning up tomorrow to fit boilers, rewire houses or install bathrooms.But AI is already changing everything that happens around the job.Wayne and Andy discuss how AI, automation, CRM systems, job management software and smart workflows are helping modern trade businesses improve customer service, reduce admin, follow up faster, send better quotes, manage reminders, collect reviews, trigger upsells and create a smoother customer journey.They also explain why AI is not a magic button. It still needs the right business foundations, systems, admin support and human oversight to work properly. Used badly, AI can damage the customer experience. Used properly, it can help a trades business look more professional, respond faster and compete at a much higher level.Inside this episode, we cover:Why tradesmen using AI will have a huge advantageWhy AI will not replace the actual trade work on siteHow AI supports admin, customer service and follow-upWhy customers now expect Amazon/Uber-style communicationThe danger of relying too heavily on AI without systemsWhy AI call answering still needs careful useHow automation can support office staff, not replace themHow ServiceM8, SalesLion, QuoteLion and Review Lion can work togetherHow AI can trigger quotes, emails, texts and upsell journeysWhy reviews, reminders and customer experience matter more than everWhy software should be seen as an investment, not a costThis episode is perfect for UK plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians and trade business owners who want to future-proof their business, improve customer experience and use AI properly without losing the personal touch.If you are still relying on paper, manual follow-up, missed calls, late quotes and old-school systems, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of your trade business.Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance:https://offthetools.co.ukBook a free discovery call:https://offthetools.co.uk/discovery-callExplore QuoteLion:https://quotelion.co.ukExplore Review Lion:https://reviewlion.co.ukAI is not replacing tradesmen.But tradesmen who use AI, automation and modern software properly will beat the ones who refuse to adapt.The future of the trades will not just be won by the best engineer on the tools.It will be won by the business that communicates better, follows up faster, quotes professionally, collects reviews, automates the boring stuff and still keeps the human touch.

Wayne and Rob discuss the knowledge a journeyman has and the questions you can ask a them. Follow Bona US Professional online: Website: https://www1.bona.com/en-us/professional/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BonaProfessional Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonauspro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonapro.us/

On this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, carpenter Ben Bailey returns four years after his first appearance, and a lot has changed. When we first had Ben on the show, he'd just started out and was working with clients from Made in Chelsea. Since then, he's gone from cutting MDF under a gazebo on his driveway to running his own dedicated workshop, building bespoke carpentry and fitted furniture for celebrities and professional footballers, all sparked by one Instagram DM he thought was his mates winding him up. We dig into the real cost of hiring your first employee, the van insurance, tool insurance, training and overheads that most tradesmen never factor in until it's too late, and why getting your first hire wrong can seriously damage a small trade business. Ben explains why he turns down enough work to hire four people tomorrow, yet still chooses to stay small, and we debate whether "hire slow, fire fast" is the right approach when your lead times stretch past a year. We also break down the hidden costs of taking on your first unit or workshop, the business rates, electric bills and running costs that land after you've signed the lease, and why those unexpected bills kill so many new trade businesses in their first year. Ben shares exactly how he made the step up without taking a huge risk: renting a single spare workbench from a local firm and working on it until 11 pm after his day job, before finally committing to his own space. Along the way we cover starting a carpentry business during Covid, using social media and Instagram to win work and attract celebrity clients, working with tool brands, staging show homes for developers, quarterly tax and the admin nobody teaches you, and the family side of self-employment, why Ben structures his whole business around the school run, and why he'll never miss a sports day for a job.

Non-Profit Helps Returning Vets Get Into Skilled Trades

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into one of the most debated topics in the UK trades industry:Should plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and trades business owners take payment upfront?What starts as a general Off The Tools catch-up quickly turns into a powerful discussion around customer expectations, business owner mindset, pricing, trust, reviews, online reputation, job management software, payment links, deposits and why too many tradesmen leave all the power with the customer.Wayne and Andy break down the difference between thinking like a tradesman and thinking like a business owner. They discuss why customers are now comparing businesses differently, why reviews and professional presentation matter more than ever, and how the right systems can make taking payment upfront feel natural, professional and fair.This episode is perfect for UK plumbers, heating engineers, gas engineers, electricians, builders and trades business owners who want to protect cash flow, stop chasing payments, reduce admin stress and build a more professional trade business.Inside this episode, we cover:Why taking payment upfront triggers so many tradesmenThe difference between deposits, prepayment and payment on completionHow reviews and online presence build customer trustWhy one-man-band thinking can limit your businessHow payment links and job management software streamline adminWhy customers have more power when you invoice after the jobThe risk of doing boiler installs, fault finds or call-outs with no money upfrontHow to position your business so customers compare apples with orangesWhy professional systems help tradesmen charge properly and get paid fasterIf you're still chasing invoices, waiting weeks to be paid, or scared to ask customers for money upfront, this episode will challenge the way you run your business.Find out more about Off The Tools Alliance here: offthetools.co.ukExplore membership and coaching options here: Off The Tools Membership PlansBook a free call or get in touch here: Contact Off The ToolsOff The Tools provides no-nonsense business coaching for UK tradesmen, including plumbers, electricians, builders and gas engineers, with support around pricing, systems, marketing, software and getting off the tools.

This week on the Proper True Yarn Podcast, Knuckles and Big Shitty yarn about loyalty, hard work, apprenticeships, business, success, and why luck has very little to do with getting ahead in life.From Quinn's legendary editing skills and a disastrous camping trip to lessons learned on farms, mine sites, and in business, this episode is packed with laughs, life advice, and proper true yarns from two blokes who've learned plenty the hard way.If you've ever been told someone is "just lucky," this episode is a reminder that most success comes from showing up, working hard, learning from failure, and having a crack when others won't.Good cunts doing good things.#propertrueyarn

Crew or over-the-calf? We break down how sock height affects comfort, compression, boot compatibility, and long-term foot health for tradesmen working grueling shifts in steel-toe boots. Mason Workwear City: United States Address: 5830 E 2nd St Casper WY 82609 Website: https://masonclothing.com/ Phone: +1 (760) 286-4266 Email: support@masonclothing.com

In this episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dig into one of the biggest hidden problems holding tradesmen back: the identity trap.Many plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and trades business owners start out as great tradesmen — but never fully make the shift into becoming real business owners. They stay stuck being “busy”, doing everything themselves, avoiding delegation, underusing systems, and measuring success by how full the diary is instead of how well the business runs.Wayne and Andy discuss why so many tradesmen become accidental business owners, why being constantly busy is often a warning sign, and how ego, confidence, pricing, staffing, outsourcing and self-worth all play a part in business growth.This is a powerful conversation for UK tradesmen who want more than just another job in disguise. If you want to build a proper trade business with better systems, stronger pricing, more confidence and less reliance on you being on the tools every day, this episode is for you.Perfect for anyone interested in business coaching for tradesmen, tradesmen business coaching, plumbing business coaching, heating business coaching, trade business growth, business mindset, delegation, pricing, systems, and moving off the tools.

Analysis of the Iran agreement, Social Security for young workers, alternatives to Pride Month, and tradesmen for life. Plus, Cal Thomas on the Iran negotiations, Google's debugging project, and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Harbinger Tours, supporting Israel through luxury tours, with a November departure led by Marshall and Jessica Pennell. HarbingerTours.net

What happens when your body gives up… but your business still depends on you?In this powerful episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones dive into the retirement trap no tradesman talks about — and why so many self-employed plumbers, heating engineers, electricians and tradesmen unknowingly build themselves a job with no exit strategy.If you're a self-employed tradesman, business owner, sole trader or subcontractor, this conversation will challenge the way you think about money, freedom, retirement, recurring revenue and long-term business growth.Because here's the uncomfortable truth:Most tradesmen don't have an exit plan… they just plan to keep working.And when your income is tied to your body, that becomes a serious problem.Why most self-employed tradesmen have no retirement planThe dangerous trap of relying on your body to earn moneyWhy self-employment without systems becomes a stressful jobHow to create an exit strategy from your trade businessThe truth about pensions, recurring revenue & business valueWhy many tradesmen stay stuck in survival modeHow to stop trading time for money foreverWhy “working harder” isn't a long-term strategyBuilding a trades business that creates freedom, profit & securityHow recurring income changes everything in a plumbing, heating or electrical business✅ Tradesmen business coaching✅ Plumbing business coaching UK✅ Heating engineer business advice✅ Gas engineer business growth✅ Self-employed tradesman advice✅ Exit planning for trades businesses✅ Boiler care plans & recurring revenue✅ How to grow a profitable trade business✅ Retirement planning for self-employed tradesmen✅ Building a trade business that works without you✅ Scaling a plumbing or heating business✅ Freedom, time & profit for tradespeopleAre you building a business… or just building yourself a job you'll never escape from?Wayne and Andy unpack the harsh reality that many self-employed tradesmen work harder every year but never build security for the future.From burnout and poor health to financial pressure and lack of planning, they explain why the traditional “just work harder” mindset no longer works in the trades industry.More importantly…They reveal how to start building something that creates time, freedom, profit and long-term stability — without needing a massive team or huge company.Self-employed plumbersHeating engineers & gas engineersElectricians & buildersSole traders feeling trapped in the day-to-day grindTrades business owners wanting more freedomAnyone looking for tradesmen business coachingTradespeople wanting to future-proof their business & incomeSelf-employment is not the goal. Freedom is.And freedom comes from building a business with systems, recurring revenue, better pricing and a plan for the future — not just working harder for longer.If your retirement plan is simply to “keep going”…You don't have a plan.

Is going self-employed really the dream… or is it one of the biggest myths in the trades industry?In this powerful episode of the Off The Tools Podcast, Wayne Bettess and Andy Jones tackle one of the biggest and most controversial topics in the trade world:Should you stay employed or go self-employed?If you're a plumber, heating engineer, electrician, builder, gas engineer or tradesman considering going out on your own — or currently struggling with self-employment — this episode could save you years of stress, burnout and financial pressure.Because here's the truth…Self-employed doesn't automatically mean more money, more freedom or a better life.Wayne and Andy break down the REAL numbers behind employed vs self-employed tradesmen, uncover hidden costs nobody talks about, and explain why many tradespeople accidentally build themselves the worst job in the world.Self-employed vs employed tradesmen explainedWhy going self-employed isn't always an upgradeThe REAL income comparison between employed & self-employed engineersHidden costs of running a trade business nobody talks aboutWhy good tradesmen still struggle in businessHow modern customers have changed the gameWhy “doing a good job” alone is no longer enoughHow stress, burnout & financial pressure destroy trades businessesWhy many tradesmen become trapped in self-employmentHow to think like a business owner instead of just a tradesman✅ Tradesmen business coaching✅ Plumbing business coaching✅ Heating engineer business advice✅ Gas engineer self-employment advice✅ Running a trades business in the UK✅ Trade business growth strategies✅ Self-employed vs employed plumber✅ How to grow a successful trades business✅ Job management software for tradesmen✅ Marketing for trade businesses✅ Pricing, profit & cash flow for trades businessesAre you actually building a business…Or have you just built yourself a stressful, low-paid job?Wayne and Andy discuss why many tradesmen end up overworked, underpaid and overwhelmed — working longer hours for less reward than a good employed engineer.They also reveal what separates the tradesmen who thrive from the ones who stay stuck.Self-employed plumbersHeating engineers & gas engineersElectricians & buildersTradesmen thinking about going self-employedStruggling sole tradersTrades business owners feeling overwhelmedAnyone wanting more profit, time & freedom in their trade businessBeing self-employed is NOT the goal.Building a profitable, secure, stress-free life is.Whether that means employment, self-employment, or building a proper business — the key is making the right decision for YOU and your family.Because in 2026, being a good tradesman alone is no longer enough.

PJ hears how motorway driving can be difficult for some, how a horrific accident led to a construction mental health campaign, how paramedics on the picket line feel. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation kicking off our Brickyard Series, we sit down with Keaton Turner for a real one.We start a little differently. The first 20–30 minutes are an homage to his podcast, The Per Diem Podcast—a walk-and-talk around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where Keaton does what he's known for… a straight-up rant. No video. Just real conversation.We talk about leadership, what it takes to surround yourself with the right people, and the importance of knowing who you are.Then we transition into the format you know from The Line—sitting down for an honest conversation about hardship, hard work, and what it means to invest in people and the future. We get into faith, business, and leadership, all while sitting near the finish line at the Speedway, surrounded by the history of those who came before us.This episode is a reminder that it's not just the people in the arena who make it happen. It's the men and women doing the work behind the scenes—the ones who build it, maintain it, and make the experience possible for everyone else.Tradesmen and racers alike—this one's for you.We're grateful for the people who make race day possible.This is what it means to go from the bedrock to the Brickyard.More to come in the Brickyard Series. --------------------------WHERE TO WATCH:Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...-------------------------FOLLOW JOSH:X: https://x.com/Joshuadmellott⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... / joshuadmellott LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ucc11qg6hxwp7tmvmr_sv7vg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------FOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltdInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / blacklinelt. .Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @blacklineltd Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.blacklineltd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--------------------------EXPLORE THE PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07rT0hF...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

This episode is powerful because it addresses a question posed via the Let's Ask Paul Portal at https://FastTraxSystem.com. Today's questions are about using a 15A Receptacle on a 20A Commercial Branch Circuit and a classic Transformers Question.Of course, we will also chat about anything, so come on and listen. We are excited to announce that we have passed 2,000,000 unique downloads this year. Thank you to everyone for your support and for keeping the podcast alive while I have been taking care of my wife and family.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC, then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/master-the-nec-podcast--1083733/support.Struggling with the National Electrical Code? Discover the real difference at Electrical Code Academy, Inc.—where you'll learn from the nation's most down-to-earth NEC expert who genuinely cares about your success. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just the best NEC training you'll actually remember.Visit https://FastTraxSystem.com to learn more.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

To infinity...and beyond! Join our adventuring host Mike Slater as he gabs about the bright future of American space exploration with Brandon J. Weichert, author of "Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower", in the wake of NASA launching another lunar mission. Don't miss convo as it's OUT OF THIS WORLD. Following that opener, as a special bonus for ya, Slater monologues a bit about how liberals in this country like to dump on "plumbers" and other blue collar workers without realizing that they're FAR more important than the sensitive, progressive freaks they usually champion. MAGA! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Rich Cockerline cold-approached sparks on building sites for 18 months just to get his first break, and that relentless mindset never left him. From working inside the National Cyber Security Centre with zero electronics allowed, to why 13 electrical deaths in a single year is an industry scandal nobody's talking about, this episode goes places most podcasts won't. Fake business coaches, the 2-million-homes pipe dream, and a mission that could save lives.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie wraps up his chat with Ilija Martinovich, about mental health in the trades and the personal struggles he faced over the past six years. Ilija shares his experience navigating COVID, a bladder cancer diagnosis, divorce, and the pressure of supporting his children while working as an essential tradesperson. He opens up about dark moments, the stigma around men speaking up, and how therapy, exercise, better habits, and honest conversations helped him turn things around. The episode highlights the importance of asking for help, managing stress in healthy ways, finding purpose, and taking small daily steps to regain control and build a better future. Gary and Ilija discuss mental health in the trades and the real struggles many workers face but rarely talk about. Ilija shares his experience during COVID while working as an essential tradesperson, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, and going through a divorce at the same time. They talk about the stigma around men speaking up, the dangers of turning to alcohol or isolation, and the value of therapy and honest conversations. The discussion also covers stress management, building healthy habits like walking and exercise, and finding purpose through family and daily routines. They finish by highlighting the importance of asking for help, taking control of what you can, and making small changes that lead to long-term improvement. Expect to Learn: How mental health challenges can affect tradespeople, especially during major life events. Why speaking openly and seeking therapy can help reduce stress and prevent darker outcomes. How unhealthy coping habits can make things worse, and how small daily changes can help. Why exercise, routine, and simple goal setting improve focus and emotional control. How finding purpose through family, support systems, and honest conversations can help you move forward.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Ilija Martinovich in Part 02 [01:36] - How younger generations are different today [05:01] - How instant gratification is changing human connection [10:18] - The turning point: When things started to get better [14:00] - Why do you have to help yourself first [16:12] - Simple ways to manage daily stress [18:27] - Focusing on small victories   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Ilija Martinovich on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hvac_foodie/  Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every Wednesday from 3:00-4:30 Cental as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Tradesmen Who've Gotten A Special "Intimate" Offer On The Job, And Why Did You Accept⧸DeclineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/darkest-mysteries-online-the-strange-and-unusual-podcast-2026--5684156/support.Darkest Mysteries Online

Tradesmen Who've Gotten A Special "Intimate" Offer On The Job, And Why Did You Accept⧸DeclineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/darkest-mysteries-online-the-strange-and-unusual-podcast-2026--5684156/support.Darkest Mysteries Online

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry.Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/  https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/https://www.pella.com/Visit Matt's Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List  Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks down a question about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it will affect the Trades in the future and what do we think AI will take over and how it will play out over the next 10 years. We also send a message to NFPA about their BULLY TACTICS with NFPA 70, which is created by YOU the electrical community. You won't want to miss this episode.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

David Kestner is the Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce of Diamondback Toolbelts, a leading manufacturer of premium modular tool belts, vests, and work gear for tradespeople. Known for his customer-centric approach to scaling brand growth, David has held senior roles in digital marketing and e-commerce, including at ALPEN Storage and SpotTrot. At Diamondback, he leads strategies to grow online sales and drive brand visibility. He holds a master's degree from the University of Kentucky in sports administration.In this episode…Building a premium brand for hardworking tradespeople takes more than quality materials. It demands constant innovation, close attention to customer feedback, and smart marketing to reach the right audience. How does a niche tool belt company turn these principles into rapid growth and industry recognition?According to David Kestner, a marketing and e-commerce leader, success comes from combining customer-driven product development with disciplined digital strategy. He highlights how Diamondback relies on input from real tradespeople to design ergonomic and modular belts and vests that outperform traditional leather gear. By focusing on authentic user-generated content and community engagement, the company built trust without relying on paid influencers. Careful tracking of metrics, such as the marketing efficiency ratio, allowed the team to scale ad spend intelligently, ensuring steady growth while maintaining profitability. Diamondback's commitment to continuous product launches and responding to feedback keeps customers engaged and returning.In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with David Kestner, Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce of Diamondback Toolbelts, to talk about building a premium tradesmen brand through innovation and customer feedback. They discuss how user-generated content fuels marketing success, why focusing on marketing efficiency over return on ad spend drives growth, and the importance of constant product innovation.