Logo
    Search

    Make Trades Great Again

    Welcome to Make Trades Great Again! Join Eric and Andy, seasoned plumbing and heating contractors turned business owners, as they dive deep into the world of skilled trades careers.


    If you're passionate about building a successful service business or considering starting your own venture in the skilled trades industry, smash that subscribe button. With their wealth of experience and expertise, Eric and Andy share invaluable insights on everything from launching your own business, setting competitive rates, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.


    Discover the secrets to thriving in the competitive trades landscape as Eric and Andy unravel practical tips, proven strategies, and real-life anecdotes that will fuel your journey towards excellence. Whether you're an aspiring tradesperson, a seasoned professional, or simply intrigued by the fascinating world of skilled trades, this podcast is your go-to resource for success.


    Tune in twice a week for engaging discussions, in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and step-by-step guidance on investing wisely in your trade business. We'll explore essential topics like financial management, client relations, staying updated with industry advancements, and much more.


    "Make Trades Great Again" is available on all major podcast platforms, ensuring you never miss a chance to level up your career in the trades. Let Eric and Andy empower you to take charge of your professional destiny and carve a rewarding path in the world of skilled trades. Get ready to transform your passion into a thriving and profitable venture!

    en-usEric Aune, Andy Mickelson286 Episodes

    Episodes (286)

    Big changes coming for MTGA

    Big changes coming for MTGA

    It’s time for a break from new episodes while the guys work on a new approach to delivering the MTGA content and topics. 

    Please take a look at any one of the 280 previous episodes in our library if you haven’t heard them all. We will be back, thank you for your continued support! 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Make Trades Great Again
    en-usFebruary 27, 2024

    Give me my money!

    Give me my money!

    Credit card payments are the norm but how much of a risk are they if payments can be easily disputed and taken from you? 

    The guys talk about this as it all started from, where else but a stupid Facebook group… 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Make Trades Great Again
    en-usFebruary 20, 2024

    Quit Putting It Off!

    Quit Putting It Off!

    Eric has a minor surgery coming up, Andy just had one himself and both could've been done months or even years ago but it's too easy to put it off for another day. 

    In this episode the guys say lit like it is, you gotta make yourself a priority, if you don't it's only going to get worse. 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Keep The Heat On!

    Keep The Heat On!

    Warning: Lots of weather talk in this one lol. 

    When the weather dips to the double digits below zero (F) the heat needs to stay on because setting-back the temperature may be a recipe for disaster. 

    The guys talk ways to combat the extreme cold and how talking with your customers ahead of the storm might be useful. 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day

    5 Things Apprentices Should Do Every Day

    If you're an apprentice this one's for you! If you're not an apprentice but know someone coming up in the trades, please share this with them asap! 

    In this episode Eric & Andy go thru a list of five things/habits/behaviors today's apprentice needs to do or think about daily. 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Breaking Down the Estimating Process

    Breaking Down the Estimating Process

    “If you break it down into bitesize pieces you can eat an elephant” -Andy 

    In this episode the guys talk over how to approach estimating jobs large and small. Thanks to everyone writing in lately! 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Job Seekers: Do This!

    Job Seekers: Do This!

    Some old school tactics still work when looking for employment no matter how many job services are out there. 

    The internet is awesome but following up on a job application can get you ahead of the competition. Also did you know there is a whole online service just for blue collar jobs? 

    Check this out and more in this episode where the guys talk about how they got hired into the trades and what worked all those years ago, how it’s still working today. 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Never Work With Family. Buying the business, not the baggage

    Never Work With Family. Buying the business, not the baggage

    Longtime listener Dillon writes in with a followup to an episode from almost two years ago when he was looking for advice on buying the business he was working for. 

     Dillon is at the point in owning the business where he needs to expand. He also had to fire the son of the former owner of the business. 

    Is not hiring and expanding as much of a risk as hiring? Maybe! 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com

    Make Trades Great Again
    en-usDecember 19, 2023

    What’s an ideal length of apprenticeship?

    What’s an ideal length of apprenticeship?

    How long is long enough for proper training in the skilled trades? It’s no secret we are not attracting more young adults than needed into the trades, could a shorter training period move the needle on interest? 

    What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you! 

    Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
    Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
    Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

    Check out our website: mechanical-hub.com