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The Trades Podcast

The Trades Podcast

By: Jeff Mudd Danny Torres
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 A Pod cast about the Business of Home Improvement and Promoting the Trades to Young Adults.2021 Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 196 Are You Losing Employees?- TheTradesPodcast.com

    Ep 196 Are You Losing Employees?- TheTradesPodcast.com
    Apr 8 2026
    In today's competitive job market, retaining skilled employees is more crucial than ever, especially in the trades. In a recent podcast episode, Danny and Jeff delve into effective strategies for keeping employees engaged and happy, ensuring they stay loyal to your business. Here, we break down their insights and recommendations into actionable steps that can help you build a thriving work environment. Understanding the Importance of Employee Retention Employee retention is not just a buzzword; it's a vital component of a successful business. Danny and Jeff highlight the volatile nature of the trades, where skilled workers often have various job options. Therefore, retaining good employees means not only keeping them on payroll but also ensuring they feel valued and engaged at work. As Jeff emphasizes, "If you've got a good person, you want to keep them employed." Creating a Strong Company Culture A strong company culture is the backbone of employee retention. Jeff shares his experience with his previous company, where he fostered a culture that allowed different departments to develop their own microcultures. For instance, while the trades team might have a hands-on, results-oriented culture, the office staff might focus more on collaboration and celebration. This diversity in culture can boost morale and improve job satisfaction. As a business owner, it’s essential to establish an overarching company culture while allowing these microcultures to flourish. Defining Roles and Responsibilities Clarity in job roles is essential for employee satisfaction. Jeff points out the necessity of detailing each department's purpose and individual responsibilities. "It shouldn't just be 'here's the binder, go ask Debbie.' It should be a structured process that ensures everyone knows their role and how they contribute to the company’s success." By providing clear job descriptions and expectations, you empower your employees to take ownership of their work. Implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs are vital tools for measuring employee performance and fostering a culture of growth. Jeff discusses how these indicators help employees understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve it. For example, a new office employee might be evaluated on their customer interaction skills, while a field employee is assessed based on punctuality and tool readiness. By setting clear performance metrics, you encourage employees to improve and grow within their roles. Career Development Opportunities Providing a clear career path is essential for retaining employees. Jeff suggests creating a "career ladder" that outlines the steps employees can take to advance within the company. This not only motivates employees to work towards promotions but also gives them a sense of purpose. As Danny notes, this roadmap should be a living document that adapts to changes in the industry and technology. Regular Check-Ins and Feedback Regular communication is key to fostering a positive work environment. Jeff emphasizes the importance of annual reviews and informal check-ins to discuss employees’ growth and aspirations. "Sometimes just a quiet conversation without interruptions goes a long way to build trust within your own company," he says. These discussions should not only focus on performance but also on employees’ personal goals and how they align with the company’s vision. Conclusion: Retaining skilled employees in the trades requires a multifaceted approach. By creating a strong company culture, clearly defining roles, implementing KPIs, offering career development opportunities, and maintaining open communication, you can build a loyal and engaged workforce. Remember, your employees are your greatest asset, and investing in their growth and satisfaction will pay dividends for your business in the long run. Key TakeawaysEmployee retention is crucial in today's job market.A strong company culture can significantly impact retention.Defining clear roles and responsibilities helps employees understand their purpose.KPIs are essential for measuring employee performance and growth.Creating a career ladder can motivate employees to strive for advancement.Being an employer of choice requires a strong brand and clear values.Social media presence can enhance a company's reputation and attract talent.Effective communication is key to successful leadership.Handling conflicts promptly can maintain a positive work environment.Performance-based compensation can incentivize employees to meet goals. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Employee Retention03:22 The Importance of Company Culture06:27 Defining Roles and Responsibilities09:30 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Explained12:30 Creating a Career Ladder15:26 Employer of Choice: Building a Strong Brand18:07 The Role of Social Media in Business Culture21:17 Communication and Leadership in Business24:13 Handling Employee Conflicts27:19 Performance-Based ...
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    55 mins
  • Ep 195 PHCCweb.org - Mark Valentini & Taylor Bray

    Ep 195 PHCCweb.org - Mark Valentini & Taylor Bray
    Apr 3 2026

    In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore the current state of contractor advocacy with Mark Valentini and Taylor Bray, focusing on the most pressing legislative issues impacting the plumbing and HVAC trades.

    The conversation covers:

    • Federal water heater efficiency and DOE regulation updates
    • How PHCC advocates for consumer energy choice and natural gas access
    • Apprenticeship funding and workforce development policy priorities
    • Why contractors need a seat at the table in Washington, D.C.
    • The role local chapters like PHCC San Diego play in state-level advocacy
    • How legislation impacts business costs, service offerings, and customer options

    Mark shares how PHCC’s annual Legislative Conference and ongoing government affairs efforts help contractors influence policies that affect their livelihoods, while Taylor brings a local chapter perspective on how these issues affect California contractors in real time.

    From recent water heater regulation updates and Department of Energy standards to workforce policy, apprenticeship funding, and contractor protections, Mark and Taylor explain why advocacy is no longer optional for trade business owners, it is essential. They highlight how PHCC gives contractors a direct voice in Washington and at the state level, ensuring the real-world challenges of licensed professionals are represented where decisions are made.

    This episode is a must-share for every plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractor who wants to stay ahead of regulation changes, protect customer choice, and strengthen the future of the trades through smart advocacy and industry leadership.

    Learn more about PHCC Policy & Advocacy
    👉 https://www.phccweb.org/policy/

    Resources and Mentions
    • PHCC National Policy & Advocacy
      https://www.phccweb.org/policy/
    • PHCC San Diego
      https://www.phccsd.org/
    • PHCC Legislative Conference
      https://www.phccweb.org/events/
    • The Trades Podcast
      https://www.thetradespodcast.com
    What You Will Learn
    • Why contractor advocacy directly affects profitability and service options
    • The latest updates on water heater and energy regulations
    • How apprenticeship policy supports long-term workforce growth
    • Ways local contractors can get involved in PHCC advocacy
    • Why policy awareness is a competitive advantage for trade business owners

    About The Trades Podcast

    Website
    https://www.thetradespodcast.com

    Hosted by
    Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

    The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

    Support the Trades Movement

    If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.
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    49 mins
  • Ep 194 TheTradesPodcast.com - 2026 Labor Statistics

    Ep 194 TheTradesPodcast.com - 2026 Labor Statistics
    Mar 24 2026

    What if the biggest opportunity in today’s economy isn’t being talked about enough? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres break down the latest insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reveal a powerful truth, the skilled trades are not just in demand, they are essential to the future of the workforce.

    With hundreds of thousands of open positions across industries like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, Jeff and Danny unpack what’s driving the gap, from retiring professionals to a lack of awareness among younger generations. But this episode is not about problems, it’s about opportunity.

    They highlight how trades careers offer strong wages, job security, and real pathways to ownership, often outpacing the national median income. More importantly, they discuss why now is the time for experienced professionals to step up, mentor, and pass down knowledge to the next generation.

    If you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of success is coming from, this episode will open your eyes. Share it with a student, a parent, or a business owner who needs to see the future more clearly.

    Learn more from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    👉 https://www.bls.gov/

    Takeaways

    • The U.S. labor market is experiencing a significant number of job openings in the trades.
    • Many job openings are due to retiring workers, creating a skills gap.
    • Electricians have around 80,000 openings per year, with median pay around $61,590.
    • Plumbers and pipe fitters have approximately 42,600 openings per year, with similar pay.
    • HVAC technicians are projected to have 42,500 openings per year, with median pay of $57,300.
    • Skilled trades wages are generally higher than the national median wage.
    • Knowledge transfer from experienced workers to younger generations is crucial.
    • The construction industry needs to market itself better to attract younger workers.
    • The aging infrastructure will require more skilled tradespeople for repairs and replacements.
    • There is a growing demand for home automation and energy-efficient systems, increasing job opportunities.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Labor Market Statistics

    05:13 Understanding Job Openings in the Trades

    10:53 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in Trades

    14:16 Skilled Trades Wages vs. National Median

    19:44 Electricians: Opportunities and Challenges

    28:21 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters: Demand and Growth

    34:48 HVAC Technicians: Trends and Future Outlook

    About The Trades Podcast

    Website
    https://www.thetradespodcast.com

    Hosted by
    Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres

    The Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community.

    Support the Trades Movement

    If this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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