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Make Trades Great Again

Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals. Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
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In this conversation, Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges faced in construction projects, particularly focusing on risk management, equipment delays, and unexpected complications. They share insights from a recent project involving HVAC equipment replacement and the impact of supply chain issues on timelines and costs. The discuss…
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In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric and Andy discuss their journey over the past five years, including the technical difficulties they often face, their experiences with realtors and home inspections, and the importance of using checklists in their service work. They reflect on their growth as podcasters and the lesso…
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In this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, hosts Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson discuss how to expand skills as a business owner without compromising customer service. They explore the challenges of tackling new installations, the importance of learning from experience, and how to balance customer expectations with the need for personal …
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A group of research scientists have been working with small business and major corporations alike to study the effects of a four day work week…and it’s likely not what you think. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_…
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Luke Cazaly joins the guys for another hour of great conversation covering multiple topics. We are so thankful to all our guests and you, the listener for tuning in each week! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_ema…
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Denver Baker, owner of MD Heating is in the virtual studio this week to talk about his success implementing project financing for his customers. Denver is a long-time friend and fan of the pod, he's joined us in the past to talk other business topics and for a great discussion on EV Service vehicles (See that here: https://youtu.be/PntUWOGWr-o) Sen…
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Australian Luke Cazaly is the owner of Flametech Heating & Cooling. Luke is a longtime friend of the pod, it was fun catching up with him and talking business and family. Thanks Luke! Takeaways Luke has been in the heating and cooling industry for 16 years. Using software like Service Mate has streamlined his operations. Market research helped him …
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Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges of managing construction projects, particularly in the plumbing sector. They share real-world scenarios that highlight the importance of proper project management, the necessity of permits, and the impact of customer expectations on project timelines. The discussion also delves into the differen…
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In this conversation, the guys discuss the complexities of hvac projects, pricing strategies, and the importance of customer communication in the HVAC industry. They share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively engage with customers, manage expectations, and highlight the value of quality components. The discussion also touches on …
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We love reading your questions and comments. Keep sending them! This week the guys talk partnerships, contracts, marketing during a slowdown and more. Eric owns a media company along with his business partner John Mesenbrink (host of the Appetite for Construction podcast) so he's had over ten years of experience in this area. Send us a text Send us…
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The very last thing I want to do as the contractor is make a not-so-great situation worse" Andy Mickelson What happens when you figure out there's a problem on the job, how you handle it says a lot about you as a company/service provider. This week the guys are talking recent jobs and problems and an amazing tax credit/rebate situation happening in…
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Somewhat of a chat session this week. The guys talk about some products they really like, lots of talk on equipment and piping fittings/materials that make everyday a little faster/easier/enjoyable. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up…
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Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures upon delivery for regular, everyday plumbing and hvac material orders lol! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channel…
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Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsl…
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Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a big part of the general population is finding it difficult manage unexpected bills. Eric is now offering financing and Andy is looking into it for his …
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This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies operate on the "low upfront bid" and tack on the add-ons as the job progresses. Have experience or thoughts to share? Please do! Send us a text Send us …
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Micke…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy M…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas …
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mi…
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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 pavilli…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over …
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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 tak…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit…
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Thank you all for messaging! This was a fun conversation! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailبقلم Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter si…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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This episode works best as a video, you can watch it over on the MH YouTube channel https://bit.ly/4g4zYXp Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_emailبقلم Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric…
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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,…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https:/…
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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 lea…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic …
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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 ide…
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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, ar…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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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 text Send us your f…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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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 text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson…
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Not every day is great. Sometimes you need to depend on the ones who depend on you. Side note: No mater how much you talk thru a project 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 S…
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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 Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mic…
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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…
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"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 mak…
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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 & …
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