Make Trades Great Again

This week's discussion dives into the dynamics of business partnerships, emphasizing the need for open communication and formal agreements. The hosts share creative marketing strategies, especially for the plumbing industry, and the importance of customer reviews during economic downturns. They highlight how community involvement can boost brand visibility and personal fulfillment. Innovative ideas like QR codes and professional vehicle branding are explored as ways to enhance customer engagement. Listener participation is encouraged for future topics!

The hosts share candid experiences about the challenges of last-minute job changes in plumbing and heating. They discuss handling unexpected problems and the importance of communication when under pressure. A spotlight on exciting water heater rebates reveals financial incentives for homeowners looking to upgrade. The episode also humorously navigates the quirks of installation difficulties, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability in the field. Listeners get a taste of the daily realities and surprises that professionals face on the job.

Get ready for a lively chat about plumbing favorites! The hosts humorously debate the best order for dope and tape while sharing insights into tankless water heaters, including impressive sales stats. They spotlight innovative standoff brackets from the AHR Expo, and discuss installation challenges with practical techniques. There’s a fun look at tankless install valve kits that enhance efficiency. With a blend of playful anecdotes and serious tips, they emphasize the importance of quality tools and leak-free connections in plumbing.

Ordering plumbing supplies online has become a quirky hassle in 2025, with one supplier demanding four forms of verification! The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about the ups and downs of managing multiple suppliers, showcasing the balance between quality and price. They dive into the reliability of preferred vendors like Pex Universe while poking fun at the challenges of heavy deliveries. Frustrations over inefficient packaging and Amazon's inconsistent shipping add to the chaos, as they call for better supplier practices and audience engagement.

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 textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Amid rising prices and financial strain, the podcast delves into the surge of Buy Now, Pay Later options. Speakers share personal insights on how financing has reshaped client interactions. They explore evolving attitudes toward spending and the flexibility these options bring, especially for younger shoppers. The conversation also highlights how businesses can adapt to meet changing consumer needs, particularly in the home repair sector, making it easier for customers to manage unexpected expenses.

The discussion centers on the accuracy of job estimates in plumbing and HVAC, highlighting how miscommunications can lead to unexpected costs. Personal experiences reveal challenges faced during projects, especially with modern technology like heat pumps. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency with clients and managing expectations. Listeners are encouraged to share their own insights, making it a community-driven exploration of industry practices and client relations.

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 textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

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 textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email