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/

• 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

• 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Chris Koch, a Head Coach and Trainer at Business Development Resources, to discuss how trades businesses can build stronger teams and more profitable operations.

Chris draws from decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing service companies, where he worked across service, installation, sales, and management roles before becoming a coach and trainer for contractors across North America.

The conversation focuses on leadership development, employee engagement, and the systems that allow trades companies to scale without losing culture or quality. Chris explains why investing in training, transparency, and team development is critical to reducing turnover and building a resilient company.

Business Development Resources
https://www.bdrco.com

BDR Coaching and Training Programs
https://www.bdrco.com/trainers

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• Why leadership development is critical in trades companies
• How to improve employee engagement and retention
• The systems successful contractors use to scale their business
• Why investing in your team leads to long-term growth
• How coaching and mentorship accelerate business performance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast

00:56 Chris Koch's Background and Role at BDR

04:40 The Value of Trades Education

07:42 Marketing the Trades to Future Employees

09:10 The Importance of Soft Skills in Business

11:39 Hiring Trends and Speed to Hire

13:59 Employee Retention and Engagement

19:06 The Art of Delegation

27:14 Time Management and Focus

36:11 Long-Term Business Planning and Growth

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.

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.

In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts discuss the importance of trades and skills in today's economy with guest Zachary Greg Hansen, author of 'The Trade Gap.' Zach shares his personal journey from a traditional education path to discovering the value of trades, the flaws in the education system, and the need for a shift in perspective towards vocational training. The conversation covers the challenges faced by individuals in the trades, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and recommendations for bridging the trades gap. Zach emphasizes the need for parents and educators to support young people in exploring trades as viable career options.

Zachary shares his personal journey from the world of corporate technology and artificial intelligence to rediscovering the life-changing value of hands-on skills. After experiencing the uncertainty of white-collar employment, he realized that practical trades skills provide something modern careers often cannot, resilience, independence, and real-world problem solving.

Together, Jeff, Danny, and Zach dive into the growing “trade gap” in America, why fewer people are entering skilled trades, and how rediscovering craftsmanship could be the key to building stronger communities and more secure careers. Zach also explains why learning a trade is not just a backup plan, it may be one of the most valuable investments anyone can make in their future.

If you believe the next generation should know how to build more than just digital careers, this episode will inspire you to rethink opportunity, education, and the true value of working with your hands. Share this conversation with someone who believes the future is built by people who know how to create.

Learn more about the book
👉 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Zachary-Craig-Hanson/author/B0BGC6YQ3L

Takeaways

• Zach Hansen emphasizes the importance of trades skills in today's economy.
• The education system often overlooks practical skills in favor of academic achievements.
• Zach's personal journey highlights the value of self-reliance and learning trades.
• The SATs measure cognitive ability but do not reflect practical skills.
• There is a growing need for trades education and vocational training.
• Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children towards trades careers.
• The trades industry faces challenges such as healthcare access and capital for small businesses.
• Zach advocates for a broader definition of trades, including various skills and crafts.
• The importance of having a backup plan and being adaptable in one's career.
• Zach's book aims to inspire a shift in perspective towards trades and vocational education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News

01:04 Meet Zachary Greg Hansen

02:14 Zach's Life in Idaho

04:30 The Importance of Trades Skills

05:54 The Flaws in the Education System

11:45 Zach's Journey and Career Path

17:13 Facing Challenges and Rock Bottom Moments

19:13 The Shift in Perspective on Education

22:10 The Future of Trades and Skills

28:58 Employer Adaptation to the Trades Gap

34:55 Changing Perceptions of Trades

39:52 Recommendations to Bridge the Trades Gap

42:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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.

In this uplifting episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Shonna Jordan, founder and CEO of JordanJordan.com Marketing, for a conversation that goes beyond logos and ads and focuses on why your marketing matters. Shonna explains how understanding brand purpose, customer psychology, and tailored messaging can help trades businesses break through noise and build long-term success.

You’ll hear Shonna discuss:

• The fundamentals of effective marketing for service businesses
• How to craft a brand that reflects your values and attracts the right clients
• Why storytelling is essential, even for technical trades
• Common marketing pitfalls and how to avoid them
• How small businesses can compete with bigger competitors using strategy over budget
• This episode gives listeners the tools to rethink their approach and take confident action.

JordanJordan Marketing
https://jordanjordan.com

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How to define your brand beyond just a logo
• Why marketing strategy should inform every part of your business
• How to connect with your audience through meaningful messaging
• The difference between marketing that sells and marketing that sticks
• Steps trades professionals can take today to improve their outreach

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.

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.

What does it look like when passion, community, and craftsmanship come together to build more than a business? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, to explore how a single idea can grow into a vibrant community built around cars, confidence, and connection.

In this episode, Jeff and Danny sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girly Garage, a community-first company dedicated to making automotive education accessible and empowering. Talena discusses how Girly Garage was built around the idea that anyone can learn to work on vehicles confidently when given the right instruction, environment, and support.

The conversation dives into the importance of inclusive training, breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries, and using community engagement as a foundation for growth. Talena also shares insights on leadership, building events that inspire connection, and nurturing a loyal audience that feels ownership in the brand’s mission.

Girly Garage Website: https://www.girliegarage.com/

About Girly Garage: https://www.girliegarage.com/about

The Trades Podcast: https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How inclusive education strengthens confidence and skills
• Why community matters in trade and automotive fields
• How Girly Garage expanded from local meetups to a thriving brand
• The role of leadership in fostering inclusivity and belonging
• Practical insights for building community-driven business growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast

01:00 Meet Talayna Handley: Founder of Girly Garage

03:31 The Birth of Girly Garage

08:17 Empowering Through Education

11:31 The Importance of Automotive Knowledge

12:54 Expanding Girly Garage's Reach

15:12 The Gender Gap in Automotive Mechanics

18:50 Safety and Education in Automotive Training

20:36 The Future of Trades and Education

24:28 Challenges Facing Small Businesses

27:21 The Role of Girly Garage in Automotive Education

30:56 Career Paths in Automotive Industry

35:08 Staying Grounded in the Trades

37:30 The Vision for Girly Garage's Future

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.

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.

In this conversation, Jeff and Danny talk with Rafael Torres about the journey of growing Lefty’s Plumbing Services and the values that guide the company’s work. Rafael discusses how maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and high standards has helped the company earn repeat customers and strong referrals.

The discussion also covers training technicians, developing a reliable team, and the importance of staying organized and responsive in a fast-moving service environment. Rafael shares practical insights into running a plumbing company, managing customer expectations, and maintaining quality as the business grows.

Lefty’s Plumbing Services
https://leftysplumbingservice.com/

The Trades Podcast
https://www.thetradespodcast.com

• How to build a strong reputation in plumbing and home services
• Why communication and professionalism drive repeat business
• The importance of technician training and team culture
• How leadership impacts service quality and customer trust
• Practical insights into operating a growing plumbing company

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.

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.